Chapter XXVI: Front Matter (26)

Their warlike Consultations were no less observable for the _Ouboutou_ appointed a Day, on which the Islanders met at a Feast in the _Carbet_, whither they accordingly came all at the time appointed, and having Eat and Drunk, and Danc’d a considerable time, an ancient Woman with tears in her Eyes, and mournful Countenance enter’d the _Carbet_, and desir’d Audience; which being granted her, and every one silent, she began to relate the Damages which from antient times the _Arovages_ did to the _Caribbeeans_; and that in the last Engagement so many valiant Men were slain, and afterwards devour’d by them; therefore it would be a shame not to take Revenge, which being seconded by the _Ouboutu_, put Valor into the Hearts of all that were present: Whereupon the following day Messengers were sent to the other Islands to acquaint them with their Intentions, that they might prepare their Clubs, make sharp and poyson their Arrows, String their Bowes, prepare Provisions, and fit out their _Canoos_: They poyson’d their Arrows with the Juice of _Manchenillo_’s, which made the least Wound mortal. Their Provisions and Arms they laid up in their _Canoos_, so to preserve their _Periaguo_’s (which are Boats that can carry fifty Men), if they should chance to over-set, which often happen’d, though they were soon turn’d up again. They went from one Island to another, where they not onely stor’d themselves with fresh Provisions, but increas’d their Fleet with new Assistants; with which approaching the Main, they hal’d their Boats ashore in the Evening, and driving four Stakes into the Ground under the Trees, made fast their Hammocks to the same, in which they slept till Mid-night, and then fell on their Enemies, but if discover’d by them, they retreated to their Boats and return’d home; but if they were not discover’d, they fell upon the Huts of the _Arovages_; who resisting, they shot Arrows with burning Cotton into them, and so setting them on fire, forc’d the _Arovages_ to venture a Battel in the open Field; where having spent all their Arrows, they Engag’d one another with great Clubs, with which at one Blow they broke either Arms or Legs, or knock’d out their Brains. If the _Caribbeeans_ chanc’d to be defeated, then those that remain’d of their Party made a lamentable noise, howling for those that were kill’d, and mix’d their Tears with the Blood of their slain Friends, whom not without the greatest danger they fetch’d from amongst their Enemies, and carried them aboard their Boats: But returning Victors, the were wont to insult over their Prisoners with all the bitter Taunts imaginable, and then taking advantage of those sharp Upbraidings which their cruel usage extorted from them, to put them to death with most inhumane Tortures, and then to Feast themselves upon their mangled Bodies, all claiming a Right to their several Prisoners, as to so many Beasts appointed to the Slaughter; But of late Ages they have contented themselves to dispatch them speedily with their Clubs, and so assign them to their Shambles.

[Sidenote: Their Enmity to the _Spaniard_.]

As the _Arovages_ had been formerly, so the _Spaniards_ at length became the Object of the _Caribbeeans_ irreconcileable Hatred, insomuch that oft-times being Invaded by them, they gave them such rough Entertainment, that they were glad to save themselves by flight; for the _Caribbeeans_ not regarding their Guns, press’d upon them, and many times took Vessels richly laden from them, till of late years that a Peace hath been concluded between them; wherein nevertheless those of the _Caribbeeans_ refuse to be concern’d, that inhabit _St. Dominico_ and _St. Vincent_, who cannot to this day forget the cruel Outrages committed by the _Spaniards_.

[Sidenote: Their Marriages.]

To come to their Marriages, they were allow’d as many Wives as they pleas’d to have, insomuch that their Governors were in esteem according to the number of their Wives; nor were degrees of Consanguinity so regarded, but that an Uncle might take his Neece; whom he no sooner had carried to his House, but the Marriage was finish’d. They seldom Divorc’d their Wives after they had bore them Children, but otherwise the Man would break the Bond of Matrimony when he pleas’d. A young Man that had no Relation might court a Stranger, and if her Parents allow’d of it, the Match was made. One that had behav’d himself valiantly against the _Arovages_ was sure of several good Matches, for he was refus’d by none whom he Courted; and the abundance of Wives was the greatest testimony of their Valor. Each Wife had a peculiar Dwelling, so to prevent all Dissentions: So soon as one of them was with Child, her Husband Lay not with her till after Delivery. If any Woman committed Adultery, her Husband was permitted to knock out her Brains, or rip open her Belly; which done, he acquainted her Father with the Deed, who return’d him thanks for the same. Murderers were either burnt or cut in pieces. Children were born here with little trouble, for the Women were no sooner Deliver’d, but they carried the Infant to wash at the next Brook; which done they return’d home to their Houshold Labor, whilest the Man on the contrary kept his Bed, and ate nothing but a piece of _Cassava_ Bread, which he hollow’d out in the middle, and left the edges till the Feast, which was kept at the Naming of the Child: Moreover, he fed on all manner of Dainties for a whole year after. But this Custom was observ’d onely at the Birth of the first Son, at which time they scratch’d the Father’s Shoulder with a sharp Curry-combe, at which if he flinch’d not, it was accounted a good Omen of the Childs future Valor. At fifteen days old they made Holes in the Childs Ears, Lips, and Nostrils, through which they put a String for the tying on of what-ever Ornamentals. With the like Ceremonies the Child receiv’d a Name, taken from his Predecessors, Trees, Fishes, or some remarkable Passages during the Mothers bearing of the Infant in her Womb, or of the Father’s Lying-in: But this Name was chang’d so soon as they went to War, or kill’d a Commander of the _Arovages_, whose Name they exchang’d for their own: After which the Mothers took special care in bringing them up, and at six Moneths the Children were able to run alone: When they attain’d to the age of two years, they cut off their Hair, at a great Feast made for that purpose; from which time forward they exercis’d them in Shooting with Bowes and Arrows; to which purpose they hung up pieces of Meat for them to shoot at, which they must either hit down, or Fast.

[Sidenote: Initiation of Soldiers.]

Their Ceremonies to make Soldiers were very strange, _viz._ The Father conducted his Son to the _Carbet_, where he told him the Duties of a Soldier, beat him with a Bird of prey, call’d _Mans-fenis_, till he had bruis’d the Head of the Bird, and scratch’d his whole Body all over with a Curry-combe till the Blood came, and then put Lemmon Juice into the Wounds, afterwards put him in a Hammock, and hung him up for several days without giving him any Meat; all which Torments and Trials if he endur’d with patience, then he was accounted a good and approved Soldier.

