America: Being the Latest, and Most Accurate Description of the Nevv VVorld (part 5 of 5)

America: Being the Latest, and Most Accurate Description of the Nevv VVorld (part 5 of 5)

Francisco Orellana travelling with Gonsalvo Pizarro from Quito, to find out the Countrey Cundirumarca (where the Natives, according to the information of a strange American, went Arm’d with Golden Plates) he came after a great deal of hardship to the River Maranon, where Pizarro building a Brigantine, put all his sick and maimed Men into the same, as also all his Baggage under the Command of Orellana, whom he commanded to forage for some Provisions, of which the Army, that was to follow along the Shore, had great want; but Orellana was in few days driven down so far, that he saw no hopes of getting up again in a years time, and Engag’d daily with the Indians, which came aboard of him in little Boats; at last he went ashore and conquer’d a Village, in which he found Provisions, some Gold, and Gems of great value: Not long after which he was in great danger, by reason of a River, which with great force fell into the Channel in which he Sail’d, and for the space of two hundred Leagues saw neither Man nor House: Next Landing at a Village, he was by the Governor thereof Presented with Turtles, Partridges, Fish, and other Provisions, and also forewarn’d of the valiant Women, the Amazones, which they call’d Camapuyara. Going from hence, he met for eighty Leagues together, nothing but steep and craggy Mountains on each side of the Shore, insomuch that he could not Land any where for Provisions. Next coming to the inhabited Province Machiparo, he was fiercely assaulted for two days and two nights, by the Casique Aomagua, who pursu’d him with several Boats: Not long after having conquer’d a Village, out of which ran several trodden Paths into the Countrey, he came to a River, in the Mouth whereof there lying three Isles, he gave it the Denomination of La Trinidad, which washeth a fruitful Coast, along which Sail’d divers small Vessels. Somewhat farther in the River Trinidad stood a Village and Banquetting-house, where Orellana took abundance of Provisions, Silver, Gold, and Earthen Ware curiously Glaz’d and Painted, but judg’d it very hazardous to travel far into the Countrey by the common High-ways, in regard of the multitudes of People that frequented them, to whose Civility he durst not trust; therefore Sailing from hence a hundred Leagues farther, he came to the Countrey belonging to the Lord of Paguana, who civilly Entertain’d him, and Presented him with Sheep, not unlike the Peruvians, and all manner of good Fruit, which the Countrey affords in great abundance. After this on his Lar-board side he discover’d a River, whose being black like Ink, and disemboguing into another, discolour’d the Water thereof for the space of twenty Leagues; he also saw several Villages, and at last found the Stream to be so broad, that he could not see from one Shore to the other: he took one of the Villages without any resistance, there being none but Women in the Huts, whither the Men came towards the Evening. Near another Village he espy’d seven Heads sticking upon Poles, from whence the Province receiv’d the Denomination De las Picotas, from whence ran several pav’d Ways, on each side planted with Trees, into the Countrey; where Landing, he furnish’d himself with Maiz, Turtles, Geese, and Parrots, and at Can Island took an American Prisoner, who inform’d him, that he was in the Amazones’ Jurisdiction, and that up in the Countrey liv’d a People not unlike the Spaniards, amongst whom were two white Women, brought thither up the River by a Lord. Going farther he saw divers Villages on each side of him, and at last Landing in a little Town, he found plenty of Oats, Liquor made of Oats, Cotton, Linnen, a Temple hung round about with Arms, and two Episcopal Miters of divers colours. Near a Promontory jutting out into the River, the Tide went so strong, that he was not able to Land; upon the Point stood several fair Buildings, where were also white Women, of a big stature, with long Hair, who animated the Men to fight. This Countrey, which extends it self a hundred and fifty Leagues along the Shore, with Hills, Pasture-Grounds, and Champain, and well inhabited, being discover’d on St. John’s Day, was call’d The Province De San Juan; which leaving, he came to several Isles, the biggest whereof extended fifty Leagues in length, all of them standing on high Ground, pleasant, and full of People, who in Boats, by them call’d Periagues, valiantly Engag’d with the Spaniards; but one of them not long after being taken Prisoner, inform’d them, that the Amazones dwelt in Stone Houses, Wall’d Towns, had plenty of Silver and Gold, and four stately Temples enrich’d with Plates, Dedicated to the Sun. But Orellana Sailing a hundred Leagues farther, along a Coast belonging to the Lord of Caripuna, according to the Prisoner’s Relation, the Inhabitants hereabouts shot abundance of poyson’d Arrows at the Spaniards, but they made a shift to escape them, and Sailing within sight of Land into the Bay of Paria, they came to an Anchor before the Island Cubugua, Anno 1541. after they had been eight hundred Leagues.

[Sidenote: The Expedition of Orellana.]

[Sidenote: He dies with Grief.]

Orellana informing the Spanish Court of his Adventures, desir’d the chief Command of the Province of the Amazones, which after earnest Sollicitations he obtain’d, and accordingly setting Sail from St. Lucar, he went to the Island Teneriff with three Ships and five hundred Men, where he stay’d three Moneths, and two on Cape de Verd. On Teneriff several of his Men ran from him, and on Cape de Verd he bury’d ninety eight, and left fifty sick behind him; yet he Steer’d to Brasile, where, meeting with contrary Winds, he had undoubtedly perish’d for lack of Water, if the great Showers of Rain had not supply’d his Wants, one of his Ships carrying seventy Men and eleven Horses, was never heard of, with the other two he Sail’d by Baxos de San Roque, and from thence a hundred Leagues Northwardly beyond Maragnan, where a great way off at Sea they found fresh Water, in which Orellana Steering, got between the Isles into the River De las Amazones, where he Barter’d for Provisions, Sail’d two Leagues up the River, and came to an Anchor before a few Huts, but slenderly stor’d with Provisions, where he spent three Moneths in breaking up one of his Ships, and building a Ketch. In the mean time fifty seven of his Seamen dy’d. Sailing twenty Leagues farther, he lost his best Ship; whereupon he gave order to build a Barque of the Wreck. Thus he spent thirty days in vain to find the fore mention’d Arm of the River Amazones: the Barque being finish’d in ten Weeks, and going beyond the Isles Maribique and Contan, found the three great Rivers to disembogue into the River Amazones, which there was twelve Leagues broad; but wanting Provisions, and the Men being too weak to go farther, they came back to the fruitful Island Comao, where a hundred Spaniards setled themselves, the rest going down with the Barque to find out Orellana, who, as his Wife inform’d them, dy’d with Grief.

The English and Netherlanders, who Sail’d hither after the Spaniards left off, ascribe a Breadth of fifty or sixty Leagues to the Mouth of the Amazone River, which discharges its Water with such force into the Northern Ocean, that it keeps its colour and taste above thirty Leagues, according to the ocular testimony of Captain Harcourt. The Western Point, by the Netherlanders call’d The North Cape, runs with a long Slip of low Land into the Sea, into which more North-Westerly fall the Streams Taponnowyny, Arowary, Arykary, Cassepouri, and Wiapoca; some of them wash great Wildernesses full of Trees; others glide between pleasant Meadows.

Eighty Leagues up the Amazone River the Vlussingers have built a Fort call’d Nassaw, on the narrow Island Cogemines, which is twenty Leagues long, and separated from the Shore by a Creek, and seven Leagues farther, on another Isle, the Fort Orange; from which two Forts they Trade with the Natives, Arowaccas and Apehous, bartering European Trifles for Tobacco, Cotton, Sugar, Gums, and several Tinctures.

[Sidenote: Sir Walter Raleigh sends Fisher to discover Cooshebery Province.]

Sir Walter Raleigh, Anno 1595. sending Captain Fisher from Wiapoco to Leonard Ragapo, some years before Baptiz’d in England, and then Governor of the Province Cooshebery, lying between the Amazone River and Wapoco, he receiv’d Fisher very civilly, and conducted him fifty Leagues up into the Countrey, to the Mountain Cowob, on whose top is a deep Pool, full of well tasted Fish, and surrounded with the glittering Stones Topaz; which Raleigh took the more notice of, because the same Ground in the East-Indies where these Stones are found, incloses also Diamonds. Moreover, the Province Cooshebery rises with pleasant Hills, but consists most in delightful Fields and Woods.

The River Arocawo, falling into the Inlet Wiapoco, disembogues also with the same between the Capes Orange and Comariboo, into the Northern Ocean.

Most of the Rivers in Guiana lie full of Isles, and cannot be Navigated far, by reason of the great Water-falls.

[Sidenote: The Yayos.]

The Yayos, who inhabit on the Banks of the fore-mention’d River, are People of a good Disposition, and go naked: they catch Fish after a strange manner; for they onely throw the strong smelling Wood Ayaw in the Water, which works so upon the Fish, that they suffer themselves to be caught with the Hand. The well-known American Root Cassavi serves them for Bread, being bak’d in round Cakes on hot Stones: of the Cakes they also make the Liquor Perrinoe, which tastes almost like stale Beer, and is prepar’d by old Women and little Children, which chew the Cassavi, and spit the same into a Pot full of Water, which having stood a while, they strain the same through a Cloth, and set it a working with Potato-Roots.

They are troubled with no Vermine, not so much as the little Fleas Niquas, by the Spaniards call’d Chigos, which creep in between the Nails.

On the Sea-Coast are many Tortoises, whose Flesh is of a delicious taste, but heavy to digest.

Sheep and Oxen will not thrive here, but Swine would thrive exceedingly, if their Dugs were not bit off in the Night by the Bats.

The River Wiapoco hath many dangerous Water-falls, the one much higher than the other; a little way beyond the first of them the Stream Army falls into Wiapoco.

[Sidenote: The Marashewaccas.]

Three days Journey Westerly dwell the Marashewaccas, whose Ears hang down on their Shoulders; they worship for their Deity, an Image representing a Man, who sitting flat on the Ground, with his Legs stretch’d out, leans with his Elbows on his Knees, and holding up his Hands, gapes and stares up towards Heaven.

North-West from Wiapoco rises the Mountain Gomeribo, which produces Maiz, Tobacco, Cotton-Trees, and Vines.

In the same place the Creek Wainary runs Westwardly with fresh Water a days Journey into the Countrey; and from the said Creek a high Mountain, fit for the production of Sugar and Tobacco, extends it self to the River Apurwaca, where the Wiopocaries inhabit a great Tract of Land.

[Sidenote: The Harrithiahans.]

North-West from Wiapoco flows the River Aperwacque, whose mountainous Shores bear Brasile Wood and wild Cinamon. The Stream it self takes its original out of a large Lake, in the middle whereof lies a three-corner’d Isle. South-East from the Lake dwell the Harrithiahans, beyond whose Countrey are the Rivers Cauwo, Wia, and Cajani. On the Banks of the first dwelt, Anno 1596. according to the Relation of Laurence Keymis, a People call’d Jaos, driven by the Spaniards from Moruga, and who formerly possess’d the greatest part of Guiana; they distinguish themselves from other People, by pricking their Faces full of Holes with the Tooth of a Beast not unlike a Rat: But at present, the Jaos being departed from hence, the Countrey lies desolate.

The Wia, which springs a great way up in the Countrey, hath a wide Mouth, and near several Islands convenient Harbors: The biggest of the Isles, inhabited by the Shebaios, is full of Provisions, viz. Fowl, Fish, excellent Fruit, wild Hogs, and other Beasts.

The triangular Isles, lying more Westerly, are also very fruitful, but not comparable to Gowatery. So far as the Coast extends it self with high Mountains, it is overgrown with Brasile Wood, but the lower Grounds produce Cotton, Pepper, Silk, Balsam, and the Root Wiapassa, tasting like Ginger, and exceeding good against a Lask, or the Head-ache.

Before the Mouth of Cajani appears the high Island Mattoory, surrounded by the lesser Isles Sannawony, Epenesari, and Eponeregemeræ.

Between the Rivers Cajani and Maccaria, lies the low Island Muccumbro, out of whose Center rise two Mountains, and which is inhabited, as the Main Coast by Caribbeeans, whose General Arrawicary shew’d great friendship to the Netherlanders: They observe no certain Laws for Government; Adultery and Murder they punish with Death; they are very tyrannical towards their Wives, who for the least act of incivility have their Brains beat out; they esteem one another according to the number of their Wives, the eldest of which performs all Houshold-Offices.

[Sidenote: Caribbeeans the Inhabitants of Guiana.]

The Caribbeeans are accounted to have been the first Inhabitants of this Countrey, for the Jaos, Sappaios, Arowaccas, and Paragotos, were driven hither by the Spaniards from Trinidad or Oronoque.

The wild Caribbeeans live farther up into the Countrey, and often fall with great rage upon the other; but since the Netherlanders have furnish’d them with Arms, they have not been so much molested by them.

[Sidenote: Rivers.]

Beyond Macavia lies the River Caurora, which is very narrow and deep; and next in order the Rivers Manamonary, Sinamary, Cunanama, Juraca, Mawary, Amana, and Marawyny, full of Isles, and four Leagues broad at the Mouth; along the Shore grow little Trees, whose Leaves wither as soon as touch’d by Mankind, but revives again within half an hour.

Next follow the Rivers Sorrenam, Sorrenamme, Copanama, Marateca, and Curetiny, where the Netherlanders, by virtue of a Patent granted by the States General, drove a Trade for several years.

Somewhat farther the Berbice, Apari, Maycawini, Mabeyca, Mirara and Essekebe, discharge their Waters into the Ocean, twenty days Journey from their Spring-Head, where a great Lake (by the Jaos call’d The Roponowini, and by the Caribbeeans, Parime) spreads it self a great way; and on its Northern Shore hath the Town Manoa.

Along the River Essebeke is an excellent sort of Wood, the Dye call’d Orellano, and abundance of Cassavi: In the Mouth of the River also lies the Isle Ottoma.

Lastly, between Essebeke and the great River Orinoque, glide the lesser Streams Iwapoi, Pauroma, Gayni, Moruga, Ammacoura, and Parima, before which lie several nameless Isles.

[Sidenote: The Discovery of these Parts begun by Columbus.]

[Sidenote: Diego de Ordas his Expedition.]

Christopher Columbus, in his third Voyage to the West-Indies, discover’d the great Island Trinidad, where before the Mouth of the Bay Vallena he was in great danger, as also the Ship Commanded by Alonso de Ojeda, by reason of the Waves, with which the great River Yuyapar, otherwise call’d Orinoque, coming out of the High-lands of Paria, falls into the Sea, which made him call the said Mouth Bocca del Drago; so that Columbus, Anno 1599. discover’d the Main Coast of America to the Northward of Guiana, as far as the Promontory De la Vela, before Americus Vesputius; whither Diego de Ordas Steer’d with three Ships, Mann’d with four hundred Castilians, in the Year 1531. and before Guiana took four Caribbeeans Prisoners in a Canoo, and finding an Emerauld about them as big as a Man’s Hand, they inform’d him, that up the River was a Rock all of such Stones, and a Mountain on which grew high Trees, yielding store of Myrrh; but the strong contrary Tides and Water-falls prevented Ordas from going thither; and being troubled at the loss of one of his Ships, he ran along the Shore to Paria, and took the Fort which Antonio Sedenno, Governor of Trinidad, had cast up there, and left the Command thereof to Juan Gonsalvez, Ordas pretending that Sedenno had built it contrary to the Emperor’s Order, and that he had made Slaves of the Natives. Martin Jannez Tafur stay’d in the conquer’d Fort according to Ordas his appointment, who went up the River Orinoque not without great hardship; for his Provisions were not onely short, but he was tormented in the Day by the Muschitoes, and in the Night by the Bats; at last coming to a Village Commanded by Viapari, he was kindly Entertain’d, which made Ordas contrary to the will of his Men, who would willingly have gone farther into the Countrey, stay there all the Winter; but as soon as the rainy Moneths were over, Ordas went farther up the River Orinoque, where his Ship was stav’d against a sandy Shelf, which forc’d him with two hundred Foot and forty Horse, to travel along the Shore, where he was much scanted of Provisions, and for forty days together met none but a few poor wild Fishermen, and at last stopt at an unknown River, which fell into the Orinoque. The Guianian Guide which Viapari had given Ordas, advis’d him to go along the Shore of the new River; because it would lead them to a well Cloth’d and rich People: But Ordas went along by the River Oronoque till he came where the Water falling from the Mountains makes it so terrible rough, that Ordas his Vessels, which were Toed along, were not able to be got any farther, so that after two hundred Leagues advance, he was necessitated, by reason of the fore-mention’d Water-falls, to go aboard and Sail down the Stream: His Men being weary’d with so troublesom a Journey, forsook him on the Island Cubagua, which made him return over Hispaniola to Spain, where not long after he dy’d with Grief.

[Sidenote: The Expedition of Hieronimo Ortall.]

This unsuccessful Expedition of Ordas no way daunted Hieronimo Ortall from prosecuting the same Design; for setting Sail from St. Lucas, Anno 1533. to the Fort which Ordas had taken from Juan Gonsalves, he Steer’d from thence over to Cubagua, to fetch some Men, and sent the Lieutenant Alonso Herrera with five Ketches, carrying two hundred Men, the same way which Ordas had been. Herrera coming to the fore-mention’d Water-falls where Ordas return’d, caus’d his Vessels to be unladen, then Toed them by meer force over the Water-falls, where he discover’d plain Fields without any Inhabitants, extending themselves to the Mouth of the River Meta, where he quitted his Vessels, and with no small trouble got over Morasses and Pools to the fruitful Countrey of the Xaguas, a People both cruel and valiant; whom after a sharp Conflict vanquishing, he became Master of their Village, in which he found plenty of Provisions, as also in another neighboring Town, where his tir’d, and almost starv’d Army began to take Breath, being exceedingly refresh’d with the delicious Meat of a sort of wild Dogs, which were here in great abundance. Having spent the Winter Season here, they were often set upon by the Caribbeeans, by whose poyson’d Arrows several of them being shot, dy’d Distracted, and amongst the rest Herrera himself; after which his Successor Alvaro Ordas return’d to the Vessels, which were left at the Mouth of the River Meta, from whence he Sail’d back without any other success, the Design being to find out the Golden City Manoa, on the Banks of the great Lake Parime.

[Sidenote: Is follow’d by Hermandes and others.]

Not long after Peter Hermandez de Serpa undertook the same Work with three hundred Spaniards, several Brasilians and Negro’s; but before he could reach the River Orinoque, he was destroy’d by the salvage People Wikiri, eighteen of his Men onely escaping to bring the news of this sad Disaster.

Peter de Orsua following the footsteps of Gonsalvo Pizarro, went to seek for Gold in Guiana; but being kill’d by Lopes Agira near the Amazone River, that Expedition also prov’d fruitless.

[Sidenote: Berreo’s Relation of his Adventures to Sir Walter Raleigh.]

With the same desire of finding Gold in Guiana, Antonio Berreo went from New Granada thither; but being taken by Sir Walter Raleigh, was interrupted in his Design; however, he gave him an Account of his Adventures, so far as he had gone, viz. That he went to find out a Way along the River Cassanor, between New Granada and New Guiana, went from Cassanor to the Stream Meta, and from thence to Orinoque, where he was in great danger, by reason of sharp Rocks, over which the Stream flowing, washes several Isles; That he spent a whole year before he came to the utmost Borders of Amapaia; near which he lost several of his Barques, and on the Shore, not onely divers Horses, but also many of his Men, who either dy’d of hardship, or were kill’d by the Natives with poysonous Arrows, so that sixty of his Men were kill’d in the Countrey of Amapaia, which extends along the River Orinoque, besides a great many that dy’d there by drinking the Water, which was full of poysonous Animals, and glided over a slimy and muddy Ground, which made it thick and troubled: Six Moneths he stay’d in the Countrey Amapaia, where he made Peace with the Inhabitants of Anebas, who gave him ten curious Images of massie Gold. The River Orinoque is about four Leagues broad here, and about seven hundred Miles long, before it fall into the Ocean, and is every where enrich’d with the Waters of many Rivers which fall into it from the North and South: He added moreover, that he endeavor’d to go down Southerly to Guiana, but was prevented by steep Mountains, and therefore went on Easterly till he came to the Countrey Emeria, where he found a courteous People, and plenty of Provisions; that the Governor of Caripana, being about a hundred years of age, had a long time Convers’d with the Christians on the Islands Trinidad and Margareta, and learn’d a Form of Civil Government; that Sailing down the River Orinoque between many Isles lying at the Mouth of the River to Trinidad, and from thence to Margareta, he took sixty Men into his Service; but that he himself, being tir’d with so great a Journey, and staying to refresh himself at Trinidad, fell into the hands of another Party of the English; that before he was taken he sent several of his Men to Caripana, to find the King of Morequito, who three years before had been with abundance of Gold at Cumana and Margareta, and inform’d a Spaniard call’d Vides so much concerning the Golden Countrey Guiana, that he obtain’d a Patent at the Spanish Court to discover Guiana; but that Vides, jealous that he might be there before him, had not onely incens’d Morequito against him, but so instructed him, that he suffer’d his Men to pass through the Countrey to fetch Gold from the City Manoa, and as they return’d, set upon them and slew them on the Borders of Aromaia, together with a Monk that was in their Company, one Man onely escaping; by whom being inform’d of the Murder, he immediately sent divers Soldiers to take Revenge of Morequito, who flying to the Governor Vides, was nevertheless, upon his demanding him in the King’s Name, deliver’d to him; and notwithstanding he proffer’d a great Sum of Money for his Ransom, was cruelly put to Death; but not satisfi’d with that Revenge, he over-run all the Countrey of Aromaia, took Morequito’s Uncle, call’d Topiawari, Prisoner, who bought his Life for a hundred Plates of Gold, and some Precious Stones; That Listing many Men in Spain for the Gold which he sent thither, he Row’d with Barques up the Rivers Barema, Pattroma, and Dessequebe, where he barter’d Trifles for Men, Women, and Children, of whom he made great Sums of Money on the Island Margareta.

This Information which Sir Walter Raleigh got from his Prisoner Berreo, made him desirous to make an Expedition to Guiana; to which purpose he sent Captain George Gifford with a Ketch and a Barque to the River Capuri, where the Water fell before the Vessels could get beyond the Sands in the Mouth of the River.

John Donglas had better success, being likewise sent out by Sir Walter Raleigh, for he with his Boats found that Orinoque had nine Arms to the North Sea, and seven to the South, which embrace divers Isles, of which those on the right side are call’d Pallamos, and those on the left, Horotomaca. The Mouth of the River gapes a hundred Leagues. On the fore-mention’d Isles dwell the Titiriras, a modest People, who speak a bald Language; in the Summer they live under the open Skie upon the bare Earth, and in the Winter (being there between May and September) on the tops of the Trees, because during that time the River Orinoque rising thirty Foot higher, overflows all the Isles thereabouts, which are very high and mountainous. But Raleigh himself Rowing up the River Amana, endur’d great hardship, his Men being most of them sweltred with the Heat, and great want of Provisions; and had not their Indian Pilot shew’d them another Stream much easier to Navigate, he would have been forc’d to return successless; but being stor’d with Provision out of a Village built along the Shore, he chased four Canoos, of which he took one, and also an Atwaccas, which in fifteen days time brought him into the River Orinoque, where he saw the high Mountains of Guiana; afterwards Anchoring before a fair sandy Bank, which lay near the Mouth of three Rivers, he took abundance of Tortoises, and was furnish’d with plenty of all sorts of Provisions, sent him from the Governor Toparimaca, who inhabited the pleasant Village Arowocay, built on a little Hill, surrounded with delightful Gardens, and Fields till’d by the Negro’s; who accommodating Raleigh with an experienc’d Pilot, he set Sail with a fresh Easterly Wind, and Westward saw the Isles Assapana, twenty five Leagues long, and six broad, and Iwana, of the same bigness. The River Orinoque hath here thirty Leagues in breadth, and receives the Rivers Arrawopana and Europa: He Sail’d next by the Isles Ocaywita and Putayma, opposite to which on the Main Land appears the Mountain Oecope, whose top reacheth the Clouds; on the right side a Plain Countrey discover’d it self a vast way, which the Pilot said was call’d The Plain of Sayma, extending Northerly a hundred and twenty Leagues to Cumana and Caracas, inhabited by four sorts of People, viz. the Saymas, Assaways, Wikeries and Aroras; which last, being a Coal-black People, us’d poyson’d Arrows. Raleigh passing between the two Mountains Aroami and Aio, came to an Anchor near the Island Murscolima, and from thence into the Haven Morequito, where the King Topiawari, a hundred and ten years of age, brought all sorts of Fruit, Poultrey, Fish and Flesh, and gave him an Account of the Condition of Guiana, viz. That the whole Countrey from the Mountains Waccarima to Emeria, bore the Name of Guiana, the Inhabitants calling themselves Orinoque Poni; on the other side of the said Mountains lies the spacious Valley Amariocapana, where the Guianiatas reside. Southerly the Oreiones and Epuremei, who coming out of a strange Countrey, have destroy’d the ancient Inhabitants, leaving onely the Awaawaqueri and Cassipagoios. The Epuremei built the stately City Macurewarai there. But Raleigh going on his Journey saw the Island Caiama, and came to the Mouth of the River Caroli, whose strong Current he was not able to stem, wherefore he desir’d Aid from Wanuretona, Governor of Canuria, who furnish’d him with Provisions, and Men to Toe him up the fore-mention’d Stream; and inform’d him that the River Caroli, which sprung out of the Lake Cassipa, was inhabited on one side by the Iwarawakeri, and the Lake Cassipa by three powerful People, viz. the Cassiapagotos, Eparagotos and Arawogotos, all mortal Enemies to the Spaniards: whereupon Raleigh sent some of his Men thither, who return’d with great hopes of finding rich Gold-Mines. The fore-mention’d Lake also produces the Rivers Aroi, Atoica, and Caora, near which dwell the Ewaipanoma, who have neither Necks nor Chins, but their Mouthes just upon their Shoulders. Towards the North the River Cari falls into the Orinoque, and on the West the Stream Limo; between both which the Cannibals reside, whose Metropolis call’d Acamacari is very famous for their strange way of Trading; for there the Women are brought to Market, and bought by the Arwaccas: But because great Showers of Rain fell daily, and the Stream Caroli glided downwards with extraordinary force, Raleigh return’d to Morequito; from whence Putima, King of Warapana, conduced him to a rich Golden Mountain in his Countrey, and along the Rivers Mana, Oiana, and Cumaca, to the place where the Orinoque divides it self into three excellent Streams, the chiefest whereof, call’d Cararoopana, washes the Province Emeria, out of whose Mountains the Rivers Waracayari, Coirama, Akaniri, and Iparoma, glide to the Northern Ocean; as also the Araturi, Amacura, Barima, Wana, Morooca, Paroma, and Wyni, all Branches of the River Orinoque: From whence Raleigh return’d home to England.

Not long after he sent Laurence Keymes and Thomas Masham back to Guiana: Keymes found out all the Rivers between the Amazones and the Orinoque, and Masham the Stream Wiapoco; from whence both return’d without any farther success.

[Sidenote: Sir Walter Raleigh condemn’d for Treason.]

[Sidenote: He is Repriev’d and sent again to Guiana.]

[Sidenote: Raleigh upon Gundamor’s Accusation Beheaded.]

