The Isles of the Moluccoes

Sources from old books

1635. Historia mundi: or Mercator's atlas. London. by Gerhard Mercator.

THERE followeth in our method the Molucco Ilands with others, which are famous thorow the World for abundance of sweet Spices and especially Cloves. There are five Ilands which are comprehended under this name, Ternate, or Tarante, Tidor or Theodori, Motir or Muthil, Machian or Mare, and Bachian or Bachianum. They lye under the Aequinoctiall betweene the Ilands Celebes and Gilolo. The greatest of them is scarce 6. miles in compasse: and all of them are not above 25. miles in compasse. The Ayre is very unwholesome, and many Merchants that come to trade, doe die here. The soyle is dry, and spongie, so that it presently drinkes in all the raine that falls, before it can runne into the Sea. It doth bring forth many Aromaticks and sweet Spices, as Nutmegs, Mastick, Aloes, Saunders, Cinamon, Ginger▪ Pepper, and Cloves, of all which it hath wonderfull great store. It yeeldeth no kinde of food, but that which is gotten by exchange of these commodities. There are also in the Molucco Ilands such great Canes, that the Inhabitants doe make Tunnes and Hogsheads of them. The Clove Tree groweth out of the Rocks, and afte 4. yeeres growth, it beareth fruit. The Leaves of this Tree both for shape and thicknesse are like the leaves of a Bay Tree. The Blossomes doe put forth like Fennell seed, and are like the Blossomes of an Orange Tree. The Fruit as soone as the Blossome is fallen off, buddeth forth like a Naile, whence it is called a Clove from Clavus, which signifies a Naile, because a Clove is like a Naile. At the first they are red, but afterward the heat of the Sunne maketh them waxe black: and they sprinkle them with Salt-water to harden them and make them last the better. And these Trees grow thick together, like a Wood. The Inhabitants doe part these Trees among themselves, and doe hide the fruit of them, that they may sell it to Merchants. In these Ilands there is a kinde of Bird called Manucodiata, about the bignesse of a Magpie, and halfe a foote long: The head of it is not round but flat like a Swallowes, and it hath a long forked tayle, but no feete, so that it flyeth continually, and liveth by the ayre. On the fore part of the head it hath feathers as small as an haire. It is of a fresh bright greene colour, like the greene feathers of a wilde Ducke, or an Emerald. Under the throate it hath small short feathers, which are yellow, or of a Citron or Orange colour, and the breast is brighter. The uppermost part of the neck from the head is coverd with thick feathers, of a sooty colour, which reaching to the tayle, doe spread abroad, and are there of a lighter colour. The belly of it is of the same colour, and it is as bigge beneath as above. The wings of it being spread forth, are halfe a foote in breadth. And the feathers are underneath of a Box colour, and those about are white and halfe speckled with blacke. The Quills of the Feathers doe not stick in the wings, but stand off from them, so that the winde and ayre may passe thorow them. If this Bird light there they superstitiously beleeve that it is sent from Heaven or from Mahumets Paradise. And they make so great account of it, that Kings thinke themselves safe in Battle by the protection therof, albeit according to their custome they place themselves in the forefront. The chiefest of these Ilands are Tidor and Ternate, the last of which hath two convenient Havens. The Inhabitants of these Ilands are Heathens, and doe worship the Sunne and Moone as Gods: they ascribe the government of the day to the Sunne, and of the Night to the Moone, and they say that the Sunne is a Man, and the Moone a Woman, and they call them the Father and Mother of the other Starres, all of which they account to be the lesser Gods. They doe salute and reverence the rising Sunne with certaine Verses, and also the Moone when it shineth by night, and doe pray unto her for Children, that their Cattell may prosper, and the Earth may be fruitfull, and such other matters. But they reverence Piety and Justice, and especially they love Peace and Quietnesse, and doe hate Warres. These Molucco Ilands were discover'd by CHARLES the fifth, concerning which I will discourse, because it is worthy of memory. When there arose a dissention betweene the Portugals in the East, and the Castellanians in the West, both striving to enlarge their Princes Territories: that the one might not hinder the other, the new world, by the authority of Pope Alexander the sixth, and others, was devided into two parts: and Articles and Conditions drawne betweene them, that whatsoever should bee discoverd by any voyage made from the Ilands of the Atlantick Sea, which are commonly call'd the Hesperides toward the East, should belong to the Portugals: and whatsoever was discover'd Westward should belong to the Castellanians; so the latter discover'd America: and the former the most parts of the East, and in processe of time the desire of gaine drew them on so farre, that it is said they encroached on the part which was adjudged to the Castellanians: which controversie cannot be decided unlesse