Botany

(D. Coates) (1980)

Cabello favours Linares over Santa Rosa because there are hostile Indians in Santa Rosa area. Referring to documents concerning the question (Croix to Cabello August 6, 1779), he states that there is enough water and fertile soil in Linares area as well as enough forests to maintain a sizeable population. He mentions that there are already 250 people at Linares. He also states that the issue is a very controversial one with the public. (R. Graham) (1979)

Examines the report sent by escandor and offers steps to be taken as a result. Among points discussed in original Escandon report are- 1) resettlement of town of Camargo to a different and better location. 2) number of people, livestock, seed, etc. In Reynosa, Burgos, San Fernando, Mier, Revilla and Dolores. 3) support of priests by Indian contributions of corn. 4) incoming settlers to increase Spanish population. 5) reduction of Pame Indians, and those in Santander. 6) lack of priests. Report is received well, suggestions are made to further conquest. (M. Bowman) (1979)

Consists of a Series of 16 questions answered by various people, regarding the feasibility of establish the presidio on the trinity River. Questions concern, wildlife, native vegetation, water supply, Indians, missionary worth, and the French threat. (M. Bowman) (1979)

Governor of Texas writes to the viceroy describing area around Santa Rosa and orconzito creek, during a trip to consider fray Abad's petition to establish a presidio in the region. Excellent description of distances, wildlife, plant life, I.e. necessary requirements for establishing of mission. (M. Bowman) (1979)

Includes three documents. First, written by Abad, details why a presidio should be established for Orcoquisos on trinity River (obviously there is already a settlement there). His discussions include architecture, wildlife, plant life, French threat, richness of land and propagation of faith. Second letter is positive recommendation of fiscal, third, decree of viceroy establishing the site. (M. Bowman) (1979)

Mendoza leaves El Paso area, encountering- 1) rancherias of Suma Indians, living on Mescal, who all ask him for help against Apaches; rancherias of Julimes Indians along Rio del Norte, described as gente politica, en la Lengua Mexicana, who cultivate corn and wheat, more than 100 of whom are baptized by Franciscans accompanying expedition; fence used to trap deer and Mule deer for hunting purposes; Jumano Indians led by gobernador Juan Labeta, who complain about Apache hostilities; buffalo and wild dogs, numerous small Indian groups from Coahuila-Texas area (See 201); settlements in junta de los Rios area. Describes geography, Flora (especially trees), fauna along way. Expedition lasted from 12/15/1683-6/14/1684. (T. Sheridan) (1977)

Letter ordering the extermination of the weed oja de Mata which was being used instead of tobacco sold under a royal monopoly. (Robert H. Jackson) (1980)

This informe contains an introduction and one chapter treating of the numerous rancherias of this mission, the names of the friars who labored there, and the number of baptisms performed. It is an original document bearing the autograph of fr. Nunez. This mission is in Sonora; fr. Nunez is from the prov. Of Jalisco. (microfilm catalog)

Discusses animal life of California, including domestic and wild animals, birds, some insects, sea creatures, and plant life, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, trees. Also remarks on minerals. Generic, rather than scientific names are used. The author frequently made distinctions between species and described the qualities and use of almost all species listed. (J. Grusin) (1976)