After this the Business lay still for a while, in regard Sir Walter Raleigh being (together with Grey, Cobham, and the Romish Priests, Watson and Clark) found guilty of High Treason, was Condemn’d to die; but being Repriev’d by the King, was kept a Prisoner in the Tower for the space of fourteen years; during which time he wrote a Description of Guiana; which the King perusing, was so well pleas’d with it, especially since he undertook to make out by several Reasons, that England might make it self Master of divers Gold-Mines there, to which Spain could lay no manner of Claim, that he discharg’d him out of Prison, and permitted him to make a second Expedition: Whereupon with ten Ships, Anno 1617. he set Sail for Guiana again; being toss’d with divers Storms, he at last came with five Sail to the River Calliana, where he fell dangerously sick, and therefore sent Captain Keymes with five Sail to the River Orinoque, to conduct the Men to the Gold-Mines; each Ship carrying fifty Men, and the other Captains being Parker, North, Thornap, and Sir Walter Raleigh’s Son. The Spaniards having a Garrison at Orinoque, fir’d very fiercely at the English, who suffer’d great damage, and amongst divers others, Captain Raleigh himself was slain, whilest the other five Sail lay near the Island Trinidad, under John Pennington’s Command, who daily fear’d the Spanish Fleet. But Keymes found it very difficult to Land in Orinoque, by reason of the Banks along the Shore, which Diego de Palameque from Puerto Rico kept strongly guarded; therefore going to an even Shore with intention to Land, he was so sharply receiv’d by a Body of Spanish Musquetteers, that divers of his Men were mortally wounded; yet breaking in amongst them, he went towards the Gold-Mines, to which the Way led through a Wood where the Spaniards lay in Ambuscade; but he judg’d himself too weak to do any good upon the Mines, one of which belong’d to Peter Rodrigo de Parama, a second to Herviano Frontino, and the third to Francisco Fashardo: The English also were fearful, by reason of the Spaniards Cruelties, who not long before had flay’d several Merchants alive; so that Keymes contented himself with pillaging and burning the Town St. Thomas, which the Spaniards had deserted. Soon after which Captain Whitby ran away with a Ship from the Fleet, whilest Keymes return’d back to Raleigh, who laid several things to his Charge concerning the unnecessary Expence and shame of such an unsuccessful Voyage; which so wrought upon Keymes, that he offer’d to lay violent hands on himself in his Cabbin. At length Raleigh returning to London, was accus’d by the Spanish Ambassador Gundamor for the burning St. Thomas, urging that his Master resented it so ill, that he threatned to wage a War with England if Raleigh was not Executed; who notwithstanding he alledg’d, That the Spaniards shew’d the first Acts of Hostility against the English, who onely defended themselves; and that St. Thomas was burnt without his knowledge or Order; and that Keymes had not observ’d his Command in the discovering of the Gold-Mines, (which Apologies were generally look’d upon as real Truths) yet the King esteeming the Peace with Spain of more value than one Man’s Life, without taking notice of Gundemor’s Accusations, commanded that the Sentence formerly pass’d on him for Treason should be Executed, and accordingly in the sixtieth year of his Age he was Beheaded, discovering himself, by his Christian Behavior and Profession at his Death, to be a far other kind of Person than what the World had censur’d him to be.

Since this last Expedition of Sir Walter Raleigh, we find not that there hath been any great Resort or Trade unto this Countrey, except by a few Netherland Merchants, who have yearly sent eight or nine Ships to the River Orinoque for Tobacco.

[Sidenote: The temperature of the Air.]

As for the Air or Climate of Guiana, it is very differing, for about the Amazone River, dry Weather begins about August, and the windy and rainy Season about February; but Westward towards Orinoque, the Summer takes beginning in October, and the Winter in April; the Days and Nights are almost of an equal length, and the difference of Heat and Cold is but little.

Burning-Feavers, Dropsie, and the Jawnes, destroy many People here; which last is not unlike the POX, and proceeds from carnal Copulation with the Guianian Women, who are naturally subject to this Disease.

[Sidenote: The Nature of the Inhabitants.]

The Inhabitants are divided into several sorts, the chiefest whereof being the Caribbees go naked, covering onely their Privities with a Lappet. The Women, though yellow, are very comely; and both Men and Women paint their Bodies with Netto, which grows on little Trees in Cods: They make Holes through their Noses, Lips and Ears, and hang Glass, Bells, pieces of Copper, or any other Trifles that they get from the English and Netherlanders, in them: About their Necks, Arms and Legs, they wear Strings of Beads, or Cockle-shells.

Their Houses with low Roofs, serve them onely to sleep in the Night upon Cotton Hammocks, for in the day-time they sit under high Arch’d open places, that the Wind may blow full upon them. Their Houshold-stuff consists of Earthen Pots and Dishes neatly painted. They live in Tribes or Families together in a Town, which is Govern’d by the eldest of them; and their Militia is Commanded by one that is able to endure most Stripes with Switches without any shew of pain. The chiefest of their Families have commonly three or four Wives, whereas others are contented with one. The Men seldom do any toilsom Work, but make their Wives do all, insomuch that as soon as a Woman is Deliver’d of a Child, she must immediately go about her usual Employment, whilest her Husband lies lozelling out his Moneth on a Hammock.

Their Language sounds not unpleasantly, but is hard to learn, because many words differ but little in the pronunciation, and yet have quite another signification.

When they march into the Field against their Enemies, then the General sends a Stick to all the Villages under his Jurisdiction, on which are cut so many Notches as there are Days appointed before he intends to set forth, which they cut out again as the Days expire, and on the last they repair to the appointed place.

A not much unlike Custom they observe in all Promises and Bargains; for they give one another as many Sticks as they desire Days to perform the same in, and so throw away every day one, till they have onely one remaining, and then they begin to think of performing their Promise or Bargain.

They know no word whereby to express any greater number than Ten; Twenty they express by laying their ten Fingers on their Toes, and all that exceeds Twenty, they compare to the Hairs of their Head, crying Ounsa awara.

Some of the painted Canoos made of the Trunks of Trees, will carry five or six Tuns.

[Sidenote: Their manner of Fighting, Religion, &c.]

In their Wars they use Bowes, poyson’d Arrows, short Truncheons of speckled Wood, and Shields full of carv’d Images, and Fight without any Order. They go upon no Design but in the Night, and upon certain advantages. All Women and Children which they take Prisoners, are sold for Slaves, but the Men are cruelly put to death.

There is but little of Religion that can be ascrib’d to these People, onely that some shew Reverence to the Sun and Moon, which they believe are both living Creatures; but they make no Offerings to them.

Their Funeral-Feasts for great Persons are strangely kept, viz. all the Men making themselves Drunk with the Liquor Parranoro, Dance three or four days one after another, and he that drinks most, and is worst Drunk, gains the greatest Honor, whilest the Women lament and mourn for the Deceased.

Their Priests, call’d Peeaios, are in great esteem amongst them, because they pretend that they Converse with the Spirits Wattipa and Yarakin, which the Guianians exceedingly fear, apprehending themselves often beaten black and blue by them.

The Peeaios also profess themselves to be Chirurgeons and Doctors, but if they cure not their Patients, they go in danger of their Lives, unless they speedily get away.

They burn their dead Bodies, together with those things the Deceased affected most in his Life-time. A Prince or Governor also hath his Slaves put to death at the time when he is burn’d, that they may serve him in the other World.

[Sidenote: Their Bread-Corn.]

The Cassavi-Root press’d, boyl’d with Pepper, dry’d and bak’d on hot Stones, serves the Natives for Bread.

Each Grain that is Sown here produces in Harvest above fifteen hundred.

Their Corn makes wholsom and well tasted Beer, call’d Passiaw, and of their stamp’d Cassavi they make the Liquor Parranow.

In hollow Trees, and Caves under Ground, they find abundance of Honey; and their Vines afford them excellent Grapes twice a year.

No Plant is ever seen here without either Leaf, Blossom, or Fruit, except the European Apple-Tree, which never changes its nature, but blossoms and bears Fruit at the same time of the year as in Europe.

The wild Hogs Pokkiero, whose Navels grow on their Backs; and the Pangio, not unlike our Swine, afford the Inhabitants excellent Food.

Here are also Water-hogs, of a very delicious taste; but because they are very apprehensive, and dive at the least noise, they are seldom taken.

The Woods are full of Baboons and Apes, as also the slothful Beast Ai.

The Hares here, being of a brown Colour, with white Specks, and the red Rabbets, are accounted great Delicacies.

There is no Countrey in America, which breeds greater Armadillo’s than Guiana, some of them weighing eighty Pound.

Here are also Bears, which live on nothing but Pismires; they have long hairy Tails, with which they cover their Bodies in rainy Weather; they put their Tongues a Foot deep into the Pismires Nests, and so pulls them out.

The Tygers here are either black, spotted, or red; but the black exceed the other in cruelty, yet are seldom seen near inhabited places; the spotted and red devour abundance of Cattel, but will seldom set upon a Man, especially in the day-time.

The Woods are also full of Land-Turtles, which the Inhabitants take, and keep till they have occasion to make use of their Flesh.

The Eagles that are here with their Claws, Engage with those that go about to take them.

The Catamountains make such an exceeding noise at a certain hour, both in the Night and in the Day, that it is heard two Leagues off.

The Marmozets, a little Beast, biting the Catamountains and Apes in the Ears, forces them to leap from one Tree to another.

The black Beast Quotto hath a Face like an old Woman, and hanging by the Tail, swings from one Tree to another.

The Cuscary is a brown four-footed Creature, about the bigness of a little Dog, but hath the shape of a Lyon.

[Sidenote: Birds.]

Moreover, Guiana produces Teal, Geese, Crains, Phesants, Partridges, Pigeons, Marlins, Snipes, Falcons, Plovers, and Parrots of all sorts, besides many other strange Fowls; amongst which the chiefest are a sort whose Feathers glitter like Scarlet, and walk along in Rank and Fyle like Soldiers.

[Sidenote: Fish.]

The Sea produces abundance of Turbots, Soals, Thornback, yellow Salmon, Sturgeon, Black-fish, Gurnets, Crabs, and Oysters.

Amongst other Fishes, the Cassoorwa, which is somewhat bigger than an Eel, is very strange, having two Sights in each Eye, of which it always holds one above, and the other underneath the Water when it swims.

Here are also the great Fishes call’d Manati and Num-eel, by which if any part of a Man be touch’d, it immediately becomes stiff.

[Sidenote: Vermin.]

There are likewise divers Vermine, which trouble the Countrey Guiana, among which are Serpents, of thirty Foot long, that come out of the Water and feed on the Land; they do little hurt, as not being poysonous: but there are many of a lesser size, whose biting is so venomous, that it causes the Flesh of a Man to rot in twenty four hours time: others there are which have forked Tails, and Tusks in the Roof of their Mouthes.

The Crocodiles here also devour abundance of Cattel.

[Sidenote: Strange kind of Scorpions.]

The Scorpions, which are black, and resemble a Lobster, breed under dry Wood or Corn; their Stings are hid in their Tails, with which if any one be touch’d, he is sure to endure an intolerable pain, but without danger of losing his Life for the present, yet nothing can perfectly cure the same, except the Scorpion kill’d and laid on the Wound.

The Bats here are as big as Pigeons, and they suck the Blood of Men and Beasts so gently, that they seldom perceive the same.

The Pismires also do great mischief, especially in sandy Grounds; and likewise the Musketo’s, whose Stings cause painful Swellings; but these most of all trouble them that inhabit near the Sea side on low Lands, insomuch that the Fisher-men bury themselves in the Night in Sand, leaving onely Holes to breathe at.

Frogs and Toads also make a terrible noise here, and especially after Rain.

[Sidenote: Commodities of the Countrey.]

The Soil is inferior to none in the World, for the production of Sugar; but the general Commodities of the Countrey are Flax, Cotton, Hemp, the Berry Annoto, which Dyes an excellent Orange colour, another Berry which Dyes a deep Blue, a Tree whose Leaves Dye a Red, and the Wood of another Tree whose Juice Dyes a Purple and Crimson.

Moreover, Guiana produces the Gums Lemnia, Barattu, and Carriman, which being black and prickly, smells very pleasantly, and cures the Head-ache, Bruises, Pains in the Limbs, Gouts, and green Wounds. The same operation hath the Gum Baratta.

Here are also good Sena, Bolus Armenius, Cassia-Fistula, Terra-Lemnia, the Berry Kelette, very effectual against the Bloody-flux, the Juice of the Leaf Upee, which cures the Wounds of poyson’d Arrows, and a sort of somniferous Apples, whereof the least bite occasions a deadly Sleep.

There is also a Tree, generally growing about the Houses of the Natives, the Boughs whereof bruis’d between two Stones, and thrown into the Creeks of deep Water full of Fish, cause them to swim above Water upon their Backs.

The Letter-Wood call’d Pira timinere, turns also to a good account, much more the excellent Stones, Jasper and Porphyr.

Nor are there wanting Gold and Silver-Mines, which doubtless would yield great profit, were they open’d.

The Grain of the Countrey grows on Stalks seven Foot long, on the tops whereof hang two Ears full of Kernels as big as Pease, which ripens in four Moneths.

The Sugar-Canes, being of the bigness of a Man’s Arm, and about six Foot long, are at the years end cut off, broken and press’d in a Mill; after which the Juice boyl’d in Copper Kettles to a certain Substance, is put into woodden Tunnels, square at the top, and narrow at bottom, with a small Hole, which is open’d as soon as the Sugar is sufficiently hardned, to let out the Syrrup; after which it is put into Hogsheads, and so Transported.

The Negro’s which are brought from Angola and Guinee, are so cruelly us’d, that they oftentimes through despair destroy themselves.

The whole Countrey of Guiana is by several modern Writers methodically divided into these inferior or lesser Provinces, 1. Rio de las Amazones. 2. Wiapoco, or Guiana, properly so call’d. 3. Orenoque; and 4. The Islands of Guiana.

[Sidenote: Rio de las Amazones.]

Rio de las Amazones, or the Countrey of the Amazones, contains all that part of Guiana which lieth on both sides of the River Orellano, of a rich and good Soil, generally, abounding with all sorts of Fruits, and especially with those which the Americans call Totok, and love it extreamly, out of an opinion, they say, that it excites them to Venery, whereunto they are of themselves but too much inclin’d; and another which they call Pita, of a taste far more delicious and pleasing, and not so hurtful as the other. The Countrey was first discover’d by the fore-mention’d Francisco Orellana, a Spaniard from Quito, but it was onely by the River Orellana; and though he be credibly reported to have Sail’d no less than eighteen hundred Leagues down the Stream, and to have discover’d a rich and fair Countrey on both sides the River, well peopled with Natives, and giving in divers places no small Arguments of greater Wealth and Riches more within Land; yet such was the bad success of his second Endeavors, and likewise of those that follow’d him, as is evident from what hath been before related, that, as yet, there seems no farther Report to be given, at least not of any thing special, concerning that part of the Countrey.

[Sidenote: Wiapoco, or Guiana, properly so call’d.]

Wiapoco, or Guiana, properly so call’d, taketh up the middle part of this Province, being divided, as the other, almost into two equal parts, by the River Wiapoco, which runs through the midst of it. The Countrey on both sides of the River is very rich and fertile, and so naturally apt, both for Sugar-Canes, Cotton-Wooll, and Tobacco, that they are said to grow here (all of them very good) without Planting, or any art of Husbandry. In this Countrey likewise should be the famous Dorada, as the Spaniards call it, or City of Gold (if it could be found) with the reports and hopes whereof some of our own Nation seem to have been not a little possess’d as well as the Spaniards: nor can we much blame them; for if the Stories of it had prov’d true, it must have been one of the goodliest and fairest Cities in the World (not to speak of the Wealth.) Diego de Ordas, the Spaniard of whom we have lately had occasion to make frequent mention of, being reported by some to have travell’d one whole day, and half another in it, before he could arrive at the King’s Palace; which yet must be suppos’d to have stood but in the midst of the City. Places of less Magnificence, but more Certainty, are 1. Caripo, which was once a Colony of English, setled there by Captain Robert Harcourt, Anno 1608. upon the Banks of Wiapoco, and not far from the Mouth of it; being a place, by the advantage of a Rock, which it hath on the one side of it, of great strength and very difficult access; the Air about it sound, and said to be very agreeable to English Bodies. 2. Gomaribo, a Colony formerly of the Dutch, on the North-West side of the Bay of Wiapoco, but since deserted by them. 3. Woyemon. 4. Crewinay, both of them Towns of the Natives, not far distant from the other.

[Sidenote: Orinoque.]

Orinoque, or the third Division of this Province, comprehendeth the most Northerly parts of Guiana, lying upon, or towards the Banks of this famous River: a Countrey likewise reported to be very rich, and comparable to Peru it self for hidden Treasure, which, they say, is not yet discover’d, onely for want of diligent and industrious searching. The Places in it already known are onely 1. Coniolaba, as they call it, which seems to be some Town of the Natives, lying a few Leagues distant from the Orinoque, towards the South. 2. Morequito, a known Port or Haven-Town upon a Branch of the Orinoque, much frequented, and of great use to the English when they discover’d these Coasts. 3. Wenicapora: and 4. St Thomas, the onely Town which the Spaniards hold upon this part of the Continent, situate upon the principal Channel of the Orinoque, and consisting of two hundred Families, or thereabouts: It is now a fortifi’d Place, and was taken by Sir Walter Raleigh, in that unfortunate Action of 1617. above related more at large.

[Sidenote: Islands belonging to Guiana.]

The Islands that belong to, and are commonly reckon’d as parts of Guiana, are either such as lie scatter’d about the Shore of the Province, or such as are found at the Mouth, and sometime far within the Channel of those great Rivers, which empty themselves at several parts of this Countrey into the Sea, viz. Orinoque, Wiapoco, Rio de las Amazones, &c. There are many of them, but of any great name or esteem, onely two, viz. Trinidado and Tabago, the Description whereof we shall here omit, as having already taken notice of them amongst the Sotaventi and Caribbee Islands.

CHAP. IX. Paria, or New Andalusia.

[Sidenote: Situation and Description of Nova Andalusia.]

VVestward of Guiana lieth the Countrey of Paria, so call’d from its chief River: It hath also the Denomination of New Andalusia, but for what resemblance with Andalusia of Old Spain, they do not tell us.

This Countrey lying as it doth, brings us back again by the Eastern Coast to the Isthmus or Strait, which, as we have often said, joyns the two parts of the Continent of America together, at least to those Countreys that lie next upon it to the South, viz. the Kingdom of Granada, &c. It hath on the East Guiana, and those Islands which lie about the Mouth of Orinoque; on the West, the Gulf or Bay of Venezuela, with some part of the new Kingdom abovesaid; on the North it is wash’d with the Atlantick Ocean; and on the South hath some Countreys yet undiscover’d, toward the Andes. The whole consisteth partly of Continent, and partly of Islands near adjoyning to it, and is commonly divided into five several Precincts or Parts, which are 1. Cumana. 2: Venezuela, being upon the Continent, 3. Margareta. 4. Cubagua, two Islands above-mention’d, famous for Pearl-fishing; and lastly, some lesser islands.

SECT. II. Cumana.

[Sidenote: Bounds and Description of Cumana.]

Cumana is bounded Eastward with the Gulf of Paria and the River Orinoque; on the West, with Venezuela; Northward it hath the Atlantick; and on the South, those undiscover’d Countreys above mention’d; extending along the Northern Ocean, over against Margareta two hundred Leagues or more, as some say, in length, and not much less than a hundred in breadth.

The Coast of this Countrey, as well as of the Islands Margareta and Cabagua, hath formerly been much fam’d for the rich Trade of Pearls and Pearl-fishing; which failing, its principal esteem now is for an excellent Vein of Salt, which they dig here as out of a Mine, and gather it naturally made ready to their Hands, not half a Mile from the Sea side, on the back side of the Promontory or Cape, by some call’d Punto de Araya, and by others for this reason Cape de Salinas.

[Sidenote: Towns and Places of note.]

Places of chiefest consideration here, are 1. Cumana it self, a Colony of Spaniards seated on the Banks of a little River two Miles distant from the Sea, where it hath a good Harbor.

2. St. Jago, a very strong Fortress, which the Spaniards of late years have built, for the defence and security of the Salt-works against the Dutch, who began to Trade much that way, and in the Year 1622. had a Design to have made themselves Masters of the Place.

3. St. Michael de Neveri, another Fortress of theirs, standing upon a River bearing the same Name.

4. Guaniba, a Town of the Natives.

This Countrey of Cumana, being generally infested with terrible Crocodiles, hath a large Inlet call’d Cariaco, which flows fourteen Leagues into the Countrey.

[Sidenote: Manners and Customs of the People.]

The Men of this Countrey wear Cotton Cloaks, and anointing their Bodies with Gum, stick the same full of Feathers.

When they go to Wars, or to a general Feast, then they shave their Hair off above their Ears, pull out their Beards, and black their Teeth with a certain Herb.

Their Princes and Grandees take as many Wives as they please, and give to those of their Guests whom they intend most to oblige, their choice of the fairest of them to lie with.

Whoring is accounted no shame, except amongst Marry’d Women, who generally live very Chaste, unless their Husbands consent to their Adultery.

The Women also Hunt, Fish, Shoot, and Swim, and are diligent in Tilling their Lands, and other Houshold Affairs. Most of them have sore Eyes, occasion’d not so much (as some wrongfully suppose) by their drinking of the Water out of the Stream Cumana, but proceeding rather from their unwholsom Food, as Spiders, and the like.

Amongst the several sorts of Trees that grow here, there are some that yield a white well scented Gum, or delicious Juice like Milk, and produce a Fruit not unlike a Mulberry, which may be boyl’d to an excellent Syrrup; the Wood also strikes Fire: There are others, whose Timber is good for Shipping.

The Soil also produces Cassia-Fistula, Roses, and other strong smelling Flowers and Herbs.

[Sidenote: Beasts.]

For Beasts, besides Lyons, Tygers, and wild Hogs, there are several strange kinds here, as the Cappa, which is bigger than an Ass, having shaggy and black Hair; it runs away from Mankind, but devours whatsoever else it meets with.

The Aranata, which hath a Goats Beard, and is of the bigness of a Greyhound; it howls very dreadfully, and feeds on Fruits.

The wild Cats which breed here, leap, though great with Young, from one Tree to another.

In the Evening a Beast like a lean Dog comes to their Huts, cries like a Child, and devours all those it meets abroad; wherefore every one that goes out in the Night carries a lighted Stick with him, for this Beast dreads the sight of Fire.

The Trees give Harbor to great numbers of Parrots, and other fine Feather’d Birds.

The Bats here are very large and hurtful, sucking the Blood from Men and Beasts.

The Muschito’s also do very much plague and vex the Inhabitants.

The Spiders, much bigger than those of Europe, and of divers colours, make very strong Cobwebs.

Along the Sea-Coast, and in the Rivers is plenty of delicious Fish.

[Sidenote: Dominicans put to death by the Natives.]

[Sidenote: Alonzo de Ojeda slain by Gonzales.]

Anno 1513. two Dominican Fryers went over from Terra Fiona to Cumana, where the Natives kindly Entertain’d them, till a Spanish Ship Anchoring there for the Pearl-Trade, carry’d away by violence the Governor and seventeen of his Servants; whereupon the Natives threatned, that unless their Lord was restor’d, they would put the two Dominicans to death; the Spaniards promising restauration of him in four Moneths time, inform’d the Council at Hispaniola of it, who not consenting to his Releasement, the two Monks were, according the former threatning, presently put to death. Yet after this the Franciscans and Dominicans built each of them a Cloyster in the Province of Chiribichi, where they kept friendly Correspondence with the Cumana’s, till Anno 1520. when Alonso de Ojeda coming to an Anchor before Maracapana, under pretence of bartering Maiz for Spanish Goods with the Tagarez, who came about fifty from the Mountains on which they liv’d, being three Leagues up in the Countrey, and brought Maiz down to the Shore, the Spaniards took thirty six of them Prisoners, and kill’d or wounded the rest: Whereupon the Governor Gonzales being complain’d unto by the neighboring Prince Maraguey, and his assistance desir’d in taking Revenge of the Dominicans and Franciscans, who had urg’d and perswaded Ojeda to the fore-mention’d Act, Gonzales hereupon made an Agreement with Maraguey, that he should destroy the Monks, whilest he himself would kill Ojeda, which they accordingly perform’d. The Council in St. Domingo inform’d hereof, immediately sent three Ships, Mann’d with three hundred Men, under the Command of Gonzalvo de Ocampo, who Anchoring in the Haven of Maracapana, feign’d as if he came newly from Spain, and that he knew nothing of the Business between Ojeda and Gonzales, that so he might entice the Natives into his Ship, and accordingly when divers of them came aboard, the Armed Spaniards started from under the Decks, and hung them up at their Yard-arms, burnt the Village Maracapana, and ruin’d the Countrey far and near with Fire and Sword.

[Sidenote: Soto with all his Men destroy’d by the Indians.]

Ocampo also built the Town Toledo, about half a League farther into the Countrey, where the Bishop Bartholomew de las Casas, making his Visitation, commanded Ocampo to forbear his cruelty against the Natives, he having daily either burnt, hang’d, beheaded, or made Slaves of some or other of them. Casas also caus’d a little Fort to be built at the Mouth of the River Cumana, to be near to prevent the inhumane Murders and Oppressions committed by his Countrey-men; but because the Inhabitants of Cubagua bereav’d him of his chief Builder, his Fort was left half unfinish’d; wherefore Casas leaving the Command of this Countrey to Francisco de Soto, went back to Hispaniola, where in St. Domingo he made his Complaints to the High Court of Justice of the Spaniards Cruelties; but being little regarded, he went into the Dominicans Cloyster, till he was call’d out and made Bishop of Chiapa. Mean while Soto, contrary to Casas his order, had fitted out two Ships to Trade along the Coast of Paria; but the Expedition prov’d very unsuccessful, for he and all his Men were destroy’d by the Natives; not without just reason, for the Spaniards (according to the Relation of Casas from an Eye-witness) destroy’d this Countrey after such a manner, that a Ship Sail’d between Lucago and Hispaniola sixty Leagues without any Compass, finding the Way onely by the floating of dead Bodies, thrown out of the Spanish Ships. Moreover, the Prisoners fainting, were set ashore on Hispaniola, and divided into Companies, each Company consisting of twenty; Parents separated from their Children, and Husbands from their Wives, and Lots cast for them: those that had either sick, decrepid, or old People fall to their share, us’d to cry (as Casas testifies he hath often heard,) What do I do with this sick, decrepid old Dog? give him to the Devil; I will not put my self to the trouble to kill and bury him.

But Soto’s Death was not left unreveng’d; for not long after Jacob Castellon setting Sail from St. Domingo, left several Companies on Cubagua, to re-build the Town Cadiz, and rais’d a Fort at the Mouth of Cumana, which hath ever since been kept by the Spaniards, who made great slaughter amongst the Natives.

[Sidenote: Hieronymo Ortall deserted by his Men.]