[Sidenote: Of their Priests.]

Few bred up their Children to be _Boyez_ or Priests; yet those that were brought up to it, abstain’d from certain Food from their Infancy, and before they could be receiv’d into the Order of Priesthood, they were forc’d to draw Blood from every part of their Bodies.

[Sidenote: Great age of the _Caribbeeans_.]

The _Caribbeeans_ attain to an exceeding great Age: _Charles de Rotchfort_ witnesseth, That in his time there liv’d Men who remembred the first Arrival of the _Spaniards_ under the Command of _Christopher Columbus_, which consider’d, they could not be less than each of them a hundred and sixty years old. Many Women also were found there, who bare Children after they were eighty years of age: yet nevertheless they are not free from Sicknesses and Distempers, which cannot justly be attributed to the Climate, that being extraordinary healthful, but to their ill Diet. Besides the troublesom Disease call’d _Pyans_, which makes their Bodies swell full of great Knobs, they have been much troubled with pestilential Sores, occasion’d by the eating of Crabs, and poysonous Tortoises, _Lamantins_, and Hedg-hogs. Against which Evils they wanted not Medicines, consisting of Herbs, Roots, Gums, and Oyl. The bitter Bark of the _Chipiou_-Tree, steep’d in Water, and mix’d with _Lanbys_, hath a soveraign operation. The like vertue is in the Juyce of the _Myby_-Tree, which they us’d to take inwardly: and for outward Means, they us’d a Salve made of burnt Cane-ashes, temper’d with a Water press’d out of a certain Tree. To draw the Matter out of the Sores, they us’d the Juice of _Junipa_. Letting Blood was never customary amongst them, but to cut and scratch the sore part was to them in stead of Phlebotomy. But if all the fore-mention’d Medicines would not help them, they fled for aid to the _Boyez_, who immediately order’d the Hut wherein the Patient lay to be made clean, the Table call’d _Matoutou_ to be over-spread with _Cassave_, _Ouycou_, and Garden Fruits, for an Offering to the evil Spirit _Maboya_, and as many Stools to be plac’d about the same as there were People to be present at the Ceremony; and after that all the Fire and Candles were put out, the _Boye_ enter’d into the Hut about Midnight with a Lighted Roll of Tobacco, then muttering some words to himself, stamp’d with his left Foot, and blew the Smoak of the Tobacco up into the Air, which done, and tearing the Tobacco in pieces, he threw the same over the Hut, and call’d up his Spirit, who shaking the Roof of the House, made a terrible noise; then the _Boye_ drew near to the Patient, suck’d his Sores, and anointed them with the Juice of _Junipa_; after which if the sick Person recover’d, he made a great Feast, and an Offering to the aforesaid Spirit: But if the Distemper were mortal, then the _Boye_ inform’d the Patient’s Relations, That his Spirit had compassion upon the Sick, and was resolv’d to carry him above the Stars, to accompany the other Gods which reside there.

Thus much in general of the Inhabitants of the Isles that lie before _Northern America_; it will next be requisite to give you an Account of them in particular.

[Sidenote: The number of the _Caribbee_ Islands.]

[Sidenote: Their several Names.]

There are generally reckon’d of these Islands twenty eight by Name, though there are many more in number; for besides that there are a multitude of small obscure Islands that are not nam’d, there are of the more considerable sometimes two or three that go under one Name; the twenty eight are these following: _Anegada_, _Sombrero_, _Las Virgines_, _Anguilla_, _Saba_, _St. Crux_, _St. Martin_, _St. Bartholomew_, _Barbouthos_ or _Barboude_, _Rotonda_, _Nevis_, _Eustathius_, _Antego_, _Montserrat_, _Guadalupe_, _Deseado_, _Marigalanta_, _Todos Sanctos_, _De Aves_, _Dominico_, _Martinego_, _St. Lucia_, _Barbados_, _St. Vincent_, _Bekia_, _Granada_, _Tabago_, _St. Christopher_.

SECT. II.
Anegada and Sombrero.

[Sidenote: Situation of _Anegada_ and _Sombreros_.]

[Sidenote: The _Mansfeny_.]

[Sidenote: The _Colibry_.]

Towards the North-East of _Porto Rico_, at eighteen Degrees and thirteen Minutes, lies _Anegada_, seven Leagues long, surrounded with Shoals and Banks, as also the neighboring _Sombrero_, being in the same Latitude with the other, and so call’d by the _Spaniard_, because it appears like a Hat: Both of them being uninhabited, harbor abundance of Birds, amongst which is the _Mansfeny_, a little Eagle, and the remarkable _Colibry_, whose Body being a little bigger than a _Wren_, is adorn’d with divers colour’d Feathers, resembling a Rain-bowe; about its Neck is a Carbuncle red Circle; the Belly and ends of the Feathers are of a Golden colour, the Sides of an Emerauld green, the Bill and Legs black like polish’d Ebony, the Eyes glittering like Diamonds, on the Head a curious green tuft of Feathers: the Cocks far exceed the Hens in beauty; they flie swifter than any Bird whatsoever, and the fluttering of their Wings makes a noise like a Whirlwind: they live upon the Juice of Flowers, and especially of Cotton-Flowers; they smell like Amber, and build their Nests amongst the thick Leaves of a little Bough, where they cannot easily be found; the Nest it self open towards the South, is curiously made of the fine Fibres of the Plant _Pite_, surrounded with pieces of Bark, and within fill’d with Cotton, douny Feathers, and Silk; the Eggs oval, are somewhat bigger than an ordinary Pearl.

[Sidenote: _Painted Crabs._]

In the Moneth of _May_ that sort of Crabs call’d _Painted Crabs_ (for some have Violet-colour’d Shells, others yellow, full of purple Specks, and others tawny, with red Streaks) come creeping down the Hills in good order, eat up all the Herbs and Plants, and go four times one after another into the Water to wash themselves, which done they return to the Woods; but the Females at a set-time betake themselves to the Sea, in which they Lay their Eggs, which afterwards being cast on the sandy Shore, and warm’d by the Beams of the Sun, produce young Crabs in a short time, which no sooner come out of the Shell, but creep towards the Woods, when grown somewhat bigger they climb up the Rocks, where the old ones keep in vast multitudes, and stop up the Entrance of their Holes in such a manner, that they cannot be found out, whilest they cast off their Shell, creeping out backward through an opening at the Tail scarce discernable; thus for a certain time they lie bare, and stript of their Shells, being onely cover’d with a thin Skin, which growing harder and harder, becomes at last a firm Shell like the former.