Ferdinando Magellanus be made Judge thereof. For he being a Portugall and hating his Prince Emanuel, because he had not rewarded him for the service he had done him, shewing that the Moluccoes by the former division did belong to the Castellanians, and being sent in the yeere 1519. by Charles the fifth, to discover the aforesaid Ilands by a new way, he so cast and framed his voyage, that having sayled from Spaine 52. degrees Southward, and then bending his course Westward, hee sayld round about by the lower Hemisphere, and so at last his Ships arrived in the East at the Molucco Ilands which he sought. And so his companions sayling along the upper Hemisphere by the Coasts of Asia and Affrick returned into Spaine, having sayled round about the World. But Magellane himselfe was slaine as he was fighting against the Barbarians before the discovery of the Moluccoes: and after some of his company had found out the Moluccoes, the other Ships being dispersed abroad, and tooke, there was but one Ship onely that returned safe into Spaine loaded with sweet Spices: and great Pearles, which are found in some of the Ilands, some as bigge as a Turtles Egge, or a Hens Egge, or a Goose Egge. Truely these Mariners are more worthy of eternall memory, than those Argonauts who sayled with Iason of Th•ssaly, Prince of the Argonauts to Colchis. And the Ship it selfe, which returned safe and well home after so many perils and dangers, is more worthy to be placed among the Starres, than that old Ship Argo. For this sayled onely from Greece by Pontus. But Magellanes Ship sayled from Spaine Southward, and then by the lower Hemisphere Westward, and so having sayled round about the world, returned Westward thorow the upper Hemisphere into Spaine. So much concerning this; let us now proceed to other matters. GILOLO or Gilolum which is also called Batochina, is one of the Ilands which they commonly call Del Moro. The Climate here is intemperate, and the Ayre hott. It hath abundance of Rice, and of the pith of a kinde of Tree, which is called Sagu, of which they make bread: and out of the same Tree they get out a kinde of juyce, which they drinke in stead of wine. It hath great store of wilde Hens. And the Sea neere unto it hath great store of Crabs, which taste like Mutton. The Inhabitants are Barbarous and cruell, and as heretofore so now, they will eate mans flesh. The Iland Celebes with some others, which are comprehended under the same name doe lye Westward from the Moluccoes. There is the Ile Ambon, which nameth the Ilands neere unto it. It is 500. miles in compasse. But it is rugged and barren, and the Inhabitants thereof are Anthropophagi, or Men-eaters, and Pirates: Bandan are about 7. small Ilands, which are situate on the South side of the Molucco Ilands, in the seventh degree of Southerne Latitude, others doe place them in 6. degrees and •. They are called Bandan, which is the greatest Iland, and doth name all the rest, also Mira, Rosolargium, Ay, Rom, Netra, and Gunuape the least of them all, which burneth continually, and is unhabitable. These Ilands have Nutmegs and Mastick growing upon one Tree. The Nutmegge Tree, is a tall spreading Tree, like to our Oake. The Nut hath a threefold shell or covering. The first is thick to defend it against the weather. The other is a thin skin like a Nut, which encompasses a third shell: this thin skin is the blossome of the Nutmeg, which the Spaniards call Macis, and we Mace, being an excellent and wholesome kinde of Spice. There is Ginger in all these Ilands, of which there are two sorts, wilde, and planted Ginger which is better than the other: it hath a leafe like Saffron, the roote hath a sweet smell, but being tasted biteth like Pepper, and hotter then Pepper. Cinamon, which Herodotus reporteth is sometimes found in Birds Nests, and especially in the Phoenix Nest, is the Barke of a Shrub, which is like a Pomegranate Tree. This Barke when it gapeth and cleaveth with the heat of the Sunne is tooke off from the Tree, and so being hardned in the Sunne, it becomes Cinamon, and because it is long like a Reede or Cane it is commonly call'd Canella or Cinamon rinde. The Iland Timor is situate in the 10. degree of Southerne Latitude. It hath great store of yellow and white Saunders, with which the Ilanders doe trade for Iron, Hatchets, Swords, and Knives. Mercator calleth the Iland Borneo, which Ptolemy calleth the Iland of good Fortune. It lyeth betweene Cambaja and Celebes, and Calamianes is next unto it. The Southerne part of it is under the Aequinoctiall Line, the rest lyeth Northward. It is the greatest Iland in that Ocean, and some doe report that the compasse of it is three moneths sayle, others report that the circumference of it is 2200. mile. It aboundeth with all things necessary, and it yeeldeth Camphire, Mushroms, Adamants, and little Horses. There are many Havens in this Iland and faire Citties, as Cabura, Trajaopura, Tamoarates, Malano, and Borneo, which is the chiefe of them all: in which there are 25000. Inhabitants. It is situate in a Moorish Fennish place by the Sea side, like Venice. The Turke is their King, unto whom they must not speak but by an Interpreter.

