America

Sources from old books

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

WHen Christophorus Columbus had b 1.2 found out this fourth part of the World unknowne to the Ancients; some call it c 1.3 India, others for the largenesse of it Novus Orbis, or the new World: for it is as great and bigge as all our World, that is, Europe, Africke, and Asia, being joyned together: as it may appeare by viewing our generall Table. It is called also America from Americus Vesputius a Florentine, who next after Columbus discovered the Easterne part of the Southerne America: in which are the Countries of Paria and Brasilia; but it is uncertaine when America began first to be inhabited: certaine it is, that for many ages it lay unknowne; for that which some suppose concerning the Romans, is more easily said then proved, and that fiction is accurately refuted by Gasparus Varrerius. Some suppose that * 1.4 Seneca by Poeticall inspiration did sing some raptures concerning it in his Medea: but it is madnesse to suppose that these parts in that age were knowne either to him or any other. Christophorus Columbus of d 1.5 Genoa, after it had beene many ages unknown unto us, did first finde it out being employed by the King of Castile, after hee had learnt it out, (as some beleeve that would detract from the glory of so famous an enterprise) from a certain Spanish Marriner, who had long endured foule weather on the Atlanticke Sea; it was performed in the yeare 1492. After him Americus Vesputius did attempt the same for the King of Portugall, and brought backe the reward of his enterprise, because (as we said) the whole Continent is called from his name America.* 1.6 The whole Country from the North to the South, is stretched out in the forme of two great Peninsulaes, which are joyned together by a slender Isthmus: the one of them is called Northerne America, the other, Southerne America. The Longitude thereof is extended betweene the Meridionall degree 190, and the Meridionall degree 67. The terme of its Latitude towards the South, is the Straits of Magellane, that is, under the degree 52. and towards the North, it is not knowne higher then 67. It hath therefore on the East the Atlanticke Sea, which they commonly call Del Nort; on the South, the Southerne Land of Magellane, disjoyned from it by a narrow Sea flowing betweene: on the West, Mare Pacificum, or the Peaceable Sea, called Mare Del Zur; and on the North it is doubtfull whether there bee Land or Sea. The whole compasse in sayling round about it, is about 32000 miles, as the most approved thinke. For it hath beene sayled round about, except that Country which lyeth Northward, whose coasts are not yet discovered. The whole Country is changeable and full of varietie; at first it wanted both Corne and Wine: but instead thereof it bringeth forth e 1.7 Maiz. a kinde of pulse, for so they call it; as they call Wine Chichia, boates Canoas, their Princes Cacicos. They do not plough the ground to reape, but having digged trenches of a small depth, they put three or foure granes in one of them, and so cover them with earth. The severall stalkes doe beare three or foure eares, and every one of the eares doe beare three or foure hundred graines and more. The stalke of Mayz doth exceed the height of a man, and in some Countries it is gathered twice in a yeare. They have also another kinde of bread, beside that which they make of Maiz, which they call f 1.8Cazabi. This is made of Iucca, which is a roote of the bignesse of a Turnep, which sendeth forth no seed, but certaine knottie, hard stalkes, cloathed with greene leaves like Hempe. Those stalkes when they are ripe, they cut into peeces of two hands length, which they bury in heapes under the earth; and as oft as they would make that kinde of bread, they digge up of them as much as they thinke good, because they will soone be corrupted and grow naught. Moreover, there are two other kindes of rootes, the one they call the g 1.9 Battata, the other the Haia, almost alike in shape, but that the Haiae are lesse and more savory: they ea•e the fruite of them within sixe Moneths after they are planted, which though they have a kinde of sweet taste, yet such as will soone cloy one; beside, they have but little juyce, and doe procure winde in the stomacke. Those Countries have also a great number of trees, which doe bring forth wilde Grapes. Their Grapes are like Sloes which grow upon thornes and bushes, and are covered with blacke leaves: but because they are more woody then juycie, therefore the inhabitants doe not make wine of them. There are in this Country Trees bearing Olives, but such as are of an unpleasant smell, and of a worse taste: and diverse other kindes of fruits in great abundance, as those which they call Hovi, Platani, Pineae, Guiavae, Mamei, and Guanavanae; it bringeth forth Sugar, Cotton-wooll, Hempe, and other things as with us, beside divers sorts of strange Trees and Herbes. It hath sweet Spices, Pearles and pretious stones; it aboundeth with incredible plenty of Gold and Silver, and with other Mettalls, and Mineralls. But it had not when it was discovered, either Oxen, Horses, Mules, Asses, Sheep, Goates, or Dogges. Wherefore it is no wonder if the inhabitants were strucken with amazement at the first sight of a Horse. Mice were first brought thither by a Ship of Antwerpe, which sayled very farre through the Straight of Magellane. Since which time either by the fruitfulnesse of the Country, or of the Creatures themselves, they are multiplyed and increased in so exceeding a manner, that they spoyle the fruits of their harvest by knawing the hearbes and trees. It doth bring to us divers living Creatures, partly knowne to us, and partly unknowne. Among other things there is found a prodigious Beast, which hath on her belly another belly placed in the likenesse of a purse: and as often as she changeth her denne, she hides and carries her young ones in that bagge. This Creature hath the body and snowte of a Foxe, the feete and hands of a Monkey, and the eares of a Batte. There is also another kinde of Creature (which the inhabitants doe call Cascuij) like a blacke Hogge, hairy, hard skinned, having little eyes, broade eares, cloven hoofes, armed with a short trunke or snowte like an Elephant; and having so terrible a cry or braying, that he makes men deafe: but his flesh is sweet to eate. Here is found a great company of wilde Boares, and fierce Tigers; and Lyons also, but those very fearefull, and such as will runne away at the sight of a man. Here are also Peacocks, Phesants, Partridges, and divers other kindes of Birdes, but farre differing from ours: But of these wee will speake more largely in our particular descriptions. All America is divided (as wee said before) into two great Peninsulaes, whereof the one, which lyeth on this side of the Aequinoctiall, is called the Northerne America; the other the Southerne, because the greatest part of it is stretched out beyond the Aequinoctiall: although some Countries of it are neare unto the Aequinoctiall. The Northerne America is divided into many Regions, as namely, Quivira, Nova Hispania, Nicaragua, Iucatan, Florida, Apalchen, Norumbega, Nova Francia, Terra Laboratoris, and Estotilandia. There are many parts of the Southerne America, but these are the chiefest which have already been gotten and taken from the Savages: as Castella aurea, Plopaiana, Peruvia, Chile, and Brasilia: It doth glory especially in two Cities, Cusco and Mexico. Cusco is the Metropolis or chiefe Citie of Southerne America, which, both for bignesse, strength and magnificence, for the invincible fortification of the Castle, and the great company of nobility; for the order and placing of the houses, and for pleasantnesse of situation, may worthily compare with the fairest Cities of France or Spaine. No common people are admitted into it, but it is the seate of Noble men and great Princes, who in that Country doe live in great numbers, partly within the walls of the Citie, and partly in Villages neare the Citie. Here are foure especiall Pallaces of Noble men, who doe governe the Common-wealth, which are stately and with great cost built with square carved Marble stone. And all the streets being straight, in many places make the forme of a Crosse, and through every one a pleasant River runneth in a channell walled on each side with stone. The forme of the Citie is foure square, lying sweetly on the side of a hill: on the steepe ascent of a Mountaine, a wonderfull faire Tower doth adorne the Citie, whose beauty or largenesse if you consider, those which have viewed many Countries, have seene few in all Europe like unto it. Mexico or Temistitan is a rich and famous Citie in Nova Hispania, whereof wee will treate hereafter in the description of Nova Hispania: now we proceed to other things.

