The Isles of Africa

Sources from old books

1682. Cosmography and geography in two parts by Richard Blome

• The ISLES of AFRICA, as they lie and are found
  • In the Mediterranean Sea, And on the Coast of BARBARY, as the ISLES of
    • MALTA,
      • Marzasirocco,
      • Vallett•,
      • il Borgo,
      • Madalena,
      • Medina,
      • St. Maria Meleca,
      • St. Maria Loret••,
      • Rodumifessa.
    • GOZA,
      • Goza Cast,
      • Scilendo.
    • Cumin, — Cumin.
    • Forfala,
    • Gamelera,
    • Chercura,
    • Lampedusa,
    • Limosa,
    • Panthalaria,
    • Galata,
    • Albusama.
  • In the Occidental or Atlantick Ocean; as
    • On the Coast of MOROCCO; as the ISLES of
      • Madera,
        • Tonzal,
        • Sancta Cr••,
      • Porto Sancto.
    • The CANARY ISLES, or ISLES of
      • Forteventura,
        • Forteventura,
        • Chabras,
        • Lanegala,
      • Lancellotta,
        • Lancellotra,
        • Porto de Cavallos.
      • Grand Canaria,
        • Canaris,
        • Tedele,
        • Arginogy.
      • Teneriffe,
        • Laguna,
        • St. Crux.
      • Gomer, — Gomer.
      • Fer, — Hierro,
      • Palma,
        • Palma,
        • St. Andre.
    • The ISLES seated about those of the CANARIES,
      • Graclosa,
      • Alegria,
      • St. Clara,
      • Rocco,
      • Savages.
    • The ISLES of CAPE VERD; or the ISLES of
      • St. Antonio▪
      • St. Vincent,
      • St. Lucia,
      • St. Nicholas,
      • Salt,
      • Bonavista,
      • Mayo,
      • Fuego.
      • Brava,
      • St. Jago,
        • St. Jago,
        • Ribera Grande.
  • In the Meridional of AETHIOPIAN Ocean, as
    • Between GUINY, and the Lower AETHIOPIA, where are the ISLES of
      • St. Thomas, — Pavoasan,
      • Princes,
      • Anncabon,
      • St. Matthew,
      • Assension,
      • St. Helena,
      • Perdinando Po▪
      • Tristan de Cunha,
      • Goncalo Alvarer.
    • On the Coast of ZANGUEBAR; as the ISLE of Madagascar, or St. Laurence,
      • Ving•gora,
      • Tombaja,
      • St. Andrew,
      • Cacambout,
      • Port of St. Vincent,
      • St. Anthony,
      • St. Augustine,
      • Boamarage,
      • Angoada.
    • The ISLES seated about the Isle of MADAGASCAR, and in the Sea of ZANGUEBAR, particularly so called; among which are those of
      • Zocotora,
      • Penda,
      • Zanzibara,
      • Sanctus Rochus,
      • Monfia,
      • St. Christophers,
      • St. Esprite,
      • Comerae,
      • Aliadorae,
      • Syrtium,
      • Nona,
      • Baixos,
      • St. Anthony,
      • St. Maria,
      • Radix,
      • St. Maurice,
      • Mascarenhae,
      • Diego Roix,
      • Johannis de Lisbo•,
      • Sancta Clara,
      • Sancta Just••, or Juliani,
      • St. James,
      • St. Vincent.
  • In the Red Sea, or Sea of Mecque, And on the Coast of the Higher AETHIOPIA; as the ISLES of
    • Bahia Cabras▪
    • Suaquem,
    • Miri,
    • Meger,
    • Maczuam,
    • Balaccia,
    • St. Pi•tr•.

THE ISLE OF MADAGASCAR, OR St. LAURENCE.

• 1.1THE Isle of MADAGASCAR, or St. LAƲRENCE, is much greater than any about Africa, if not the greatest of both Continents. It stretches it self from a little on this side the 12th unto a little beyond the 26th degree of Meridional Latitude, which are more than 14 degrees of Latitude; but sloping from North North-West to South South-East, it is from Cape St. Sebastian to that of St. Romain about 400 Leagues long. Its breadth ought to be considered at twice; in that part nearest the Equator it is 60 or 75 Leagues broad; in that part towards the South the least breadth passes 120, and stretches sometimes to 150 Leagues.

• 1.2Our last Relations say, That it hath Mines of Gold, Silver, Copper, Iron, Rocks of Chrystal, and excellent white Marble; that there are found Emralds, Saphirs, &c. many sorts of Gums and Rozins, especially great store of that Gum which the Druggists call Dragons Blood, which they extract out of the Flowers of a certain Tree which grows there. They have also Talque, Cotton, Indico, Sugar Canes, Saunders, Ebony, Ivory, Honey, Wax, Hides. Their Ground yields Salt, Salt-Peter, and in most places Grains; and upon their Sea Coasts is found abundance of Ambergreese. And for these, and several other Commodities that are here found, are brought them in exchange, Corals, Pater-Nosters, Chains, Beads, Bracelets, Glass-Pendants, and divers Toys, &c.

• 1.3Its Inhabitants are for the most part Black or very Tawny, and some White, which in all appearance came from Asia. They are of a good Stature, and well shaped, are very tractable and courteous to Strangers, and more especially to the French, than any other Europeans; are addicted to idleness, and not caring to cultivate the Earth; their clothing is only a piece of Cotton-cloth of several colours, which they fasten about, their Middles, and hangs down to their knees; and on their Heads, a Cap made of the Bass of a Tree; besides which, they adorn themselves about their Neck, Arms, Legs, &c. with those Toys aforesaid. Their Feeding is exceeding gross; their Houses are no better than Hog-sties, or little Huts made of Branches of Trees, except those of their princes which are made of Wood; but of no large size, nor over handsom: They lie upon Mats; and their Cloth which they wear about them in the day, serves for a Coverlid in the night. They are Heathenish, and given to Adoration, (some say they adore the Devil) using Sacrifices, which they do in the Woods, not having Churches; they have no Civil Form of. Government, but he that can make the greatest party, and hath the greatest Family, is in most esteem and command to which end they have as many Wives as they can keep, to increase their Progeny.

• 1.4They have a great number of Oxen, Sheep, Kids, Hens of divers sorts, and quantity of Rice; they make Wine with Hony and certain Roots, which is so strong that they are frequently drunk with it; they have for the most part those Beasts that are found among us; but yet all with some difference: Their Oxen have between their Neck and Shoulders a great lump of Fat, which they esteem excellent: Their Sheep have their Tails 20 Inches about, and as much in length: Their Goats are very high, and their Hogs little. They have Salamanders, Camelions of divers colours; Apes of many kinds, and believe that these Apes would speak, but for fear they should be compelled to labour. They have Crocodiles and Tortoises, of which some have their Shells so great, that they will cover 10 or 12 Persons; and they find sometimes 5 or 600 of their Eggs as big as Hens Eggs: their Flesh is delicate and fat, in taste resembling Veal. They have other Tortoises which are only 3 or 4 foot diameter; and their Shells being polished are figured with divers colours, of which they make Cabinets, little Boxes, and other pretty Moveables esteemed in the Indies and in Europe.* 1.5 Their Pheasants are stronger and fairer than ours, their Partridges bigger, and of divers colours: They have Paroquets as big as Crows, and black; another middle sort, and some as little as our Larks; the one and the other of divers colours: They have Singing-Birds not yielding to those of the Canaries. Their Bees are little, their Hony excellent; their Ants flie, and leave on the Bushes where they light a white Gum, which they use instead of Glue. Their Colibri or Fly-Bird scarce weighing two Bees, so little is it, feeding only on the Dew it sucks from Flowers. They catch in their Seas an infinite quantity of Fish; among others, Skates so great, that they are able to satisfie 300 persons one meal. Their Date-Trees supply them with Drink, their Orchards with Fruits, their Cotton with whereof to make Thred and Stuffs for Clothing, their Indico with a Blew colour, their Tamarind refreshes them; their Rape or Balasier blacks their Teeth, which by them is esteemed a great Beauty; they gather Aloes from several Trees. One of the principal riches of the Country is Ebony, both for its beauty, smoothness, and black colour, and for the flame and odour it yields in the fire: Its Sap infused in Water, heated and taken luke-warm, purges Flegm, and cures Venerial distempers.

