CHAP. I. Of the Commerce of the Engliſh Nation.

THe Navigation and Commerce of the Engliſh Nation, is ſo proportioned, that upon the diviſion of the world, it may properly be ſaid, that it is traded by four ſeverall parts. The greateſt of which is America, the next in account is Aſia, the third Africa▪ and the leaſt Europe, in which is out native Countrey, it being a Weſtwardly part of this Diviſion. From whence there ariſes to mee theſe Queſtions.

The firſt, whether the trade be equally divided according to the quality of the places traded with.

The ſecond, whether the loſſe to ſome of theſe places be not greater then the gains.

The third, whether the trade of the Common-wealth may not be increaſed.

The fourth, how it hath been hindred, and what is the let in the grants of it.

The fifth, whether there may not be a courſe taken to quicken the trade and encourage Adventurers.

CHAP. 2. The generall deſcription of America, or the new World.

THis great part of the globe was unknown unto the Europeans untill the year of our Redemption 1492. At which time it was diſcovered by Chriſtopher Columbus, a Genowes, in the behalf of Ferdinand King of Caſtel, and Leon in Spain, that to this day, enjoys the greateſt and richeſt part of it. And eſpecially thoſe golden and fruitfull Regions, that are between the Tropicks, which is commonly called the West Indies. And what there is unpoſſeſt of him and the Natives, and in the hands of Engliſh, Dutch or French is not conſiderable to the reſt.

This title of America, comprehends as well Iſlands, as Continents, the Iſlands for the moſt part lieth in the Seas on this ſide the Continent. The other of the Weſt ſide are few and ſmall, the Seas that compaſſe this Continent on the Eaſt ſide, are commonly called the North Seas; On the Weſt ſide the South Seas, which lieth between it and Aſia, and on the North end it hideth it ſelfe under the Pole; and to the South of the ſtraight of Magellan, the North and South Seas meet together, and divide it from the South Pole.

The Continent of America in ſeven degrees of North Latitude, is very narrow from ſea to ſea, that is to ſay, from Porto Bello to Panama eight leagues, a rough & rocky paſſage, from whence both North and South, the Land groweth exceeding broad to the North beyond knowledg, and to the South, one thouſand leagues, as 'tis gueſt.

It containeth divers Regions and Provinces, in which are comprehended ſome good and wholſome places, other bad and unwholſome, and as there is indifferents, ſo there is extreams.

And as the beſt places are within the Tropicks, ſo the more north or ſouth you goe, the more barren and cold you finde the Climates, even to unſufferable extremities.

The paſſage and courſe of ſayling to the moſt parts of America, is by the wind that bloweth a gentle gale, conſtantly between the Tropicks eaſt, or eaſt South-eaſt, not much wavering unleſſe by a Tornado or Hericano.

The Natives of America, at this day are of three ſorts; The firſt, that live the moſt civilly, are them that live within the government of the Spaniards, after the ſame manner that they do, in apparell, building, trades and Religion. The ſecond ſort, are thoſe that live under the contribution of the Engliſh, Portugals, Dutch, French, &c. And theſe keep ſtill their ancient Cuſtomes, Religions, and Manners: and theſe I ſay are divided under ſeverall Governours, or Kings, and live in Towns, ſome of which are paled round, conteining houſes covered with Mats, their frames of Arbour works, the beſt are made more ſubſtantiall of great Poles and mats, covered with the bark of trees, their food is what the Woods, Seas and Rivers affords naturally, and their bread of that grain we call Virginia wheat, and of this their wives plant about their Towns, whom they accuſtome alſo to do their other houſehold work, the men ſpending their time in hunting and fiſhing, being attended by the boys, whom they breed up to this kind of life with themſelves. And this way of living runs throughout all America, North and South, for this ſort of people.

The third kind of Indians which are on the land, they call in the Spaniſh Dominions (where there is the moſt of them) Chickameckians, and in the Iſlands Canables. In which ſort of people, the Craibey Iſlands do ſo abound, that they prove bad neighbours to the Engliſh and French, that are there ſeated, as thoſe in the land are to the Spaniards. And theſe Indians live upon what they get from the ſtrangers that are neer them, & the other more civil Indians: and ſome of them are ſo inhumane, that they will eat mans fleſh. Their common food is what they get by hunting and fiſhing. And ſuch of them that have Iſlands, and Provinces to themſelves, live in ſuch kind o • habitation (as I have ſaid, the ſecond ſort of Indians do.) The Religion of all of them, that are no • made Spaniſh Chriſtians, is to worſhip ſtones, beaſts, or fowls, an • ſerpents, but generally the Devill • whom they much fear, and therefore worſhip.

Their Prieſts are conjurers an • witches and in thoſe arts can do very ſtrange things.

The ſtatures of the Natives differ as with us in Europe, but thei • complexions generally are tawn • and ſwarthy, as alſo their skins Although in divers places, I ſuppoſe, they would be otherwiſe, did they not anoint their fleſh with oiles and greaſe, and bask themſelves in the Sun and winde, againſ • which they have little or no defence, going almoſt all naked, excepting amongſt thoſe Civill Indians with the Spaniards.

Their naturall weapons, are generally Batoo • s, Bowes and Arrows. Their Bows are made of ſome bending wood, their Arrows of Canes and Reeds, headed with fiſhes bones, and flints, with which they are excellent markſmen. The heads of divers they poyſon to do the more miſchief. There are naturall to theſe parts which are wild in the Woods, divers kinds of Beaſts and Fowles, many of which are not elſewhere in the world to be found, as alſo many fruits not known amongſt us.

Amongſt the Plantations, there is not any thing wanting that is to be had in Europe; and much more, which is naturall to thoſe parts, but the ſubſtance of fleſh, fiſh, and fruits is not ſo ſubſtantiall as that of Europe, and not any thing comparable with that in England: which is the cauſe that they are much eaſier of digeſtion, and cauſeth a more conſtant appetite then we have with us.

The treaſures that are yearly drawn from the bowels of the Spaniſh Regions, are infinitely great. And in the ſubjection of any other Prince or people of Europe, there is neither Mine of Gold, Silver, Quick-ſilver, Emraulds, or Beads of Pearl, all which are in great plenty in the Spaniſh Dominions. And in regard I ſhall in my relations, ſpeak of many Countreys, that are plentifull of theſe riches, I ſhall here deſcribe how they are obtained.

CHAP. 3. Of Gold, Silver, Quickſilver, Emraulds, and Pearl.

THe gold is engendred in the Mountains, from whence by rains and flouds into the Plains, and rivers, where for the moſt part they find it. That of the plains, is in veines of hard earth that conteineth part pure grains of gold like pompeon-ſeeds, which is the beſt, but the moſt that is got in the Indies, is in the Rivers, where it is found mixed with the ſand in pouder, even as the ſand it ſelf. They ſeparate it from the earth, and ſand, by waſhing in a bowle of the faſhion of a Barbers baſon. Where they finde it in hard veines, they break them with the Hammers, and make them fit to waſh: firſt, putting the earth or ſand into the baſon, and receiving water into one ſide of it, turn it out at the other, untill they have waſhed out the earth from the gold, which as the heavier ſubſtance remains behind at the bottome of the bowle.

The ſilver Mine is found in the earth in veines or branches, much like the Tinne or Cole in England, and is worked almoſt in the ſame manner under the ground.

The way of ſeparating the ſilver from the droſſe, is firſt to take the oare, and break it in Hammer-mils, and grind it to powder, then ſift it through a Copper ſearſe, and put it into a furnace, under which they make a fire by degrees, mixing with every fifty quarts of pouder five of ſalt, and ſtirring it, together with quick-ſilver, which they ſqueeze through a piece of holland upon the ſaid pouder and ſalt, and when they finde the quick-ſilver, ſufficiently incorporate with the ſilver, then they put it altogether in a Cauldron, in which there is water, and a wheel, that going round, turneth out the earth and droſſe with the water, the quick-ſilver, and ſilver, as the more heavy ſubſtance remains behind, which they take from the Cauldron, and waſh it after the manner of gold, till they finde it clean from all droſſe, and filth, and then putting it into a cloth, they ſtrain forcibly from it ſome quick-ſilver, the remainder being as a leafe of ſilver.

And to ſeparate the ſilver from the quick-ſilver, they put it into a violent fire, and cover it with an earthen pot of the faſhion of a ſugar loa • , which is alſo covered with coals, and kept very hot, and from a hole in the ſaid pot, to which is faſhioned a pipe, like the pipe of a Limbeck, they receive the quickſilver, which evacuates by the ſame pipe, leaving the ſilver of the ſame form it was put in, but wanting much of the bigneſſe and waight.

The Quick-ſilver and Vermillion, is found together in Rocks, or very hard earth. That part that is found to contein the quick-ſilver, they break to pieces, and putting it into earthen fire-pots well luted, they ſet it on a violent fire (made in the Indies of ſtraw, which they find to be excellent for that work) whatof it evacuateth out of the pot, goeth up, till meeting nothing to receive it, it falleth down cold, in the ſame manner we have it. The remainner in the pot, being ſufficiently ſeparated from the droſſe and earth, the fire is taken away, and when it is throughly cold, they open the pot, and poure out the Quick-ſilver. into leather baggs, which keepeth it beſt, conveighing it where they pleaſe in them. Thoſe that open theſe pots, and ſtirreth the ſilver and it together, in refining the ſilver, ſwallow a pellet of gold, that lying in the ſtomack, draweth the Quick-ſilver, which in time getteth into their bodies, from whence it goeth out with the ſaid pellet in excrement. And if the pot be not throughly cold, when 'tis open; it is two to one, if they loſe not their teeth or hair, diſ-figure their noſes and faces, and many times utterly ſpoile themſelves. Wherefore, they are very cautious in this action.

The Emraulds are in great abundance in divers parts of the Spaniſh Countreys, they get them in veines of ſtone, that is almoſt like chryſtal, ſome as big as a hazel nut, and of ſeverall colours, as whitiſh, green and white, and the moſt perfect abſolute green.

The Pearls are found in greateſt plenty in the North ſeas, and they are roundeſt and moſt orient, although there are great ſtore at the Iſland of Pearls in the South Seas, which is ſome 25 miles from Panama. In the North ſeas, where I ſay are the beſt; the principall fiſhing for them is at the River of Haca, which runneth between the Province of Sancta, Martha and Carthagena, and alſo at the Iſlands of Margreata, and Cumana. They are found in Oyſter-ſhels of the colour of heaven, faſtned to gravell or Rocks, ſix, nine, and twelve fathome under water, and brought from thence by Negro ſlaves, which are ſo expert in diving, that ſome of them will continue half an hour under water.

CHAP. 4. Of the Iſland of New found Land.

IN order to a perticular deſcription of this new World, I ſhall firſt ſpeak of the Iſlands, of which the moſt Septentrionall, is Newfound land, which ſtretcheth north and ſouth, from 46 degrees and a half, to 50 and a half of latitude. The Natives of this place are few, and ſavage, neither is there any thing in this Countrey to invite a Plantation, it is ſo Rockie, and barren. But for the commoditie of fiſh, which are taken on the Coaſt in great plenty, there are ſome men that do endure the heat of Summer, and cold in Winter, both which come in extreams, ſome are French, but the moſt Engliſh, in whoſe hand lieth the ſupream power, the plenty of fiſh (wch ſort is wel known in England, by the name of New-found land fiſh) inviteth many ſhips thither, whoſe lading is procured ſometimes by themſelves, but for the moſt part by the dwellers in the place. This Iſland lyeth at the mouth of the River Canida, diſtant from the Continent at the North end neer half a league, and the South weſt point is about a league from Cape Briton, and by the one of theſe ways, you paſſe to the River Canida.

CHAP. 5. Martins Vineyard.

THe next Iſland that is ſeated is Martins Vineyard. It is a ſmall Iſland on the coaſt of New England, and the Governour is appointed by the Councill of Boston, the chief government, in New England; It is 20 miles long, and 10 broad: And upon it are forty Engliſh families, with divers peaceable Indians, that live by hunting and fiſhing.

The ſoil is rocky, but affordeth ſome Engliſh grain, and Virginia Corn. They have no Commerce, but with the Indians of the Mayn, for skins of Bever, &c. And ſome little Corn they ſend to Boſton. There is great plenty of Fiſh on the Coaſt, which they procure the Indians to catch them at an eaſie rate.

CHAP. 6. Long Iſland

SOuth weſt of Martins Vineyard, lieth Long Iſland. It is in length ſixty Engliſh miles, and fifteen in breadth. The North eaſt end is ſeated by ſome Engliſh, which have been thruſt from New England for their Judgement. The moſt of them holding the Chriſtian tenent of confeſſion before Baptiſme. At the South Weſt end, there are ſome few Dutch and Engliſh. This Iſland is a fruitfull ſoil for Engliſh grain and Milet, and of a good air. The Seas about it are well ſtored with Fiſh, and the woods, with Deer and Turkeys, and it hath many quiet Indians, that live by hunting and fiſhing.

The Dutch Plantation layeth claim to this Iſland, ſo doth the South Government of New England, but at preſent, the Inhabitants live without duty to either.

There are divers other Iſlands on this Coaſt, but not any ſeated, or conſiderable to a Plantation. The principall on the Coaſt of New England, are in the Naraganſet, and Maſy •• ſis Bayes, and neer the Swedes Plantation. Some few in Delaware Bay. And Smiths Iſland at the North Cape of Virginia; and from the Cape Charls, which is the South Cape of the Cheſapea • k Bay in Virginia, till you come to Cape Hatrask, are no Iſlands.

