The Isles of West Indies

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

IN the West-Indies as they call it, there are many Ilands some greater and some lesser. The greater are called S. Iohns Iland, Hispaniola, Cuba, Iamayca. The lesser are of two sorts, some of which are commonly call'd Stotavento situated Southward: the other called Barlovento doe lie Northward, and were first discoverd by Columbus. The chiefe of the Majorick Ilands is S. Iohns Iland,* 1.1 or the Rich-mans Haven, the length of it is 45. leagues, and the breadth of it 20. or 26. leagues, and hath abundance of all things which are in Hispaniola. It hath a wholesome ayre, and not too hot, for it rayneth there all our Summer time, namely, from the Moneth of May to September: in August there are cruell tempests, commonly called Huracanes, when the North winde spoyles that which hath beene sowed. There is a Towne in this Iland at the North side, situated Eastward in 18. degrees of Latitude. And it hath a Castle on a Hill, in which the Governour, and other publike officers doe dwell.* 1.2 The Inhabitants did call Hispaniola before the Spaniards came thither Haitij, it resembleth the leafe of a Chesnut Tree, being situate in 18. and 20. degrees Northward toward the Aequinoctiall Line. The compasse of it is 400. leagues, and it lyeth length-wayes from the East Westward. Heretofore it was full of native Inhabitants, very fruitfull, and devided into many Provinces, but now it is exhausted by the Spaniards tyranny. The Metropolis and head Towne thereof is S. Dominico, which Columbus called Nova Isabella, or new Isabell. There are also other lesse Townes, as Zeibo, Cotuy. The Silver Haven, Christs Mountaine, and also the Towne of S. Iames, and others which the Spaniards doe inhabit. The Iland Cuba followeth,* 1.3 which hath on the North Terra Florida, on the West New Spaine, on the South the Iland Iamayca, it is 200. leagues long, and 45. broad. The Metropolis is S. Iames his Towne, in which there is a Bishop, the next unto it is Havena, which hath a good Haven, and is the chiefe Towne for trading in the whole Iland, there are also other Townes, as Baracoa, Bayamo, or S. Saviours Towne. There is also Iamayca,* 1.4 which Columbus called S. Iames his Iland, the compasse of it is 120. leagues, and it is 50. long, and 25. broad. It is as fruitfull and pleasant as any other Iland, and the Inhabitants are sharpe witted. It hath two chiefe Townes Orestan, and Sevilla, in the latter there is a Church and Abbey. The lesser Ilands are devided into Leucayae and Cambales. The Leucajan Iles are those which looke Northward toward the rich Port, and the other greater Ilands. The Canibals lie South-West toward America, and the most of them are inhabited by Canibals, or Men-eaters, the names of these Ilands are these, Anegada, Anguilla, Antigua, Barbadoes, St. Bartholmews, St. Christophers, d'Esienda, S. Dominico, S. Estasia, Granada, Guadalupe, S. Lutia, the White Ilands, Maregalante, St. Martine, Mantinina, Montferrat, Redonda, Saba, S. Crucis, Sombrera All-Saints, S. Vincent, the Virgins Iland, and also the Ilands called the Bermudas from their first Discoverer, which lye in 33. degrees of Northerne Latitude, and are 3300. English miles in length, they have abundance of Cedar, and the English of late have begun to plant Tobacco in them.

THE Ilands Cuba, Hispaniola, Iam•ica, S. Iohns,* 1.1 and Saint Margarites, are next to be unfolded and described according to the order of our method.

The Iland Cuba was so called by the Inhabitants and the Spaniards doe call it Fernandina and Ioanna: also Alpha and Omega, if we beleeve Peter Martyr. On the West it is parted with the Sea from Iucatana, on the East with the Sea from Hispaniola,* 1.2 on the South is Iamaica. The length of it from the East to the West is 300. miles, or rather Spanish leagues, and it is 15. and in some places 20. in breadth. The Tropick of Cancer cutteth thorow the midst of it. Those that have seene Cuba doe liken it and resemble it to a Willow leafe, because it is longer than broad.* 1.3 The Country is very temperate▪ but in some places coulder, and it hath a kinde of course Gold, and it is very rich in Brasse. It bringeth forth great store of Madder for Dyers. Also great store of Sugar, Wheate, Corne, and other fruits, and Hearbes. Moreover it beareth Cassia, Ginger, Mastick, Aloes, and Cinamon. Serpents, of which there are a great number, are counted great dainties.* 1.4 And the woods doe breed and feed great store of Hogs and Oxen. It hath 6. Citties, the chiefe whereof are S Iames Towne and Havana, the former was built by Iames Valasius, and is a Bishops seate. It is the Mart Towne and Haven for the whole Iland: here the Kings Ships doe usually ride, untill the time of the yeere, and the winde standing faire, doe promise them a good voyage for Spaine. There are now some Galleyes in it which defend all the Coast from Enemies. This Iland hath many Gold-bearing Rivers, the water whereof is sweet and pleasant to drinke.* 1.5 It hath also many sweet and salt Lakes, so that there is plenty of Salt here. The Country is rugged, high, and Mountainous.* 1.6 And the Mountaines have veines of Gold in them. There is also in the same Iland a Mountaine not farre from the Sea, out of which there runneth good Pitch for Ships. Gonzalus Ovetanus doth describe another strange thing in this Iland. That there is a Valley between the Mountaines, that is, two or three Spanish miles long (the ancients did call it the Stone field as that in Gallia Narbonensis) which hath such a number of round stones, that many Ships might be loaden with them, being naturally made in such a Sphaericall round forme, that nothing can be made rounder with a paire of Compasses. The people of this Country are content with the bounty of nature,* 1.7 neither doe they know what belongs to mine, or thine, or money, but have all things in common, even as nature bestoweth the light of the Sunne and water on all men equally: therefore their Gardens are open and unfenced, and nature teacheth them that which is right without lawes. They went commonly naked. And in their marriages they observed a strange kinde of custome: for the Bridegroome did not lye with his Bride the first night, but if he were a Gentleman, a Gentleman did supply his place, but if the Bridegoome were a Merchant or Country-man, than a Mercbant or Country-man did supply their places. The men did repudiate and put away their Wives for any light cause. But the Women could not put away their Husbands for any cause: the men were very lustfull and obscene. The Spaniards found it well inhabited with people, but now it is inhabited onely by Spaniards, because the native Inhabitants are all dead partly by famine, and labour, and the veneriall disease, and besides after that Cortes had subdued and planted himselfe in this Iland, they carried the most part of the Inhabitants into new Spaine, so that there is scarcely one Indian now upon the whole Iland.