These Crabs are a wholsom Meat, unless they feed under the _Mancheneel_-Trees, which commonly are poysonous.

SECT. III.
Las Virgines.

[Sidenote: Situation of _Las Virgines_.]

Near _Sombrero_, at eighteen Degrees, lie also the two Isles _Las Virgines_, surrounded by ten others (and flat Shelves), without Trees or fresh Water; but the Sea thereabouts abounds with Fish, and chiefly with the _Perroket_, which hath Scales like a Carp, but greenish; the Eyes surrounded with Silver Circles shine very bright; in stead of Teeth they have strong Jaw-bones, wherewith they Grind all manner of Shell-fish, which are their Prey. These Fish have an excellent Rellish, and weigh generally twenty Pound.

[Sidenote: The Fish _Dorade_.]

Here is likewise great plenty of the _Dorade_, which is a very large Fish, and about five Foot long, full of little Scales, with a prickly Back, two Fins at the parting of the Head, and as many under the Belly. This Fish swimming very swift, oftentimes follows the Ships that Sail that way.

SECT. IV.
Anguilla.

[Sidenote: Situation of _Anguilla_.]

Southward at eighteen Degrees and twenty Minutes, on this side of the Line, appears _Anguilla_, inhabited by the _English_, containing ten Leagues in length; It makes a pleasant Prospect, because of the many _Junipa_-Trees which grow upon the same, whose Boughs bend towards the Ground; the Leaves are not unlike those of an Oak; the Flowers both in smell and shape come near the _Narcissus_; the Wood firm and grey, may be neatly Plan’d; the Tree bears fresh Leaves every Moneth, and a Fruit like Apples, which generally crack in their fall from the Tree, because of their thin Shell, as hath been already describ’d.

[Sidenote: _Oculiem_ a sort of Vine]

The _Oculiem_, or Vine, makes the Shore also very pleasant; the Leaf round and thick, hath a mixture of Red and Green; the Bark incloseth a Violet-colour’d Wood; the Boughs whereof are loaded with Violet Grapes, which in stead of Kernels contain hard Stones.

SECT. V.
Saba.

[Sidenote: Situation of _Saba_.]

Westward from _Anguilla_, at seventeen Degrees and thirty five Minutes, lies _Saba_, which shews at a great distance like a Rock. The Inhabitants of _St. Eustathius_ going thither, found a pleasant Valley, able to maintain many Families.

The Sea about this Island is so clear, that a Stone may be seen lying on the bottom of it.

[Sidenote: The Fish _Bonito_.]

Amongst many other sorts of Fish, the _Bonito_ is the most remarkable, which is thick and fleshy, two Foot long, with a dark green Back, and white Belly without Scales; It devours greedily all manner of Carrion.

SECT. VI.
St. Crux.

[Sidenote: Situation and first Plantation of _St. Crux_.]

North of _St. Christophers_, in eighteen Degrees and some Minutes, lies _St. Crux_, which the _Caribbeeans_ who were beaten by the _Apalachites_, first inhabiting, call’d _Ayay_, where _Columbus_ found great opposition, for the Women themselves shot poysonous Arrows at the _Spaniards_; and before the Islanders submitted to them, they took many _Spanish_ Ships, burnt their Villages, and flay’d many of the _Spaniards_ alive. The Soil, though Hilly, is rich and fruitful.

The _English_ Landing here _Anno 1587._ found a standing Pool, whose Water made swell the Faces of those who wash’d themselves with the same before Sun-rising, in such a manner, that they were not able to see for several days after; but they at last found a Fountain of wholsom Water.

[Sidenote: The several Changes of Dominion in this Island.]

Since the _Spaniards_ destroy’d the Inhabitants of this Island, it lay desolate for a considerable time, notwithstanding it hath fourteen Leagues in length, and little less in breadth, till at last the _English_ and _Hollanders_ took possession of the same, each in a peculiar place; but not agreeing together, the _English_ fell upon the _Hollanders_, and made themselves Masters of the Island in 1649. and not long after they were serv’d in the same kind; for the _Spaniard_ judging them to be weakned by the _Hollanders_ removing from the Island, set Sail thither from _Porto Rico_, burnt all the Houses, slew the Inhabitants, and brought _St. Crux_ again under the _Spanish_ Government. Mean while the Lord _Poincy_ fitted out two Sail of _French_ Ships, to drive the _Spaniards_ from _St. Crux_, and succeeded in his Enterprize; for the _Spaniards_ immediately fled to their Ships, left at liberty some _Holland_ Prisoners whom they had taken, and the Island in possession of the _French_; who straightway sent Captain _Auger_ thither as Governor, who design’d to build a Fort to secure the Harbor, but died before the same was finish’d. _Poincy_ succeeding him, made an end of the Fort, and stor’d the Island with Ammunition and Provision. The Cross-Church built there by the Order, and at the Cost of a Company of _Flushing_ in _Holland_, was deliver’d also to the _French_.

[Sidenote: Fruit-Trees.]

The Trees which grow here are of four beneficial kinds, serving for four several uses; some yield Fruits of a pleasant taste, and wholsom to eat; some excellent Medicines; others Timber for Building; and others Stuff to Dye with.

Granates, Oranges, Lemmons, and Citrons, grow better here than in any place of the World.

[Sidenote: The _Papaye_.]

But the _Papaye_-Tree is particularly worthy of our Description; It grows twenty Foot high, without Boughs, thick and streight, hollow and spungy within, bears three-corner’d Leaves hanging on long Stalks, hollow in the middle, and of a Fingers thickness; on the top round about the Body of the Tree, grow a sort of Fruit like Quinces.

This sort of _Papaye_-Tree grows on most of the _Caribbee Islands_; but the second sort call’d _Mamoa_, is to be found no where but on _St. Crux_; it hath more Leaves than the first, and a yellow Bark with green Streaks, within full of round and sharp biting Grains; the Blossoms thereof yield a sweet smell; every Moneth the Tree produces new Fruit, not unlike a Womans Breast (whence it hath its Denomination as before observ’d,) and rellishing incomparably well.

SECT. VII.
St. Martin.

[Sidenote: Situation of _St. Martin_.]

Not far from _St. Crux_, at eighteen Degrees and sixteen Minutes, lies _St. Martin_, which hath seven Leagues in length and five in breadth, and is famous for many excellent Salt-Mines; to preserve which, the _Spaniards_ built a City and Fort there.