This Cape is a point of an Iland in 36 degrees, and from thence till you come to the point of St. Helena, which is in 32 degrees, all the coaſt along are broken Iſlands uninhabited, the beſt is within Cape Hatrask in the ſame height. It is called Roanock, and is of 18 miles compaſſe to the South-ward of the mouth of the River Occam in old Virginia. It is bad coming to it by reaſon of the ſhelves of Cape Hatrask, which lyeth far out at Sea, by which Cape, he that will go to the ſaid Iſland muſt paſſe.

CHAP. 7. The Bermudas, or Somers Iſlands.

THis Island lyeth diſtant from the Main 200 leagues, in 33 degrees, and 20 minutes. It is 20 miles long, and ſomething more then two miles in breadth. And temperate in relation to heat and cold, but violent in the bluſtring winds, which often haunteth their coaſts, but a moſt wholſome place to live in, and wel repleniſhed with our Nation, that live there without want, for there is ſtore of Milet or Virginia Corn, and Potatoes, divers ſorts of fruits, as Muskmelons, Water-melons, Figs, Plants, Papans, Limons, Oranges & Limes: Plenty of fleſh, as Turkeys, Hens, Pork and Beef, and on the Coaſt much Fiſh. The Commodity they yearly export, is ſome Tobacco of the worſt ſort, Beef, and Pork.

The Spaniſh wracks that often happens on their Coaſt, furniſheth them with pieces of eight. And the beſt ſort have their Negro Slaves to work for them.

This Iland is almoſt ſurrounded with rocks and ſhelves, but on the South-ſide is an open road, and toward the Eaſt end a good harbour, hard to hit, without an Islande▪ for Pilot. When you firſt mark • the Island, it appears as a Rock in the Sea, going almoſt right up a • a great way from the water, and i • hath a delightfull aſpect, but 'ti • little better then a Rock, there being but two foot of mould on the greateſt part of it, under which, there is a kind of hard ſubſtance, much like pumiſtone.

CHAP. 8. Of the Iſlands of Lucaos, or Bahama.

THeſe Islands are South-weſt from the Barmuda's, and to the North of Portorico, Hiſpaniola and Cuba, the moſt eminent is Lucayoneque in 27 degrees. It hath almoſt to the Weſt the Island of Bahama. From whence the channell of Bahama between Florida, and the Sholdes de los Mimbres taketh name. The current of this channell, ſeateth ſo hard to the North, that although Winds be proſperous, the Ships cannot enter it, and if it be croſſe, they will go with the current.

Next to Bahama, is a ſmall Isle ſurrounded with the ſhelves of Bimny.

There is like wiſe the Iſland of Abacoa, of 12 Leagues long, another called Yuma, of 20 Leagues, and eight in breadth, in 24 degrees and a halfe.

Yuemeata is in 23 degrees and a half, 15 Leagues in length, and North, from Hiſpaniola, lieth Samana, 7 Leagues each way.

And between Yuemeata and Guanema lieth Yabaque of 10 Leagues in 22 degrees and a half.

The Miara Parvos are three ſmal Iſlands that by triangle, and are compaſſed with ſhelves.

South from Yuemeata, is Magaguana, of 20 leagues in length, and the halfe in breadth in 23 degrees, Quaqua of 10 leagues in 20 degrees and a half. North from Quaqua are the Cacos, of five leagues, in 21 degrees. The Iſland of Mackre ſtands in 20 degrees, and is compaſſed with ſhelues. And in 20 degrees lieth the ſhelves of Abreo, of 15 leagues long, but Eaſt from Mackre.

On theſe Iſlands are no Inhabitants, thoſe that did live there were a harmleſs ſimple people, and therefore the eaſier taken and carried away by the Spaniards that have made them ſo deſolate, many of them ſeem of a good mould, and the Latitude promiſeth much fertility. The arie is certainly good and wholſome, and not ſo extream hot, as other parts of that height.

There is ſcarcely any beaſt on them ſave a Cony, that hath a taile like a Rat, but Pigeons and Brids in great numbers; moſt of them of greeniſh colour.

There is the Gumme Benjamin of the beſt and worſt ſort, Guacom, and Saſaprila, and Saſafras, and on ſome of them red wood and Amber-greece. The Engliſh Sea-men are little acquainted with theſe Islands although they ſaile round them yearely. And ſince I petitioned for them, which was ſix years ago, and my abſence hindred my proſecution: Captain Sail and others have obtained a Patent, making thither on the coaſt of an Island, which he called Illutheria; his ſhip was wrackt, but the people of the ſhip all ſaved, but recovered the ſhoare with few neceſſaries, I ſaw him after his eſcape from thence in a ſmall boat of 3 Tuns recovering Virginia, where he procured a Pinnace of near 25 Tuns, with which he carried relief to thoſe he left in the Island. But I underſtand by a Maſter of a Bark, that went from New England, that on a diviſion was among them, they were leaving the Island. In my diſcourſe with the ſaid Sail, I underſtod that none of his company knew the place they intended, or were ever there, when they undertook the voyage. The coaſts of moſt of them are dangerous, and bad to make, and that ſhip that ſhall be neer, or amongſt them muſt keep the lead always going, but with a wary Pilot, and care in giving the Islands a fair birth, they are eaſily recovered.

The Spaniards know this place well, and have a yearly trade thither for the aforeſaid Commodities, and amongſt the Islands are wracks of divers of their ſhips.

CHAP. 9. Of Hiſpaniola.

SOuth of the Lucayos lyeth the Islands of Barlevento, which are not onely the beſt of America, but almoſt beyond compare, were they as well furniſhed with people, as they are with neceſſaries to maintain them. They be in the hand of the Spaniard, almoſt without people. For Hiſpaniola, that is the chief, and in 18, 19, 20 degrees, and 150 leagues Eaſt and Weſt, hath but one City, no Town nor Village, but what is inhabited by Negro's, that are ſervants to the Spaniards. Here is a perpetuall Summer, the Winter being but the rain that falleth.

This Land is exceeding pleaſant, and hath divers Vallies, one being ſo great, as to reach from the one ſide of the Island to other, that hath many golden rivers iſſuing into it, which Vallies are always ſtocked with multitudes of wilde kine, goats, hogs, ſhag-hair'd ſheep and horſes, amongſt which, as their deadly enemy, are many wild dogs, that are bred of ſuch as have been loſt a hunting, and run away from the Spaniards: the woods have abundance of Oranges, Limons, Limes, Cotton-wool and Plantens, and many green Birds.

The commodities the Spaniards yearly export from thence is Ginger, Sugar, Cotton-wool, Caſſia, Fiſtula, Saſaprila, and Lignum vitae; with Tallow, and a hundred thouſand hides, which are yearly gotten of thoſe wild cattell, which are the largeſt of the world.

There are divers Rivers that afford gold, and ſome Mines which are not now worked, great plenty of Copper and other minerall.

The City where the Spaniards dwel, is called Santo Domingo, it ſtandeth on the South ſide of the Island neer the Eaſt end, on the Weſt-ſide, the River Oſama in 19 degrees and a half, fairly built with ſtone, and walled about with a Caſtle on the ſaid River, between the Town and the Sea. Here are reſident the Supream Council of the Islands, the Officers of the goods and royall treaſure, a Minthouſe, and the Cathedrall, that hath for ſufferance the Biſhoprick, of Cuba Portrico, Feneſcula, and the Abbotſhip of Jamecca. Here are alſo Monaſteries of Franciſcans, Dominicans, and Mercenaries; and two Nunneries, a Grammar-ſchool, and an Hoſpitall.

The people in this City, live in great pleaſure, enjoying, beſide the foreſaid plenty of fleſh, many excellent fruits all the year long, as Bonanoes, Pine-apples, Cuſtard-apples, Plantens, Papans, Musk-melons, Water-melons, and many other fruits and hearbs, ſtore of Turkeys, and Poultrey. And their bread they make of the • oot Yuca, called Caſcaby, but they have plenty of Milet and Potatoes.

On the Coaſts, are firſt the point of Niſao, ten leagues to the Weſt of Santo Domingo, and eighteen leagues, further is the Port Ocoa, which is a Bay, where the fleets of Nova Hiſpani • take refreſhing, when they do not anchor in the nooke of Sepeſepin, which is neer unto it, or in another called the Fair Haven, two leagues before you come to Ocoa. And 20 leagues beyond Ocoa is the Port of Aſua. And 30 leagues more Weſtwardly there is a large point right againſt the Island of Bola, which lieth five leagues from the Coaſt.

The moſt Weſterly point, is called Cape Tibron. It hath an Iſland three leagues from it Weſt called Caprio, and ſailing along the Coaſt you will ſee an Iſland called Camito, and further in the nooke of Yaguana there is an Iſland called Guanabo, of eight leagues long.

Of the North ſide of the Iſland the moſt Weſtwardly Cape and Port is Saint Nicol, as from whence North-eaſt and by Eaſt, lyeth the Island of Tortaga, neer the Coaſt of Hiſpaniola, it is of five leagues length, and governed by a Frenchman. And further along the Coaſt is Montey Criſtey, the Weſt Cape of the Port of Nativedad, to the Eaſt of which there is a great Bay called Port Real. This Island is ſo full of Harbours, as he that will coaſt it, cannot well miſſe of one where he pleaſeth, moſt of which afford refreſhing of freſh meat and good water. In many parts of this Island, eſpecially on the North ſide are Engliſh men always lying to kil Cattle, for their hides onely, they live in Tents, ten, and twenty in a company, and have Shallops to attend them, to conveigh them away when they pleaſe, moſt commonly to Turtagues which is their head Quarter, for it is neer lying.

CHAP. 10. Of the Iſland of Cuba.

THis Island lyeth Weſt from Hiſpaniola, and is 200 leagues long Eaſt and Weſt, the broadeſt part not 45. What Hiſpaniola affordeth is here in good plenty, but the Land neither ſo pleaſant nor wholſome. The gold of this Island is not ſo good in his allay, as that of Hiſpaniola, but Copper is here in greater quantity. It hath two remarkable things, the one is a Valley of 20 leagues, that within the earth hath ſtones as round as a bullet, and from hence the Spaniards may furniſh themſelves with ſhot of all ſizes. The other is a fountain of a kind of pitch which runneth continually. All the Natives here, as well as at Hiſpaniolia, are deſtroyed by the Spaniards, but in both places they have ſtore of Negro ſervants: their delicateſt fare in this Island is Patridges, which are in great abundance. Over all the Island, the Spaniards breed them up tame, and eſteem them the ſweeteſt eatable fleſh in the World.

It hath two fair Towns, the beſt, which is of greateſt reſort, is the Town of Havana, that lyeth on the North-coaſt in 22 degrees: It hath neer 900 houſholds, there is reſident in it the Governour of Cuba, a Cathedrall with Monaſteries of Dominicans, Franciſcans, and one of Nuns. In this Haven all the Spaniſh ſhips of the Indies, meet together, and return to Spain: the Town is rich but unfortified to the land, but the harbour is ſtrongly ſecured by two Caſtles, that lye a little within the mouth of it.

This harbour is counted an exceeding good one for ſecurity of Ships, but on the South-eaſt part of the Island, there is the harbour or port of Saint James, which for greatneſſe and goodneſſe, is eſteened one of the beſt in the World.

It lyeth 40 leagues from Cape Tibron, in Hiſpaniola, in 20 degrees. It hath the City of Saint James ſtanding on the ſide of it, two miles from the Sea. This City is of 300 houſes, but of ſmall Commerce. It hath a Monaſtery of Franciſcan Friars, and nothing elſe remarkable. To the Weſt of it 25 leagues, lyeth the port of Spirito ſancto, and further Weſt lyeth the Queens gardens, which is a ſhelf of Sholds and Islands, and 20 leagues further the port of Trinitie, in 21 degrees and 30 leagues ſtill weſtwardly the Cape of the Croſſe, and 10 further the gulfe of Xaqua, between which and Cape Anthony, which is the Weſterlieſt point of Cuba, there are many ſmall Islands and Sholds along the coaſt. The North coaſt is a cold coaſt, and hath many good harbours, beſides that of the Havana, the next in account to it is Saint Jaquis, which is 8 leagues eaſt from the ſaid Haven, and not farre diſtant from the Island, called the Kings Gardens From this City of Saint Jaques, the Biſhop hath his title.

CHAP. 11. Jamico Iſland.

THis, Island lyeth twenty leagues from Cuba full South in 17 degrees and a half of latitude Eaſt and Weſt it is fifty leagues, North and South, in the broadeſt place 20. It hath the fruits and Cattle of Hiſpaniola, but no Mines of gold or copper. It is very plentifull of Milet and Swine, but more ſubject to Turnados and Hericanos then any of the other Islands. Here the inhabitants live in a plentifull manner; and have on the North ſide of the Island, the City of Sivil, fairly built, it hath a Governour and an Abbot, a Monaſtery of Franciſcan Friars, who have their cloyſter Nuns.

The Weſtwardlieſt Cape of the Iſland is called Morauta, and from thence along the North coaſt 10 leagues diſtant lyeth the port of Jauca. And ten leagues forward the port of Melila, and ten leagues further ſtandeth the port of Sivil, from whence the Coaſt windeth to Cabo Dilfalcon. Weſt from Jameco are the Iſlands of Curymanos. And of the South Coaſt five leagues lyeth the Hermingo's which are dangerous ſhelves.

CHAP 12. The Iſland of Saint John De Portrico.

