Chapter XXVII: Front Matter (27)

The _Caribbeeans_ have been forc’d, after many bloody Battels, to surrender up this Island to the _French_: But before they were well setled, the _Caribbeeans_ marching over exceeding high Mountains, deep Concavities, and thick Woods, fell upon them with all the Rage imaginable: the Reasons of which some attribute to _Du Parquet_, who in prejudice of the _Martinican Caribbeeans_, sent _French_-men over to _Granada_ and _Alouzia_: others suppose, that they took up Arms to revenge the Death of their Countrey-men on _St. Vincent_, who were destroy’d by the _French_ with poyson’d Brandy. But the _French_ furnish’d with new Supplies, took sufficient Revenge; for they drove the _Caribbeeans_ out of their Houses, and chac’d them into Woods and Deserts.

The Hills that are over-grown with Trees, are Receptacles for wild Beasts, especially Hogs and Serpents. The other Hills are Till’d and Sow’n, though not without great trouble.

The Tobacco which grows on the steep Ascents much exceeds that which grows in the Valleys, or in the Tracts of Land shaded with Trees.

[Sidenote: The Island divided into five Wards.]

Since the _French_, _Anno 1635._ (being sent from _St. Christophers_ by the Lord _Desnambuc_) Setled themselves on this Island, under the Command of his Deputy _Du Pont_, they divided it into five Wards, separated from that part of the Isle which was inhabited by the antient Natives: Each Ward hath a Church, or at least a Chappel, Armory, Store-houses, and Dwelling-houses, like an intire Village.

The first Ward is call’d _Pyloot_, from a _Caribbeean_ Captain, who was very familiar with _Du Parquet_, and inform’d him of his Peoples Designs.

The second, nam’d _Capot_, is wash’d by a River of the same Denomination, and hath many fruitful Plains.

The third retains the _Caribbeean_ Name, being _Carbet_, signifying a Publick Structure, to which they us’d to resort to Feast, or hold Councils of War; not far from which the Governor dwelt in a Stone House: Near the Harbor stood also an Armory in a Valley, water’d by a fresh River which falls out of the Mountains, shaded with Trees and Gardens full of Rarities: But since the Governor gave this and many other fair Buildings to the _Jesuits_, he remov’d to the fourth Ward, call’d _St. Peter_, where he built a Castle, and furnish’d the same with Brass and Iron Guns to defend the Harbor.

A Stones-throw from the Governor’s House lies the _Jesuits_ Cloyster, on the Banks of a pleasant Stream, built very artificially of Marble and Free-stone, and having a pleasant Prospect over the River, and adjacent Gardens, beautifi’d with the choicest of Flowers, Fruits, and Trees; and also a Vineyard, out of which they press a considerable quantity of Wine.

The last Ward, call’d _Preacheur_, extends East and West, some parts whereof swell into high Mountains, at the Feet whereof stand fair Structures; others sink into low Valleys or _Savannas_.

[Sidenote: The _Mahot_-Tree.]

Between the _French_ Settlements and the _Caribbeeans_, runs an Arm of the Sea, along whose Shores grows abundance of the _Mahot_-Tree, which is full of Boughs from the top down to the Ground. The Bark of this Tree serves in stead of Ropes, and is also us’d to tie up Tobacco; the Wood it self is durable, and good for Building, wherefore most of the Houses built on Hills are of this Timber.

The best Harbor for Ships is between the Wards _Carbet_ and _St. Peter_, defended from the Winds by high Hills.

[Sidenote: The _Diamond_.]

Not far from the Inlet of the Salt-pits, appears about half a League off at Sea, a Rock call’d _The Diamond_, being a Receptacle for an innumerable multitude of Birds, and especially wild Pigeons.

Besides the Streams that in the rainy Seasons run through the Dales and _Savana_’s, there are ten Rivers, which falling from the Mountains, glide through the Valleys into the Sea. Sometimes they swell in such a manner, that over-flowing their Banks, they wash down the Trees and Houses; which Inconvenience hath taught the _French_ to build their Houses on Hills or rising Grounds.

The good Situation of this Island hath invited many Families thither.

SECT. XXII.
St. Lucia.

[Sidenote: Situation of _St. Lucia_.]

_St. Lucia_ (by the _French_, _Alouzie_) is so call’d because it was discover’d on the thirteenth of _December_, Dedicated in the Kalendar to the Virgin Martyr _Lucia_, who was burnt at _Syracuse_: It lies Southerly from _Dominico_ at thirteen Degrees and forty Minutes, and is ken’d at a great distance by two fiery Mountains; the most Easterly of which is higher than the other.

At the Feet of these two Mountains lie pleasant Valleys, shadow’d by close Woods, and moistned by clear Springs; near which heretofore a small number of _Caribbeeans_ dwelling, maintain’d themselves with Fishing; they went stark naked, and painted their Bodies with red Oker, and drew a Vermilion Stroke from their Ears to their Noses.