[Sidenote: The _Dutch_ Land there.]

_Adrian Peter_ and _Martyn Thyszoon_, sent with eleven Sail of Ships from the _Texel_ by the _West-India_ Company, to Cruse for the _Spanish_ Plate-Fleet before the _Flemmish_ Isles, finding their labor lost, Steer’d to the Inlet of _Todos los Sanctos_; where finding no Enemies Ships, they Sail’d along the Coast of _Pernambuck_, and from thence (meeting with no Prize) to the _Caribbee Islands_; and Landing on _Granada_, receiv’d some damage from the Inhabitants: thence going to _Blanca_, they got above a thousand Goats, and ten thousand Lemmons from _Hispaniola_; near _Cuba_ they were surpris’d with continual Thunder, Showers, and Storms, which forc’d them to stand to and again off the Island a considerable time, where they thought to wait for the _Spanish_ Ships that came from _Nombre de Dios_; but being defeated of their aim, by reason that Fleet was re-inforc’d with a considerable Supply, they set Sail _Anno 1629_. towards the City and Fort of _St. Martin_, where coming to an Anchor they found the Place in this condition: On the right side of the City glides a fresh-Water River, with many meandring Streams from the Mountains; on the left side the Ocean makes a great Opening or Bay, which for a little space growing narrower, becomes at last an Inland Lake; from the Countrey opposite to the City on the other side of the fore-mention’d Inlet, runs a Ridge of Hills toward the Sea; on the utmost Point thereof stands a square Fort, defended from the force of the Water with great Stones, pyl’d up at the Foot thereof, cover’d like a House, having on the top of it a Watch-tower, and not far from it a Chappel; moreover, the Mountain _Calvaria_, rises on each side and behind the City, with high Precipices; not far from the Mouth of the River appears a strong Castle with several Bulwarks, and thereon great Guns; along the Inlet is a fair Market-place; in the middle of the City stands a Church Consecrated to _Dominicus_, near which there is a large Hospital, which fronts the Sea; the Cathedral stands at the farther end of the City, and on the declivity of a Mountain a fair Chappel; near the great Fort the Governor hath a pretty Palace; nor are the _Franciscan_ Cloysters much inferior to any of the other Structures of this City, which taken altogether bears a good Form, by reason of the uniformity of the Streets.

[Sidenote: The Island possess’d by the _Dutch_.]

But _Anno 1648._ the _Spaniard_ totally deserted this Island, which _Michael Adriaenszoon Ruiter_ hearing of, brought several People from _St. Eustathius_, and took possession of it in the Name of the _States_ of the _United Netherlands_: Yet they enjoy’d not long the entire Propriety, for the _Spaniards_ again went and claim’d those Places which were theirs upon the first gaining of the Island; which the _Hollanders_ allowing them, they liv’d peaceably and quietly together, each having their own Churches, Store-houses, Land, and _Negro_’s. The _Dutch_ Plantation was maintain’d by the _Zealand_ Lords, _Lamsen_ and _Van Ree_.

There are divers Pools of salt Water in this Island, which afford the Inhabitants store of Fish, and especially Tortoises.

The Woods produce wild Hogs, Pigeons, Turtle-Doves, and Parraquito’s resembling a Parrot, and which though much smaller, are more apt to be taught.

[Sidenote: _Flammans._]

Near the Salt-pools also breed Birds call’d _Flammans_, not unlike a Jack-daw, onely differing in Feathers, for they are first white, next ash-colour’d, and at last turn red; they seldom flye or sit alone, but for the most part in great Flocks in open places, and Moorish Grounds; when some of them seek for their Food under Water, one of them stands Centinel, and on the least noise or appearance of a Man, gives notice by Chirping to the rest, who hereupon immediately flee away; those that shoot them lie commonly hid under an Ox Hide.

[Sidenote: _American_ Swallows.]

About the same Pools breed likewise the _American_ Swallows, with crooked Bills, Feet like Ducks, black Bodies, white Bellies, and long Tails.

SECT. VIII.
St. Bartholomew.

[Sidenote: Situation and Description of _St. Bartholomew_.]

Near _St. Martin_, at sixteen Degrees, lies the Island _St. Bartholomew_, which being about five Leagues in circumference, is surrounded with Rocks, and was first Planted by _De Poincy_: It makes a delightful Prospect, because of the many Trees which grow on the same; amongst which the most noted are Soap-Trees, whose Wood makes the Water Lather, and washes as well as Soap; but they are of two sorts, for in some this soapy Quality is contain’d in a round yellow Fruit, not unlike a Plumb; in others a white soft Root supplies the office.

[Sidenote: The _Canopia_-Tree.]

The little Tree _Canopia_, out of whose Bark drops a Gum, grows also very pleasant, the Body being divided into several Branches; the Leaves are discolour’d, being underneath of a dark Green, and of a brighter at the top; the Flower consists of five Leaves, and closes at last into a kind of Cherry, full of yellow Juice, and white Pulp; it blossoms generally in _October_ and _December_, and bears ripe Berries the two following Moneths: a Fire being made about the Tree causeth the Bark to crack, whereby it yields abundance of Gum, chiefly us’d in Medicine for its opening and loosening Quality.

[Sidenote: The _Paretuve_-Tree.]

Likewise the _Paretuve_-Tree, which grows along by the Sea-side and by Pools, is sufficiently remarkable, for the Boughs thereof grow downwards, twin’d and pleited together so thick, that in time of War they serve for Bulwarks, and are the Recesses of wild Swine.

[Sidenote: The _Calabash_-Tree.]

Moreover, on this Island, as on all the other hereabouts, grow _Calabash_-Trees, which have thick Boughs and oval Leaves joyn’d one to another, and bear every Moneth fresh Flowers and Fruit, grey Flowers, mark’d with green Streaks and black Spots, and Fruit with hard Shells, full of juicy Meat and flat Seeds, which being taken out serve for Boxes, Cups, or little Dishes.

[Sidenote: _Sea-Star._]

Along the Shore is also found a sort of Fish call’d the _Sea-Star_, which is a yellowish Fish, whose hard Skin full of little Knobs shoot forth five Darts or Beams; in stormy Weather they fasten themselves to the Rocks.