HISPANIOLA. (Book Hispanola)

• 1.1THe Inhabitants did heretofore call this Iland Haity, and Quisqueja, and afterward also it was called Cipangi. The Spaniards called it after their owne name Spaniola, or Hispaniola and from Dominick, St. Domingo,* 1.2 or St. Dominicks Ile: and built a Citty in honour of him, which is the chiefest Citty of the Iland. The compasse of this Iland is 1300. miles, or 350. leagues. The length is 500. miles, the breadth of it in respect of the many Bayes and Promontories is various and different.* 1.3 Peter Martyr calleth it the Mother of all other Ilands. The middle of the Iland is distant from the Aequinoctiall Line almost 19.* 1.4 degrees. It is long Northward, and the breadth of it is from East to West. It hath a temperate ayre, so that the trees are continually greene: and it is more pleasant and fruitfull than the rest. They say that here are Sugar Canes that are higher and thicker than any where else. Besides this is an Argument of the fertility thereof, for wheate being sowed yeeldeth an hundred fold increase. At Valentia in Spaine one Cane will scarcely fill 7. Pots: but in Hispaniola one Cane will fill 20. or 30. Moreover this Country doth yeeld Cassia, Ginger, Mastick, Aloes, and Cinamon. It hath also great store of Salt. There are rich Mines of Gold and Silver, and other Mineralls, especially of a blue kinde of colour. Before the Spaniards comming, there were onely three kindes of beasts,* 1.5 but now it is so stored with beasts that have beene brought thither, so that great store of Hides and Skins are yeerely transported from thence into Spaine. There are many Citties in this Iland, the chiefe is St. Dominico at the mouth of the River Ozama, where the Bishop and the Vice-Roy are resident. There are other lesse Citties, as St. Iohns, Meguma, Portus Platae, the Kings Porte, Canana, Xaragua, and others. For there are in this Iland many Rivers, Lakes, and Springs very full of Fish. But there are 7. great Rivers which affoord most pleasure and commodity to the Inhabitants, which running out of the high Rocks which are in the middle of the Iland, doe spread abroad divers wayes. Iuna runneth to the East, Attibunicus to the West, Iacchus to the North, Natabus to the South, and that the Iland is devided into foure parts. Moreover there is in Bainoa a great Lake, the Indians doe call it Hagveigabon, and we the Caspian Sea, which is enlarged every where with infinite Rivers, yet it never emptieth it selfe, but is devoured in its hollow Channell: it is conjectured that the spongie Rocks doe receive and let in the Sea-water by Subterranean passages, because many Sea Fishes are found there, and the water tasteth salt. Moreover there are other lesser salt Lakes in this Iland. And besides the aforesaid Lakes there is a great salt River which runneth into the Sea, although it receiveth many Rivers and Fountaines of fresh water.

IAMAICA· (Book Jamaica)

IAMAICA which they call now the Iland of St. Iames, lyeth 15. leagues Eastward from Hispaniola, and 16. degrees from the Aequinoctiall Line. On the North it is neere to Cuba. On the South it looketh to St. Bernards Ilands and Carthagena, on the West it hath Fordura.* 1.1 The compasse of it is 600. miles. This Country hath a pleasant temperate ayre, also it hath Gold, and great store of Sugar and Cotton,* 1.2 and also divers kindes of living Creatures. It had heretofore great store of Inhabitants, but now the Natives are either killed or dead, so that there are two Citties onely inhabited: the chiefe whereof is Sevill, or Hispalis, in which there is a Church and an Abbey, of which Peter Martyr Anglerius of Mediolanum was Primate, a man very diligent in handling the affaires of India. The other is called Oristan, here are many Rivers and Fishfull Lakes. The people doe differ in nothing, neither in Lawes, Rites, nor Customes, from those of Hispaniola, and Cuba, but onely it is reported that they were more cruell.

St. IOHNS Iland. (Book St. Johns Island)

• 1.1SAint Iohns Iland, commonly so called from the rich Haven, and heretofore called Borichena or Borica, hath on the East the Iland of the holy Crosse,* 1.2 and many small Ilands. On the West and the North the Iland of S. Dominico, on the South the Promontory of the maine Land, from whence it is distant 136. miles. The Iland lyeth length-wayes, and is 12. or 17. mile broad, and the greatest breadth of it is 48. Germane Miles. It hath abundance of Fruit, Cattell, and Gold. Moreover this Iland is devided into two parts, namely the Northerne and Southerne part. The Northerne hath great store of Gold: the Southerne hath plenty of fruit, and Fowle. The chiefe Citty in it is St. Iohns Citty, which hath a very good Haven.* 1.3 Here are some Rivers, among which Cairabonus is the greatest, which runneth Northward, and though they have all golden Sands, yet the Northerne side thereof as we said before, hath the best Mines. The Southerne part hath better Havens, and more fruit, it produceth Maiz, and other things necessary to life.

MARGARITA. (Book Margarita)

THe Iland Margarita, or the Iland of Pearles, is called by another name Cubagua, it is 10. miles in compasse, and it lyeth 10. degrees and▪ from the Aequinoctiall Line, being every where plaine and barren: having neither trees nor water. So that they want water so much, especially when the winde standeth contrary, so that nothing can be brought from Cumana, that sometimes a Hogshead of Wine is exchanged for a Hogshead of Water. It hath great store of Connies, Salt, and Fish. But especially it hath great store of Pearles. The Inhabitants are of a Swart colour, thinne hayred, and without Beards, fierce and cruell. They feed on Oysters, out of which Pearles are gotten.

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

The Caribby Isles, or the Antilles.

UNder the Name of Antilles are generally known, all the Islands of the North Sea which are between Florida, New Spain, and the Firm-Land of Southern America.

The Luccayes, seem to be so called from that of Lucayonequo. Bahama gives its name there to a Channel wondrously rapid from the South to the North, and famous at present for the passage of the Spanish Fleets in their return from Mexico, and from the Terra Firma of America in Europe. Bimini which is a place of no easie access, by reason of the Flats and Rocks thereabouts, has had the renown of having a Fountain which made people young again, because the Women there were extraordinary Beautiful, and that for their sakes several Men went to dwell there. Guanahani is that which was first spyed out by Columbus, who called it San. Salvador, by reason it was the cause of saving him from the Conspiracy of his Men, who a little before would have cast him into the Sea, as not in their mind meeting soon enough with those Lands, whereof he had given them such hopes.

Hispagniola [otherwise Saint Domingo] is the first Country in the New World, where the Spaniards built Towns and Fortresses. It has abundance of Cattle, Hides, Cassia, Sugar, and Ginger, Cocheneal, Guiacum, and other Herbs for Physick and Dying. It has Mines, from whence came the first and finest Gold of America; Here was found that rare piece of Gold which weighed full thirty seven pound, and was lost in the way when it was bringing to Spain. It has little Birds called Cuyeros, which gives such a light in the night time, that by it one may see ones way plainly, and hunt, & fish, & read and write; and the Priests make use of them by night instead of Candles to read in their Breviaries. Amongst the fish that are taken upon that Coast, there is the Manate, which is a Sea Calf above twenty foot long: the Revers which is very small, and serves to catch Fish of another sort, by fastening them on the thorns of its back. St. Domingo, the Metropolis of the Isle Hispaniola, drove formerly a more considerable Trade than it does at present: The French have possessed the most Western part of this Island, where they have a great number of Buccaniers, as well as the little Island la Tortue, which is near it; this has made the Spaniards change the Course they held when they returned into Spain. Cuba is more fertil and temperate than Hispaniola. It has Parrots, Partridges, Turtles, and Gold sand in its Rivers; for which reason, some Authors have placed here the Country of Ophir, from whence Solomon sent for his Gold.