THis Iſland lyeth from the Hiſpaniola 15 leagues. It is 45 leagues Eaſt and Weſt, and North and South 23. It aboundeth in all Hiſpaniola hath, and it is the firſt place the Spaniards have in the Indies. And the City of Portrico, which ſtandeth on the North eaſt part of the Iſland, is ſtrongly fortified, and naturally well ſcituated for defence in 18 degrees of Latitude: it hath a Governour, a Biſhop, and his Cathedrall, and Officers of the Kings treaſures, with two Monaſteries of Friars. And 30 leagues to the Weſt of this Town ſtandeth the Village of Aſricebo. And 33 leagues South-weſt from Portrico, ſtandeth the Town of Saint Jerman, tis on the Weſtend of the Iſland. The North Coaſt is foul and ſhelvie, but Eaſt from Portrico is the River of Luyſa and Canoba. And the furtheſt weſt on the South Coaſt is Caprio, and Weſt from it at Sea 5 leagues lyeth the Iſland of Mona, a ſmall Iſland, and as far north to other little Iſlands. And the Natives here and at Jameca, have been totally deſtroyed by the Spaniards, ſo that at this day there is not one to be found.

CHAP. 13. Sancta Crux, the Virgins, Virgin Gorda, Blances, Anagada, Sombrito.

EAſt from Portrico, lye the Caribeys, which by the Spaniards are called the Wether Iſlands: the natives are men-eaters, and a very warlike couragious people. The moſt Weſterly is Sancta Crux, it • yeth in 16 degrees and a half, and • ſixteen leagues in length: it is in the hand of the Engliſh, but few live there. The plague that hath been ſo hot in theſe Ilands, begun at this, as men report, although the other hath been ſince as ſickly, I ſuppoſe it is the cauſe, it is no better ſeated, for undoubtedly this is the beſt Iland, and the largeſt the Engliſh poſſeſſe in the Indies, and neereſt adjoyning to the Spaniard, which might be made (if it were well managed) a great advantage: it is capable of the ſame fruits, roots and ſeeds Hiſpaniola hath, and Sugar-canes, and lyeth neer adjoyning to the Virgins, which are a little Iland compaſſed with ſhelves neer eight or ten more the greateſt of ten leagues, with Virgin, Gorda, and the Blancos, or white Ilands. And Weſt from Virgin Gorda, lieth Anagada, which is ſeven leagues long in 18 degrees and a half, and compaſſed with ſhelves. And neer to it lyeth Sombrito, another ſmall Ile. Theſe are all inhabited with Canibles, except Sancta Crux, whether ſometimes they come a roving alſo.

CHAP. 14. Angula.

ANgula is the next which hath ten leagues of length, and is in 18 degrees. It hath ſome few Engliſh on it with excellent Salt-pits, and a good Road for Ships.

CHAP. 15. Saint Martins.

SAint Martins lyeth in 17 degrees, and a half, of fifteen leagues long, now poſſeſt by the Dutch, being lately forſaken by the Spaniards, that had a Caſtle in it, gariſon'd by ſouldiers. It is compaſs'd with ſmal Ilets, and hath good plenty of Salt.

CHAP. 16. Euſtas.

IT is commonly call'd Staſies, and ſeated by Fluſhingers of Zealand, as the principal Owners: it hath 10 leagues in length, and maketh good Weſt India Tobacco.

CHAP. 17. Saint Bartholomew.

THis Island is full of Caniballs, and hath 10 leagues of length.

CHAP. 18. Saint Chriſtophers.

SAint Chriſtophers is of ten leagues in length, and ſeated by Engliſh and French, each having a Governour of their own Nation. There is a kind of equality in their ſtrengths, for what the Engliſh want of the French number, they make good by their Engliſh ſpirits, which doe not degenerate with the Climate. This Island is ſo populous, that ground can hardly be obteined.

The French and Engliſh are intermixed ſo together, that with much difficulty could either hinder a ſecret deſigne though there is conſtant gaurds upon each others Borders.

They make ſome Sugar in this Island, ſome Indico, and Cottonwooll, but moſt Tobacco.

CHAP 19. Nivis, or the Snowes Barbada and Redouda.

THe Engliſh that ſeat it call it Neavis. It is of five leagues in length, lying within a league of St. Chriſtophers. Here is the beſt Sugar of the Caribey Islands, ſome Indico, bnt little Cotton or Tobacco.

It is an aguiſh Country and unwholſome, but by the good Government that hath been amongſt them, the people live the happieſt of all the Caribey Islands.

And in 17 degrees lyeth the Barbada and Redouda, each of five leagues, and in the hands of the Canibals.

CHAP. 20. Monſerat.

MOnſerat is ſeated by Iriſh, of five leagues neere the Redouda. The Inhabitants plant moſt Tobacco and ſome Indico.

CHAP. 21. Antego, Margelante, Dominica, Matinina Santaluſa, Gardelupa, Dodos ſanctos, Deſeada.

ANtego lyeth between 14 and 15 degrees. It hath a good air, and is planted by the Engliſh with Tobacco, Indico, Cottonwool, and Sugar. It lyeth ueer unto Gardelupia, and Dodos Sanctos on which there lives ſome French with the Canibals, which are in great numbers on theſe two Ilands. The Deſeada is ſix leagues to the Gardelupia in 14 degrees and a half, ſeated by the Canibals Margalante, is five leagues from Dominique, and ſeated by the Canibals, with French amongſt them. Dominica lyeth in 13 degrees, and is 12 leagues in length. It hath good Roads, and watting places, but in danger of the Canibals, that are the Lords of this Iland, with whom the French live in peaceable manner. And neer Dominica, is Matinina and Sancta Luſia, which is 14 degres 20 minutes, and both poſſeſt by Canibals.

CHAP. 22. The Burbudos.

THis Iland is commonly called the Barbados, but the ancient name is the Burbudos to the Seacors of the Indies or Carera de las Indies. It is a Lee Island as thoſe of Barlevento, & the Caribes are to weather of the Starbord bow. It lyeth in 13 degrees 30 minutes, and thoroughly inhabited with Engliſh, and Negroes their ſervants. This Iland flouriſheth ſo much, that it hath more people and Commerce then all the Ilands of the Indies: Their principall Commodity is Sugar of the worſt ſort, Indico and ſome Cotton-wool and little Tobacco. Here are pieces of eight in greateſt plenty of any Engliſh Plantation in America. in ſo much that of late they buy and ſell moſt ſmall matters for ready money: it is ſtrong in men, but no fortification yet perfected, and not eaſily brought under by a common way of war. There are ſtore of Oxen and Kine in this Plantation, as alſo Swine which they keep up in pends, & horſes, but by reaſon of the great number of inhabitants and occaſion for Beaſts of draught and burthen, cattell is a good commodity, ſo is all kind of proviſion, and it yeildeth the beſt return. It hath divers fruits and poultrey: and as there is a greater trade here then in the reſt of the Islands, yet in regard the ſellers are, well matched by the buyers, I conceive it the worſt Plantation to goe to either to live or make a Voyage and returne. For what is here, is as well in the reſt of the Islands, and much more conveniency to plant, for here they have too many people, and in them there is too few, and in moſt of them ground enough.

CHAP. 23. Trinidado.

ANd more ſouthwardly are the reſt of theſe Lee Ilands, of which the greateſt is the Trinidado, in eight degrees of North Latitude: it hath fifty leagues Eaſt and Weſt, and almoſt 30 in breadth: the air is here very peſtiferous, which makes that this is the unwholſomeſt Iland in the whole Indies, but many Indians that being bred to it, live there without much ſickneſſe: it hath a Colony of Spaniards ſeated in a Town called Saint Joſeph, where is reſident a Governour, and about 200 Spaniards with the help of the Indians make much of that tobacco, which is ſold in Spain, for Spaniſh tobacco, to the Engliſh, and others.

The moſt Orientall part of it is the point De la Jaleria, from whence du North lyeth the ſmall Iland of Tobago, compaſſed with Ilets: in the South-ſide is the round point Andrada, and on the Weſt-ſide the gulf of Paria, which lyeth between it and the firm land: to the North are Saint Vincents and Granado, two little Ilands.

CHAP. 24. Margreata, Tortuga, Gardiner, Caracute, Cubava, & Tamaſca.

TWenty leagues Weſt from Trinidado lieth Margreata: it is 16 leagues Eaſt and Weſt, and the half in breadth: it hath but little water, yet plentifull of paſture, and many Cattle, with two Spaniſh towns, which ſtandeth neer the Sea: it hath a Fortreſſe to defend it, and a good harbour, which is before the Town: in this Fortreſſe, reſides the Governour, and treaſure for the King of Spains cuſtomes, of Pearl, which is worth at the leaſt fifty thouſand pounds yearly.

And two leagues from this town within the land is the other, whoſe inhabitants are moſt Planters, but that on the Sea is poſſeſt by Merchants, & divers for pearls, which are in good plenty on this coaſt. And the Ile Cabagua, a league off at ſea from whence every Saturday at night, the Pearl fiſhers return to Margareta.

To the Eaſt of Cubagua, are Losfralos, which is four little Ilands cloſe aboard the ſhore. And to the Eaſt are the Witneſces, and Weſt lyeth Tortuga, and farther Weſt lyeth the Ile of Gardiner: it is ten leagues long, and by it Curaco: in which the Dutch have a Fort and ſome ſouldiers: neer unto which is another Iland called Curacute of 14 leagues in length. And north from Curacute is the Iland of Aruba: in which two laſt mentioned, there are ſome peaceable Indians, that ſpeak Spaniſh.

From the Trinidado along the Coaſt, there are few Ilands, ſave thoſe that are at the mouth of the River Amiſons and Oroinoque, which are low and flat, and on the violent riſings of the Rivers commonly overflown, which makes the inhabitants provide them lodgings in the trees, which are there very great: theſe Indians have their Canoes to attend them, by which they paſſe not only to their neighbours, but fiſh, and go to the land at pleaſure. Furthermore on the Land of Brazil, there are ſome ſmall Ilands, the moſt remarkable is the Tamerica: it is inhabited by the Portugals, it hath a fair town on the Southſide; and a harbour, with ſtore of Red wood.

CHAP. 25. Of the North-weſt paſſage, and the Lands called Nova Britania, or Nova Framuncia.

THat which is moſt remarkable in this north part of America, is the ſtraight of the north weſt paſſage, which is generally talked of, and indeed is nothing but a narrow difficult paſſage to Buttons Bay, the entrance being properly called Hudſons Straight, in regard of his firſt finding it: the mouth of this ſtraight lyeth in 62 degrees, and becauſe of the impoſſibility of this Mathematicall ſtory, I ſhall ſay, there is certainly no ſuch Straight, as this which they call Anian, or the north-weſt paſſage: it hath been ſo thorowly ſearched into by our Nation that can give no incouragemēt to a farther trial, ſave that ſtory men tel of a Manuſcript in Portugall, ſhewed to one of our Merchants of the paſſage that way, of a Portugall ſhip of the Phi •• ipinus droven from thence by foule weather, through this ſtraight to Portugall, but to men that know the diſtance between that ſtreight, and thoſe Ilands, it would ſeem the moſt ridiculous ſtory in the World, beſide the falſity of the Informers: the Greeks relation being a far better ſtory, for he ſaith in regard he was taken by Squire Candis in the South-ſea, and loſt all he had, to procure ſome relief in his old age, he would adviſe the Engliſh a ſpeedier way to the East-Indies then they now took. And this intelligence he giveth after he is retired to his Native Country, to repoſe from his troubleſome way of adventuring to Sea. From whence we may eaſily gueſſe, for the bad turn our Nation did him, he would not wiſh us a good one, but the ſcope of his intelligence being but to have a bill of exchange to receive money, as he pretended to come into England. But how likely it was, that he would leave thoſe rich parts of America, which he lived in with the Spaniards to retire to his own Nation, and from thence to undertake a Voyage for us to the worſt place in the World, a rationall man cannot apprehend. But were there ſuch a paſſage, it would much more concern the Portugals, and the Spaniards, then it doth the Engliſh, for their trade is to the north part of the Eaſt Indies, and ours to the ſouth: theirs to the Moluccos, Philipinaes, Japan, and China, whereas we ſeldome paſſe beyond Bantam in Java, but were there a paſſage that way, yet it were not to be choſen before the other, for could a man ſail in a ſtrait line: firſt, from England to the ſtraight, and then from the ſtraight to the Eaſt Indies, it would prove a farther way than the other by the Cape of Bonaſpei. But thoſe that know any thing of thoſe ſeas, know that the ſea courſe to any part of north America is as low as 23, 24, 25, or 30 the higheſt. For the wind which bloweth in the ſouth ſea eaſt and weſt, as well as in the north, that is to ſay, for the moſt part weſt without the Tropicks, and almoſt conſtantly Eaſt within them.

Wherefore you muſt go out of your way aſwell from the north part of America, to the Eaſt-Indies, as from England to this ſuppoſed Straight: and there is as much difference in relation to pleaſantneſſe in voyages, as between ſummer and winter. For when you are clean of the Bay of Biſcai in all the voyage, by the Cape you find no cold weather till you return to the ſame place again, but to the contrary, is ſo cold & icy about the Straight in the middle of Summer, that there is no making way without much difficulty and trouble.

And in the ſouth ſea, where the Sun keeps the ſame courſe as in the north in June, Sir Francis Drake in compaſſing the world found ſo much cold in thirty eight degrees north latitude, that he was forced into a ſoutherly courſe.