[Sidenote: _Sea-Apple._]

No less wonderful is the Fish call’d the _Sea-Apple_, whose brown Skin is full of Prickles, which when the Fish dies fall off, nothing remaining but a white Shell, curiously embroider’d with little Holes.

On the Banks, and near the Rocks, grow also Sea-Trees, whose thickest Boughs putting forth still lesser and lesser Branches, are pleited together very wonderfully, and being all glaz’d as it were with Salt-petre, seem greyish.

SECT. IX.
Barboude.

[Sidenote: Situation of _Barbouthos_.]

_Barbouthos_, which some call _Barboude_, others _Barbada_, being five Leagues in length, lies at seventeen Degrees and thirty Minutes, and North-East from _Monserrat_, in a shallow Sea.

[Sidenote: _English_ molested by the _Caribbeeans_.]

Here the _English_ Planting, have from their first Arrival been much molested by the _Caribbeeans_ of _Dominico_, who for a great while us’d twice a year to Invade them in the Night, killing and destroying whom and whatsoe’re they met with, onely Women and Children, with some other Booty, they carried to _Dominico_.

SECT. X.
Rotonda.

[Sidenote: Situation of _Rotonda_.]

The Isle _Rotonda_, which is much lesser, hath receiv’d that Denomination from its round Form, for it rises in the middle into a Hill, which at a distance appears like a Steeple; It lies at seventeen Degrees and ten Minutes. The Sea about the same being very deep, makes a good coming to the Island with Ships.

SECT. XI.
Nevis.

[Sidenote: Situation of _Nevis_.]

In sight of _Rotonda_, at seventeen Degrees and nineteen Minutes, lies _Nevis_, which hath six Leagues in circumference. Out of the middle of the Island rises a Mountain all over wooddy; round about which the _English_, who Setled there _Anno 1628._ have their Plantations, and have increased from a small number to above three thousand, and make a good Advantage of their Sugar, Ginger, Cotton, and Tobacco, which they Plant there.

[Sidenote: Good Government of the _English_ there.]

They are Govern’d by a peculiar Governor and a Council, who punish Thieves, and all manner of Deboshes very severely.

There are also three Churches, which on the Sabbath-Day are all throng’d with People, who resort thither for the Worship and Service of God.

The Harbor call’d _Bath-Bay_, and the Store-house built about the same, are secured by a great Fort full of great Guns.

Several Springs on this Island afford the Inhabitants good Water. Here is also a Mineral Spring, a place to Bathe in, which hath been found to cure the same Distempers which the Waters at _Bourbon_ have done.

[Sidenote: The _Pistick_-Nut.]

Moreover, this Island abounds with the _Pistacie_ or _Pistick_-Nuts, which grow on small Trees, with soft long Leaves, round at bottom, and ending in three Points: These Trees being commonly full of thick Boughs, serve commodiously for Hedges; the Wood and Leaves sweat a milky Juice, dropping out of the same with the Rain; the yellow Flowers which grow on the same are like glittering Stars, and the taste of the Nuts like a Hazle; but if the Skin which covers the Kernel be not pull’d off before they are eaten, they purge to Death.

[Sidenote: The _Musticho_.]

But the great Profit which _Nevis_ receives by Nature is attended with some Inconveniences, which trouble this and all the other Islands: amongst many may be reckon’d the _Musticho_’s, a sort of little Bugs, whose poysonous Sting causes such intolerable Itching, that those who are stung by them cannot forbear to scratch themselves till the Blood comes, by which their Sores festering, prove often very dangerous.

[Sidenote: The _Muringoins_.]

Also the _Muringoins_, who are so much the less dangerous, because they make always a great noise before they sting.

Wasps likewise are here very troublesom, but their Stings are cur’d with Rue, as the Stings of Scorpions are with the Juice press’d out of the same Animal.

[Sidenote: Wood-Lice.]

The Wood-Lice, which are here in great abundance, have a soft and white Body, onely the Head, which is mark’d with a black Speck; their Mouthes are so very hard, that in two hours time they eat through thick Chests. And no less damage do the _Banettos_.

[Sidenote: _Chigos_.]

But the _Chigos_ are a kind of small Fleas, that breed in Dust, Ashes, and the like, and are of all the most pernicious; they first get in under the Nails of the Toes, and from thence run over all the Body, but especially the bottoms of the Feet, where they first occasion an Itching, and then eat Holes through the Skin; they make Blisters as big as Pease in the Flesh, wherein a swarm of young ones breeding, cause Ulcers and rotten Flesh, which must be eaten away with _Aqua-fortis_ and burnt Allom.

SECT. XII.
Eustathius.

[Sidenote: Situation of _Eustathius_.]

_Eustathius_, which is rather a Mountain, rising out of the Ocean like a Sugar-Loaf, than an Island, lies at seventeen Degrees and forty Minutes: It hath scarce five Leagues in circumference, yet receiv’d some while since a Colony of above sixteen hundred People, sent thither from the _States_ of the _United Netherlands_, under the Command of the Lords _Lampsen_ and _Ree_. Besides the natural Strength of the Place, whereby a few are able to keep off a great number, it is fortifi’d with a strong Fort, which Commands the Harbor. The Inhabitants are very industrious, and make great profit of the Tobacco which they Plant.

In the midst of this Island is a Mountain over-grown with Trees, which seems to end in a Point, and hath about it a pleasant Plain.

The abundance of Fowls, Hogs and Goats, afford the Inhabitants store of Provisions; for their Store-houses are never so empty, but that they can supply their Neighbors Wants.

The want of fresh-water Brooks they supply with Rain-water, which they preserve in Cisterns.

[Sidenote: Terrible Hurricanes.]

Though the Air of the Island be wholsom, and the Soil fruitful, yet it is subject to many great Inconveniences; for besides the terrible Thunder-claps and Earthquakes, that rend the Ground, the Inhabitants are exceedingly troubled in _August_, and _September_ with the Winds, which in twenty four hours blow from all Points of the Compass with such mighty Gusts, as if they would turn all things into their first _Chaos_. The _Caribbeeans_ call these Tempests _Hurricanes_, which formerly us’d to happen but once in seven years, but of late every two years, and sometimes twice in a year. What damage these Winds cause is scarce to be express’d; the Sea raising its turbulent Waves up to the Skyes, casts the Ships on the Shore, which though in Harbor, are certain to be wrack’d, whilest the Land seems to labor under a general Ruine, whole Woods being rooted up by the same, or at least bereav’d of Boughs and Leaves; the Corn is beaten down, the Plants blasted, Houses turn’d topsie-turvy, Mountains rent asunder, and sometimes pieces of Rocks blown into the Sea. Before the Hurricanes there are several fore-runners, which give notice of their sudden approach, _viz._ the Sea on a sudden is so calm, that the least motion is not perceiv’d; the Birds flye from the Mountains into the Valleys, where they lay themselves flat on the Ground; and the Rain which falls is bitter and salt.

