Chapter XXV: Front Matter (25)

The _Monick_, call’d by the Islanders _Corsot_, from the Name of an Island from whence the Seeds were first brought by the _Dutch_, and bearing a Fruit like a small Cucumber not perfectly ripe.

The _Junipa_, or _Jenipa_, by the _Portuguese_ call’d _Jenipapo_; and by the _Brasilians_, _Jenipaba_; having Leaves like those of the Walnut-Tree, Flowers like the _Narcissus_, and a Fruit like a bak’d Apple, which when it falls from the Tree makes a noise like the Report of a Gun discharg’d, which is said to proceed from the bursting forth of the Seed out of the thin Skin enclosing it, and breaking with a violence; the Juice of it Dyes of a Violet-colour, and the Swine and Birds that feed upon it, are said to have their Flesh and Fat of the same colour.

A sort of Vine commonly call’d _The Raisin-Tree_ and by the _Caribbeeans_, _Ouliem_; whose Fruit being like a large Violet-colour’d Grape, hath in stead of the several small Grain-stones which are inclos’d in the Husks of common Grapes, one hard Stone, like that of a Plumb.

The _Acajou_, bearing for Fruit a kind of Chesnut, in form of a Hares Kidney, which serves for a Crest to a very fair Apple that by degrees grows under it, of which the Islanders make a Drink, very much in esteem amongst them, being of an excellent taste.

The _Icaco_, a kind of small Plumb-Tree, so much coveted, and held for a Delicacy by some People that live near the Gulf of _Hondures_, that they are from thence call’d _Icacos_.

The _Monbain_, which Fruit being a kind of yellowish Plumb, is chiefly made use of to mix in the Drinks of _Ouicon_ and _Maby_, to make them taste the better.

The _Courbury_ is by some reckon’d to be but a species of the _Monbain_, onely more full of Leaves, and growing higher and bigger; but the Fruit of the _Courbury_ is sufficiently different from that of the _Monbain_.

The _Indian_ Fig-Tree, differing in Leaf from the common Fig-Tree, but whose Fruit both in figure and taste is not much unlike the Fig growing in these Parts: This Tree is commonly of such a vast Bulk, that the Branches of some of them have been seen to afford shelter to two hundred Men.

A kind of Service-Tree, differing from ours, by its exceeding heighth, fair Leaves, and pleasant Fruit.

The Prickly or Thorny Palm, so call’d from its being arm’d all over with Prickles, both Trunk and Leaves; by incision into its Branches a sort of Wine is made, and it is conjectur’d to be the same Tree which the _Brasilians_ call _Ayry_.

The _Franc_-Palm, an exceeding high and streight Tree, bearing on the top of its Trunk a whitish marrowy substance, by the _French_ call’d _Choude Palmiste_, or _Palm-Cabbage_; for being boyl’d with the thin Leaves that incircle it, and well season’d, it is reckon’d amongst the Delicacies of the _Caribbees_.

_Latanier_, another kind of _Palm_; and _Cocoa_, which is also reckon’d amongst the several sorts of Palms; this last is a Fruit-Tree famous all over _America_, and hath been at large describ’d elsewhere.

There are also many other Trees fit for Dying, Joyners Work, and Building, (besides the _Acajou_ before mention’d, of the single Trunks whereof are made those long Shallops call’d _Pyrages_, which are able to carry fifty Men) as

The _Acomas_, of the same bulk and heighth with the _Acajon_, and equally esteem’d by Joyners and Carpenters, and of the Fruit whereof the Woodquists grow fat at a certain time of the year.

The Rose-wood, to be rank’d amongst the chiefest of those Trees that are made use of by Work-men.

_Indian_ Wood, a very precious and useful Tree for several sorts of Materials, and of a very fine scent.

The _Iron-Wood_, so call’d from its hardness, weight and solidity, above all that have hitherto been spoken of, and beyond either Cypress or Cedar for incorruptibility.

_Brasile-Wood_, so call’d as growing most plentifully in _Brasile_.

_Yellow-Wood_, denominated from its Colour, and much esteem’d for its usefulness in Dying green Ebony, easily taking the lustre of the true Ebony, and being very useful for the making of Cabinets and other curious Pieces of Work; It also Dyes of a very fair Grass-green.

The _Roncon_, by the _Brasilians_ call’d _Urnex_, in the Husks, succeeding the Flowers whereof, which grow in little Bushes at the end of the Branches, is enclos’d a most rich Vermilion Dye, of a very soft and viscous Matter.

Here are also many other Trees, either useful in Medicine, or other ways advantageous, as the _Cassia_-Tree, of the bigness and figure of a Peach-Tree; the long Pipes or Cods whereof, containing the Medicinal Fruit, are well known amongst us by the Name of _Cassia-Fistula_, and to be had at every Apothecaries.

Medicinal Nuts, each Nut containing three or four Stones in so many Cells, every one of which is inclos’d within a thin white Pellicle, pleasant enough to the taste, and out of which is extracted an Oyl, us’d by the _Portuguese_ in several both Culinarie and Physical occasions.

The Cinamon-Tree, so noted for its aromatick Bark; also _Sandal-Wood_, _Guaiacum_, and _Sassafras_.

Cotton-Tree and Soap-Tree, whose Uses the very Names imply, and which Trees have been touch’d upon elsewhere.

The arch’d _Indian_ Fig-Tree, the Bodies of which Trees have been antiently the sculking Holes and Retreats of the Inhabitants from their Enemies; the Bark is useful for Tanners.

The _Gourd_-Tree, of the bigness and heighth of a great Apple-Tree, and of which are made most of the Houshold Vessels and Utensils, which are in common use at present amongst the Inhabitants.

The _Mahot_-Tree, of the Bark of which are made Laces and Points.

The _Manyoc_, or _Mandioque_, of whose Root the _Cassava_ Bread is made, and which growing in several places of _America_, hath been already taken notice of; as likewise the _Banana_-Tree, and that call’d _The Apple-Tree of Paradice_, otherwise _Adam’s Fig-Tree_, the Fruit being reported to be of a very delicious taste.