• 1.6Among their Fruits they have Damsons twice as big as ours; Mirabolans of many kinds, Anana's, Citrons, Oranges, Pomegranates, Grapes, Dates, Coco-Nuts, &c. They gather Maniguet, Ginger, and divers Roots, which they eat instead of Bread, and which serves for divers other uses; they have quantity of Rice, Millet, Beans, Pease, French-Beans, both red, white, green, and all sorts of Pulse. The Sensitive Herb is found among the Tapates, whose Leaf touched, they all close and shut up one within anothen, hanging towards the ground, and not raising up nor opening themselves again till a good while after, and that by little and little.

• 1.7The Isles hath many good Roads and commodious Ports, and every where are found good Water and Victuals; but the Air is unhealthful to the Europeans, by reason of the great Heat which here reigneth, it lying under the Torrid Zone; yet the French have established a Colony sometimes in one place, and sometimes in another. The Bay of Anton-Gil, or of St. Anthony, is the best in all the Island. On the same Coast, and farther towards the North, is Boamarage; more towards the South Arganda, and continuing Cacambout, Manialoufe, Manajara; or the Port of Pru•es, Matatane, Manapate; or the Port of Gallions, Manatenga, And••boul, Romag. near the Port St. Cace and Antipere; or Sancta Clara near Cape St. Romain. All these places or Ports are builded with Wood, covered with Leaves, and inclosed with Pallisadoes, as throughout all the Isle. On the other side towards the West, and directly opposite to the Coast of Africa, are Vingagora, St. Andre••• the Bay of Pracel, St. Vincent, St. James; the Port or Gu•ph of St. Augustine, the best next to Antongil, Tombaja, &c. The middle of the Isle rises into Mountains covered with Wood, where is Ebony, Saunders, Orange-Trees, Citron-Trees, &c.

• 1.8About Madagascar are a great many of Isles, as that of SANCTA MARY, near the Bay of Anton-Gil, about ten or twelve Leagues in circuit, is fair and fertile; affords store of Provisions, and Potters Earth, and their Seas quantity of Whales, which they catch by darting on them a certain Iron fixed to the end of a Cord; which when they have tired themselves, they make to the shore; and of these Whales they make Oyl, with which, as also with their Provisions and Potters Earth, they drive a Trade.

• 1.9The Isles of COMERES, are Five principal ones, as St. Christophers, St. Esprit, Loura, Comera, and Gasidsa. The Inhabitants of this last are perfidious; the others more civil, and under one King alone, who resides at Ansuvanny, where there is some Trade; the most part are Mahometans; the Soil is pleasant and fertile, because of the Rivers which descend from the Mountains, and water their Fields. They have all sorts of Birds, they have no Iron; they fetch from Madagascar, Rice, Millet, Amber-greece, and Slaves, which they transport into Arabia, and the Red Sea; from whence they bring Stuffs, and Indian Habits, Amfium or Opium.

In 1613. the Hollanders tauched on this Island, and received great refreshment. It is observed, that for a Quire of common Paper, they had an Ox; for a common Looking-Glass another; for a Dozen of Little Bells which they fastned to Hawks Legs another; for a Bar of Iron, three Oxen, &c.

• 1.10The Isle MAƲRICE or SANCTA APPOLLINA, between 19 and 20 degrees, seems to have been inhabited before the Hollanders established a Colony. It is about 15 Leagues in compass. Mandelslo saith, that this Island hath a good Haven, both deep and large enough for fifty Said of great Ships to harbor in, which makes it to be very pleasant, having many Mountains which are well cloathed with Trees, and always green; among which, some are so lofty, that they seem to overtop the Clouds. And its Valleys as pleasant and green, and adorned with several sorts of Trees, as well those that bear Fruits, as Cocoes, Dates, Oranges, Citrons, &c. as those which yield none; as great quantity of excellent Ebony, and other Trees; some of whose wood is Yellow, others Red, others mixt; and all with fair and lively colours. The Leaves of their Palm-trees are large enough to cover a man; the Birds are here so tame, that they suffer themselves to be taken with the hand, or killed with a stick. They have Tortoises strong enough to bear a man, but fourfooted Beasts they have none.

Besides these Isles aforesaid, there are several others which are seated about the Isle of Madagascar, as Two bearing the name of Deigosoares: Two by the name of Nunni Pereirae: Three by the name of Deigo Roix: Four by Sancta Clara: Two by St. Romanus: Three by St. Julianus: Three by St. Jacobus: Nine by St. Vincent: Three by St. Christophers: Three by Comora: And eight by the name of Bugi.

Also the Isles of Boamarage, St. Anthony, St. Maria Radix, Mascarenhae, Johannis de Lisboa, Syrtium, and Mosambicha-Nova, with some others.

• 1.11Between the Isle of Madagascar, and the main Land, about 70 Leagues from the Isle, 100 from Cefala, and 150 from Mozambique, are the Banks of India infamous for Shipwracks, and particularly for that of the Admiral Fernando Mendoza in 1586. The Banks and Rocks are of sharp Stones, and with divers points like to Coral, some black, others white, others green, but all horrible even to behold.

There rests a great number of Islands to the North and East, and between the North and East of Madagascar, and among these Isles many Banks and Rocks. We will omit a particular description of them, as unnecessary, and only say, that the French have often designed to establish a powerful Colony in the Countrey; encouraged by its Commodities, and the great Commerce it is like to maintain.

The Isles of CAPE VERDE.

• 1.12ONe hundred and fifty Leagues from Cape Verde, and towards the West, are a body of Islands which extend themselves from 13 ½, unto the 19 degree of Latitude, and from 153 ½, unto 157 or thereabout of Longitude. They are called in general the Isles of Cape Verde, because that Cape is the nearest main Land to them. Amongst these Isles there are 10 in some consideration, though a part of them not inhabited; they are ranged almost in form of a Cressant or Semi-Circle, of which, the convex part regards the Continent, and the two Points, the Ocean: That which makes the Point towards North and West, is that of St. Antonio, which those of St. Vincent, St. Nicholas, and Sancta Lucia follow, advancing between East and South; then those of Salt, Bona Vista, and Maya, descend from North to South, and are the most Easterly of all: Those of St. Jago, of Fuego, and Brava, the most Southern; returning from East to West, and advancing a little towards the South. So that St. Anthony and Brava make the two Ends or Points towards the West; Bona Vista makes the middle of the half Circle towards the East.

SANCTA LƲCIA,* 1.13 St. NICHOLAS, and St. JAGO, are the greatest, having each 100 or 120000 paces of length; 15, 20 or 30000 of breadth; and 200 or 250000 paces of circuit. St. Anthonio and St. Vincent are less by more then half, and not of above 100000 paces in circuit; the rest, which are the least, have not above 30, 40 or 50000 paces. I make no account of seven or eight others, whose names have not been given us, and which are rather Rocks than Isles.

St. JAGO is the greatest and the chief of all, having a Bishops seat in the City of the same name;* 1.14 besides which, are Ribera Grande, with a good Port towards the West, Praya towards the East, St. Mary towards the North, all with their Ports. Some place likewise St. Thomas, whose Port is dangerous, others St. Domingo, others St. Michael: possibly these fall under some of the others. Ribera Grande hath 500 Houses; the Air is unhealthful, the Land hilly, but the Valleys fruitful in Grains, Vines, Fruits, Sugar Canes, Millons, &c. Feeding much Fowl and Cattle, and particularly Goats in abundance: These Beasts bringing forth young every four Moneths, and three of four at a time; and the Kids are very fat and delicate.

• 1.15SANCTA LƲCIA is the best peopled after that of St. Jago. St. Nicholas, St. Vincent, and St. Anthony, have been esteemed Desert, yet they appear to have many Inhabitants, though not so many as they could feed: The Ships of the Ʋnited Provinces passing here in 1622. found in that of St Anthony 500 persons, Men, Women, and Children, all Aethiopians. St. Vincent and St. Nicholas, had no less. At Mayo these Aethiopians are strong, and of good stature; but it is to be believed, that every where are some Portugals to keep the rest in aw.

