Note XI‑1 — Chapter XI · EXPEDITION OF DIEGO GUTIERREZ TO COSTA RICA. 1540-1545.
Reading edition
It is claimed by some chroniclers that, in the time of Columbus, this portion of the mainland was already known by the name of Costa Rica on account of the fine specimens of gold discovered, principally in the Talamanca district, where it abounded in streams and was obtained with little labor. Molina, Bosquejo Costa R., 79; this author follows Navarrete. See also Bejarano, Informe, MS. Morel de Sta. Cruz, Visita Apost., MS., 14, on the other hand attributes the name to the rich pearl-fisheries which were found on the coast and to the quality of the fruits, woods, and other products of the territory.