Other Trees not known in _Europe_, are the _Maposu_, divers kinds of Thorny Wood, the Milky Tree, being of a venomous quality, the _Mancenilier_, and that whose Root beaten to Powder, and thrown into Rivers, intoxicates the Fish, with several others of less note.

Innumerable sorts of Shrubs might here in like manner be reckon’d up, but the chiefest are, That remarkable Plant, anciently known by the Name of _Ricinus_, and commended for its Vertues by _Galen_ and _Dioscorides_.

Coral-Wood, so call’d from its little Seeds, which being as red as any Coral, are us’d for Bracelets.

The _Jasmin_, bearing a Flower of an admirable sweet scent.

The _Candle-Wood_, so call’d from its combustibleness, by reason of an aromatick Gum which is within.

The Herbs, Flowers, Roots, and Pulse which grow here, are some of them common in all parts of _Europe_, as Cabbages, Onions, Chibols, Melons, all sorts of Millets, Cucumbers, Citruls, Parsnips, _&c._

Others, if not peculiar to this Island, yet growing chiefly there, and in some few parts of _America_ besides, as the _Raquettes_, so call’d from the resemblance its Leaves have with a Racket, a thorny-spreading Bush, whose Fruit being of a Vermilion colour, makes the Urine of those that eat of it as red as Blood. Some liken this Plant to the _Tunas_, already describ’d, which yields that rich Scarlet Dye call’d _Cochinele_.

The _Torch_, so call’d by the _European_ Inhabitants; by the Native Islanders, _Akoulerou_; a great Thistle, or thorny Bush, putting forth from the middle of it long streight Stalks like Torches, and bearing Fruit like a great Fig, not unpleasing to the taste.

The _Lienes_, creeping upon the Earth, and spreading up and down like Ropes, and bearing brown Husks of a Foot long, wherein are enclos’d a Fruit call’d _Sea-Chestnuts_, of which are made Boxes to keep Snush, Tobacco, or the like.

A sort of _Sempervivum_, which runs twisting upon Rocks, Trunks of old Trees, like Misseltoe, and sometimes on the Ground.

A sort of sensitive Plant, call’d by the Inhabitants _Haestiel_, or _The Living Herb_; of which kind of Plant something hath been already touch’d upon, and which being transplanted, is kept in several Gardens of the _Curiosi_ as a Rarity.

The _Sweet-Rush_, whose small Root dry’d, and reduc’d to Powder, helps Women in Travail.

The _Balisier_, whose Leaf apply’d, mollifies and cools inflammations of Wounds.

The _Dart-Herb_, whose Root bruis’d and apply’d, draws away the Venom of empoyson’d Darts; besides _Scolopendria_, a sort of Aloes, several kinds of Maidenhair, and other medicinal Herbs.

The _Granadilla_, or _Passion-Flower_, growing in several other parts of _America_, and describ’d elsewhere.

There is also a sort of Pease in some of these Islands, differing from ours, and call’d _The Pease of Angola_, as first brought from thence. Likewise a sort of Beans call’d _The Seven-years Beans_, by reason the same Stalk bears seven years one after another.

The Herb call’d _The Musk-Herb_, from the dusky colour of its Flower, and the sweet scent of the Seed, grows also in these Parts very frequent.

The _Pyman_, or _American Pepper_, is the same with that before describ’d under the Name of _Axi_.

Their _Potatoe_ is a Root not unlike the _Topinambous_, or _Jerusalem-Artichokes_, otherwise call’d _Saligots_, growing plentifully in our Gardens, but more wholsome, and of a better taste.

The _Anana_’s, or _Pine-Apple_, accounted a most delicious Fruit, of an admirable sweet scent, and very pleasant to behold, grow not onely plentifully in these Islands, but in most places of _America_; besides the Sugar-Canes here, and in many other places, but not so generally.

The Plant from which is got the Dying Material call’d _Indico_, is very different from that which grows in _Madagascar_, which bears small odoriferous Flowers, of a white and purple Colour mix’d together.

Of these Trees, Herbs, and other Plants, which are produc’d in these _Caribbee Islands_, some are more peculiarly of the Growth of one Island, some of another; so that we shall have occasion to speak more largely of some of them, when we come to speak of each Island in particular.

The four-footed Beasts found in these Islands, are chiefly the _Opassum_, the _Javaris_, the _Tatan_, the _Agouty_, and the _Musk-Rat_, which being all of them no less known in other Parts of the _New World_, have been already taken notice of, and of which we may have also occasion to treat more at large in the particular Islands, we shall therefore onely name the other Animals, whether Birds, Reptiles, Insects, or Fishes, as partly having been heretofore treated of, and partly to be describ’d hereafter.

The Birds are, the _Fregates_, _Fauves_, _Craw-fowl_, or _Grandgawsiers_, _Flammans_, _Swallows of America_, _Arras_, _Canides_, _Parrots_, _Parroquito_’s, _Tremblo_’s, _Sparrows of America_, _Eagles of Orinoca_, _Manstenys_, _Colibrys_, besides what are common amongst us, as _Herons_, _Coots_, or _Moor-hens_, _Black-birds_, _Feldivars_, _Thrushes_, _Turtles_, _Woodquists_, _Pintado_’s, &c.

[Sidenote: Reptiles.]

The Reptiles are, _Anotis_, _Zoquets_, and _Maboujats_ (of which farther mention will occur in the Isle of _St. Christopher) Globe-mouches_, nam’d by the _Caribbeeans_, Oulleouma, _Scorpions_, and several sorts of _Lizards_, call’d by the _Caribbeeans_, Ouamayaca; by the _Brasilians_, Senembi; and by other _Indians_, Jaquanas.

[Sidenote: Insects.]

The Insects are, besides these common with us, as _Glow-worms_, _Palmer-worms_, _Spiders_, _Bees_, &c. the _Cucuyos_, mention’d in _Hispaniola_, and the _Flying Tyger_.

[Sidenote: Fishes.]

