He had crossed Spain to Palos,( *) and in less than three months had fitted out the ships and was ready for sea.
(*) Palos is now so insignificant a place that on some important maps of Spain it will not be found.

It is on the east side of the Tinto river; and Huelva, on the west side, has taken its place.
The harbor of Palos is now ruined.

Mud and gravel, brought down by the River Tinto, have filled up the bay, so that even small boats cannot approach the shore.

The traveler finds, however, the island of Saltes, quite outside the bay, much as Columbus left it.

It is a small spit of sand, covered with shells and with a few seashore herbs.