• 1.16The Isles of SALT, of BONA VISTA, of MAYO, and of St. JAGO, yield so great quantity of Salt which is made naturally of the Water which the Sea from time to time leaves, that besides what they consume in the Countrey, they laded every year more then 100 Ships, which is transported into other Countreys; and yet there remains six times as much, which becomes useless. It is reported, that the Isle of Mayo could make alone, lading for two thousand Sail of Ships yearly; and the others not much less. The other riches of the Countrey lies in the Skins of their Goats, which are in so great quantity through all these Isles, that many flocks are seen of 1000 Head. The Skins are sent to Brasil, Portugal, and other places, and make excellent Cordovants. The Flesh is salted in the Countrey, and sold to Ships going and returning from Brasil to the Indies. Besides the Salt and Woats which are the principal riches of the Countrey, they have many Wild Horses, Oxen, Apes, &c. also Cotton, whereof they make several Manufactures.

Also Rice, and many sorts of Grains. Among their Fowl, they have one kind particular to them, which they call Flamencos; the Feathers of their Bodies are all White, and those of their Wings Red as Blood. Their Tortoises are not above two or three foot long; they come out of the Sea, and lay their Eggs in the night, covering them with Sand, and the heat of the Sun hatches them.* 1.17 In Fuego and Brava they gather Wines which yield little to those of the Canaries.

• 1.18Between the Islands of Cape Verde, and the main Land, inclining towards the Canaries, the Sea is called Sargasso, because from the 20 to the 24 degree and for the length of 30, 40 or 50 Leagues, the Sea is covered with an herb like to that which is found in the bottom of Wells, and which the Portugals call Sargasso. This Herb, except that it is more Yellow, resembles Sea-Parsley, bearing certain Grains or Fruit at the end, but of neither taste nor substance. Many have been much troubled to know from whence these Weeds come, which are distant from the Isles, and from the firm Land more then 60 Leagues, and in a part of the Sea, where there is no bottom found: Nevertheless, they are so close, and in so great quantity, that the Water seems rather a Meadow or Green Field, then a Sea. Ships which fall among these Weeds, had need of a good Wind to disingage themselves; and I believe it was these which hindred Sataspes from finishing his course about Africa, and were the cause of his misfortune. This Sataspes, Son of Teaspes, one of the Achemenides,* 1.19 having ravished the Daughter of Zopyrus, the Son of Magabises, was condemned by Xerxes to be crucified. His Mother, the Sister of Darius, caused this punishment to be changed into another, to wit, he was caused to make the Circumnavigation of Africa; which could not be done without great difficulty and hazard. He embarked in Egypt, passed the Pillars of Hercules, entred into the Occidental Ocean, and passed far to the South, along Africa; but knowing that it would yet require much time and pains to end this course, he returned into Egypt, and thence to the Court, where he said he had met with somewhat that hindred his Ship from passing farther. Xerxes took him for a liar, and made him suffer the death he was before condemned to. But to continue:* 1.20 The Position wherein the Isles of Cape Verde are now found, answers much better to the Position of the Fortunate Isles of Ptolomy, then that of the Canaries. Ptolomy places his Fortunate Isles between the 10 and 16 degree of Latitude; the Isles of Cape Verde are between the 13 and 19; the Canaries beyond the 26. The Meridian of the Fortunate Isles of Ptolomy, is at 8 degrees of Longitude from the Coast of Africa, and towards the West. The least Meridian of the Isles of Cape Verde, is at 8 degrees of Longitude from the same Coast, and towards the same side. The least Meridian of the Canaries touches the Coast of Africa. Ptolomy confines his Fortunate Isles under one Meridian, and extends them from South to North, between the tenth to the sixteenth parallel or degrees of Latitude, which are five degrees of Latitude. The Isles of Cape Verde are not justly under one Meridian, but under two or three, and extend themselves from the 13 ½ to the 19, which are five degrees of Latitude. The Canaries, on the contrary, are all couched from West to East, and almost under the same parallel or degree of Latitude, which is the 27; lengthning themselves from the first to the 6 of Longitude. These four Reasons are very strong to prove, that the Isles of Cape Verde do rather answer to the Fortunate Isles of Ptolomy, then the Canaries. Their distance in regard of the Aequator, is not different from that of the Fortunate Isles of Ptolomy, but three degrees; that of the Canaries, is 15. Their distance in regard of the Coast of Africa, agrees with that of the Fortunate Isles, not with that of the Canaries. The disposition of their scituation from South to North, approaches near to that of the Fortunate Isles; and the number of the degrees of Latitude which they contain, absolutely agrees with it. The scituation of the Canaries from East to West, and the little Latitude they contain, are much contrary. Notwithstanding all these Reasons, we shall yet make it appear, that oft-times we must not conclude on the Positions of Ptolomy, and that the Canary Islands answer to the Fortunate Islands of Ptolomy, and the Ancients, and not these of Cape Verde.

Let us speak first a word of the Madera's and Porto Sancto, which belong to the Crown of Portugal as well as those of Cape Verde. But before I pass to the Madera's, a word or two concerning its Inhabitants, who Mondelslo maketh to be black, corpulent, but well proportioned; he saith, they are envious, mischievous, and dangerous people; for the most part Pagans, worshipping the Moon, and adoring the Devil, whom they call Cammate: Some of them are Mahometans, as far as Circumcision. They marry many Wives, whom they make to labour like Slaves, as well in the Fields as in their Houses; and they are accustomed to such hardship, that as soon as they are delivered, they go and wash themselves and the Child in the Sea or next River. They are not admitted to sit at meals with their Husbands, but wait till they have din'd or supt. They believe the Resurrection of the Dead, but withal think that they shall rise White, and trade there as the Europeans do. He saith, they are great Drunkards, and their debauches are always at the Funeral of their Friends, which commonly lasts four or five days together: During which time they do nothing but drink and weep in remembrance of their Friend departed. They are very turbulent and quarrelsome, being always at wars with their Neighbours; their Arms are the Bow, and a kind of Lance, in which they are very expert. He saith also, that the greatest Marks of their Victories, are the Privy-parts of their Enemies, which they cut off, and give to their Wives who wear them as Neck-laces, which by them are esteemed far beyond Pearl. The Countrey is indifferently fruitful,* 1.21 hath store of Cattle, as Oxen, Beufflers, Elks, &c. whose Hides they have a good Trade for; as also for Elephants Teeth, Wax, Rice, Amber-greece, Sugar Canes, Cotton, whereof they make several Manufactures, Cordovants, &c.

MADERA Island.

• 1.22THe Isle of MADERA or MADEIRA as the Portugals say, is under the 32 degree of Latitude; about 25 Leagues long, 8 or 10 broad, and 60 of circuit. It was discovered in 1420 by John Gonsalvo and Tristan Vaez, under the Auspicies of Henry Infanto of Portugal; and under the same Johannes Zarco, and likewise Tristan Vaez, discovered Porto Sancto in 1428. The one and the other were Desert, and particularly Madera was so covered with Wood, that they were fain to set it on fire to make room for what they would Till. The History saith, that this fire lasted six or seven years, before it ran through all the Island and consumed the Woods; and among the first Inhabitants, some were constrained to save themselves in the Water, to avoid the heat of the Earth; but yet their design so well succeeded, that the Earth, for a long time after, yielded sixty for one; which by little and little, diminished to 50, 40, 30, and possibly now to twenty five for one. The Air is almost always temperate,* 1.23 many Fountains, and seven or eight Rivers so refresh this Countrey, that it is very pleasant and fertile. The Vines bear more bunches of Grapes than Leaves, and their wine is strong and racy; their Wheat excellent, though the Countrey be Mountainous: Their Sugars delicious, bearing the Bell from all others; they have much Fowl, as Hens, Pigeons, Quails, Partridges: they have quantity of Fruits, as Oranges, Citrons, Pomegranates, Honey, Wax, Dragons Blood, Cordevants, Cedar-wood, with which they make all sorts of Joyners work so artificially, that it is transported into Europe, and elsewhere. Those Mountains and Woods which are restocked, have Wild Boars,* 1.24&c. Its principal Towns, are Tunghal or Tonzal; the chief of the Island, and a Bishoprick, Moncherico or Monchico, and Sancta Crux. All the Island contains 36 Parishes, 5 or 6 Religious Convents, 4 Hospitals, 6 or 7000 Houses, and about 25000 Persons; so many Castles and Gardens in the Field, that it seems a Garden of Pleasure.