The Fishes are, _Sea-Parrots_, the _Dorada_, by some call’d _The Sea-Bream_, by others, _The Amber-fish_; the _Bonite_, the _Needle-fish_, the _Epadon_, or _Sword-fish_, the _Marsovin_, the _Requiem_, the _Remora_, the _Lamantin_, the _Becune_, the _Sea-Urchin_, the _Sea-Woodcock_, besides _Whales_, and a certan Fish call’d, for its hideous shape, _The Sea-Devil_, and lastly, the _Sea-Unicorn_, with a particular Description of which we shall conclude, as having it from Monsieur _du Montel_, who was an Eye-witness thereof.

[Sidenote: Description of the Sea-Unicorn.]

“This _Unicorn_ (saith he) was pursuing a _Carangue_, or some other lesser Fish, with such earnestness and impetuosity, that not considering that it needed a greater depth of Water than the other, it stuck with half the Body dry on a Sand-bank, whence it could not recover the deeper Waters ere it was destroy’d by the Inhabitants: It was about eighteen Foot in length, being at the largest part of its Body about the bigness of a Barrel: It had six great Fins like the ends of Galley-Oars, whereof two were plac’d near the Gills, and the other four on the sides of the Belly at equal distances; they were of a Vermilion red colour: All the upper part of the Body was cover’d with great Scales, about the bigness of a Crown-Piece, which were of a blue colour, intermix’d with several Spangles of Silver; near the Neck the Scales were closer, and of a dark colour, seeming as it were a Collar; the Scales under the Belly were yellow, the Tail forked, the Head somewhat bigger than that of a Horse, and near the same figure: It was cover’d with a hard and dark-colour’d Skin; and as the Land-_Unicorn_ hath one Horn in his Fore-head, so this Sea-_Unicorn_ had a very fair one issuing out of the fore-part of his Head, about nine Foot and a half in length; it was as streight as could be, and from the place whence it came out it grew smaller and smaller to the very Point, which was so sharp, that being thrust hard, it would enter into Wood or Stone, or some more solid Substance; it was at the place where it came out of the Head, about sixteen Inches about, and from thence to two thirds of the length it was like a Screw, or, to say better, made waving like a wreath’d Pillar, save that the Channels grew smaller and smaller, till they gently ended in a Point, which was two Inches beyond the fourth Foot: All the lower part had over it an Ash-colour’d Skin, which was all over cover’d with a small soft Hair, short as Plush, and of the colour of a wither’d Leaf, but under that it was as white as Ivory: As to the other part, which seem’d naked, it was naturally polish’d, of a shining Black, mark’d with certain small white and yellow Strokes, and of such solidity, that a sharp File could hardly get a little small Powder from it: It had no Ears standing up, but two spacious Gills, as the other Fishes; the Eyes were about the bigness of a Hens Egg; the Ball, which was of a Skye-colour Enamell’d with Yellow, was encompass’d with a certain Vermilion, which had beyond it another as clear as Crystal: The Mouth was wide enough, and furnish’d with several Teeth, whereof those before were extreamly sharp, and those towards the Throat in both Jaws were broad, and a little knobbed: The Tongue was of a length and thickness proportionable, and cover’d with a rough Skin of a Vermilion colour. What was further remarkable, is, that this Fish had upon the Head a kind of Crown, rising above the Skin about two Inches, and made oval-wise, the Extremities whereof ended in a Point. Above three hundred Persons of that Island did eat of the Meat of it, and that plentifully, and thought it extreamly delicate; It was interlarded with Fat, and being boyl’d it came up in flakes like fresh Cod, but it had a much more excellent taste.

“Those who had seen this rare Fish alive, and had with great Levers broken the Back of it, affirm’d, That he had made prodigious Attempts to thrust them with his Horn, which he turn’d with an inexpressible dexterity and nimbleness, and that if he had had as much Water under him as would have born him up, he would have been too hard for them all. When the Entrails were taken out, it was found that he liv’d by Prey; for there were within him the Scales of several kinds of Fish.

“What could be preserv’d of this miraculous Animal, especially the Head, and the precious Horn fastned in it, hung up near two years at the Guard-house of the Island, till Monsieur _Le Vasseur_, the Governor of it, presented one Monsieur _Des Trancarts_ (a Gentleman of _Xaintonge_, who had given him a Visit) with the Horn. Not long after, coming over in the same Ship with the Gentleman, who had that precious Rarity put up in a long Chest, our Ship was cast away near the Island of _Payala_, one of the _Assores_, and all the Goods were lost, but nothing so much regretted as the loss of that Chest.”

[Sidenote: The Natives how call’d.]

The Natives call themselves _Cubao-bonon_, that is, _Inhabitants of the Islands_, and _Caribbeeans_; which last Denomination was not onely receiv’d amongst the _American_ Isles, but also on the Main Continent of the _Northern_ and _Southern America_, long before the _Spaniards_ coming thither.

[Sidenote: Their Original.]

[Sidenote: The _Cofachites_ come to Terms of Agreement with the
_Apalachites_.]

Concerning the original of these People, there are several Opinions; for those who make them to be Extracted from the _Jews_, have no other testimony, but that they abstain from Swines-flesh: Those that take them for a People fled from the great Islands, _Hispaniola_, _Jamaica_, _Cuba_, and _Porto Rico_, to save themselves from the _Spaniards_ Cruelty, dispute against a known Truth; for who knows not, that the _Indians_ who escap’d the _Spanish_ Slaughter, have not the least resemblance either in Language or Customs with the Cannibals? nay more, they are mortal Enemies to them; besides that, the Cannibals at that time when _Columbus_ first arriv’d, possess’d those Places which they now inhabit. The Cannibals seem ignorant themselves in this Point: for they affirm their Extraction to be from _Guyana_, where the _Calibites_ speak the same Language, and also observe the same Customs and Religion: The occasion of their removal they ascribe to the King of the _Arovages_, who made all the adjacent People about his Court, Slaves to him; which to prevent, they first went to _Tabago_, where being strengthned by new Comers, they resolv’d to take revenge on him; and Engaging with him in a Field-Battel, utterly defeated him, and spar’d none of his Party alive, except the Women; whence it proceeds, that the _Arovage_ Women have the same Customs and Language with the _Caribbeans_. But _Bristock_, an _English_ Knight, by long Conversation experienc’d in the several _American_ Tongues, saith, That the _Caribbeeans_ have their Original from the _Apalachites_ in _Florida_, who being a valiant People, destroy’d many of the Natives that inhabited _Mexico_, that so they might Settle themselves there; to which purpose they built a City like that of _Apalache_. The _Cofachites_ inhabiting Northerly, and spread over a barren and Rocky Countrey, made use of this opportunity to conquer their deserted Habitation: for on a set-time they set fire to all the Villages, and spoyl’d all things which they could not carry away with them, that not the least hopes of returning might be left them; therefore they must either Conquer or Die: which resolv’d upon, they fell unawares on the _Apalachites_, whose King had nevertheless so much time, that he Guarded the usual Paths which directed to the inhabited Villages: But the _Apalachites_ leaving the common Roads, climb’d over almost inaccessible Mountains, and so got into the heart of the Countrey, which exceedingly amaz’d _Paracousis_ (for so that King was call’d) who lay Encamp’d at the Foot of a Mountain, whether the Van of the _Apalachites_ were marching: whereupon he sending his Army to meet them, they began a most fierce Combat; when at last both Parties wanting Arrows, they fell upon one another with Clubs till the Night parted them; and neither could boast of the Victory. At last this War was turn’d into Peace, and the Articles of Agreement were these, _viz._