And this makes a ſtrong probability that there is no ſea to the north of America, but that the land of this New world reacheth by the north parts; even to the northwardly 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 Provinces of the Empire of Japan, or Tartaria. For I finde that the winds that blow Weſt and north-weſt in England being ſea winds are not ſo cold, as thoſe that come eaſt and north-eaſt, which are land-winds. Which I apprehend the onely cauſe of difference in the temperature of the air with us, and the north parts of America. For New England that lyeth in 41 & 42 is much colder in the winter then the moſt northwardly parts of England, which are in 56. And thoſe parts of America, that are in that height are cold, almoſt the whole year through, as the undertakers in the north paſſage plainly prove, and this is cauſed certainly by the land-wind, which that height for the moſt part bloweth weſt, and northwardly, which is ſo much more colder, in regard it cometh from thoſe vaſt Regions that are far thicker and untill'd & uninhabited with wood ſwamps, and ſuch moiſt crudities, as are not in Europe.

On the land of the north-ſide Hudſons Straight, there hath been ſeen ſome of the wild Natives, but how they live is a kind of miracle. And from the ſouth of this Strait, till you come to New England is but one Plantation, which is at the Fort of Kebeck, on the north-weſt ſide the River Canada, 100 leagues from the Iſland Antecoſtey, that lieth at the mouth of the ſaid River. The French drive a great trade with the Natives for Beverskins in exchange of hatchets, knives, penny looking-glaſſes, bels, beads, and ſuch toys.

There are good ſtore of the Natives in theſe parts all alongſt the Coaſt, and are willing to exchange ſuch Commodities as they have, for ſuch truck as the French bring them, although it is to be done with much care to prevent their treachery.

CHAP. 26. New England.

THe Plantations of the North Government of New England, beginneth about 44 degrees, and the coaſt is indifferently ſeated with Engliſh, almoſt as ſouthwardly as 41. This Countrey at firſt was laid out in ſeverall proportions to divers Noblemen and Gentlemen of England, each having within his circuit a ſeverall power. But at this day, it hath but three diviſions onely, that is to ſay: the north and his bounds, the middle and the ſouth; the north Government is the worſt, and hath feweſt people: the middle Government is that of Boston, which is the beſt, and hath moſt inhabitants. The ſouth is the Government of New Plimouth, in which is the beſt ground: the north Government hath ſcarce a Town worthy the name of a Village; but the middle hath many Towns and Villages. The principall is Boſton fairly built, the great ſtreet is neer half a mile long, full of wel-furniſhed ſhops of Merchandize of all ſorts. Here is • eſident a Councill, and the Governour, which is yearly choſen from amongſt them: this town hath a good Port, called the Bay of Boſton, with many ſhips, which • s ſecured with a Caſtle, guarded with Souldiers and Ordnance. Neer Boſton lyeth Charles Town, and five miles into the Countrey • s the town of Cambridge, that hath Univerſity with many Students.

The ſouth Government is that of New Plimouth, that hath the name from the town, which is a indifferent Market town.

The land of all this Region generally barren and rocky, but th • care of the inhabitants ſupplyet • the naturall defects of the Country, from the proceed of the Commodities it affordeth, which is Pi • ſtaves, Clabbord, Fiſh, Engliſ • grain, and fruits, with the buildin • of Ships, which they often ſell • other parts, and iron works; wi • theſe they drive a trade to mo • parts of Europe, eſpecially to Spai • the Canary and Caribey Iſland • it is a wholſome air, and the Engliſh people are well-colour'd, an • have many children which thri • well in that Countrey. They puniſh ſin as ſeverely as the Jews d • in old time, but not with ſo good warrant. And they have broug • the Indians into great awe, but n • to any Goſpell knowledge.

CHAP. 27. New Holland.

TO the ſouthweſt of New England, lyeth the Dutch Planta • ion. It hath good ground, and good ayr, but few of that Nation • nhabiting there, which maketh • hat there is few Plantations in the and, and but one Village, whoſe • nhabitants are part Engliſh, and • art Dutch. Here is reſident the • he Governour appointed by the • eſt India Company. This Vil • age lyeth on Hudſons River in 40 • nd a half, three miles within the • outh of the River, and almoſt • yning to a Fort that hath Guns, • ut they are unmounted. There is •• e Fort of Orange, 30 miles up the •• d River, and there is a Mill to ſaw boards for the Colony: the • have here indifferent plenty o • Engliſh and Indian Corn, but th • beſt profit is the trade with th • natives for Bever, and other skins • Thoſe that trade here pay 16 i • the hundred Cuſtome to the Weſt • India Company of Holland. Theſ • Dutch are miſchievous neighbours • for with their Indian trade they • ſupply the natives with Guns and Ammunition, which in time may prove their own confuſion, and doth already prejudice their neighbours.

CHAP. 28. The Swedes Plantation.

THe Swedes are ſeated between • the Dutch and Virginia, in a Village by a fort which lyeth eight miles within Delaware River. On the north ſide the ſaid River, they are few in number, and their principall buſineſſe is their commerce with the Indians, for they have little or no Cattle. They furniſh the Indians with Guns and weapons as the Dutch do, and once in a year have commonly a ſupply and relief from Swethland, by a ſhip that fetcheth their Skins and other Truck.

CHAP. 29. Virginia.

Virginia is to the ſouthward of the Swedes, and the north Cape of the great Bay that leadeth to Virginia, and Maryland lyeth diſtant from the Swedes Fort neer 130 Engliſh miles: this Bay is 240 miles up navigable for the biggeſt ſhips, it lyeth almoſt north and ſouth, and it receiveth divers Rivers, which iſſueth into it from the weſt and eaſt; thoſe on the weſtſide are both the biggeſt and moſt: thoſe on the eaſt-ſide are not many nor great. This coaſt is alſo a flat coaſt as is New Holland, and the Swedes. The Engliſh are ſeated on the eaſt-ſide the Bay, from the ſaid point called Cape Charles, and by the Creeks and Bay-ſide 30 miles up the Bay. Without the ſaid Cape are certain Iſlands called Smith's Iſlands, which are broken low grounds, unfit for habitation. On the weſt-ſide the Bay, within Cape Henry 8 miles lieth the water, call'd Lin-Haven, which iſſueth there into the Bay: it hath divers Branches, on which there are Plantations even to the head of moſt of them. And between the ſaid Haven, and James River, which is diſtant 12 miles is two ſmall Creeks that are indifferently ſeated, but on the ſide of the great Bay, there is no Plantation between the Cape and James River, which is diſtant from •• 20 miles: this River floweth more then 120 miles, and almoſt ſo far Navigable for good ſhips. It •• Shelvie and dangerous without • good Pilot: it receiveth divers Rivers and Creeks on the Eaſt-ſide: the moſt eminent is the Elizabeth River, which iſſueth into the great River within eight miles of the • ndy point, that is the firſt point of the South-ſide the great River, and over againſt Point Comfort •• and, by which you muſt keep • oſe aboard, by • reaſon the River • there onely to be entred, four • iles higher then Elizabeth River, • Nawcimond River, which two are • e principall; and on the Weſt-ſide • e moſt eminent, and beſt is Chick • money, whoſe mouth is 10 miles beyond James Town: this ma • River, as alſo the Rivers and Cree • that run into it, are ſeated by t • water-ſide, onely by reaſon of t • conveniency of carriage.

And between point Comfort and York, there is a ſmall River, ca • led the Pecoſon River, which is ſe • ted, and then a little further Y • River, which is a fair River, a • navigable 20 miles for ſhips. T • River is ſeated neer fifty miles • but on the Eaſt-ſide better than • the Weſt. And the other Riv •• which run into the Bay betw • this and Maryland, are Payankat • and to Pahanoc, and the great Ri • of Patowmek are unſeated with a • but the Natives. Here is go • plenty of Millet, but not mu • Engliſh grain. For which this R • gion is not ſo naturall as New England or New Holland, for the cr • within a year or two will dege • rate. Their onely commodity Tobacco, which I think to be more • aturall to the Countrey then any other thing. The beſt ſort is the • weet ſented, which is not inferiour •• the Spaniſh: Cattle are of the • me price here as in England and • ew England, and by reaſon there • e no Markets, and little money • buy them, freſh meat is very • arcely eaten. The Virginia pro • rb is, That hogs and women thrive • ell amongst them. But the later (I • ink) are indifferently ſubject to •• fa • e of thoſe men that go there which is much ſickneſſe or death. • or the air is exceeding unwhol • me, inſomuch as one of three •• rcely liveth the firſt year at this • e; though formerly they re • rt, the mortality hath ſtretcht • the taking away of eleven of • elve. The reaſon of this is not • e latitude, for that is 37 degrees, • d a half. In which lyeth many • cellent wholſome Countreys, but I conceive it to be the chang • bleneſſe of the weather, which • mighty extream in heat and co • and as various as the wind bo • Winter and Summer. The ne • cauſe is the Swamps, ſtanding- • ters and Mariſhes, and mighty ſto • of Rivers, and low lying of t • land. There is two other pernicio • companions that haunt the Engl • inhabitants, the one is the diſea • called the Country Duties, whi • they originally caught of the In • ans, and the cure is the ſame th • uſe in England for the French Po • it being almoſt alike. The other • the Rattle-ſnake, ſo called, for t • rattle in her taile, whoſe bitin • are preſent death. And this v • mine in the Summer is ſo ſtirri • that they are in the fields, woo • and commonly in their houſes, • their great anoyance, yet this mo • tality do • h rather harden the pe • ples hearts, then bring them • God, for I think they are the far • eſt from conſcience and morall • oneſty, of any ſuch number together in the world. And for want • f adminiſtration of Juſtice, there • e many have left the place, and • e gone to Maryland, which lyeth • the Bay. The Virginia bread • commonly of Millet, called • oane. And if the ſervants have • ough of that, their complaint • il procure no remedy. The Rivers • d Creeks afford much fiſh in • ummer, and furze in the woods, • ood ſtore of Deer and Turkeys • Winter, and fowl by the water • de in divers places, and yet is pro • ſion ſo ſcarce that they are all • e year furniſhed with fiſh and • aſe, and bisket from New Eng • nd. The great reſort of ſhipping • in winter, for then is the Tobac • ſtruck into cask, and fit for • le.

This Countrey is for the moſt part plain, with few hils, and we • it not ſo woody, probably not alt • gether ſo unwholſome.

It is without any Minerall, ſa • Iron, Stone, which is in great ple • ty. In divers parts of the Cou • trey, the natives are under contr • bution of the Governour, and pa • him great tributes of skins, and • them with good priviledges ov • the Engliſh, which in time ma • prove a third Maſſacre.

CHAP. 30. Maryland.

THis Province is divided fro • Virginia by the great Riv • Patomuk. It lying on the Nort • ſide the ſaid River, and Weſt-ſi • of the great Virginia Bay. It • more wholſome then the parts • Vrginia now ſeated, and better • r Engliſh grain. The Engliſh in • bitants are few, and thoſe of • fferent Religions; for ſome a • ongſt them are Papiſts, but moſt • oteſtants. There hath always • en toleration in Religion, and is • this preſent.

The natives of this place have • ver been treacherous to the Eng • , but doth them good ſervice in • eir grounds, cattle, and hogs. • any of their children being bred • amongſt them: they live here in •• ater plenty than at Virginia, as • ving more range of the woods, • d fewer neighbours with Indian • oodſmen to kill them meat.

Thoſe that are come from Virginia, are ſeated on the River Bolus, • next to the River Patomuk up • Bay, and by ſuch as are draw • g thither from New England, and • ily go from Virginia, it is likely • be a flouriſhing Countrey.

CHAP. 31. Old Virginia.

SOuth frō this Uirginia, lieth • Province, known by the na • of Old Uirginia, it is remarka • for Cape Hatrask, that lyeth neer 36 degrees. From which Ca • far out at ſea is flat ſhelvy groun • The Cape is a point of a brok • Iſland, and hath between it a • the main Roanock Iſland to t • South of the River Ockam, whi • there iſſueth into the Sea. T • River is deep within and broa • but ſo ſhallow at the mouth, that Pinnace can hardly enter it at hi • water, otherwiſe it were conve • ent for a Plantation. For it is fa • beyond Uirginia in all reſpects, any Land we poſſeſſe in the Ma • The Indians of this River pay contribution to the Governour of Uirginia. And along this coaſt till you come to Florida, is no Plantation, nor inhabitants but the natives.

CHAP. 32. Florida.

THis Province begins in 34 degrees, and hath on the Eaſtcoaſt before you come to the Cape of Florida, two Forts, in which are Spaniſh Garriſons. The firſt and moſt northerly is the Fort of Saint Mark, within the point of Saint Helena, in 32 degrees and a half diſtant from the Havena Incuba 100 leagues. The other is called Saint Auguſtine, which is the principall, becauſe the Haven is good, and neer the Channell of Bahama, in 29 degrees 40 minutes.

The point of Canes in 28 which hath to the South the river Ages, and at the Cape of Florida, are many little Iſlands called the Martors, and theſe Iſlands reach from the ſaid Cape within a league, and a half of Cuba. The head of the Martors to the Eaſt hath an Iſland of 14 leagues but very narrow. The out-moſt eaſtern point lyeth in 24 degrees and a half, and from the Cape of Florida to the Goverment of Pancuco along the Coaſt of the Sea, is 300 leagues, which Seas are called the Gulf of New Spain. In all this Coaſt there is no Town nor Plantation, and few Indians, by reaſon the Spaniards have taken them away to other parts. There hath not been worked Mines either of gold or ſilver in this Florida. Neither have the Spaniard any Commodity from them ſave Indians. This Gulf of New Spain, or Mexico hath two entrances; the one is between Youcatan and Cuba, where the ſtream commeth fiercely in, the other is between Cuba, and the Cape of Florida, where it runneth more violently out.