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

Of the Moluccoes and the Trade thereof.

THE Moluccoes are five in number, Mallucco, Tarna∣te, Tider, Gelolo and Macian, to which may be added for neerenesse in the scituation Banda, and 70 other lesser Ilands, which submit themselves; and their de∣licious commodities to the King of Terenate, at pre∣sent the most powerfull through all these Ilands. These Ilands are found to have for commodities some nutmegs, especially in Ban∣da, also some maces; but the principall commodities of all these I∣lands is the delicate spice, knowne to us by the name of cloves, and found here growing in so great aboundance, that as it is apparent the whole World is furnished from hence; and all Merchants coming hither, and frequenting these Ilands, are found onely to come for this commodity and for nothing else. In this number I may also reckon the Amboina Ilands, as the Iland Amboina it selfe, Pollerone, Pollowaie, Lantore and Rosingon, abounding with the selfe same commodity, and of late yeares made infamous, by the bloody slaughter and but cherly tyrannicall torture and death of some En∣glish Factors, by the Machiavilian and matchlesse villany of the Dutch; the actors of which have all of them, or the most part come to untimely and fatall ends (if reports be true,) thereby shewing the manifest judge∣ment of GOD in punishing their vilanies and wickednes, when as they thought themselves safe and free from the hands and justice of Man; and for those that as yet are living, I leave them to the terrour of their guilty consciences, and without repentance to their due punishment in the World to come; where an uncorrupted and unpartiall Governour and Fiscall shall examine their Amboina proceedings truely, and reward them accor∣ding to their merits. Some of these Ilands are now by them comman∣ded, having driven out the Inhabitants, and by death cut off the in∣terest of the English, who were joyntly partners with them, both in their conquest and trade; and now there is none left to the English but Polerone, originally theirs, yet now due to them by a second composition and agreement, who coming of late to take possession thereof, found that those barbarous and wicked Dutchmen resident in the neighbouring Ilands, had cut downe and killed all the clove tr•…s, and other of worth there growing, thereby depriving the English of all their expected benefit, by that last but prejudiciall composition.

The coines currant in Molluccos, Amboina, Banda, &c. and other Ilands, I find not any setled in use amongst them; the Spanish R 〈◊〉 is the most usuall in their payment for commodities, and for the most part they use no other coines but it: but I find that according to the innocencie of the times past, they barter and sell one com∣modity for another, which is yet the most usuall custome amongst them.

Their common weight in use is the Bahar and Cattee.

The Bahar of Amboina of Cloves is 200 Cattees, and is English 625 li. which is the great Bahar.

This great Bahar is 50 Barrotes, every Barrote being 12½ li. ha∣berdupois.

They have also in some of these Ilands a greater Bahar, being ten times the former quantitie, making 6250 li. English.

A cattee is 100 Rialls of 〈◊〉 almost 6 li. English.

Ten cattees of Mace is called a small Bahar of Maces, and of the value of 10 Rialls of eight.

100 Cattees of Nutmeggs, is a small bahar of nuts, and is of the aforesaid value of 10 Rialls of eight.

100 Cattees of Maces is called a great bahar of maces.

And 1000 of Nutmeggs is accounted a great bahar of Nutmeggs.

And note that 10 bahars of nuts is accounted for 1 bahar of maces usually throughout all the Ilands.

A cattee of maces being commonly worth 1 ℞ 〈◊〉.

And 10 cattees of Nutmeggs commonly worth but also 1 ℞ 〈◊〉.

The Inhabitants finding now their native commodities reque∣sted by all other Nations, who come from farre Regions to traf∣fique with them for the same, have daily learned new experi∣ments of traffique and commerce; and whereas in former time they exchanged their cloves, &c. for cotton cloth & such like to cloth them, which yet is in some use amongst them; yet now they be∣gin to know the worth of silver, and the value of the Riall of eight, •…nd how that hath power to bring and provide to them all other •…ecessaries whatsoever.

Their measure of length is distinguished by fathoms and cubits, •…orrowed from their late Masters the Dutch and Portugalls.

But their dry measures for corne, graine, rice, &c. is called a Can∣•…on, making about 5½ pints English.

A Quoian is their greatest measure, and is 800 Cantons.

It is to be noted here, that the Ilands of Molluccos were first dis∣covered by the Portugalls in their Navigations to these parts, and •…fterward finding them rich in Cloves, by little and little got foo∣•…ing therein, partly by faire meanes, but principally by building of Forts and Castles in divers of them for the better obtainement •…nd preservation of the brave trade of these Ilands: but of latter •…eares, the Hollanders envying this their ingrossing of this rich •…ommoditie, indevoured to supplant them, or in default of means •…nd power to effect that, so to plant themselves, that they might •…artake and share with them in the Cloves, Nutmeggs, and Maces, •…he onely commodities these Ilands are found to produce, which •…y their policie, valour, and craft, at length hath so well succee∣ded with them that now they are Masters and Commanders over many Forts and strong Castles in these Ilands; as at Mallayo, Tal∣•…ucco and Tacuma, in the principall Iland of Ternate, at Mariero in Tidoro, at Nassaw in Timor, Mauritus and Tabiliola in Machian, and which is intirely the Hollanders, 2 in Banda, 2 in Amboina, Barnefelt, in Bachian, and sundry others, seated here and there through the most convenientest and best ports for trade and ship∣ping in all these Ilands; so that now being become more strong, potent, and daring, they have coped with the Portugalls in divers incounters by Sea and land, sometimes winning and sometimes loosing, according to both their force and fortunes; in all their occasions, adding violence to trade, trading peaceably where they can∣not otherwise choose, and robbing and pilfering when and where they can∣not otherwise make up their mouths to profit; in which practise of trade and theevery or theevish trade, I leave them and these Ilands, and come next to Iava.