This part of the World is watered with many famous Rivers, the most whereof doe bring downe gold; and it is full of Lakes and Springs In the Lakes and Rivers there are great plenty of fish: among which there is one kinde of them of chiefe note, which by the inhabitants of Hispaniola are called Manati. This Fish is somewhat like a Trout; he is five and twenty foot long, and twelve foote thicke, in his head and tayle hee resembles an Oxe; he hath small eyes, a hard and hairy skinne, of a light blew colour, and two feete like an Elephant. The femalls of this kinde of fish doe bring forth their young ones, as Cowes doe, and doe let them sucke at their two dugges.

Here are also very many Mountaines, among which, as Benso witnesseth, is a fire-vomiting Mountaine, which out of its hollow mouth doth send forth such great flakes of fire, that the blazing of it in the night doth cast forth a light which may bee seene above an hundred miles. Some have supposed that the gold melting within, doth afford continuall matter to the fire. For a certaine Dominican Frier, when he would make tryall thereof, caused a vessell of gold to bee made with an iron chaine: and afterward going to the Mountaine with foure other Spaniards, he let downe the vessell with the chaine into the hole of the hill; and there by the heate of the fire the vessell with part of the chaine was melted: and having tryed it againe with a bigger chaine, it hapned to melt againe in the same manner. Here the Cities generally are stately built, the wayes paved, and the houses very faire and beautifull. It is reported that here was a Kings garden, wherein herbes and trees, with their bodie, boughs, and fruits did stand of solid gold, and as bigge as those which grow in Orchards. And it is reported that here was a Kings Conclave, in which there were all kindes of living Creatures, made of precious stones, partly painted, and partly inlaid, and engraven. That which is reported concerning the two wayes in this Country is worthy of memory, the one whereof lyeth through the rough Mountaines, the other stretcheth through the plaine fields, from Quito a Citie of Peru, to the Citie Cusco, for the space of five hundred miles. The beauty of this worke is encreased, by many wonderfull heapes of stones, which were not brought thither by the strength of Horses, or Oxen, (both which the inhabitants wanted) but by the hands of men. The field way is defended on both sides with walls, and it is five and twenty foote broade, within which little streames doe runne, having their bankes planted with shrubby trees, which they call Molli. The other being hewed out of stones and rockes, passeth through the middle of the Mountaines, having the same bredth: Moreover the way in the uneven and lower part of the Valleyes, is fortified with fences, as the nature of the Country requires. These wayes King Gninacava (who lived not long since) caused to to be clensed, and the ruinous walls to be repaired and adorned, otherwise the worke is more ancient, and there were placed all along by the way side Innes both faire, and pleasant, (they call them Tambi) in which all the Kings traine were received. And let this suffice concerning the foure parts of the World in generall: now our method doth require that we should describe particularly the partes of Europe, which was set before in the first place.

1682. Cosmography and geography in two parts by Richard Blome

AMERICA is a Continent different from that wherein we inhabit, or which we call Ours; for the surface of the Globe being described into two Hemispheres, divided by the first Meridian; America is in that Hemisphere which is opposite to ours.

• In 1492, and some succeeding years, Christopher Columbus, a Genouese, for and in the name of Ferdinand King of Arragon, and Isabella Queen of Castile, made divers Voyages into the Islands which are before this Continent, and discovered part of the Coasts of the Continent. In 1501 Alvares Cabral, for and in the name of Emanuel King of Portugal, Navigating along the Coast of Africa, on a Voyage to the East-Indies, some Eastern Winds carried him so far to the West, that he discovered the Coast of a main Land, which was afterwards called Brazil; where a little after Americus Vesputius, a Florentine, was expresly sent with a particular charge to discover this Country: In which he was so happy, that his name was given to that part of the Coast which he discovered; and in fine, to the whole Continent. From these Voyages of Columbus, Cabral, and Americus Vesputius, the Spaniards pretend to be the first who discovered, or caused to be discovered, and gave knowledge of this Continent.

• The Greeks and Latins have given fair testimonies, that the Ancients have had some knowledge of America. Plato in his Timaeus, and in his Critias, calls in the Atlantick Isle, and esteems it as great or greater than Asia and Africa together. It seems that Plato (or Solon, or the Priest of Egypt, &c.) had knowledge of the greatness, scituation, and form of the two parts of America; so well they agree to Asia and Africa: the Northern America with Asia, the Southern with Africa.

• AMERICA is almost divided into two parts, of which one is between the Equator and the North; the other, in regard of us, is towards the South, and part under the Equator.

After Plato, Theopompus, either in his Treatise of Wonders, or in his History, makes mention of another Continent besides ours, and touches divers particulars: Among others, that its greatness is so vast that it was not wholly known; that its Men were greater, stronger, and lived longer than we; that they had Gold and Silver in so great quantity, that they made less account of it than we do of Iron: That they had a great number of Cities, and among others two very great ones, and of Customs much different; the principal aim of the one being to War, and the other to Religion; which I esteem agreeing with Cusco and Mexico, which we have so found when first known to us; Mexico more inclined to War, and Cusco to the adoration of its Divinities.

AMERICA having been known to the Ancients under divers names, and all these names preserved till now, there remains to know from whence the People of this America should descend, whether from Europe, Asia, or Africa.

It is to be believed, that the first of our Continent which were carried into America, were so either by chance or by force; the Eastern Winds having driven them from the Coast of Africa or Libya, where they sailed, and carried them so far into the West that they have found these Lands.

And it is likewise to be believed, that of those which have been so carried, some have been unfurnished of Victuals for so long and impremeditated a Voyage, and so have been constrained to eat some among them to preserve the rest, as others since have done. And thus America may have been peopled by divers Nations,* 1.4 and at divers times, and according to the Parts from whence they were, according to the hunger and necessity they suffered upon the Sea, they became more or less barbarous. And that some have been carried by chance or force from our Continent to the other, we may judge both by Ancient and Modern Histories. Diodorus Siculus makes mention of certain Phoenicians, (Aristotle had said almost the same before of the Carthaginians) who sayling along the Coast of Africa or Libya, were carried far into the Occidental Ocean, where they found a very great Isle, distant from our Main Land many days sail, and the Country as beautiful as that of Toscany, so that some of Carthage would here have settled; but that the Republick prohibited any more to pass, fearing lest it should weaken their Estate, commanding those which were passed to retire, and abolishing as much as they could the knowledge of their Country; yet with design to retire thither, if they should become so unfortunate as to fall under the Romans subjection. Those particulars which Authors apply to this Isle, agree better with America Meridionalis, which is almost an Isle, than with the Isles on this side it.

Besides these Authorities of the Ancients, the accident which arrived to Alonzo Zanches de Guelva, in Adalousie, or whatever other Pilot he was, who landing at the Madera, where was Christopher Columbus, who told him how he had been carried by force into the West, which he had discovered, and how he had returned: And the like accident which happened to Cabral in 1501, (as we have already said) makes it sufficiently appear how the same thing may have hapned to other Saylors; and particularly to those Nations on this side. which lie upon the Ocean, as the Moors, Spaniards, Celtes, and Bretons, &c. And those who traded on the Ocean, as the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, and Tyrrhenians; and this is the more easily, because between the two Tropicks, the Eastern Brises or Winds do for the most part blow, and easily carry, nay sometimes force Ships from East to West. It is true, that it is hard to turn from East to West by the same course: And possibly from these two so different things the Poet took occasion to say,

—Facilis descensus Averni; Sed revocare gradum superasque revertere ad auras, Hoc opus, hic labor est.