_That the_ Cofachites _should for ever possess the Province_ Amana, _and become one People with the_ Apalachites, _and acknowledge the King of_ Apalache _for their Chief Governor_.

[Sidenote: They fall off.]

[Sidenote: Are brought to worship the Sun.]

After which the _Cofachites_ were call’d _Caribbeeans_, which signifies _Accidental Subjects_: But these two sorts of People did not long agree; for the _Caribbeeans_ sleighted the Customs of the _Apalachites_ in the Countrey _Bemarin_, and at the same time threw off their Obedience to the King, chose one _Ragazin_ for their Governor, subdu’d the neighboring Province _Matika_, and at last defi’d the _Apalachites_; who inferior to them in Strength, and making use of subtilty, suppos’d it the best way to make a Difference amongst the _Caribbeeans_ themselves; to which the Priests freely proffer’d their Assistance, and their Design prov’d also successful; for the _Caribbeeans_ regarding no Religion (onely dreading the angry Deity _Mabouya_) the _Apalachite_ Priests call’d _Jaova_’s, took great pains to perswade their Neighbors to the worshipping of the Sun; which so prevail’d, that a considerable number of them ascending the Mountain _Olaimi_, fell down and shew’d Reverence to that celestial Luminary; which Opportunity _Paracousis_ taking notice of, caus’d the _Jaova_’s to publish amongst the _Caribbeeans_, That in the beginning of the _Maairims_, or _March_, a great Feast should be held in Reverence to the Sun on the usual place, where the King would Entertain, and give Presents to all the Worshippers thereof.

[Sidenote: The Sun generally worshipp’d by the antient _Heathens_.]

How great a Religion this Sun-worship was antiently amongst the _Gentiles_, appears from the Writings of several authentick Authors.

The _Syrians_, whose Idolatry the _Israelites_ learn’d, honor the Sun by the Name of _Babal_, which signifies _Lord_.

The _Phenicians_ call’d the Sun _Beel-samen, Lord of the Heavens_; and the Citizens of _Accaron_, _Baal-zebahim_, _Lord of the Offerings_; but God chang’d the Name to _Baal-zebub_, or _The God of Flyes_.

_Moloch_, or _Milcom_ also signifi’d the Sun amongst the _Ammonites_; in honor of which Children were carried by their Parents, and set between two great Fires, or else by the Priests, upon pretence of cleansing them; and sometimes parch’d to death in an Image of _Moloch_, which had seven Cavities heated like Ovens.

_Macrobius_ tells us, That the _Assyrians_ ascrib’d the supream Command to the Sun, under the Name of _Adad_, and to the Goddess _Adargatis_, representing the Image of _Adad_ with Beams darting downwards, and _Adargatis_ with those that shot upwards: by the first they express’d, that the celestial Power consisted in Sun-beams, which shooting downwards warm the Earth; and by the second, that all things by those Beams were cherish’d and enliven’d.

The most magnificent Temple which _Syria Apamena_ boasted, was Consecrated to the Sun.

The _Arabians_ Offer’d Myrrhe on the tops of their Houses at the Rising of the Sun; who also was the _Chamos_ and _Baal-Peor_ of the _Moabites_ and _Medians_.

Near the _Red-Sea_, lay the City _Baisamsa_, which signifies _The House of the Sun_, famous for the many Feasts which were kept there in honor of this Planet.

The _Persians_ accounted this Luminary for the greatest God, and Consecrated to him three several Feasts, looking upon him as the Author of Wisdom, Goodness, and Power, and is express’d by three several Operations, _viz._ Warmth, Light, and Distinction of Time.

The _Egyptians_ honor’d the Name of _Osiris_, whom some will have to be the same with _Misraim_, or _Chamszoon_, the first Founder of the _Egyptian_ Monarchy.

In _Egypt_ also was famous amongst many other Cities that of _Heliopolis_, which signifi’d _The City of the Sun_; where the Ox _Mnevis_ or _Menapis_ being Consecrated to the Sun, was religiously worshipp’d. This Image is describ’d by _Macrobius_.

The _Moors_ made likewise great Offerings to their _Assabin_, for so they call’d the Sun; and allow’d their Priests onely the priviledge to gather Cinamon, and that with this _Proviso_, That they should first Offer forty four Oxen, besides Goats and Rams, to _Assabin_, nor should fetch the least Stick of Cinamon either immediately before or after Sun-set: The Cinamon brought altogether, was to be divided by the Chief Priest, and the rest having each their Portion assign’d, that which remain’d was sold to the Merchants, to Trade with into Foreign Parts; but if the Sun chanc’d to set the Cinamon on fire, then they concluded they had not dealt justly.