An _English_ Ship sent to _Guinee_ to supply the Plantations there, Landed sixty six mutinous Persons here, who were all kill’d by the Inhabitants; but when _Henry Jacobson Lucifer_ putting into the Bay of _Lucia_ to Water there, _Anno 1627._ Landed to discover the Island, he found neither Man nor House, nor any thing but a barren Soil; yet notwithstanding _Du Parquet_ sent his Deputy _Rosselan_ with a Colony to Plant in this Island.

SECT. XXIII.
Barbados.

[Sidenote: Situation of _Barbados_.]

The Island _Barbados_, which was Planted by the _English_, _Anno 1627._ lies between thirteen and fourteen Degrees, and hath twenty five Leagues in circumference, and somewhat more in length than breadth, and is supply’d with a fresh-Water River, and several Pools. The Ground being fruitful in the producing of Tobacco, Cotton, Ginger, and especially Sugar, invited many People to Settle there, insomuch that in a short time it could shew twenty thousand Inhabitants besides _Negro_ Slaves.

The Trees which grow on this Island, are not onely delightful, but profitable; amongst which the _Roucou_ is one, with sharp Leaves, white Carnation Flowers like Stars, which hang by Clusters at the end of the Boughs, and after a while turn to a Cod full of vermilion Kernels: The Juice dry’d in the Sun and kneaded into Balls, is of a great value. Of the Bark of this Tree they make strong Ropes; and the Root is very wholsom, and of a pleasant taste.

[Sidenote: The Fly _Cayouyou_.]

Moreover, amongst the Insects that breed here, there are a sort of Flyes worthy of a short Description; the _Caribbeeans_ call them _Cayouyou_, being about the bigness of a Beetle; they have two strong Wings, and under them thinner, which they never spread abroad but when they flye, and then they carry such a lustre in them, that they give as much Light in the Night as a lighted Candle, (their Eyes also at the same time glittering like Fire) making no noise when they flye; they feed on the Juice of Flowers, and are so smooth, that they are very apt to slip through ones Fingers, and when they find themselves to be taken, they hide their glittering Wings under the other.

The _Indians_ tie these Flies to their Hands and Feet, so to have the benefit of their Light in the Night; and anoint their Bodies all over (at certain Solemnities wherein Candles are forbidden) with the Juice squeez’d out of them, which causes them to shine like a Flame of Fire: They catch them with a piece of Wood which they move in the Air, whereupon the Flyes going to sit, are taken with a Hat; but their Light vanishes if they are kill’d.

But as to what may farther be added concerning this Island, being one of the chief of our Plantations, we cannot better satisfie the curiosity of those who desire a true Information of all things that concern that Place, than by inserting _verbatim_ a Letter from an intelligent Person who hath been long resident there, _viz._ Colonel _Robert Rich_, of no older Date than _May 31. 1670._ by which the present State and Condition of the Island, the Buildings and other Improvements made there by the Planters since they first possess’d it, in what Commodities of the Growth of the Countrey their chief Trade consists, their Strength, _Militia_, Government, and flourishing Commerce, and what-ever else is material to be imparted, may be clearly understood.

[Sidenote: Colonel _Rich_ his Description of the _Barbados_.]

SIR,

_I have lately seen your_ Proposal _concerning an_ English Atlas,
_and having read Dr._ Heylin_’s Book of the Chorography and History
of the whole World, his third Edition Corrected and Enlarged,
Printed_ Anno 1666. _I find him very short and erroneous in his
Description of the_ Caribbee _Islands, especially of this Island of_
Barbados, _wherein I have been an Inhabitant more than eleven years.
He saith_,

1. The Island is seventeen or eighteen Miles in compass.

2. On the South ’tis furnish’d with a large and commodious
Harbor.

3. The chief Commodities are Tobacco, and a kind of course
Sugar, call’d _Barbados Sugar_, which must be quickly spent,
or ’twill melt to nothing.

4. That this Island is worth all the Plantations made by the
_English_, and yet that we hold it at the Courtesie of the
_Spaniard_, without whose Leave and Liking, not of Force to
hold it.

_This Description of Dr._ Heylin_’s, in it self very false, is also
much to the Dishonor of the_ English _Nation, which makes me presume
to trouble you with my own Observations, wherein having onely aim’d
at the Truth, you shall not have cause to doubt of being misguided_.

_This Island of_ Barbados _is seated in thirteen Degrees and twenty
Minutes, length twenty two Miles, and in breadth fourteen and an
half; It is naturally fortifi’d with Rocks and Shoals on the North
and East side of it, where no Ship may safely Anchor, onely two or
three places small Boats may go out and in to Fish. On the
South-East and Westerly part, it is all along a Road when Ships may
Ride at Anchor, but more especially in four chief Places, Roads and
Bays thereof._

