_ 164 _ in India, from which the captains derive most money, especially now they are trading in ivory, beads and cloth, which are goods prohibited by statute, and this brings them a great deal. Because this fortress is so lucrative and profitable it has always held the first place among those of India, and the kings of Portugal have always appointed to the captaincy the highest noblemen who have given the longest and most meritorious service in India. The salary is four hundred and eighteen thousand reis a year, and in the present conditions, because the captains may trade in prohibited goods, it brings in from eighty to one hundred thousand cruzados over three years. If the trade were restricted as it used to be, according to statute, there would not be more than about forty to fifty thousand cruzados. The factor and Alcaide môr of Sofala is a very good office which is always filled by noblemen and royal servants of long standing, and it used to be the best factory of India. But now because this fortress has less trade and concourse of merchandise, as I said before, it is of little consideration and importance because it brings in only about four thousand cruzados net over three years, and the salary is one hundred and thirty-eight thousand reis a year. In this factory there is one clerk, who receives a salary of eighty-two thousand reis a year, and in three years it
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