Understanding it easy to descend from our Continent into the other, which we esteem the Lower Hemisphere; but hard to return from that to ours, which we esteem the Higher: the means to return with least difficulty not being found out but with time; and after having (and that at divers times) essayed all courses, which is, by disingaging themselves from between the Tropicks, which some attribute to Pedrarias de Avila, who about the year 1514 began to give Rules for the time of parting; and the course was to be held, to go from our Continent to the other: and likewise the time and course to return from the others to ours.

Since some have passed from this world of our Continent, and by our Coast into the other Continent: It may likewise be believed, that others have passed from the other Coast, that is to say, from Asia. Whence it comes that some believe, that the Inhabitants of Peru and Mexico, descend rather from the Chinois and Japanois, than from the Europeans or Africans.

But this subject will be too tedious to handle, let us therefore content our selves to speak a word or two of this America in general, before we descend to particulars.

AMERICA considered in its whole Body, is part on this side, and part beyond the Equator: It stretches it self to near 54 degrees beyond, and extends it self to 80 or more on this side, which are more than 130 degrees of Latitude; our Continent not having much more than 100: But the breadth of America is very unequal, this Continent being composed of two great Peninsula's, almost divided the one from the other by the Equator; its breadth here is not in some places of above 30, 40, or 50 Leagues,* 1.5 though in other places 1000 or 1200, and possibly much more in America Septentrionalis, if the Land of Jesso be contiguous to it.

• This Land of JESSO, or YEDSO, is between America and Asia, and we know not yet whether it joyn upon Asia or America, or make a Piece apart; if it be divided both from the one and the other, and that New Denmark and Greenland are upon it, as there is much reason to believe, it makes a Piece not less than the three parts of our Continent, or of the two of the other; but possibly it makes a third part of the other Continent: Let us proceed to the two parts of America, as they are esteemed and known at present.

AMERICA SEPTENTRIONALIS.

AMERICA SEPTENTRIONALIS, is that part of America which is not only the most Northern of the two America's, but likewise doth all lie between the Equator and the North;* 1.7 it extends it self from the 8th or 10th degree of Latitude, even beyond the Artick Circle; and if we comprehend the Artick Lands with America, it advances at least to the 88th degree of Latitude, which are 70 degrees for its height from South to North. Its length from West to East possesses near all the degrees of Longitude of the other Hemisphere, to wit, from about the 180th, where ours end, even beyond the 300th, which is the end of the other.

The Mer del Nort is on the East of it, the Mer del Sud on its West; towards the North its bounds are unknown, there being Land found even beyond the 80th degree of Latitude,* 1.8 with appearance that they extend yet farther towards the Pole: so that we cannot judge to what degree, or whether it be contiguous to New Denmark and Greenland, or whether it be in Islands; and on the South it makes America Meridionalis.

We will divide this America Septentrionalis into Canadiana and Mexicana. Under the name of Canadiana is understood that part of America which is about Canada, where the English, French, Hollanders, Danes and Swedes have divers Colonies: And under the name of Mexicana,* 1.9 that part of America which the King of Spain doth almost alone possess, and where he hath established abundance of Colonies, subdividing Canadiana into the Artick Lands, and Canada or New France; and Mexicana into New Mexico, and Mexico or New Spain.

Of these four parts, Mexico or New Spain is the most advanced towards the Equator and the South, the Artick Lands towards the North,* 1.10 the other two parts rest in the middle; Canada or New France towards the East, and New Mexico towards the West. The first is under and about the Tropick of Cancer, the second under or about the Polar Circle, the two others lie from 25 or 30 unto 60 degrees of Latitude; so that the first is within or very near the Torrid Zone, the second within or near the Frozen Zone, and the two in the middle quite in the Temperate Zone.

The first and most Southernly ought to be called Mexico or New Spain, Mexico, because Mexico is by much the fairest City, and the Dominion of the ancient Kings of Mexico extended over the best part of it: New Spain, because the King of Spain possesses near all of it, having established a great many Colonies; a Vice-Roy, divers Archbishops, Bishops, Audiences, and Governments: the Natives of the Country that are left, being almost all Tributaries to him.

The second may be called the Arctick Lands, because it approaches the Arctick Pole,* 1.11 and is for the most part comprehended within the Arctick Circle: these are but little known. We understand well that they are divided by some Streights, and that it apparently consists in many and divers Isles, which hath been the cause a Passage hath been sought to go this way to China and the East-Indies. The Natives do here enjoy a full and entire liberty, the People of Europe not thinking it worth their pains to establish Colonies.

Of the two middle parts, the most Easternly and nearest to Europe, ought to be esteemed under the general name of Canada or New France: of Canada, because in that particular Region the Europeans first Landed; of New France, because the French did first establish themselves here before any other Europeans. The most Western and farthest from Europe may in general be called New Mexico, because the Spaniards of Mexico or New Spain discovered it not till after they had been sometime settled in this other.

Of these four parts of America Septentrionalis, to wit, Mexico or New Spain, New Mexico, Canada or New France, and America Arctica: New Spain is washed by Mer del Nort, and Mer del Sud: America Arctica likewise by both Seas; New France only by Mer del Nort, and New Mexico only by Mer del Sud.

These four great parts are subdivided into many less, which we call Regions, Peoples, Provinces, &c. We will observe the chief of them the most clearly and succinctly as possibly we can; but because New Spain touches on America Meridionalis, we will begin our America Septentrionalis by the Arctick and New France; so proceeding to the one and the other Mexico, that we may pass in order to the parts bordering on America Meridionalis. And likewise, because the Arctick Lands of America are very little known, and that we cannot judge to make a particular discourse of them, we will content our selves to speak something here before we pass to the other parts.

That part of America which is comprised for the most part between the Arctick Pole and Circle, or which at most descends unto the 60th or 55th degree of Latitude, is named according to our method, America Arctica. In all this part we know only some Coasts and Gulphs of that which is most towards Europe: There we have the Isles of Iseland and Groenland, we might likewise put Shetland, which we know not whether Isles or parts of the New Continent, as we are likewise ignorant of all the rest of America Arctica.

AMERICA MERIDIONALIS.

AMERICA MERIDIONALIS is the most Southern part, or Peninsula of America; which extends it self from about the 12 degree on this side of the Aequator, unto the 54 beyond it, which are 66 degrees of Latitude: and from the 291, or 92, where is Porto Viejo, unto about the 350, where there is Cape St. Augustin, which are 57, or 58 degrees of Longitude. It reaches then from South to North, 1650 Leagues; from West to East, little less than 400.

Its bounds on the North and East, are the Mer del Nort: towards the South the Magellanick Sea;* 1.2 And on the West, the Mer del Sud, or Pacifick Sea.