CHAP 33. Of New Spain.

BEſides this Province of Florida, the King of Spain in this northern America, hath three great Kingdomes. The firſt and principall is the Kingdom of New Spain, the ſecond is the Kingdome of Galiſia, the third the Kingdom of Gutemalia, and the Province of Varagua, that adjoyneth to the Straight of Dearian, and is properly of the Councill of Panama. The Kingdom of Spain hath in it a Viceroy and Councill, intituled the Viceroy of Mexico. And within his Government the Province and Biſhoprick of Mexico, that of Tlaſcala, Guaxaca, Mechoan, Chiapa, Yucatan, and Panuco. The Indirns of this Kingdome are of two ſorts; the Chickamecans, which are a ſort of rogues, that live much after the manner of Toreges, or ancient Iriſh, by robbing and ſpoiling paſſengers on the way: Towns and Villages. And the other live even as decently as the Spaniard, and are of all trades and vocations, as they are, of ſharp wits, and of great agility of body, as appeareth by their extraordinary feats of activity on the Rope, and tumblings. This Kingdome is a high Countrey, for the moſt part of it, and for riches, pleaſantneſſe, and wholſomneſſe, accounted one of the beſt in the world, as lacking nothing naturally that is to be had, excepting wine and oil, which they might alſo have, but that it is forbidden, to plant Vineyards, or Olive yards by the King of Spain, and it hath divers things not elſwhere to be had both of Trees, Herbs and Drugs.

CHAP 34. The Councill of New Galiſia.

THis Kingdome of New Galiſia, hath no Viceroy, but is governed by a Councill, whoſe bounds is parted from New Spain at the Port of Nativity on the South Sea, to the North, Northweſt, and North-eaſt. It hath no bounds, but may inlarge their territories, as they ſee occaſion on the Indians. It hath already theſe Provinces. The firſt Guadalaiaca, Xaliſco, Sacaticas, Chiamerla, Culiacan, New Biſcai, and Sivaloa. And this Kingdome is not much inferiour to New Spain, and it hath the ſame ſorts of Indians.

CHAP. 35. Gutamalia Kingdome.

THis Kingdome of Gutamalia is governed as the other by a Council, without a Viceroy, and is the ſouthwardlieſt Region of this North America, and hath within its bounds the Provinces of Gutamalia, from whence the Kingdome taketh name. Soconuſco, Chiapa, Suchitepeque, Verapas, Honduaras, and Cacos. Saint Saviour, and Saint Michael, Nievaraqua, Chuluteca, Taqueſgalpa, and Coſtarica, or the rich Coaſt. The Indians in theſe Provinces are more warlike than the reſt, and have more unwillingly ſubmitted to the Spaniſh yoake, and therefore they have had almoſt continuall wars, the moſt of the Indians living till very lately after the manner of the Chickamecians; though many of them are docible as the Indians of Mexico. This is a rich wholſome Kingdome, not inferiour to Galiſia, but rather exceeds it. But when I come to each perticular Province, I ſhall name them as they adjoyn on the Coaſt of the Sea.

CHAP. 36. Of Panuco.

THis Province is neer adjoyning to Florida, and parted from it by the River of Palms, which lyeth in 28 degrees of North Latitude.

That part of it that lyeth next to Mexico, is the beſt, and hath the greateſt plenty of victuals, with ſom • gold: the other ſide, which is next Florida, is poor and barren.

This Province hath three Spaniſh Towns: Panuco, in ſomething more then 23 degrees. It is diſtant from Mexico 65 leagues, neere a River, whoſe entrance is a haven: it is governed by a chief Juſtice, provided by the Viceroy of New Spain. The Village of Saint James, of the Valea, 20 leagnes to the Weſt of Panuco. The Village of Saint Lucas, 8 leagues from Panuco, to the Northeaſt, neer to the Sea.

There is no River nor Haven in this Coaſt but Panuco, and Palmes which are not very good, and not many Indians.

CHAP. 37. • he Province of Talaſcalia, or Angels.

THe next to Panuco, on the • coaſt of the North Sea lyeth • s Province of Talaſcalia or Lo • els; with in its government are • r Spaniſh Cities. The beſt is • ſangels, ſeated by a River that • neth into the South Sea. It • deth off the ſide of a long Plain •• from Mexico 22 leagues, and • taineth neer 3000 houſholds, in •• ſtreets, governed by a chief • tice, and in it are reſident the • hedrall, with Monaſteries of • minick, Auguſtine, Franciſcan, • merſed, and Carmelite Friars, • h one of Nuns, and a Colledge of more than five hundred Indi • Children to be inſtructed in t • Spaniſh Religion and Languag • And north of the Angels is the C • ty of Talaſcalia, in more than • degrees of height with two tho • ſand five hundred houſes▪ in whi • is a fair Cloyſter of Franciſc • Friars.

In the Province of Loſangles, t • City of Guaxaca, is the third, which are three Monaſteries Friars, and two of Nuns all ve • rich. This town is pleaſant and o • wholſome aire, and not far fro • the River of Alurado,

The City of Vera Crux is • Engliſh mile from the Sea, • i • leagues from the Port of Sai • John Delua▪ of four hundred Spaniſh houſholds, beſides Indians. • it reſides the Kings treaſurer for t • Cuſtomes.

This Province hath abundan • of Flax, wheat, ſugar and ging • diverſity of hearbs, and fruits, abundance of cattle, hogs and horſes, many ſilver mines, 200 chief Indian towns, and at leaſt 40 Monaſteries of Friars.

The Harbours and Ports are on the North Sea, the beſt of which is Saint John De Lua, which is made by a ſmall Iſland, whoſe bank is kept up by a wall, in which are Iron and Braſſe rings, whereby Cables they more faſt their ſhips. This Iſland hath on it a Caſtle, which commandeth the Harbour, that is entred by two Channels; the one to the North is the ſlat, the other is called the Galiſian Channell. Here the ſhips bound for Nova Hiſpania, and Mexico unlade, and to the North of this Port on the coaſt of this Province is the river Sempoalia, and upward the river of Caſons, and neer the government of Panuco, Fuſpea, and Tamagua, and to the South of the 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 ſaid Saint John Delva, is firſt the river of Almerica, and further South, the river of Alvarado.

CHAP. 38. Youcatan Province.

THe North part of this Province adjoyneth to the South of Talaſcalia. It is a pen-inſula, and in compaſſe 150 leagues. The temperature is hot and moiſt, it hath no river, but is full of good willows. It is a woody Country, nor will it bear Engliſh grain, neither hath it gold or other minerall.

But it hath many inhabitants, that are of the civilleſt ſort of Indians, in New Spain, and great plenty of Millet, Swine, all ſorts of cattle, horſes, and much poultrey, much Cotton, Bombaſt, and Aſhurs. The Inhabitants are healthy, and live to great age.

There are four Spaniſh towns, the City of Meridia, is in the midſt of the Province in 20 degrees. In it are reſident the Governour, the Officers of the Revenue, and royall Treaſure, and Cathedral Suffragan to Mexico, with one Monaſtery of Franciſcan Friars. The village of Valiodalid is 31 leagues from Meridia to the South; and neer the coaſt of the Honduras is Salimanca, a fair town. And on the north coaſt the village of Saint Franciſcus of Campeach, in 20 degrees, fifty leagues from Meridia. It is a reaſonable good Haven, but of little depth, on the coaſt of this Province are many Rocks, Flats and Iſles, that there is ſcarcely any ſayling within foure leagues of the ſhore, on which there is the greateſt Flouds and Ebs of any part of New Spain.

CHAP. 39. The Province of Honduras.

THis Province of the Honduras adjoyneth unto the South part of Yucatan, his coaſt ſtretcheth along the north Sea as far as Nicurayna, which is neer 150 leagues.

It is a hilly Countrey, plentifull of all ſorts of Cattle, and ſtore of Wheat, and Mines of Gold and Silver: it hath ſix Spaniſh towns and many peaceable Indians.

The City of Valiodalid, ſtandeth in 16 degrees, 40 leagues from the north Sea. Here is reſident the Governour, a Cathedrall and a Monaſtery of Lamerſed. The City of Adios, is 30 leagues from Valiodalid, to the Weſt the village of Saint Petro, is 11 leagues from the Port of Cavalos, where the Officers • oyall are reſident, becauſe the Port of Cavalos is ſickly, to which • he Ships come. This Port of Cavalos, is in 15 degrees on the North Sea, there are few in it beſides Blackamores, and ſome factors, by • eaſon of the unwholſomneſſe of • he place.

The City of Truxcillio, is 64 leagues from the Cavalos, to the North-eaſt a league from the north Sea. The village of Saint George is populous of Indians, and rich in gold. The Septentrionall point of this coaſt is the Cape of Eburus, in 16 degrees eaſt, off which 20 leagues lyeth the River of Pitch, and a little further Riobaxco, and beyond it the River of Balahama, and in 14 degrees and a half lyeth the River Salt, and after that the Cape of the three points, and from North the Iſland of Utilia, and to the North-eaſt Hellen and Lyvanai▪ and in 14 degrees the Cape o • Thanks be to God.

And north from thence the three Iſlands called, Take away Sleep.

CHAP. 40. Of the Province of Nicaragua.

NIcaragua lyeth next to the South-ſide of Honduras: it is a plentifull Countrey of Coco, Cotton-wool, Millet, Cattle, and much gold. It hath five Spaniſh towns, & abundance of peaceable Indians, which are moſt expert in the Spaniſh tongue.

The firſt and principall town is Saint James, 12 leagues from the South ſea, at the head of the lake, Nicaragua, where the Governour is reſident, the royall Officers and Cathedrall, with five Monaſteries of Lamerſed, and many peaceable Indians.

The City of Granado, ſtandeth on the Borders of this great lake, neer which is a famous Volcan, that burns perpetually; caſting forth fire and ſmoak. A Friar imagined there was much gold in it, becauſe it never conſumed the land about it, wherefore he cauſed a Caldron to be faſtned to a huge chain, and let it into the furnace. But the violence of the fire ſoon conſumed it, and with all the Friars hopes. This great lake of Nicaragua, is full of Iſlands, and by a kind of River hath an iſſue into the north Sea, which river or paſſage it navigable for great veſſels. And the head of this lake is within five leagues of the South Sea, and good ground to be cut, by which it were eaſie (if the Spaniard ſo pleaſed) to have paſſage from the South Seas to the north Sea. At the head of the ſaid lake, the village of Nalio, ſtandeth in 11 degrees and a half on the South coaſt, and is the beſt Port on that coaſt.

On the north Seas (for this province reacheth from the North to the South ſeas) is firſt the river of Gare, that divideth Nicvaragua, from Honduras, ſouth of it the River Wipre, next the Port of Saint John, which is the voiding River, that comes from the great lake, that hath a great Iſland lying in the mouth of it. In the ſouth ſea it hath the Nalio, the Port of Saint James, and the Port of Paria, and Nicoya, and on the coaſt the Iſland of Chora, Saint Mary, and Saint Mark.

CHAP. 41. The Province of Caſtorica.

THis Province lyeth between Nickuragua, and Caragua, between which it hath 90 leagues in length. It is a good land and very fruitfull in Millet, Wheat, Flax, and Sugar, plenty of Mines both of gold and ſilver, and it hath two Spaniſh Towns: the firſt and beſt is Curtago, the other Mendoco. It hath two Ports, one on the ſouth ſea, the other on the North.

CHAP. 42. The Province of Varagua.

THis Province lyeth between Coſtarica, and Panama, adjoyning on the ſouth part to the Strait of Dariana. The northerlieſt is in 11 degrees, it hath Eaſt and Weſt 50 leagues, and in breadth 25, and is waſhed as Coſtarica, with the north and ſouth ſeas. It is a Mountainous Countrey full of buſhes, without paſture or cattle, wheat or barley, but it hath ſome Miller, but full of rich mines of Gold. The Indians are few, and they be in continuall wars with the Spaniards. It hath the City of Conception 40 leagues from Nombre Dd'ios, where the Governour and Officers are reſident. The village of Trinity, ſix leagues to the Eaſt of the Conception, neer the River of Bethelem, And three leagues from the North ſea, the City of Santey Fei, ſtandeth 12 leagues from the Conception, to the ſouth. In it are Melting-houſes, and Deputy Officers. The City of Charles neer the coaſt of the ſouth ſea, 50 leagues from Santey Fei.

At the end of this Varagua beginneth the ſouthern America. And therefore I ſhall return back to the other parts of this north America, which is not yet diſcovered.

CHAP. 43. Of the Province of Ciblioa.

THis Province of Ciblioa is the moſt northerly Province that the Spaniards poſſeſſe in America. It hath but one Spaniſh Town, but many well built Cities of Indians. The Spaniſh town is called Saint John of Ciblioa. It hath a ſtrong Garriſon of Spaniards and Mexican Indians.

The faireſt Indian Town is Quibra, that hath alſo a Spaniſh Garriſon. This Town is in 40 degrees, and diſtant from Cibiloa 200 leagues, from whence it lieth due north.

This Region is apt for Engliſh grain, and produceth all ſorts of our hearbs and fruits.

Here are ſtore of all ſorts of our Cattle, and the Oxe of the Countrey, which hath a bunch of fleſh on his back of the bigneſſe of a mans head, and his hair is ſhaggy and long, his horns ſmaller than our Kines horns, but his body much bigger: this is an Inland Province, and lyeth from the ſea many leagues.

CHAP. 44. New Biskay.