The _Greeks_, according to _Proclus_, hung a long Pole full of Laurel and Flowers on every seventh day of the Moneth; on the top thereof was a great Copper Ball, from which hung others still lesser and lesser; about the middle of the Pole hung three hundred and sixty five Garlands; and the bottom thereof was cover’d with a Womans Garment of a yellow colour: The uppermost Ball represented the Sun, the lesser the Stars, and the Garlands the Days of the Year; in which manner they worshipp’d the Sun.

[Sidenote: Why Divine Worship so generally given to the Sun.]

The same Luminary the _Massagetes_ and old _Germans_ ador’d in antient times; and to this day the People in the utmost North, _Japanners_, _Chineses_, _Tartars_, and the _East_ and _West-Indians_, pay their chief Devotions to the Sun; the reason of which may easily be made out: for it is the common Opinion of all Men, as _Aristotle_, _Simplicius_, _Themistius_, and other Heathens witness, to place the Omnipotent Godhead in the uppermost Orb, which surrounds the Earth; wherefore those that Pray, lift up their Hands to Heaven: but because the rest of the Heavens appear not so resplendent as the Sun, therefore they take the Sun for the onely chief God, whether for its exceeding lustre and glory, or for its being a hundred and sixty times bigger than the Earth; or for its swift Course, in running ten hundred thousand Leagues in so short a time, or for its nourishing and genial Warmth, which gives Life to all things, or for its necessary Light, by which all worldly Affairs are manag’d, or for its measuring the Days by its moving from East to West, and the Seasons of the Year, by a Course from the South to the North; for all these excellent qualities being well consider’d by the most Learned _Heathens_, or observ’d by those of lesser Judgment, have made them shew that Honor to a visible Creature, which is onely due to the invisible Creator.

These and such like Arguments induc’d the _Caribbeeans_ to go to _Bemarin_, where the Feast of the Sun was to be kept.

[Sidenote: The _Apalachites_ and _Caribbeans_ make an Offering to the
Sun on the Mountain _Olaimi_.]

[Sidenote: Part of the _Caribbeans_ revolt from the _Apalachites_.]

[Sidenote: They people the _Caribees_ and grow powerful.]

The _Apalachite_ King also Entertain’d the neighboring People exceeding courteously in the chief City _Melilot_; from whence he was carried in a Chair on the Shoulders of four Men, with sound of Pipes and Drums, and an innumerable company of People, to the top of the Mountain _Olaimi_, where he made a stately Offering to the Sun, and afterwards Feasting and Caressing the _Caribbeeans_ with Gifts, he sent them home all well contented and satisfi’d with their Entertainment. This Custom was yearly observ’d, when at last they began to neglect their Duty, wherefore _Toltlabin_ resolv’d to proclaim War against the _Caribbeeans_, if they did not continue paying their Devotions to the Sun: which Injunction was differently receiv’d; some judg’d it to be inconsistent with their purchas’d Freedom, to receive Laws for Religion from a neighboring King, alledging, That if any Reverence was due to the Sun, it might as well be given on the Mountains of _Amana_ as within _Toltlabin_’s Realm: others, who lov’d Peace, and had a zeal to the _Olaimi_ Religion, would not be against the Proposals, which occasion’d a Contention amongst themselves, and every one apply’d himself to those that were of his Opinion; nevertheless those that stood upon their Freedom, were of the greatest Party; wherefore the Worshippers of the Sun clos’d with the _Apalachites_, who going out with their Forces, routed the other Party, and receiv’d those _Caribbeeans_ that joyn’d with them in Religion into Co-partnership also in the Government, so that they united into one People: But those that were routed rally’d again, and not without thousands of Inconveniences made towards the Sea, where Embarquing, they Landed first on the Isle _Ajay_, now call’d _Sancta Crux_, and in process of time grew very populous; for from thence by degrees have been peopled all the little Isles which lie before _America_, and grew so considerable, that they were sought to by the _Calabites_, to side with them against the _Arovaces_, _Yaos_, _Sappayos_, and other People their Enemies on the Main Continent, where they have taken many large Countreys, extending as far as _Brasile_, where they are greatly respected and fear’d for their Valor and Policy in warlike Affairs.

But because the memory of antique Passages hath no firm foundation in Books, having been onely taken by Tradition from time to time amongst the _Caribbeeans_, therefore we cannot give you an exact Account of their Removal from _Florida_; yet it remains without contradiction, that it hapned above five Ages before the _Spaniards_ Arrival, which time at least was requir’d to the peopling of so many great Islands and Kingdoms.

[Sidenote: Original of the _Apalachites_.]

Concerning the Original of the _Apalachites_, they themselves affirm, that they cannot certainly determine the time when they first Setled here: however, they report that they have peopled the Provinces _Bemarin_, _Amana_, and _Matika_, many Ages ago. That they are Extracted from the _Tartars_, appears not obscurely, by their Customs, Idolatry, and Language. Amongst other things, they have learn’d from the _Tartars_ religiously to remember those Kings which perform’d any grand Exploits in the Service of their Countrey. Amongst others, the _Apalachites_ make mention in their _Areitos_, or Songs, of a King call’d _Maydo_, eminent for his noble Atchievements, and prudent Governing of his People.

[Sidenote: Their opinions in Religion.]

They believe that the Sun many Ages since was Darken’d or Ecclips’d twenty four Hours together, during which time the Waters over-flow’d the highest Mountains, except that of _Olaimi_, where there stood a stately Temple, built in honor of the Sun; in which all those that fled thither were preserv’d, and dispers’d afterwards into several parts to re-people the World as soon as the Waters were abated, and the Sun appear’d in his full lustre again: whereupon they imagine, that to this day their Bird _Tonatzuli_, at the Rising of the Sun congratulates his appearance with great joy, and at his Setting, requests his speedy return from under the Horizon.

[Sidenote: The Bird _Tonatzuli_.]

The _Tonatzuli_ is a Bird like a Bull-Finch, onely its Belly and Wings are of a Golden colour, the Back and Tail blue, its Head adorn’d with divers colour’d Feathers, its Claws and Bill like Ivory, and it Sings like a Nightingale.

[Sidenote: Description of the Mountain _Olaimi_.]