_The principal Road or Bay is call’d_ Carlisle Bay, _and lieth on
the South-West part of the Island near its Center, and is a good
Road, where five hundred Ships of any Burthen may Ride safely from
all but South and Westerly Winds, which seldom in these Parts
happen, they generally blowing Easterly, whence it is that we call
the East parts_ Windward, _and the West parts_ Leeward. _Here lies
also the chief Town for Trade, call’d formerly the_ Bridge-Town,
_but now_ St. Michaels, _and having two Forts, answering each other,
and a Platform between, which Commands the Road, and Defends the
Town; the first and chiefest Fort is call’d_ Charles Fort, _standing
on_ Nedhams Point, _lying out in the Sea to Windward of the Bay and
Town, so that an Enemy keeping out of Command of this Fort, cannot
(probably) come to do the Ships or the Town injury, for that they
must come full in or against the Wind. This Fort is built strong
with Stone and Lime; the Platform joyns to the Windward part of the
Town; also the other Fort joyns to the Leeward part of the Town, all
which are well fortifi’d and stor’d with great Guns. The Town
consists of several Streets and Lanes, being about thirty Chain in
length, and fifteen in breadth, and hath many fair and large
Buildings, whereof the most are of Stone and Lime._

_The second Road and Town is lately call’d_ Charles-Town, _situate
on_ Oysters-Bay, _and lies about two Leagues to Windward of_ St.
Michaels, _having also two Forts and one Platform; the two Forts
stand the one to Windward, and the other to Leeward of the Town and
Road, and the Platform in the middle, all well furnish’d with great
Guns. And although this Town be not a Place of much Resort for
Shipping, yet here are many considerable Store-houses for Trade,
wherein Monethly are kept the Court of_ Common-Pleas _for that
Precinct, and Weekly Markets_.

_The third Road and Town is lately call’d_ St. James’s, _formerly
the_ Hall, _and is about two Leagues to the Leeward of_ St.
Michaels, _hath one very large Platform, and is otherwise well
fortifi’d with Breast-works; and although few Ships come to Ride
here, yet in this Town is maintain’d a great Trade with the
Inhabitants adjacent; here also is kept Monethly the Court of_
Common-Pleas _for this Precinct_.

_The fourth Road and Town is lately call’d_ Little Bristol, _but
formerly_ Sprights-Bay, _which lieth about four Leagues to Leeward
of_ St. Michaels, _and hath two Forts well built, and strongly
fortifi’d. To this Place come many Ships, especially from the City
of_ Bristol, _the which here Ride, unload and re-load, it being the
next greatest Place of Repute to_ St. Michaels _in the whole
Island_.

_This Island is divided into eleven Parishes, and hath in it
fourteen Churches and Chappels, and being subdivided into divers
Plantations, small and great, hath Sugar-works accordingly, with
fair and large Buildings made of Stone and Brick, the which
generally are pleasant Habitations, and delightfully situated, most
having pleasant Prospects to the Sea and Land._

_The Inhabitants of this Island are_ English, Scotch, _and_ Irish,
_and some, but very few of the_ Dutch _and_ French _Nation, who
formerly liv’d here a time of Servitude, and now dwell as Free-men,
some by their Trades, and others on Plantations; also some few_ Jews
_live here and Trade as Merchants, they having obtain’d Licence from
His Majesty so to do; besides_ Mulatto’s _and_ Negro’s _which are
here kept, and accounted for Slaves, the number of which some years
since, upon search, were found to be sixty thousand Persons_, viz.
_forty thousand_ Whites, _and twenty thousand_ Blacks.

_The standing_ Militia _of this Island that are in readiness to meet
together on all occasions, and which at other times are often and
well Disciplin’d, consist of two Regiments of Horse, and five
Regiments of Foot, wherein several Companies have near two hundred
in a Company, and in some Troops more than a hundred Horse in a
Troop; by all which you may easily apprehend how little of truth
there is in that Saying_, That we hold this Island at the Courtesie
of the Spaniards, _when those few_ English _in_ Jamaica _give the_
Spaniards _such work to defend themselves_.

_The Growth and Manufacture of this Island and parts adjacent, is
Sugars of all sorts_, viz. Muscovado, _Clay’d, and Refin’d_; (_I
suppose I have seen here as good Sugar made as any is in the World_)
_Gingers_, _Indico_, _and Cotton-wool_; _also Tobacco_, _Logwood_,
Fustick, _green and yellow, and_ Lignum-vitæ: _Of these four last
heretofore much, but now no quantities to be had in this Island,
onely to the Leeward great store. The first four mention’d
Commodities receive prejudice to their Product by abundance of Rains
or Droughts not happening their proper Seasons: also violent Winds
lodge the Sugar-Canes, whereby the quantity and goodness is lessned.
The chief time for Expectation is from_ January _to_ September,
_when comes in the wet Season, that makes the Roads not Cartable,
and usually puts an end to Making and Transportation of them. We
have two Crops of Corn in a year, Planted usually when the Rains
first come in, in_ May _and_ November, _which is gather’d in about_
October, _and in_ March _and_ April _following. Wines of all sorts
are here Imported, but of_ Portuguese _and_ French _the greatest
quantities_, viz. _of_ Madera, _upwards of fifteen hundred Tun
yearly; of_ Spanish, _upward of two hundred Tun; of_ French-_Wines,
upward of seven hundred Tun; besides Brandy and_ English _Spirits;
but of these latter now no great quantities Imported or spent, by
reason of the general use of the Spirit of Sugar-Cane, call’d_ Rum,
_which the meaner sort, as Servants and Slaves, do not onely drink
in great abundance, but much also is hence Transported into_
Virginia, Bermudas, _and_ New-England. _Here is also Imported great
store of Provisions of all sorts_, viz. _Beef_, _Pork_, _Fish_, &c.
_from_ Ireland, New-England, Virginia, Bermudas, New-found Land,
_&c._ _also Pease_, _Flour_, _Butter_, _Cheese_, _and Bisquet_;
_likewise Timber_, _Boards_, _Pipe and Hogshead_, _Staves_, &c.
_also_ Negro-_Slaves from_ Guinee, _and live Cattel, as Bulls_,
_Cows_, Asinego’s, _and Horses, from the_ Cape de Verd _Island_,
New-England; _and from_ England, _Servants, and all other
Commodities for Plantations, and for Apparel_; _of all which great
quantities are hither brought and sold_.