One of the Caciques or petty Kings of that Island, having made his escape out of the hands of the Spaniards, told his people that the Gold and Silver of their Country was the God of their Enemies, since that to possess it, they sought for it in their very Entrails, and that so to enjoy their own repose, they must aband on it all to them. Another of those C aciques being Condemned to be burnt, was sollicited by a Priest to turn Christian, that he might go into Paradice, but he openly protested he would not go thither, since Spaniards were there too. The poor Savages abhorred them to that degree, that they abstained from their Wives, that their Children might not become slaves of such Masters; And when they fell upon them to boucanize them, or to eat their flesh, it was rather out of revenge, than out of any relish they found therein; for they frankly said, That the flesh of a Spaniard was too hard, and that to make it fit for eating, it was first to be souz'd and mollified for two or three dayes in Vinegar. St. Jago is the Capital City with a Sea Port, and Havana the Key and Staple of all the West Indies, the Magazine of the riches of America, by reason of the scituation, the bigness, and conveniency of its Harbour, which can shelter above a thousand Ships. 'Tis the usual Rendevouze of the Spanish Fleets when they return into Europe, and is defended by three Castles, whose strength is compar'd by the Spaniards to that of the Cittadels of Antwerp and Milan. Yet for all this, the English plundered the City in the Year 1662. The Port de Matanzas is the same where in the Year 1629. Peter Hein a Hollander, made himself Master of the Spanish Fleet, which was prodigiously rich. Jamaica now belonging to the English, who have setled themselves there, since the Year 1655. has three small Cities, wherof Seville is the most considerable. It produces so much Yuca whereof Cassia is made, that it passes for the Granary of the Antilles. The Civil Wars of the Spaniards in America began in this Island, where Christopher Columbus to free himself out of danger foretold the Savages an Eclipse of the Moon with as much prudence as success. These Savages had Letters missive in admiration, thinking one must necessarily partake of Divinity, to discover by a scrowl'd paper ones sentiments to another a great way off. Porto-rico with the City, of St. John, has Sugar, Ginger, Cassia and Skins; this is the Island where the Spaniards passed for immortals, till one Salsedo was drowned, at the Passage of the River Guarabo.

The Caribby Islands are twenty eight principal Ones, possessed for the most part by Europeans, sometimes they have been called by the Name of Camereanes, and because they are more Eastern, and as in the head of the Others, they have had particularly attributed to them that of the Antilles, which seems ought to be common to all the Neighbouring Islands. They enjoy so temperate an Air, that they feel there no excessive heats, nor do they ever see any Ice. There is indeed but three Seasons, the Spring, Summer, and Autumn, unless we give the name of Winter to the rainy Season. They have all manner of good Pulse very plentifully; but their Corn does not attain to its maturity, and can only serve to make Green-sawce of. There are Trees which produce excellent Fruits, and others which furnish Wood for Physick, for Dying, for the Carpenters use, and Wainscotting. Those parts of these Islands go under the Name of Cabissi-terre, which have the Cape to the Wind, which in those parts blows almost alwayes from the East: and Buss-terre is called what is towards the West. They name the little Mountains Marnes, the Villages Carbets, the great Winds of short continuance, Rufales; and those that take their Turn around the Horizon, Huricanes. These Hurrycanes often cause great disorders: They commonly happen at the times of the Equinox upon the Eastern Coasts. The Pilots foreseeing them, get their Ships off from the Shoar. Saint Christophers has Colonies of the French, who in the Year 1627. shared it with the English, establishing Customs, which have since been received in the Neighbouring Islands: No place is there out of France, where the French have a greater Establishment; Its Governour is said to be able to bring seven or eight thousand Foot into the Field, besides several Troops of Horse; and they have four good Forts. Martinico has about 1000. French, besides Indians, and Negroes in great numbers. Guadaloupa, vulgarly Gardeloupa, furnishes fresh Water to the Ships that come from Europe. It has made great advantage of the ruins of the Dutch Colony of Recif in Brafil. This occasioned its being Cultivated with Sugar Canes, whereby it has profited more than by the Tobacco Trade, drove before.

1695. A New Body of Geography by A. Sewall & T. Child.

The Islands lying about the Northern America.

I will not pretend to give a perfect Description of all the Islands about the Northern America, because 'twould be inconsistent with the nature of an Abridgment; I shall therefore content my self only to distinguish them in Tables, where I will remark, 1. The Isles about Canada. 2. The Burmudas. 3. California. 4. The Anhilae, in 4 parts: 1. The Lucayos, which are 10 chief Isles. 2. The Archipelago of Mexico, in 7 chief Isles. 3. The Isles Du Vent in 27. 4. The Isles Sous le Vant in 10, and will conclude with the Islands of the Gulf of Paria.

Islands belonging to the Northern America.

1. The most remarkable Isles about Canada, are,

1. Terra Nova.

...Plaisance.

2. Anacosta, or the Assumption.

3. Cape Britton.

4. S. Johns.

5. Quatenis.

6. Isle of Orleans.

7. The States Island.

2. Bermudas.

3. California.

4. The Antillae in 4 parts.

• 1. The Lucayos,

...Lucayoneque.

...Bahama.

...Abacoa.

...Cicatero.

...Triangula.

...Curateo.

...Saniana.

S. Salvador, or Guanahami,

...Yumeto.

2. Isle of the Archiepelago, in 8.

Cuba, or Havana,

...Jamaica,

...Hispaniola,

...Porto-Rico,

...Caomangrande,

...Pinos,

...Caiman,

...Baccias.

3. The Isles Barcovent, or Caribby Isles, in 27.

1. S. Christophers. 2. S. Crosse. 3. Boique. 4. Saba. 5. S. Eustace. 6. Nieves. 7. Rotondo. 8. Monferrat. 9. The Saints. 10. Basse-terre. 11. Dominico. 12. Barbadia. 13. Martinica. 14. Marigalanti. 15. Guadalupa. 16. Antego. 17. Desiderade. 18. Barboudas. 19. S. Bartholomew. 20. Martin. 21. Anguilla, 22. Chapeau. 23. Ameya de Desert. 24. Tobago. 25. S. Alaasia. 26. S. Vincent. 27. Granada.

4. The Isles call'd Sotavent, in 10.

1. Trinadad. 2. Margarita. 3. Blanca. 4. Tertuga. 5. Orchilla. 6. Rocca. 7. d' Aves. 8. Bonarre. 9. Curacao. 10. Oraba.

5. Isles of the Gulph of Paria.

I. TERRA NOVA or New-found-Land, is an Island of equal Extent with England. It was first discovered in the year, 1494. by Sebastian Cabot the Portuegeze, for Henry VII. King of England, and was after reviewed by Mr. Thorn and Elliot in 1530. in order to a better knowledge of it; but no Trade was managed thither many years after, by the English, only the Normans, Portugal and Britains of France resorted thither, and settled there, changing the names of the Bays and Promontories, which the English had given them. The English notwithstanding did not quit their Claim, but in the year 1583. Sir Humphry Gilbert was sent to take possession of it for Queen Elizabeth, who had a design to send a Colony thither; but his misfortune in suffering Shipwrack as he return'd, quash'd that purpose, so that no Colony was sent till 1611 when Mr. Guy, a Merchant of Bristol, undertook it, and got safe thither in 23 days. This Colony thrived; which gave encouragement to Sir George Calvert, Lord Baltimore, to get a Patent to se•tle a Plantation there in the Province of Avalon, and built himself a stately House and Fort at Ferryland, where he lived a wh••e and managed the Government himself, and after by a Deputy: His Posterity are Proprietors of it still. This Isle is situated between the 46 and 53 degrees of Northern Latitude, parted from the Continent of America by a narrow Channel, call'd S. George's Channel.