• 1.25The Isle of PORTO SANCTO or the Holy Port, hath almost the same Commodities with Madera, but is not above 8 or 10 Leagues in circuit; hath no Fortress, which was the reason that in 1606. the Pyrates took away 6 or 700 persons. Madera answers to the Ancient Cerne Atlantica, and some have esteemed Porto Sancto to answer to the Ancient Ombrio or Inaccessibilis; but we shall shew the Countrey in the Canaries.

The CANARY Islands.

• 1.26THe CANARY Islands are Westward of Africa, almost opposite to the Capes of Bojador or Non; they are to the number of Seven, seated between the 26 and 28 degrees of Latitude; and between the 5 and 6, or little more of Longitude. If we comprehend some little Isles above Lancelotta, and likewise the Salvages, they would reach to the 29 or near the 30; if likewise the Madera, and Porto Sancto, they would pass beyond the two and thirtieth degree of Latitude. But there are few Authors esteem the Salvages, almost none the Madera, among the Canaries, because this last is too far distant and belonging to the Crown of Portugal; the Canaries to the Crown of Gastile; and the Salvages being Desert, almost no account is made of them. And now we shall make it appear, that the Body of the Seven Isles of the Canaries, answers in all things to the Body of the Seven Fortunate Isles of the Ancients.

• 1.27We have before set down those Reasons which might make us believe, that the Isles of Cape Verde might answer to the Fortunate Islands, but now shall produce others, and those stronger for the Canaries. In the Occidental or Atlantick Ocean, and to the West of Africa, Ptolomy makes account of only one Body of Islands, which he describes to the number of six. We find now in that Ocean, and not far from Africa, three different Bodies of Islands, and each very considerable; to wit, the Azores, the Canaries, and those of Cape Verde. Of these, the Canaries are nearest to Africa, and the most Eastern; the Azores, the farthest and most Western; and those of Cape Verde do remain in the middle, as to Longitude: And moreover, those of Cape Verde are the nearest the Aequator, and most Southernly; the Azores the farthest off, and most northernly; and the Canaries in the midst, as to Latitude.

Now the one of these three Bodies of Islands must answer to the Fortunate Isles of the Ancients, and of Ptolomy, placed in the first Meridian; and among Modern Authors, if there be any which would give the first Meridian to the Azores; and others to those of Cape Verde; and others to the Canaries; it is for the most part out of the belief they have, that one or the other answer to those Fortunate Isles.

Ptolomy having made account but of one body of Islands in the Occidental Ocean, it is more likely to be that which is nearest the Main Land, and Gades, then those farther off. This reason makes for the Canaries. Pliny, Solinus, Capella, and others, have made account of three different Bodies of Islands in this Ocean; to wit, the Fortunate Islands, the Gorgades or Gorgons, and the Hesperides, placing their Fortunate Isles near the Coast of Mauritania, the Gorgades two days sail from the Coast, and the Hesperides, forty days sail farther then the Gorgades, and at the bottom of some Gulf; so that these answer, either to the Azores, or to the Isles of St. Thomas, in the bottom of the Aethipian Ocean; or rather to the Antilles or Caribes in the Gulf of Mexico, as we shall speak more in another place: They cannot answer to the Canaries, nor can the Gorgades answer to others than those of Cape Verde; the Canaries then remain for the Fortunate: This is another reason for the Canaries. But the goodness of the Air, the fruitfulness of the Soyl, their proximity to the Coast of Africa, the names and particularities of every one of the Fortunate Isles, absolutely concluded them the Canaries.

The Fortunate Isles received this name from the Ancients only, because of the healthfulness of the Air, and fruitfulness of the Soyl. The Canaries are excellent healthful, the Azores little, and the Isles of Cape Verde not at all healthful; likewise the Canaries have the best Grains, Wines, Fruits, &c. that are in the World, which they transport every where. The Corn of the Azores will not keep, and their Wines are consumed in the Countrey, not being strong enough to be transported to other places. In the Isles of Cape Verde, the Inhabitants can scarce gather Corn and Wine necessary; exporting nothing but Salt and Goats Skins. Pliny esteems some of his Fortunate Isles 8000 paces from the Coast of Africa; the Azores are 300 Leagues; those of Cape Verde, 150: Among the Canaries, Forteventura is not above 10 or 12 Leagues from Cape Bojador. The Air, Soyl, and Neighborhood to the Coast of Africa makes then for the Canaries: Let us proceed to confer their old and new names, and other particulars. Ptolomy calls his Fortunate Isles, Aprositos, that is, Inaccessibilis; Herae, that is, Junonis Insula, Pluitalia; Ortelius reads Pluitalia, Casperia, Canaria, Centuria, which interpreters write Pinturia. Pliny, Solinus, and Capella, call them Ombrio, Junonia, Junonia Minor, (instead of which, Ortelius puts Theode) Capraria, Nivaria, and Canaria.

In the numbring of these Isles; Pliny and his two Apes or Copiers, Solinus and Capella, agree upon six, changing little in the rank, names, and number of Ptolomy; but Pliny makes mention of one Pluvialia, among his Fortunate Isles, a little before he comes to number the other Six. This Pluvialia must then be a Seventh, and possibly Theode the 8.

Conferring the Fortunate Isles of Ptolomy, with those of these three Authors, we shall find that his Aprositos answers to their Ombrio; his Herae Insula, to their Junonia: There is nothing answers to their Junonia Minor, or Theode, whether they be two different, or only the same Island: His Pluitalia answers to the Pluvialia of Pliny, which the two others did not know; his Casperia to their Capraria; his Canaria, to their Canaria; and his Centuria or Pinturia, to their Nivaria. Some names being corrupted by others.

At present it will be hard to judge which of the Canaries answer to each of the Ancients Fortunate Isles; yet let us see if we can effect it, and do it better then others have done; there is no difficulty for the Great Canary, since it retains its ancient name: The Isle of Ferr also most apparently answers to the Pluitalia of Ptolomy, or rather to make all particulars better accord with the Pluvialia of Pliny, where he saith, Non esse aquam nisi ex imbribus, as at this day according to the common opinion, it hath no Water, but what distills from a certain Tree, always covered with Clouds. The Isle of Teneriffe likewise, whose Pike is always covered with Snow and Clouds, may answer to their Nivaria, quae nomen accepit à perpetua nive. Nebulosam, saith Pliny; ab aere Nebuloso, saith Solinus and Capella. There remain four or five Islands wherein will lie the difficulty, Aprositos, Junonia, Junonia Minor, Theode, if it be other then Junonia Minor, and Capraria.

Pliny seems to joyn this Capraria with Pluvialia, and saith after Sebosus, Junoniam abesse a Gadibus 150000 pa. ab ea tantundem ad occasum versus Pluvialiam, Caprariamque. Seeing the great distance he gives between these Isles, and from East to West, it may be said, that Pluvialia and Capraria are the most Western of the Fortunate Isles; Junonia the most Eastern; and that of the Isles of Ferr and Palma, being the most Western of the Canaries; that of Ferr being already allowed for the Pluvialia; Palma will rest for the Capraria of Pliny. On the other side, Junonia being the most Eastern, and 750000 paces from Gades, it must either answer to the Forteventura or Lancelotta, which are the most Eastern of the Canaries, and 6 or 700000 paces from Gades or Cadiz. But Pliny and Solinus make mention of two Junonias, of which, one being less than the other, we will give Lancelotta, which is the least, for their Junonia Minor; and Forteventura the Greater, for the other Junonia: And it seems in this passage, Pliny would observe those he met with first, from the nearest to the Coast, to the farthest off. Of the Seven Canary Islands we have given Six, which answer to the other Six among the Fortunate Isles. There remains the Isle of Gomer, among the Canaries; and Ombrio or Aprositos, among the Fortunate Isles: This might make it be judged, that none must answer to the other; but there are many reasons to the contrary. The name of Aprositos, that is, Inaccessible, or of Ombrio and Ombriona, as Capella writes it, shews, that this Isle hath been in a manner unknown, in regard of its Neighbors; nay, it seems impossible to be landed upon. Gomer is between the Isles of Ferr, Palma, and Teneniffe; these three having been known, Gomer being in the midst and near these Islands, must likewise be known; and the Port of Gomer being one of the best, and most frequented of the Canaries, it cannot answer to the Aphrositos of the Ancients. Let us therefore leave this Gomer for Theode, and say,

That farther in the Sea, and about 100 miles, or, as others say, 100 Leagues from the Canaries, is an Isle they call San Borondon: Authors say, that those which think not of it, find it sometimes by chance; but that it is never found by those who expresly seek it: However it be, it is held for truth, and Vincent Blanc assures us, that from the top of Teneriffe, whence may be seen all the Canaries, this is likewise sometimes seen, yet that those which attempt to go to it, cannot find it, though with great pains; whether it be that the Fogs hide it, or that some Current carries them from it; and for this reason they have given it the name of Fortunada, Incontada, and Nontrovada, &c: After all these particularities, I can doubt no longer, but this Isle is the Aprositos, Inaccessible, and the Ombrio, that is, the shadow of the Ancients. And so the whole body of the Canaries, will answer to the whole Body of the Fortunate Isles, without adding the Madera; and from hence we have reason to place the first Meridian in the Canaries, as Ptolomy hath placed it in the Fortunate Isles, since these first answer to the last; which will give a great facility to the reconcilement of Ancient and Modern Geography, otherwise not to be done. Let us proceed to what each of the Canaries may have at present considerable, beginning with those nearest the main Land.

