The earliest voyages round the world, l5l9-1617

Preface

THE aim of the present series is to illustrate the history of geographical discovery by means of select voyages and travels. These are usually written by the discoverer himself, or by an eye-witness who accompanied him on his journey. Apart from the results achieved, they are full of interest, since they tell the story of man's bravery in feehng his way over an unknown world.

The English voyages of the sixteenth century (some of which will be given in this series) record, moreover, the deeds of the seamen who laid the foundation of Britain's sea-power and of her Colonial Empire.

It is hoped that these books may be of service in schools, used either as Readers, or as an aid to the teaching of Geography. Spelling and punctuation have been modernized wherever necessary, though archaic words have been kept.

P. F. A.

Walberswick, May 1915.

In the hundred years covered by this volume there were six voyages round the world — one Spanish, led by a Portuguese ; two Enghsh ; and three Dutch.

The first of these — that of Magellan — was by far the most noteworthy for its results, and remains viii Preface

probably the most wonderful voyage in the whole history of discovery. Of the rest, Drake's voyage has always had an especial appeal to the imagination of his countrymen, and was a powerful stimulus to English colonization. The last of the six — that of Le Maire and Schouten — is notable for its discovery of Cape Horn and a new passage into the Pacific.

P. F. A.

Steep,

April 1916.

Contents

PAGE iNTRODrCTION xiii

Some Ijeportant Dates in the History of Discovery . xxi

Magellan: The First Voyage Round the World (1519-