The Air is very wholsome and good, but something cold in Winter and hot in Summer, tho' never very extream. The Soil in most places very fertil, naturally beautified with Roses, planted with stately Trees, and producing Pease, Filberds and other Fruits necessary for Life and Delight, and by Culture hath yielded to the English good Wheat, Rye, Turneps and Coleworts. Their Woods are stored with plenty of Deer, Bears, Otters, Sables, Musk-cats, Musk-rats and Foxes. And by the Sea they catch and kill many Marse, or Sea-Oxen, which is an Amphibious Creature living both by Land and Sea, as big as an Ox, tho' in shape more like a Lion: They have Teeth like, and as big as Elephants, and as good Ivory. Of their Bellies they make Train-Oil, and their Skins are as thick again as an Oxes or Bulls, and short-hair'd like Seals. Of these they have many, and they make good Merchandize of.

The Natives are of a reasonable Stature, beardless and broad-faced, colouring their Faces with Oker. Some of them go naked all but their Privities. Their Houses are nothing but Poles set round like one of our Arbours, and covered with Skins of Deer, and an Hearth or Fire-place in the middle. They make Canoes of Bark of Birch, strengthened with little wooden Hoops. Ten or twelve Families live in a Cabbin together, lying upon Skins, and their Dogs with them. They make Feasts often, and dance and sing at them. They believe in one God the Creator of all things, but have many whimsical Notions and ridiculous Opinions about him. They acknowledge the Immortality of the Soul; and when any one is buried, they put all his Goods into his Grave with him, to furnish him in the other World. They consult an Oracle, which is the Devil, when they go a Hunting, to know, where they shall find Game, and often speed; but they do not worship him. They have many Conjurers among them, whom they use for Physicians and Priests, to consult their Oracle.

They have a form of Government, but 'tis not known; but 'tis certain they are ruled by a Segamore or King; as the English by their Governour. The middle of this Isle is not inhabited by Europeans, but they content themselves to live about the Ports, which are very convenient, and where they maintain a great Trade with Cod-fish, Whale-oyl and other Fish. The English inhabit the Promontory of Avalon, and have these convenient Ports belonging to them. 1. Conception-bay, a large Bay, 5 miles broad in the narrowest place; yet safe, and of very good Anchorage. 2. Trinity-bay. 3. The Bay de Trespasrez. The French enjoy the Port of Pla•sance.

About 70 miles from this Island over against Cape Raze, lies a bank or ridge of Ground, which is covered with Water, when the Sea is high, and uncovered and dry at the ebb, about 300 miles in length and 75 in breadth; the Sea is 200 fathom deep all round it, and the Sand so moveable, that Ships of a considerable Burden may ride over it: Its called Bacalaos, from the multitude of Cod-fish and Stock-fish catched about it; for every Summer 3 or 400 Sail of Ships from England, France and Holland, come to this Isle, where they are sure of sufficient freight of those Fish: This Cod-fishing continues from April to September. With the Livers of the Cods, which are immediately disbowelled and salted, the Mariners bait certain Hooks, and catch a large sort of Bird, called by them Tauquets and Happefoyes, which serve them for Food in this Voyage.

II. JAMAICA is situate in the 18 deg. of Northern Latitude, standing in the Sea call'd Mare de Nort, about 15 leagues from the Island of Cuba, which lies on the North of it, and 20 from Hispaniola on the East, and about 150 leagues from the main Continent of America. It is about 170 miles in length, and 70 in breadth. It was first discovered by Columbus the Spaniard in his second Voyage to America, and brought into the possession of the English by P•nn and Venables, in the ••me of O. Cromwell's usurpation.

The Air is very serene and calm, and more temperate than many of the other adjoining Isles, the fresh Breezes, which continually blow Ea•twardly, much qualifying the Heat. It is not subject to those destructive Hurricans and Earthquakes, which the Caribbies and other places are so much troubled with. Upon which account the late terrible Earthquake in 1693. ought to be looked upon, by the Inhabitants, as a special Judgment from God for their great sins. The Soil is wonderfully fruitful, and enjoys a continual Spring, being refreshed with frequent fattening showers of Rain and great Dews. It produces not only luxuriant Pasturage, in which they feed great numbers of tame and wild Beasts, as Horses, Cows, Asnegroes or Mules, Sheep, Goats, Hoggs and Rabbits; but also by their labour in Tillage and Husbandry of their Trees and Plants, it affords great quantities of Sugar, Chocolate, Indico, Cotton, Tobacco, Corn, Potatoes, Pease, Beans, and all sorts of Garden-herbs, and some Cochaneil. It also yields Ginger, Cod-pepper, Piemento or Jamaica-pepper, Salt, Tortoise-shells, Hides, divers sorts of Physical Druggs and Gums, as Guaicum, Sarsaparilla, Cassia-Fistula, Tamarinds, Vinello's, Aloes, Benjamin, Sumach, Acacia, and divers others, whose virtue and names are not yet known; as also, variety of useful Woods both for Dyers and Artists, as Fustick, Redwood, Cedar, Brasilletto, Lignum Vitae, Ebony, of which great quantities are exported, and much advantage made of them. They have Allegators, Manchonels, Snakes, Guiana's, but they do little hurt.

The Rivers of this Island are none of them fair or Navigable up the Country; yet towards the Sea it •bounds with great Plenty of good Bays, Roads and Harbours; the principal of which are, Port-Royal, Old Harbour, Port-Morant, Negril and Antonio. The Rivers, Bays, Roads and Creeks afford plenty of excellent Fish and especially Tortoises, as also of Wild-Fowl, viz. Ducks, Teal, Plover, Flemingo's, Snipes, Paraketoes, &c. to which their Tame-Fowls, as Hens, Turkeys, Geese and Ducks, are not much inferior.

The Religion and Laws of Jamaica are as near as the different Circumstances of the Places will admit, assimulated to those of England. They have the•r several Courts, Magistrates and Officers for executing their Laws, hearing and determining all Causes and Controversies between Party and Party. Their Worship in their Parish-Churches, of which they have 14, is according to the Form and Ceremonies of the present establish'd Church of England, and under the Jurisdiction of the Bishop of London.

