_ 179 _ Boats are often grounded and they have to swim to make their escape. There is great confusion over the selling of goods and it is necessary to find men to manage these things properly. I have no news from our factors in Cochin and Malacca so I cannot inform you of their performance. Although you have not told me who consumes and buys up all your ginger, I have worked very hard and have had planted as much as is possible. For my part this year, I ordered 50 bahares be planted in these islands. It is the best thing in the world. I am planting also this year another 100 bahares. Every year this will be doubled so that you will have as much ginger as you wish. If Your Highness could let me know how much you want every year, I will send it to you and it will cost you nothing. Ginger is planted in May and harvested in January. A further month is needed for it to dry. This coming year, I will not be able to send you any because it will not have been harvested in time, but from 1515 onwards, you will have as much as you want each year. The Captain General has ordered that the rents obtained from these islands be at your disposal. An income which
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