1652. Cosmographie in four bookes by Peter Heylyn. OF THE ORIENTAL ILANDS.

THe MOLVCCOES are in number many, the King of Terenate which is one of them, being said to have dominion over 70 Ilands; but the determinate number of them I do no where find. Situate on both sides of the Aequator, and consequently of an hot and intemperate air: the soyl so drie and spongious, that it sucketh up the greatest shewr of Rain that doth fall amongst them, before it can pass into the Sea. Not very well furnished with necessaries for the life of man; but that defect supplied with the abundance of Spices which are growing here, Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmegs, Mastick, Aloes, Pepper, and the like commodities, for which the Merchants bring them all things that the Country wants. But tis the Clove, which is the great Riches of these Ilands, and peculiar in a manner to them. A spice, which groweth on Trees like Bay-trees, yielding blossoms, first white, then green (at which time they yield the pleasantest smell in the world) and last of all Red and hard, which are the Cloves. Of nature so extreme hot, that if a Pail of water should only stand in the Room in which they are cleansed and sorted, the Cloves in two daies would dry it up. Of which nature the unspun silks of China are affirmed to be.

The people for the most part Idolaters, intermixt with some Mahometans dwelling on the shores, and of late times with Christians in their severall factories. Of severall Originals, and different languages, but all in generall fraudulent, perfidious, treacherous, inhumane, and of noted wickedness. Few of them clothed, nor much caring to hide their shame; Not civilized by the cohabitation of more modest and civill Nations. Pitty such ill conditions should be lodged in such handsome bodies: the people being said to be better proportioned than the other Indians; and for strength and valour not fellowed by any of them.

Of all the Ilands which pass under this name, there are not above five or six of any rekoning: that is to say, 1. Terenate. 2. Tidor. 3. Macir. 4. Rachian. 5. Machian, and 6. Botone: none of them above six leagues in compass, many not so much; the whole cluster of them thronged together in a girdle of no more than 25 leagues in the Circumference. Some reckon Polerone amongst them, a little Iland not far off (if not one of the number) and well stored with Cloves. Frequented first by the English Merchants, from them taken by the insolent and ingratefull Hollanders: who being to restore it upon composition, cut down all the Clove-trees, so to deprive the English of the benefit of it.

Of the rest, Re•hian, and Tidore have their proper Kings; So hath Botone also, if that be one of them, the King whereof had antiently some title and authority over those of Bandan. Macir, and Mach••n, are subject to the King of Ternate, who is a Mahometan in Religion, and said to be the Lord of 70 Ilands. This the most puissant member of this scattered body; and for that cause most aimed at by all Competitors: the Spaniards having here one Fortress, and the Hollanders three: both nations hated by the Natives, whom they consume and wast in the wa•es betwixt them; but of the two, the Spaniard looked on by the people as the more Gentleman; the other stomacked and despised for their sordid dealings. Nothing else memorable in the story or Chorographie of them, but that they were discovered by the conduct of Magellanus, in the reign of Charles the fift, who employed him in it, Anno 1519. And that there is in Ternate a prodigious mountain, in height above the clouds of the Air, and in nature agreeing with the Element of fire, which it seems to mount to: huge flames whereof, with dreadfull thunders, and a dark smoak, it sends forth continually.

1676. A most exact and accurate map of the whole world by Donald Lupton.

The innumerable Moluccoes hot on both sides the Aequator, affording Cinamon, Ginger, Nutmegs, Mastick, Aloees, Pepper, and especially Cloves growing on trees like Bay-trees, which after the white and the green blossoms when they smell extraordinarily fragrantly, yield red and hard ones; which are Cloves so hot, that in two days they will dry up a pail of water standing in the room where they are sorted; the most remarkable of them are Tidor, Terenate, Macir, Rachian, Mach•an, Botone, Poleroone and Poleway; in the former whereof the Dutch have three Forts and Factories to the Spaniards one; the two last are the Englishes, surrendred December 23, 1616. by right, the first the best in the world for Cloves, and the latter for Nutmegs, which the Dutch seized, cutting down the Clove-trees, and the Nutmeg-trees when they were to restore them to the English.