Hieronymo Ortall Sailing up the Stream Negeri, sent his Lieutenant Augustine Delgado through the populous Provinces Guacharuco and Parimatuotu to the River Unare, where, not without a sharp Conflict, he took abundance of Provisions in a Village. In the mean time Ortall travell’d to Meta, acting inhumane Cruelties all the way; but approaching Guiana (where Delgado was kill’d) he was deserted by his mutinous Men, who ran over to Nicholas Federman; so that he was forc’d to return back to the new Fort Miguel de Neveri, and from thence to St. Domingo with ten Soldiers, fearing that Antonio Sedenno (who judg’d himself wrong’d by Ortall, because Cumana belong’d to his Lordship) would fall upon him.

Sedenno being five hundred Men strong discover’d the Sea-Coast all along to Patigutaro; where Setling himself, he regarded no Discipline; which the Natives observing, kill’d many a Spaniard, and others the Tygers also devour’d, especially in the Night, they being forc’d to keep lighted Fires about them against the wild Beasts.

[Sidenote: The Death of Sedenno and Juan Fernandez.]

About the beginning of the Year 1537. Sedenno travell’d to the Countrey Anapuya and Orocomay, to the Province Goioguaney, where the Inhabitants defended themselves very valiantly in a woodden Fort, before which many Spaniards were kill’d with poyson’d Arrows, and those who were not mortally wounded, had no way to escape but by burning the Poyson out with hot Irons; yet at last the Defendants were forc’d to flie with their Wives and Children up to the Mountains, overgrown with Brambles. Sedenno marching through barren Fields, and over troublesom Rivers, came to the mountainous Countrey Catapararo, where he found abundance of Maiz, and some little pieces of Gold, and was advanc’d about a League and a half in Cumana, when dying, he made room for his Successor Juan Fernandez, who surviv’d him not long; yet the Expedition was not left unprosecuted: for Sedenno’s Men, after the Decease of him and Fernandez, went farther, and discover’d a low Land, which in the Winter being overflow’d, forc’d the Inhabitants to remove to the Mountains: But at last the Spaniards, being weary with travelling, fell out amongst themselves, and dividing into several Parties, went several ways, some to Venezuela, others to Maracapana, and the rest to Cubagua.

SECT. III. Venezuela.

[Sidenote: Situation and Description of Venezuela.]

[Sidenote: Towns and principal Places of Venezuela.]

The principal part of the Province of Venezuela is border’d on the East with Cumana; on the West, with a great Gulf or Bay, call’d The Bay of Venezuela, with the Lake Maracabo, and some part of New Granada; Northward it hath the Ocean, or Atlantick Sea; Southward, some undiscover’d Countreys, which, as we said, lie betwixt the Andes and it. It stretches out in length from East to West, a hundred and thirty Leagues, or thereabouts, but in breadth little more than half so much; it was nam’d Venezuela, or Little Venice, by Alonso de Ojeda, a Spaniard, who at his first discovery of the Countrey fell upon a Town of the Natives, which stood like another Venice, all upon the Water, and having no passage to it but by Boats. It is a Countrey extraordinary rich in all sorts of Commodities, affords good Pasture for Cattel, and abundance of fair Herds of them, Oxen, Sheep, Swine, &c. plenty of Corn, and other Grain, great store of Venison in the Woods, of Fish in the Rivers, Gold in the Mines, and therefore not likely but to be well peopled and inhabited, especially by the Spaniards, whose Towns and Places of chief importance are these, 1. Venezuela, at the most Westerly Confines of the Countrey, built upon the Sea, with the advantage of a double Haven, in a temperate and good Air, and the Soil round about it the best in the whole Province: It is now a Bishop’s See, who is Suffragan to the Arch-bishop in Hispaniola, and the ordinary Residence of the Governor.

2. Caravalleda, call’d by the Spaniards, Nuestra Sennora de Caravalleda, fourscore Leagues distant from Venezuela towards the East, upon the Sea.

3. St. Jago de Leon, in the Countrey of Caracas, four or five Leagues Southward of Caravalleda, and six or seven distant from the Sea.

4. New Valentia, twenty five Leagues distant from St. Jago.

5. New Xeres, a Town but lately built, fifteen Leagues Southward of New Valentia.

6. New Segovia, but one League distant from Xeres.

7. Tucuyo, a Place well known and frequented, for the abundance of Sugar that is made there, and in the Countrey round about it.

8. Truxillo, or Our Lady de la Paz, eighteen Leagues Southward of the Lake Maracabo, a Place of great resort, and much frequented for Trade both by Spaniards and Natives.

9. Laguna, a Town lying more towards the bottom of the Lake, said to be much haunted with Tygers; and more than this, not much is said of it.

According to the ancient Division of the Natives, this Province contains the Countreys Curiana, Cuycas, Caracas, Bariquicemeto, Tucuyo, and Carora; in which there are estimated to be about a hundred thousand Inhabitants that pay Taxes; which Charge, according to a Law made at the Spanish Court, all Men above fifty, and Youth under eighteen, are freed from: yet this Countrey had formerly much more People, great numbers of them being destroy’d by the Germans, Anno 1529. for the Bishop Bartholomeus de las Casas relates, That above fifty hundred thousand of the Inhabitants were kill’d by them; nay, they rooted out whole Countreys, notwithstanding the Natives were ready to Entertain them with all Civility imaginable; the Particulars of the Story are as followeth:

[Sidenote: The Expedition of Alfinger and Sayltar to Venezuela.]

[Sidenote: Alfinger’s horrid Cruelties upon the Natives.]

When the Emperor Charles the Fifth Marry’d with Isabella, Daughter to the King of Portugal, Anno 1526. the Welsares, being Dutch Gentlemen in Augsburgh, made an Agreement with him for a Sum of Money, to Conquer Venezuela; whither they sent Ambrosius Alfinger, and Bartholomeus Sayltar, with four hundred Foot and eighty Horse: These Forces Landing at Venezuela, drove away Juan de Ampues, who Sailing from St. Domingo thither, had discover’d the Coast along Coriano, and already made an Agreement with a mighty Prince of that Countrey, call’d Manaure. But Alfinger marching to the Lake Maracabo, destroy’d all the Inhabitants of the Countrey Axaguas, though they came to meet him Dancing, with rich Presents of Gold; which he not regarding, kill’d them, drove some into a House, and there cut them in pieces, and burnt those that were got upon the Roof. From hence going towards the Pocabuyes, who dwelt on the West side of Maracabo, amongst high Mountains, he was Entertain’d by them a considerable time very courteously, and Presented with rich Gifts, for which at his departure he shut up both Men, Women, and Children, into a high Wall’d Park, where they were all to perish, if they did not every one pay a certain quantity of Gold to be releas’d, which not being able to raise, they all dy’d for want of Food. After the same manner he dealt with the neighboring People Alcoholados, of whom he got much Gold, but not without unheard of Cruelties, for he burnt all their Villages and Houses, ruin’d the Countrey with Fire and Sword from Thamaleque to the River Lebrixa, carry’d away many of the Natives coupled together with Chains about their Necks, and each of them loaded with at least a hundred pound weight of pillag’d Goods; and as soon as any of them began to faint under their Burthens for want of refreshment, their Heads were immediately cut off. But Alfinger coming to certain cold Mountains, was resisted by a valiant People; in which Conflict he receiv’d a Wound, of which he dy’d at his return to Coro, Anno 1532. Upon which the Welsares sent John Aleman to succeed him; but he also dying, made place for George de Espoira, and Nicholas Federman, of which two Espoira being the chief, spent three years in ranging up and down the Countrey, without any remarkable Transactions, being continually at variance with his Lieutenant Federman.

The afore-mention’d City Venezuela, otherwise call’d Caro, and by the Natives Corana, was, Anno 1559. taken and burnt by the English.

[Sidenote: The Provinces Paragoana and Bariquicemeto.]

Northward from the City, the Promontory St. Roman, in the Province of Paragoana, runs into the Sea, opposite to the Islands Aruba and Quuracao.

The Countrey Paragoana is low and full of Venison; out of the middle of it rises a high Mountain, the Inhabitants whereof are very hospitable and courteous.

The Lyons that breed in this Countrey run away from Men; but on the contrary, the Tygers are exceeding cruel.

From Coro there leads a Way up into the Countrey over the Mountain Xizaezaras, to the Province Bariquicemeto.

Between both these Provinces very fruitful Valleys, which produce Maiz in great abundance, are surrounded by wooddy Mountains, inhabited by Man-eaters, call’d Axaguas.

[Sidenote: Segovia built by Juan de Villegas.]

Anno 1552. Juan de Villegas discovering the Province Tucuyo, he found several rich Gold-Mines near the Mountain Pedro, out of which springs the River Burio. Near this place he built the Town Segovia, which, by reason of the unwholsom Air, was soon after transplanted, and built on the Shore of the River Bariquicemeto, so call’d, because the Water when touch’d, turns to an Ash-colour. The Plain Countrey round about would be intolerable hot, did not the cool Winds that blow from the Mountains temper the same.

[Sidenote: The Natives of the Province Bariquicemeto, their manner of living.]

The Natives divided into Tribes that understand not one another, live on Callibashes, Deers-flesh, Rabbets, and the Juice of the Cocuy.

In the Rivers Hacarigua and Boraute, they throw the stamp’d Root Barbasco, which causes the Fish to appear above the Water, and suffer themselves to be caught with the Hand.

In the Summer they all store themselves with Venison, which they catch after this manner: They set the dry Bushes and Brambles on fire, which makes the wild Hogs, Goats, Deer, Armadillo’s, Tygers, the great Serpents Bobas, and other wild Creatures, to leap forth from their Holes and Receptacles to shun the same, whilest the Hunters standing ready with their Bowes and Arrows, seldom miss one of them.

In the hollow Trees near the Rivers, the Bees make abundance of Honey for them.

Most of the Rivers here fall into the Stream Huriapari, which glides from the Peruvian Mountains to the Northern Ocean.

The Province Chioas produces plenty of Gold.

[Sidenote: Also of the Natives about Segovia.]

The Natives about Segovia go naked, are very ignorant, and much addicted to Drunkenness; in which humor they kill one another: They live without care, feeding on Roots till their Maiz is ripe, which in some places comes to its full maturity in forty days time, and in others in three Moneths.

Close by Segovia glides the Rivulet Claro, whose clear Water goes but a small Course from its Fountain Head, before it sinks into the Ground; in the Summer it is very high, and in the Winter almost destitute of Water.

[Sidenote: The Commodities of the Countrey hereabouts.]

This Countrey breeds all sorts of Fowls, but especially Quails and Turtle-Doves.

Cattel, Sheep, Goats and Hogs, increase wonderfully here, insomuch that many of them are driven to be sold at New Granada.

The Cotton-Clothes that are woven here, also turn to a good account.

From Segovia runs a Way through a Valley twelve Leagues long, to the Town Tucuyo, which stands low, but in a healthful Climate, and surrounded with Mountains.

The Countrey hereabouts produces plenty of Corn, Pot-herbs, Sugar, and Cotton; and feeds Oxen, Cowes, Horses, Sheep, Deer, and Goats, to which the Tygers and Lyons do great mischief.

Here are Gold-Mines, but they are not open’d by reason of the great want of Men.

There is likewise plenty of the Bezoar-Stones to be had here.

The Cuycas, in whose Countrey stands the Town Truxillo, are a valiant, but very cruel People.

The Lake Maracabo, running forty Leagues up into the Countrey, is ten Leagues broad, Ebbs and Flows, and feeds the great Fish Manati.

Westward dwell the Pocabuyes, and Alcoholados, both quiet and rich People.

[Sidenote: The Province Xuruara.]

The Province Xuruara lies towards the South behind high Mountains, inhabited by the valiant Coromochos; and towards the North from Xuruara, the Bobures, hard by the City Merida; the Countrey about which is unhealthful and Morassy, and the Inhabitants exceedingly plagu’d by the Muschito’s.

[Sidenote: Havens of Venezuela.]

The Haven Maracapana is the best in Venezuela, and lies in the Eastern part of the Province, where the Mountains are inhabited by the wild Chiugotos, who kill and eat all the Spaniards they can get.

The other Havens Westward, not comparable to Maracapana, are Flechado, Sardinas, and Burburute, where some Spanish Families have a Salt-pit.

[Sidenote: Islands and Promontories.]

Six Leagues up in the Countrey you come to the fresh Lake Tocarigua, full of little inhabited Isles; the People whereof live quietly, and barter Gold.

Towards the North-West the Ocean makes the great Inlet Triste, before which lies the Island Bonaire, very full of Cattel, and on each side appear the Aves and Quaraco, which abound with Fowl.

The Promontory St. Roman runs twenty Leagues into the Sea, and the Cape Coquibocoa extends farther. Between both these runs the Channel of Venezuela, which touches the Lake Maracapabo.

Before Coquibocoa are seen the four low Islands Monjes, with white sandy Creeks, and full of Trees: out of the middlemost rises a high Mountain.

On the Main Continent also the Mountains De Azieyto appear with scraggy tops beyond the Point: And the Bay Honda affords a safe Road.

The Cape De la Vela hath on one side the Inlet Portete, and on the other, the Villages Rancheria and Nostra Sennora de los Remedios; between both which runs the Stream La Hacha.

The German Commander, Nicholas Federman, intended to have built a City on Cape Vela, Anno 1535. but finding the Ground too low and unfruitful, the Pearls hereabouts very small, and the Natives living onely on Fish and wild Herbs, he chang’d his Resolution.

SECT. IV. The Islands Margareta, Cubagua, and Coche.

Notwithstanding we have already spoken something of the Islands Margareta, and Cubagua, in regard they are by some reckon’d amongst the Isles of Northern America; yet because they are by many accounted to make up a part of the Division of New Andalusia, we shall add in this place what we have found most worthy of Re-mention, though much to the same purpose as before.

The Island Margareta, discover’d by Christopher Columbus, Anno 1498. contains thirty two Leagues in circumference, hath many Woods and Pastures, yet little fresh Water. To the Eastward of it lie the Cliffs Testigos, where it is very mountainous, as also on the East. Round about the same are delicious Fish, without which the Natives could not live, because the brackish Soil produces but little Provision.

[Sidenote: The Pearl-Fishing of Margareta.]

The chiefest thing for which this Island Margareta is famous, is the Pearl-Fishing, for which in times past a great Trade was driven, though of late it is come to little or nothing. The Spaniards, with inhumane cruelty, taught the Negro’s to Dive for the Pearls, for those that were not nimble or dextrous enough, they beat unmercifully, dropt scalding Wax or scalding Oyl upon them, or stigmatiz’d them with hot Irons. The Pearl-Banks were cover’d with five, six, seven, or eight Fathom Water; from whence the Negro’s pull’d the Oysters with such force, that the Blood gush’d out of their Mouths and Noses when they came above Water to breath; after which, to refresh them, they receiv’d a Glass of Wine and a Pipe of Tobacco. The Spanish Kiay receiv’d a fifth part of the best Pearls that were taken here; but whether the Oysters have forsaken this Place, or their growth hinder’d by often Fishing for them, we know not, but however it is, few Pearls are found here of late years, which makes Margareta to be more and more deserted.

[Sidenote: The Nature of the Island of Cubagua.]

Between the Main Continent of Paria lie the Islands Cubagua and Coche; the first whereof hath an unfruitful and sultry Soil, without either Trees, Birds, and four-footed Beasts, except Pock-Wood, Sea-Fowls, or Parrots; and Castilian Hogs being carry’d thither, change their Nature strangely; for in a short time their Claws grow long and crooked.

[Sidenote: The City Nova Cadiz built there, but at length totally deserted.]

The King of Spain us’d formerly to receive fifteen thousand Ducats yearly for his fifth part of the Pearls that were taken; which Gain invited many thither, who built the Town Nova Cadiz on Cubagua in the Year 1521. but when the Arayans demolish’d the Monks Cloyster on Paria, the Spaniards, being three hundred in number, fled from Nova Cadiz to Hispaniola, where the High Court, displeas’d at their cowardly deserting the Place, gave them but cool Entertainment, and sent five Ships under the Command of Jacomo de Castellan to Cubagua, to build new Store-houses in Nova Cadiz, which was afterwards re-inhabited; but when the Pearl-Fishing ceased, the Island and Town was at once deserted.

Opposite to Margareta lies the Promontory Araya, behind which lies a salt Lake, in which is found abundance of Salt, not onely above, but under the Water; with which the English, Spanish, and Dutch Ships are fraighted.

[Sidenote: Du Verne’s Description of the Salt-pans on Araya.]

Isaac du Verne describes the Salt-pans on Araya thus: “Round about the same (saith he) the Ground is craggy, barren, and of a brackish taste, and destitute of fresh Water, which is therefore fetch’d three Leagues farther out of a Brook, flowing from the Mountain Bordones into the Bay of Comena; likewise all manner of Provisions are brought from other Parts. Westward from the Point Araya there is a convenient Harbor where the Ships take in their Salt. Three hundred Paces from the Shore lies a great Salt-pan, where the Salt being first beat in pieces, is carry’d in Wheel-barrows to the Ships. The little Salt-pan produces less Salt, and lies also out of the way, which makes few Ships take in their Lading from thence.”

The Countrey is every where overgrown with Brambles and Bushes, in which breed Tygers and very poysonous Serpents. There are likewise abundance of Stags, Bucks, Hares, and Coneys, besides other strange Beasts.

[Sidenote: The Netherlanders beaten out of their Salt-Trade here by the Spaniards.]

Till Anno 1605. the Netherlanders came hither unmolested for Salt, when eight Spanish Gallions falling unawares upon them, strangely misus’d their Seamen; but afterwards the United Netherlands having made an Agreement with Spain for a certain time, renew’d their Trade to Araya, till the King of Spain, having for the better security of the Place, built the Fort St. Jago, which Commanded the great Salt-pan, forbad the Netherlanders from lading any more Salt; who thereupon Storm’d the Fort, though to their cost, for several of them were kill’d, and the rest return’d home empty.

SECT. V. Of the Islands of Southern America.

The chiefest islands of note in the Southern part of America, that is to say, those that lie remote from the Continent in Mare del Zur, are Los Ladrones, and the Islands Fernandinas; for the rest being, as we may call them, Mediterranean Islands, fall naturally under the Description of the Continent.

[Sidenote: The Isles Los Ladrones.]

1. Los Ladrones, in English, The Islands of Thieves, lie as it were in the mid-way betwixt the Main Land of America and the Philippine Islands, but some hundreds of Leagues distant from either, in the fourth Degree of Northern Latitude; so nam’d by Ferdinand Magellan, from the pilfering disposition he observ’d in the Natives, when he Sail’d that way for the Moluccæ Islands. They were a nimble and active sort of People, yet light-finger’d, tall of stature, and going for the most part naked, excellent Swimmers and Divers, and have not much more to be said in their commendation.

[Sidenote: The Isles Fernandinæ.]

2. The Fernandinæ are onely two Islands of no great bigness, lying over against the Coast of Chile, in the three and thirtieth Degree of Southern Latitude, and about a hundred Leagues, or three hundred English Miles from the Continent, yet well stor’d with some lesser sorts of Cattel, as Goats, &c. good plenty likewise of Venison in the Woods, and Fish upon the Coasts; for which reason, though lying at some distance, yet are they not a little frequented by the Spaniards of Peru, who find many good Harbors and Roads for Shipping belonging to, and about these Islands.

An Appendix,

CONTAINING

Partly a farther prosecution of the Descriptions of some Provinces already treated of in the foregoing Book, partly an Account of some other Discoveries than what have hitherto been deliver’d in any Description of the NEW WORLD.

CHAP. I. Rio de la Plata.

The River De la Plata, by the Natives call’d Paranaguazu, is next to the River of the Amazones, the greatest in the World, and falls into the Northern Ocean between the Capes Antonio and Maria, lying thirty Leagues one from another: It receives from East and West divers Rivers as far as the Lake Xarays, lying three hundred Leagues up in the Countrey from the Mouth of La Plata. Also into the fore-mention’d Lake fall several Streams, which spring out of the Peruvian Mountains Andes.

The first that Sail’d into this great River, Anno 1515. to an Island lying in the middle of it, was John Dias de Solis, who rashly going ashore, was kill’d and eaten, together with several Portugueses.

[Sidenote: Sebastian Gabottus his Expedition.]

Eleven years after this Accident, Sebastian Gabottus set Sail from Spain to go to the Spicy Islands through the Straights of Magellan, but was forc’d, for want of Provisions, and the unwillingness of his Seamen, to put into the River La Plata; in which being advanc’d thirty Leagues, he Anchor’d near an Island, which he call’d St. Gabriel: from whence going seven farther, he discover’d a Stream which fell into La Plata. This River he call’d St. Salvador, and cast up a Fort at the Mouth of it, where an Inlet afforded a convenient Harbor for Shipping; he found the River La Plata to be generally ten Leagues broad, and full of Isles; and to the Westward of it, the River Zaracaranna, inhabited on the South side by a subtil People call’d Diagnitas. At the place where Zaracaranna disembogues into La Plata he built a Castle, and calling the same Castello di Santo Spirito, went up farther, leaving on the West side the People Tenbues, Mequaretas, Mepenes, and Aigais; to the Eastward, the Quiloacas and Santana, and struck up out of the River La Plata, North-East into the Stream Parana, in which he had gone, two hundred Leagues, and pass’d by many Isles, when he went out of the same into the Stream Paraguay; where being set upon by the Countrey People, who were busie in Tilling the Ground, he lost so many of his Men, that he was forc’d, without any farther Exploit, to return with the Portuguese Pilot, Diego Garcia, who Sailing up the same River, had met with Gabottus in Paria; and because both had gotten some Silver, they call’d the River, from that Metal, De la Plata. The farther Discovery whereof lay neglected nine years after, when Peter Mendoza Sailing with eleven Ships, carrying eight hundred Men, to the Island Gabriel, built the Fort Buenos Ayres, on the South side of it, where many People dying of Hunger, little was done.

Alvares Cabeca not long after following Mendoza’s footsteps, discover’d and peopled the Province Rio de la Plata. The Mouth of the River La Plata Laurence Bikker describes thus:

[Sidenote: Laurence Bikker’s Description of Rio de la Plata.]

“Beyond the Cape Santa Maria (saith he) lies the flat Island Castilhos, having scarce a Tree upon it; but on the North side a Rock, not unlike a decay’d Castle; to the Southward of which appear two other Cliffs; directly before the Mouth lies the stonie Island De Lobos, on which nothing is to be found but Sea-Wolves; towards the East a stonie Bank runs a good way into the River, known by the breaking of the Water upon the same.”

The Promontory Maria is low and barren, but within the same the Land rises high before the Isles Flores and Maldonado, which last hath a good sandy Shore, Harbor, and fresh Water between the Rocks; but Flores rising with two Hills, produces nothing but Brambles.

The Stream Solis also discharges its Waters in La Plata, near the Place where the Mountain Seredo lies.

The left Shore of La Plata begins at the Promontory Antonio, and is cut through by the Rivers Ortis and Los Sanctos, where the Town Buenos Ayres is built on a smooth Shore.

[Sidenote: Martin del Barco’s Description of the same.]

Martin del Barco proceeding in the Description of La Plata, saith that it is dangerous by reason of the many Shelves that are in the same. The Isles in the River are as followeth: those that bear the Name of St. Gabriel are five in number; Garcia Isle is full of Trees, and for its fertility was peopled by Peter de Mendoza, and afterwards by Juan Ortiz Carate: But less fruitful are the Isles De Lazaro, where the River Vrayg unites with La Plata, being before fill’d with the Waters of Salvador, which receives the black Stream Negro, which gliding slowly from Morasses, is very full of Fish. Moreover, La Plata hath eleven Arms, each very deep and full of Isles, inhabited by the Guaranins.

About a hundred Leagues farther the Cherandies have setled themselves on pleasant Isles, lying not far from the City St. Fe, built on the Point which makes the River Bermeio, where it falls into La Plata.

Farther up lies the Province Ana, partly well inhabited for its fertility, and partly overflow’d.

Next appears the Rock Pennapobre, and not far from the Town Guayra, La Plata falls very high from the Rocks.

[Sidenote: The several People of this Countrey.]

But as concerning the Natives of this Countrey, it is inhabited by divers sorts of People, differing from one another both in Customs and Language. On the South side of the fore-mention’d River, from the Promontory Antonio to Buenos Ayres, dwell the Quirandies, a stout, but cruel People, who with the Flesh of many a Spaniard oftentimes keep a merry Feast. Farther into the Countrey run the Juries and Diagnitas. Along La Plata lie also scatter’d the Tenbues, a civil People, who live by Fishing. Near the River Paraguay the Ameguaes observe the same manner of Life; But the Carioes keep Cattel, and Till their Lands. A hundred Leagues farther dwell the Payaguaes; and yet farther into the Countrey the Chames and Carcares possess much Gold and Silver, with which Juan d’ Ayola having enrich’d himself here, was destroy’d with all his Men by the Chames, Anno 1541.

[Sidenote: Nunnez Cabeca his Journey.]

Alvarez Nunnez Cabeca came from Spain to be Governor here, but was not able, by reason of contrary Winds and Tydes to reach La Plata; wherefore Landing at the River Itabucu, and spending nine days in cutting a Way through thick Brambles, he came to the Jurisdiction of Armiriri, and a days Journey farther to Cipoyay; and not long after to Tocanguazu, where the Guaranies, who are the Natives, have two Harvests every year of Maiz and Cassavi, and breed and keep Geese, Hens and Parrots in their Houses: They are Man-eaters, and very revengeful. Cabeca having given this Countrey the Name of Vera, he proceeded on his Journey over the Rivers Ignazu, Tibagi, and Taquari, on whose Shore appears the Village Abangobi, and somewhat farther Tocanguzir. The Countrey hereabouts is very fruitful, and hath many delightful Plains, pleasant Rivers, and Woods; but beyond appear Hills, Mountains, deep Morasses, dangerous Cane-Fields, Receptacles for wild Beasts, and great Wildernesses. Cabeca having pass’d through them all, came into the fruitful Countrey of the Guaranies, who are a wild People, and possess many large Fields of Maiz and Potato’s, also several Silver Mines. From hence travelling Westwardly over the River Piqueri, he spent eighteen days before he came to the Stream Ignazu, which falls into the Parana, and at last came to the River Paraguay; along whose Shore he found a People of a gigantick Stature, call’d The Agazes, who regarded no manner of Husbandry, but went out continually a robbing in their Canoos. These People, as Martin del Barco relates, were not long after all destroy’d by the Spaniards.

Not far from the Agazes dwell the Guaycurues, a valiant People; and somewhat farther the Cacoves, whose Countrey produces Gold and Silver; and yet farther in the Countrey reside the Guaxarapos, who remove yearly to the Paraguay to Fish there when the Water is low; for in the beginning of January the River swells so exceedingly, that the Countrey about it being overflow’d, is cover’d with above six Fathom Water. The Paraguay discharges its Waters into the great Lake Xarayes, full of Islands.