As for _Olaimi_, it is a perfect round Mountain; the Way which leads to the top thereof runs winding two Leagues long, and is planted on each side with Cedar, Pine-Trees, _Cassine_, and _Sassafrass_, the top of which is a fair Plain a League in circumference; Eastward from it is a Cavern, to which Nature hath afforded more Convenience and Ornament than could be given to the same by Art and Charges: The first Beams of the Rising Sun dart into the Cavern, which being oval, appears like a white Vault, which on the top hath a great Hole for the Air to go in at: The bottom is like the purest Marble; on the Floor stands a Stone Cistern to receive the Moisture which drops out of the Rocks. Whilest the People Danc’d on the fore-mention’d Plain, Feasted and Sung, the Priests Offer’d Myrrhe, and all manner of Perfumes.

The Clothes which the Rich gave to the Sun, were distributed amongst the Poor, according to a List which was taken of them.

[Sidenote: The occasion of the _Apalachites_ embracing _Christianity_.]

But in process of time the _Apalachites_ have most of them embrac’d the _Christian_ Religion; the first occasion thereof was this: When _John Ribauld_ had brought a _French_ Colony to _Florida_, and gain’d a Fort, (which from King _Charles_ the Ninth he nam’d _Charles-Fort_) the _Spanish_ Commander _Peter Melendez_ fell unawares upon him, and so far impower’d his Men, who had of themselves a natural hatred against the _French_, that they spar’d neither Man, Woman, nor Child; onely ten Men escaping the bloody Banquet, fled to the _Floridan_ King _Zaturiona_, where they were kindly receiv’d, and hearing of the Civility and Power of the King of _Apalache_ desir’d that they might go thither; which _Zaturiona_ not onely granted, but also furnish’d the seven _French_-men (for the other three were dead) with good Guides, who visited _Zaturiona_’s Relations, living in several Villages along the pleasant Stream _Selay_, over which they pass’d on large Boughs artificially joyn’d together, and travell’d through Woods, Marshes, and Mountains full of ravenous Beasts, and sometimes Engag’d with the stragling _Floridans_ which lurk’d in the most desolate Wildernesses: having travell’d two days Journey, by an Ambuscade of King _Timago_’s People, they lost two of their Guides, the rest being dangerously wounded, and through many Difficulties came at last to _Avoeka_, and from thence to the King of _Apalache_’s Court, who receiv’d them all with great kindness: Whereupon they resolv’d, being induc’d thereto by their courteous Reception, fruitfulness of the Soil, and good Customs of the Inhabitants, to Settle themselves, all but two of them, who return’d with the Guides to _Zaturiona_: the rest that stay’d there, endeavor’d by promulgating the _Christian_ Religion, to reduce the _Pagans_ to the belief thereof; which many embrac’d, and also learn’d the _French_ Tongue, notwithstanding their Priests _Jaova_’s oppos’d the same. After the death of the _French_ (which the _Apalachites_ much bemoan’d) their Idolatry had like to have gotten the upper hand again, had not some _English_ Families, fleeing from _Virginia_ from the Cruelties of the _Indians_, and not able to reach _New England_, Landed at _Florida_, with intention at first onely to get fresh Provisions, but Rowing up the River _Selay_, and taken with the pleasantness, they chose the Province _Bemarin_ for their Habitation, where accordingly they Setled _Anno 1621._ Amongst them were several Learned Men, which so effectually perswaded the _Heathens_ to embrace the _Christian_ Faith, that in twenty eight years time the King and most of his Nobles were Converted and Baptiz’d by them in the chief City _Melilot_.

But since our Design is onely to give you an exact Account of those People which inhabit the Islands lying before _America_, it is sufficient that we have shew’d you how they are Extracted from the _Cosachites_ and the _Apalachites_.

As to the Customs of the _Caribbeeans_, since they are very much alter’d by their long Conversation with the _Europeans_, we cannot better inform our selves of their antient Customs, than from those which to this day are observ’d on _St. Vincent_, and some parts of the Main Continent, where the _Caribbeeans_ have learn’d nothing from any Strangers.

[Sidenote: Description of the _Caribbeeans_.]

The _Caribbeeans_ are a well proportion’d People with broad Shoulders and Hips, round Faces, without Beards, wide Mouthes, white Teeth, little Eyes like the _Tartars_, Feet so hard, that they are almost Dart-proof, flat Noses, so made by squeezing them down in their Infancy, and long black Hair. There are few or no deformed People amongst them; all of them go stark naked, and paint their Bodies Red with a Plant call’d _Rocou_, and Oyl; about their Eyes they draw a black Circle with the Juice of the Apple _Junipa_. This their Painting serves them both as an Ornament, and to make them strong. Others anoint their Bodies all over with a glewy Stuff, on which they stick all sorts of Feathers. Others use Gum and Flowers. Moreover, they adorn their Head with Plumes, their Ears with Fish-bones, or Scales of the _Caret_, or pieces of Crystal, which they also hang in their Lips and Noses. The Men wear Armlets near their Shoulders, and the Women about their Wrists; about their Legs they tie for Garters Strings of Seeds: others take a pride in wearing the Bones of their slain Enemies, and the Teeth of the _Agouty_, Tygers, wild Cats, or Cockle shells. When they appear in greatest lustre, then they wear Armlets under their Arm-pits, and also Scarfs of Feathers, which either hang over their Shoulders, or are girt about their Middle, so that one end thereof touches their Thighs. They set an exceeding value on certain pieces of Copper call’d _Caracolis_, the least of which they hang in their Ears, and the biggest before their Breasts: and because they are fetch’d out of the Province of the _Arovages_ their Enemies, they are esteem’d as Marks of true Valor, and he is highly esteem’d that wears them.

[Sidenote: Their Language.]

The _Caribbeeans_ which Converse with the _Europeans_, speak two sorts of Languages, the oldest of which is smooth, acceptable, fluent, and for the most part spoke between the Lips. According to the several pronunciations one word hath divers significations: but the Mystery of their oldest Language they will discover to none. It is very observable, that the _Caribbeean_ Men speak several words, which though the Women understand, yet are never spoken by them: and also the antient People use several Sayings which the younger never mention, and the Youths such likewise as are never spoken by the Antient, which being spoken apart by each in the time of War, are understood by none but their Soldiers, that so their Designs may the better be kept secret. But their mix’d Language hath many of the _European_ words, especially of the _Spanish_, which they speak whensoe’re they converse with the _Europeans_. Moreover, though the _Caribbeeans_ on the least occasion laugh aloud, yet they are of a dull Spirit, stubborn, and nothing to be got out of them but by fair means.