This Island hath but few considerable Towns: The chief of them are, 1. S. Jago de la Vega, which stands on the Banks of the River Pro-de-Cabre, and is the Metropolis of th•s Isle, the Seat of the Governour and place for all the Courts of Justice. It hath about 4000 Houses, fair and convenient, and 2 Churches, and is very well filled with Inhabitants. 2. Port-Royal, a large and populous Town, with an Harbour, exceeding safe and commodious, about 3 Leagues broad in most Places, and so deep that before the late Earthquake a Ship of a 1000 Tun might have laid her Side to the Shore, and load and unload at Pleasure. This City is the seat of all the Trade in the Isle, being inhabited by Merchants, and frequented by Traders of all sorts. 3. Passage, so call'd because it is the common Passage to S. Jago, and other Plantations thereabouts, a Town not very large, but of note for Storage and Conveniencies for Passengers into the Country. 4. Other Villages there are well stor'd with plenty of all th•ngs, in which the English dwell in great Numbers, and have their large and rich Plantations, as S. Katherines, S. John's, S. Andrews, S. David's, S. Th•mas, Clarendon, S. George's, S. Mary's, S. Ann, S. James and S. Elizabeth.

III. S. CHRISTOPHERS, called so from Christopher C•lumbus the first discoverer: It is situate in the 17th Degree 25 Minutes of Northern Latitude, in circuit about 75 miles. This Isle was taken possession of by the English and French at the same time, and divided into equal Parts by Agreement, the English having two, and the French two Cantons of it, who, to prevent Difference, keep continual Guard upon their several Divisions.

The Air is pleasant enough, and the Soil being light and sandy, is apt to produce all sorts of Fruits, Provisions and Commodities natural to these Countries, as Sugar, Tobacco, Cotton, Ginger, with several other sorts of Fruits and Provisions. In it are several Mountains, dreadful Rocks, Springs of sulphurous and hot Waters, with thick Woods, and one Salt-pit by the Sea. This Country breeds some Creatures admirable, as, 1. The Rocket, a fourfooted Beast, whose Skin is of the Colour of a faded Leaf, marked with yellow or blewish Spots; they leap up and down perpetually, and love to look upon Men. 2. The Eagle of Orinoca, a Bird in shape much like an other Eagle, but his Feathers marked with black Spots, and the Ends of his Wings and Tail, yellow: He lives on Prey, but is of that Generosity that he never sets upon weaker Birds, but such as have crooked Beaks and sharp Talons, like himself, and that never but in the Air. 3. The Craw-fowl, about the bigness of a great Duck, the Feathers very hideous to the Eye, and under his Neck is a Bag that will contain 2 Gallons of Water: they live by Fishing, and will discern a Fish above a Fathom under Water. 4. Pintado•s, a kind of Pheasants, so full of Colours as if they were painted. 5. The Colibus or Humming Bird, because in its Flight it makes a Noise like a Whirl-Wind, tho' 'tis no bigger than a large Fly. The Colour of its Feathers are admirable, like the Rain-Bow, it lives on Dew, and the Smell is as odoriferous as Musk or Amber.

The Natives are either destroyed or fled out of the Isle. The French, besides the several Habitations dispersed up and down their Quarters, have a Town of a good bigness, call'd Baffe-Terre, built of Brick and Free-stone, well inhabited by Merchants: Here is a large Church, fair Hospital, their Court of Judicature and a stately Castle, also 4 Forts. The English are more numerous than the French, and have 5 Churches, 2 Forts, and 3 Towns, in Sandy-Point, Palm-Tree and Cay•une, with fair Structures. Their part is better watered than the French, and the French more fit for Tillage. Their Religion and Government is according to the Temper of the 2 Nations, to which they belong.

IV. NEVIS or MEVIS, lies not far from S. Christophers, in the 17th Degree 19 Minutes of Northern Latitude, a small Isle, not above 18 miles in compass. The English planted themselves here in 1628. and are still possess'd of it, driving a very handsome Trade in such things as they have occasion for by exchange of their Natural product, for their Conveniences.

The Air is very temperate, not too hot, because of the constant Breizes, nor do they ever see Ice. The Soil is indifferent fruitful in Sugar, Cotten, Ginger, Tobacco, &c. and they have Mountains and Woods, replenished with store of Deer. Here are diverse Springs of fresh Water, and one of hot mineral Waters, of which they have made several Baths, by Experience found useful for many Distempers. This, as the rest of the Caribbies, is troubled with Muschetoes, Chegoes, Murigoins and Lizards. This Country breeds some strange Creatures, 1. The Annolis, about the bigness of a Lizzard, of a yellowish Skin; In the Day-time it is continually prouling about the Cottages for Food, and in the Night-time lies under Ground, making a great Noise. 2. A Land-Pike, which is like the Fish so call'd, but hath Legs instead of Fins, by which it moves upon the Ground, tho' very strangely; they lurk about the Rocks and are seldom seen but towards Night: They make a Noise more sharp and grating than Toads, 3. The Flying Tyger, spotted like the Land-Tyger; he hath six Wings and as many Legs; he lives on Flies and other small Animals, and spends the Night in Singing upon a Tree. 4. The Horn-Fly, which hath 2 Snouts like an Elephant, painted all over by Nature with admirable variety of Colours. 5. The Snail called a Soldier, which having no Shell of its own, harbours in that of the Periwinkle: They have a Foot like a Crab's Claws. 6. A monstrous Spider, with 10 Feet, which have every one 4 Joynts and horny at the Ends: When she walks she spreads them as wide as a Man's Hand; she hath 2 solid sharp black Tushes, big enough for Tooth-Pickers, for which they are often used. She feeds on Flies and such Vermine: Their Webs are so strong that a little Bird can hardly break through them. 7. The Fly-Catcher, a small Animal with 4 Legs, and of a great variety of Colours naturally, but seems to convert it self into the Colour of the Thing it is in; for about a Palm-Tree 'tis Green, and about Orange-Trees yellow: It doth no Mischief, but clears all Places of Flies and such kind of Vermine. They are very familiar and tame, and will come upon the Tables to pursue their Game. 8. The Palm-Worm, remarkable for its infinite number of Feet; it is half a Foot long, and very swift in its Motion. It hath two Claws at Head and Tail, with which it wounds and Poisons Men so that for 24 Hours it puts them to very great Pain.

Of all the Caribby Islands none is so well govern'd as this, Justice being administred with that Impartiality, and all Debaucheries and Immoralities severely punished, by a Council of the most eminent and ancient Inhabitants. There are 3 Churches for the Service of God; and, for its farther Security, it hath a Fort, wherein are mounted several great Guns, which command at a great Distance, for the Security of Ships in the Road or Harbour, and in which all Commodities imported for the Use of the Inhabitants, are laid up to be distributed to them, as occasion shall serve.

V. BERMƲDAZ, or the Summer-Islands, so called from the first Discoverer John Bermudaz a Spaniard, and from Sir George Sommers, who was Shipwrack'd upon that Coast. These Isles lie East of Virginia and Carolina, at the distance of 300 Leagues, in the 32d Degree 30 Minutes of Northern Latitude. They are a great Cluster of Islands, some say 400 at least, the biggest of which is S. George's Isle, which is about 18 Miles long, but not above 3 broad, all the rest are much less.