Amongst other Rivers that spring out of the Mountains Andes, the Ignazu, along whose Shore the People Xacoaes, Xaquesses, and Chanesses dwell, falls also into the foremention’d Lake. Somewhat farther lies a great piece of drown’d Land, beyond which the Xarayes have convenient Habitations, plant Maiz, and spin Cotton: Their Countrey borders a great Wilderness, which ends about the Province Tapuaguazu, the Inhabitants whereof, call’d Tarapecocies, are furnish’d with plenty of all sorts of Provisions. The Payzunoes, dwelling on one side of them, are not well known as yet.

Beyond the Town Assumption dwell the Mayaes, in the Way to Peru, and border at the Tamacoaes, both which possess Silver-Mines.

Between Buenos Ayres and Corduba lies the Plain-Countrey Despoplado, ninety Leagues long, without Trees or Houses, but is most Pasture-Ground, which feed many thousands of wild Horses. From hence glide the Streams Luchan, Los Arrechivos, Arreca, Zaracaranna, and others, into La Plata. It is very dangerous for a small Company to travel through this Countrey, because the ranging Furies spare none alive they meet with.

Moreover, the River Grande flows with a wide Mouth into the Sea, and spreads it self within against the Countrey Patos. Also the Rivers Tamandabug, Ararungo, and the Lake Alagoa, disembogue into the Ocean.

North-East beyond Alagoa lie the Islands Catharina and Gale; and in the Bay Tojuqua appear several Isles.

The Streams Tajahu and Ytabuca spring out of high Mountains, inhabited by the People Anniriri and Cipopoy.

Lastly, the Countrey wash’d by the Stream Ararapira, produces all sorts of Provisions.

CHAP. II. Chili.

[Sidenote: The Cammel-Sheep.]

There are in this Countrey both tame and wild Sheep; the tame ones are call’d Cammel-Sheep, being cover’d with long fine Wool, having Necks four Foot long, their fore Feet cloven into four parts, their hindermost into two, their Mouths very wide, which they open at those that vex them, and make such a stink, that no body is able to abide near them; when tir’d, they fall under their Burdens, and will not rise, though beaten never no much: Their Flesh is tough like that of Horses. The wild Mountain-Sheep are red, and have soft glossy Wool, which makes a Stuff like that of a Chamlet: These Sheep run swifter than a Horse; the Chileses lead them by a Rope put through their Ears.

[Sidenote: The Grain Teca.]

This Countrey of Chili not onely produces Wheat, Barley, Maiz, and all manner of Fruit, but also the Teca, which growing half a Yard high, is not unlike Barley; the Grain thereof being dry’d in the Sun, is thresh’d, and parch’d in hot Sand, then ground on a square flat Stone with a round Rowler. This Meal, which is both exceeding wholsom and very nourishing (for a small Measure thereof sufficeth a Man a whole Week,) serves also both for Meat and Drink: for being infus’d in a greater quantity of Water, it becomes a pleasant Drink, and kneaded with a lesser proportion, it is made into Cakes or Loaves.

[Sidenote: The Fruit Unni.]

The Fruit Unni, by the Spaniards call’d Murtilla, is like a little red Grape, and hath a tart taste. The Wine press’d out of this Fruit is clear to the Eye, pleasing to the Palate, and good for the Stomach, never causing any Head-ache: It also makes good Vinegar.

But the chiefest Benefit of Chili is the rich Gold-Mines. The Countrey for the most part lies desolate, occasion’d by the continual Wars which the valiant People Arauco maintain’d against the Spaniards after such a manner, that in no place of America they met with such resistance, or sustain’d such Losses. They speak an elegant Language, according to the testimony of Elias Herkmans, who having committed to Writing all the most significant Words thereof which were taught him by the Chileses, it will not be altogether amiss to set down some of them, which are these following:

A View of the Chilesian Language.

Tepanto, A Year. Tien, A Moneth, or the Moon. Toninco, A Week. Ante, The Day, or Sun. Paun, The Night. Tabuyo, The Evening. Eppoun, The Morning. Rangiante, Noon. Eppoe, The next Day after to Morrow. Vya, Yesterday. Putey, The Day before Yesterday. Buchiante, To Day. Mintay, Now. Weytiva, At that time. Wantarulei, In the Morning betimes. Biliante, Always. Chumel, When. Chemchuem, Also. Hueno, The Heavens. Quereb, The Air or Wind. Tomo, The Clouds. Wangelen, The Stars. Pillan, Thunder. Gualio, Lightning. Puta que quereb, A Storm. Maoni, Rain. Piren, Snow. Veaquumao, Dew. Pillingei, Ice. Quetal, Fire. Ko, Water. Tue, The Earth. Mappo, The Land. Pele, Clay. Cura, Stone. Maviel, Wood. Aluven, Timber. Millia, Gold. Lien, Silver. Paila, Brass. Titi, Tin. Pavillue, Iron. Quatal-cura, A Pebble-stone. Chadi, Salt. Lyl, A Rock. Milla-mappen, A Golden Vein. Aliquen, A Tree. Cahu, Herbs. Nebo, Nuts. Pino, Grass. Cayron, Hay. Wento, A Man. Domo, A Wife. Quiduugen, A Youth. Yecho, A Maiden. Penien, A Boy. Domo-penien, A Girl. Chou, A Father. Nenque, A Mother. Cheche, A Grandfather. Domo-cheche, A Grandmother. Wenco, Mothers Brother. Mama, Mothers Sister. Pelchuchan, A Stepfather. Caulla, A Stepmother. Botum, A Son. Neaque, A Daughter. Penu, A Brother. Lamoen, A Sister. Guempo, A Father-in-law. Vilca, A Mother-in-law. Choupa, A Son-in-law. Weuro-pencho, A Kinsman. Buytha, An old Man. Cude, An old Woman. Cunewa, An Hospital Child. Peneinboe, A Guardian. Apo-curaca, A Governor. Curaca, A Lord. Apo, A supream Commander. Nentoque, A Ruler. Ulmen, A Person of Quality. Pulmen, A Gentleman. Machi, A Chirurgeon. Cona, A Soldier. Retave-caman, A Smith. Guito-wok, A Weaver. Challo-acaman, A Fisher-man. Nilla-caboe, A Merchant. Turnitave, A Dyer. Chumpiro-caman, A Cap-maker. Tultunca-caman, A Drummer. Inchetaniweni, A Servant. Voerquin, A Messenger. Langamcheboe, A Murderer. Chiquiboe, A Thief. Illuiboe, A Beggar. Alvee, The Devil. Ruca, A House. Ullin, A Door. Chaquana, A pair of Stairs. Pylca, A Wall. Wana-ruca, The Roof. Pithe-ruca, A Hut. Colcura, A Cupboard. Cawyto, A Bedstead. Depotuarica, A Prison. Weltelve, A Gibbet. Pengal, A Grave. Lonquen, The Sea. Leva, The River. Buta-wampo, A Ship. Aliwen, A Mast. Mou, Ropes. Dolio, A Canoo. Wampo, A Boat. Vela, Sails. Wyta, An Oar. Tubquen, Ashes. Cuju, A dead Coal. Ale, The Flame. Aypel, A burning Coal. Wietum, Smoak. Catila, a Candle. Wyno, A Knife. Witi, A Spoon. Guidi, A Pot. Lepoboruwe, A Tooth-picker. Pavilla-lonco, An Helmet. Waiqui, A Pike. Pylqui, A Dart. Pulque-tuboi, A Bowe. Tultunca, A Trumpet. Mecane, An Iron Club. Cachal, An Awl. Wita, A Spade. Juisue, A Sieve. Chilca, A Letter. Charavilla, A pair of Breeches. Icha, A Woman’s Garment. Domo-ruida, A Coat. Couchon, A Bag. Pino-chompiro, A Straw Cap. Congi, Food. Cobque, Bread. Nul-cobque, The Crumb. Liquangue, Light. Dumingei, Darkness. Quemeiquen, Dainties. Medda, Pap. Core, Broth. Ilon, Flesh. Cuichalon, Mutton. Wara-ilon, Beef. Chuchi-ilon, Pork. Chuchi-chain, A Gammon of Bacon. Chaditues-ilon, Salt. Caucan, Roast-meat. Avaun, Boyl’d-meat. Puytscha, The Guts. Curam, An Egg. Quecuram, The Yolk of an Egg. Lycuram, The White of an Egg. Iwyn, Butter. Ylu, Milk. Puuloo, Drink, Vino, Wine. Chiche, Beer. Cutan, Pain or Sickness. Aren-cutan, A Feaver. Towongen, The Head. Cancocultano, The Head-ache. Veno-aren, Scabs. Albungien, A Wound. Molbuen, Blood. Touma, A blind Man. Cawinto, A Meal. Colchou, The Small-pox. Wocubu, A wild Beast. Pangy, A Lyon. Naguel, A Tyger. Cuchy, A Swine. Michun, A Calf. Dewe, A Mouse. Waren, A Rat. Twe-dewe, A Mole. Tewa, A Dog. Pulpeo, A Fox. Guetaltuange, A Hare. Noquen, A She-bear. Lame, A Sea-Dog. Lemo-cuchi, A wild Swine. Chumam, A Bear. Puedo, A Sea-Goat. Quelen, A Tail. Chiliweki, A Sheep. Zuneu, a Bird. Lyppe, A Plume. Mepoiinem, A Wing. Dani-inem, A Nest. Achawal, a Hen. Alchahawal, a Cock. Pylken, A Duck. Jeca, A Raven. Guereo, A Magpye. Cogo, A Cuckow. Nullyn, A Bee. Pulli, A Flye. Vulgumusky, The King of Bees. Petar, A Louse. Perem, A Flea. Piro, A Worm. Vilo, A Serpent. Bylcum, A Hedghog. Ponono, A Toad. Challua, A Fish. Cawel, A Dolphin. Iene, A Whale. Vouqui, A Grigg. Vilochalva, An Eel. Chadituel-chalva, Salt-fish. Anquen-chalva, Dry’d-fish. Quinpilon, Oysters. Chapes, Mussles. Coinow, A Crab. Quichiquinchio, a Falcon. Manco, A Crane. Choroi, A Parrot. Pilo, Dead. Hilca, A one-ey’d Person. Topilgen, To squint. Topil, Lame. Poo, A Bough. Kempomamel, Dry Wood. Bopemamel, Wither’d Wood. Nobue, An Acorn. Nido-iwas, A Vineyard. Nidu, A Pole. Vanguen, Strawberries. Couchow, Black-berries. Litue, Toad-stools. Pilun-proque, Plantain. Calicai, Clover-grass. Curi, Stinking Nettles. Pragyn, Flowers. Manen, Seed. Methen, Meal. Chiquelen, To gather. Gueli-vanca, Coral. Kispi, Glass. Cudi, A Milstone. Pel, Mud or Dirt. Tassaquido, A Treasure. Guengu, A Marriage-Portion. Deren-culyn, A Debt. Culyn, A Reward. Willawyn, Single-money. Guyn, One. Eppo, Two. Quila, Three. Meli, Four. Quechu, Five. Cuyn, Six. Regli, Seven. Pura, Eight. Culla, Nine. Maripataco, A hundred. Marama, A thousand. Guiltui, A Kernel. Tapel, Leaves. Nil, The Bark. Pelli, The Smell. Oaliel, The Body. Lai-calel, A dead Corps. Ven, Flesh. Molvin, Blood. Boro, A Leg. Telqui, The Skin. Vel, The Sinews. Ven-molvin, A Vein. Congo, The Head. Tol, The Forehead. Lenglen, The Scull. Lonco, The Hair. Teren-lonco, Grey. Lolo, The Brain. Angen, The Face. Taun, The Jaws. Ne, The Eyes. Tacune, The Members. Denen, The Eye-brows. Ju, The Nose. Peloju, The Nostrils. Merum, Snot. Pilum, The Ears. Oun, A Mouth. Adem, Sweat. Quewen, The Tongue. Melbue, The Lips. Boru, The Teeth. Ilga, The Gums. Bida-bida, The Roof of the Mouth. Cain, Spittle. Mewe, The Throat. Neen, The Breath. Quette, The Chin. Paion, The Beard. Pel, The Neck. Lipan, The Shoulders. Puilpa, An Arm. Cue, A Hand. Mancue, The Right-hand. Melecoe, The Left-hand. Puley-cue, The Palm of the Hand. Changel-cue, The Fingers. Buta-changel, The Thumb. Wili, The Nails. Zevo, The Breast. Moju, The Nipples. Pue, The Belly. Weddo, The Navel. Cadi, The Ribs. Buri, The Back. Anca, The Sides. Quichio, The Buttocks. Penem, A Man’s Genital Parts. Metu, A Womans. Chan, The Thighs. Lucu, The Knees. Metunthoy, The Knee-Bone. Hemum, The Calves. Kamon, The Feet. Pinque, The Heart. Mocun, The Lungs. Que, The Maw. Curique, The Liver. Vaca, The Milt. Quelche, The Guts. Villin, The Bladder. Momay, To Stink. Pelengsley, A Spider. Inche, I. Tubei, He. Eimi, You. Inchen, We. Tecengen-eimen, You People. Liengen, Those People. Emma, So. Muh, No. Pichumei, Hard by. Averlugei, Far. Taymen, Against. Woecun, Without. Compay, Within. Pulon, Below. Wono, Above. Buri, Behind. Junengen, Before. Quelleb, Near. Munai, Enough. Alengei, Too much. Munalai, Too little. Chemibla, Wherefore. Venibla, Therefore. Vei-mai, Let it be so. Wei, These. Temunei, Fair. Woranei, Ugly. Newonei, Strong. Leptungei, Swift. Chouwo, Lazie. Alilonconei, Very wise. Wentannei, Valiant. Queunei, Proud. Culenei, Rich. Cunewal, Poor. Toucou, Foolish. Molgei, Naked. Ilungei, Clothed. Queten, Narrow. Anqueu, Dry. Prequin, Bountiful. Buta, Great. Pichi, Little. Montingei, Fat. Toutau, Lean. Pettun, Colour’d. Queli, Red. Calbu, Blue. Carel, Green. Choot, Yellow. Curi, Black. Lye, White. Nilla-caju, To change. Illawyn, Giving. Tuignei, To be merry. Umatum, Sleeping. Limen, To wake out of Sleep. Bemgne, To Build. Playn, To find. Vangen-lyn, To lose. Necul, To run. Amon, To go. Utalegen, To stand. Jucheleyn, To lie down. Tecanen, To dance. Padenatum, To fall. Utalenen, To rise. Avinge, To sit. Dimgne, To speak. Temelenge, To be silent. Puronge, To Sing. Pylcunge, To call. Quipay, To come. Ien, To eat. Butum, To drink. Mepai, To go to Stool. Willam, To Urine. Cudepain, To play. Locatum, To scold. Mecowyn, To carry. Chuquin, To steal. Guallulueno, To restore. Pelteney, To pay. Lay, To die. Rengalgei, To be buried. Quedau capay, Working. Intunge millo, To dig for Gold. Nilla-teubyn, To sell. Nilla-vin, To buy. Quimli wi tami piel, I cannot understand you. Chu pipaimi, What do you? Champaila, Nothing. Juei pingeimi, What is your Name? Juan pingen, I am call’d John. Cheo ruaimi, Whither do you go? Moppo muruam, I go into the Countrey. Cheo tui mi, From whence came you? Miro comotoun, I came from home. Chumel quipai, tuai mi, When shall you come? Chumel pratuai mi, When shall you go? Ale prungi tamruca, Is your Habitation far from hence? Picherungei, It is hard by. Aleprungei, It is farther. Inchi quiparum camappumu, I intend to go into another Countrey. Chemnibla qui parui cammappumu, Why will you go into another Countrey? Merelya tiva mappumu, Here is no Provision. Aleibelay twachi tipanto, benebliaale geniep ayn, The year hath been unfruitful, and therefore we want. Cheo mappungen tamichau, In what Province dwells your Father? Alu ei ei, The Devil hath fetch’d him away. At eimi ruaju inchio, Will you keep him company? Ailan, No, I will not. Bien, I will. Chuben quecken neieimi tania, Have you any thing to give us to eat? Cancan achawal, Yes, I have roasted Hens. Mu wy, How many? Munalei enchintavia, There will be enough for us. Chuben putuayn, Where shall we Drink? Aile Mangunmeinis, I thank you. Chuben domo trivo, What Woman is this? Inchi tan curi, It is my Wife. Ni nave, My Daughter. Ni domo, My Concubine. Alei teminigei vei domo, It is a handsomWoman. Qua pangnei, Come hither. Amotunge, Run away. Umatuayn, Let us go to Bed. Utajuca, Let us rise. Wira cuchai compay tan mappumu, The Spaniards are fall’n into this Countrey. Quipa waicha laimi, Shall we Fight together? Waiquenagelan, I have no Arms. Ima en pea in Waiqui, Follow me, and I will get Arms. Ali teum inche, I am contented.

The Seamen who went under Hendrick Brewer’s Command, Anno 1643. from Brasile to Chili, brought the fore-mention’d Vocabulary along with them.

Chili is look’d upon as no way inferior to any Countrey in America, enjoying a wholsom Air, fruitful Soil, and abundance of Inhabitants, who often furnish Peru with Provisions; which are the speedier convey’d thither, because the South-Winds always blow along the Coast.

The Peruvian Vice-Roy keeps a Deputy to Govern here. It hath two Bishopricks, viz. St. Jago and L’ Imperial.

[Sidenote: The Nature, Customs, and Manners of the Chileses.]

Some of the Chileses are under the Spaniards Jurisdiction, and live in Huts; others being wilder, defend their Freedom with the Sword. They have great Heads and flat Noses: The Men continually pull out the Hair on their Faces and Privities with Shells, which they carry about their Necks for that purpose, having beforehand rubb’d the Hair with warm Ashes; the Hair of their Heads hanging downwards is cut close as far as their Ears, the rest growing long, is ty’d with the Ribbon Tariwelonco, to which Persons of Quality fix Silver Plates and Turkoises: Some also cover their Heads with the Skins of Weazels, or the like Beasts, putting the Head over their Foreheads, and the Tail down their Neck; which kind of Covering they call Maniewelonco: Others wear Caps made after some strange manner or other.

The Chileses are not the tallest, but strong and well set, betwixt a white and sallow colour: Those that are in the Spaniards Service, wear long Hair, by which they are distinguish’d from the shorn Ucais, who do the Spaniards all the mischief imaginable. The Women are for the most part low of stature, but of a strong Constitution, they go bare-headed, letting their Hair hang loose over their Shoulders, except when they are indispos’d, and then they tie it up: But those that dwell about Castro wear Locks like our English Ladies. In Coquimbo and Loquimbo they go after the same manner as the Peruvian Women: All of them have thick black Hair.

Their Apparel, though mean, is neat: The Men wear wide Breeches girt about their Wastes, and a piece of woollen Cloth, three Yards long and two broad, which having a Hole in the middle, they put over their Heads, and so let it hang on their Shoulders, leaving their Arms and Legs bare; but on Festival Days they wear curious embroider’d Stockings. The Women likewise cover themselves with the same piece of Cloth, but after another manner, tying it first about their Middle, then let it down to the Ground, pinn’d before with Silver or Golden Pins; their Heads, Breasts and Legs are uncover’d; the Cloth it self is strip’d with red, white, blue, and yellow, and fring’d at the edges. For an Example of their quick and easie Labor, Hendrick Brewer relates, That a Woman being Deliver’d in his Ship, within an hour after walk’d up and down the Deck, and gave the Child suck. Some of them have such great Breasts, that throwing them over their Shoulders they suckle their Children, being ty’d at their Backs.

Their Huts being low, are made of Straw, Canes, and Boughs, and not built for one single Family; for often thirty, fifty, a hundred, or a hundred and twenty dwell under one Roof, and have a Governor, by them call’d Caruca.

Their Housholdstuff is little and mean, viz. two or three Cans to keep their Liquor Chica in, Horn Cups, a Stone whereon they grind their Corn, and one or two woodden Stools: The chiefest of them also use Sheep-skins, which they spread on the Ground before their Guests. They live without care, for they neither Sowe nor Plant any more than will serve them a Year.

Their Riches consist in Cattel, of which they have no great plenty.

About the beginning of October a whole Town meets together to Plough and to Sowe, which the Men perform in two days time, the rest of the Work being left to the care of the Women; for the Men never meddle with Reaping or Harvest.

They eat and drink from Morning to Evening, when they do not travel, for then they eat at set-times. Their Liquor is made of Barley-Meal, or Wheat boyl’d in Water. On Festival Days they drink Chica, Brew’d of Maiz chew’d by the Teeth of old Women. They likewise make a Liquor of the Fruit Unni, which tastes like Madera Wine.

[Sidenote: Their Marriages.]

Every Man Marries as many Wives as he can buy and maintain, for Maids and Widows must be sold by the Parents, who set not a Price upon them according to their Beauty or Quality, but their skill in managing Houshold Affairs. Their Marriages are perform’d after a strange manner: A Son having no Inheritance, lives on the Charity of his nearest Relations, who Present him, one with a Hog, another with a Cow, a third with a Sheep, and a fourth with somewhat else: thus enrich’d, he goes to his Mistresses Father, and hangs some Turkoises and Plates of Silver about his Neck, and acquainting him with what Estate he can make his Wife, he agrees as well as he can with his intended Father-in-law, to whom he gives ten, fifty, or a hundred Sheep, Oxen, Cows, Hogs, Horses, Poultrey, a Coat, and some Vessels full of Chica; which done, the Father leads his Daughter to the Bridegroom’s House, where he is Entertain’d with Meat, but finds the Drink at his own Cost. Some days after the Celebration of the Wedding, the nearest Relations come to congratulate the young Marry’d Woman, and at Dinner sing an Epithalamium to their Nuptial Deity Maruapeante, all of them sitting on the Ground on Sheep-skins. The Allies often take away a Woman from her Husband, especially when he misuses her; and if a Man kill his Wife, her Death is reveng’d by her Relations. Persons of Quality build a Hut for every one of their Wives, sending word to her whom they have a mind to enjoy: They respect one above the rest, who are in a manner but Slavesses, being forc’d to do all the Drudgery. The Men are exceeding jealous and chollerick, cruelly beating their Wives, if they chance but to look on another Man; and if they take them in the Act of Adultery, they immediately kill them; yet for all this they are not Chaste, but very Libidinous. As soon as a Woman is Deliver’d of a Child, she washes her self and the Child in cold Water; then kills a Lamb call’d Chiluraque, makes a Feast; at which she her self eats and drinks freely amongst the rest, and the next day goes about her usual Employment.

The Spaniards tell us, that their Women, if they continue long in this Countrey, are more and more hardned by the Air, and are as little concern’d at the Birth of a Child as the Natives.

A Widow hath free leave to Marry again, provided she hath given to her Children part of what she hath; but if she Marry not, but return to her Parents, then she is highly esteem’d of.

Both Men and Women wash themselves in the Rivers in the coldest Weather.

[Sidenote: Their Religion, and manner of burying their Dead.]

They adore chiefly their Deity Pillan, and the Devil, who doth them much hurt. They acknowledge no Resurrection, accounting long Life in this World the greatest Good; wherefore when any one dies, the Friends and Relations make a doleful Cry, and suffer the dead Body to lie three, nay, four Moneths before they bury them, stuffing them full of strong smelling Herbs, to keep them from putrifying: Three days before their Interrment the nearest Allies meet, kill a Sheep, make Merry, and throw the Body into a Hole near the Hut in which the Deceased dwelt, putting also a piece of the slain Sheep, and a Jug full of the Liquor Chica, into the Grave.

Concerning their Idol Pillan, to whom with strange Gestures they Sing divers Songs, they believe that he is a Spirit of the Air, and Governs all things on Earth. Some suppose him to be Thunder, and therefore they worship him in a most particular manner when they hear it Thunder; for then they stick an Arrow and Stone Ax into the Ground, and take Arms into their Hands, putting themselves into a posture as if they should suddenly be set upon by a mighty Enemy, and look’d upon it heretofore as a fore-running of the Spaniards approach, whose Cruelties they exceedingly dreaded.

They call all their Hero’s Pillans, and ascribe Divine powers to them.

They take very much strong Tobacco, the Smoak whereof puffing in the Air with strange Gestures, they cry, Receive this, O Pillan.

[Sidenote: Their cruel usage of Prisoners.]

When they return home Conquerors from any Victory, they put a Stone Ax into the Ground, and standing Arm’d round about the same, Drink exceedingly, and sing a Song in honor of Pillan. They use their Prisoners very cruelly, for forcing them to Dance and make Merry amongst them, they on a sudden cleave their Heads with an Ax, pull their Hearts out of their Bodies, and bite the same with their Teeth. After the same manner they punish their Robbers and Traitors; but those that have good store of Chica to Present the Governors with, escape the Execution: Yet this cannot buy off Sorcerers or Witches, who are without mercy burnt alive, with all they enjoy’d.

They have no Priests, nor any that pretend to any religious Function; onely those that can Sing the Pawary well, are in great esteem amongst them.

Their second Deity Maruapeante (they say) informs them in a Dream when they must Marry; but he doth not do them this kindness before they have made themselves Drunk, and sung Sonnets to his praise.

[Sidenote: The manner of chusing the Nentoque.]

This Countrey is Govern’d by prime Persons, call’d Ulmen, or peculiar Lords, call’d Curacen. The Ulmens and Curacens Command twenty five, sometimes fifty, a hundred Families: Their Power consists in calling all the People together, and consulting with them about State-Affairs, which they dare not do with any particular Person, nor Levy any Tax without extraordinary occasion. They are bound to march in the Front of their Subjects against an Enemy, and are under a Governor-General call’d Apocurace, or under a Nentoque. Other lesser Offices are dispos’d of by the Curaces, or Pulmenes; but their Netonques are chosen after this manner, viz. When that honorable Place is vacant, then whoever aims at it, computes with himself whether his Means will extend so far as to treat the Curaces and Pulmenes with a noble Treat; which if he is able to do, then he sends for them to an appointed place, whither they all go Arm’d, and whilest they are eating and drinking, he that desires the Place begins to tell them of his noble Extract, valiant Exploits, Riches, and eminent Relations, and therefore desires the Place of the deceased Nentoque: then the Curace rising, the intended Nentoque hangs a Chain of Turkoises, or Cockle-shells about his Neck; whereupon the Curace moves the rest to the Election, without any Articles, the new Nentoque onely promising to Govern all things for the best advantage and benefit of the common State: which done, the Curace takes the Chain of Turkoises, and distributes them amongst the primest Persons of Quality, and so they end the Day in Drinking, Dancing and Singing.

After the same manner they chuse an Apocurace or prime Governor; which of late the Uca’s, that they may enjoy the more Priviledge themselves, have not elected.

[Sidenote: Their Arms.]

The Chileses Arms consist of Lances as long again as the Europeans, made sharp at the Points. They all use Clubs plated with Iron, and Spanish Swords. The Pulches, who dwell behind the high Mountains Cordilbra, use poyson’d Arrows, make Helmets and Breastplates of Ox-hides, which neither Sword nor Arrow can enter: they all know how to manage a Horse, and the use of a Lance, but are very much afraid of Musquets or Fire-locks.

Because they can neither write nor read, the Governor by a faithful Messenger sends to his inferior Officers such Commands as he judges may tend to the most advantage of the Publick both in Peace and War. This Messenger carries an Arrow with a Ribbon, as a Sign of his Employment; the Arrow is held in the Right-hand, and if he who receives it will answer the Message, then he sends back the same Arrow with another; but if he judges it convenient to acquaint any other Curaces and Pulmenes with the same Message, then he sends one of his own Servants to them with the same Arrow.