_The Shipping that comes to Trade to this Island belongs generally
to_ England; _some few Vessels are here built, and pass to and fro
to the Leeward Islands; and some belong to_ New-England, Bermudas,
_&c._ _The number of Vessels which come hither to Trade in one year
is found upon search to be about two hundred of all sorts, (some
years more, some less) as Ketches, Sloops, Barques, &c. containing
in Burthen fifteen thousand and five hundred and five Tun, according
as they were here Entred, which is at the least a third part less
than their true Burthen, by reason every Ship pays one pound of
Powder_ per _Tun, the means ordain’d by this Country for storing the
Magazine; the greatest part of which Ships re-load with Sugars for_
England, _and many go for_ New-England, Bermudas, Virginia, Tangier,
_&c._ _not always full loaden with this Countreys Growth. The usual
Rate for Tunnage from hence to_ London, _is from_ 4 l. _to_ 5 l. per
_Tun_; _sometime when Ships are very plentiful, it is at_ 3 l. _and
less, and at other times when scarce, from_ 6 l. _to_ 7 l. _in the
late War with the_ Dutch, _it was at_ 10. 11. _and_ 12 l. per _Tun_.

_The Government is Constituted by the Laws of_ England, _and Laws
not repugnant to them, onely some particular Laws are here made,
proper for this Place, by the Governor (or Deputy) and his Council,
(which usually are from seven to twelve in number) and an Assembly
that consists of twenty two Persons, chosen by the Free-holders, two
out of every Parish_.

SECT. XXIV.
St. Vincent.

[Sidenote: Situation of _St. Vincent_.]

The Island of _St. Vincent_, South-West from _St. Lucia_, and having sixteen Degrees of North-Latitude, was so call’d by the _Spaniards_, as having discover’d it on that Saint’s Day, being the fifth of _April_: It is accounted eight Leagues long and six broad, and rises round about with high Grounds and several Mountains, which are seen at a great distance.

This Island hath a very fruitful Soil, and for the bigness of it hath been long since well peopled with _Caribbeeans_ before the arrival of the _Spaniards_, possessing here several Villages, to whom they are still sworn Enemies, but Truck’d with the _Hollanders_ for Provisions, Horns, Axes, Knives, and other Trifles. At the West and South sides are convenient Bays to lie at Anchor and take Water in.

[Sidenote: The Fruit _Momen_.]

The Inhabitants highly esteem the _Momen_, growing to the bigness of an Apple-Tree; the Fruit which it bears resembles a green Cucumber, and is of a pleasant Juice, the Skin always green and prickly; the Seed which is in the same about the bigness of a _French_ Bean, is generally black, and streak’d with Golden-colour’d Veins.

[Sidenote: The _Granadilla_.]

Here is also that Plant mention’d elsewhere, by the _Spaniard_ call’d _Granadilla_, by the _Dutch Rhang-Apple_, and _La Fleur de la Passion_ by the _French_; and it is so call’d, as being fancied to represent the thorny Crown of our _Saviour_, together with the Cross, Nails, Hammer and Pillar; the Plant runs along the Ground, unless it meet with a Pole by which it runs up.

SECT. XXV.
Bekia.

[Sidenote: Situation of _Bekia_.]

Not far from _St. Vincent_ lies the Island _Bekia_, which reckons twelves Leagues in circumference, and lies at twelve Degrees and twelve Scruples of Northern Latitude: It hath a secure Harbor against all Winds; but because it is without fresh Water, it is onely frequented by the _Caribbeeans_ that dwell on _St. Vincent_, who come hither to Fish, and visit certain little Gardens which they have there for their pleasure.

The Soil produces store of Water-melons, whose red juicy Pulp yields, when squeez’d, a great quantity of sweet Liquor, which is very refreshing, and good to create an Appetite; their white Flowers, notch’d at the end of the leaves, afford a delightful smell.

_Anno 1633._ Captain _John Johnson Van Hoorn_ putting in to _Bekia_ to catch Tortoises, found a fine Inlet on the West, and Eastward a Ridge of Rocks, Cotton growing wild in the Fields, and upon the Shore a kind of Snails call’d _Burgun_, under whose first Shell appear’d another of a Silver colour with black Specks.