THis Province lyeth on the ſouth-weſt of Cibola: it hath ſtore of proviſion and cattle, and divers mines of ſilver. It hath two fair Spaniſh Towns, that is to ſay, Sancta Barbola, and the Baro of Saint John, with divers peaceable Indians. It is an Inland Province, but of much Commerce, by reaſon of the ſilver-mines.

CHAP. 45. Chiamerla.

THis Province lyeth in more then two and twenty degrees of height. It is ten leagues broad, and ſomething more in length: it lyeth along the ſouth ſea, but hath no Ports of name. It hath a town of Spaniards, call'd Saint Sebastian. It hath many rich ſilver Mines, and ſufficient of Cattle, and all ſorts of Grain and Fruits.

CHAP. 46. Culiacan.

THis Province is the moſt northerly Province the Spaniards poſſeſſe on the coaſt of the ſouth ſea. It is weſt of Chiametla: there are much cattle, ſeeds and fruits of England; it hath two Spaniſh towns: one is called the Virgins, by which there are ſome ſilver mines; the other the village of Saint Michael; this is a ſmall Province, and hath no eminent port on the ſea.

CHAP. 47. Sacetas.

SAcetas lyeth ſouth-eaſt from Biſcai. It is very wholſome in ſome parts of it, and as ſickly and unwholſome in other parts, which cauſes that in ſome places there is much want, and in other places as much plenty. But to amend all defects, there are in moſt places rich ſilver mines. It hath three Spaniſh towns, the beſt is Erena, the ſecond Nombre d'Dios▪ and the worſt Durangi: the Chickmeacan Indians do much annoy theſe parts, but there are great numbers of Civill Indians that live in peaceable manner.

CHAP. 48. Xaliſco.

THis Province hath the City • of Compoſtella, neer the ſouth in 21 degrees, nineteen minutes: • re is the village of the Purifica •• ſouth-weſt from Gud • leria, 30 • gues: this land is hot and ſickly, • hath mines of gold and ſilver, • d ſtore of proviſions, and ex • ent horſes, that are well bred • any ſervice.

CHAP. 49. Guadalaiara.

• Uadalaiara is the beſt of all the Provinces of the Kingdome of New Galiſia, and the moſt ſ • therly: it hath all ſorts of gra • hearbs and fruits of New Sp • and plenty of kine, horſes, • ſwine; it is a wholſome good • and hath many ſilver mines: • chief City and Head of the Ki •• dome is Guadalaira in 20 degr • Heere reſideth the Councell, • officers of the goods and ro • treaſure, a Cathedrall, two • naſteri • s of Friars, and one Nuns.

And 30 leagues from Guadal • is the village of Saint Mary, and nother called the Holy Ghoſt: • Province is much troubled • the Chickemecan Indians, but • many well governed Civill Ind • that live orderly, and very richl •

CHAP. 50. Mechocan.

THis Province lyeth between the Province of Mexico, and • e Kingdome of the New Galiſia, • hath in breadth by the coaſt of • e ſouth ſea 80 leagues, and 60 • ithin land. Here are many good • ines, and it is a fruitfull land, and • ath much Wheat, Millet, Coco, • l ſorts of Spaniſh fruits, Cottonwool, the rich drug of Cocheneel, • ore of cattle and fiſh, and the Indians are induſtrious, and given to • abour: the chief City is Mechoa • n: it ſtands in 18 degrees 15 minutes and 47 leagues from Mexico.

The City of Paſcurio, ſtandeth ſeven leagues to the eaſt of Mecho • can: it hath the Cathedrall, and two Monaſteries of Auguſtine and Franciſcan Friars. And 35 leagu • from Paſcurio north-eaſt is the village of Saint Michael, in a roug • Country. The next is the Village of Salya, then the Village o • Saint Phillip.

The village of Sackatula, is 4 • leagues ſouth weſt from Mechoacan • neer the ſouth ſea in 18 degrees, 9 • leagues from Mexico.

And the village of Colina in 1 • degrees 20 minutes. On the coaſ • of the ſouth ſea neer the confine • of Galiſia the Port of Natividad▪ is in 19 degrees, and from this por • they make their navigation to the Philipin'as in East-India.

Beſides theſe towns rehearſed, which are poſſeſt by Spaniards, there are 94 head-towns for Indians, with ſchools of Doctrine for Indian children, and 130 ordinary towns.

CHAP. 51. Of the Province of Mexico.

THis province falleth between Mechoacan and Talaſcalia, it hath in length north and ſouth 130 leaugues, and in breadth 18.

The chief City and Head of • ew Spain is ſeated in this pro • ince called Mexico. It is an inland • ity lying in 19 degrees and a half, • the midſt of two great lakes, • at compaſſe it about, the one is • lt, the other freſh: the freſh voy • eth into the ſalt, each of five leagues in breadth, and eight in • ength, and both are in compaſſe • 3 leagues.

There are three Cauſways by which they go into the City, the ſhorteſt of half a league long, the longeſt a league and half, the other a league: it hath neer 70 thouſand houſes, the moſt of Spaniards built with brick fair and high. And here reſideth the Viceroy of New Spain and Councill, the Inquiſition office and Judges, the Officers of the Revenues, and royall treaſure, a founding houſe and a mint houſe, with the Archiepiſcopall, Metropolitan, and Monaſteries of Franciſcan, Dominican, and Auſtin Friars, the company of Jeſus el Carmen Lamerſed, the Bare foot and Trinity Friars, 10 Monaſteries of Nuns, one Colledg of Indian children, and the retired from the world, and repenting whores, a Univerſity, and divers Hoſpitals.

In this province are reckoned to be ſix hundred thouſand tributary Indians, one hundred and fifty Monaſteries, with multitude of ſchools to teach Indians Children, and many gold and ſilver mines, infinite plenty of all ſorts of cattle, and ſheep, grain, hearbs and fruits, and what elſe is neceſſary for the delight of man in an abundant manner, with the rich Cocheneel.

The Coaſt of this province reacheth to the ſouth ſea, on which there is an excellent port called Aquepulco, in 17 degrees, ſix leagues from the river Lopes, and eight leagues more weſt is the Sitalia, and four leagues further the River Metla.

CHAP. 52. Guaxcaca.

GUaxcaca Province, commeth to the Coaſt of the ſouth ſea, and it lyeth between Mexico and Gutamalia province along the Coaſt of the ſouth ſea one hundred leagues: it hath 5 Spaniſh towns, the chief of which is Antiquera; in it are reſident the Governour of the Province, a Cathedrall, many Monaſteries of Friars.

It is diſtant from Mexico eight leagues, from whence it lyeth ſouth weſt. The next to it is Sapolecai, the third Saint Jago de Nexapa, the fourth the Village of the Holy Ghoſt: this province hath ſtore of gold, and ſilver mines, and one of Chryſtal, Boreal, much Coco, Cotton-wool, Wheat, and Millet, and Cocheneel, plenty of all ſorts of cattle and ſwine, and not one River in the Countrey but yieldeth gold. There are 350 head-towns of Indians, and 120 Monaſteries of Friars, and many of Nuns, and ſchools of Indian Children to be inſtructed in the Spaniſh language, and popery, and three hundred thouſand tributary Indians. In this province is the Valley from whence Ferdinando Cortez the firſt Conqueror had his title of Marqueſſe of the valley.

The ports on the ſouth ſea are the Haven of Guatulaco, in 15 degrees and a half: it is great, good, and much frequented. The port of Tecoantepequa, neer the other, which is but reaſonable good, but it hath a great town, ſtanding on it, from whence they make great fiſhings, eſpecially for ſhrimps, with which they trade the inland Countreys.

CHAP. 53. Soconuſco.

THis is the weſterlieſt province of the Kingdom of Gutamalia, joyneth to the province of Guaxcaca, from whence it lyeth on the ſouth ſea eaſt, ſouth-eaſt 34 leagues and far into the land. It is plentiful of Wheat, Coco, Millet, and Cattle. It hath but one Spaniſh town, which is called Guearettan, where the Governour is reſident. And in her Coaſt are the Rivers Coatan, in her weſt border, eaſt of which is Gapernacalte, and eaſt ſouth-eaſt Colata.

CHAP. 54. Gutamalia.

THe province of Guattamall, is the head of the Kingdome of Gutamalia, it joyneth to the province of Soconuſco, and on the ſouth ſea, it ſtretcheth 70 leagues, the Countrey is of a good temperature, and plentifull of Cottonwool, Wheat, Millet and Cattell, and other Seeds and Fruits, the Winds and Rains in October are very furious.

It hath five Spaniſh towns beſides many Iudian towns and villages. The head City is Saint James of Gutamalia, in which the Councill is reſident. It lyeth in 24 degrees and a half, and of above a thouſand Spaniſh houſholds, and here are the Kings Officers of the goods and royall treaſure, a melting houſe and a Cathedrall, which is Suffragan unto Mexco, a Monaſtery of Dominicans, Franciſcans, Mercenarians, Auguſtines, Jeſuits, and two of Nuns, with an Hoſpitall or Colledg.

This City is furniſhed with all ſorts of proviſions, and dai • ties, and ſtandeth exceeding pleaſantly on the ſide of a large plain, neer a burning mountain. And 40 leagues from Saint James is the City of Saint Saviour the village of Trinity, ſixty and four leagues from the port of Axavatla. It is a chief Commiſſioner-ſhip, with the title of His Majeſtie in a plentifull ſoil. It is a place of great traffick. And the port Atouch, for the ſhips of Peru and New Spain.

And 62 leagues from Saint James is the village of Saint Michael, the Haven of this town is called the Bay Sonſeca, which is diſtant from the town two leagues.

This province hath abundance of gold, ſome ſilver, ſtore of balm, and liquid amber, Copal, Suchicopal excellent liquours, and the Gumme animi, with Beaſts that breed the Bezar ſtone. But the Volcans here are very noyſome to thoſe that lie neer them, for they often burſt forth caſting out fire-ſtones and aſhes. And here are more of thoſe Volcans or fire-pits than in all India beſides.

CHAP 54. Chiapa.

THis province is an Inland province, it is Mediterranean to Soconuſco, Mexico, Tabaſco, and Verapas, and in length 40 leagues, and ſomething leſſe in breadth. It hath ſtore of Wheat, Millet, and other grain and ſeeds, much cattle, but few ſheep. It hath but one town of Spaniards, which is called the City royall, 70 leagues from Saint James of Gutermalia, to the north eaſt, which is governed by an ordinary Juſtice, and in it is reſident, the Cathedrall: two Monaſteries of Dominicke Friars, and one of Nuns. There are many Indian towns in her climates, and the natives are excellent Planters, and Muſitians. This City royall is in 18 degrees and a half, built round and of a marvellous ſcituation, ſixty leagues from the north ſea, and as far from the ſouth.

CHAP. 55. Verapas.

THis alſo is an In-land province of Gutemalia, and is Mediterranean to Chiapa, Youcatan, Honduras, and Gutamalia of 30 leagues over, it is a moiſt countrey, and hath plenty of Millet and Wheat, Cotton-wool, Coco, and much of that ſort of fowls, whoſe feathers make the rare coloured Indian pictures, and this is a great Merchandize amongſt them. The Spaniards have onely one ſmall town, with a Monaſtery of Friars, and one ſchool to inſtruct the Indian children. The Governour is a chief Juſtice: Between this province and the ſouth America, is the Provinces of Coſtarica, Honduras, Varagua, and Mearagua, which joyneth to Gutemalia, on the coaſt of the South-ſea. And thus have you the northern America.

Here a Map.

CHAP. 56, Of Panama.

PAnama hath a Council that hath for Juriſdiction, no more than the province of Panama, & the election of the Governour of Varagua, • n regard they are appointed principals of the Navigation for the diſpatch of Peru, & ordering the King of Spains treaſure, which is yearly tranſported to Porto Belio, over the ſtrait of Darion, and from thence to Spain. It adjoyneth on Carthagena, and Popian, to the ſouth▪eaſt and ſouth-weſt. The chief City is Panama, ſeated on the ſouth ſea in 9 degrees north Latitude, conſiſting of 700 houſholds: the moſt part of the inhabitants are Merchants. Here is alſo reſident the Councill, and Officers of the royall treaſure, Monaſteries of Dominican, Franciſcan, and Lamerſed, and Auguſtine Friars; with two of Nuns, and a Cathedrall. The Haven is indifferent good, but the ſhips come not within a league of the town, the biggeſt ſhips not further than Perua, three leagues of the town, at which place they lie dry at low water.

The air at Panama is extream unwholſome, and the place very ſickly, but it is mended and made durable, for the profit is brought in by the vaſt ſummes yearly brought there to carry to Spain, of which the Inhabitants get part.

The Village of Nata, lyeth on the ſouth ſea weſt from Panama, 30 leagues, it hath a reaſonable port.

On the North ſea, there is the • own of Nombred' Dios, it hath a good port, but the place is ſo unwholſome, that the trade of Mer • handize is removed from thence • o the City of Saint • hilip, the • arbour is called the port Obelo, in which the Spaniſh ſhips, do unlade • hoſe Merchandizes, that are to be •• āſported to Panama & ſo to Peru, • nd receiveth in ſuch goods as are return'd, to be tranſported to Spian.

To ſecure the entrance into this • arbour, are two ſtrong Caſtles, between the City and the ſea, and third neer the town. And on this coaſt are reckoned, firſt the bay of • arabaco, neer the confines of Va • qua, to the eaſt of it, the River of Trinity, the Conception and Bethelem, an Iſland, and the rive • of Caugre, up which river fro • Saint Chilip, they tranſport the •• Merchandize bound for Peru, unto the houſe of the Croſes, which is at the head of the ſaid River and from thence to Panama, which i • diſtant from the ſaid houſe five leagues.