[Sidenote: A particular Account of Chili.]

As touching the Climate and Production of Chili, this Account is given by an Eye-witness: “The Winter Season (saith he) is so tempestuous, that sometimes the Trees are not onely blown up by the Roots, but the Earth it self is rent asunder; some Valleys being fill’d with Snow, swell the Rivers exceedingly when it melts, which overflowing part of the Countrey, makes the same very fruitful. It is also extream cold here, because such sharp Winds blow from the Mountains, that they pierce through the Skin and Flesh of a Man: and indeed these Winds would make the whole Countrey desolate, were not the Mountains overgrown with great Oaken Trees, against which the Wind breaks. Moreover, the Valleys produce Coals, which serve the Inhabitants for Fewel. The Winter bereaves the Trees of Leaves; but not those which grow in the Wildernesses. In March the Fields are full of innumerable sorts of sweet-smelling Flowers; out of some whereof are boyl’d the Angel-Water, so call’d for its smell and wholsom taste. The Grass grows in November and December as high as our standing Corn. Turnips, Mint, Clover, and Mustard-seed, grow naturally for several Leagues together. Likewise excellent Physical Herbs grow here, whose power and operation their Doctors, call’d Maci, keep from the Spaniards. These Maci are in great esteem, not onely amongst the Chileses, but also the Spaniards, for their great skill in Physick. Amongst these Herbs the chiefest is call’d Quincia-mali which grows but half a hands-breadth above the Ground, and spreads into several Stalks like a Nosegay; and on each Stalk is a Saffron-colour’d Flower. This Herb pull’d Up with the Root, and boyl’d, and the Decoction given to any one that is bruis’d within, works most wonderfully, for it draws out the putrifi’d Blood, though sunk never so deep in the Wound. Moreover the Juice of Culen is also very healing, if us’d for an Ointment, or pour’d on any Wound. This Herb, by the Spaniards call’d Albaciga, hath sweet-smelling Leaves, and a tall Body. In some places also grows an Herb, not unlike Grass, which boyl’d in Water, immediately cures the Feaver and Spleen, and cleanses the Blood. There are likewise Medicines here, which dissolving the Stone in the Bladder or Kidneys, cause it to be urin’d forth. The Plant Luce, which grows out of rented Rocks which are often overflow’d by the Sea, makes a sort of well tasted Bread.”

The Wilderness Atacama, which makes a Boundary betwixt Peru and Chili, extends Northward ninety Leagues, is dry and barren in Summer, and in the Winter exceeding cold, and cover’d with Snow. No Provision is to be found upon it, except a few wild Sheep, call’d Guanacos. About the middle thereof the Brook La Sal rising in the Eastern Mountains, flows Westward through a deep Valley to the Southern Ocean.

[Sidenote: Troublesom Passage from Peru to Chili.]

The Water of the fore-mention’d Brook put into any Vessel, immediately turns to Salt, and all along the Shore lie greater or lesser pieces of Salt; so that the Way from Peru to Chili through Atacama is very troublesom: but that which leads thither over the snowy Mountains Andes, is much worse, because it is farther about, and threatens the Traveller with Destruction, if he observe not the right Season of the Year; for in the Winter there blows such a cold Wind on these Mountains, that a Man, being suddenly benumm’d, falls down dead on the Ground, and grows stiff against all putrefaction. Joseph de Acosta tells us, that Bodies have been found there as firm and sound, as if they had been living, which had some years before breath’d their last on the said Mountains.

[Sidenote: The Valley Copayapo.]

But Diego Almagro, who first discover’d Chili, Anno 1536. went thither with two Companies of Horse, and five hundred Foot, through the Countreys Charcas, Chicas, Xuxayes, and Chaquana, and having pass’d over a craggy Soil and the snowy Mountains Andes, he entred into the first Chilean Valley Capayapo, having lost no small number of Men and Horses with Hardship and Cold; the inconvenience therefore of both the fore-mention’d Ways between Peru and Chili, forc’d Travellers to go along the Shore wash’d by the Southern Ocean. Copayapo bears that Denomination from the Turkoises which a Mountain produces there in great abundance. The Valley it self is the fruitfullest of all Chili; for in no place the Maiz grows better, and in greater abundance than here, the Ears being half a Yard long, and the Stalks the length of a Lance; each Grain that is Sow’n, yields at least three hundred in Harvest. All Spanish Fruits grow better here than in Spain.

Through the midst of Copayapo runs a River of the same Denomination, and twenty Leagues in length from the Andes, and at its Mouth hath a convenient Harbor before the South Sea.

The South part of Copayapo borders the Valley Guasco, which is less fruitful than the first, but hath a convenient Haven, into which falls a fresh River, penn’d in by Sluces for the watering of the Cane-Fields. Moreover, there are plenty of Partridges; also wild Sheep and grey Squirrel-skins are of a great value. To the Southward flow also the Rivers Maypo, Chacha Pool, Loro, and Moule.

Beyond these Streams Eastward, the Promouca’s dwell near the Mountains Andes.

In the Valley Chili, which gives Denomination to the whole Countrey, were formerly the famous Gold-Mines Quillatas, from whence Valdivia, Anno 1544. carry’d an invaluable Treasure. The South Sea makes here a large and convenient Harbor for all manner of Vessels, built two Leagues below the City Serena, at a little River, which so moistens the low Countrey, that it produces all manner of Plants. It rains here not above three times a year.

From the Entertainment which Sir Francis Drake met withal here, may sufficiently be conjectur’d the Power of Serena; for when the English Landed here for Water, they were driven away not without great loss by three hundred Castilian Horse, and two hundred Foot that Sally’d out of the City. The Mines, though they inclose much Gold, yet they produce but little, because the Spaniards, according to the testimony of a Chilean Pilot, whom Oliver Van Noort took Prisoner, destroy’d all the ancient Inhabitants that should have help’d them to dig the Gold.

The City St. Jago, lying near the Stream Topocalma, receives great benefit by the Haven Valparayso, which makes the fore-mention’d River, because in that Haven all Goods that come from Lima are unladen, and the Goods shipp’d aboard. The Countrey about the same produces plenty of Wines, Apples, Corn, and all sorts of Cattel, and especially Horses in such abundance, that thousands of them run wild.

In Valparayso Sir Francis Drake took a Ship from Valdivia, laden with two thousand five hundred Bars of fine Gold. But the Netherland Admiral, Joris Spilbergen, had not such good success, who Sailing thither with five Ships, Anno 1615. discover’d a Spanish Ship in the Harbor; where sending his Boats well Mann’d to fetch off a Vessel that lay hal’d on the Shore, they found it burning, and thereupon Steer’d their Course into a little Inlet full of Rocks, which serv’d the Spaniards in stead of Breast-works; for lying behind them, they fir’d continually on the Hollanders; yet Spilbergen Landing with two hundred Men, met a considerable number of Spanish Soldiers, and Horses drawn out on the Shore, from whom they soon fled.

Before the City La Conception lies the Island Quiriquyna, whose Straw Huts Spilbergen laid in Ashes.

At the time when Oliver Van Noort came to an Anchor here, the Governor Franciscus de Quinones Commanded seven hundred Spanish Soldiers to reduce the revolted Chileses.

Four Leagues from Conception lie the rich Gold-Mines Quilacoya, which formerly produc’d great Riches.

Over against the Valley Arauco, which rises out of the Sea, lies the Island Maria, in a large Inlet made by the force of the Waves.

Here grows abundance of Wheat and Barley. The Rivers also afford plenty of Fish, amongst which there is one call’d The Lake-Spider, in whose Eyes are to be seen little Specks, which would exceed Pearl, if they were but hard enough.

Two Spaniards Command forty Natives on Maria, and keep them in such slavery, that they may neither eat Apples, Pears, Grapes, Poultrey, or Sheep, though they are there in great abundance.

Elias Herkmans was once in probability to have taken possession of this Island for the Netherland State, had he not been prevented by an extraordinary occasion.

Between the Towns Conception and Imperial lie the Provinces Arauco, Tucapel, and Puren, inhabited by a valiant People, that often alarm the Spaniards. In each Province Valdivia built a Fort in the Year 1551. eight Leagues distant from one another. He also discover’d the rich Gold-Mines De Ongol, and built the Fort Confines there.

[Sidenote: Valdivia taken Prisoner and cruelly put to death by the Indians.]

The Natives hereabouts being exceedingly opprest by the Spaniards, fell upon the Fort in Puren, where those in the Garrison, unable to defend themselves, went to Tucapel and from thence to Arauco, to Settle there. Valdivia marching with three hundred Men to the Castle in Tucapel, was so fiercely assaulted at the River Leto, that all his Men were kill’d, and he himself being taken Prisoner, had melted Gold pour’d down his Throat: One Boy onely escaping, brought the news to those in Garrison in the Fort Arauco, who fled to La Conception, as those from Puren to Imperial. Not long after the Lieutenant Francisco de Villagra went with a hundred and sixty Soldier’s to Raquetta, a Promontory against the South Sea in Arauco, to take Revenge for the Death of his General Valdivia; but he also had like to have follow’d the same fate, for he left ninety six Men behind him, and with much ado recover’d La Conception: By which means the victorious Chileses came to be so much fear’d, that the Spaniards forsook the Towns Rica, St. Jago, and Confines, and fortifi’d themselves strongly in Imperial.

[Sidenote: Description of Arauco.]

Concerning Arauco, it is a small County, twenty Leagues long and seven broad. The Inhabitants thereof are strangely valiant; those that inhabit the Mountains are call’d Pulches, and are generally of a duller Spirit than those that dwell in the Valleys; all of them use long Pikes, Halberds, Bowes and Arrows, Helmets, and Breastplates of Deer-skins, in the Wars; they know when to close and open their Ranks, and stand in good order according to Martial Discipline, which makes the Spanish King receive little benefit from Arauco, though it is full of rich Mines, because those in Garrison being five hundred in number, dare not come out of their Fort.

To Arauco belongs the Island La Mocha, low on the North side, and rocky on the South; against which the Ocean breaks its Billows: in the middle of it rises a split Mountain, out of whose Gap flows a fresh Brook; the fruitful Soyl produces abundance of Pumpcons, Maiz, Potato’s, and all manner of delicious Fruit, as also Oxen, Sheep, and other Cattel, which go grazing up and down in great Herds; the Village that is upon it boasts about fifty Huts, built long of Straw, with a Door in the middle, and round like an Arch on the top.

[Sidenote: Van Noon’s and Spilbergen’s Entertainment in Mocha.]

Sir Francis Drake and Candish were formerly somewhat roughly Entertain’d here by the Inhabitants: but they shew’d themselves somewhat more civil to the Dutch Admirals, Oliver Van Noort and Joris Spilbergen: The first coming to an Anchor here Anno 1600. put one John Claeszoon (Condemn’d for some great Crime to be Landed on some strange Place) ashore on La Mocha, with a few Trifles; for which being kindly Entertain’d, the Seamen resolv’d to go ashore the next day, who were likewise civilly Treated. The Governor of Mocha coming aboard, Lodg’d a Night in the Ship, and afterwards conducted the Admiral through the Village, but forbad the Seamen from entring any of the Huts; out of which the Women upon the hearing of a sudden noise, came running out, and kneel’d down on the Ground in three Parties, whilest an old Matron came forth with a Pitcher full of Chica, and gave each of the Netherlanders a Cup full to drink, sitting on Blocks in the Fields.

A Man Marries as many Wives here as he can maintain. They all live peaceably one with another, and go Cloth’d with a pair of Breeches, and Frock without Sleeves. The Women tie their Hair in Braids about their Heads, but the Men let it hang down carelesly.

Fifteen years after Spilbergen Landing here with four well Mann’d Boats, found the Shore full of People, who had brought all manner of Provisions to barter against Axes and Knives. The Islanders going aboard, wondred to see the Soldiers drawn out in order, and much more when a Gun was fir’d: They furnish’d the Hollanders with a hundred Sheep, amongst which was one with an extraordinary long Neck, and Legs, Hair, Mouth, and Back like a Cammel.

The Netherland Admiral, Hendrick Brewer, coming to an Anchor on the Coast of Guadalanquen, Anno 1643. was inform’d by the Chileses, that about four years before they had burnt Baldivia, murder’d the Spaniards that were in Garrison, and pour’d melted Gold down the Governor’s Throat and into his Ears, and made a Drinking-Cup of his Scull, and Trumpets of his Shin-bones. Brewer also found some Ruines of the City, which formerly boasted four hundred and fifty Houses, and was not yet so utterly defac’d, but that the two Markets and cross Streets were plainly to be seen, and the Walls gave sufficient testimony of its ancient lustre. The Countrey round about produces Wheat and Barley; neither are there any Mines to be found that produce finer Gold than those which are hereabouts. In the Mouth of the River which runs to Baldivia, lies a small Isle, the Men whereof are gross and fat, and spend their time in Drinking and Dancing, whilest the Women do all the Work.

About the City Osorno, though lying under a cold Climate, is a Soil full of Gold-Mines, where above two thousand Chileses are under the subjection of the Spaniards.

Since Teunis Swarte-Teun conquer’d and ruin’d this Place with small Forces under Spilbergen’s Command, it hath not yet repair’d its Losses: The Ruines of great Buildings are sufficient testimonies of its former splendor.

On the utmost Point of the Island, on which Osorno is built, lies the Village Carel-Mappo, burnt by H. Brewer, An. 1643. for he Landing sixty six Men here, under the Command of the Ensign Blauewenhaen, they Engag’d with ninety Spaniards who betook themselves to the Woods, leaving six Men and fifteen Horses behind them.

[Sidenote: Description of the Sea-Coast of Chili.]

The Sea-Coast of Chile lies as followeth: It begins on the North with the Valley Copayapo, runs Southerly to the Haven Coquimba, and makes the large Inlet Atongayo; the convenient Harbor Quintero, at the Mouth of the River Concagua, is also to the Southward.

Next Quintero follow the Havens Valparaysa, Topocalma, and Penco, known by several Mountains cover’d with Snow.

The Stream Labapi disembogues also in the Bay Arauco, where the Sea washing over the Shore, makes good Salt.

On the Shore of the River Lebo, Garcias Mendoza built the Town Canete, which not long after was deserted, by reason of the Wars with the Chileses.

From the Haven Carnero a Channel runs to the City Confines: also the River Cauten makes a convenient Harbor before the City Imperial.

Next appear the Streams Tolten, Queule, Valdivia, Chabin and Bueno; and near the Promontory Gallego, Chili ends to the South.

[Sidenote: The Province Tucuman.]

Eastward up into the Countrey lies the great Province Tucuman, inhabited by three sorts of People, viz. Juries, Diagnitas, and Tucumans, from whom the Countrey receives its Denomination, and juts Northward against the Chicas, belonging to the rich Plate-Countrey Potosi, Eastward towards the Province La Plata, and Westward towards the South Sea.

The Ground about the City St. Jago del Estero, formerly call’d Vares, being the Bishop’s See, and Residence of the Governors, is brackish and sandy. The Citizens are most of them Weavers; the Natives go Cloth’d, and are of an affable Temper and Disposition.

The River Estera yearly overflows the Countrey, which being dung’d with Mud, produces abundance of Maiz, Barley, Wheat, and all manner of Fruits.

The Stream Salado runs the same Course as the Estera, from the West to the East through a Plain-Countrey, but hath brackish Water, and abundance of Fish. Between both these Rivers the Inhabitants get plenty of Honey, Wax, Cotton, and Cochenile. Cattel also increases in abundance, as likewise Deer, and other Venison; and for Fowl, Partridges, Pigeons, and the like; but the Tygers and Lyons do much mischief to the Inhabitants. Their chief Commodities for Trade and Merchandise are Cloth, Cotton and Salt.

Garcias Mendoza built the Towns Neuva Londres in the Province Calchaqui, and Gorduba in the Territory of the Juries, but they were both of them soon deserted.

Behind Peru and La Plata the Plains Omaguaza extend themselves along the Rivers Paraguay and Bermeio, under a temperate Climate, where the Inhabitants go Clothed, and keep abundance of Cattel.

[Sidenote: Productions of the Countrey, and Nature of the People.]

In most places hereabouts breed wonderful large Baboons, with long Tails and Beards; which being wounded, pull the Arrows out of the Wound, and throw back the same with a grim Countenance at those that shoot them.

The Serpents are likewise so big here, that they swallow whole Deer.

The Rivers breed horrid Crocodiles, and the Woods, Lyons and Tygers.

The Inhabitants differ both in their Customs and Language: the generality of them are continually Drunk. They keep yearly a great Feast, to reconcile the Souls of their Predecessors to them; to which purpose they bring as many roasted Ostriches as they have Souls to Offer to; then Drink three days after, and on the last they carry the Head of a fair Virgin (who freely offers her self to be kill’d) about the Town, making a sad and lamentable noise for the space of an hour; at the end of which they all begin to laugh, and oftentimes fall a killing one another: which Custom is most observ’d amongst the Matarani.

The Abipones go naked in Summer, and in the Winter Clothe themselves with Furrs; they Paint their whole Bodies with Spots like the Tygers, Carve their Bodies all over, making Cut-work of their Skins, into which they stick Ostriches Feathers, as also through their Nostrils, Lips, and Ears, and account Baldness the greatest Beauty. They honor those for their Gods, who patiently endure unsufferable Tortures. The Women hang their Faces and Breasts full of Pearls: They never bring up above two Children, for they kill all above that number.

The Planies range up and down without Habitations under the open Skie.

The Giants Tobae speak a curious Language, but are very salvage and cruel. Anno 1571. Erouaca, a prime Man amongst them, devour’d his own Sister, Wife, Mother, and Children. When they design to go a Journey, they roast their Sons and Daughters, to serve them for Provisions in stead of other Flesh; and their Sick are upon the least Complaint bury’d alive.

The Caaguiaares, who dwell in Huts in great Woods, feed on Woorms, Mice, Apes, Tygers, and wild Honey; most of them are bunch-back’d, and go clad with the Skins of wild Beasts.

CHAP. III. Magellanica.

[Sidenote: Several Voyages to Magellanica.]

Northward against Chili and Rio de la Plata juts the Countrey, which from Ferdinand Magaglianus is wrongly call’d Magellanica; to which several Voyages have been made by sundry People from the North-Sea to the Southern Ocean, divers Steering still new Courses: for some follow’d the Straights of Magellan; others Sail’d more or less South-West: By which means Le Mair open’d a new Passage between Mauritius and the States-Island; and H. Brewer, a Way below the States-Island; yet all Steer’d their Course Westerly, so that none of them return’d the same Way, except Elias Herkmans and Capt. Ladrillero, the last of whom coming from Chili to go to the North-Sea, met with such Storms, that he was forc’d to Tack about, and stand back again to Chili, as Herkmans did from Chili to Brasile.

[Sidenote: Pedro Sarmiento’s Expedition.]

Anno 1579. Peter Sarmiento weigh’d Anchor with two Ships, and Sailing from Callao de Lima through the Straights of Magellan to Spain, ran by the Isles Felix and Amber, discover’d in one Inlet eighty five Isles, most of them desolate, sounded all the Havens, found abundance of Oysters with Pearls in them, call’d an Inlet Francisco, and a Mountain on the right-hand, Punta de la Gente Rubra, because the Inhabitants thereof painted their Bodies red, found the Havens Misericordia and Candelaria, and the Island Sataynes, where five of the Natives gave him an Account of Sir Francis Drake, for whom he Cruis’d, and had sight of a snowy Mountain, whose top vomited Fire. On the Promontory Ana he erected a woodden Cross, and laid a Writing under the same, wherein he advertis’d all Persons to take notice, that Pope Alexander the Sixth had freely given the King of Spain all the Countreys thereabouts. Not long after he Steer’d through the Straights of Magellan along the Coast of Brasile, to Spain.

[Sidenote: The Sea-Coast from Chili to Magellanica.]

Concerning the Sea-Coast, which extends from Chili to Magellanica, it is as followeth: Next to the Promontory Felis lie Cypriaen, Clara, Cabo de las Islas, the Island Socora, the Haven Domingo, the Point Gallego, the Road Stevan, the Cape Andres, and Ochavario, and the Valley Nuestra Sennora, between two Hills. Along the Southern Ocean lie Abra de San Guillen, Punta del Gada, Los Reyes, Innocentes, Augustine, Roia, Catalina, Amaro, and Victoriano; before which the three Isles call’d The Sorlings, are seen in the Mouth of the Straights against the South Sea.

Magaglianus Steering hither, Winter’d within the Straights in an Inlet call’d St. Julian, stay’d two Moneths before the Mouth of the River Santa Cruiz, where he took abundance of Fish, and from thence ran along the Shore to the Promontory Las Virgines, which receiv’d that Denomination, because it was discover’d on the Day Consecrated to St. Ursula and her eleven thousand Virgins: Going a League up into the Countrey, he found a Hut, in which above two hundred dead Bodies were bury’d after a strange manner, and on the Shore a great Whale, driven on the Sands by a Storm. He nam’d the Countrey to the Southward, Terra del Fuego, because from the Promontory Severino in the Night he espy’d several Fires. He was exceedingly delighted with the pleasant Coasts on each side of the Straights, which were the more pleasant, by reason of several Hills overgrown with sweet-smelling Trees, whose tops lay cover’d with Snow.

[Sidenote: The Expedition of Garcias Loaysa, Alcazova, and others.]

Magaglianus was follow’d, Anno 1525. by Garcias Loaysa, who Sailing into the Straights near the Promontory Virgines, endur’d great Colds; in the Haven St. George he found store of green Cinamon: The People he reported to be of so monstrous a stature, that they might well be accounted Giants; some of whom went naked, others wore a Net of Feathers made fast about their Wastes, and others a loose Garment all over their Bodies. Loaysa gave this Countrey, inhabited by Giants, the Denomination of Terra del Patagoni. He judg’d the Straights of Magellan to be a hundred and ten Spanish Miles long between the two Promontories, Virgines at the North Sea, and Deseado at the Southern Ocean. Within lie three Inlets, which have seven Leagues in breadth.

Simon Alcazova Sailing hither nine years after Loaysa, shunn’d the Land on the left-side of the Straights, because it lay most under Water, and was forc’d by his Men to return to the Haven Leones, where he and all his Seamen were put to death.

Not long after the Bishop of Placentia fitted out three Sail, which entring the Straights, Anno 1540. lost their Admiral; the Vice-Admiral Wintering at the Inlet Las Zorras, (so call’d, because they took many Foxes on a Champain Countrey without Trees) return’d to Spain without any farther success: the third Ship with much ado arriv’d also at Arequipa.

[Sidenote: The Voyages of Hawkins, Drake, and Candish.]

The English Captain, Richard Hawkins, also Sailing hither, found the Land on the South side of the Straights, most broken, and in some places a few Huts.

Anno 1578. Sir Francis Drake Sailing hither along the Coast of Brasile, Landing on an Island in the Mouth of the Straights, kill’d above three thousand Birds. Sailing from hence he was miserably toss’d in the South Sea, and discover’d about the middle of the Straights, that the Current out of the Southern and Northern Ocean met at the place where a great Bay bends Southwardly: To three Isles he gave the Name of Elizabeth, Bartholomew, and George, and drove three Weeks without making any Sail, in snowy, misty, and rainy Weather, falling amongst dangerous Rocks, and at last Anchor’d in the Haven Health, which he so call’d, because his sick and wearied Men being refresh’d there, he set Sail from thence and return’d home.

Captain Thomas Candish following Sir Francis Drake eight years after, found near a Creek within the City Philip-stadt, built there by the Spaniards, to secure the Passage out of the Northern to the Southern Ocean for themselves; to which purpose they held four hundred Men in Garrison in the said City, which lying near a pleasant Wood, was defended by four Bulwarks, each fortifi’d with a Brass Gun: But the Spaniards not being able to endure the Cold, nor get in their Harvest, which was continually spoil’d by the Natives, were so pinch’d with Hunger, that after three years stay many of them dy’d in their Houses, which caus’d a filthy Stink, and consequently a vile Distemper, not unlike the Small-pox; at last twenty three of them, amongst whom were two Women, judg’d it convenient to bury their great Guns, and march away with their Musquets; a whole Year they travell’d in great want, feeding on the Leaves of Trees, wild Roots, and Fowls which they now and then kill’d; at last they resolv’d to travel by Land to Rio de la Plata, but never any news was heard what became of them, onely one Spaniard, call’d Ferdinand, being stray’d from the rest, was taken by Candish, to whom he gave the foremention’d Relation. Candish entring Philip-stadt, found a Gibbet, on which hung a Malefactor in Chains, a Church, the Houses full of famish’d Bodies, and four Brass Guns, which he digg’d out of the Ground. From hence he ran to a fresh-water River (which disembogues into the Straights,) whose Banks are inhabited by cruel Cannibals, and the Countrey all about plain Pasture Grounds, whereas most part of the Shore in the Straights is very mountainous. Candish Landing, found Spanish Knives and Stilletto’s amongst the Man-eaters, and lay a whole Moneth at Anchor in the western Mouth of Magellanica, by reason of great Storms, feeding on Mussles, Cockles, and Fowl; and from thence Sail’d about the World, returning home at last with a Booty of twenty Tun of Gold.

Anno 1599. Simon de Cordes Commanding five Netherland Vessels, entring the Straights of Magellan, found in the green Bay, Mussles of a Span long, abundance of Ducks and Geese, and a great many Trees not unlike Laurel, they being onely bigger, and had a sharp biting Shell. The Wind blew exceeding hard here over the Rocks, insomuch that they were sometimes driven from four Anchors.

[Sidenote: The Bird Pinguyn.]

A few Moneths after Oliver van Noord follow’d Cordes, and Anchor’d near the Pinguyn Isles, the biggest whereof is call’d Castemme, and the least Talke; the Inhabitants thereof dwell in Caverns under Ground, and feed on the Birds Pinguyns, of whose Skins they make Mantles. These Birds weigh generally fifteen or sixteen Pound, have black Backs, white Bellies, very thick Skins, long Bills like Ravens, short thick Necks, two plum’d Fins in stead of Wings, black Feet like a Goose, and delicate Flesh, notwithstanding they feed on Fish, after which they swim very swift with the fore-mention’d Fins, which hang down on each side along their Bodies when they walk upright on the Shore; they sit generally four together in their Holes, made after such a manner, that a Man which knows not of them, may ere he be aware, sink up to the Knees in the same, and be bitten terribly by the Legs. Cordes his Seamen got in two hours time above nine hundred of these Birds, whilest he discover’d the salvage People Enoo, which inhabit the Countrey Cossi, and are divided into the Families Kemenetes, Kennekas, and Caraike; the first inhabited the Territory Carray; the second Caramay; and the third, Morine: all of them Paint their Cheeks and Forehead. Farther into the Countrey dwell the Trimenes, a gigantick sort of People, eleven Foot high, who maintain continual Wars with their Neighbors.

[Sidenote: Great Discoveries of the Netherlanders about the Magellan Straights.]