SECT. XXVI.
Granada.

[Sidenote: Situation of _Granada_.]

_Granada_, lying at twelve Degrees and sixteen Scruples, like a Half-moon, from the North to the South, is full of Woods. Towards the South-West runs a fresh River into the Sea. The Shore very low affords good Anchorage at twelve Leagues distance. The Current grows exceeding strong here, and the Water also ebbs and flows in a few hours. _Dirick Simonszoon Witgeest_ Sailing from _Tabago_, was amaz’d to see with what force the Current drove him to _Granada_.

[Sidenote: The _French_ possess it.]

Hither _Du Parquet_ at his own Charge sent three hundred Men from _Martinico_, who scuffled with the Inhabitants six Moneths before they could possess the same in Peace; and scarce had they obtain’d it at last, but by telling them that the _French_ Assistance would be very advantageous unto them against the _Arovages_.

The Duke _Seryllac_ in _Paris_ inform’d of the Fertility of this Island, bought it of _Du Parquet_ for a considerable Sum of Money: And indeed _Granada_ is none of the meanest of the _Caribbees_, the Soil producing very good both Fruit and Timber-Trees, amongst which is the _Latine_-Tree, of a tall Body, but ordinary thickness, and in stead of Boughs, hang Leaves like Fans in long Stalks, which being ty’d together, serve for Roofs of Houses.

There is also the Tree _Cocoa_, which yet grows not so high here as in other parts of the _West-Indies_.

SECT. XXVII.
Tabago.

[Sidenote: Situation of _Tabago_.]

The next which comes in view is _Tabago_, (so call’d, as some think, from the quantity of that Drug there Planted) eight Leagues long and four broad, lying in the eleventh Degree and sixteen Minutes of Northern Latitude, and hath many high Mountains full of Wood, out of which glide eighteen Streams, which watering the Plains fall into the Sea.

Captain _Vitgeest_ coming to an Anchor here, found a convenient Inlet on the East, and fresh Water to fill his Casks. Half a League from the Shore rise five Rocks, through which he Sail’d with his Ships. Within the Cliff opens a Bay, into which runs a River well stor’d with Fish. More Westerly lies a larger Inlet, which receives two delightful Streams. From the Western Promontory runs also a Cliff Northward into the Sea.

This Island is easily known by high Coasts which rise on the East side, and so grows lower by degrees. It is likewise made pleasant by many Walks of Trees.

The Sea produces abundance of those sorts of Fish which are common amongst us, besides Tortoises, that lay their Eggs in the Sand.

[Sidenote: Cra-fish.]

The Cra-fish thereabouts are not much unlike Lobsters, have white and well tasted Flesh, but hard to digest; they catch them in the Night on sandy Shelves with lighted Torches.

[Sidenote: Crabs.]

The Crabs get their Food very wonderfully here; for when they observe the Mussles or Oysters to Gape for fresh Air, they put Stones between their Shells, so that they not being able to shut them, they pull out the Fish with their Claws.

The Woods feed an innumerable company of Beasts somewhat resembling Hogs, (whose Navels are on their Backs) _Opassums_, _Javaris_’s, and _Tatows_, as also the _Agoutys_’s and _Musk-Rats_.

[Sidenote: _Agoutys._]

The _Agoutys_’s are of a dark brown colour, and have little Tails, two Teeth in their upper, and as many in their lower Jaw; they make a noise as if they spoke, crying _Couye_; if hunted by Dogs, they run into hollow Trees, out of which they are routed by Smoak.

[Sidenote: Musk-Rats.]

The great _Musk-Rats_ are as big as a Rabbet, and like them live in Holes made in the Ground, but resemble an _European_ Rat, onely their Skins are black, except one part of their Bellies which are white; they smell so strong of Musk, that it overcomes those that carry them.

[Sidenote: Serpents.]

Amongst the Brambles breed also Serpents of a green colour, two yards long, and an Inch thick, feeding on Locusts and Birds, which they take in their Nests, but do no hurt to Mankind.

[Sidenote: The _Sassafras_ Tree.]

But _Tobago_ boasts chiefly of the _Sassafras_-Tree, which resembles the Pine-Tree, hath a firm and streight Body, and on the top Boughs spread like a Crown, the Bark of a dark colour and smooth, and smelling very sweet; the Leaves thin, notch’d, and of a deep Green, have also a delicate smell; the thinnest Roots appear above the Ground, and are exceeding good to cure green Wounds, stoppings and shortness of Breath occasion’d by Colds.

The Tobacco, by the _Caribbeeans_ call’d _Y-ouli_, Planted among the Fruit-Trees, grows very plentifully here; it shoots up from a stringy Root, bitter of taste, with a thick Stalk, which shoots out Boughs with great Leaves, woolly underneath, and bears a kind of Violet Flower, which when dry’d, are succeeded by little Cods full of black Seed; and to prevent the over-growing of it, they cut off the top of the main Stalk.

[Sidenote: The Bird _Colibry_.]

The Bird _Colibry_, which is exceeding beautiful, makes his Nest under the Tobacco-Leaves.