1682. Cosmography and geography in two parts by Richard Blome.

• The MOLUCCO ISLES; which may be comprehended under the
  • The ISLES of the MOLUCCOES, particularly so called; as the Isles of
    • Ternate,
      • Gamma-Lamma,
      • Nostra Sennora
      • dello Rosaria.
    • Tidore,
      • Marieco,
      • Castello Viejo.
    • Timor, — Nassaw.
    • Machian,
      • Tabillol•.
      • Mauricio.
    • Bachian,
      • Marigoram,
      • Gammeduore.
  • The Greatest ISLES of the MOLUCCOES; as,
    • The Isle of the CELEBES,
      • Celebes,
      • Ciaon,
      • Bantachaja,
      • Machasar.
    • The Isle of GILOLO,
      • Gilolo,
      • Tolo,
      • Isiau,
      • Jaffougo,
    • The Land of PAPOUS,
      • Bay a Fonda.
      • Bay a de Ant-Boto.
  • Small ISLES about and between the Isles of CELEBES, GILOLO, and the Land of PAPOUS; as
    • On the South of CELEBES, are the Isles of
      • Buquerones.
      • Solayo.
      • Cobana.
      • Cabinces.
      • St. Mathews.
      • Flores,
        • Lasataja,
        • Batuliar.
      • Susu.
      • Malva.
      • Cabanazze, — Timor.
      • Solar, — Adonare.
      • Ombo.
      • Teralta:
    • On the East, and North-East of CELEBES, are the Isles of
      • Wawany.
      • Xulla.
      • Paugay.
      • Tasouro.
      • Meao.
      • Saranbal.
      • Syem.
    • Between the Isles of CELEBES and GILOLO, and on the South Coast, or Sea of the Land of PAPOUS, are the Isles of
      • Bouro.
      • Rilan.
      • Manipe.
      • Attabuti.
      • Ouby.
      • Sinomo:
      • Mesol.
      • Seram-Cambello:
      • Amboyna, — Amboyna.
      • Pulorin.
      • Puloway.
      • Celayon.
      • Guligiej.
      • Subiana.
      • Corer.
      • Away.
      • Tenimber.
      • Kedguey.
      • Aru.
      • Banda,
        • London,
        • Ortattan,
        • Comber.
      • Nassau,
        • Belgleque,
        • Labetack.
      • Poloway. — Reve.
      • Gumanapy, — Gumanapy.
      • Pulorin.
    • On the North of GILOLO, are the Isles of
      • Morotay, — Sian.
      • Camafo,
      • Noba.

• The ISLES of LARRONS, or THEEVES, viz.
  • The ISLES of LARRONS, or THEEVES, particularly so called, where are the Isles of
    • Deserte.
    • Malabrigo.
    • Englese.
    • Angloise.
    • Mana.
    • Chemochoa.
    • Gregua.
    • Agan.
    • Artomagan:
    • Guagan.
    • Cheraguan.
    • Natan.
    • Sepan.
    • Metan.
    • Can.
    • Volia.
    • Botaba, and Bacim.
  • ISLES Westwards, and between the Isles of LARRONS and the PHILIPPINE Isles; as those of
    • Pulo-Vilan.
    • De los Arecisos:
    • De los Matelotes,
    • De Bidima.
  • ISLES Southwards of the Isles of LARRONS; as those of
    • Dancers,
    • Martyrs▪
    • Birds.

THE ISLES OF THE MOLUCCOES.

• 1.30I Comprehend under the name of the MOLƲCCOES, not only the Isles of TERNATE, TIDORE, MOTILL or TIMOR, MACHIAN, and BACHIAN, which are particularly called the Moluccoes; but likewise those of GILOLO, of the Land of PAPOƲS, which lie on their East; of CELEBES, which are on their West; of them of CEYRAM, of FLORES, and TIMOR, which are towards their South, and several others thereabouts.

They make a Body of many and divers Isles, South of the Philippines, Eastwards of those of the Sound, West of New Guiney, and North of Terra Australis, and are under or near the Equinoctial Line, stretching themselves only to the third degree on this side that Line, and to the 10th or 12th beyond it, and extending themselves from East to West, from the 160th degree of Longitude unto the 180th; and thus they have together 15 degrees of Latitude and 20 of Longitude, which are almost 400 Leagues of breadth and 500 of length. The English were the first of any Christians that traded hither.

• 1.31CELEBES, the Lands of PAPOƲS and GILOLO are the greatest; then CERAM, FLORES, and TIMOR, those which are the particularly called the Moluccoes are the smallest, Celebes is 200 Leagues long, and about 100 broad: Gilolo about 100 Leagues long, and near as broad: Ceyram, Flones, and Timor, each 60 Leagues long; but for the most part their breadth is not above a third or quarter of their length. The True Moluccoes are only 2, 3, 4, or 5 Leagues long, and 5, 6, 10, 12, and 15 in circuit.

• 1.32Amongst all these Isles, the True Moluccoes are the most known by reason of their Cloves, with which they abound and furnish all Asia and Europe. They have neither Grains nor Mines of Gold, few Beasts, much exellent Fruit, and several Spices, as Ginger, Cinnarion, Mace, Nutmegs, &c. and divers Drugs; amongst others, a kind of Wood, that being put to the fire, burns, flames, and yet consumes not. The Cloves are their principal Riches; Ternate, Tidore, and Machian have the most, and Machian fewer. Ternate yields yearly 400 Bahars of Cloves; Tidore and Machian, each 300▪ And in the great Harvests, which are but once in seven years, Machian yields 15 or 1600▪ Tidore, 12 or 1300; and Ternate, 1000 or 1200; each Baher is 600 li. Flemish.