The Sky is almost continually serene and clear, and the Air so exceeding Temperate and Healthy that few dye but of old Age. The Sky is sometimes very tempestuous for 48 Hours together, with Thunder and Lightning. The North and West Winds cause a sort of Winter in December, January and February, which is yet so moderate that there appears signs of a Spring in the growth of Plants and breeding of Birds. The Soil is exceeding fertile, yielding 2 Crops every Year, which they generally gather about the Months of July and December. They have several sorts of excellent Fruits, as Oranges, Dates, Mulberries, which harbour abundance of Silkworms, Palmito's and Tobacco. Our English Corn and Plants thrive well there. These Islands are well furnish'd also with Hogs, Fowls and Birds, chiefly Cranes, and a sort of Wild fowl, which nest in the Holes of the Rocks like Rabbits. No Venomous Creatures are found there, nor will live if brought thither; their Spiders are large, but not poisonous. Their Cedars are much different from those in other Places, but very sweet. In fine, they have but one great Inconvenience, which is want of fresh Water.

The English, who are the sole Proprieters of them, have divided the whole Isle of Bermudaz into Tribes or Cantreds, in every of which is a Borough-Town, which is ordered and regulated by the Magistrates, according to the Government of England both in Church and State. It is exceeding strong by Nature, being fenced about with Rocks, but the English with their Block-houses and Forts have made it impregnable.

VI. MONSERRAT, is an Island of small extent, not above 10 miles long, and 9 wide; it was so called from a Mountain in it, which the Spaniards, when they first discovered it, imagined to be like to Monserrat near Barcelona in Spain. It lies in the 17th Degree of Northern Latitude. 'Tis very mountainous, and the Hills produce Cedar and many useful sorts of Trees, the Valleys and Plains being very Pleasant and fruitful. It is chiefly inhabited by the Irish, mixed with some English, and has a very fair Church, with neat Seats framed by great Art out of the most precious sweet-sented Woods. About this Island are taken out of the Sea several strange Creatures. 1. The Sea-Devil, so called because of his terrible Aspect and black Horns like a Ram, growing above his Eyes: It is a strange kind of Monster, on the Head it hath a bunch like an Hedg-hog, Tushes like a Boar, a forked Tail, and the Flesh is of a poisonous quality. 2. The Sea-Unicorn, a Fish 18 Foot long, with Scales as big as a Crown-piece, 6 large Fins like the End of a Galley-Oar, a Head like a Horse, and a Horn coming out of the Forehead 9 Foot long, so sharp that it will pierce the hardest Bodies; but delicate Meat. 3. The Lamantine, Manaty or Sea-Cow, a Fish 18 foot long, having an Head like a Cow: It hath no Fins, but 2 short Feet, with which it creeps about the Rocks and Shallows for Meat; It is delicate Food. 4. The Flying-Fish, which hath Wings like Bats, and will sometimes, to avoid being made a Prey by the greater Fish, fly 20 Foot above Water, and 100 Paces in length, and then fall again into the Sea: They are like Herrings, and thought good Meat by hungry Sea-men 5. The Sword-Fish, which hath at the End of the Upper Jaw a Weapon like a Sword, with Teeth on each Side of it, 5 foot long and 6 Inches broad near the Jaw: It hath Vents near the Eyes to spout out Water, 7 Fins, and is at perpetual Enmity with the Whale, which is often wounded to Death by it.

VII. DOMINICA is an Isle seated on the North of Martineco, in the 15th Degree 30 Minutes of Northern Latitude. It is very mountainous in the midst, and harbours Dragons; Vipers and other most venomous and dreadful Creatures, yet are there many fertile Villages producing several Commodities, but chiefly Tobacco. The English have some Plantations there of Tobacco, but are hindred from settling there by the Natives, which are Canibals, and inhabit here in great Numbers: For tho' they are very friendly to the French, yet they hate the English upon the account of a former Grudge, and will not be reconciled to them. They are for the most part of a Tractable Disposition, and such Enemies to Severity, that they'll dye with Grief, if they meet with any hard Usage from the Europeans or other Nations. They despise Riches, and often reproach the Europeans for their Avarice; for they say, The Earth will find sufficiency for all Men with their Labor to manure it. They live free from Ambition and Thoughtfulness for future Events. They are great Enemies to Thieving, and live without Distrust of each other, frequently leaving their Houses and Plantations without any to guard them: They love each other extreamly, and never almost fall out: They reverence the Aged much, and were very chaste, both Men and Women, till the Europeans corrupted them by their ill Example, and made them more loose. They are very neat.

VIII. BARBADA, or Barbuda, is a small Isle, in 17 Degrees 30 Minutes of Northern Latitude, 15 miles in length, and not so much over. The Air is like the rest of the Caribbees, temperate and pleasant, and the Soil fertile, well stored with Sheep and other Cattle, and might produce several good Commodities were it well managed by the Inhabitants, who are only the English, besides the Natives, who are such Enemies one to another, that as the latter will not, so the former dare not make chargable Improvements, because of the frequent interruption of the Natives, who once or twice a Year break in upon them, destroying all with Fire and Sword, except Women and Children, and portable Spoil. Naturally it bears many excellent Fruits, viz. Oranges, Pomegranates, Citrons, Raisons, Indian-Figs and Coco-Nuts, whose Shell supplies them with Dishes, Barrels and Tubs, and Kernel with a Meat, in taste like an Almond, and Drink better than Florence-Wine; as also divers rare Trees and Woods, as Cassia, Cinnamon, Cotten, Pepper, Tobacco, Indico, Ginger, Potatoes, Pine-Apples, Sugar-Canes, Ebeny, Brasil, and the like. But the most admirable Plant here is the Sensible, or as some call it, the Chaste Plant, because if it be touched, the Leaves fall and run together as if they were withered and dead; but when the Hand is remov'd, opens it self, and thrives again. They have several sorts of Serpents, very large, and some of them not venomous, but serviceable to the Inhabitants by killing Rats, Toads and Frogs; others so poisonous that the Wound made by their Teeth, if it be let alone 2 Hours, is incurable.

The Natives are handsom and well-proportioned, black-ey'd and hair'd, never lame or crooked. The Scars they get in War they account Badges of Honour. The Men pluck up their Beards, and count them Deformities to the Europeans. Both Men and Women go stark naked, but will allow none to touch their Privy Parts. They die their Skins with a red Ointment, and when they would appear gallant, they draw black Circles about their Eyes with the Juice of Juniper Apples, wear a Crown of Feathers, and hang their Ears, Noses and Lips with Rings, Fish-Bones and other Toys, made of Gold, Silver or Tin, and put on Necklaces of Coral, Chrystal or Amber.