• 1.28Forteventura, once Erbania, is not far distant from the Cape Bojador, above 10 or 12 Leagues; from the Great Canary 16 or 18; from Lancelotta 6. Its greatest length is 25 Leagues, 15 or 16 its greatest breadth. In the middle, it streightens so much, that there remains only a League or two from one Sea to another: And this part was crossed with a Wall, which separated the Island into two Estates, when it was discovered. The Land is partly Mountainous, and partly in Plains; fruitful in Wheat and Barley: Along the Coast glide many streams of Fresh Water: and along these streams are the Tarbais Trees crooked and soft, which bear Gum; of which is made pure white Salt. In the Countrey, besides the Palm Trees, which bear Dates, the Olive Trees, Mastick Trees, and the Orsolle, a Grain for Dying, there is a kind of Fig-tree, from which they have Balm as white as Milk, and which is of great vertue in Physick. They make Cheese of their Goats Milk, with which the Countrey is so well stocked, that they may afford more then 50000 yearly; and besides the profit made of their Skins, and their Fat, (each Beast yielding 30 or 40 pound) their Flesh is excellent. The Ports of this Island are not proper, but for smaller Vessels. Its chief places towards the Sea, are Forteventura, Ricquerocque, Chabras, Baltarhays, Lanegala, Fozonegro, and Tarafulo. Most of which are well frequented by Merchants, especially by the English, who of late are incorporated into a joynt Fellowship and Stock; and not only to this Isle, but to all the Seven Canary Isles.

• 1.29LANCELOTTA is 16 or 18 Leagues long, and 10 or 12 large: The access to it, is difficult on the North and West Coast; the Countrey is plain towards the East, and the Continent where its Town and Ports are, as Cayas or Lancelotta, Porto de Nayos, and Port de Cavallos: These last are near one to the other; the Isle hath the same properties with that of Forteventura.

• 1.30The GREAT CANARY is almost equal in length and breadth, which is about 18 or 20 Leagues. It is the principal of these Islands, both because of its greatness, fertility, and the goodness of its Air; and because the Governor and Bishop of these Islands, whose yearly Revenue is 12000 Ducats, have their Residence in the City Canaria,* 1.31 which is fair, its Inhabitants well clad, and civil; and how hard soever it rains, its streets are dry, being only Sand. Its other places are Tedele, Galder, Argores, Gusa, and Del Douze Ingennos, or Twelve Sugar Engines. This Island it exceeding fruitful, and the Soyl so fertile, that they have two Harvests in one year, reaping their Wheat, Barley, and other Grains in February and May. Their Wheat excellent, and its Bread very white; but from the excellency of its Fruits, as Oranges, Citrons, Pomegranates, Figs, Olives, Apples, Pears, Peaches, Melons, Potato's, and above all, from its Wine, which is far beyond that of Spain. (Which among all others, bears the Bell with us in England.) From these we may judge of the goodness of the Island. They have also several other good Commodities, as Honey, Wax, Sugar-Canes, Cheese, and Wood, in great abundance; and breeds such plenty of Cattle, that the Leather is not one of the least Commodities they vend to other Nations, as Spain, England, Holland, &c. They have also store of Fowl; it is well covered with Firr Trees, Dragon Trees, Palm Trees, &c. And its Rivers well filled with Fish; but above all, they have Plantons which delights in Water; it is cut and shoots forth yearly into three or four Branches; each Branch bears 30 or 40 Apples, resembling a Cucumber; they incline to black; being ripe, they eat more deliciously then any Comfit in the World.

• 1.32TENERIFFE, which some call Enfer, is distant from the Grand Canary 16 or 18 Leagues, towards the North-West: Its utmost length is about 24 or 25 Leagues, and 12 or 15 its greatest breadth. The Land is raised in little Hills, and towards the middle, is the Pike of Teitha or Terreira, a streight and round Mountain, which reaches in height 45000 English paces, which is 45 miles, (some make it not so high, others higher;) but all agree that it is the highest Mountain in the World; even so high, that it may be seen in a clear day 60 Leagues distance at Sea; and from the top of it, a man may easily discover, and count all the other Canary Islands, though some of them be above 50 Leagues distance from this. It often casts forth fire and Sulphur: Its Summit is in form of a Sugar Loaf or sharp point, called the Pike of Teneriffe: For two or three miles about it, are only Cinders and Pumice Stones; two or three Miles lower, all is covered with Snow throughout the year, though there never fall any in those Islands; and yet lower are found the great Trees Vintaico, whose Wood is very weighty, and never rots in Water. Under these Trees Laurels cover almost 10 or 12 miles of the Countrey, where the Singing Birds of the Canaries, known among us by the name of Canary Birds, warble their pleasant notes. The foot of the Mountain casts forth divers Branches, and extends it self into a good part of the Island, which abounds more in Corn, then any of the rest; and sometimes it alone feeds them all. The Countrey between Rotana and Realejo, is so fruitful and pleasant, that its like can scarce be found in the World, such quantity it produces of Grains, Wines, Fruits, Honey, Wax, Sugar, Flax,* 1.33Silk, &c. And from hence they have their Vines which they carry to the West Indies; the best of which grow on the Coast of Ramble. There are certain Shrubs which yield a liquor like to Milk, which after it is thickned, makes an excellent Gum called Taybayba. From the Dragon Tree, cut towards the Root, they draw a red liquor which they call Dragons Blood, well known to Apothecaries.* 1.34 Its principal City Laguna so called, because of the Lake near to it, is 4 or 5 Leagues from the Sea, contains two parishes, and is the residence of the Governor of the Island. The other Cities, are Sancta Crux, Rotana, Rajalesa, Carachico, and Adeca. When it was discovered, its Kings to the number of seven dwelt in Caverns, and the bodies of their dead were set up about Caves, where they became as dry as Parchment; among which, the most honorable had a stick put in their hand, and a vessel of Milk before them.

• 1.35GOMER is 8 or 9 Leagues from Teneriff, is 10 or 12 Leagues long. Its chief City of the same name, often receives the Indian Fleet, and furnishes them with Corn, Fruits, Sugar, and Wines, as well as those of Teneriff, and Canaria. The Countrey is high, plain, bears many Dragon-trees, feeds small Cattle. Its Roads are deep and large: The People of this Isle were formerly more barbarous than those of the other Canary Isles, using many strange Customs not known elsewhere; among which they held it for a great sign of Hospitality, to let their Friends lie with their Wives, and receive theirs in testimony or return of kindness.