A company of Townsmen of _Walcheren_, having a Grant from the _States_ of the _United Provinces_, sent a Colony to _Tabago_; but they being scarce two hundred in all, were for the most part destroy’d by the _Caribbeeans_; the rest weak or sickly, fearing the same Entertainment, sought to save themselves; so that the Island has not formerly been frequented but by the _French_ from _Martinico_, and _Guadalupe_, who for some time came over onely to catch Turtles and _Lamantins_ there.

The _Caribbeeans_ also either in their March against, or Return from the _Arovages_, Landed here for necessary Provisions; But of late the Lord _Lampsen_ hath Setled a Plantation in this desolate Island.

SECT. XXVIII.
St. Christophers.

[Sidenote: Situation of _St. Christophers_ Island.]

_St. Christophers_, a pretty distance from _Tobago_, receiv’d its Denomination from _Christopher Columbus_, invited thereto by the shape of a great Mountain, having as it were another lesser on one of its Shoulders, being fancy’d to represent the Figure of the suppos’d Giant _Christopher_, who is reported to have carry’d our _Saviour_ in the appearance of a little Child on his Shoulders through a deep Sea.

This Island lying seventeen Degrees and twenty five Minutes Northward of the _Equinoctial Line_, hath twenty five Leagues in circumference.

The Soil light and sandy, refuses not the production of divers sorts of Fruits common amongst us.

In the middle of the Island rises a high Mountain, out of which run fresh Streams, that sometimes swell so high with sudden Rains, that they drown all the Countrey near them.

[Sidenote: The Division of the Island into several Wards.]

This Island being jointly the Plantation of both _English_ and _French_, was divided into four Wards, two whereof have been long since in possession of the _French_, and the other two in possession of the _English_, strangely divided one from another; for the _English_ in one Ward cannot go to the other without troubling the _French_; and so on the contrary: the _English_ have more Rivers and People, the _French_ more plain Land, fitter for Cultivation, and Forts furnish’d with Guns and Soldiers. At the Entrances of the Paths which lead into the several Wards stand Watch-houses, where Sentinels, or Watch-men stand daily in their turns.

In a Bay of the Sea they found a brave Salt-pit, from whence a sandy Cliff runs so far into the Ocean, a that some have swum from the end thereof over to the Island _Nevis_.

A Silver Mine hath been long since discover’d on this Island, in which the _English_ and _French_ claim equal Interest, but neither Party make any benefit of it for want of Miners.

The high Mountains, the Springs of boyling sulphurous Water, and brambly Woods, hinder all passage through the middle of the Island: The Ground runs more and more sloaping to the Sea-side, and is divided into several High-ways, along which stand convenient Houses, cover’d with red or glaz’d Slate, shaded with Trees, and environ’d with pleasant Gardens, to which there is a delightful Prospect from the Fields, of the green Tobacco-Leaves, the yellow Sugar-Canes, Ginger, and Potato’s.

[Sidenote: _Basse-Terre_ the chief Town belonging to the _French_.]

Besides the scatter’d Buildings, the _French_ have built a compleat Town near the convenientest Harbor of their Quarter, call’d _Basse-Terre_, where the Merchants dwell in fair Houses built of Brick and Free-stone; whither all sorts of People bring their Commodities, and Truck their _European_ Goods for such as _St. Christophers_ produceth. All manner of Trades and Handicrafts live also in this Town, and a Court of Judicature is kept every Week. The Church built of Free-stone, is cover’d with the aforesaid red Slate, and was formerly Govern’d by the _Capuchins_; but they being dismiss’d _Anno 1646._ the Government was given to the _Jesuits_ and _Carmelites_; who also built themselves other stately Edifices: but the Jesuit _Henrick du Vivier_ was the first who bore the chiefest Command over all.

The Sick that have not sufficient Means to maintain them, have an Hospital appointed, where all Necessaries are provided for them; and to which is added a School for the bringing up of poor Children.

[Sidenote: Description of the Castle.]

But the chiefest Structure is the Castle, on the building whereof the Lord _Poincy_ spar’d no Cost; it is built half a _French_ Mile from the Sea at the Foot of a high Mountain, shadowed with great Trees. In the Way thither stand the Houses of the prime Officers; and a long Walk of Orange and Lemmon-Trees leads to a large Court before the Front of the Castle it self, which is built square with Bricks and Free-stone three Stories high; and the Entrance into it is ascended by a large pair of Stairs; near the Gate which opens to the West, stand great Stone Cisterns, into which they receive the Water through Pipes laid under Ground; the Chambers and Halls are very lightsom and high, and the Walls of them adorn’d with Cedar; a flat Terrace on the top yields a pleasant Prospect all over the Countrey; the Windows in the Front look open not onely upon the Orange Walk, but also upon several delightful Plantations of Sugar-Canes and Ginger.

Westward appear several Mountains, whose high Heads are invested with ever-flourishing Trees; and between the Palace and those Mountains a very large and stately Garden, full of all manner of Flowers and other delightful Plants, as well those commonly known amongst us, as those peculiar to that part of the World; in the middle thereof stands a Fountain, deriving its Source from the Foot of a neighboring Hill.