Moreover, Noord discover’d several Inlets full of Ice and fresh Water in the Straights of Magellan, whither the United Netherlands have since sent the Admirals William Schouten, Joris Spilbergen, and Jaques le Heremite. The common opinion, that the Countrey on the South side of Magellan is of the Main Continent, Experience hath manifested; for Schouten found the same, Anno 1616. who Sailing from Porto Desire, left the Straights of Magellan on the right-hand, and Sail’d Southerly through whitish Water, and in fifty four Degrees discover’d a Channel eight Leagues broad, through which ran a strong Current. The Coast rose with high Mountains, whose tops were cover’d with Snow. The utmost Point was call’d Mauritius, from the Prince of Orange; the broken Coast on the other side, The States-Island; and the Straights it self, Le Maire, upon the Request of the Merchant Jacob Le Maire, whose Father Isaac was chief owner of the two Ships of which Schouten was Commander, who found so many Whales here, that he could scarce Steer clear of them, they swimming by hundreds in a Shoal. The Sea-pies, much bigger than Swans, suffer’d themselves to be caught by the Hands of the Sea-men. Moreover he call’d the barren grey Rocks, and others lesser, lying North-East from the Promontory Hoorn, Barnevields Isles. Sailing beyond the Point Hoorn, he was toss’d by the vast Billows that came rowling out of the West.

It was no sooner nois’d abroad, that the Netherlanders had found the Straights Le Maire, but the Spanish King Philip immediately sent two Carvels thither, under the Command of Garcias de Nodal, who took an exact Account of the Heads, Roads, and Inlets belonging to the fore-mention’d Straights, and return’d without performing any other Exploits.

[Sidenote: Diego Flores his unsuccessful Voyage to the Straights of Magellan.]

Diego Flores Steer’d four years before Candish to the Straights of Magellan with twenty three Sail of Ships, Mann’d with three thousand five hundred Seamen, besides five hundred old Netherland Soldiers, with which he unhappily weigh’d Anchor from Cales; for before he got out of sight of the Spanish Coast, he lost five of his Ships and eight hundred Men; yet prosecuting his Voyage, he stay’d during the Winter Season on the Coast of Brasile and was surpris’d by so vehement a Storm, near the Island Catalina, that a company of Women, sent under the Charge of Peter Sarmiento to Settle in the Straights of Magellan, were all cast away, with the greatest part of the Ammunition and Provisions. The English Admiral Fenton took three Ships of this Fleet from Flores, two were cast away in the River La Plata, and one ran back to Spain, whilest Flores came into the Straights of Magellan on the last day of March, at which time the whole Countrey lay cover’d with Snow; wherefore seeing no hopes of finding out any place to Settle Sarmiento upon, he stood back with eight Sail to Brasile, and in his Return burnt three French Ships, took two more, and Sail’d home. But his Lieutenant Diego Ribera, and the Governor Peter Sarmiento, Landed the Year after Flores his departure, with four hundred Men, thirty Women, and Provisions for eight Moneths, in the Straights of Magellan; from whence Ribera Sail’d back, whilest Sarmiento built on the North side of the Mouth of the Straights, the Town Nombre de Jesus; and fifty Leagues farther in the narrowest place, Philip-stadt, with four Bulwarks; the Inhabitants of which (as is before related) were destroy’d by Famine.

[Sidenote: Description of Terra del Fuego.]

Terra del Fuego, already mention’d, opposite to the Countrey of the Patagones, lying the South between the Straights of Magellan, is a broken Countrey, with high Mountains full of Trees, and wash’d by pleasant Rivulets: four Foot deep in the Ground it begins to be all Rocky. The Air is troubled with exceeding great Winds out of the West. The Inhabitants are pale Countenanc’d, but Paint their Bodies with divers Colours; they have long, thick, and black Hair, and very sharp Teeth; the Men go stark naked; the Women cover their secret Parts with a piece of Leather, and wear Strings full of Shells about their Necks; some also Mantle themselves with the Skins of wild Beasts, which affords but little warmth against the Cold that is here in Winter. Their Huts consist of Trees, and are made round at bottom, and sharp on the top like a Tent, having onely a Hole for the Smoak to go out at; they are digg’d three Foot deep into the Ground, and also heap’d round with Earth; within the Huts nothing is to be found but Baskets with Fishing Utensils and Stone Hooks. Their offensive Arms the Men always carry about with them, because they always maintain Wars with their Neighbors. They handle a Quarter-staff very dexterously, are good Slingers and Bowemen; they also use Lances with sharp Stone Points. Moreover they make Boats of the Bark of Trees, which they first cut out into a Form, then sewing it together, bow the same after the manner of a Boat, which rises before and behind, and being fifteen or sixteen Foot long, can carry eight Men, going exceeding swift. These People are not onely beastial in their Practices, but also Murderers.

Lastly, besides the Straights of Le Maire, Henrick Brewer hath found a new Passage to the Eastward above the States-Island, out of the Northern Ocean to the South Sea.

CHAP. IV. The unknown South-Land.

The unknown South-Land extends with several Points to the Southern Ocean, which have been more seen than discover’d by divers Nations.

Opposite to the East-India Island Gilolo, lies Terra des Papous, to which Jacob Le Maire gave the Denomination of New Guinee.

The English Commander, Richard Hawkins, Sailing to the Southward behind Papou, found the Inhabitants black like Negro’s: round about appear several Isles and convenient Harbors. Herrera places here on the East, the Countrey Agnanda, the Road St. Jago, the Island Los Crespos, the Haven Andreas, the River Virginum, and the little Isle La Vellena, before the Mouth of the Stream Augustine. Next you meet Easterly with the Rivers St. Peter and St. Paul, the Havens Hieronymus, the Isles Punta Salida, Abrigo, Malagente, and Maure de Dios, inhabited by white People.

[Sidenote: Discoveries in Terra Australis incognita.]

The first that discover’d New Guinee, Anno 1529. was Alvares de Savedra, who, as also several others besides him, suppos’d that some of the Islands Solomons border New Guinee.

Eighteen of the many Solomon Isles exceed the rest, of which some are three hundred Leagues in circumference, some two hundred, others one hundred, and some fifty: All that are inhabited have a fruitful Soil, producing all manner of Provisions, particularly Hogs and Poultrey. The Natives differ very much one from another, for some are black, others white or tawny.

The fore-mention’d Hawkins in his Voyage towards the Straights of Magellan, supposing it by estimation to be fifty Leagues from the Main Coast of America, discover’d forty Degrees to the Southward of the Equinoctial Line, with a Westerly Wind, the unknown South-Land; which he found to consist of low Land, and to be inhabited, by reason of the many Fires which he saw ashore in the Night.

The Spanish Commander, Peter Fernandes de Quiro, and the Admiral Lodowick Paes de Torres, have made a farther Discovery of this Countrey; for Landing on the South-Land, they met with several People, some whereof were brown, others white, and others sallow; some had long and lank, others short and curl’d Hair: They acknowledg’d no King or supream Governor, nor were Govern’d by any Laws, neither had they any Wall’d Towns or Forts; but being divided amongst themselves, they continually Encountred one another with Darts, Clubs, and Staves. Their Houses built of Wood, were cover’d with the Leaves of Palm-Trees. Their Housholdstuff consisted in Earthen Dishes, Pots, Ropes, Fish-nets, Flutes, Drums, and varnish’d Spoons. Their Gardens were neatly kept. Near their Temples were Burying-places. They Row’d very swift in little Boats. Their Bread, well tasted, was made of long thick Roots, either roasted or boyl’d.

[Sidenote: Fertility, Plenty, and Riches of the Countrey.]

Here also grow sorts of Platano’s, great abundance of Almonds, Oranges, Citrons, thick Sugar-Canes, Palm-Trees, which yield Wine, Cocoa’s, and Obos, in taste not much unlike Quinces; but the greatest benefit which they receive, is from the Cocoa Nuts, the Pulp whereof is delicious Meat and Drink; the outermost Shells whereof serve for Cups or Dishes, the inner for Ropes and Cordage; of the Leaves they make Sails and Mats, and cover their Houses with the same; of the Body, Oars, Clubs, Pikes, and Props for their Houses.

Besides several sorts of Pot-herbs, here grow very high Coleworts and Bledo’s.

The Countrey also abounds with Pigeons, Partridges, Ducks, Goats, Hogs, and other ordinary Cattel and Fowls.

The Rivers afford them Souls, Salmon, Thornback, Sea-Cocks, Eels, Gurnets, and several other unknown Fishes, very delicate and wholsom.

This Countrey also produces Nutmegs, Mastick, Peppers, Ginger, Cinamon, Gold, Silver, Pearls, Silk, Sugar, Anniseed, Honey, Wax, Ebony-wood, Turpentine, Lime-pits, and Marble.

Philips-Bay bends twenty Leagues into the Countrey, hath a safe Harbor, and excellent Ground, consisting of black Sand. Two great Rivers discharge their Waters into the said Bay, round about which are pleasant Woods, full of Quails, Parrakito’s, Parrots, Nightingales, and Bulfinches, which Sing very sweetly. The Blossoms, especially of Orange-Trees, and the Herb Alvaca, yield an odoriferous smell. The wholsom Air adds vigor to aged People.

[Sidenote: Abel Tasman’s Expedition to Terra Australis Incognita.]

[Sidenote: The Southlander’s desperate Attempt upon Tasman’s Ships.]

Fernandes de Quir delivering the fore-mention’d Account to Philip the Second, King of Spain, mov’d him to Plant the unknown South-Land, and the rather, because he had not found any snowy Mountains, drown’d Land, Crocodiles, Muschito’s, or any hurtful Creature, yet was not regarded; so that no Spaniard hath since that time set Foot on the unknown South-Land. But the East-India Company undertaking the Design with great eagerness, sent thither two Ships, viz. the Hemskerk and Sea-Cock, under the Command of Abel Tasman, to make a farther Discovery of the said South-Land: Anno 1642. on the twelfth of August, they weigh’d Anchor from Batavia, Sail’d through the Straights of Sunda to Maurice-Island, where they Anchor’d in the North-West Haven before the Castle Frederick-Henrick, on the fifth of September in the fore-mention’d Year. On the eighth of Octob. Tasman stood over to the South-Land, near which he was surpris’d by a violent Storm; afterwards, on the twenty fifth of November, he discover’d a barren Shore, against which the Sea beat very furiously; and Steering along this Coast, he found a convenient Inlet, but was forc’d by the hard Weather to stand off to Sea again; yet not long after approaching the Shore, he saw great hollow Trees, and round about them abundance of Mussle-shells, and from the Wood heard a shrill noise of People Singing: Going to the same place again, he put the Orange Flag on a Pole, Carv’d with the East-India Companies Arms, and call’d the Inlet Frederick-Henrick, the whole Coast, Anthony van Diemen. Sailing from thence Eastward, he on the eighteenth of December discovered a convenient Haven, where sending his Sloop to discover the Shore, he came back in the Evening, being follow’d by a Boat, which approach’d nearer and nearer, but Night coming upon him, he could not well discern what they were that pursu’d him, but heard the cry of hoarse Voices, and a shrill noise like that of a Trumpet, which the Netherland Seamen answer’d by hollowing, and blowing on their Trumpets, and at last firing a Gun, the Southlanders made a hideous noise, and blowing their Horns, return’d ashore. Tasman hereupon call’d his Watch, laid Hangers, Pikes, and Musquets ready Charg’d, upon the Decks. The next day the Southlanders came in several Boats, two and two ty’d together, and cover’d with Planks, towards the Ships; the Gunner of the Hemskerk going with six Men in a Boat to help mount some Guns in the Sea-Cock, were betwixt both Ships set upon by the Southlanders, who approacht with a hideous noise, kill’d four of the Hollanders with long Poles, and forc’d the other three to save themselves by swimming; which they had no sooner done, but they Row’d with incredible swiftness towards the Shore, insomuch that they were out of the reach of their Guns before they could make ready to fire at them. Tasman finding that there was no good to be done here, since he hazarded the Lives of his Seamen against a company of wild People, he set Sail, but was follow’d by divers Boats, at which he fir’d his After-Guns with pieces of Iron and Stones, which killing some of them, made the rest return. In the midst of the Boats, which were ty’d two and two together, sat the Commander, who encourag’d the Rowers; they all us’d Clubs without Points.

These People were gross of Body, undaunted, strong, and of a tawny colour; the Hair of their Heads stroak’d up round, was ty’d up on their Crown, on which stuck a stiff white Feather; about their Necks hung a square Plate; they wore in stead of Cloaks, square pieces of Cloth, made fast before on their Breasts.

Tasman, by reason of his rough Entertainment call’d this Harbor, Murderers-Bay, and afterwards Sail’d along the Shore till the fifth of January 1643. on which Day he dropt Anchor near a little Rocky Island, from which fell two Streams, with a great noise into the Sea. The Inhabitants, a strong People, beckned to the Seamen to come on Shore; some lean’d on thick Clubs, others Fenc’d one with another. Tasman sending his Sloop ashore for Water with two Drakes, return’d without any, not being able to Land, by reason of the hollow Sea near the Shore; wherefore Sailing from thence he discover’d two low Isles, which were full of Woods of very tall Trees; from the biggest whereof came a little Boat, sharp before and behind, in which three sallow Men, sitting behind one another, Row’d with great swiftness towards the Hemskerk; whereupon Tasman commanded all his Men to go under the Hatches, that the three Southlanders might not be afraid to come aboard; he also threw a piece of Linnen out of his Cabbin Window, which one of them, leaping into the Sea, took up, and as a sign of thankfulness, laid the same on his Head, and being hereby emboldned, they came nearer the Rudder, where they took up a Knife, ty’d to a piece of Wood, out of the Water, and return’d the Seamen a Fishhook of Mother-of-Pearl, ty’d to a Cotton Line. Approaching the Shore, they saw abundance of People running along, with two little Flags on Sticks. Some of the Natives came in their Boats close up with Tasman’s Ship; and one more bold than the rest entring the same, was found to be a tall Man with a broad black Beard, and green Leaves about his Neck, who sat down on the Deck with his Legs under him, and bow’d down his Head oftentimes very low: Tasman returning his Civility, took him by the Hand to Treat him in his Cabbin, but a Dog which was in the Ship Barking, he grew fearful, and went into his Boat again. Several other Southlanders swam aboard, and others brought Pisang and Clappes in their Boats. Against the Evening a great Vessel, surrounded with lesser Boats, came Rowing towards the Hemskerk, the Men making a great noise; the Seamen fearing some Design, ran all to their Arms, but were convinc’d of their Friendship by the Gifts they Presented them with from the Governor of the Island. The next day a strange Boat came near the Sea-Cock, viz. two Sloops, which being ty’d together, and cover’d with Boards, carry’d several Men, Commanded by a Captain, by them call’d Orangkay: On the midst of the Boards which cover’d the two Boats, stood a Hut made of Rushes, and cover’d over with Pisang Leaves; the Sails being made of Mats, caus’d it to Sail very swiftly. Round about this Sloop Row’d lesser Boats, out of which loud Acclamations were heard, every one crying out, Hael, Hael: during which noise, those Southlanders which were already come aboard, sat still on the Decks, which made Tasman think that their King himself was coming to give him a Visit, which accordingly fell out, for he came and Presented him with several Hogs, Poultrey, Clappes and Pisang, all cover’d with white Cloths.

[Sidenote: Interview between Tasman and the Southlander King.]

This Southlandish King was Habited in a Suit, the Stuff whereof resembled Chinese Paper, doubled and pasted together, and was attended by a great Train of Men, Women, and Children, all of them as black as a Coal; some of them swam after, and others follow’d him in Boats.

These Southlanders barter’d their Clothes and Necklaces, which consisted of Mother-of-Pearl and white Cockles, and Fishhooks made also of Mother-of-Pearl, against Nails, Knives, and the like Trifles.

Tasman caus’d a Shirt, Breeches, Doublet, and Hat, to be put on an old Orangkay; who being thus Cloth’d, stood a considerable time admiring of himself, and was also much wonder’d at by his Subjects; but going into the Countrey, he came back without his Clothes.

Another Orangkay being Presented with a Rummer of Wine, pour’d out the Wine, and setting the Rummer on his Head, went away with great joy.

Some of the Governors view’d the Ships, not onely above, but also below the Decks, and being brought to the Guns, they desir’d to know the use of them; whereupon one being Discharg’d, it so affrighted them, that had they not been held, they had all leap’d overboard.

Provisions were daily brought by the Southlanders to the Hollanders in great Vessels, surrounded by many lesser; still as they put their Oars into the Water, they made a hideous noise.

Tasman bringing some empty Vessels upon the Deck, thereby to make them understand that he wanted fresh Water, the Orangkays pointed to the Shore; whither they went with two Boats, which return’d without Water, the Inhabitants themselves being forc’d to dig Pits to get the same.

Mean while other Southlanders coming aboard, the Pilot and Boatswain’s Boy blow’d on their Trumpets, another play’d on a Flute, and a fourth on a Violin, whilst some of the Seamen Dancing, so amaz’d the Natives, that they stood like senseless Creature, gaping with open Mouth upon them.

Tasman looking into a Grammar which contain’d the Language of the Solomons Isles, found that many words which were us’d by these People, had a great similitude with those of that Language.

Besides these Men, there came likewise a great many Women aboard, all of them extraordinary tall, especially two, who might justly be stil’d Giantesses; one whereof had Mustacho’s; both ran, and embracing the Chirurgeon Henrick Haelbos, desir’d carnal Copulation with him, and seem’d to quarrel one with another about him: Others confidently put their Hands into the Hollanders Breeches, their Husbands giving consent thereunto: All of them had thick, curl’d, black Hair, which they colour’d red, and comb’d with ten little round Sticks ty’d together on the top, and left wide like Teeth at the bottom; yet some of them let their Hair hang down in long braided Locks; they shave their upper Lips, but keep a square Beard on their Chin; yet amongst the old People there were some whose Cheeks were overgrown with Hair: Their manner of shaving is with the Teeth of certain Fish made fast to a Stick; they all went bare-headed, except some few, who ty’d a square piece of Stuff, wrought of Leaves or Feathers, above their Eyes against the Sun; the upper parts of their Bodies were all naked, but about their Middle some wore a Girdle, others a Mat of Clappes Leaves, others a Cloth not unlike Chinese Paper, about the lower parts of their Bodies. The Womens Apparel differ’d little from the Mens, excepting that their Aprons reach’d farther down, viz. to their Knees. They barter’d their Clothes against Nails. Some of the Orangkays, being Entertain’d in the Cabbin, wonder’d to see a Bullet that was Discharg’d from the Quarter deck, fall into the Water at so great a distance. They wore about their Necks Mother-of-Pearl, white Cockles, sweet-smelling Flowers, green Leaves, or the Nails which they had gotten of the Hollanders: Some of the aged Women wanted both their little Fingers, and the young ones the upper Joints of them, which the old Men also wanted: Haelbos pointing at the Stump, ask’d the reason of it, but one of them laying his Hand under his Chin, made strange Signs, out of which he could apprehend nothing.

On the twenty third of January, a second time Tasman went ashore for Water, carrying Spades and Pick-axes with him, to dig Pits with. Two of the Hollanders Boats going close together, in each of which were three Southlanders, Tasman call’d to his Rowers to pull stoutly; which the Southlanders in Tasman’s Boat observing to tend to their Rowing the swifter, laugh’d and hooted at their Countrey-men that were in the Sea-Cocks Boat, when they chanc’d to get beyond them. Tasman in his going ashore discover’d several Isles at a distance, was kindly Entertain’d, and towards the Evening carry’d by four Men through the Water, on a Mat made fast betwixt two Poles, to his Sloop, whither they also brought nine Hogs, and fresh Water digg’d out of Pits.

Tasman being got about the Point of the Island, saw the Hemskerk under Sail; wherefore Rowing aboard the Sea-Cock, he was inform’d that she had slipt her Anchor; whereupon following her, he got sight of another green Island the next day, along the Shore whereof ran several People with Sticks, on which hung white Cloths: some of them came aboard, and brought with them what Provisions the Island afforded. The Inhabitants barter’d Clappes, Pisang, Fowls, Hogs, Mother-of-Pearl Fish-hooks, Stone Axes, little Stools, great Clubs, with a black Point as long as a Man’s Arm, and hooked, against Trifles. The Hollanders were also stor’d here with fresh Water. The People both in Language, Habit, and Customs, were very like those of the first Island, but were not altogether so courteous. One of the Southlanders stealing a Half-pike out of the Boat was forc’d by his Companions to restore the same.

The fore-mention’d Haelbos relates, That going ashore with some Soldiers, he saw their Houses, which he found to be built after a strange manner, viz. some of them were round like Towers, Wider at top than at bottom, and without any Holes for Air, but all built close of Canes, which were stuck in the Ground; other Huts were cover’d with a long Roof of Pisang or Clappes Leaves, resting on Posts; under which kind of Building Haelbos shelter’d himself against a mighty Shower of Rain, found divers young Men and Women sitting on Mats, and an old Woman, blind through Age, lying by them on the Ground, and Fanning her self with Pisang Leaves: The Men going away, signifi’d thereby a kind of Invitation to the Hollanders to go to the Women, who not receiving the Entertainment they expected, rose altogether on a sudden, and Singing, Danc’d about the Hollanders. The Men had on their Shoulders and Breasts, Scars of half an Inch deep, and an Inch long; upon some of which, being fresh and bleeding, the Flyes sat. They eat after a strange manner, for stripping off the outmost Rinds of the Clappes with their Teeth, and breaking the hard Shell against their Elbows, they pull out the Kernel, and eat the same. Whatever Flesh-meat they eat, they never throughly boyl or roast it, but make it onely just warm. They sleep on the Ground upon Mats, and lay their Heads on a little woodden Cricket with four Feet. They take great pride in their Hair, and those that have not long Hair of their own, use Perukes.

Tasman steering his Course towards the high Coast that lay before this Island, was follow’d by several small Vessels from the adjacent Shore, of which some carry’d a Bough of Clappes or Pisang, with white Veins at the ends; but seeing the Ships Sail from them, they threw the same overboard. Tasman standing Westerly, discover’d three Isles, near the last whereof the Sea broke exceedingly, which the Hollanders not without great danger had approached in the Night: after which they discover’d to Leeward of them, a high Coast, which extended it self a great way, but the Sea went so rough, that they durst not venture near the Land; besides, the Sea went very high on a Bank, first ten, then five, three and a half, and again ten, fourteen, and seven Fathom deep; and oftentimes a Man might see the Ground, insomuch that they kept out the Boats belonging to the Hemskerk, which was in most danger, to carry them aboard of the Sea-Cock, if the first should chance to split. Lastly, getting over the Bank, they saw very high Land to Windward, and many hilly Isles to Leeward; the Sea also was full of blind Rocks and Shelves, so that they were in danger every hour, and the rather, because the Wind blew hard every day; yet at last losing sight of Land, they steer’d their Course Westerly in five Degrees Southward of the Line, towards New Guinee. On the two and twentieth of March they discover’d low Land full of Woods of tall Trees, surrounded with a company of Isles, against some of which the Sea brake with great violence, insomuch that they were again in great danger, especially when they were got amongst eighteen Isles, between which the Water being shallow, and the Current running very strongly, drove the Ships towards the Shore: Whilest they were Tacking to and again to get beyond the Shelves, a little Vessel, carrying a great Weathercock on her Star-board, came from the Shore, Row’d by seven Men, who sat on Boards which lay over the same; they were of a brown Complexion, onely girt about with a hairy Girdle, made fast on the top of their Heads; under their Feet they also wore something in stead of Shoes, about their Necks hung Flowers, and their Bodies were Painted black: Among the seven, one who was very fat, and whose Head was adorn’d with two Feathers, stood up and proffer’d the Seamen two Clappes, in return whereof Tasman gave them a Box of Nails and a piece of Sail-cloth, which sinking under Water, an aged Man div’d for the same, and bringing it up, gave it to his six Companions, who made no shew of thankfulness. Their Arms consisted in Bowes and Arrows. Their Clappes they call’d Anieuw, as the other Islanders had done.

Sailing from hence, they discover’d two low Islands full of Trees; and three Leagues from them, on their Star-board, a high Coast, and on the other side a great Island, whither they drove with a small Gale; approaching the same, two very small Boats came towards the Hemskerk; the biggest of the two carry’d six Men, and the least three, all of them very deform’d; they went stark naked, onely their Yards were ty’d up with a String on their Bellies, and about their Arms hung Chains of Mother-of-Pearl; they were Coal-black, onely red about the Mouth, which redness was occasion’d by the chewing of Pisang; in their Hair stuck woodden Combs, and on their Foreheads green Leaves; but in each Boat was one who had a bruised Reed made fast in his Neck like a Plume; the biggest Vessel was Painted with strange Shapes of Men and Beasts; they us’d red Bowes and Arrows, and having call’d to the Seamen, they Row’d back again to the Shore; which Tasman left a Stern of him, and ran between the Main Coast (by all suppos’d to be New Guinee) and several great Islands, that lay scatter’d along before the Main Coast; from whence came four small Boats, adorn’d with Imagery like Serpents, but kept without Gun-shot from the Ships; at last one leaping overboard, swam to the smallest Boat, out of which one swam back in his stead to the other, and afterwards came to the Hemskerks side; he was a black Man, wore Leaves before his Privities, and Armlets about his Elbows; through the Gristle of his Nose stuck a white Bone Bodkin, sharp at the ends, and of a Fingers length, and about his Neck a String full of Cockle-shells.

Tasman Sailing on along the Main Coast, met with eighteen Boats more, the Rowers whereof laid their Oars upon their Heads, and not without strange Gestures call’d aloud, and invited the Hollanders to come ashore: On the Sterns and Heads of these Boats were likewise divers Shapes Painted, upon a white Ground; in some were two, and in others three, four, and five Men; eight of them going into the Hollanders Boats, were made Drunk with Arrack. These Southlanders went stark naked, some onely covering their secret Parts with Leaves; their Skins were black, onely on their Foreheads they drew a red Stroke, which reach’d to their Ears; their brown curl’d Hair was by some colour’d grey, by some red, some let it hang loose over their Sholdiers, others ty’d the same in a Tuft on their Crown, cover’d with a Cap of Pisang Leaves, others wore their Hair scarce two Fingers long, and through the Gristle of their Nose, a piece of Cane or Quill, and a broad Beard without Mustacho’s; they had nothing to barter but large Snail-shells, on which they made a strange noise; and whatsoe’re they receiv’d, they first smell’d on it like Dogs: they fancy’d not Nails, as all the other Southlanders had done. Their manner of Fishing was thus: They ty’d several half Clappes-shells, made fast like a Chain, to a long Reed, shook the same to and again on the Water, to gather the Fish together. In the Boats lay Planks of an oval fashion, which by Ropes ty’d in the middle they held before them in stead of Shields. When these Southlanders went from the Ships, one of them threatned to beat the Seamen, shaking his great Club at them; whereupon they all Row’d with great speed to the Shore, whilest one in every Boat knockt with a Staff against the sides, just as if they had beat an Alarm. Amongst them one had barter’d for an old Doublet, with which he shew’d many antick Tricks, putting it on the wrong way, sometimes on his Head, then his Feet into the two Arm-holes, and anon the Button-holes behind on his Back.

