VARGAS-MACHUCA, Bernardo, Spanish soldier, born in Simancas about 1550 ; died in Mexico about 1620. He took part in the wars of Flanders, rose to the rank of captain, and was sent to Mexico, where, according to his own statement, he became commander-in-chief, although his name is not mentioned in the official documents of the time. He is noteworthy as the author of "Militia Indiana, y Descripcion Hidrografica y Geografica de las Indias" (Mexico, 1599) ; " Compendio y Doctrina nueva de la Gineta, secretos v advertencias de ella, senales y enfrenamientos de Caballos, su curacion y beneficio" (Madrid, 1619): and " Defensa de las Conquistas de las Indias." of which the original manuscript is in a private library.