The Winds which blow from the Hills, and especially those cool Blasts daily coming out of the East, so tempers the hot Climate, that it becomes very tolerable.

When any News arrives here of the _French_ Conquests in _Europe_, they sound the Trumpets on the top of the Castle, and the Standards and Ensigns formerly taken by the Governor in the Field, are hung out of the Windows.

On one side of the Castle stands a Chappel, and somewhat farther on a rising Plain, a row of Houses, inhabited by certain Retainers to the Governor, and is call’d _Angola_. The Offices and Lodgings for the Governor’s Servants are built of Brick, about the Castle, which is fortifi’d with five Sconces, whereon are planted several Guns.

The Governor keeps nine hundred Slaves, and a hundred _French_-men, to work in his three Sugar-Mills, to till his Ground, and for his Houshold-Service.

Several _French_ Gentlemen have also built many fair Houses here; amongst which the chiefest are those on which _Poucy_, _Treval_, _Benevent_, _Girand_, _Auber_, _de la Roziere_, _de St. Andant_, _de l’ Esperance_, and _de la Loche_ spent great sums of Money.

The _English_ also are not much inferior to them in their Counties.

[Sidenote: The _English_ Plantations in this Island.]

Their Churches are five in all; first on the Point of the _Palm-Tree_ stands a fair Church; a second near the great Road, below the _English_ Governor’s House; a third at the _Sandy Point_; which are all well built, and large enough for a considerable Congregation; the other two at the Inlet _Cayoune_ are short of the three first. The Ministers thereof receiv’d formerly their Benefices from the Bishop of _Canterbury_, in _Cromwell_’s time from the _Tryers_, as they were call’d; but of late, since the King’s Restauration, from the Bishop of _Canterbury_ again.

The best Houses belonging to the _English_ were built by Mr. _Warner_, Mr. _Rich_, Mr. _Evrard_, and Col. _Geffreyson_ all successively Governors of the Place.

[Sidenote: Their success at their first Landing.]

It was in the Year 1625. that the _English_ and _French_ jointly (_Desnambuc_ Commanding the _French_, and _Thomas Warner_ the _English_) Landed on this Island of _St. Christophers_, at a certain time when the _Caribbeeans_, perswaded by their _Boyez_ to destroy all Strangers, were ready up in Arms, but they met with such Entertainment, that they soon lost their Courage, and yielded possession to the Assailants: Not long after which _Desnambuc_ and _Warner_ went (the one to _Paris_, and the other to _London_) to inform their Kings of the Condition of _St. Christophers_, and to raise a Company which might promote the Planting of it: Both attain’d their Desires, and had fresh Assistance given them; for both Kings favor’d the Design, in regard of the good Conditions that were propos’d to those that should go Undertakers thither: And to prevent all Contentions between the _English_ and _French_, they made Boundaries on each side; but Hunting, Harbors, Fishing, Mines, Trees for Wainscoting, and the like, were to remain in common; and each was to assist the other. The _English_ Plantation increased daily more than the _French_; having constant Supplies from the Company in _London_; when as on the contrary, the Merchants at _Paris_ grew weary, being desirous first to have a Return for what they had already spent, though the Countrey was not yet Manur’d: wherefore _Desnambuc_ going thither himself, made the Company understand that they could not possibly expect to receive a Return, unless the Countrey were Planted with Tobacco, Indigo, Ginger, and Sugar, which requir’d both Time and People. But whilst the Business seem’d to go on prosperously, a great Accident hapned which threw down the Work to nothing: for the _Spanish_ King set out a Fleet within the fore-mention’d Year, of one and thirty Gallions, three Galeasses, and four Pinnaces, with seventy five hundred Men, under the Command of _Frederick de Toledo_, _Emanuel de Mineses_, and _John Fajardo_, from _Cadiz_, when before the Island _St. Jago_ there lay at the same time twenty two _Portuguese_ Galleys, fourteen Carvils, carrying four thousand Men, Commanded by _Antonio Nunnez Barreio_, and _Francisco de Almeida_, who joyning with the _Spaniards_, took the City _St. Salvador_, and went about wholly to chase out of the _Caribbee_ Isles all the _English_ and _French_: in which Attempt nine _English_ Ships lying before _Nevis_, were all taken by _Toledo_, who Sail’d within Cannon-shot of _St. Christophers_, Commanded at that time by the _French_ Captain _Rossey_, the Forts cast up by the _English_ and _French_ not being stor’d with Provisions nor Ammunition, and consequently no way able to endure a Siege, and the less, because the Works were not quite finish’d; nevertheless _Desnambuc_ immediately drew up his Soldiers to the Low-land, where he lay Intrench’d along the Coast, to prevent the Enemies Landing; but _Rossey_ suffer’d the _Spaniards_ to Land without the least Resistance: whereupon young _Du Parquet_ Sallying out of the Sconces, fell valiantly upon the first Company, but being forsaken by his Men, was run down by the Multitude and kill’d: In the mean time all their Sloops full of Men Landed, insomuch that _Rossey_ fearing to be surrounded, left his Trench and went up into the High-lands, whereby the _Spaniards_ became Masters of the Fort, but did not pursue their Victory, as suspecting that the _French_ might lie in Ambuscade in the next Wood; and indeed they suspected not in vain, for the _French_ having undermin’d their Forts, had laid Gun-powder in some of the Cellars, which firing, blew up very many of the _Spaniards_, whilst _Desnambuc_ Embarquing himself, sav’d those which were not slain by the Enemy’s Sword. Mean while the _English_ relying on the League between the King of _England_ and the _Spaniard_, made no Resistance, (notwithstanding they were inform’d that _Frederick Toledo_ had quite ruin’d the _French_ Plantation, and put them all to the Sword) but sent Agents to _Toledo_, to put him in mind of the League between _Spain_ and _England_, which he not taking notice of, alledg’d, That Pope _Alexander_ the Sixth, when a Controversie arose concerning the new Discoveries in the East and West, between the Crowns of _Castile_ and _Portugal_, had determin’d that _Castile_ had sole Right to the Western World, and therefore that _St. Christophers_, being a part of the Western World, according to the _Pope_’s Gift, belong’d to his Master _Philip_; and insisting upon that Allegation, he commanded them to quit their Right to the Place; to which purpose he restor’d them six of the nine Ships taken at _Nevis_, on Condition that they should immediately set Sail for _England_, onely those whom the six Vessels were not able to carry, were permitted to stay on the Island till the next opportunity: After which _Toledo_ weighing Anchor, was scarce out of sight, when the _English_ began to take new Courage, and gathering together to repair their ruin’d Works as well as possibly they could with what Forces they had left; for besides those who went for _England_ in the six Ships, being near two thousand, the _Spanish_ Admiral took six hundred choice _English_, which he distributed amongst his Fleet; whilest _Desambuc_ suffer’d a great deal of hardship, not onely through ill Weather at Sea, but also for want of Provisions; Having during this time been on the Islands _St. Martin_, _Montserrat_, and _Antego_, thinking to have possess’d himself of some or other of them in stead of _St. Christophers_, but not finding such a fruitful Soil, and convenient Situation, as what he had been forc’d to forsake, he was not forward to fix there, but rather judg’d it convenient to enquire concerning the Condition of _St. Christophers_, and at last being inform’d by a Ketch, that the Enemy was gone to _Havana_, and the _English_ were busie in Tilling their Lands, he return’d to his old Station; where nevertheless their Endeavors to repair what was ruin’d, had been in vain, by reason of the scarcity of Provisions, and want of other Necessaries, had not in their greatest extremity some _Netherland_ Vessels arriving there, furnish’d them with Provisions, Clothes, and other Necessaries, on bare promises of payment: But not long after growing rich with Tobacco, Sugars, Ginger, and Indigo, they made Satisfaction to all their Creditors, and at last attain’d to the Condition before mention’d.