The Ships Sailing from hence, ran along a broken Coast, and on the twelfth of April were so terribly shaken by an Earthquake, which lasted an hour and a half, that they seem’d shivering to pieces in the Water, as if they had ran against a Rock, notwithstanding they could not fathom Ground with their longest Line. Somewhat farther they discover’d a burning Mountain on an Island, between which and the Main (on which stood also a very high Mountain) they steering their Course, came into a white Water, mov’d by a strong River from the Continent; and coming to an Anchor before the Island Jamna, they saw the Isles Moa and Arimoa before them. The Jamneans calling New Guinee by the Name of Belah, inform’d the Hollanders, that they Warr’d continually with the Inhabitants thereof. These People being also Coal-black, some of them had loose curl’d Hair, hanging down over their Shoulders in long Braids, and others had onely two thick Locks, which cover’d their Ears; all of them wore four Feathers on their Heads: the Men pull’d out their Beards, and hung a great Bone Ring through their Ears, at which also hung a Shell like a Spur; most of them had red Roses ty’d about their Heads, and a Necklace of Hogs Teeth about their Necks; under their Navels they wore Girdles, a handful and a half broad, and about their Wastes Strings full of Shells, or Sea-Cockles, to which a small Lappet was ty’d, and hung down before their Privities; but because it was but two Fingers broad, and mov’d to an again by the Wind, their Nakedness appear’d to those that took notice thereof; through the Gristle of their Noses they wore a Hogs Tooth, or the Splinter of a Cane. Upon the Stern of their small Boats was the Shape of a little Lyon. One of these Islanders imitated the Hollanders when they spoke, endeavoring to repeat their words after them, and therefore was call’d Parrot.

Tasman Sailing from hence to Moa, came to an Anchor before the Coast, ten Leagues beyond Jamna, where a great Boat, carrying seventeen Men, coming near the Ship, let flie a great many Arrows at the Seamen; but the next Morning being better reconcil’d, they came aboard, where the Chirurgeon of the Ship gave a Cap to one of the Jamneans, who, as a testimony of his thankfulness for the Present, requested him to sit down; which done, he began to braid his Hair from his Forehead to his Neck, tying the same with a String.

Tasman weighing Anchor, Sail’d between New Guinee and the Island Insou, having got nothing but a few Jamnean words from the Islanders, who call’d a Bone, Vertilia; a Hog, Paro; a Knife, Sapera; Beads, Sassera; a Nail, Tortor; Sleep, Moeni; and a Rat, Asphoo. So steering his Course along Arimoa, which is both higher and larger than the neighboring Amoa, and resembles a Seaman’s Cap, he left New Guinee a Stern of him, and Steering on Northerly, Sail’d by Schoutes-Island, where eight large Boats came within Gun-shot of him, each of which had on each side a Wing, under which sat four Rowers, two and two together, with their Feet hanging in the Water; at their approaching near the Ship they put out a long Pole, with a white Flag upon it; whereupon Tasman also commanded his white Ensign to be put forth, and threw a String of Beads, ty’d to a piece of Wood, out of his Cabbin Window; which the Southlanders had no sooner taken up, but in testimony of thankfulness they all broke their Arrows over their Heads, and kept near the sides of the Ship, till such time as the Boatswain thereof sounded a Trumpet, upon the hearing of which they all Row’d away with as much speed as they could possibly. These People were of a sallow Complexion; they broke their Arrows with great Ceremony; for first they pointed with them towards the Skie, then put them into the Water, and breaking each Arrow in two pieces on their Heads, they threw one over the Larboard, and the other over the Starboard; he that broke the Arrow, made a long Speech to the Hollanders, who took the same for an Oath of their Fidelity toward them. In every one of these Boats were twenty eight or thirty Men.

[Sidenote: Tasman’s farther Voyage into New Guinee.]

Tasman prosecuting his Voyage farther, discover’d the following day another Island, and a crooked Arm of New Guinee, near which he judg’d might be an Opening betwixt New Guinee and Gilolo; then leaving on his Starboard a great many blind Cliffs, dangerous Shelves, and uneven Grounds, he cast Anchor near a Rock, which at high Water was overflow’d. A Boat coming near the Ship, in which were six Men, whose long Hair hung down their Backs, one of them amongst the rest standing up, call’d to the Hollanders in the Ternaren Language, saying, What People? to which a Seaman, who understood and spake the said Language, answer’d, Spaniards: whereupon he ask’d, From what Countrey, and whither bound? to which he was answer’d, From Moa to Ternata: The Southlander hereupon reply’d, You are Deceivers, the Ship is not Spanish, but Holland make; whereupon Tasman caus’d the Prince of Orange’s Flag to be put out, which the Southlander no sooner saw, but he cry’d, It appears by your Flags that you are Hollanders, who are always more welcom to us than Spaniards: However, though the Seaman acknowledg’d his mistake, in saying they were Spaniards; yet the Southlanders would not stay within shot of them, but at their Rowing away cry’d aloud, Here is abundance of Pisang, Clappes, Potato’s, Sugar-Canes, and other Fruits on Shore.

From hence Tasman Sail’d Northerly between many Isles, and a Channel that separates New Guinee from Gilolo, by Cerani, Manipe, Bolao, and Burro, to a narrow Opening, where Pangesane being on his Larboard, rose with exceeding high Rocks, as Botton on the Starboard. These Rocks are most of them overgrown with Trees and Brambles. In the middle of this Channel also lies a Rock, for its shape call’d A Galley, by which Tasman Sailing, bent his Course homeward, and at last, on the fifteenth of June, Anno 1643. cast Anchor before Batavia.

CHAP. V. Terra Borealis, or The Artick Region.

Having spoken something of the Terra Australis Incognita, or Unknown South-Land, there remains something to be said of the opposite part, namely, the Terra Borealis, or the Artick Region; which is call’d Incognita in like manner as the Terra Australis, in regard, though very much, as well of the one as of the other, hath been search’d into, and in part discover’d by several Voyagers, yet doubtless there is a very vast Tract of Land, in the Artick Region especially (if it be not rather Sea,) which is altogether unknown, and those parts which have been discover’d, as Groenland, Iseland, Nova Zembla, Spilbergen, Hudson’s Straights and Bay, &c. so imperfectly known, that they may well deserve the Title of Unknown.

The several parts of this Artick Region are, 1. Terra Subpolaris Incognita, or that part which lies directly under the Pole, and is otherwise call’d Orbis Arcticus. 2. Groenland. 3. Spilbergen, or Nieuland. 5. Iseland. 6. Nova Zembla.

[Sidenote: A Description of Terra Subpolaris.]

The Terra Subpolaris is describ’d by a certain Seaman of Bosleduc, to be a great black Rock, about thirty five Leagues in compass, and of an extraordinary heighth; through the Land adjoyning to which the Sea violently breaking, makes four great and violent Euripi, or Whirlpools, whose Waters driving Northward with so forcible a Stream, that no Ship, though carry’d by never so strong a Gale, is able to stem the Current, are at last swallow’d up in the Earth. It is also reported, that between two of these Euripi, namely that made by the Scythick Ocean, and that on the back side of Groenland, there lieth an Island Northward of Lappia and Biarmia, inhabited by Pygmies. Much more to this purpose is related of the Subpolar Region, but since it is very improbable that any one could come so near as to make any discovery thereof, to say more of this Matter, would be but to insist upon things favoring more of Fables than Reality.

[Sidenote: Bounds and Situation of Groenland.]

Groenland is that part of Terra Septentrionalis, which winds about from South to East, and decline Northward from Cape Faruel, in the Deucaledonian Sea; however, Groenland hath been generally taken for an Island; yet many late Navigators think it joyns with the Continent of Tartary, and others leave it in doubt whether it be Island or Continent: It is bounded towards the East with the Deucaledonian Ocean; towards the West, with Hudson’s Straights and Bay, which separate it from America; towards the North its Bounds are altogether unknown, and is not without reason suppos’d to be the utmost part of the World towards the North Pole. There are who believe it to be one Continent with America, and that upon this ground, because several who have attempted to pass through the Straight commonly call’d The Straight of Davis, into the East-Indies, affirm, that they found it to be a Gulph; but one Captain John Monk, who was also a great Undertaker in the North-West Passage through this Straight, or Gulf of Davis, alledges great Probabilities of this Lands being divided by Sea from the Continent of America.

[Sidenote: The Topography of Groenland from the Danish and Iseland Chronicles.]

This Countrey hath anciently been divided into two Regions, East-Groenland and West-Groenland; answerable to which Division Errick, surnam’d The Ruddy, the Son of Torvalde, is reported by the Danish Chronicle to have built two Forts or Lodges, Ostrebug and Westrebug, in the Eastern part. The first Planters of Christianity built the City Garde, which became, as the said Chronicle mentions, a City of great Repute and Traffick, and not long after, the Town Albe, and towards the Sea-Coast, a Monastery, dedicated to St. Thomas. The City Garde was a Bishop’s See, to which belong’d a Cathedral Church, by the Title of St. Nicholas, built in the same City, though a certain Iseland Chronicle makes mention of the Church of Strosnes, as the chief Metropolitan and Bishop’s See of Groenland. The Bishop assisted oftentimes in the Assembly of the Estates of Denmark, and held of the Bishop of Nidrosia or Drunthen in Norway, as the Temporal Estate of Groenland held of the Crown of Norway, the Norwegians being the onely known Planters of this Countrey, deriving their Original from the aforesaid Errick, according to the testimony of Mr. Vormius, and also of Angrimus Jonas, in his Specimen Islandicum, and the Vice-Roy of Norway, the Nomophylax (as the said Angrimus calls him,) or Sovereign Judge of the Countrey. The Inhabitants of Westreburg, or the Western Coast of Groenland, are by some call’d Skreglinguers. According to the Iseland Chronicle, the Towns and Places of chief note are Skageford, in the most Eastern part; a little farther West the Port of Funchebuder, so call’d from a Page of St. Olaus King of Norway, who together with several others were cast away upon that place; a little higher, the Roansen, full of white Bears, and other wild Beasts. In the Western Coast, Kindelfiord, an Arm of the Sea; on the right Shore whereof stands Korsekirk, i. e. a Church built cross-ways; also the Town Vandalebug, and not far off a Monastery, dedicated to St. Olaus and St. Augustine; the next Place is Rumpesinfiord, where there is a religious Convent, and divers little Islands, in which are Springs of Water, warm in the winter, and temperate in the Summer, which are accounted Medicinal and of great Vertue in the curing of divers Maladies; upon the same Coast lies Etsnatsfiord; between which and Rumpesinfiord is the Palace Fos, and a great Church, dedicated to St. Nicholas; near the Promontory Clining is another great House call’d Daller, and beyond Eynatsfiord, a great Island denominated Reynatsen, from the abundance of Rein-Deer which breed there: In the same Island is a Quarry of the Stone Talguestin, not consumable by Fire, and yet soft enough to be cut into any form, insomuch that Vessels have been made of it, containing twelve Tun. More Westerly lies the Island Langen, and another Royal House call’d Hellestad, then Erricksfford, another Arm of the Sea, and at the Entrance thereof, the Island Herrieven, part whereof belongs to the Dome, or Cathedral, and the other part to the Church of Dunes, the principal Church of Groenland, next to the Cathedral. North-West from Erricksfiord is Midfiord, and farther Northward, Bondeford; near which are several little Isles and Ports. Between Ostrebug and Westrebug is a large Desart, altogether uninhabited.

This Description of the Countrey, Extracted from the Iseland Chronicle, is look’d upon by a late French Writer of note, as the most particular and faithful; however, the Danish Chronicle differs in many things, and amongst others in this, that not the hundredth part of Groenland is possess’d by the Norwegians, but that there inhabit several different sorts of People, of different Fashions and Governments, altogether unknown to the Norwegians.

[Sidenote: Temperature of Groenland.]

Groenland, notwithstanding its Northerly Situation, is reported to be a Countrey not unfertile of Corn, and other Productions of the Earth; and in respect of its verdant Aspect at some Seasons of the Year, above the rest of those Septentrional Regions, it is concluded to have merited the Name of Groenland, i.e. Greenland; nay, so great is the Heat that is said to be there during the Moneths of June, July, and August, by reason of the reverberation of the Sun-beams from the Rocks, that many times there is but six Weeks space betwixt Seed-time and Harvest.

[Sidenote: What sort of Animals breed there.]

The Beasts, which are said to breed here in great numbers, are Horses, Deer, Foxes, Hares, Bears, both black and white, common Wolves, and a sort of Beast between a Deer and a Wolf, besides great store of Beavers and Martins, as the Iseland Chronicle testifies, whose Furr in fineness may compare with the Sables of Russia. There are also Gerfalcons in abundance, both white and grey, of so delicate a kind, that they were in ancient times sent to the Kings of Denmark as Presents of great rarity.

The Seas about Greenland abound in very many sorts of Fish, as Sea-Wolves, Sea-Dogs, Sea-Calves, and above all, incredible numbers of Whales of a vast bigness.

[Sidenote: Strange kind of Horn found there.]

But the most remarkable Commodity of this Countrey, is a kind of Horn, commonly call’d the Licornes, or Unicorns-Horn, which is found there in great quantities, and great store of it is to be seen in Denmark, some whole, some in great pieces, sometimes onely the Ends or Stumps; but since it appears very different from all other kind of Horn, there is great Question made amongst Naturalists, whether it be Horn or Tooth? and if Horn, whether the Horn of a Beast or Fish? but it is discover’d of late to be the Horn, or rather Tusk of a certain Fish, which the Islanders call Narhual, being indeed a kind of Whale, as the Name seems to imply; signifying a Whale which feeds upon Carcases.

[Sidenote: The chief Voyagers thither.]

This Countrey is call’d by the Natives, Secanunga; who was the first Discoverer thereof is not certainly known, but the first chief Voyagers thither were, of the Dutch, William Barents, or Barentson, of Amsterdam, who set forth towards those Parts in the Year 1594. and before him, Dithmar Blefkens, in the Year 1563. of the English, Mr. James Hall, who set out from Copenhagen in Denmark, Anno 1605. and in a second Voyage was slain by a Salvage of the Countrey.

[Sidenote: The Coastings, Havens, and Creeks of Groenland.]

The Coastings, Courses, Havens and Creeks of Groenland, according as Barentson receiv’d an Account of them from Iver Boty, a Groenlander written in the Norsh Language, as it is call’d, are as followeth: From Stad in Norway, to Hornness, the East part of Groenland, it is seven days Sailing. Between Iseland and Groenland lieth a Riff call’d Gombornse-skare, the Ice lying upon which, hindreth the Passage. Those that Sail from Bergen in Norway South of Rokeness in Iseland, come under Swafster, a Promontory, or high Land in the East part of Groenland, and within sight of the high Mount Whitsark; between which and Groenland lieth a Headland, call’d Hernoldus Hook, not far from Sound-Haven, formerly much frequented by the Norway Merchants. Those that Sail from Iseland to Groenland, Steer to Snoffness, West of Rokeness, and after South-West. East of Hernoldus Hook lieth the Village of Skagenford, the most Easterly Village of the Island; East of Skagenford, the Haven Bearford, inaccessible by Ships, by reason of a great Riff lying at the Mouth thereof. This Place is chiefly remarkable for the Whale-fishing, the Whales upon the going back of the Tide running into a great Swalth, as they call it, which is in the Haven. East of Bearford is the Haven call’d Allabong Sound, full of little Isles. East from the Icy Mountain, the aforemention’d Haven Fendobothes. Farther East is the Highland Corse Hought, where they Hunt white Bears. West from Hernoldus Hook is the Village Codosford, and hard by the Sea-Coast, a fair Church, which we conceive to be the same with Korsekirk above spoken of, as Codosford may also probably be the same with Kindelfiord. A little farther West lieth the Boy, or Town of Wartsdale (for in the Norsh Language Boy signifies a Town,) belonging to Petresuik, or Peterswike Church: Near this Boy or Town standeth a Cloyster, or Abbey of Canons Regular, dedicated to St. Olafe and St. Augustine. Next to Codosford is Rompnesford, the same questionless with the above-mention’d Rumpesinfiord, where there is a Cloyster of Nuns of the Order of St. Benedict: In this Ford lie many small Isles. Between Rompness and the next Sound lieth a great Garden call’d Vose, belonging to the King of the Countrey, as also St. Nicholas Church before mention’d. At the entrance into Emnestnesford is the Inlet Southwoderswike, and somewhat higher on the same side, the little Cape Bloming, beyond the Inlet Granwike; above that, the Garden call’d Daleth, belonging to the Cathedral Church; and on the right-hand to those that Sail out of the said Sound, a great Wood belonging to the same Church, where they feed their Oxen, Kine, and Horses. The Highland lying by Emestnesford, is call’d The Ramas Hayth, from the Rain-Deer which use to be there Hunted: And hereabouts is that sort of Stone of which they make large Fats or Cisterns, as hath been before intimated; it is by some call’d the Zevell-Stone, being a sort of Marble, or (as some will have it) Load-stone, of all colours. West from this lieth another Highland, call’d Long-Highland. The next Sound is call’d Swalterford, having a Church belonging to it of the same Name, and where there is also a Garden belonging to the King, call’d St. Hentelstad. Next to that lieth Erricksford, and at the entrance thereof the Highland Erricks Hought, belonging to Deverskirk, the first Parochial Church in Groenland. North-West from Erricksford, is Megdenford. Farther out is a Church call’d Scogelkirk; and farther in the Sound, Leadenkirk. Beyond Erricksford is another Ford or Sound, by the Name of Fossa, belonging to the Cathedral Church; and to the North of it, two Villages, Ever-boy and Forther-boy. From thence farther North lieth Bredaford; and after that Lormontford; and from thence Westward, Icedeep. To the North of the Westland lieth a spacious Wilderness, call’d Hemel Hatsfelt, and Edg’d with massie Rocks and Cliffs towards the Sea side; beyond which the Sea is innavigable, by reason of the many Swalgen, or Whirlpools thereabouts.

In Groenland there are divers Hills, wherein are Silver-Mines, multitudes of white Bears, with red Patches on their Heads; also white Hawks, and all sorts of Fish. There are moreover in the Countrey divers Rivers, frozen up for the most part of the Year, and cover’d with Ice; yet it is generally affirm’d, that it is not so cold there as in Norway or Iseland. On the Hills are said to grow Acorns and Nuts, very well tasted, and as big as Apples; also as good Wheat as is commonly produc’d in other Parts.

[Sidenote: An Account of Groenland from Dithmar Blefkens his Journal.]

In the Journal of Dithmar Blefkens’s Voyage, mention is made of a certain blind Monk, brought up in the Monastery of St. Thomas, who reported several memorable things concerning this Countrey, as that it was call’d Groenland antiphrastically, or by contrariety of Speech, as appearing seldom or never green; and that it abounded with Bears and white Foxes, and was not without Pygmies and Unicorns, which never appear’d till after the Sun was entred into Aries; that in the said Monastery of St. Thomas there was a Fountain of scalding Water, which was convey’d through Pipes of Stones to the Monks several Cells, and serv’d them not onely for Stoves, but for the dressing of their Meat, which was as well boyl’d by means of this Water, as if it had been over a real Fire, and that the Walls of the Monastery were made of a kind of Pumice-stone, upon which if Water were pour’d, it would produce a slimy Matter, commonly us’d in stead of Lime for Mortar, like the Stone of Mount Hecla in Iseland; that two of these Pygmies, a Male and a Female, were kept by the Abbot, and were both endu’d with perfect humane Shape, and overgrown with Hair, even to the outermost Joynts of their Fingers, the Male especially, who had a Beard reaching down to his Knees, but that they seem’d wholly devoid of Reason and Understanding, nor had any distinct use of Speech, onely made a semblance of Hissing of the manner of Geese; lastly, he reported the duration of the Lives of these Creatures to be answerable to the shortness of their Stature; but that concerning their Wars with the Cranes, he had no other knowledge than by Tradition.

[Sidenote: From Mr. James Hall’s Description.]

The Description of Groenland left by Mr. James Hall, renders it a high, mountainous, and craggy Region, sufficiently water’d with Rivers, and provided with good Harbors, of a Soil not unfertile in all places where he came, having between the Mountains fruitful Valleys and pleasant Plains, abounding with several sorts of Fowl, as Partridges, Pheasants, Sea-mews, Gulls, Crows, &c. but of Beasts, chiefly black Foxes, and (as was conjectur’d by the plenty of Harts-horns found about their Tents) Rein-Deer, yet not destitute of other Beasts, the Vestigium of one whereof was found to be not less than eight Inches over.

As for the Manners and Customs of the Natives, they are by the said Description represented to be a kind of Samoid, or wandring People, still moving from place to place, warlike and active, using Slings and Darts with marvellous dexterity, of a brown Complexion for the most part, and of an indifferent Stature, eating their Meat either quite raw, or onely a little parboyl’d, Clothing themselves with the Skins of such Beasts, or other Creatures, as they kill, especially Seals, or some of the largest size of Fowls, which they Dress very smooth and soft, turning the Feather or Hair side outwards in Summer, and inward in Winter. Their Weapons Bowes, Slings, and Bone or Iron-headed Darts; their Religion Idolatrous, but chiefly Sun-Worship, as was gather’d from their manner of Accost, when any of the English first approach’d them, for they us’d to point up to the Sun, as chief Author of their felicity, and then beat their Breasts, crying, Iliont, which seem’d to signifie as much as I mean no harm, and would not come near till those that met them did the like. Their Houses built of Whales Bones, and the Baulks thereof with Whales Ribs, and cover’d with Earth, but the best sort with Seal-Skins, having Vaults or Rooms under Ground, four-square, and two Yards deep in the Earth. Their manner of Burial, a Pile of Stones thrown over the Corps, being first wrapt up in Seal-Skins.

[Sidenote: First Discovery of Spilbergia or Greenland.]

Spilbergia, so call’d by the Hollanders, from Spilbergen, whom probably they reckon to have been the first Discoverer of it, is the same that we vulgarly call Greenland, and which Sir Hugh Willoughby (if not the first of all, yet at least the first of the English that discover’d any thing of these Parts) nam’d King James’s New-Land. The said Sir Hugh Willoughby set forth Anno 1553. in the Bona Esperanza, accompany’d with two Ships more, viz. the Bonaventure, Richard Challoner Captain, and the Bona Confidentia, and after some time of Coasting up and down those Northern Seas, he Landed with his Company upon the Place, where staying a few days, he sent three Men three days Journey into the Countrey South-West, and three more as far full West, who all, after much hardship in their Travelling, return’d without having met any People by the Way, or seen the least appearance of any Habitation. Sailing hence back for Lapland, they were all frozen to death in the Haven Arzina.

Fotherby’s Description of Greenland.

A Description of Greenland by one Mr. Robert Fotherby, represents the Nature of this Place contradictory to its Name, as before was observ’d of Groenland: “For certainly (saith he) no part of the World, yet known and discover’d, is less Green than this, both the Mountains and Low-lands being cover’d with Snow till the beginning of June. The Countrey, which is for the most part mountainous, bearing neither Grass nor Tree, save onely Heath or Ling, as it is call’d in the North parts of England, which grows upon the Moors or Heathy Grounds when the Snow begins to melt, and on which in Summer the Deer feed themselves fat in one Moneth; but how they live in the Winter, is a thing beyond any Man’s skill to comprehend, especially during the Sun’s absence under the Horizon, which in the Latitude of seventy seven Degrees continues from the eighteenth of October to the fourth of February.”

This Countrey is by many suppos’d never to have been inhabited by Men, yet not altogether uncapable of affording Habitation to such as would bring with them sufficient defensive Weapons against Hunger and Cold: For other Animals, it is found, by the testimony of those that have been upon the Place, not to be destitute; for besides Deer before mention’d, there have been seen Bears and Foxes; and of wild Fowl, Cuthbert Ducks, Willocks, Stints, Sea-Pigeons, Sea-Parrots, Gulls, Noddies, &c.

The Southermost part of Greenland, call’d Point Look-out, stands in seventy six Degrees and thirty Minutes. The West side of the Land was discover’d by the first Voyagers Northward as far as eighty Degrees and odd Minutes, and in that compass six or eight good Harbors for the Whale-fishing; the East side as far as seventy eight Degrees, with divers Islands, both great and small, yielding good Harbors, and store of Whales and Sea-Horses.

[Sidenote: The Voyages of Jonas Pool and others to Greenland.]

In the Year 1610. Jonas Pool, Master of the Amity fell in with this Land in May, and continu’d upon the Coast, discovering of Harbors, and killing of Morses, till June following: and he is said to have been the first that gave this Countrey the Name of Greenland. The next year he set out again, accompany’d with Thomas Edge, Commander of the Mary Margaret; And since many other Voyages have been made as to a Place known, and a great Trade driven in catching of Whales, not without several Contests with the Dutch and Danes, but nothing of late discover’d considerable more than in the first Voyages. The Harbors, Sounds and Coastings most taken notice of, are Fair Foreland, Cape Cold, Black-Point, Horn-Sound, Knotty-Point, Bell-Sound, Lowness, Cross-Road, Deer-Sound, Fowl-Sound, Close-Cove, Gurnet-Nose, Ice-Sound, and Green-Haven.

[Sidenote: Cherry-Island.]

There are few that have Sail’d to Greenland, but make great mention of Cherry Island, so call’d, as having been first discover’d at the Charges of Sir Francis Cherry, an eminent Merchant; by others Bear-Island, from the multitude of Bears found there; it lies in the Latitude of seventy four Degrees, and is noted for store of Fowl, Foxes like Dogs, and upon the Coasts great store of Whales, Sea-Horses, and Morses: It is also said to be furnish’d with Lead-Mines, and Pits of Sea-Coal.

[Sidenote: Situation and first Discovery of Iseland.]

Iseland, so call’d from the continual Ice which is upon it, is a craggy mountainous Countrey; and not onely the Hills, but a great part of the Low-land cover’d with perpetual Snow: It is of a Form somewhat oblong, lying between the fifty fourth and fifty ninth Degree of Northern Latitude, having Norway on the East, the Orcades and Scotland on the South, Grenland on the West, and the Hyperborean, or frozen Sea on the North. It is by Olaus Magnus suppos’d to be twice as big as Sicily, that is to say, about a hundred Leagues in length. It is the most known, and most througly discover’d of all the Countreys of the Artick Region, and is said to have been first found out and peopled in the Year of our Lord 900. by certain of the Nobility of East-Frisia in the Countrey of Breme, in the time of Alebrand, Bishop of that Countrey; but whether or no utterly unpeopled till that time, is a Question not easie to be determin’d, though in all probability so obvious a Place to be found out, could not lie so long totally uninhabited. Not long after several Colonies of Norwegians Setled themselves, some in Hitland, some in Ferow, others (following the Example of these Bremers) in Iseland. The Countrey is full of Rocks and Stones, and (as is credibly reported) not a cultivated Field or Garden in the whole Island, and by consequence no sort of Corn, yet the People living without either Bread or Salt, are very strong, and of a good Complexion: Neither is there a Tree to be seen, except the Birch, which likewise grows but in one place, and exceeds not the heighth of a Man, by reason of the violence of the Winds; yet there is said to be great plenty of Butter, the Grass being so fat, that the Oxen are not suffer’d to stay long at a time in the Pastures for fear of bursting. Till of late there was neither Town, nor any thing that could be call’d a Village, in the whole Island, but stragling Cottages here and there, not above three or four together in a place, most by the Sea side for the convenience of Fishing; they were built pretty deep in the Ground, but artificially fram’d of Whales Bones, with Seats, Benches, and other Utensils of the same; now sometimes they use Fir to the same purpose, which is cast upon the Coast by the force of the Sea from Tartary or elsewhere. For want of Vessels, they lay their Butter in Heaps in the Corners of their Houses like Mortar. In the Winter, wanting Fodder, they feed their Cattel with Fish. Besides these Cattel, which are Kine without Horns, Horses onely fit for carrying of Burthens, and very large Sheep, there are store of white Foxes, and huge Bears of the same colour, and a sort of rough Dogs, very well known, and frequent amongst us by the Name of Shocks, which the Islanders esteem not a little, and will part with their Children at a far easier rate: They keep neither Hogs nor Poultrey, for want of Grain to feed them.