And 12 leagues to the weſt from Nombre d'Dios, is the port of Long • gote, and in 9 degrees the port • Hians, the port of the Aventure i • ſix, Porto Belio in five, and again • it the Iſland of the Lookings, an • the Baſtemontos. And two leagu • from Nombre d'Dios, the river • Sardinilia, and the Iſle of Sardini • and the river of Millet, and the rive • of Snakes, and in the gulf of Cura • the town of Saint Mary. On th • ſouth coaſt the Cape of Saint Mar • and point of war. And towar • Panama, the gulf of Paris, when ſtands Nata, the point of Chiam • the river of Chepo, and the Balſa, • the inward part of the gulf of Saint Michael, north from the • ſ • and of pearl.

CHAP. 57, Carthegna Province.

THis Countrey lyeth on the north ſea, and is parted from the province of Panama, by the river of Darian, from whence unto the river Magdalen, is 80 leagues. The land is mountainons and hilly, full of high trees; this Region is fruitfull in ſome places, and in other ſome as barren. The ſeed of England will grow but in few parts of this Countrey, but here are many cattle▪ horſes and ſwine.

The temperature of this Countrey is hot and very rainy, neither is there mines worked either of gold or ſilver, but much rozen and liquors, which they have from trees, and Sanguis Drag • nis. The City of Cartagena, ſtandeth neer the ſea two leagues weſt from point Canta, in ten degrees of height. It hath more then ſix hundred houſholds, and in it is reſident the Governour, the King of Spains officers of the royall treaſure, and the Cathedrall Suffragan to the Archbiſhop of Granado, with Monaſteries of Dominick, and Franciſcan, Friars. The ſcituation is plain, and almoſt an Iſland, on the north ſide compaſſeth it, and to the land an arm of the ſea, which reacheth to the Lake of Canapote. At the entrance of the Haven, there is an Iſland without Inhabitants. The village of Saint James of Tolu, is two leagues from Cartagena ſouthweſt the village of Saint Margito, and 30 leagues from Cartagena, to the ſouth the village of Sancta Crux, is 70 leagues from Cartagena by the ſea and great river of Magdalen, and twenty from Sancta Martha, ſix from the ſea, where the Marchandizes that are bound to the Kingdome of Granado are delivered out of the ſhips, and from thence are tranſported up the River in Canowes.

CHAP▪ 58. The Kingdome of Granado.

THis Kingdome lyeth from the ſea, adjoyning on the ſouth part of Cartagena. It is a very rich Countey in Mines of Emraulds, gold, ſteel, and copper, ſtore of paſtures, with all ſorts of cattle, wheat, Millet, fruits, and hearbs. The Indians are great traders, and able men of body, ingenious in the ſciences of the Spaniards. The Merchandize commeth up the the river Magdalen, on which this land lyeth. Their chief City is Sancta Fee, ſeated on the bottome of a hill, in four degrees to the North of the Equinoctiall Line of more than ſix hundred houſholds. In which is reſident in behalf of the King of Spain, a Councill for managing of the affaires of the Kingdome, the Officers of the royall treaſure, a melting houſe, and a Cathedrall Metropolitan, two Monaſteries of Friars, and in her borders more than fifty thouſand tributary Indians.

The City of Tocampa ſtandeth on the river Cati, which runneth into Magdalen. This City hath alſo many Indians tributary, ſo hath all the other Spaniſh towns, which are firſt Saint Michael, then the City of Trinity, 20 leagues from Sancta Fee north-weſt, the town of Palms, fifteen leagues from Sancta Fee weſt north-weſt. And the City of Tunis north-eaſt from Sancta Fee 22 leagues: it ſtands upon a hill of an extraordinary ſcituation. Here is a great garriſon of ſouldiers, and the beſt market in all the Realm. Here is alſo the City of Meridia, the City of Victorey, the village of Saint Chriſtopher, the City Bales, and the City of Marequeata, all Spaniſh Cities, with many hundred large towns and villages of Indians. Through this Region they paſſe from Cartagena by land to Peru, commonly by poſt, but not otherwiſe, by reaſon that it is fifteen hundred leagues from Cartagena to Coſco. This Region cannot be entred by land from Cartagena, by reaſon of the great waters and mountains that are in the way, wherefore they paſſe up the river Magdalen, with Merchandize from the Cuſtome-houſe of Malamba, on the ſaid River, from whence to the firſt landing in the Kingdome of Granada is one hundred and fifty miles.

CHAP. 59. The Province of Sancta Martha.

THis Province of Martha, lyeth between Cartagena, and the River Hacha, on the North ſea. It is a plentifull Countrey of Millet, Potatocs, much gold, Emraulds, and other rich ſtones, and copper, and hath five Spaniſh towns, the City of Sancta Martha, in ten degrees of North latitude, where is reſident the Spaniſh Governour, the King of Spains Officers of his treaſure, and a Cathedral Suffragan to that of Granado. The City of Tenerif ſtandeth on the river Magdalen, which parteth this Province from Cartagena. The village of Palms, is two leagues from this river, twenty to the ſouth of Tenerif, the City of Loſreas is 30 leagues from the river Hacha. On the coaſt of this Government is the river Biaba, Piaras, Aguamur, and Sancta Martha. The Indians of this province are commonly in war, which is a hinderance to the Spaniards quiet enjoying the riches. It exceedeth in ſtones of ſuch value and quantity, as is not elſwhere to be found in India.

CHAP. 60. Veneſiula.

THe Province of Veneſiula, lyeth on the North Sea, parted from Sancta Martha, by the River of Hacha, on the eaſt is the province of Suava, or New Andeloſia, as the Spaniards call it. The coaſt of the ſea is neer 130 leagues of length. In this land are veins of gold, of more than two and twenty Carracts and a half. It is plentifull of wheat and other ſeeds, for there are two harveſts in a year. It hath abundance of all kind of cattle, great and ſmall, Cotton and Saſaprila. The City of Coro ſtandeth in 11 degrees in a good air, the Governour for the King of Spain reſideth here. It hath alſo a melting-houſe, and Cathedrall with Monaſteries.

The City of the Lady of Carvalteda, on the ſea coaſt 8 leagues from Coro, with a bad haven.

Saint James is within the land three leagues to the ſouth of Carvelteda. The new Valentia is ſixty leagues from Coro, and ſeven from the Port of Brubufa Xeres 15 leagues ſouth from Valentia. The new Sigonia is 20 leagues to the ſouth of Xeres. The City of Tacuio, ſtandeth ten leagues from Segavia, ſouth-weſt Truxcillio, eight leagues from Coro ſouth and by eaſt. On this coaſt, the principall river is the river Hacha, which parts this province from Sancta Martha, neer the mouth is a rich Town and Beads of pearl of the beſt in India.

CHAP. 61. Guana.

THis Region comprehendeth all the land that lyeth between the province of Veneſula and Brazil, which beginneth at twodegrees of ſouth latitude; this land is more famous for report, than for any certain knowledge of the riches thereof, for at this day, there is no more than one Spaniſh Town called Codoa, which lyeth on the ſea coaſt from Trinidado. The Spaniards are neer it, and have better opportunities to know the riches of it than any other. But the Indians which are in great part fled from the Spaniſh Countreys, are ſo much their enemies, as not to permit them to come amongſt them without wars, which is a great hinderance to the Spaniards undertakings. But although this Countrey promiſeth much, in truth to this day there are no mines found and worked either of gold or ſilver, although it is very probable by the Latitude, that it doth abound in both.

The rivers are many and great, that iſſue into the ſea frō this coaſt, of which the moſt famous are the rivers Orinoque, or Orileania, which entreth into the ſea with ſixteen mouths. The beſt enterance is by the Branch du Weſt from Trinidado The river of Amaſions is more ſoutherly, and iſſueth into the ſea under the line. The mouth or entrance of this river is more ſhallow then Orinoque, neither is it ſo well known, although the Engliſh and Dutch have traded up them both with the Indians for theſe commodities naturall to the Countrey, Bees wax; Cotton-wool, Caſſia Fiſtula, Bolearmoniack, Teralemna, and divers other drugs, and wood fit for Dyers, and ſome Balſomes. The people love our Nation above any other, and would be glad to aſſiſt us on any deſign. The air in this Countrey is in ſome places extream hot and moiſt, in other places conſtantly hot and dry, and in other ſome very temperate all the year long.

CHAP. 62. The Land of Brazil.

THis Province beginneth where Guana endeth, at two degrees of ſouth latitude, where there is a point called the Cape of Snakes, from whence it lyeth along the Coaſt of the north ſea to 25 degrees, and on the back ſide weſt, lyeth the provinces of the river of Plate. The air is the whole year through very hot, the winter which is our ſummer, diſtinguiſhed only with the rain that falleth at that ſeaſon.

Here are many venemous worms and great ſerpents, tis plentifull of paſtures, cattle and horſes, little Millet and no Engliſh grain, wherefore their bread is Caſabi or Potatoes, which are in good Plenty. There are great ſhews of ſilver and gold, but none gotten, nor mines certainly known. The chief commodity is Sugar, Cotton-wool, Bombaſt, and Brazil-wood. It hath neer the ſea coaſt about 20 Portugall towns, many Ingeniowes, or Sugar works: the firſt town of the Countrey is called Tamerico, and 5 leagues to the ſouth of that Farnambuck or Reſcif, then All Saints 100 leagues from Farnambuck in 14 degrees 40 minutes. The town of the Sure haven in 16 degrees and a half: the Holy Ghoſt in 20▪ There is another town on the rive • Generio, in 23 degrees neer which they cut much Braſel-wood. There are on the coaſt eight or ten ports, more principall than the reſt, which are the river Saint Dominick northeaſt off Farnambuck, by the Cap • of Saint Auguſtine, which ſtandeth in 9 degres. The Iſland of Tameric • before rehearſed, the river of Saint Francis in 10 degrees and a half. It is very great. The bay of All Saints is 3 leagues and 13 up into the land. The river of Trinidado, and the river of Canamon in 13 degreees and a half. The river of Beads in 14 degrees and a half, and the river of the Virgins in 16, and Porteſceurae in 17. The river of Parague, in 20: neer the town of Sanctus Spiritus, and in 23 degrees Cold Cape beyond Saint Vincent. This province hath been in difference between the Portugeſes, and West India Company of Holland, and as the Dutch got great footing there without right, ſo the Portugals, ſince their falling from Spain have ſurprized them again, and recovered them by the ſame ſlight they got the Eaſt Indies from us, but not with ſuch vile murthers, as they committed on the Engliſh.

They have now the town of Reſif, onely which not long ſince was neer loſt.

CHAP. 63. Of the Provinces of the River Plate.

THe provinces of Plate, take name from the river on which they lye, the paſſage to them is up the ſaid river, but they are almoſt on the back of Brazil. They are large and far wholſomer then Brazil, plenty of Sugar, Ginger, Wine, Wheat, Millet, all ſorts of Engliſh fruits, ſtore of Cattle, Swine, and Horſes, but no mines that are worked. They are ſubjected by the Spaniards, and united to the Councill of Peru, on the ſouth ſea for neerneſſe of lying to that Kingdome, there is a common paſſage from theſe provinces thither by land over the mountains, the moſt of the land is indifferently inhabited.

This province hath three Spaniſh Cities, the beſt is the City of Aſcenſion. It lyeth in 23 degrees and a half of ſouth latitude weſt from Brazil, and eaſt from Peru, 300 leagues up the River of Plate on the North-ſide. In it is reſident the Spaniſh Governout, the Officers royall, and a Cathedrall, Suffragan to the Archbiſhop of Lima, in Peru. The next is the City royall, diſtant from the Aſcenſion eighty leagues north-eaſt. The City of Bucnos ayres ſtandeth on the River Plate, one hundred leagues from the mouth of the ſame.

Theſe provinces are full of Indians, and Miſtiſos which are Spaniards children begotten on Indian women. On this coaſt between the Brazil and the mouth of the River Plate, is the port of Saint Vincent in 33 degrees againſt Becena Burgo a ſmall Iſland, and ſix leagues to the ſouth the River Ubay the port and Iſland Dela Canana in 35 degrees, and forward the river De la Barca. And 20 leagues from thence the port of Roderico, and in 29 degrees the Iſland of Catalina And five leagues to the ſouth Cloſe Haven. And fifteen leagues further another river called Traquean. And in 32 degrees the Bay of Saint George. And in 35 degrees the Cape of Saint Mary at the entring into the River Plate. The ſouth Cape is called Cape Blanke, and the mouth of this River of Plate, is thirty over and a great way up it, ten leagues in breadth with many Iſlands, and divers great Rivers iſſuing into it.

CHAP. 64. Of the Coaſt between the River of Plate and the Strait of Magelan.

FRom the mouth of this River, the ſtrait lyeth ſouthweſt, and is diſtant thence 400 leagues. It hath on the ſaid coaſt: firſt the point of Saint Helena in 37 degrees, the point of Francis in 38: the River of Canobi in 45. And to the ſouth the Iſle of Ducks. And in 47 the River of Seriani, and in 49 the Port of Saint Julian, the River of Sancta Crux in 50. And 12 leagues before you come to the ſtrait of Ilefonſus. But the land poſſeſt with no other but the Natives, which are a Gyantly people.

CHAP. 65. The Straight of Magellan.