_Charles de Rochfort_ observ’d, that in his time some Ships laden with Tobacco being lost in a Hurricane before _St. Christophers_, soon after the Tempest ceased, thousands of Fishes were seen swimming with their Bellies upwards, intoxicated no doubt with the Tobacco.

SECT. XIII.
Antego.

[Sidenote: Situation of _Antego_.]

Between _Nevis_ and _Montserrat_, at sixteen Degrees and eleven Minutes, lies _Antego_, being seven Leagues long, and about six broad; It is dangerous to come at with great Ships, because of the many Rocks which lie before it, and remain’d the longer uninhabited, because of the want of fresh Water; yet at last the _English_ taking possession of it, digg’d Pits, and made Troughs to catch and preserve Rain-water in, so that it is now inhabited by at least eight hundred People, who live on Plants, Venison, and Fish.

[Sidenote: The _Sword_-Fish.]

Upon the Sea-shore appears often-times the Sword-fish, which hath no Scales, but a grey Skin, and white Belly, rough like a Fyle, a flat Head, two Fins on each side, two on the Back, and one in stead of a Tail, with which it makes a swift motion: the Sword of it is a long Bone, arm’d on each side with twenty seven white and strong Teeth. This Fish striving to be Chief of the Sea, Encounters with all other Fishes whatsoever, even with the Whale himself, whose Belly he often rends open; near his Eyes are two Nostrils, out of which he blows the Water he drinks into the Air.

SECT. XIV.
Montserrat.

[Sidenote: Description of _Montserrat_.]

_Montserrat_, lying just at the seventeenth Degree, is so call’d from a _Spanish_ Hill beyond _Barcellona_, whose shape this Island represents off at Sea; It is about three Leagues in length, and almost as much in breadth, and is very Mountainous, except a little towards the East, and as much Westward.

The _English_ have a Church here, lin’d in the in-side with Cedar, which this Island produces in great abundance.

[Sidenote: The _Acajou_-Tree.]

Also the _Acajou_-Tree, which grows an exceeding heighth, with mighty Boughs, under which many judge it very wholsom to sleep: But there are two sorts of the _Acajou_-Tree, the one differing from the other in tallness of Body and Colour; of which the most esteem’d is the red and sweet-smelling, which is not subject to any decay; for that which is white, and yields Gum when cut, is of a less value.

[Sidenote: The _Acomas_-Tree.]

The _Acomas_ is also no way inferior in bigness to the _Acajou_, which bears long swarthy Leaves, and yellow Fruit not unlike a Plumb; but because of their extraordinary bitterness they are not eatable, onely the wild Pigeons at a certain time of the year feed on them, after which their Flesh becomes bitter also; from the Bark when cut, runs a milky Juice.

[Sidenote: The _Cypress_-Tree.]

The Cypress-Trees when plan’d, yield a pleasant Marble colour to the Eye, and a delightful fragrance to the Scent.

[Sidenote: The _Iron_-Tree.]

The Iron-Tree, with sharp-pointed Leaves, crack’d near the Stalk, blossoms in _March_ and _September_; after the Violet Blossoms follow a black kind of Fruit like a Cherry, being an excellent Food for Birds; the Wood whilst flourishing is red, but cut down changes its colour, yet is so hard that it never decays.

[Sidenote: The _Musk_-Herb.]

Moreover the Musk-Herb yields a sweet smell, and grows like Brambles without Thorns; between long dusky Leaves hang yellow Flowers, which afterwards become Cods full of Seeds, that smell exactly like Musk.

SECT. XV.
Guadalupe.

[Sidenote: Situation of _Guadalupe_.]

_Guadalupe_, or _Gardelupe_, formerly call’d _Carricueira_, lying at about sixteen Degrees, and containing sixty Leagues in circumference (for it is the biggest and noblest of the _Caribbee_ Islands,) is divided in two by a narrow Channel; wherefore one part is call’d _Grand-Terre_, and the other properly _Guadalupe_; whose Eastern Point, nam’d _Cabes-Terre_, and its Western, call’d _Basse-Terre_, are both inhabited by the _French_.

[Sidenote: Mountains.]

Several high Mountains, especially towards the Center, start up from very low Grounds, with their barren Crowns towards the Skye, some whereof are overgrown with Trees.

At the Feet of some of the Mountains are large Plains, water’d by sweet Streams which formerly invited the _Spanish_ Fleets thither to water.

There is also a sulphurous Mountain, which smoaking continually gives the taste of Sulphur to the Streams which flow about the same.

This Island boasts likewise several boyling Springs which cure the Dropsie, and all other Distempers proceeding from Colds.

[Sidenote: Strange Fish.]

Towards each of the two fore-mention’d Points, are large Gulphs that produce abundance of Tortoises, and all manner of Fish, and amongst others one sort not known by Name, which is generally about four Foot long, having a sharp and big Head, with glittering Eyes, a Back streak’d with blue and green, and a Belly half white and half red, eight yellow Fins, and a broad Tail, with which it swims exceeding swift.

[Sidenote: The Shark.]

Near the Shore swim the Sharks, an ugly Sea Monster, which bites a Man asunder in the Middle at once; their Head is hard and prickly, their flat Mouthes opening discover three rows of Teeth.

[Sidenote: The _Pilot_-Fish.]

After this Fish swims generally the _Pilot_-Fish, or _Rambos_, which is so curiously speckled, that Nature seems herein to excell what-ever can be represented by the artificial Pencil and move either swifter or slower, according as the Shark leads. The Brain of this Fish is judg’d exceeding good against the Gravel and Stone.

[Sidenote: The discovery of _Guadalupe_.]

_Guadalupe_ was first discover’d in the Year of our Lord 1635. by the _French_, under the Command of the Lords _Du Plessis_ and _De Olive_, and after them one of the Captains of _St. Christophers_: Since which the Champain Ground being Till’d and Manur’d, brings forth in great plenty, Rice, _Maiz_, _Manicock_, and Potato’s.