• 1.36The Isle of FERR is the most West of all the Canaries, distant from Palma 15 or 16 Leagues; from Gomer only 5 or 6. This Isle in reason should be well known, many persons having been there, and many Authors treated very amply of it; yet I will a little shew the diversity found touching the greatness, and quality of the soyl; as also the Water with which the Isle is served. Its chief place is called Hierro, seated on the Sea shore. Here is found plenty of Hogs, Goats, and Sheep; also of Beasts, Fowl, Fruits, and quantity of Grains and Sugar Canes, and hath much Cattle which yield abundance of Milk and Cheese.* 1.37 Here is said to be no fresh Water, only in the middle of the Isle there grows a Tree, whose Leaves are much like those of the Olive, which being alwaies covered with Clouds, drops from its Leaves into a Cistern which is underneath it, very good Water; and in such great abundance, that it suffices all the Inhabitants; as also all the Cattle and living Creatures in the Island. One Jackson an Englishman, who reports to have seen, considered, and measured this Tree in 1618, saith, That the water falls into a Pond containing 20000 Tuns, which in one night is filled; and that from this Pond the water is by divers Channels conveyed into other Ponds or Cisterns, through the whole Isle, which is very well peopled: some say it hath in it about 8000 people, and above 100000 head of Cattle, which for an Island but of six Leagues Circuit is very well; for if the Tree be in the middle of the Isle, it cannot be above a League distant from any extremity; and moreover more than 20000 Tuns of water, for 100000 months will be a Tun a day, for every five months, which is too much drink, if they drink nothing but water.

These particulars are contradicted by others. The Conquest of all these Isles saies many Trees, not one alone, otherwise it would be immortal. Sanutus saith, that the Cloud begins to rise about noon, and in the evening quite covereth the Tree, which at the same time destills water, drop by drop along the trunk, branches and leaves; and that it continues so till day. Others say, that this water falls from Noon all night, until a little after the Sun be risen. But most will have the Cloud perpetually about the Tree, and that it destills continually. Suarez makes the Pond or Cistern of not above 20 Tuns. The relations of 1602. say, two reservers, each 20 foot square; but neither Suarez nor others makes any mention of other reservers in the Isle; but will have this water in one place alone whither all go to fetch it. But let us pass from the Ocean, into the Mediterranean Sea, and come to Malta, which is one of the best, but none of the least considerable pieces of Africa. Nigh unto these 7 Islands, called the Canary Isles, are the Isles of Roco, Sancta Clara, Gratiosa, Alegria, and the two Savage Isles.

PALMA is distant from Gomer, 12 or 15 Leagues to the North West. It is round or oval, and its Circuit about 25 Leagues: Abounds in Corn, Wine, Sugars, and all sorts of Fruits. It is well stored with Cattle, and therefore made the victualling place of the Spanish Fleet that pass to Peru and Brasil. The City of the same name, hath great confluence, by reason of its Wines, loaden for the West-Indies, and other places. Its best, and like to Malvoisie, is made about Brenia, whence are taken more than 12000 Pipes yearly; also St. Andre, and Tassa Corde, are on the Sea. It hath little Corn, which is brought from Teneriff. Four Sugar Engines: the Church of Palma, and the Governors House, are esteemed fair.

The Island of MALTA.

• 1.38THe Isle of MALTA is in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, and almost at an equal distance from the main Land of Asia, and Europe. It is about 600 Leagues from the Coast of Souria, and 500 from the Streight of Gibralter: This Streight beginning the Mediterranean Sea towards the West; and that Coast ending it towards the East. Likewise from Malta to the nearest firm Land of Europe,* 1.39 which is Italy; and to the nearest Coasts of the firm Land in Africa, which are the Coasts of Tunis, and Tripoly, (these bounding the Mediterranean Sea on the South, that on the North) is 80, 90, and near 100 Leagues.

The Antients have esteemed it rather in Africa, then in Europe, and the opinion hath been followed by almost all modern Authors: though it be nearest the Isle, and Kingdom of Sicily, which is in Europe, and from which it likewise holds, then to Africa: and though it be in the hands of the Knights of Malta who are all Europeans, the native tongue of the Country, and most of their Customs, have alwaies more resembled those of Africa, than Europe. This Isle at present is very famous,* 1.40 not for its greatness, nor for its fertility, neither for Antient renown; but by reason it is the residence of the Great Master, and Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, whom at present we call of Malta, where they have settled since they lost Rhodes: and because it serves as a powerful Rampire for all Christendom, and particularly for Sicily and Naples.

• 1.41The length of the Isle is not above 20, or 25000 paces, its breadth 10, or 12000, and its Circuit about 60000 paces, which are 20, or 25 Italian miles in length, 10, or 12 in breadth, and 60 in Circuit. The Soil except the Antient City of Malta,* 1.42 is almost all stones, craggy, and dry: yet it produces Wheat, Barley, Cummin, and all sorts of Fruits; among others Figgs, Apricocks, Citrons, Melons, Grapes, &c. It feeds Horses, Asses, Mules, Hogs, Goats, Sheep, Hares, Conies, Hens, Partridges, Quails, Faulcons, and other Birds of prey. And its Beasts, Fowl, Grains, Fruits, as likewise their Capers, Honey, and Cotton, of which they make Cotton Cloth, and several Manufactures, are excellent; yet it wants much Corn, and Wine for the necessary food of its Inhabitants, which are 75 or 80000 souls: and among which there are about 15 or 16000 Souldiers, besides the Knights, so that they are constrained to fetch their provision from Sicily, which they have at a certain rate, and with priviledge to pay no Custom.

• 1.43The natural Inhabitants of this Island are said to be miserable, churlish, and uncivil people, of complexion, not less tawny then the Moors; use the African Language, but follow the Religion of the Church of Rome, which the Knights are bound to defend. Their women are fair, who are debarred the society of men, and go veiled, as not desiring to shew themselves, and are guarded after the Italian manner; they have here a great many of Curtizans, which are tolerated, who for the most part are Grecians, who sit at their doors playing on Instruments, &c. to intice men in to them.

• 1.44On the Coasts of this Isle, and beginning by Malta, and turning towards the East, South, and West, &c. to make the Circuit, the Ports, Roads, and Harbours, which present themselves, are Marza, or Marza-scala: then Marza sirocco, where the Turks landed the 19 of May 1565, when they had a design to besiege Malta. The Great Master Vignacour hath since caused to be built two Forts, which defend the entrance,; and a third upon that languet or tongue of land, which advances into the middle of the Port, enough to hinder any for the future from casting Anchor there in quiet; continuing towards the Coast which regards the South, and far towards the West, is nothing but Rocks, except it be a little Bay or Golfe of Pietra Negre, others call it Pietra Sancta, where the 5 of July arrived the first succour in favour of Malta. This relief was but of six hundred men, who passed from Pietra Sancta to the old City and from thence to the Bourg Il-Borgo, which the Turks besieged, after having taken the Fort of St. Elmo, and this assistance served much to the defence of that place. Pietra Sancta regards towards the South,* 1.45 the Rock of Forfolo or Furfura. Towards the West are the Golfes or Bayes of Anteofega, the Islanders call it Hayntofeca, then Muggiaro where the Turks first cast Anchor the 18 of May 1565. Between the West and North is the Bay or Port of Melecca, where the great relief arrived the 7 of December following. Melecca regards the Island of Goza, and in the streight or channel between both are the Isles of Cumin, and Cuminat. This part of the Isle about Melecca is almost divided from the rest, by the Golfe or Port of the Saline Vecchie, or old saltpits towards the East; and that of Muggiaro towards the West; and if the Turks had seized the pass which is between them, this assistance had proved vain. Next to the Golfe of the old Saline, is the Creek and Chapel of St. Paul, where according to common tradition he was ship wrackt: next is the Creek of new Salines, and the Creek of St. George, where the Turks dis-imbarked their Ammunitions to serve to assault the Fort St. Elmo. And in fine, the Ports of Marza Massetto, and Marza grande are those where at three several times have been builded, and fortified three Cities, and divers Forts contiguous to each other. It Borgo, or the Bourg is 2000 paces in Circuit, the Isle of Sengle 1500, each of 1000, or 1200 houses, the one and the other so well fortified, that they received 70000 Cannot shot, and sustained an incredible number of assaults of 60 or 70000 Turks. The Arsenal for the Gallyes is yet in the Bourg, but there resides there only Malteses, and Mariners, and in the Isle of Sengle Mariners and Souldiers of Fortune.

