The Tercera Islands

Sources from old books

1638. The merchants mappe of commerce wherein by Lewes Roberts.

Of the Assores, commonly Tercera Ilands. The Tercera Ilands were first discovered by the Flemmings and a while bare their names; upon which is placed the Meridian line, dividing the East from the West part of the world; it onely aboundeth in Oad or Woad used by Diers, and is now in the hands of the Spaniards, and in speciall use to them in their voyage to the East or West Indies, and affording them for refreshment good water, and store of goates flesh. Other matter of Trade it affordeth not, therefore this shall serve to have said of the Ilands, willingly omitting the Hesperides, the Gorgades, the Princes Ilands; and others of lesser moment, and proceed in my MAPPE to view the Trade of ASIA, somewhat better knowne to us then AFRICA.

1685. Geographia universalis: the present state of the whole world by Pierre Duval.

These Islands were thus named from that which is particularly called Tercera. The great number of Autours, or Goss-hawks, that are seen there, has made them go under the name of Azores. They have that of the Flemming Islands, because they were discovered by a Flemming. They are called High, as more Northerly, in respect of the Canaries. The Portuguese, who are Masters of 'em, export from thence Corn, Wine, Garden-Woad, Skins, and other Commodities. There are seven that are the principal, without reckoning those of Coreo and of Flores, where several have placed the First Meridian. Angra, the capital City, and the abode of a Bishop, is in Tercera. The other Islands are Gratiosa, St. George, Fayal, Pico, St. Michael, and Santa-Maria.