two large fallen trees. Where these trees did not join, they had added long pieces of wood, some tied to others and smaller ones laid crosswise in the form of rails. Two years previously Pamphilo de Narvaez had passed along this same route with his ill-fated army.

Upon discovering a good passage through the swamp, Soto sent Silvestre and another horseman to order the remainder of the army left behind to resume the march. Thirty cavaliers were to return as reinforcements for the advance party and bring cheese and biscuits. Upon reaching the passage through the swamp, the cavaliers discovered that Soto had moved forward.

The 30 horsemen were fortunate and continued along the track left by the Governor, whom, after six more leagues,

they found encamped among some very beautiful vales of corn, so fertile that each stalk bore three or four ears.

This very fertile province where the Governor was found encamped was called Aucera. It lies some 20 leagues from the province of Urribarracuxi on a line running more or less north and south. The lord of the place, who also was called Acuera, on learning of the arrival of the Spaniards in his land, fled with all of his people to the forest.

Luis de Moscoso, the Campmaster, set out with the main body of the army on the same day that he received the General's order. They crossed the swamp with ease, since the Indians gave them no opposition, and continued along the road. In three more days they came to the second passage, and since the ford at this place was wider and carried more water than the other, they spent