• 1.46The great Master and the Knights reside at present in the City of Valetta, which is now by much the most considerable of these Cities, both for its force, the advantage of its scituation, and the beauty of its publick and private buildings. It is built upon Montit Sceberros, which forms a Languet of Land all of a Rock; and between the Ports of Marza Massetto, and Marza grande commanding on all sides, and into all parts of the one and the other Port, and its ditches to the landward, which are cut out of the Rock, which are exceeding broad, of a very great depth, strongly flankt, and well fortified. The Walls are strong, joyn to the Rock, and are about 60 foot high, and are well provided with Guns, &c. against any occasion. It contains above 2000 houses, which are for the most part uniform, builded of Free-stone; they are commonly two stories high, flat at top, and with Tarrasses. The Market place is spacious, from whence several fair Streets do take their rise; to every house there is a Cistern to preserve water for their occasions; besides these houses there are several stately Structures, as the Great Masters Palace, which is a gallant Edifice, having a Tower which overlooketh the whole Island; the Hall or Chamber of Assemblies where they sit in Council, is curiously adorned and painted, wherein their Fights both by Sea and Land, as well at home as abroad, are lively represented; and this as also the Armory, which may on a suddain Arm 20 or 25000 men, are in the Great Masters Palace; then the Churches of St. Paul, and St. John Patron of the Order, the one the seat of a Bishop, and the other of a Prior, are magnificent; likewise the seven Alberges of the Knights like so many Palaces, where the Commanders of the seven tongues treat the Cavaliers at the expence of the Order. The Arsenal near Porto Reale is as well furnished with all sorts of Munition as any in Christendom. Also the Hospital of St. Johns towards the Castle of St. Elmo doth merit fame, not only for its buildings which are curious, but for the entertainment there given to those that fall sick, where the Knights themselves lodge when sick or wounded to receive cure, where they are exceeding well attended, have excellent good dyet, served by the Junior Knights in silver, and every friday visited by the Grand Master, accompanied with the great Crosses: a service which was from the first institution commanded; and thereupon called Knights Hospitallers. Here are, as Sandys saith, three Nunneries, one for Virgins, another for Bastards, and the third for penitent Whores.

• 1.47The Castle of St. Elmo is at the end of the City of Valetta towards the Sea, and at the opening of two Ports. During the siege of Malta it was taken, and sackt by the Turks, after having wasted 18000 Cannonshot, given divers assaults, and lost 4000 men of their best Militia, among others Dragut, one of their most famous Coursaiers. The Christians lost 1300 men among whom many Knights. But this Fort was restored to a far better Estate than before: and is separated from the City only by a ditch cut likewise in the Rock; on the other side, and on the point of the Borgo is the Fort of St. Angelo; and likewise above the Borgo, and the Isle of Sengle, have been made new works to hinder the Turks from lodging there.

Besides these three Cities, and the Forts about them, the ancient City of Malta, Medina, is in the middle of the Island, on an easie ascending hill, and in an advantagious scituation. The Turks assaulted it in 1551 but soon retired. The Bishop of the Isle hath here his residence; and near the City is yet the Grotte and Chapel of St. Paul where they believe he preached, and where he lay when he suffered shipwrack, and this place is of great account among them. All these Cities and Forts have 250 or 300 pieces of Cannon on their Rampart;* 1.48 and their Magazins are so well provided with Powder, Shot, Wood, Bisket, Salt-meats, and all Provisions, and Ammunition, that they call it Malta Flor del Mondo, Malta the Flower of the World: being provided alwaies with Ammunitions and Provisions for a three years siege; yet this is to be understood, not only because of its Fortifications, and Ammunitions, but likewise because of its force, and the resolution of its Knights.

• 1.49This order of Knighthood according to Sandys, received their denomination from John the charitable Patriarch of Alexandria; though vowed to St. John Baptist as their Patron. Their first seat was the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem, built by one Gerrard, at the same time when the Europeans had something to do in the Holy-Land, where they received such good success, and became so famous that they drew divers worthy persons into this society: which by Pope Gelasius the second, was much approved of. He saith, that one Raymond was the first Master of this Order, who did amplifie their Canons, and entituled himself The poor servant of Christ, and Guardian of the Hospital in Jerusalem; and at the allowance of one Honorius the second, were apparelled in black garments, signed with a White-Cross; this Order we have said began at Jerusalem, and at first meddled not but with the Government of the Hospital of St. John, and were called Fryers Hospitallers, or simply Hospitallers, as those of the Temple Templers; but when these Hospitallers were constrained to make profession both of Hospitality and Arms, they were called Knights Hospitallers, or Knights of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem;* 1.50 after the loss of Jerusalem, they held their Convent in the City and Fortress of Margatt, then in Aicre or Ptolomaido; and all the Latine Christians being driven from the Holy Land, and from Souria, they retired into Cyprus. But during their stay in Cyprus, they gained Rhodes, and established themselves there so powerfully, that they were called Knights of Rhodes. Margaret was taken from them in 1285. Aicre in 1291, little less than 200 years after Godfrey of Bulloin had Conquered the Holy Land, and this order began before; after the loss of Aicre they lived in Cyprus from 1291 to 1309. in which year they took, and settled in Rhodes, and maintained it more than 100 years, sustaining four sieges, till in 1522 Sultan Solyman became Master of Rhodes; they then retired into Europe, now into one place, and then into another, and in fine to Malta, which Charles the fifth gave them in 1530. with some little neighbouring Isles, as likewise the City of Tripoly in Barbary, which they could keep no longer then 1551. that place being too far engaged in the Enemies Country. These Knights are of divers Nations, and are divided into eight Tongues, to wit of Province, of Auvergne, of France, of Italy, of Arragon, of England, of Germany, and of Castile; so that the three first are in France, and the last in Castile; each Tongue contains many Priories, and each Priory many Commanderies; these three Tongues which are in France, have near 300 Commanderies. The other five Tongues which are in Italy, Arragon, England, Germany, and Castile, made near 400. but there are no more in England,* 1.51 the Kings of England when they confiscated the goods of the Church, having likewise seized the goods and Commanderies of the Knights of Malta; and in Germany a part of these Commanderies being fallen into the hands of Lutherans, and Calvinists, serve no longer: so that at present France alone furnishes little less than half the Commanderies of Malta.

And it hath been observed that from the first establishment of this Order, unto this very present, of 57 great Masters, there hath been 37 French, only 4 or 5 Italians, 7, or 8, Spaniards, and 11 whose Nation and Tongue the History could not observe; but apparently the most part were French, since this Order began by the French; of these 34 known, 12 were in the Holy-Land, and in Souria, 13 in Rhodes, and 〈◊〉 in Malta unto Father Paul of Lascaris; of every one there is a Grand Prior, who lives in great reputation in his Country, who orders the affairs of their Order; and for England, St. Johns by Clarken-well in times past was a mansion of the Grand-Prior. There are several Councels among these Knights,* 1.52 as that for deciding of differences which may happen among them; the Councel of War, the General Chapter, which may augment, or moderate the Authority of the great Master, renew the Ordinances and Government of the Religion, or their Order, and which is held every five years.