Its form approaches near a Triangle, whose sides are almost equal; from Porto Viejo to Cape St. Augustin are 1400 Leagues; from Cape St. Augustin, to Cape Freeward in the middle of the streight of Magellan, are 1500 Leagues, and from that Cape to Porto Belo, 1600. Its scituation is for the most part under the Torrid Zone, part under the Antartick temperate Zone; of that which is under the Torrid Zone, the greatest part is beyond the Aequator, the less on this side; so that the greatest part of these people have their seasons contrary to ours: The Coasts of this Country are all known more or less, the Inlands very little.

• AMERICA MERIDIONALIS may be divided into PERUVIANA, and BRASILIANA, subdividing Peruviana into Terra Firma, and Peru; and Brasiliana, into Brasile, and Paraguay; the first division is taken by a line which from the mouth of the Amazona, goes to seek the utmost part of Chili towards the South, and this line divides America Meridionalis into two equal parts; the one belonging almost wholly to the Castilians alone, and the other for the most part to the Portugals: These have their Vice-Roy in St. Salvador, a capital City in the Bay of All-Saints, and almost in the middle of the Coast of Brazile; the other in Lima, or Los Reyes, that is, the Kings, at present a capital City, and in the middle of the Coast of Peru.

We may yet divide the Terra Firma, into Terra Firma and Guiana; Peru into Peru and Chili; Brazil into the Coast of Brazil, and Main Land of Brazil; Paraguay into Paraguay, and the Magellanick Lands. Of this America Meridionalis, Brazil possesses all that is towards the East; Terra Firma, and Guiana, that which is towards the North; Paraguay and the Magellanick Lands, that which advanceth towards the South; and Peru and Chili are towards the West, in regard of Brazil and Paraguay.* 1.4 The Castilians possess almost all Terra Firma, nothing at all in Guiana; they hold Peru and Chili between the Andes and Mer del Sud, scarce any thing beyond those Mountains; besides their Vice-Roy, who resides at Lima or Los Reyes, they have established in what they possess, many Archbishopricks, Bishopricks, &c. for the rule of the Church; many Audiences and Seats of Justice, for the Secular and Civil Power; and many Governments for the Militia.

• The Archbishops are those of Lima, in Peru de la Plata, in Los Charcas, and of St. Fe de Bogota, in the new Kingdom of Granada. The Archbishop of Lima hath for Suffragans the Bishops of Cusco, Quito, Arequipa, Truxillo, and Guamanga, all in Peru. The Archbishop de la Plata hath for Suffragans the Bishops of Baranca, or Sancta Crux in La Sierra, Cividad della Pax in Chiquiago, St. Jago del Estero in Cucuman, Buenos Ayres in Rio della Plata, Nostra Sacra del' Assumption in Paraguay, Panama in Terra Firma, or Castilla del Oro, St. Jago del Estremadura, and the Imperial in Chili. The Archbishop of Sancta Fe de Bogota in new Granada; hath for Suffragans the Bishops of Popayan, of Carthagena, and of St. Martha in their Provinces of the same name.

In the Diocess of the Archbishops and Bishops are a very great number of Parishes, Chapels of Ease, Monasteries, &c.

The Audiences under the Vice-Roy of Peru have formerly been those of Panama in Terra Firma, of Sancta Fe de Bogota, in the new Kingdom of Granada; of Quito and Lima in Peru, de la Plata in Los Charcaes, and de St. Jago de Estremadura in Chili: That of Panama and of Chili subsists no longer, but are reduced into Governments. Of these Governments there are here eleven, viz. Panama, Carthagena, St. Martha, Popayan, the new Kingdom of Granada, los Quixos, Passamoros, los Charcas, Tucuman, Chili, and Rio de la Plata. Peru, wherein are Lima, Quito, and Cusco, is not among these Governments, but depends immediately on the Vice-Roy.

But before we leave America Meridionalis, let us speak a word or two touching that part which is towards Mer del Sud, there is found a great diversity between that near this Sea and that within Land: that which is nearest the Coast is for the most part plain, and above the Plains are many Hills, or rather Mountains; after these Mountains there are other Plains and beautiful Vallies, and then Mountains almost inaccessible, which are those that bound Chili and Peru towards the East. It scarce rains in the Plains, often in the first Mountains, sometimes between the two ranks of Mountains; and snows often between the two last Mountains: The Soil of the Plains of the first Mountains and of those between the two ranks of Mountains, are fruitful and pleasant; the last are only Rocks, barren, extreamly cold both in Winter and Summer, and almost always covered with Snow. And that which is observable, these Mountains beginning near the Streight of Magellan make two Branches; which one in the sight of the other traverse all the length of America Meridionalis: and so they are in the same Parallel, yet of quality and temperament so different, that each Region hath its Beasts, Grains, and Fruits unlike, nay the Men transported from the one can scarcely live in the other. But let us proceed to its Parts.

TERRA-FIRMA.

• UNder the name of TERRA-FIRMA taken in general, we understand that part of AMERICA MERIDIONALIS, most advanced towards the North, and which touches AMERICA SEPTENTRIONALIS by the Isthmus of Panama. This name of Terra-Firma is taken from Christopher Columbus, not having discovered any but Isles in his first and second voyage; in his third and fourth he made a good part of these Coasts, which judging to be Main Land, that name was given it.

• It extends it self from the Isthmus of Panama, unto the mouth of the Amazon, near 1000 Leagues; its breadth, between the Mer del Nort, and the Estates which are along the Amazon, is not above 200 or 250 Leagues, or little more. This breadth being only the quarter of the length is the cause that we have divided this Terra-Firma into two parts, of which the most Occidental, and the best for the most part belongeth to the King of Spain; the most Eastern, and the least, is almost all in the hands of the Natives; some Europeans having only settled some Habitations on the coast, and this may be called Guiana; the first is five or six hundred Leagues long, this about four hundred.

The Spaniards have established in Terra-Firma, many Governments, viz. those of Panama, Carthagena, Sancta Martha, Rio de la Haches, Venezuela, and of Paria or Nueva Andalouzia, on the Sea Coast of Mer del Nort; those of Popayan, and the new Kingdom of Granada are within Land, or on the Pacifique Sea.

• The Government of PANAMA, and which particularly takes the name of Terra-Firma, is between the North and South Seas, placed in the Isthmus, which joyns the two parts of America together. The Countrey is either low and miery, or mountainous and barren, and therefore very unfit to bear Corn, only some Mayze it yieldeth. Yet here is found good pasturage for Cattle, it is well watered with Rivers, some of which stream down Sand-gold. Its air is very unhealthful, by reason of the great heats and foggs it is subject unto.

• Its chief places are, 1. Panama, which takes its name from the Province, as the chief, being the residence of the Governour, honoured with a Bishops Sea, which is Suffragan to the Arch-Bishop of Lima, and the Courts of Judicature, and beautified with three fair Monasteries, as also a Colledge of Jesuites. It is seated on the Sea shore, and is a place of great resort. 2. Nombre de Dios once famous, being made the Staple of such commodities as were trucked betwixt Peru and Spain, which were brought hither by Sea, and so conveyed by Land to Panama, from whence they were shipped for Peru; and the like was done for those Goods sent from Peru to Spain; but by reason of the unhealthfulness, as also lying too open to the invasions of the English or other Nations, it was removed to Porto Belo, a place of great strength, built for that purpose by Philip the second, King of Spain, seated on the North Sea, distant from Panama 16 or 20 Leagues, which makes this passage have a great trade between Peru and Mexico.