THis ſtraight is famous for the trouble ſome paſſage of Drake, Candiſh, and Haukins, three Engliſh men Generals, each in a ſeverall Fleet: Drake and Candiſh being the firſt that ſailed along the coaſt of Peru, and ſo to the Eaſt Indies, and came home by the Cape of Bona Sperantia, Circum-navigating the Globe. The laſt being much over-matched was taken by the Spaniards on the coaſt of Peru, and convayed from thence priſoner to Spain. From whence with much difficulty he obtained his freedome, although ſolemn Engagements paſſed from the Generall his taker for his freedome.

The entrance into this ſtrait is in 52 degrees, and the comming out into the ſouth ſea the ſame height.

It is an extream difficult paſſage by reaſon of the meeting of the north and ſouth ſeas in the channell, driving each other back▪ prevailing as they are favoured by the wind, which commonly bloweth there exceeding boyſterouſly and cold. There are divers caves and bays in it, but no incouragement for a ſea-man to adventure that way. The Inhabitants on this ſtrait are few, and extream ſavage, neither is this paſſage any more in uſe: for thoſe that will go by the ſouth of America to the Eaſt Indies, or into the ſouth ſea to any part of the weſt coaſt of America, have a more convenient paſſage ſouth of this ſtrait in an open ſea. The entrance into it is called Lamear, but the ſea was diſcovered by Sir Francis Drake, and Sir Richard Haukins both which were driven back by foul weather into thoſe ſeas after they had paſſed the ſtrait.

On the coaſt of the ſouth ſea, which lyeth between the ſtrait and Chilli, there are no inhabitants ſave the wild Natives, but it hath the Bay of horſes in 52 degrees, and the Bay of Saint John in 50. The Cape of Saint Francis in 51. And 18 leagues before you come to Port Hearnan the Bay of Galago in 48 degrees 40 minutes, and north of it the Bay of Kings, and the Iſle of Catilina, then the Cape of Saint Andrew in 42 degrees where Chilla beginneth.

CHAP. 66. Chillia.

THis coaſt reacheth to 28 degrees of ſouth latitude. This Region is wholſome above all other in the Indies, being of an excellent temperature, as neither too hot nor too cold. It is abundantly rich in gold and ſilver mines, and all ſorts of cattle & grain, fruits & excellent pleaſant wine. The Countrey men are ſtrong and valiant beyond compare, which the Spaniards know to their great coſt, for they could never totally ſubdue this Nation. The Spaniards had formerly 12 Spaniſh towns in this Province, the moſt ſouth was the City of Chillon in an Iſland of fifty leagues long, that almoſt joyneth to the firm land, which beareth the name of this whole Countrey, this town had in it a Monaſtery of Friars; and to the north of this town 41 leagues, the City of Oſornio ſeven leagues from the ſea, with two Monaſteries of Friars, and one of Nuns. The City of Valdiva two leagues within the mouth of the River Valdiva in 40 degrees. It had three Monaſteries of Friars, and one of Nuns. The City Imperiall in 39 degrees of height 3 leagues from the ſea: in it was reſident the Cathedrall, and two Monaſteries of Friars. The City of Conception lyeth in 37 degrees neer the ſea. And there did reſide the Governour of the Countrey. The harbour is good, and made by an Iſland which lyeth before a nook in the land. The Port of Quoquimbo, is a good harbour, and ſtandeth in 32 degrees. The town of Laſerana, is next to Peru. It lyeth pleaſantly by the Valley of Quoquimbo. In this place it rains but thrice a year: this Countrey is neer 300 leagues by the ſea, but not above twenty into the land, where lye the Andes, which are mighty great mountains, that run through the ſouthern America, even from the ſtrait of Magellan to Sancta Martha Of the Spaniſh towns in Chilla, there is recovered by the Natives, and by them quite deſtroyed the City of Conception, Chillon, Oſornio, Valdivia, and Imperiall.

CHAP. 67. The Councill of Charcas.

THe bounds of this Councill ſtretcheth from Chilia to Peru, it hath abundance of cattle of all kinds, great ſhag-haired ſheep bigger then goats that carry great burthens on their backs, ſtore of corn of all ſorts, fruits and wine, much gold, and the greateſt mines of ſilver in the world. There are few Spaniſh towns; and but one port, in regard the Spaniards get neer the Hill of Potoſi, to the City Imperiall, which lyeth in 19 degrees of latitude far from the ſea, and delivereth that which is exported, and receiveth the Marchandize imported at the City of Arica.

The City of Imperiall, is exceeding populous of Spaniards and Indians, and it ſtandeth neer the Hill of Potoſi, which is much to be admired for the great quantities of ſilver is drawn from thence, and exceeding deep caves in the earth, from whence they fetch it, that are ſo intricate and far in the earth, that thoſe that go in take the Popiſh Sacraments, the danger of death is ſo great. This mountain is as it were pointed at by a black cloud that perpetually hangeth over it. The land about it is moſt extream barren, yet the great quantity of ſilver that is there cauſeth that all ſorts of variety is there in great plenty, although at a dear rate. And towards the Port of Arica, are the mines of Porco, which are more ancient and very great, but harder to work.

The Indians live in the beſt places for cattle, corn, wine, and fruits being tributary to the Spaniards, that in behalf of the King of Spain are Lords of theſe great riches.

CHAP. 68. The Kingdom of Peru.

THis Kingdome is governed by a Councill and Viceroy. It hath to the North the Councill of Quipo, on the ſouth Charcas, and to the weſt the ſouth ſea, and to the eaſt without limits. This Kingdome is well peopled with Civill orderly Indians, that are in great ſubjection to the Spaniards. Peru doth abound in all ſorts of fruits, ſeed, cattle, horſes, ſheep, ſwine, rich mines of gold, ſilver, quick-ſilver, plentifull of wine, oil, and ſugar. The Andes run through this Province within ten leagues of the ſea. In all which coaſts it never raineth, but on the ſaid hils it raineth continually, and beyond as in other Regions. The plains between the ſea, and the ſaid Hils, have few or no rivers, but the induſtrie of the Inhabitants draw in trenches, (which are artificially made) the water either from thoſe few rivers, or from the ſide of the ſaid Andes, which maketh that the ſaid plain is mightily populous, fruitfull and pleaſant even as a garden.

The City of Lema is neer the ſouth ſea in 12 degrees of ſouth lalatitude, on the ſide of a rich and pleaſant valley. It conſiſteth of 4000 houſes. On the eaſt-ſide of it runneth a fair river, by which the Citizens have Gardens with moſt excellent fruits. And this is the ſole place in the world that is without thunder and lightning, which never happen here, neither is there plague or peſtilence, but the inhabitants enjoy perpetually a clear and fair sky. It is the ſeat of the Viceroy aud Councill, and Aſſembly of Chief Juſtices, the Officers of the King of Spains revenue, the chief ſeat of the Inquiſition, a Univerſity with ſchools of divers Indians, languages, five Monaſteries of Friars, and one of Jeſuits, •… ao which is the Port of this City is two leagues from it. It is great and good. The village of Arneado is in the valley of Chianeai ten leagues from Lima, neer a good Haven in 9 degrees. The City of Truxcilo, ſtands in ſeven degrees and a half neer the ſea, with Monaſteries of Dominican, Franciſcan, and Mercenaries, and Officers royall for theſe bounds. The port is two leagues of the City in a Bay not very good for ſhips. The City of Saint John is ſeated in a moſt plentifull place, and the Indian inhabitants are the faireſt and moſt wel-favoured people in the Indies. The City Guanang is to the ſouth Lema. It hath Monaſteries of Dominican, Franciſcan, and Mercenaries, and one of Nuns, and the beſt houſes of any City in Peru of Brick and Stone. It ſtandeth in a temperate place, and is very healthy.

The City of Coſco, is the head City of Peru, by a title that it hath from the Kings of Spain. It lyeth in 13 degrees and a half ſouth of the Equinoctiall. It is a very great City, and hath four great ſtreets that go to the four parts of the world. It hath many Monaſteries and Nunneries, with a Cathedrall, and divers ſchools of Indian Children.

The City of Ariquipa is in 16 degrees on the ſea ſide. It is a rich • nd flouriſhing place, and in a wholeſome Climate: the other Cities of Spaniards are Inland, but • heſe rehearſed are the moſt emi • ent. The inconveniency of this Countrey is the great Earthquakes, that often happen eſpecially about J • ma. There are three wonderfull ſprings of water in this Countrey, a water that turneth ſo ſoon as it is ſtopt to ſtone. If a man or beaſt drink of it, it turneth to a ſtone in his body, and killeth him: with this they make ſtones of what faſhion they pleaſe, and make their houſes: there is another water that ſpringeth far within land, that being ſetled turneth to pure white ſalt: the other is two ſpouts of water, by each other, the one hot, the other cold.

The remarkableſt ports, Ilands and points on this coaſt are the Ilands of Lobos in 7 degrees: the one is four leagues from the coaſt, the other more; and forward to the ſouth weſt the Ile of Saint Rock, and further the port of Abrago ten leagues to the north of Truxcili • in 7 degrees and a half: the port o • Santa in nine degrees, and five leagues more ſouth port Farwell, and ſix from it Caſama, and eight leagues further the port of Gurmay, and twenty leagues to the ſouth the Baranca and Potquaria, where there is a great ſalt pit. And a little more ſouth the Ile of Lema, at the entry of the port of Cala, and twenty leagues more ſouth the point of Guareo. And in 15 degrees the point Chuca, and forward the point of Saint Laurence, neer the River Ariquipa. And then the River of Nombre d'Dios, where Peru endeth, and the Councill of Charchas beginneth.

CHAP. 69. Quito Kingdome.

THis Kingdome is governed by a Councill, whole bounds lyeth between Peru and Panama. It hath two mighty Countreys or Provinces within his circuit, that is to ſay, firſt Quito, and then Popyan. Quito lyeth between Peru and Popyan on the ſouth ſea, and far into the land under the Equinoctiall line: and contrary to the opinion of the Ancients, it is a moſt wholeſome temperate Countrey, and rather cold than hot in moſt parts of it. In thoſe places where the ſnowes continue all the year, it raineth from October to March, which they call winter: this province is rich in Mines of Emraulds, and gold, ſilver and quick-ſilver, plentifull of Engliſh grain and cattle, horſe and ſwine. This Region is happy in the temperature of the air, there being neither extream cold nor heat, as lying Equinoctiall to theſe Extreams, and which is moſt delightfull to mans nature always, a cleer skie. The Spaniſh towns are the City of Saint Francis, 60 leagues from the ſouth ſea, and half a league to the north of the Equinoctiall: in it are reſident the Councill, the Officers of the Spaniſh Kings Revenues, and a Cathedrall with three Monaſteries. The town of Bamba lyeth ſouthweſt from Quito, on a river of that name. It is poſſeſt by Spaniards and Indians, which are extream rich inſheep above any town of India. The City of Loxein ſtandeth in the way from Quito to Coſco: there are many other Spaniſh Inland towns which are great & good, of which I have no certain knowledg, but of moſt conſequence to a Navigator, is the port towns: the beſt of which is Poyta in five degrees. It is a good and great harbour. The City of Saint James of Aquil ſtandeth not far from the ſea.

It hath a good port on a river that runneth fair by the City fit for veſſels of great burthen.

The City of Porto Vivegio ſtandeth on the ſea neer the borders of Peru, the Indians of this place have red warts that ſometimes grow on their Noſes and Foreheads, Cheeks and Chins, which eateth as a ringworm with us, but far more to the diſ-figuring the face, and in extremity of pain.

The river and port of Tombes is in 4 degrees, and ſouth of it the Ile of Pana, the port of Calaio in two degrees height ſouth latitude, by which ſtandeth the Ile of Plata, and one degree to the ſouth of the Equinoctiall, the Bay of

This province hath formerly had great Gyants living there, as appeareth by the great bones often found, and pieces of teeth, which have weighed fourteen ounces.

Neer the ſaid point of Helena, there are veins of Tar, which runneth out of the earth, with which they commonly cank their ſhips.

CHAP. 70 Popyan.

THis province lyeth between Quito and Panama, the greateſt part of it is In-land, yet doth it for a good way lye on the ſouth ſea. The eaſtern part bordereth on the Kingdome of Granado and Cartagena.

The temperature of ayr is very different in this place, for here are ſome places indifferent temperate and cool, other places are violent hot and ſickly. This province hath ſome Indians peaceable, other ſome extraordinary ſavage, inſomuch that about the Village of Arma, and Canarna, they eat not onely thoſe that they take in war, cutting off ſlivers eating one part, while the other liveth, but ſell their Children, and the Sons their Fathers and Mothers to the Butchers that keep ſhambles of mans fleſh.

This Countrey is exceeding rich in gold mines, which maketh that the Spaniards endure the other inconveniences of the Countrey with great patience.

The principall Spaniſh City in this Goverment is Popyan, which lyeth far from the ſea, two degrees to the north of the Equinoctiall. It hath the Leivtenant Governour reſident in it, a Cathedrall with Monaſteries of Friars: the City of Cali ſtandeth in 4 degrees 20 leagues from the ſea: the Governour is reſident in it, and the Officers of the King of Spains treaſure, a melting houſe and two Monaſteries. The Port of Bonaventure lyeth in 3 degrees and a half north of the line: this is a place of good reſort of Merchants, and hath a good port and a fair Cuſtome-houſe.

The Village of Sancta Fee, on the River of Cavaca.

The Village of Arma, borders on Granada, neer which lyeth the Village of Canarman.

On the ſea coaſt is the Cape of Corientes in 5 degrees to the north of the line. The River Solines in four degrees, and ſouth ten leagues, the River of Saint John in two degrees: and little more ſouth the River of Saint Lucas, and further ſouth the Port of the Croſſe,