• 1.33These Isles lie to the Westward along the Coast of Gilolo, so neat the Equator, that the most Southerly part is not above 24 or 25 Minutes beyond that Line, nor the most Northerly above 48 or 50 Minutes on this side i•• so that together they have not above one degree of Latitude, and about 10 or 12 Minutes, which maks 30 Leagues. Their Longitude▪ is between the •0th and 30th Minutes of the 168 Meridian, or degree of Longitude.

• 1.34TERNATE is the most North; and from it Southward are, TIDORE, TIMOR, MACHIAN, and BACHIAN, for little account is made of the rest. Bachian is 15 or 16 Leagues circuit, Ternate, Tidore, and Machian, 10 or 12; Timor, 5 or 6. the rest less.

• 1.35TRENATE is esteemed the principal Isle, being about 8 Leagues in circuit, and its Kings the most powerful, both of the True Moluccoes and of all that I have passed under the general name of Moluccoes; yet he suffers in Ternate, Nostra Seniora della Rosario, and Gammalamme in the hands of the Spaniards, Ta-comma, Talucco, and Malayo in the hands of the Hollanders, which are in good intelligence with him, as Enemies to the Spaniards. The chief place is called Gamma-Lamma, is seated on the Sea-side, more long than broad, and of an indifferent bigness; its Houses, Mosques, as also its Palace-Royal, are built of Canes or Timber; its Road and Haven is good, and frequented by Ships. The Country is not bad, yet it yields but little provision besides Poultry and Goats; it yields also excellent Almonds, and bigger than ordinary, and that in great plenty; they have also abundance of Cloves, and other Spices, some Drugs, with such other Commodities as are found in the rest of the Islands.

• 1.36TIDORE, (those of the Country say Tadura, which signifies Beauty) is a little greater than Ternate, and as fruitful. Here the People are very industrious in pruning and watering the Clove-trees, by which means they are exceeding fair and strong. Here grows white Sandall-wood, which is held the best in all the Indies. Here are also found the Birds of Paradise. It hath its particular King. The Spaniards hold Taroula, Castello-Viejo, and Marieco, which the Hollanders have sometimes taken. Timor or Mother was once so ill treated by the Spaniards, that its Inhabitants abondoned it and retired to Gilolo. The Hollanders built the Fort of Nassan, and have invited near 2000 of its Inhabitants to return. Machian as well as Timor, belongs to the King of Ternate; the Hollanders hold Taffasso, Tallibola, Nuhaca or Naffaquia, and Mauritio; it is peopled with about 9 or 10000 persons.

• 1.37BACHIAN, or BAQƲIAN, is the greatest of all the Moluccoes, but ill peopled, and having but few Cloves; but in recompence it hath plenty of Fruit, and its Sea stored with Fishes. It is divided by several little Channels scarce navigable, which yet divide it into many parts, of which Marigoram is in the midst of the others, where the King of this Isle resides. The Hollanders hold on the Coasts the Forts of Gammeduore and Laboua, both once called Barnevelt. This Isle is of an indifferent large extent; the King is absolute, the Soil good, and would become very fertil, if the Inhabitants would leave off their Idleness, and give it Tillage.

MACHIAN is indifferent large and fertil, and well inhabited; its chief places are 1. Tassaso. 2. Tabillola: 3. Mauricio: and 4. Nubaca.

TIMOR, Motir or MOTIL, is of a less compass, and Triangular. Its chief place is Nassaw.

• 1.38GILOLO or BATOCHINE extends it self to the second Degree on this side, and only to the first beyond the Equator: It hath then 3 degrees of Latitude. Its Longitude begins a little after the 168th Meridian; and reaches to the 172, which are near 4 Degrees, which amount to little less than 100 Leagues of length and breadth; but it is composed but of 4 Peninsula's, of which one advances towards the North, the other three towards the East; and of these three the middle one reaches so near the Land of Papous, that there is but a Streight between them.

• 1.39It is subject in part to the King of Ternate, in part to the Kings of Gilolo and Loloda. It hath Savage People on the North part, where is the Coast of More, and in some Mountains in the middle of the Country; and the City of Mamaye is in form of a Republick. The City of Gilolo is not above six Leagues from Ternate towards the North. Those of Gilolo, Sabugo, and Aquilam•, are near together Eastward of Tidore, and on the West Coast of Gilolo. On the other side, and towards the East, are the Fortresses of Tolo, Isiau, and Jaffougo; these six places are in the Spaniards hands. The Hollanders hold Sabou and Coma; Sabou a little above Gilolo, Tacoma or Cuma on one of the three Eastern points.

