or Flotta, fleet; a name the Spaniards give give particularly to the ships which they send annually from Cadiz to the port of Vera Cruz, to fetch thence the merchandizes gathered in Mexico for Spain. It consists of the captains, admiral, and patach, or pinace, which go on the king's account; and about 16 ships, from 400 to 1000 tons, belonging to particular persons. They set out from Cadiz about the month of August, and are 18 or 20 months before they return. Those sent to fetch the commodities prepared in Peru are called galleons.

The name flota is given to a number of ships, which get before the rest in their return, and give information of the departure and cargo of the flota and gal-