It was once proposed to cut this Isthmus to make a communication between the one and the other Sea, but the Pacifique Sea being found higher then Mer del Nort, this proposition vanished; that the Mer del Sud is higher then that del Nort, may be judged by the eye; the Lake of Nicaragua, the Rivers of Paria or Orinoque, of the Amazones, together with abundance of others, having their springs near Mer del Sud, and discharging themselves into that del Nort, after a long course, which could not be but with a great declension.

• At the opening of the Gulf of Panama, are the Isles of Pearls once famous; the Pearls of Gubagua, and de la Margarita being at most not above eight or ten Carrats: there was found in these Isles from 25 to 30, both round, oval, and in pairs, all excellent; whereas among the others few were found well formed, or without spot.

• CARTHAGENA is a Peninsula joyning to the firm Land by a Causway of 250 Paces, all Sandy. It is a place of great strength, especially since the damage it received by Sir Francis Drake in 1585. Its Port is one of the most famous of America, where the Spanish Fleet that goes to the West Indies by Order puts in here, which makes it be of a great resort, and is become very rich: Its Houses are well built, and beautified with a Cathedral Church and 3 Monasteries. The other Cities of this Government are, St. Jago de los Cavalleros, of old, Tolu, worthy of note for the most Sovereign Balsom of all these parts, little Inferiour to that of Egypt. Mopoz, near the confluences of the Rivers of Martha and Magdalens, Sancta Maria, and la Conception. The Air of this Government is moist, scarce healthful, the best is near Tolu; there is brought from these quarters Gold, Long-Pepper, Dragons-Blood,* 1.12 excellent Balm, Emeralds, and Slaves.

• SANCTA MARTHA, so called from its chief City, is a Country unfit for tillage, being Mountainous and barren, yet some they have; it yields good Fruits, and hath Gold, Saphirs, Emeralds, Jaspar, Cassidoins, Brazil-wood: and the Sea yields Pearls. The Air in the Mid-land parts, by reason of the vicinity of Mountains, which are always covered with Snow, is very cold, and on the Sea-Coasts as hot and scorching. Its chief places are,* 1.14 1. St. Martha, scituate on the Sea-shoar, neighboured by a convenient and safe Haven, which is defended from the fury of the Winds by an high Mountain near unto it; it is honoured with an Episcopal See, but still laments the Ruins it suffered from the English by Sir Francis Drake and Sir Anthony Shirley, in Anno 1595 and 96. 2. Teneriff, seated on the Banks of the River Magdalen. 3. Tamalameque, by the Spaniards called Villa de los Palmas. 4. Los Reyes, scituate in the Vale of Ʋpar, on the Banks of a rapid and deep River called Guatapori. 5. La Ramada or Salamanca, seated in the same Vale of Ʋpar, about which are several Veins of Brass. And, 6. Ocanna, or St. Anna, seated on the River Cesar. Among the Governments of America Meridionalis, those of Rio de la Hacha, of Venezuela, and of Paria, are of the Audience of St. Domingo in the Isle of Hispaniola, which is of America Septentrionalis, yet their scituation makes us describe them here.

• RIO DE LA HACHA is East of St. Martha, of whose Bishoprick it depends. This Government hath only the City of Nuestra Sennora de la Nieves, or de los Remedios, and sometimes also Rio de la Hacha. It yields Gold, precious Stones, Salt, and its Soil is fertil.

• VENEZƲELA had its name so given, for its being built on many little Isles, and in a Lake, as Venice is. Its Air is sweet and healthful, and the Soil so fertil in all sorts of Grain and Fruits, and so well stocked with Cattle, that it is termed by other Countries a Granary, as indeed they find it so, it supplying their wants. It is well watered with Rivers; here is also wild Beasts for hunting; and in the bowels of its Earth are rich Mines of Gold and other Metals. The other Cities are Nuestra Sennora de Carvalleda, seated upon the Sea, but its Haven is very unsafe; nigh to this City there are Hills whose tops are said for height to equalize those of Teneriff. St. Jago de Leon, Valenza la Nueva, Xeres la Nueva, Segovia la Nueva, Tucuyo, and Nuestra Sennora della Pax. Segovia la Nueva is more advanced towards the Barbarian people of any, its Soil is lean, but in recompence feeds many Cattle and Venison. The Lake of Maraycabo, near 100 Leagues circuit, is esteemed in this Province.

• PARIA, or New Andalusia, is on the River Paria or Orinoque, and is likewise called Serpa and Comana from the name of its principal City, which they call Nueva Cordova: They fish many Pearls along this Coast, before which are the Isles of Cubago, Margarita, and the Trinity or Trinidado, formerly so famous for this fishing. These Isles are very barren, scarce affording sustenance for its Inhabitants, which defect is supplied from the adjacent Countries, which made the Spaniards abandon them so soon as the said Fishing left them.

The Governments of POPAYAN, and the New Kingdom of Granada, are towards Peru; that of Popayan is divided into two parts, the one answering to the Chamber of the new Kingdom of Granada, the other to that of Quito or Peru. The Air of all Popayan is generally healthful, and very fresh by reason of the Mountains. The Land is more proper for Fruits and Pasture, than for Grains; and, as in all the neighbouring Countries, here are likewise many Mines of Gold and other Metals. The Cities of Popayan, which answer to the new Kingdom of Granada,* 1.19 are five, but have formerly been ten; Sancta Fe de Antequera, Calamanta; Arma, Sancta Anna de Anzerma, and Cartago; all upon or near the River of Sancta Martha: the other five were Antioquia, St. Sebastian de la Plata, St. Vincent de los Payezes, Neyva, and Villa de los Angelos. The first was transported to Sancta Fe de Antequera, the others abandoned by reason of the continual Wars made upon them by the Paezes, Pixos, and Manipa's, who could not be tamed. The Cities of the Government of Popayan,* 1.20 which answer to the Chamber of Quito, are nine. Popayan, which hath its name common with the name of the Country, seated on a pleasant River in the midst of a rich Plain, being the residence of the Governour, as also the See of a Bishop, and adorned with a Cathedral and a Monastery of Fryars. Cali, seated at the Foot of a high Mountain on the Banks of a River, and Almanguer on the sides of a plain, but barren Mountain. Timana, St. Juan de Truxillo, and Guadalajara, of Buga advance towards the East. Madrigal, otherwise Chapanchica, St. Juan de Pasto, and Agreda, or Malaga towards the West, and approaching near the Mer del Sud.

• The new Kingdom of GRANADA lies almost all along the River Magdelane, and from its Springs to the middle of its course, are found a great many Cities, as Sancta Fe de Bogata, the Metropolis of this Kingdom of Granada, the residence of the Governour, and the See of an Archbishop; a City well inhabited by Spaniards, as well as the Natives. St. Michael, de Sancta Fe, about 12 Leagues from Sancta Fe de Bogata. Tocayma, seated on the Banks of the River Pati. La Palma de los Colimas, a Town built by the Spaniards. Tunia, built on the top of a Hill, being now a place of great strength, serving for a Fortress against the Savages; it is also a wealthy Town, enjoying a good Trade. La Trinidad de los Musos, seated on a River, of some note by reason of the Veins of Chrystal, Emeralds, and Adamants, that are in its adjacent Fields. St. John de los Linos, seated in a corner full of Veins of Gold, also Velez, Ybagua, Mariquita, and Nuestra Sennora de los Remedios, and these four last are on the left hand of the River, the other seven on the right. Distant from this River, and between the Governments of Sancta Martha, and Venezuela, are likewise Pampelona, rich in Mines of Gold, Cattle, and Herbs. Merida and St. Christopher: Tudela, between la Trinidad and la Palma hath b•en transported to St. John de los Lianos.