• 1.40The Air of Gilolo is intemperate hot, which makes it unhealthful; the Soil not very fertil, yet hath it great plenty of Rice, wild Hens, and other Fowls. On its Shoars it hath Shell-fish, whose Meat in taste is much like Mutton, and about the Isle plenty of Trees, which they call by the name of Sagou; from which they have a Fruit which they make their Bread of; of the Sap or Juice they make a pleasing Drink, which they use instead of Wine; and of a Hair which grows on its Bark they make their Cloaths. It hath but few Cloves, neither have they many Cattle, except tame and wild Hogs. The People are well proportioned, but rude and savage; some of them Gentiles, the rest Mahometans.

• 1.41CELEBES is composed of many Islands so near the one to the other, that they are commonly esteemed but one. They are fruitful in all Provisions, especially Rice; they yield Gold, Ivory, Saunders, and Cotton; feed much Cattle, and their Sea affords plenty of Fish and Pearls. The Air is healthful, though almost in the same scituation with Gilolo, except that they advance to the 6th degree of Latitude towards the South. They are well peopled, and its People are tall and comly. They are Idolaters, and much addicted to Piracy. Here is esteemed to be six principal Kingdoms; of which that of Macasar, which gives sometimes a name to all these Isles, is the most powerful; that of Cion the second; then those of Sanguin, Cauripana, Getigan, and Supar. the greatest Cities are Macasar and Bantachia, 30 or 40 Leagues one from the other; as also Celebes, seated on the Sea.

• 1.42The Land of PAPOƲS, that is, of Blucks is little known, yet is no other than New Guiney, and other than the Isle of Ceyram, though some would confound it with them. This last is to the Westward of it, and the other to the Eastward; both the one and the other more towards the South. There are some Whites among its Inhabitants, but few; all lean, deformed, and Traytors. They have Gold, Ambergreece, and Birds of Paradise, with which they pay Tribute to their Kings, and to the King of Ternate.

• 1.43CETRAM hath the same qualities, and its Inhabitants like to Papous, and well peopled. Flores, Solar, Malva, Susu, Timor, Ombo, Terralta, &c. are divers Isles under the 8th, 9th, and 10th degrees of South Latitude, and which advance from the 160th unto the 175th degree of Longitude. Timor (an other than that Timor of the Moluccoes) is the most esteemed. It produces store of Grains and Fruits, feeds many Cattle and Fowl; amongst its Drugs and Spices, it hath Ginger, Cinnamon, and whole Forrests of white and yellow Saunders. Its Inhabitants are Idolaters, half Savages, and had the use of Fire but lately. Malva on the West of Timor, hath quantity of Pepper. Solar is other than Soloe, or Solayo. This last is 10 Leagues from Celebes, and between the 6th and 7th degree of Latitude; that 15 or 16 Leagues from Timor, and between the 8th and 9th degree of Latitude. The City Adonare is the residence of the King of Solor, and there is a great trade for Saunders between this Isle and Cabanazza in Timor. Solor hath likewise Gold and Pearl.

Almost in the midst of these Isles, which we call in general the Moluccoes, are those of Amboyna and Banda, which are but small, yet are in great esteem. Those of Amboyna are, Amboyna, Veranula, Hittou, Noesan, and some others.

• 1.44The Isle of AMBOYNA hath its chief City of the same name, which is of some considerable note, besides several other small Towns and Villages. This Island was first discovered by the Portugals, who had here the command of a Castle and other Forts, which the Hollanders took in 1605, and have possessed likewise the Fortress of Coubella, Lovio, and the Redout of Hittou, in the Isle of Hottou. The Spaniards dispossessed them a little after 1620, and the Hollanders have regained them since, where they drive a great and profitable Trade. The Land at first was barren, but by their industry it is now become very fertil, producing Rice, Sugar, quantity of Fruits, especially Lemmons and Oranges, Coco-Nuts, Bonanas; several Spices, but principally Cloves; of which alone they receive great profit. Here it was that the Hollanders did once, with a never to be forgotten cruelty and barbarousness, murther the English that resided and traded thither, on purpose to gain the whole Trade to themselves.

• 1.45The Inhabitants were heretofore Brutish Cannibals, insomuch as they would eat one another, though their nearest Relations, when age or sickness seised them; and all Pagans: but since by reason of the Commerce they had with the Persians and Arabians, Mahometism is somewhat received amongst them, as also Christianity, by reason of the Portugals and Dutch; which in time may come to some perfection, though at present it is but very small. But notwithstanding they make use of their Paganish Superstitions, adoring the Devil, who appears to them when they invoke him; in which they are very superstitious and ceremonious. They are much given to Sorcery and Conjurations, very prophane, barbarous, not given to Arts or Literature. They are naturally unsaithful, thievish, covetous, stupid, and very timerous. In their Marriages they make no great Ceremonies, taking one anothers words, which as slightly they evade, leaving one another upon the least occasion of offence, and are free for another.