[Sidenote: Their Manners.]

Their Employment is Hunting, Fishing, Tilling, Building of Houses, and the like. Theft is not known amongst them, so that no Man is suspicious of his Neighbor; wherefore they leave their Huts open both Night and Day. They are also seldom at Variance one with another, but generally Love sways amongst them; yet if a Quarrel doth happen, then the injur’d Person revenges himself to the heighth. Persons that profess Chastity are much honor’d amongst them; and here Youth bears great respect to Age.

[Sidenote: Their Ignorance.]

They are also very ignorant in natural Knowledge, insomuch that when the Moon is Eclips’d, they suppose that it is devour’d by _Maboya_; and wheresoe’re they smell any ill scent, they believe the Devil to be not far from thence. Gunpowder they suppose to be a Grain, and are very fearful of Fire-Arms: Though they have many brave Salt-pits, yet they use no Salt, nor eat any Swines-flesh, though all those Islands abound in that sort of Animal, fearing that if they should eat the same, it would cause them to have little Eyes, which they account very homely, though it is a property generally incident to them; neither will they eat any Tortoise, because they would not be so gross as that Creature. Lastly, they know now no greater Number than they reckon on their Fingers and Toes, for what exceeds twenty is to them innumerable: They hold that good Spirits, whom they call _Akamoue_, residing in Heaven, never trouble themselves with Earthly Affairs.

Their Offerings consist in _Cassave_ and the first of their Fruits, which are set at the end of their Huts in Vessels on small Tables, cover’d with Leaves or Rushes, without uttering any Prayers; for they never Pray but in publick in company of the _Boyez_ or Priests, and that either for revenge against Injuries, or for recovery from Sickness, or that they may know the Events of War, or for Protection against the _Maboya_.

Each _Boye_ hath his peculiar God, which, Singing with a conjuring Verse, he calls to him in the Night whilst he Smoaks a Pipe of Tobacco.

[Sidenote: Their Fear of the _Maboya_.]

Some have been of Opinion, that this Conceit of the _Maboya_ proceeds from the phlegmatick Nature of the _Caribbeeans_, who in their melancholy Dreams imagine themselves to be grievously beaten by the said _Maboya_. But there are sufficient testimonies to prove, that these _Heathens_ have often really suffer’d much by this _Maboya_, often appearing to them in such horrid shapes, that the poor _Caribbeeans_ would sweat and quake at the sight thereof, and inflicting such sad Pinches and bloody Stripes all over their Bodies, that they liv’d in perpetual fear of this evil Spirit: and yet notwithstanding these cruel Sufferings, they shew’d no manner of Worship to _Maboya_, onely they believ’d that they had some ease, when they wore little Pictures about their Necks, made resembling the Shapes in which _Maboya_ appear’d to them; but their best Remedy was to flye to the _Christians_.

[Sidenote: Their Consultations about the Death of any Relation.]

They believe their _Boyez_ able to resolve any Question they ask of them; particularly, when any one dies, the nearest ally’d to him asks the _Boye_ this Question, _Who is the occasion of his Death?_ to which if the _Boye_ names any one, they never rest till they have dispatch’d him to the other World. Concerning their original brutish way of living, they give much credit to an ancient Fable, which is to this effect:

[Sidenote: Fabulous Tradition.]

The most antient _Caribbeeans_, living under no other Roof than the Canopy of Heaven, fed on nothing but what the Fields naturally produc’d, which salvage Life an old Man much beamoan’d; when a certain Deity clad in white Apparel descending down on the Earth, said, _That he would have come sooner to have shew’n them the way of a civil Life, had they requested it before_. Moreover, the Angel shew’d them a place along the Shore where there lay sharp-cutting Stones, with which he told them they might cut down Trees, and with the Timber build themselves Houses, and cover them with the Leaves of the Palm-Tree to keep out the Rain; which said, he broke his Staff into three pieces, which being Planted, soon after produc’d the Root _Manioe_, which stamp’d and dry’d, made good Bread.

[Sidenote: Their Opinion concerning the Soul.]

The _Caribbeeans_ have also a strange Opinion concerning the Soul, that is to say, That every one hath as many Souls as he hath Pulses, but the chiefest is the Heart it self, which after Death removes with _Jeheizi_, (that is every ones peculiar God or Genius) to the Company of the other Deities, where they live after the same manner as here on Earth; wherefore those that are Persons of Quality give Charge at their Deaths, that their Servants may be kill’d and buried with them, that so they may serve them in the other World; That the other Souls, which are the Pulses, are of two sorts, whereof the first call’d _Maboya_’s, range through Woods and Wildernesses; and the other call’d _The Oumekous_, reside along the Sea, and over-turn the Ships that Sail by; That the Souls of Heroes remove to pleasant and delightful Islands, where they are serv’d by the _Arovages_; That Cowards at their Death go behind a high Mountain, where they become perpetual Slaves to the _Arovages_.

So soon as they hear a clap of Thunder they run into their Huts, and place themselves on little Stools round the Fire, cover their Faces, and laying their Heads on their Knees, make a doleful noise, as supposing that _Maboya_ is exceedingly enrag’d against them.

[Sidenote: Their manner of Dwelling.]

Their Huts, for the most part built near Rivers and Streams, are of an oval fashion, their Roofs made of Palm-Tree Leaves or Sugar-Canes, the Walls nothing but Boughs set in the Ground and pleited together, and the Floor of sifted Earth or Sand, rammed in and kept very even and smooth; besides a Room wherein they Sleep and Entertain their Friends, they have also a Kitchin to dress their Meat, and a place to lay their Bowes, Arrows, Clubs, and the like, in; they use Mats in stead of Walls, to separate one Apartment from the other. Their Houshold-stuff is little; the richest of them have Hammocks in stead of Beds; the meaner sort use Sticks laid cross one another, and cover’d thick with the Leaves of the _Banana_-Tree, made fast at the four corners with Cords. Hollow _Calabashes_, and Earthen Ware call’d _Canaris_, serve them for their Kitchin Utensils. In the little _Canaris_ they prepare their _Tumalis_, or _Pepper-pottage_, and in the biggest their Liquor _Ovicou_.