• In 1536 Gonzalo Ximenes over-run a great part of this new Kingdom of Granada, and made booty of about 250000 Pezo's of Gold, of which near 200000 were exceeding pure; and besides the Gold 1800 Emeralds of divers sizes. In another Incursion made by Ferdinand Cortez into these quarters, were found five Emeralds of a vast price. They were cut into divers fashions; one into the form of a Fish, another into a Bugle or small Horn, a third into a little Bird, a fourth into a Bell, whose Clapper was a large Pearl, fashioned like a Pear, and the last into a Cup; for which alone a Genouese Lapidary proffered 40000 Ducats, with hopes of gaining great profit by it.

• The Air of this Government inclines to Heat, the Valleys have Grains and Pastures, but no Wine; the Mountains have many rich Mines of Gold and other Metals; the Silver Mines of St. Agatha are rich, those de los Remedios have store of Gold, and there are 12 or 15000 Negroes which labour in them. Those of Musos near la Trinity, and those of Pampilona, St. Christopher, and Merida, are likewise of some esteem; but above all, the Mine of Emeralds near la Trinity, where there is a Rock full.

GƲIANA, taken in general, comprehends all that is found between the Rivers of Orinoque and of the Amazons; from the Mountains which are above the Lake of Parima unto the Mer del Nort. These Mountains towards the South divide it from what is above the River of Amazons: Orinoque divides it from Terra-Firma, or New Andalousia, on the West, and the River of Amazons from Brazil on the East. The length of this Guiana is near 400 Leagues, the breadth 150, and in some places 200; and if we would divide Guiana into Guiana and Caribane, this last would possess all the Coast, and Guiana the parts within Land. The Coast hath at divers times been frequented by the Spaniards, English, Hollanders, and French, who have all endeavoured to establish some Colonies, what in one place, what in another, and all with design to have commerce with those within the Country, where they hope to find a new Peru: I mean the Kingdom of Manoa, or El Dorado, which they esteem very rich in Gold. And they have observed exactly the Rivers, Gulphs, and Capes, which present themselves on this Coast. Among these Rivers the fairest and greatest are, Essequebe, Brebice, Corretine, Marruvine, Cayanna, the Aparuvaca or Cape Ruvaca, and the Viapoco. The Spring of the Essequebe, according to the report of its Inhabitants, is not above a days journey distant from the famous Lake of Parima, and thence takes its course for 20 days journey to the Sea, into which it discharges it self. It is interrupted by divers Cataracts, which hinders its being navigable for any considerable way, which causes the Inland Country not to be so perfectly discovered, as it might be were it otherwise. The Brebice and Corretine have little less course than the Essequebe, and no fewer Cataracts; the last hath its Mouth to the Sea very large, but not deep. The Marruvine is no less than 4 or 5000 Geometrical Paces broad at its Mouth, and the length of its course is esteemed to be 30 or 40 days journey. The English, who have mounted this River farther than any others, have observed abundance of Rivers which lose themselves in it; and say, that here is found the Sensitive Plant or Herb, which hath this natural property, to close if never so little touched; and to shut up its Flowers and fade if the least sprig be took from it, not opening its Leaves till a good while after. All these Rivers, for the most part, have their Cataracts under the same Parallel, within 4 or 5 degrees of Latitude on this side the Equator, which may make us judge that there is some ridge of Mountains, or at least a continued Eminence, which makes these Countries within Land, of a higher scituation than those Parts neighboured by the Sea. Cayanna hath likewise in it those Mountains which are near the Lake of Parima; and from its Spring to the Sea, is no less than 100 Leagues in a strait line, and twice as much according to its course: It embraces an Isle where the French have endeavoured to settle a Colony, which in time may come to good effect. Apuruvaca or Caperuvaca hath a longer course than Cayanna: It forms a great Lake not far from its Spring, and embraces an Island near its Mouth. When Harcourt, an Englishman, was on this River, he found many People, and those much different from one another. Keymish, another Englishman, who was with the worthy Sir Walter Rawleigh, who took so much pains to find out the Kingdom of Manoa, assures us, that in his time they could find no such People; which makes it appear, that these People are sometimes on one Coast, and sometimes on another. There are here found Paroquetto's, and other very rare and beautiful Birds, with pretty Apes and Monkies.Viapoco hath a longer course than the Cayanna, a shorter than the Apuruvaca; and like all the others of this Coast, suffers a fall 18 or 20 Leagues from the Sea, where it disburthens it self with other Rivers into a little Gusph of 7 or 8 Leagues wide, leaving on the Right hand Cape de Condi, or d'Orange. There is found along this River Tobacco, Canes from which Sugar may be extracted, and Shrubs which yield Cotton: and amongst the Beasts they have Stags, wild Boars, tame Swine, and Beeves which have no Horns, &c. But let us speak a word or two of the temperament and quality of the Soil of these Quarters, in which there is something extraordinary.

It is true that Guiana is under, or very near the Aequator; that part which stretches most within Land, and the nearest to the Amazons, is under the Equator: from that line the Coast stretches on this side unto the 8th degree of Latitude; yet the greatest part of this Coast lies under the 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th of these degrees, which is almost in the middle of the Torrid Zone, and consequently seems to be in a Climate extreamly hot. But the Eastern-winds, which do almost continually blow upon the Coast, the Nights being equal with the Days, the large Rivers which refresh and water the Country, the great Dews which fall, the height of their Mountains, the thickness of their Forrests, &c. yield such refreshments as renders this Country one of the most pleasant, and would be made (were it cultivated) one of the best and richest Countries in all America: They have two Summers and two Winters, their Summers during the Aequinoxes, and their Winters during the Solstices; and to speak truth, they have always either Spring or Autumn, their Flowers being always in their beauty, the Trees always in their verdure, and their Fruits fit to gather all the yearlong. The Air is so temperate and healthful, that those of the Country live commonly 100 or 120 years, sometimes 150, without being subject to any disease or sickness. Provisions cost almost nothing, all sorts of Game being had for only hunting; all sorts of Fish are here very plentiful: They have several rich Commodities, as Cotton, Cotton-Thread, and Hamacks or Beds of Cotton, China-wood, green Ebony, white and red Saunders, Dyersstood, Brazil, Medicinal Oils, Jallop, Salsaparilla, Turbith, Gayac, Gommegutte, Gum-Arabick, Gum-Eleni; a Balm excellent against the Gout, Torquesses, Emeralds, Stag-skins, Tigers, Otters, and black Foxes; grains of Musk taken from Lizards, Munkeys, Apes and Tamarins, a little Beast of pleasure so beautiful and joyful that one alone hath been sold for 500 Crowns. The Americans themselves loving to play with them, and putting about their Necks collars of Pearls, and Pendants of Stones in their Ears.

In the bowels of its Earth are Mines of Copper, Tin, Lead, and Iron, which are very rare in America; and to all appearance there are Mines of Gold and Silver; here is also Roch-Alum, Chrystal of the Rock, Azure, and likewise Dragons Blood, &c.

That part of Guiana most advanced within Land, and which retains particularly the name of Guiana, is very little known; yet here should be the Kingdom and City of Manoa or El Dorado, of which some have formerly made such account; but not being found at present, is by most believed Imaginary.