Father _Raymond Breton_ got possession of the fruitfullest part of the Island for the Reformed _Jacobines_, or _White-Fryers_, and since the present Governor Monsieur _De Howell_ sent also for the _Jesuits_ and _Carmelites_, to build Cloysters in a new City, which lies in _Basse-Terre_, and which is also built full of Store-houses and Dwelling-houses two Stories high.

The Castle, which lies near the City, hath four Bulwarks, with great Guns.

The next neighboring Mountain is also crown’d with a Garrison’d Fort.

[Sidenote: The _Moubane_-Tree.]

The Countrey hereabouts bears _Moubane_-Trees, which produce yellow oval Plumbs with great Stones, wherewith the Hogs are exceedingly fatned.

[Sidenote: The _Corbary_.]

The _Corbary_, which grows higher than the _Moubane_, hath a hard shelly Fruit, in which lies a douny Pulp of a Saffron colour: The Gum which drops out of the Tree is hardned by the Sun, and becomes very clear, wherefore the _Caribbeeans_ make use of it for Arm-rings, and other Ornaments.

SECT. XVI.
Deseado.

[Sidenote: Situation of _Deseado_.]

Ten Leagues to the North-West of _Guadalupe_, and at sixteen Degrees and ten Minutes, appears _Deseado_, or _Desirado_, like a Galley, of which the North-East end hath a low Point; to the Northward lie Sand-Hills full of red Veins: It was so call’d by _Christopher Columbus_ in his second Voyage, from obtaining of his Desire, it being the first of the _Caribbees_ which he discover’d, as _St. Salvador_ the first Land in all _America_.

[Sidenote: The _Guano_.]

The Soil is wholly barren, and destitute of Trees, and breeds the amphibious Creatures call’d _Guano_’s, which in stead of Fins to swim withal, have four Feet; the biggest of them are fifteen Inches long; their Skin full of little Scales shines like Silver, and in the Night they make a loud and shrill noise from the Holes in the Rocks.

[Sidenote: The _Frigates_.]

On this desolate Island are an innumerable company of Fowls, call’d _Frigates_, which have a Body like a Duck, but larger Wings, and flye swifter; so soon as they perceive a Fish in the Water, they falling upon the same, catch them in their Claws, and especially devour abundance of flying Fish.

[Sidenote: The _Fauves_.]

But the _Fauves_, which are much leaner, are no way so swift; they resemble a Moor-Hen, have Feet like Ducks, Bills like a Snipe, and in rainy Nights rest on the Ships in stead of Rocks, so that many times they become an easie prey to the Mariners.

SECT. XVII.
Marigalante.

[Sidenote: Situation of _Marigalante_.]

Not far from hence, at fifteen Degrees and forty Minutes, appears _Marigalante_, like a Wood in the Water.

On the South-East side, about half a League from the Shore, lie black full of white Specks. Westerly the Shore is very plain, whither the Governor Monsieur _De Howell_ sent some People from that Island, of which twenty were kill’d by the _Caribbeeans_, who had Gardens and Fish-ponds thereon: Not long after which _Howell_ built a Fort here, and Garrison’d the same with _French_-men.

The Woods afford a delightful sight to the Eye, as also the Cinamon-Trees, whose Leaves never wither, a sweet smell to the Nose.

[Sidenote: The Fish _Lamantin_.]

The Ocean hereabouts produces plenty of _Lamantins_, which are dry’d like Haberdine. This Fish grows eighteen Foot long and seven thick; the Head thereof is like a Cows, with little Eyes, and a thick brown Skin, rough and speckled in some places, and hath two little Feet in stead of Fins; it feeds on Weeds, which grow on the Rocks and Banks; the Females bring two young ones at a time, which suck for some days; their Flesh palatable and wholsom, is streak’d with Fat, which when melted never putrifies; they are oftner taken in the Mouthes of Rivers than in the Ocean.

[Sidenote: The _Sea-Devils_.]

About this Isle, as well as the rest of the _Caribbees_, are Fishes call’d _Sea-Devils_, four Foot long, and proportionably thick, their Skins rough, their Heads flat, their Backs arm’d with Prickles, little black Eyes, wide Mouthes full of Teeth, and two Tusks that slick out of the same, four Fins, a long slit Tail, with which they swim exceeding swift, above their Eyes slick broad sharp Horns turn’d towards the Back; the Flesh is deadly poyson.

[Sidenote: The _Becune_.]

The _Becune_, which is eight Foot long, falls upon a Fish like a mad Dog, biting great pieces of the Flesh out of the Body, which occasions present Death; its Flesh is likewise poyson.

SECT. XVIII.
Todos Sanctos.

[Sidenote: Situation of _Todos Sanctos_.]

[Sidenote: Curious sorts of Shells.]

Southward from _Guadalupe_, and at the same Latitude with _Marigalante_, lie four desolate Isles, call’d _Todos Sanctos_, and on their Shores a sort of Shell-fish call’d _Lambis_, from the resemblance of a Tongue; the Shells whereof the _Indians_ Sound in stead of Horns when they give an Alarm; as also another sort call’d _Porcelenes_, of which the most esteem’d are without of a Carnation, and within of a Silver, or Skye-colour mix’d with Golden Beams. The next are the Black, mix’d with a pale Blue, and little Veins. But the most remarkable Shells are those, whose Back Nature hath mark’d in such a manner with Musical Notes, that one might almost express a Tune by them.

[Sidenote: Mother-of-Pearl Oysters.]

Moreover, it would amaze the Beholder, to see the Mother-of-Pearl Oyster moving at the Foot of a Rock; for at the Rising of the Sun they appear above the Water, and gape for the Dew, of which they have no sooner receiv’d a Drop, but they close their Shells, and fall to the Ground again.

SECT. XIX.
De Aves.

[Sidenote: Situation of _De Aves_.]

Westward from _Todos Sanctos_, at fifteen Degrees and forty five Minutes, lies the Isle _De Aves_.

[Sidenote: _Aigrettos._]

Besides Ducks, Pluvers, Moor-hens, Geese, and the like Fowls (that suffer themselves to be catch’d by the Hands of Men, which are very strange to them) there are here also many rare sorts of Birds, as the white Birds call’d _Aigrettos_, which are somewhat bigger than Crows, with red Bills and Feet, and curious Plumes on their Heads; they often flye a great way off at Sea.

