178 MANNERS AND CUSTOMS


comprehending within these limits nearly
100 leagues of land on the sea coast, from
latitude 11 to 16 deg. A chain of high
mountains may be considered as the na-
tural barrier between their nation and
the Spanish possessions in this part of
the world.
 These people have long been in alliance
 with the King of Great Britain .,and en-
 tertain generally a most exalted opinion
 of the justice and magnanimity of the
 English, and a perfect detestation of their
 neighbours the Spaniards. A tradition
 has long prevailedamonget them, that the
 grey-eyed people, meaning the English,
 have been particularly appointed to pro-
 tect thedt from oppreSiEa or bondage.
 And they may eaviably be classes~ with
 thenyery few. tibes whbdWe'itiebarsh
 remained uniaterxupte byiEurope At ago
 gression on thistidle the tlarati,
 The seit they i4babit; is ~bandantly
 fertile, and ..pabl of many mred of