• 1.46The Isles of BANDA are three principal ones. Banda, which communicates its name to the rest, Nera and Gumanapi, and 3 or 4 lesser ones, Wayer, Poloway, and Pulorin; some add Poelsetton, the most Western of all. Banda hath the Cities or Towns of Londor, Ortatan, and Combor; Nera hath that of Nera and Labetach; Gumanapi hath only one of its name, underneath a Mountain which vomits Fire; Nera is the chiefest of all. The Hollanders hold in the Isle of Nera the Forts of Nassau and Belgica, and in the Isle of Poloway the Fort of Revenge.

These Isles are unhealthful; the Nutmegs and Mace, which these Isles produce, make them frequented by Strangers. These Fruits they gather thrice a year, in April, August, and December.

Besides these Isles already spoken of, there are these following which are ranged and numbred with those of the Moluccoes, and are found as they lie, either on the Coast or Shoar of the Isles Celebes, Gilolo, or Land of Papous, to participate of their nature, temperature, soil, or the like; which I have taken notice of in the Geographical Table.

• 1.47The Inhabitants are Mahometans, in which they are very zealous and superstitious, not entring into their Mosques without washing their Feet; and when they are there, very fervent in their Prayers, which they use often. They are very obstinate, and the Men are much given to idleness, minding their Recreations, and leaving their affairs to their Wives. The People are here observed to live to a great Age. The People of all these Isles, which have passed under the names of Moluccoes, are of different humors; those which are on the Coasts most frequented by Strangers, are the most civil; yet others more barbarous. And on the Coast they are either Mahometans or Christians, the rest Idolaters; but the Spaniards and Portugals on one side, and the Hollanders on the other, do much trouble these Islands, making themselves Masters now of one, and then of another; for the most part making War betwixt themselves, or with the Islanders; among which there are divers Kings, some subject to the Portugals, and others to the Hollanders. Amongst all these Kings the most powerful is he of Ternate,* 1.48 to whom belong Ternate, Mothir, and Bachian; likewise Cayoa, and Gazea, amongst the True Moluccoes; and thereabout, those of Mean, where are built his Carcoles, that is, Vessels of War; Tofoura, Xullo, Buro; those of Amboyna, among which Ceyram seems to be comprized: Then part of the Land of Papo•s; part of Gilolo, and the Celebes, whose Kings are tributary to him. Argensola faith, That in 70 Islands, which are in his Estates, he can raise 200000 Men• and that he keeps ordinarily a great number of Carcoles, with many Cannons, and all things necessary; and that the Captains of his Militia are aged Men, which have been bred and educated in Arms.

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

THere are five of these Isles, with the particular Name of the Moluccoes, in the head of several others, much greater, which receive from them their Name. These five Isles are very small, and in a situation near the Equinoctial Line, where it is unwholsom living, for those who go to settle themselves there. They have several peculiar Kings; the Hollanders have some Fortresses. In the last Age, Charles the Fifth, Emperour, sent Magellan to discover 'em; who, to arrive there, steer'd the Western Course, quite contrary to that which the Kings of Portugal had caus'd to be taken.

since they were engaged to the Portugals, who laid claim to 'em, as having been there by the common way, which was that of the East. The Government of these Islands, after that, was join'd to the Manilhes, and the Commerce of 'em was left to the Portugals. From hence are transported Nutmegs, Cloves, and Ginger. Ternate, the greatest of the five small Islands, is eight Leagues in circuit, and has a Mountain which casts forth fire: the others are Tider, very considerable, Motir, Machian, and Bachian.

The Moluccoes are good Soldiers, commonly of the Mahometan Religion. Besides the Kings of Ternate, Tidor, and Bachian, there are several others in the Celebes Islands, and in Gilolo. The King of Macassar, in the Celebes, has lately caused his City to be fortified. He has always given free entrance in his Ports to the Ships of strangers. In the Year 1661, he treated with the Hollanders East-India Company, and abandoned the Portugals. In the Year 1668, the Hollanders oblig'd him to trade with none but them, with exclusion to other Nations. The state of this Prince would be pretty temperate, if the heats were not insupportable in the day time. Formerly the Inhabitants of Macassar are humane flesh; for which reason the Kings of the Moluccoes, and others of their neighbourhood, sent their Criminals thither. Celebes fertil in Rice, and the Land of Papous affords Gold, Ambergreese, and the Birds of Paradise.

Banda, the only Island in the World, which produces Nutmegs and Mace, is an Island towards the South of the Moluccoes, on the East of that of Amboyna, with five or six other smaller Islands. It has a Volcan, or Mountain, which casts forth flames; which, in the Year 1615, spoil'd all the Artillery in the Island.

Amboyna, fruitful in Cloves, likewise on the South of the Moluccoes, gives it Name to some other small neighbouring Islands. It was taken in the Year 1603, from the Portugals, by the Hollanders, who have at this day several Fortresses there. It's their best Establishment, next that of Batavia: They have treated with the Inhabitants of the Island, so as these last are oblig'd to receive no Commerce, but with the Hollanders.