The AMAZONE.

THE River AMAZONE is the greatest and swiftest, either in the one or other part of America, and it may be said the largest of both Continents: From its Springs to its disburthenings into the Sea is 8 or 900 Leagues in a strait line, and according to its course 11 or 1200; it receives, both on the Right and Left, abundance of Rivers, of which some have 100, 200, 300, others 4, 5, or 600 Leagues course. All the Amazon is inhabited by abundance of People,* 1.33 less barbarous than those of Brazil, nor yet so much civilized as those of Peru were: They eat not one another, for by their Hunting, Fishing, Fruits, Corn and Roots, they are furnished with what is needful either for Meat or Drink: they have some Idols particular to them, but pay them no adoration, contenting themselves to expose them to publick view when they enterprize any Affair.* 1.34 The Amazon begins at the Foot of the Cordillier Mountains, 8 or 10 Leagues from Quito in Peru, pressing forward its streams from West to East: Its Springs and its Mouths are under or near the Aequator. The breadth of its Channel from Junta de los Rios, which is 60 and odd Leagues from its Springs unto Maranhon, is of one or two Leagues, and below Maranhon, two, three, or four, enlarging still as it approacheth the Sea, where it makes an opening of 50 or 60 Leagues between the Capes de Nort and Zaparare; this on the Coast of Brazile, the other on the Coast of Guiana: Its depth likewise from Junta los Rios unto Maranhon is at least 5 or 6 Fathom, in some places 8 or 10; from Maranhon unto Rio Negro, 10, 15 or 20, and from Rio Negro to the Sea 30, 40, 50, and sometimes much more.

One Francis Orilhane was the first that took any pains to know the course of this River. In 1540 he transported himself to Junta de los Rios, where he caused to be built a Vessel proper to descend this River to the Sea: In 1541 he imbarqued himself with some Souldiers, had divers encounters in the way, but about the end of August he found the Sea, after which he hasted to Spain to make this discovery known unto the King. In 1549 he returned from Spain to the Amazone, where after his spending a long time upon the great Sea, being sometimes beaten to and fro by the impetuosity of the winds which caused great storms, then retained as long by calms, which together with the loss of a great many of his men, at length he entred into its mouth; yet after all these labours and miseries, he was so unhappy, that not finding the true channel to remount the Amazone, he died with grief; having gained nothing for all his travel, labour and expence, but the honour that some give his name to the River, calling it Orelhane. After Francis Orelhane, the Amazone was let alone for a good continuance of time. In 1560 those of Lima in Peru, tried it another way; they caused some to embark on the River of Xauxa, otherwise of Maranhon, which begins in Peru, below Guanuca, and about 150 Leagues from Lima, passes within 30 or 40 of Cusco, and by a course of 5 or 600 Leagues descends into the Amazon, which hath scarce made 300 at this meeting, yet is found the large; this voyage was likewise unhappy; for Pedro de Orsua Chief of this expedition was slain by his own men, and Lopez de Aguyre chief of the sedition, finished to descend to the Sea by the Orinoque, and landed at La Trinity, where he was arrested, and chastised for his felony. In 1566 those of Cusco tried again the discovery of the Amazone by the Amarumaye, which could not succeed, there being two competitors for this expedition; who made war, fought, and weakned each other in such manner, that there remained but a few to be knockt on the head by the Chonchis: Maldonado one of the Chiefs of this expedition, together with two Fryers escaped and brought the news; after this of Maldonado no more discovery of the Amazon was attempted till 60 or 70 years after. In 1635 Jean de Palacios reattempted this design, transporting himself, with some others to Annete, to see with what means he might serve himself to make this voyage; but in 1636 he was killed, and the greatest part of his men returned; but two Friers and 5 or 6 Souldiers, put themselves into a Skiff, with a resolution to descend the River, and in the end arrived at Para, the chief Colonie of Brazile under the Crown of Portugal, where they told the news to Piedro Texeira, Captain Major of Para.* 1.36 Though Brazile was then in arms against the Hollanders, yet Texeira forbore not to equip 47 Barques•• caused to be embarqued in them 70 Portugals, with 1200 Indians, who knew how to manage Armes; and likewise 800 Boyes and Women to serve them; with these he departed in October 1637. remounted the River, and was so happy, that he finished his voyage even to Peru, left a part of his men there, where the River Chevelus falls into the Amazone; the rest he left at Junta de los Rios, except himself, with some few persons which came to Quito; where he made his report in September, 1638. The news being brought to Lima to the Count of Chinchon, Vice-Roy of Peru, he gave order to furnish them with all things necessary for their return; and that the Father Christopher de Acogne, a Jesuite, and his companion should go with them to carry the news to Spain. They parted from Peru in February 1639 and arrived at Pera in December following, and soon after Father Christopher de Acogne carried the news to Spain, arriving there in 1640. and exposed his relation to publick view.

These two last Voyages of Texeira mounting and descending the River, have given us a more ample and true knowledge of the Amazon than all those before him could do; and according to their report, all the Regions which are about the Amazon enjoy a temperate Air. The Eastern Winds which blow all day, the Nights equal to the Days, the annual Inundations like to those of the Nile, the great quantity of Trees and Forrests, which are upon or near the River, yield much refreshment, and keeps them from being troubled with thousands of ugly Insects, which they are pestred with at Peru and Brazil. They say, that the Leaves and Fruits of the Trees, the verdure of their Herbs, and the beauty of their Flowers, gives great delight to the Inhabitants all the year long.* 1.37 The Country (by reason of the Inundation of the River) is very fertil in Grains, hath rich Pastures, and their Fruits, Plants and Roots are in great plenty, and may compare with any Country in all America; their Rivers and Lakes are well stored with Fish, among others the Sea-Calf and Tortoise are very large and delicate. The Country is well cloathed with Woods, some Trees being 5 or 6 Fathom about, and along the River may be built as great Ships as any that swim on the Ocean. Their Ebony and Brazil is grown to an inexhaustible quantity; they have great store of Cacoa and Tobacco, plenty of Sugar-Canes, which they might easily husband, and abundance of other Commodities, without having regard to Gold, Silver, and other Metals which are found there.

• They have abundance of different Nations upon and about the Amazon; the most part of these Nations so well peopled, and their Villages so thick, that the last House of the one may easily hear the noise made in the first House of the other. Of these People, the Homagues are esteemed for their Manufactures of Cotton-Cloth: the Corosipares for their Earthen Vessels: the Surines for their Joyners-work: the Topinamubes for their Power. The Bow and Javelin being their general and common Arms.

• Among the Ravers that fall into the Amazon, the Napo, the Agaric, the Putomaye, the Jenupape, and the Coropatube, and with some others, have their Sands mixt with Gold; below Coropatube there are divers Mines of Gold in the Mountains of Yaguare, Mines of Silver in that of Picory, and of divers Stones in that of Paragoche, and of Sulphur in many others.

• As for the Amazonian Women, and their Kingdom, from whence it is pretended this River took its name, many accounts have been made, and divers Relations given of it to Quito, Cusco, and other places; and possibly those of the Country would have frighted the Castilians and Portugals which have been on this River. But it is no otherwise, than that the Inhabitants of the Country being in Arms, there hath sometimes been some Women so couragious, as to be in their party; but there never was a whole Country or Kingdom of these Women. And in fine, they seek them so far within the Country, that they cannot be on the Amazon: so those may turn to a Fable, as well as those which the Greeks have formerly recounted to us of such Wonders.