IX. ANTEGO, Antigoa or Antigna, is another of the Caribby-Islands, seated in the 16th Degree 11 Minutes of Northern Latitude, in length 6 or 7 Leagues, and about as much in breadth. The English have settled themselves in it, and having found some fresh Springs, for want of which it was before thought inhabitable, do now live well in it, by the Help of Ponds and Cisterns for preserving Rain-Water. It is very hard of access by Ships, by reason of the Rocks which surround it. The Soil is fruitful enough in Sugar, Indico, Ginger and Tobacco. They have large Woods and Fens, which supply them with most sorts of Wild-Fowl and Venison, and feed store of tame Cattle. Some of their Birds and Fowl are unusual and admirable. 1. The Canades, which some count the most beautiful Bird in the World for its curious variety of Colours: Its Eyes are red like a Ruby, and it hath on the Head a Cap of Feathers, of Vermilion, sparkling like a live Coal; it is about the bigness of a Pheasant, very kind to Friends, but severe to its Enemies. 2. The Flamet, a large and beautiful Bird, as big as a Wild Goose, his Legs and Neck very long, his Smell and Sight so quick that he is hard to be shot; and when they are taken, the Gunner takes the Wind of them and creeps in an Ox-Hide till he is within Gun-shot. They have plenty of all sorts of Fish, and some of them are very remarkable: As 1. The Shark-Fish, which is a kind of a Sea-Wolf, or Sea-Dog, the most ravenous of all Fish, and of a vast length and bigness: Swimmers are in great Danger from them, for they will bite a Man in two at a Bite, their devouring Jaws being set with 3 or 4 Rows of sharp broad Teeth. Their Flesh is not good, but the Brains are found a good Medicine against the Stone and Gravel. 2. The Beam, a Sea-Monster in shape like a Pike, 7 or 8 foot long, a dreadful Enemy to Mankind, whom he seizes like a Blood-Hound, and will never let him go, if he can get fast hold; his Teeth are so venomous that the least touch of them is mortal, unless a sovereign Antidote be immediately applied. There are a sort of these Fishes that have a Beak 4 Foot long, like a Wood-Cock's Bill, a large P••me under his Belly, like a Cock's Comb, and 2 Horns under his Throat of about a Foot and an half long, which he can sheath in an hollow Place under his Belly. 3. The Sea-Urchin or Sea-Hedge-Hog, because it is round and full of Prickles, like an Hedge-Hog rowled up: They are sent as Presents to the Curious, to hang in Closets. 4. The Sea-Parrot, which hath very sparkling and beautiful Eyes, of which the Ball is as clear as Chrystal; no Teeth, but Jaws so solid that it can crush Oysters, Muscles and other Shell-Fish to pieces, to get out the Fish; they are excellent Meat, and some weigh 20 pounds. 5. The Dorados, Sea-Bream or Amber-Fish, which is very swift in Swimming, and very hardly taken. The Head in the Water is green, and the Body as yellow as Gold: It is as good Meat as a Trout or Salmon, and is caught only with a Piece of white Linnen fastened to an Hook.

X. BARBADOS is the most considerable of the Caribby-Islands, which the English possess. It is situate in the 13th Degree 20 Minutes of Northern Latitude, about 8 Leagues in length and 5 in breadth, of great Strength, and very populous. It was discovered first by Sir William Curteen in the Reign of James I. but had no Inhabitants, being all over-run with Wood, which had no Beast in them but Swine, put into them by the Portugese. The English were at great Pains to clear it, and suffered great Hardships before they could make any Advantage to themselves by Planting Tobacco, Indico, Cotten-Wool and Fustick-wood; but at last they mastered all Difficulty, and became a flourishing Colony, as they still remain to this Day.

The Air is very hot for 8 Months, but is made tolerable by the constant Briezes of the North-east Wind, which rises with the Sun, and blows brisker as that ascends. Their Days and Nights are almost of an equal length throughout the Year, the Sun rising and setting at 6 always, with little Variance. The Soil is exceeding fertile, bearing Crops all the Year round, and the Trees being in a perpetual Verdure. It produces abundance of all sorts of Fruits, as Dates, Oranges, Pomegranates, Limes, Limons, Grapes, Macows, Momins, Mombains, Cherries, Coco's, Guavars, Indian Figs, Melons, &c. As also divers sorts of English Herbs and Roots, as Rosemary, Majoram, Sage, Purslan, Turnips, Carrots, &c. but the profitable Commodities, which make the Merchandize of this Isle, are, Sugar, Indico, Cotten-Wool, Logwood, Ginger, Fustick and Lignum Vitae, with which they freight 200 Ships yearly. They have no Beasts and Cattle but what are Tame and brought them from other Countries, as Camels, Horses, Asnegroes, Oxen, Bulls, Cows, Sheep, Goats and Hogs, which are plentiful in every Plantation. They have variety of Trees for Building and other uses, as Locust, Mastick, Red-Wood, Iron-Wood and Cedar, Cassia, Fistula, Coloquintida, Tamarind, Cassary, Poyson-tree, Physick-Nut, Calabashes, of whose Shells they make Dishes, Mangrass, Raccou, of whose Bark they make Flax and Ropes, Lignum Vitae and Palmeto's. They have great variety of Fowl and small Birds. The Snakes, Scorpions and Lizzards are very harmless, but the Musketoes, Cockroches, and Merry-wings are very troublesome in the Nights. They have Land-Crabs and plenty of Fish in the Sea, tho' they have few or none in their Ponds and Brooks. Their Drink is Mobby, made of Potatoes soak'd in Water, and Prino, made of Cassary Root, which is poisonous of it self, but by Art made wholesom Drink; as also Crippo, Kill-Devil, Punch, &c. Their Food is generally Pork or Fish: The Negroes eat little but Potatoes, Cassanden Bread and such like Diet; but the Masters have daintier Fare, Beef, Mutton, Kid, Sturgeon, Neat's-Tongues, and other good Dishes, and drink Wine, Brandy and English Bear, and live in great Plenty. The poor Negroes are allowed too little, but the English, especially the better sort, are exceeding profuse and costly.

This Island is divided into 11 Precincts or Parishes, where they have 14 Churches and Chappels for the Service of God; and tho' the English set apart Sunday themselves for Divine Worship, yet they do not labour to convince the Negroes of the Necessity they lye under of serving their Creator, but they are left to spend that Day either in Labour or Sports. The Government is by Laws agreeable to those in England, for which they have Courts of Judicature, Justices of Peace, Constables, Church-Wardens, &c. They have also a standing Militia for the Defence of the Isle.

The Chief Towns of this Island are, 1. S. Michael's or Bridg-town, a convenient, well-built and populous Town, the Residence of the Governor, the the Place of Judicature and Seale of Trade. It hath 2 strong Forts for its Security, and the Defence of the Ships in the Road: It stands low, and is not very healthy. 2. Little Bristol, hath also a commodious Road for Ships, and full of Trade; it is also defended by 2 Forts. 3. S. James, a place of considerable Trade, and a good Road for Ships: In it are kept the Monthly Courts for the Precinct. 4. Charles-Town, where are good Markets weekly, and monthly Courts for the Precinct. 5. This Isle hath also several other good Bays, as Fowl-Bay, Austin's-Bay, Maxwel's-Bay, Black-Rock, The Hole, Spikes-Bay, Balises-Bay, Long-Bay, Charles-Bay and Constance-Bay, all of them well fortified against Invasions of Enemies.