[Sidenote: Many Rivers in Iseland.]

The Rivers belonging to this Island are many, and those not unpleasant, affording to the Inhabitants plenty of Fish, especially Sturgeon, Trouts, and Salmons; and one is especially remarkable for a Bridge made over it, which being the onely Bridge of the Countrey, is made of the great Bones of a Whale. The whole Island is one continu’d Desart, without any trodden Path or Road from one end to the other; so that all that have occasion to travel to any part thereof by Land, make use of the Compass, as if they were Voyaging by Sea.

[Sidenote: Strange Fish on the Coast of Iseland.]

The Coast of Iseland hath many strange and monstrous Fish worth observation, as first the Orca, which though nothing near so big as the Whale, yet is able to be the death of it; for being of the shape of a Ship turn’d upside-down, and having sharp long Fins on its Back, it pricks the Belly of the Whale therewith till it kills.

The next is the Hackfall, which is very fat, and about twelve Inches long.

Then the Dog-Fish, which lifting up its Head out of the Sea, Barks, and letting forth its young ones, receives them into her Belly again, when they have sported a while in the Sea.

Lastly, another Monster, of a most frightful shape, mention’d by Olaus Magnus, but not by any particular Name.

[Sidenote: Strange Fountains.]

In divers Parts of the Island are Fountains of scalding Water, which as soon as taken from the Fountain begins to cool, and when cold, hath a sulphury Substance swimming on the top.

At the West end is a smoaky Fountain, very cold, and turning all that is cast into it into Stone.

At the place upon the Sea call’d Turlocks Haven, are two Fountains of different quality, the one hot, the other cold, which by Pipes being brought together into one place, make a Bath of an excellent temperature, and of a medicinal Vertue.

Not far from Haven Halneford is a Cliff in a Rock of an unknown depth, and no Water to be discern’d by those that look down into it, but if a Stone be cast in, it shall make a noise for half an hour together, as if it were striking against a Brazen Vessel, and all this while the Water will be rising till it comes up to the brim, and then will be so long sinking again as the Stone was falling.

[Sidenote: Mountains of Iseland.]

There are also three Mountains in Iseland not to be left unmention’d, the Mountain of the Cross, the Mountain Snenelstockel, and the Mountain Hecla; the two first are chiefly considerable for their wonderful heighth, and for the dreadful noise of Thunder which is heard on the top of them, when in the adjacent parts below, the Air is calm and clear; the third lying in the North of the Island, and not very high, is one of the most prodigious Vulcans in the World, for the casting forth of Flames, black Ashes, and Pumice-Stones, insomuch that there is no possibility of Habitation within six Miles of it round about; and it is a receiv’d Opinion of the Inhabitants, that it is the place of Torment for the Souls of the Damned; from whence there hath risen such a company of strange Stories and Fables, that it would make up a Volume of it self to relate them. The occasion of the great Eruption of this Mountain is not without much reason imputed to the inflammation of the Sulphur, of which there are several Mines or Pits in the Countrey, though none of any sort of Metal.

[Sidenote: First planting of Christian Religion here.]

Waldemarus, King of Denmark and Norway, being consequently Master of this amongst the other Norwegian Colonies, Planted the Christian Religion in this Island in the Year of Christ 1398. and Ordain’d two Bishops, one in Schalholden, in the East part, another in Hollen, in the West; and after the Reformation was begun, Christianus, King of Denmark, took care to propagate the Reformed Doctrine there, as well as in other parts of his Dominions; and to that end sent over a PRINTER thither, that the BIBLE, together with the Works of Philip Melancthon and Urbanus Regius, might be publish’d in the Vulgar Tongue of the Countrey. But these Proceedings were mainly oppos’d by the Bishop of Schalholden, who animating the People to Rebellion, they slew the King’s Lieutenant: Whereupon the next Year Paul Holfelt, a Knight of the Danish Order, being sent over with an Army, overthrew the Rebels, and taking off the chief Heads of the Rebellion, committed the Charge of the Government to another Nobleman of Denmark, whom he left upon the Place. But one Tadde Bonde, a great Man of the Countrey, meditating a Revolt, drew divers Persons of principal note into Conspiracy with him, and was advancing to a formidable Power, had not the Bishop given continual Intelligence of their Proceedings to the King’s Lieutenant, who thereupon employ’d Agents to the chief Accomplices of the Faction, and what with fair Means and threatnings so wrought with them, that they return’d to their Obedience, and forsook Todde, insomuch that he flying with a small Party, betook himself to a fastness at the Foot of Heckelveld, where being hemm’d in, those about him were slain, and he himself taken Prisoner; and because no Man to whose safe custody he was offer’d durst receive him, so much dreaded was his Power, one Jonas, a bold courageous Fellow, slew him with his own Hand, and thereby put an end to all farther Tumults and Seditions.

[Sidenote: The People Iseland addicted to Sorcery and Superstition.]

So much have the People of this Island been ever addicted to Sorcerie and Superstition, that notwithstanding the Profession of Christianity, and the frequent Preaching against those Sins, especially since the Reformation, the generality of them are still wedded to many of those old diabolical Customs, which were practis’d there in time of Paganism; and amongst other things they are said to be serv’d, many of them, by Spirits, which constantly attend them, and as Olaus Magnus writes of the Finlanders, they are oftentimes dealt with by Strangers, to sell them prosperous Winds for Money, and (doubtless by the help of the Devil) perform the same; as also on the contrary, they are said by their Enchantments to stop the Course of a Ship, and make it as it were immovable, though in the Stream of never so prosperous a Gale. They are a proud, haughty People, and for the most part endu’d with vast strength of Body; their Habit so promiscuous, that neither Sex can be distinguish’d by it. They are not onely forward to prostitute their Daughters to those Germans that Trade with them at Hafnefords, but that Virgin who hath had to do with a German, shall be sure to be so much the more esteem’d and Courted.

[Sidenote: Towns and Places of note.]

The onely Towns and Buildings of note here, and those created but of late Ages, are 1. Hafnefords, a Haven Town, chiefly frequented by Dutch Merchants for Traffick with the Natives.

2. Bedstede, the Residence of the Lord Lieutenant or Governor for the King of Denmark.

3. The Bishops See of Halsar, having four Monasteries belonging to it, viz. Pingore, Remestede, Modor, and Monkeniere.

4. The Bishops See of Schalholt, to which also doth belong four Monasteries, viz. Vedey, Pernebar, Kirkebar, and Schirde.

[Sidenote: Their Place and manner of Judicature.]

The Nobles of Iseland are call’d Bonden; their Justiciaries or Judges, being twelve in number, Lochmaders, that is, Men of Law or Justice, who are said to meet once a year on the twenty ninth of June, to administer Justice in a place ordain’d for that purpose in the midst of the Island, appearing like some feigned Paradice, so pleasant a place it is represented to be at that time of the year, being (as the Tradition goes) from a high burning Mountain like Hecla, consum’d to a Plain, and so environ’d with Rocks, that there was left but a small Passage for one at a time to enter. Here the Governor having first given the Charge, leaves the Trial of all Matters to the Lochmaders, who having diligently heard every Cause argued on both sides, withdraw for a while to Consult together, and then proceed to Sentence, the same Persons being both Jury and Judge; but if any Case of difficulty or scruple arise, they consult the Governor.

[Sidenote: Angrimus Jonas’s Relation of Iseland.]

Angrimus Jonas’s Relation of Iseland differing much from what hath been deliver’d by Blefkens, is not to be omitted. He saith it was first discover’d by one Naddocus, a Pyrate, who going towards the Farensian Islands, was cast by Tempest upon the Shore of East-Iseland, near the Mountain Reidarfial; and as he departed from the Coast, perceiving the tops of the highest Mountains cover’d with a very deep Snow, call’d the Island Snælandia, that is, Snowy Countrey.

[Sidenote: Gardarus’s Voyage to Iseland.]

Upon the fame of Naddocus’s Discovery, one Gardarus, the Son of Suavarus, a Swede, was desirous to make a Voyage thither, and arriving near the Eastern Shore, Winter’d in the Bay of Skialfanda, or North-Island, in the Year of our Lord 864. and call’d the Haven Huscawick, from the Houses or Wintering-places built there, as the next Haven to it was call’d Nartarawick, from Natrare, an eminent Mariner in this Expedition. Gardarus returning home about the beginning of the Spring, call’d the Countrey from his own Name Gardarsholm.

[Sidenote: Flocco’s Voyage to the same Place.]

The next that follow’d his Example, was one Flocco, a famous Pyrate, whose Daughter Geirhilda being drown’d upon the Coast of Schetland (anciently Hietland,) gave the Name of Geirhildarwata to the Sea thereabouts: Not having the use of the Mariners Compass, he made use of Ravens for the steering of his Course, and having sent forth two without success, by the guidance of the third he had sight of the Eastern side of the Island; and Steering Southward, he found a very wide Bay, between the Promontories Renkanes and Snæfesness; which Bay, from Faxa a Scottish Mariner that accompany’d him, he nam’d Faxaos, that is, The Mouth of Faxa, though from its many Havens it came afterwards to be term’d Hafnafiordur. Sailing along the West side of the Island, he entred the Bay Bredafiord, and took up his Quarters at Watnesfiordur, a Haven in the Province Bardostraund (for by these Names these Places came afterwards to be known:) Having stay’d here two Winters, he return’d back into Norway, and is said to have been the first that gave this Countrey the Name of Iseland, from the great quantities of Ice which fill’d the Seas thereabouts, he also gave it the Name of Rafnaflock, from the Ravens which serv’d him in stead of a Compass.

[Sidenote: A Plantation setled in Ise by Ingulphus and Hiorleifus.]

The last and most considerable Adventurer was Ingulfus, the Son of Orn, Duke of Fyrdafilace in Norway, who, together with his Cousin Hiorleifus, that Marry’d his Sister Helca, being adjudg’d to Banishment by Halsten (to the Award of whose Judgment they had submitted themselves) upon the slaughter of his two Brethren, Holmsten and Hersten, (these three Brethren were the Sons of Atlas, one of the prime Noblemen of Norway) in a Quarrel, wherein Halsten was chosen Umpire; and also detesting the Tyranny of Haraldus Pulchricomus, King of Norway, went over Gonfaloniere, or chief Leader of a great Colony of People, whom he rais’d for the setling of a Plantation in some foreign Countrey: Accompany’d with his Cousin Hiorleifus, he took Shipping for Iseland in the Year of our Lord 854. having been over to visit it about four years before; he Landed at a Promontory on the South Shore, which from him took the Name of Ingulfholde, and at Reicharwick setled his Habitation, while Hiorleifus seated himself at the Promontory by him call’d Hiorleifholda, where he built two very large Houses, each being about a hundred and thirty Foot long; then he set himself to Manure and Till the Ground, employing in that Work ten Slaves, whom he brought with him for that purpose out of Norway; but it was not long ere they traiterously set upon him and slew him by an Ambuscade which they had laid for him; after which they betook themselves to certain little Isles, which were nam’d Westmafyar, where before they had well nestled themselves, the whole Race of them were rooted out by Ingulphus, in revenge of his Kinsman’s Death. After this the Island grew daily more and more populous by the coming over of new Families from Norway; so that at this day it is a Place not the least considerable belonging to the Kings of Denmark.

The ancient Inhabitants of this Place (for it is to be suppos’d that there were People here before the coming over of Ingulfus) were call’d Papæ or Pappæ, and the East side of the Island, Papey, which agrees very well with the Names of two little Islands on the Coast of Scotland, Pappa and Westrepappa, from which many conjecture, as also from several Crosses and Bells found upon the Place, that there hath been in former Ages a resort of the Irish, and of the People of the North-West parts of Scotland.

[Sidenote: The Division of Iseland.]

The Eastern Bound of Iseland is call’d Austurhorn; the Western, Randesandur; the Northern, Langanes; and the Southern, Reicranes. The Island being divided according to the four Quarters of the World, North-Island is sever’d from East-Island by the aforesaid Promontory of Langanes; from West-Island by Rutafiordur Bay; from South-Island, by vast and unpassable Desarts. Between South-Island and East-Island runneth the River Jocolsu, through the Desarts of Solseimasande. Between South-Island and West-Island a famous River nam’d Albis, which emptieth it self into the Bay of Bargarfiord.

[Sidenote: Schetland the Thule of the Ancients.]

’Tis a vulgar Opinion, that this Island is the same which the Ancients call’d Thule; but upon consideration it will appear, that by the Ultima Thule taken notice of by Virgil, Claudian, Statius, Pythias Massiliensis, Pliny, Seneca, Solinus, Tacitus, and others, is meant one of the British Isles, amongst which were comprehended the Isles on the North of Scotland, as the Orcades, and some others, the utmost of which we call Schetland, and is very probable to be this Ultima Thule of the Ancients.

[Sidenote: Nova Zembla, when first discover’d.]

Nova Zembla, lying under seventy six Degrees of Northern Latitude, and a hundred and twelve Degrees and twenty five Minutes of Longitude, and being reckon’d above two hundred Miles in length, was, together with the River Puora, and Straights of Weygats, discover’d, (and, as it is thought, first of all) by Stephen Burrough, who was sent out by the Muscovia Company in the Year 1556. to find out a Way to Cathay by the North-East.

Afterwards one Oliver Bunel, a Dutch-man, mov’d with the hope of Gain, went from Enkhuissen to Pecora; where (having first discover’d Costinfarca in Nova Zembla) he lost all by Shipwrack.

The States-General nothing discourag’d with the little success of these two Voyagers, sent forth two Ships under the Command of Hugo Linschot, to the Straights of Weygats, and two others under William Barrents, who were to go directly Northwards for Nova Zembla: Linschot went fifty Miles beyond the Straights, but the Northerly Winds and late Season of the year forc’d him to hasten back with all possible speed. William Barents and his Company were necessitated in the Year 1596. being not able to get off, in regard the Ice increas’d upon them more and more, to take up their Winter Quarters there in a Cottage, which they made a shift to cast up for their present necessity, having much ado to defend themselves against the Bears, that continually assaulted them.

[Sidenote: Description of the Countrey.]

This Countrey is generally deliver’d to be a barren and desart Countrey, full of Wood indeed, but the Boughs as bare of Leaves, as the Ground of Grass; also very incommodious to be travell’d through, by reason of its desartness, and the danger of Bears, great fierce Foxes, and such like ravenous Beasts, which feed onely upon Flesh, and which are the onely Beasts this Countrey harbors.

In a Journal of Mr. Henry Hudson, there is to be found a much more favorable Description of the Countrey: “Generally (saith he) the Land of Nova Zembla that we have seen, is to a Man’s Eye a pleasant Land, much Main High-land with no Snow on it, looking in some places green, and Deer feeding thereon, and the Hills partly cover’d with Snow, and partly bare.”

It should seem to have been a receiv’d Opinion from the first Discovery of Nova Zembla, that it was inhabited by Pygmies, it being several times, in the Journals of some Voyages, mention’d particularly by the Name of The Land of Pygmies, but upon what certain Ground cannot in the least be discover’d; for we find not from the Russians (to whom the Place, by reason of its Vicinity, is probable to have been first known) any other Account of the Inhabitants, but that they are a People wholly destitute of civil Manners, and unlimited by Law or Religion, saving that they seem to give some kind of Adoration to the Sun, Moon, and North-star, and have some Qualities which speak them rational Creatures; whereas the Pygmies (if there be any such Creatures) are thought to have nothing of Humane but their Shape onely.

[Sidenote: Willoughby-Island.]

Besides Nova Zembla there is not far from it another Island, known by the Name of Willoughby-Island, from Sir Hugh Willoughby, the first Discoverer; they both are of the Dominions of the Czar of Russia.

Several Attempts for the discovery of the North-West Passage.

What hath been discover’d of Sea in the North or South parts of the World, is of no less Consequence than what hath been discover’d of Land, and the Straight of Hudson Northward, is no less considerable than the Straight of Magellan South; we shall therefore compleat this Discourse of the Artick Region with a brief Mention of what Capes, Bays, Sounds, &c. have been found out by those that have attempted to find a Passage by the North-West to the East-Indies.

Not to insist upon the fabulous Stories of King Arthur’s first conquering Ireland, and then Sailing into the Northern Seas, and subduing Scantia, Iseland, Groenland, and (as the Story saith) many other Islands beyond Norway even under the Pole, or of Malgo’s subduing Ireland, Iseland, the Orcades and Norway, or Octher’s Reports to King Alfred of his Voyages to the North-East parts beyond Norway, or the Voyages of the two famous Venetian Brethren, Nicolo and Antonio Zeni, or of Marcus Paulus Venetus, Odoricus and Vertomannus; the first English-man we hear of, that made an Expedition into those Northern Seas, was Sir Hugh Willoughby, before taken notice of for the Discovery of King James’s Newland and Willoughby-Island, in the Year of our Lord 1553.

Stephen Burroughs (as hath been intimated) discover’d amongst other Places, about the Year 1556. the Straight of Vaigats.

[Sidenote: Queen Elizabeths Foreland.]

[Sidenote: Forbisher’s Straight.]

In the Year 1576. Sir Martin Forbisher setting forth with two Barques, after he had been out about five Weeks, had sight of a High-land, which he nam’d Queen Elizabeths Foreland: Thence Sailing more Northerly to the heighth of about sixty two Degrees, he descry’d a great Sea or Inlet, which he entred, and thence it took the Appellation of Forbisher’s Straight. About two years after proceeding to a farther discovery of it, he entred a good way into it, and took possession of the utmost Place he went to for Queen Elizabeth, who thereupon gave it the Name of Meta Incognita.

Anno 1580. Arthur Pett and Charles Jackman were sent out by the Russian Company, to make a Discovery of the River Ob, and passing the Straight of Waigats, took particular observation of the Islands and Places there, but not being able to pass much farther, by reason of the Ice, towards the latter end of the year they return’d.

[Sidenote: Davis’s Straight.]

In prosecution of this Discovery to the North-West, Captain John Davis of Sandruge in Devonshire, made three Voyages; his first Anno 1585. his second, 1587. in which he met with many strange Adventures; but the main thing that accru’d from these Voyages, was the finding of a mighty Through-let between vast and desart Islands, to which his Name gave the Appellation of Fretum Davis, or Davis’s Straight.

The next that went upon this Design was Captain George Weymouth, who from the Year 1585 to 1602 made several Expeditions, which produc’d large Relations of strange Accidents that befell them, but little of Discovery farther than what had been made before.

[Sidenote: Cape Christianus.]

Mr. James Hall, very noted for his Voyages to Groenland, (which before was by Captain Davis call’d Desolation) at his falling in with that Place nam’d a Head-land from the then King of Denmark, Cape Christianus, which some think to be no other than Cape Farewel.

Anno 1606. Mr. John Knight was set out by the King of Denmark, of the Passages of whole Voyage little or nothing memorable is recorded.

[Sidenote: Hudson’s Straight and Bay.]

The next and most famous Attempter in the discovery of the North-West Passage, was Henry Hudson, who is said to have discover’d farther Northward to the Pole than any before him. From the Year 1607 to 1610 he made several Voyages, being set out by Sir Thomas Smith, Sir Dudley Diggs, and Mr. John Wostenholm, with others that were his great Friends, and Advancers of such publick Designs. In his last Voyage the Isles of Gods Mercy, Prince Henry’s Foreland, King James’s Cape, Queen Annes Cape, Diggs’s Island, Cape Wostenholm, The King’s Foreland, Mount Charles, Cape Salisbury, &c. were first taken notice of and nam’d, and, which were his principal Discoveries, and therefore worthily retaining his Name, Hudson’s Straight and Bay; but in his return homeward he was set upon in his Cabbin by one Green, Wilson, and others of their Conspiracy, and together with his Son John Hudson, Tho. Widdows, Arn. Ludlow, Sidrach Faner, and two or three more, was put over into a small Shallop, in which they were forc’d to seek their Fortune, and in all likelihood perish’d, for they were never heard of after. Not long after Green going on Shore upon a strange Island, was shot from an Ambuscade of Salvages into the Heart; the like End had Wilson, and three more of the Conspirators dy’d of their mortal Wounds, the rest with much ado got home in a very sick and weak Condition, through the Hardships they had sustain’d, and want of Provisions.

There was also another Hudson, who Anno 1608. went to the heighth of eighty one Degrees, and gave Names to certain Places, which continue to this day, as Whale-Bay, Hackluit’s Headland, and Hudson’s Touches.

[Sidenote: Button’s Bay.]

By the Assistance of Prince Henry, and those other Noble Persons above mention’d, Captain Thomas Button set out in the Year 1612. and is said to have pass’d Hudson’s Straight, and leaving Hudson’s Bay to the South, to have Sail’d two hundred Leagues South-Westward over a Sea above eighty Fathoms deep, which at length he discover’d to be another great Bay, since call’d Button’s Bay; He is said also to have discover’d a great Continent, which he call’d New Wales.

[Sidenote: Baffin’s Bay.]

Several other Voyagers there were in this great Attempt of the North-West Passage, as Captain Gibbons, Robert Bylot, William Baffins, and Captain William Hawkridge, who though they all came short of the main Enterprize, yet every one found out some new Cape, Bay, or Promontory, or open’d a farther Passage than had been before, as Bylot made known Cape Comfort; Baffin, the Inlet call’d from him Baffins Bay, as also Sir James Lancaster’s Sound; Hawkridge, a farther Passage into Lumly’s Inlet.

From the Year 1616. to 1631. the Business slept, and then a Voyage was undertaken by Captain Luke Fox, who at his Return gave very good hopes and encouragement, that the Work, so long in prosecution, was not impossible to be effected; nevertheless, by reason of the late troublesom Times it was again wholly laid aside for almost forty years; but in the Year 1668. several Persons of Honor undertook to revive the Work, and so that purpose furnish’d out two Ships, which set forth in June, and return’d about the beginning of October the Year following, giving so satisfactory an Account of their Voyage, that in the Year 1670. the same Adventurers thought fit to send out two Ships more, so furnish’d, as to endure a Wintering there, which they did, with greater hopes than ever of finding out the North-West Passage, besides a handsom Cargo of rich Furrs, which made it more than a saving Voyage; so that ’tis suppos’d this will not be the last Attempt, but that another will suddenly follow. And it may well be observ’d, that nothing considerable hath been done, in this grand Enterprize, but by the English.

A brief View of what Places are posses’d at this day in the West-Indies

by the English, Spaniards, French, Portuguese, and Dutch.

The English possess in Northern America, New England, the Bay of Trinity, Chincet, and a part of Terra Nova, or New-found Land; Virginia, part of Florida, now call’d Carolina, the Bermudas, or Summer-Islands, New Holland, which they took from the Dutch An. 1664. with New Amsterdam and Fort Orange; Terra Mariæ, or Mary-Land, part of the Isles call’d Lucaies; among the Antillæ or Caribbee-Islands, Barbados, Anguilla, part of St. Christophers, Montserrat, Nieves or Mevis, Antego, Dominico, and St. Vincent; the Isle of St. Catherine, otherwise call’d Providence, Jamaica, the Isles of Curacao and Trinity, several Colonies at Surinam and Sinamari, with several Forts upon the Coast of Guiana; and lastly, the Haven Porto Bello, once the Spaniards.

The Spaniards possess the greatest and best part of America, wherein they have a vast number of very considerable Towns. In Northern America they have 1. New Spain, in which are the Audiences of Mexico, Guadalajara, and Guatimala. 2. The Islands Cuba and Hispaniola (excepting some parts towards the West, which are in possession of the French), Boriquen, &c. also St. Augustine and St. Matthew in Florida, and a part of New Mexico. In Southern America, Castilla d’ Oro or Golden Castile, otherwise call’d Terra Firma, in which are the Audiences of Panama, and the new Realm of Granada; next Peru, in which are the Audiences of Quito, Lima, and La Plata; lastly, Chili and Paraguay, which comprehends the Countreys of Tucuman and La Plata.

The French have in Canada, or Nova Francia, Montreal, the Rivers Quebeck, Tadousack, and some Places upon the great River of St. Lawrence; also Accadie, or Nova Scotia, the Isle of Cape Breton, with the Fort St. Peter, from whence they Traffick to Nepigiquit, with the Salvages of that Coast; part of the Isle of Terre-Neuve, Pemptagoet, St. Jean, Port-Royal, and other Fortresses. Among the Caribbee-Islands, part of St. Christophers, St. Bartholomew, St. Crux, St. Martin, Guadalupe, Deseado, Marigalante, Todos los Sanctos, Martinico, St. Alousie and Granada; likewise some Colonies on the West of Hispaniola. Upon the Continent of Southern America, on the Coast of Guiana, the Isle Cayene, where stands the Fort of St. Michael de Ceperoux, now Fort Louis; also the Colonies of Mathouri and Armire, Courrou, Coonama and Comaribo.

The Portuguese possess all the Coast of Brasile in Southern America, with several Capitania’s or Præfectures thereof.

The Dutch have onely the Isles of St. Eustace and Saba, the Town of Coro in Terra Firma, the Colonies Boron, Esquib, Berebie, Aperwaque, and others, on the Coast of Guiana.

FINIS.

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TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES

1. Added closing quotes to all quoted passages. 2. The Section numbering was irregular. Corrected the numbers which were obvious. Appended an "a" to the second of a duplicate. There were no section ones. And a few items did not get section numbers. 3. There seemed to be no clear distinction between why some topics were Chapters and others just sections Sections. 4. P. 15, changed “In v.ta Heliogabali” to “In vita Heliogabali”. 5. P. 35, changed “Consutius” to “Confutius”. 6. P. 74, changed “Aso” to “Also”. 7. P. 123, changed “Chineses” to “Chileses”. 8. P. 230, changed “and the rather” to “and he rather”. 9. P. 396, changed “next it” to “next to it”. 10. P. 611, changed “Year 1231.” to “Year 1531.” 11. Silently corrected typographical errors and variations in spelling. 12. Retained anachronistic, non-standard, and uncertain spellings as printed. 13. Enclosed italics font in underscores. 14. Superscripts are denoted by a caret before a single superscript character or a series of superscripted characters enclosed in curly braces, e.g. M^r. or M^{ister}.