Jarque or Xarque, D Francisco

Jarque or Xarque, D. Francisco a South American Jesuit; flourished in the 17th century. He is distinguished as the author of Estado presente de las Missiones en el Tucuman, Paraguay e Rio de la Plata (1687, 4to), for which his intimate knowledge of the native element eminently fitted him. It is remarkable how the Jesuits have succeeded in acquiring foreign languages, and how thorough and accurate is their knowledge of the nations with whom they are brought in contact. (J. H.W.)