Some things are miraculous in this Isle. 1. Their large Caves, big enough to contain 500 Men, supposed to have been the Habitation of the Inhabitants anciently, and now only the Harbour of Fugitive Slaves, who run from their Masters, and lurk here a great while before they are discovered. 2. The Rock-Fish, taken about this Isle, which is red, mixt with several other Colours, very delightful to the Eye. 3. The Cucuyos, a great Fly, which gives such a Light in the Night, that Men may not only travel by it, but write and read by the Light of it: The Indians go a Hunting in the Night by their Light, fastning them to their Feet and Hands. 4. The River Tuigh, from the top of whose Water they gather Oil for their Lamps.

XI. ANGƲILLA, or Snakes-Island, so call'd from the shape of it, which is long like a Snake; for it is 10 Leagues long, and but 3 Wide. It lies in the 18th Degree 21 Minutes of Northern Latitude. The English are in possession of it, and raise much Tobacco there, which is highly esteemed by the Judicious in the Art of Smoaking. They have great plenty of Horses, Kine, Oxen, Sheep, Goats and some Hogs; but they were put on it by Sailers since the Discovery, and have much increased, but naturally it bred no such Creatures. Yet some Creatures there were in these Islands of a very strange Nature: As 1. The Opassum, about the Bigness of a Cat: It hath a Bag or Purse under the Belly, which it can open and shut at pleasure, and carries the young ones in it, the he and she by turns. 2. The Javaris, a sort of Swine, with their Navels on their Backs, good Meat but hardly taken, because it is indefatigable almost in running, and so furious, that when it it is forced, it tears every thing to pieces with its Tushes. 3. The Tatous, a Beast about the bigness of a Fox, cloath'd with Scales-like Armour; it can wrap it self up so artificially in them, that it is secured from all the attempts of the Huntsmen or Dogs, and can rowl it self down a Precipice like a Bowl, without Harm. 4. The Agouty, a Beast about the bigness of a Rabbit, and much of the same shape; it feeds it self like a Squirrel, and hath only 2 Teeth in each Jaw; they are fierce, and, when angry, stamp with their Hind-Feet, and set their Hair perfectly upright. 5. Musk-Rats, which live in Burroughs like Rabbits, and smell like Musk; by which they are easily discovered: Their Smell causes Melancholy. 6. The Alegator, a Creature that keeps both in the Water and on the Land; they grow as long as they live, and are sometimes 18 Foot long, and as big as an Hogshead: They move their Upper-Jaw only, but can open it so wide as to swallow a Man: They smell like Musk, so strongly that they scent the Air for an 100 Paces about them, and the Water where they are. They are like a great Tree, and will Counterfeit it so well that both Beasts and Men are often surprized by them and devour'd, not suspecting any Danger.

XII. TOBAGO is situated in the 11th Degree 30 Min. of Northen Latitude. Its Extent is not above 32 miles in length and about 11 in breadth.

It is a Country very happy in a good and temperate Air, notwithstanding it is so near a Neighbour to the Equinoctial Line; for the Briezes so moderate the Heat, that they have no inconvenience by it, but enjoy a perpetual Spring. The Soil naturally produces Indian-Corn, but no English-Grain will grow here, except Pease and Beans; yet they have store of Guinea-Corn, Bonevis, the French-Pea and Bean, the Kidney and Pigeon-Pea. They have also excellent Fruits, as the Cushion-Apple, Bonano, Spanish-Figs, Oranges, Limons, Prickle-Apples, Pomegranates, Grapes of divers sorts, Apples of divers kinds, Plums, Cherries: But above all the Coco-nut-tree, and the Fruit of it, is that which the Indians admire, because it is Meat, Drink and Cloath, and therefore call it God's Tree. The Maccaw-Nut, Physick-Nut, Melons, Penguins, Cucumbers and Pumkins. There are also several sorts of Roots, as Potatoes, Eddyes, Yanis, Carrots and other English Roots, Tea, Tobacco, Cinnamon, Long Cod-Bell, Round and Jamaica Pepper, as also plenty of Wild Beasts, as wild-Hogs, Pickeries (which is a Beast like an Hog) Armadilla's, Guano's, Coneys, Aposta's (which is a Beast so much in love with Mankind, that it follows them and loves to gaze on them) Horses, Cows, Assenegroes, Sheep, Deer, Hogs, Goats, Land-Tortoises and Crabbs. Here is also store of excellent Fish, as the Gropers, Porgo's of 2 sorts, Cavallus and Mullet, the Manasy, or Sea-Cow, Turtles, &c. They have great plenty of Birds, and among them the Bill-bird is something admirable, because his Bill is as big as his Body: As also of Trees, as Cedar, Box, Brasil, Yellow-saunders, Lignum-Vitae, Ebony and many others. Vendible Commodities are Sugar, Tobacco, Indico, Ginger, Sarsaparilla, Balsam, Balm, Silk-grass, Tar, &c. They allow liberty of Conscience to all without interruption, except Roman-Catholicks: They are ruled by a Governor, Deputy Governor and Assembly, chosen by the Free-holders, to make good and Wholsom Laws for the good of the Island; and all Controversies are decided by the majority of Votes.

S. VINCENTS lyes in the Latitude of 16 deg. North, about 24 miles in length, and 18 in breadth. It hath many Mountains, but fruitful Plains among them, yielding good store of Sugar-Canes, without the labour of Planting. It is well water'd with Rivers, and hath very convenient Harbours for Shipping. The English have some settlement, but the Caribbee-Indians are most powerful, and have many pleasant Villages. These poor Souls have no notion of a God, so that they have no Worship among them; yet they have Priests, by whom they invocate their false Gods, 1. To revenge them of their Enem•es. 2. To heal them of their Diseases. 3. To know the event of their Wars. 4. To protect them from their great Devil Mobaya; for it is certain this evil Spirit does beat and torment them cruelly, when they are not so forward upon War as he would have them, and that in a visible Form. They devour the Flesh of their Enemies, not so much our of love of such Food, as for the pleasure they take in Revenge: They will eat no Swines Flesh, lest they should have small Eyes, which they judge a great Deformity; nor Turtles, lest they should partake of their Laziness. They are very peaceable, and give the English no Disturbance at all, but blame them often for coming so far to gratifie their covetous Minds, and that through so many Dangers.

CALIFORNIA lyes on the West of New-Mexico, in the South-sea: It is one of the greatest Islands in the World, between the 24 and 46 deg. of Latitude, which makes about 450 Leagues, and it hath about 140 Leagues in the widest place. The Air is sound and cold, according to its situation; the Soil Fruitful. As for their Manners, Religion and Government, they are none of them as yet so well settl'd as to speak any thing certain of them. There are some Isles along the Coasts, as S. Clement, Parares, Ceintas, S. Martin, Carre, S. Mark, S. Cataline; and in the Sea of Vermio, there are the Isles of S. Crosse, Gyants, &c. The Antillae, so call'd, because they lye before the Shore of the Northern America, are very considerable for their situation and fruitfulness in all things; they would deserve a particular description of them. It is sufficient to say here, that these Isles have enough to satisfie the Covetousness of the Europeans, and enrich them that Trade thither.