Their Cleanliness may appear by this, that when they go to ease Nature, they make a Hole in the Ground with a Stick, and after they have done, stop it up again, burying their Excrement that it may not be seen.

Round about their Huts feed many Hens and Turkies, which they breed not so much for their own use, as to exchange for Iron.

They remove their Habitations very often, either out of fear of being haunted by the Ghost of some deceased Person, or to avoid some Smell which they find noisom and offensive, or because their Hut hath been set on fire by Lightning.

[Sidenote: Their Houshold Affairs and Diet.]

The Women are always employ’d to keep their Families in good order, to prepare Venison and Fish for the Mens Tables, to spin Cotton, Comb their Husbands, and paint them Red. The Men spend their time in the Wars, Hunting or Fishing. They have also learn’d of the _Europeans_ to burn Train-Oyl in Lamps in the Night, when as before they burnt Twigs of a gummy Shrub before mention’d, which for that reason the _Hollanders_ call’d _Candle-Wood_. Each hath a little Stool, and a Table call’d _Mantoutou_, on which he eats his Meat when he pleases, having no set-Meals. The broad _Banana_-Leaves serve them for Napkins and Table-clothes. Their chiefest Dainty is Crabs roasted in the Shell with the Juice of Lemmon and _Pyman_. At great Feasts they dress their Meat with the Fat of their Enemies, being the _Arovages_. Their usual Drink is _Mabby_, made of _Potato_’s, which refreshes, and is good against the Phlegm; also another Liquor call’d _Oko_ made of steep’d _Cassadar_, and is like Beer in taste, strength, and colour. They also by making an incision into the Palm-Trees, tap a Liquor from the same in _Calabashes_, like White-wine. They use little of the Drink _Couscou_, because it swells the Body, notwithstanding it is pleasing to the Palate; But the Liquor which is most esteem’d amongst them, is the Wine made of the Sugar-Canes, which are squeez’d in Mills made for that purpose, and then boyl’d in great Kettles. During the dressing of their Meat (which being done leisurely, is sometimes half a day before it is ready), they Sing, and Dance to the Time, which one keeps with a _Calabash_ fill’d full of little Stones, in which they believe the greatest happiness they shall enjoy in the other World consists: But the _Caribbeeans_ never Dance more antique than when they meet in the _Carbet_, which is a publick House of Entertainment; whether the Women carry a Drink made of _Cassave_, which makes Drunk as soon as Wine: The Men bring Fish and Hedge-hogs; all of them painted with _Roucou_, and adorn’d with Plumes of Feathers, commit all manner of Debaucheries. At other times they also keep Feast-days, which is either when they are preferr’d to some Office, or Place of Honor, or when they have defeated their Enemies, or when they mourn for the Death of one of their nearest Relations.

[Sidenote: Their Beasts.]

Their Boats, which they call _Periaquo_’s, are made of single hollow Trees, full of Benches, and painted with several strange Shapes, and are able each to carry fifty or sixty Men.

[Sidenote: Their Musical Instruments.]

Their Musical Instruments in which they take most delight, are Drums, Strings of Silk-grass stretcht upon _Calabashes_, and Flutes made of the Bones of their Enemies.

[Sidenote: Their watchfulness against Enemies.]

[Sidenote: Their Entertainment of Friends.]

They keep Watches on high Hills, to descry the Ships off at Sea, and no sooner have they espy’d one, but they immediately give notice to one another; whereupon those that are most valiant put off to Sea in their _Canoos_ and know by the Languages to distinguish between a _Spaniard_, _French_-man, _English_-man and _Hollander_. If they find that ’tis an Enemy who Lands on their Coasts, they guard all their Avenues, lie in Ambuscades, and gather together in by-ways, and where they see any advantage they shoot thousands of Arrows; which done, they fall in amongst them with great Clubs: but if they chance to be defeated, then they lurk behind Bramble-bushes, or climb up inaccessible Mountains, or else, if near the Sea, they save themselves by Diving and Swimming under Water above two hundred Paces before they appear again; and if a Party of them chance to meet together afterwards, they venture a second Engagement; But if those that come on their Coasts are Friends, they Swim, or go in their Boats to meet them, climb up their Ships, and carry the Sea-men on their Shoulders ashore, where the _Casique_ in the Name of the whole Island bids them welcome, and conducts them to the _Carbet_, where an antient Man salutes the old Men, and a Youth the young Men; after which asking their Names, the _Couban_ calls himself by that Name ever after; and desires the Strangers to accept of his Name; during which their changing of Names they use many Ceremonies of Friendship: this done, they proffer them Cotton Hammocks to rest themselves in, and pleasant Fruit to eat, till they have prepar’d other Meat; which is no sooner Ready, but a little Table is set before every one of them, and a Dish of Meat consisting of boyl’d Hedge-hogs, boyl’d Crabs, and Pot-herbs; which if the Guests do not eat heartily, or drink up all the Liquor which they give them, they take it as a great Affront; but if they eat and drink heartily, they take it kindly, and shew great sorrow at their departure.

Their Offices of Government have been usually three; the meanest belong’d to the _Tiouboulihauthe_, whose Place was to Govern over the _Carbet_, a House where Strangers were Entertain’d, Matters of War disputed of, and publick Feasts kept. _Tiouboutonti_ Commanded the _Canoos_ in the time of War, that is, under the _Nahalene_, who Commanded the whole Fleet: But the chiefest Officer of all was the _Ouboutou_; to which degree of Honor none attain’d, unless he had kill’d several _Arovages_, or at least a Governor.

When the _Caribbeeans_ drew all their Forces out of the Islands to a Battel, then they chose one out of the _Ouboutou_, who during their March Commanded the Army as General, which his Office ended with the War, and extended no farther than his own Island.

[Sidenote: Their warlike Consultations.]