There are colors of
many kinds made from the juices of certain trees and flowers, but because the
Indians have not known how to perfect them by gums to temper them in prevention,
they fade. But those who gather the silk have already discovered the
remedies, and say that they give as perfect results as anywhere found. (Friar
Diego de Landa, Yucatan Before and After the Conquest [trans. William
Gates; Baltimore, Md.: The Maya Society, 1937, 2011], 119. emphasis added)
Hens, pigeons,
oranges, limes, citrons, grapes, pomegranates, figs, guavas, dates and bananas,
melons and the other legumes; of these only the melons and calabashes grow from
their own seeds; for the rest one must bring fresh seeds from Mexico, Silk
is now produced, and it is very good. They have received tools, and the use of
mechanical devices, and these go well. There is also the use of money and many other
things that have come to them from Spain; and although they had gone, and could
have gone on without them, yet they live beyond questions more as men by having
them and their aid in their corporeal activities, and the raising of them; as,
by the opinion of the philosopher, art aids nature. (Ibid., 123, emphasis added)
Note: the “silk” mentioned probably refers
to the fiber [kapok] of the Ceibra (“silk-cotton) tree.