• PERUVIANE where there shall be
  • TERRA FIRMA, whose Governments or Provinces, with their chief places are those of
    • PANAMA
      • Panama.
      • Nembre de dios.
      • Darien.
    • CARTHAGENA
      • Cartagen•.
      • Mo•••
      • Sancta Maria.
      • la Conception.
    • St. MARTHA
      • St. Martha.
      • Teneriff.
      • Tamalameque.
      • Los Reys.
    • RIO de la HACHA
      • Occanna.
      • Rio de la Hacha.
      • Rancheria.
    • VENEZULA
      • Venezula.
      • Nos. signo. de Carvalleda.
      • St. Jago de Leon.
      • Nueve Xeres.
      • Valenza la Nueve.
      • Segovia la Neuve.
      • Tucuyo.
      • Truxillo.
    • New ANDALUSIA
      • Comana.
      • Corduba.
      • Maurenabi.
    • PARIA
      • Macureguara:
      • Catetios.
      • Orinaque,
    • OARIBES
      • Taupuramunen.
      • M•reshego.
    • GUIANA
      • Macurewaraj.
      • Manoa del dorade.
    • POPAYAN
      • Sancta Fee de Antiochi•.
      • Calamanta.
      • Arma.
      • Anzerma.
      • Carrago.
      • Popayan.
      • Almangher.
      • Timana.
      • Truxillo.
      • Guadalajara.
      • St. John de Pasto.
    • GRANADA
      • Sancto Fee de bogata.
      • St. Michael.
      • Tocayma.
      • Tunia.
      • Trinadad.
      • St. John de los lanos.
      • Velez.
      • Mariquita.
• PERU, with its Audiences of
  • QUI TO with its Provinces of
    • PERU
      • Quito.
      • Rio bamba.
      • Porto Viejo.
      • Guayaquil.
      • Cuenca.
      • Lox•.
      • Zamora.
      • Yaen.
      • St. Michael.
    • de los QUIXOS,
      • Baesa.
      • Archidona.
      • Avila.
      • Sevilla del Oro.
    • PAZAMOROS,
      • Loyola.
      • Valadolid.
      • St. Jago de las Montane•.
  • LIMA, whose chief places are
    • Lima.
    • Cusco.
    • Arequipa.
    • Valverde.
    • Arnedo.
    • Leon de Guanuco.
    • la Parsilla.
    • Truxillo,
    • Miroflores.
    • Cachapoyas.
  • De la PLATA, whose chief places are,
    • de la Plata.
    • Potossi.
    • Oropesa.
    • Sancta Crux de la Sierra.
• The Country of the AMAZONS, or the people Inhabiting by the River AMAZONE, which are many, and of sundry sorts.
• CHILI, whose parts of Jurisdictions take their names from their chief Cities in each part, as those of
  • Copiapo.
  • Conception.
  • l'Imperial.
  • Villa Rica.
  • Valdivia.
  • Osorno.
  • Caftro.
  • St. Jago.
  • Serena.
  • de la Frontera.
• MAGELLANICK LAND
  • St. Phillip.
  • de la Guadero.
• TERRA DEL FUGO, or the ISLAND of MAGELLAND,
  • BRAZILIANE where there shall be
    • BRAZILE regarding the Sea, with its Governments (as they are Inhabited by the Portugals) of
      • St VINCENT
        • Sanctos,
        • St. Vincent.
        • Itauchi,
        • St. Paule.
        • Philippe villa.
      • RIO JANIERO
        • St. Sebastian.
        • A•g•a 〈◊〉 Reyes.
      • SPIRITU SANCTO — Spiritus Sancto,
        • PORTO SEGURO
        • Porto Seguro.
        • Sancta Crux.
      • LOS ISLEOS
        • los Isleos.
        • Camamu.
      • BAYA de los SANCTOS
        • St. Salvador.
        • St. Antonio.
        • Fapesipe.
      • SEREGIPPE
        • Seregippe del Rey.
        • Olivera.
      • FERNAMBUCO
        • Olinda.
        • Recif.
        • St. Michael.
        • Calvo.
      • TAMARACA— Tamaraca.
      • PARAYBA
        • Payraba.
        • St. Anthony.
        • St. Katherine.
      • RIO GRANDA
        • de los tres Reys.
        • Copoaba.
        • Juaon Lostao.
        • Natall.
        • Brandibe.
      • SIARA
        • Siara.
        • St. Jago.
        • St. Sebastian.
        • Cors.
        • Soutpan.
        • Clene Salinas.
        • Camucipe.
      • MARANHAN
        • Junipara.
        • Sancta Ann.
        • Comma.
        • St. Lewis.
        • Nuestra sennora.
      • PARA
        • Corrupa.
        • Estiero.
        • Cogemine.
        • Comata.
        • Para.
    • BRAZILE within Land, which is possessed with aboundance of several sorts of people, (most of which are unknown unto us) among which are the Paries, Carayaes, Amixocories, Noneaes, Amacaxies, Apnyes, Aquigiraees, Tapiguiries, Panaguiries, Apetubaes, Tapuxenquies, Caraguatayraes, Quiriguiaes, Bigrorgies, Vibes, Guigraes, Jubaes, Oquigties, Pahies, Aries, Guipaes, Cuigtaies, Pirivies, Annaciugies, Laratiies, Guaracacativies, Aturavies, Aquitigpaes, Maimimyes, Caracujvyes, Mandeivies, Caraembas, Macutiies, Napares, Parapoties, Pahacuries, Cuaxraes, Nuhinvies, Taraguaigies, Piraquies, Anacuyes, Tapacuvyes, M•caraguacies, Tupioys, Cayviaries, Jacuyvies, Ca•ucujares, Jobiores, Cumpehes, Cicules, &c.
    • PARAGUAY Or, RIO de la PLATA, whose chief Provinces and Places, are those of
      • PARAGUAY
        • Paraguay.
        • Eupana.
        • Guabiano.
      • CHACO
        • Chaco.
        • Rioxa.
        • Estero.
      • De la PLATA
        • Assumption.
        • las seite Corrientas.
        • Sancta Fee.
        • Buenos Ayres.
        • Penabobre.
      • TUCOMAN
        • St. Jago del Estero.
        • St. Michael de Tucoman.
        • St. Salvador.
        • Salta.
        • Corduba.
      • URVAIG
        • la Conception.
        • St. Nicholas.
        • St. Francis Xavier.
        • Ibicuit.
      • PARANA
        • St. Ignatius,
        • Itapoa, or the Incarnation.
        • The holy Sacrament.
        • Acarag.
        • Sancta Maria.
      • GUAYR
        • Cuidad Real.
        • Villa ricca.
        • St. Paul.
        • No. sen. de Loretto.
        • St. Francisco Xavier.
        • St. Joseph..
        • We have thus comprised all that seemed most necessary concerning America: true it is, whole Volums might be made only touching the Nature and Propriety of their Grains, Herbs, Plants, Fruits, Fowl, Beasts and Fish, which are all different from ours; yet those which have been carried from hence; have thrived and multiplied exceeding well, either in one place or another: But of all our Beasts, nothing so much astonished them as our Horses; and it was near a hundred years in Peru, and other parts of America, before those People would be perswaded to mount on them.