• 1.53The Ceremonies used in Knighting are these which follow; first being cloathed in a long loose garment, he goeth to the Altar with a Taper in his hand of White Wax, where he kneeleth down, and desires the Order of the Ordinary; then in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, he receiveth a sword, therewith to defend the Catholick Church, to repulse and vanquish the enemy, to expose himself to death for the Faith, to relieve the oppressed, and all by the power of the Cross, which is desigured by the cross hilt, then is he girt with a belt, and thrice struck on his shoulders with his sword, which signifies that he is cheerfully to suffer all afflictions for the honour of Christ: who taking it of him, flourisheth it aloft three times, as a provokement to the adversary, and then sheaths it again. Then he that gives him Knighthood, doth exhort him to get true honour by laudable and couragious actions, to be vigilant in the Faith, &c. then two other Knights of the said Order, do put on a pair of gilt spurs, which doth signifie that he should do no ignoble action for gain, and to value Gold no more than dirt; and thus with a Taper in his hand he goes to Mass, where he is excited to Hospitality, to works of Piety, redemption of Christian Captives, &c. Also he is asked whether he is resolved to live among them, to quit the Authority of secular Magistracy, to revenge their injuries, whether he be of any profession, whether a freeman, joyned in Matrimony, or vowed to another Order; and having answered thereunto, upon the receipt of the Sacrament he vows in this order: I vow to the Almighty God, to the Virgin Mary his immaculate Mother, and to St. John Baptist, perpetually by the help of God, to be truly obedient to all my superiours, appointed by God and this Order, to live without any thing of mine own, and withal to live chastly; which done he is received as a member of them; besides other prayers, they are commanded to say daily 150 Pater-nosters, for such as have been slaves in their Wars. None are admitted to this Order, but those who can prove their Gentility for six descents, which is examined and approved by the Knights of their Nation; they remain a year upon approbation, before they are admitted into the Society, where they come very young, that they may the sooner come to a Commendum at home. Their habit as we noted before, are black Cloaks, with large white Crosses of fine linnen set on the shoulder place; but in time of War they wear Mandilions of Crimson with the said White Crosses set behind and before, and about their necks they wear a Riband with a branch of the Cross. If one of these Knights be convicted of a Capital offence, he is in the first place publickly degraded in the Church of St. John, where he received his Knighthood; also strangled, or thrown into the Sea. There are of these Knights 1000, whereof 500 alwaies reside in this Island; the other 500 dispersed throughout Christendom, at their several Seminaries, which upon any summons are to make their personal appearance; every Nation do feed by themselves in their several Alberges, and sit at table like Friers. Of these there be 16 of great authority (Councellors of State,) called the Great Crosses, out of whom the Officers of their Order, as the Marshal, the Admiral, the Chancellor, the Master of the Hospital, &c. are chosen, and who together with the Master punishes the trangressors as aforesaid. Now when the Great Master hapneth to die, they suffer no vessel to go out of the Land, until another be chosen, lest the Pope should intrude on their election, which is thus performed, The several Seminaries nominate two Knights, and two also are nominated for the English; and these 16 from among themselves chuse 8, and these 8 chuse a Knight, a Priest, and a Frier servant, and they three out of the 16 great Crosses, elect the Great Master who being thus chosen, is stiled The most illustrious and most reverend Prince, the Lord Frier A.W. great Master of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem, Prince of Malta and Goza. The Great Master being thus chosen, and received with these and many other noble Ceremonies, hath a great power over all the Commanders and Officers of the Order; he assembles the Councels, calls the Officers of Justice, who exercise in his Name, and execute under his Seal; he Coins money, disposes of Treasure, imprisons, and sentences the faulty, pardons the Condemned, creates Knights of Grace, confers even to the eighth dignity of the Great Cross, &c. In the Councel and at Table he sits under a Canopy of State, and is bravely attended, and served by Knights according to their Order, and without Fee, and doth all the acts, of Soveraignty, and hath a great revenue to support his Dignity.

• 1.54Besides Malta, the Great Master, and the Knights of Malta possess the Isles of Cumin, and Cumiot which are very little; Forfola or Furfura, which is but a Rock, (and when they would iest with any among them, or play on some young Knight, they call him Prince of Forfola,) The Isle of Goza of which the Great, Master takes the title of Prince; this is the Gaulos or Gaudos of the Antients; and to this day called Gausditch by its Inhabitants, and Gausdosch by the Moors. It is about 6 or 8000 paces from Malta, and about 20000 paces in Circuit, its form approaching to an Oval. Its Fortress is on an uncommanded hill, and the Town beneath it; all the Isle though mountainous is peopled not by Villages, but by Hamlets, and houses scattered here and there, the Air being very good, and the land watered with many streams. It may assist Malta with its Corn, Fruits, Muttons, Hares, Fowl, Honey, &c. they take here excellent Faulcons; and that which is presented to the Vice-Roy of Sicily in the name of the Great Master of Malta, and for Malta, likewise those which are presented to the King of France, are for the most part taken here.

This Isle of GOZA was taken, and pillaged by the Turks in 1551, who carried near 4000 souls Captives, there remaining almost as many. At present it is restored, and the Castle well fortified, and all the approaches of the Isle defended with some Forts. Its Governour is one of the Knights whom the Grand Master sends from three years to three years; the Inhabitants speak Arab, or Moresco, as at Malta, have the same manners, and are all Catholicks.

Likewise LAMPEDOZA, and LINOSA or Limosa distant from Malta, about 10000 paces, belong to these Knights, but both are esteemed desart. West of them and towards the Cape of Bona is the Isle of Pantaleria, which belongs not to the Knights, but to the Catholick King; but because we have not remembred it before, we will here speak a word of it. Its Circuit is about 30000 paces. Its City, and Port regard Sicily towards the North; and Malta towards the East. Above the City is a Castle or Rock, which nature hath made craggy, and inaccessible on all sides. The Land bears little Corn, quantity of Pulse, and Kitchin-herbs; produceth abundance of Cotton, Anniseeds, Figgs, Melons, Capers, and excellent Grapes, &c. The manners, habit and tongue of the Islanders retain much of the Moors, yet they are all Catholicks like to Malta, and under the Vice-Roy of Sicily. In the midst of the Island, and in a Cave is a Pitt, which exhales continually an obscure vapour, which spreading it self on all sides on the Rock, dissolves into water, and distills with such abundance, that it furnisheth all the Inhabitants have need of not only for their drink, and other uses, but for their Beasts; nor is there any other fresh water in the Isle, the Land being dry, reddish, and so hot that a naked foot can scarce suffer it.

For the rest the Knights of Malta are alwaies in Arms against the Moors, Mahometans, and all the Pyrates of the Mediterranean Sea,* 1.55 and by their expeditions with those few Gallies, they have delivered out of their hands a great number of Christian Captives, reduced many Mahometans to the Christian Faith, maintain their Arms in good reputation, and on all occasions which present themselves, whether of their own, or with other Princes of Christendom, they freely employ and venture both their lives and goods in favour of Christians in general and particular.

But it is time to finish Africa, and to say that if we would have believed certain Authors among the Antients, this Africa had been represented to us with unsupportable heats, unsufferable droughs, fierce and cruel Beasts, perfidious Men, horrible and afrightful Monsters, whereas time, which daily discovers things unknown to the Antients, hath made us see that the greatest heats of Africa have some refreshments; that the driest sands have some wells, some waters; that the vastest solitudes have some green fields, some Fruits; that the Beasts are not so dangerous, but that Men may desend themselves from their fury; nor the Men so faithless, but that they have Commerce and Society among themselves, as also with Strangers; that their Dragons, Serpents, Griffons, &c. are for the most part imaginary. And moreover, the generosity of its Lyons, the docility of its Camels, the Feathers of its Estriches, the odour of its Civets, the swistness of its Barbes, the agility of its wild Asses, the greatness of its Elephants, the strength of its Eagles, the diversity of its Parroquets, and the wantonness of its little Monkeys, &c. recompence the mischief which other Beasts may do. And though there are as yet some people fierce, and Man-eaters, the most part of the others are very ingenious and tractable. The Egyptians have long since sufficiently made known their cunning in Sciences, Arts, and Arms, so have the Carthaginians, &c. and the Antients esteemed the Aethiopians the most innocent and justest men in the world, believing the Gods sometimes banqueted with them. Besides there are many particulars worthy of observation in Africa; what City was ever fairer, or more magnificent than THEBES, in the higher Egypt? Than MEMPHIS in the middle? Or A LEXANDRIA in the lower? Out of Egypt, what City was ever richer, more powerful, or more proud than CARTHAGE, except Rome? And at present PEZ is so splendid, that there is no City in Europe to be compared with it; though many believe it not to compare to CAIRO in Egypt: Among the Seven Wonders of the World, some place three in Egypt alone, the Statue of MEMNON at Thebes, the PYRAMIDES near Memphis, and the PHARƲS of Alexandria.

• 1.56Not only these beautiful Works, and fair Cities, not only the infinite quantity of Gold, and other Metals, Precious stones, Grains, Fruits, Spices, Druggs, Wines, Oyls, Sugars, Honey, Wax, Cordovants, Amber, Ambergreece, Elephants-teeth, Estriches-feathers, Saffron, Coral, Civet, Musk, Incense, Coffee, Capers, Olives, Ivory, Silk, Cotton, Flax, &c. of which they make Velvets, Silks, Damasks, &c. a thousand several Manufactures which are found there, ought to make us account Africa very considerable: but its extent which is little less than Asia, twice as great as Europe. Its position is in the Southern part of our Continent; the South is esteemed after the East, before either North or West: It was the portion of Cham, second Son to Noah, which may make us judge it the second in greatness and goodness. Its first Monarchies have been known before those of Europe; some will say before those of Asia. Arts, Sciences, Letters, and Laws, have been in great reputation here, before they passed into Greece or the rest of Europe.