or Flotta, fleet**; a name the Spaniards give particularly to the ships which they send annually from Cadiz to the port of Vera Cruz, to fetch thence the merchandises gathered in Mexico for Spain. It consists of the captains, admiral, and patch, 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 galeons.

The name *flotilla* 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 galleons.