[Sidenote: _Craw-fowl._]

The large Bird call’d _The Craw-fowl_, which feeds on Fish, hath a thick Head, a long flat Bill, hollow Eyes, and a short Neck, under which hangs the Maw, big enough to contain a Pail full of Water: On the Trees along the Sea-side they watch for Fish which swim near the top of the Water, and by their attentiveness on their Prey, are easily shot themselves.

[Sidenote: _Arras._]

Here is likewise the Bird _Arras_, of the bigness of a Pheasant, but more resembling a Parraquito: their long Tail consists of divers colour’d Feathers, some have shining skye-colour’d Heads, Backs, and Necks, their Bellies and Wings of a pale Yellow; they are so stout, or rather so simple, that if they are not hit with the first Shot, they will stay for a second: They also learn to talk, but not so distinctly as the _Canides_, which are no way inferior in beauty to the _Arras_, nay exceed them very much: Monsieur _du Montell_ above mention’d, seeing one at _Corassao_, describes it after this manner:

[Sidenote: Description of the _Canides_.]

“It deserves to be numbred (saith he) amongst the most beautiful Birds in the World: I took so particular notice of it, having had of them in my Hands many times, that I have the Idea’s of it still fresh in my Memory. Under the Belly, Wings, and Neck, it was of a waving _Aurora_-colour, the Back, and one half of the Wings, of a very bright Skye-colour, the Tail and greater Feathers of the Wings were mix’d with a sparkling Carnation, diversifi’d with a Skye-colour, as upon the Back a Grass-green and shining Black, which very much added to the Gold and Azure of the other Plumage: But the most beautiful part was the Head, cover’d with a Murrey Doun, checquer’d with Green, Yellow, and a pale Blue, which reach’d down wavingly to the Back: The Eye-lids were white, and the Apple of the Eye yellow and red as a Ruby Set in Gold: It had upon the Head a certain Tuft or Cap of Feathers of a Vermilion Red, sparkling like a lighted Coal, which was encompass’d by several other lesser Feathers of a Pearl-colour.

“If it were recommendable for all these extraordinary Ornaments, it was much more for its Familiarity and Innocency; for though it had a crooked Beak, and that the Claws with which it held its Meat and brought it to its Beak, were so sharp as to take away whatsoever it fastned upon, yet was it so tame as to play with little Children and never hurt them; and when one took him into his Hand, he so contracted his Claws, that the sharpness of them could not be felt: He had this Quality of a Dog, That he would Lick with his short and thick Tongue those who made much of him and gave him something he lik’d, put his Head to their Cheeks to Kiss and Caress them, and expressing his Acknowledgments by a thousand pretty Insinuations, he would suffer himself to be put into what posture one would, and took a certain pleasure in diverting those he thought his Friends: But as he was mild and tractable to those who were kind to him, so was he mischievous and irreconcileable to such as had injur’d him, and he could distinguish them from others, and make them feel the sharpness of his Beak and Claws.

“He pratled in the _Dutch_, _Spanish_, and _Indian_ Languages, and in the last he sung Airs as a natural _Indian_: He also imitated the Cries of all sorts of Poultrey and other Creatures about the House; he call’d all his Friends by their Names and Sirnames, flew to them as soon as he saw them, especially when he was hungry; if they had been absent, and that he had not seen them a long time, he express’d his joy at their return by certain merry Notes; when he had sported himself till they were weary of him, he went away, and perch’d himself on the top of the House, and there he talk’d, sung, and play’d a thousand tricks, laying his Feathers in order, and dressing and cleaning himself with his Beak. He was easily kept; for not onely the Bread commonly us’d in that Island, but all the Fruits and Roots growing there, were his ordinary Food; and when he had more given him than he needed, he carefully laid up the remainder under the Leaves wherewith the House was cover’d, and took it when he had need. In a word, I never saw a more loving or more amiable Bird; ’twas a Present for any Prince, if he could have been brought over the Sea. This Bird had been brought from the _Caribbee_ Islands to Monsieur _Rodenborck_, then Governor of the Fort and _Dutch_ Colony, which is in the Island of _Corassao_.”

SECT. XX.
Dominico.

[Sidenote: Situation of _Dominico_.]

At fifteen Degrees and thirteen Minutes, lies the Island _Dominico_, so call’d because it was discover’d on a _Sunday_, about thirty Leagues long, and not much less in breadth, and diversifi’d with high Mountains, and exceeding deep Valleys; of which the _Caribbeeans_ that dwell there relate, That formerly in one of the deepest of them, a huge and monstrous Serpent had an Army of Serpents to defend an invaluable Carbuncle which he had in his Head; which being cover’d with a thin Skin, was onely discernable when he drank or play’d, for then the lustre thereof lightned the whole Valley.

When first the _French_ approach’d this Coast with their Ships, the Islanders going Aboard in their _Canoos_, barter’d Provisions for Coral, Crystal, and other Trifles.

[Sidenote: The _Manchenile_ Tree.]

On this Isle also grows the famous _Manchenile_-Tree, which bears long Leaves, and sweet smelling Fruit, streak’d red, and tasting like a Hazle-Nut, but bringing a deadly Sleep upon those that eat of it; it seldom rots though it fall into the Sea, or any fresh Rivers, but is crusted over with a Shell resembling Salt-petre, and poysons the Water in such a manner, that all the Fish dying, are seen floating upon it; in the Trunk and Boughs thereof is a milky Juice, which dropping upon the Body, causes it to break out in Scabs, and if it chances to touch the Eyes, it takes away the Sight for nine days: and not less hurtful is the Moisture which drops from the Tree.

The _Caribbeeans_ dip their Arrows in this poysonous Juice, against which Nature hath provided an excellent Medicine, being as followeth:

[Sidenote: A Medicine against the poison of the _Manchenile_.]

There are amongst the other Reptiles of _America_ a sort of Snails, which creep into the Legs of dead Crabs, to keep themselves from the Weather; when taken they make a noise, and being laid before the Fire they come forth; the Water squeez’d out of them, or the Oyl drawn from them by the Sun, cures the Parts poyson’d by the _Manchenile_-Tree.

SECT. XXI.
Martinico.

[Sidenote: Situation of _Martinico_.]

Opposite to _Dominico_ lies _Martinico_, by the _Indians_ nam’d _Matunina_, which lying at fourteen Degrees and thirty Scruples, is forty five Leagues in circumference; It appears at a distance like three Mountains, the highest whereof resembles a Hat, and is seen in all parts of the Island, which, on the North where three Rocks deny access for Landing, seems to be divided into three Isles.