That the corruption of one thing is the generation of another, and that insects are created from putrid substances is affirmed by some naturalists and denied by others, but certainly such was the origin of this colony; for it was composed of Abipones who had deserted religion, and the other towns. Weary of Christian discipline, and of the inactivity of peace, they for some time vexed the territories of the Spaniards and Guaranies with slaughter and rapine: but seeing themselves threatened, both behind and before, with avenging arms, and being unable to discover any place of retreat where they might conceal themselves from Ychoalay, they provided for their safety by artifice, since they could not secure it by force of arms. Three orators were sent to Asumpcion to petition, in the name of the rest, for a colony, and priests to instruct them in religion. The Governor, Martinez Fontez, granted the request of these wily legates with the utmost willingness, flattering himself that he should gain great favour with the King by founding this colony. Fulgentio de Yegros, a Paraguayrian commander, wonderfully approved the Governor's purpose, urged the execution of it, and bestowed a great many caresses on the Abiponian deputies. The other more prudent Spaniards strongly opposed the design, truly observing: "These rascally Abipones, the dregs of the whole nation, come hither from the fear of punishment, not from the desire of embracing religion: it is not a colony, but an asylum where they may commit crimes with impunity, that they seek amongst the Spaniards; and even if this were not the case, a province so indigent in every respect as this, cannot afford the supplies necessary for founding and preserving such a colony." The same was the opinion of all the Jesuits. Eager for glory, the Governor turned a deaf ear to all these remonstrances. By his order the people were convoked to the market-place of the city, that each might voluntarily contribute something for the colony, according to his means. Some promised sheep and oxen; others horses, or Paraguay tea; the less opulent, axes, knives, and the other articles of domestic furniture: and were there not as wide a difference between gifts and promises, as there is between words and deeds, the colony would have been amply provided for. But, to use a Spanish proverb, _mucho era el ruido, pero pocas las nueces_: great was the noise, but few were the nuts. Many evaded the performance of their promises altogether; others impudently sent aged cows; lame, lean, and dying horses; old, bare, and diseased sheep; and every thing else in the same style. Many of those persons whom the Governor employed in collecting or keeping the cattle and other things, were deficient either in fidelity or in diligence, reserving some for their own private use, and exchanging the better ones, which they kept to themselves, for others of less value. It therefore is not to be wondered at that the whole of Paraguay did not