In the late War between Us and the _Dutch_, the _French_ taking advantage of our Engagement, endeavor’d to destroy our Plantations there, and to make themselves Masters of the whole Island; but the Matter being at last brought to some Agreement, Sir _Charles Wheeler_ hath been very lately sent over thither by His Majesty to re-settle Affairs there, and order the Capitulations between the _French_ and _English_.

CHAP. XIX.
The Islands Sotavento, and the Isle Trinidado.

In the Division we found to be made of the Islands that lie between _Florida_ and _New Spain_, and _Southern America_, the last are the Isles of _Sotavento_, which are reckon’d to be these three, _Margareta_, _Cubagua_, and _Tabago_, but the last is by most accounted, and hath been mention’d amongst the _Caribbees_.

[Sidenote: Situation of _Margareta_.]

_Margareta_, so call’d from the abundance of Pearls (of which the _Spanish_ Appellation comes near the Latine _Margaritæ_) found there by the _Spaniards_ at their first Discovery, lies about the twelfth Degree of Northern Latitude over against the Main Land of _Cumana_, from which it is distant about seven Leagues: It is accounted sixteen Leagues long, and half as much in breadth, and was discover’d by _Columbus_ in his third Voyage in the Year of our Lord 1498. and was at first in great reputation, in regard of the rich Pearl-fishing upon its Coasts, wherein the _Spaniards_ (more favorable it seems to the Natives of this Place than usual, because of their readiness to discover their Treasures) employ’d _Negro_’s, brought from the Coast of _Guinee_, whom by severe Punishments inflicted, they forc’d to such excessive Labor, that many of them, though excellent Divers, were drown’d, others either devour’d, or lam’d by the ravenous great Fish thereabouts, and by destroying the very Seed through their insatiable greediness after Pearl, brought the Trade of Pearl-fishing in a short time to a very small Account, in respect of what it might have been, had it been well husbanded. Nor hath this Island of late Years been much frequented, only in the Year 1601. Captain _Parker_ with a Fleet of _English_ put on Shore here, and took as many Prisoners as he had five hundred pounds of Pearl for the Ransom of, and at his coming away took a Ship he met from off the Coast of _Angola_, with three hundred and seventy _Negro_’s aboard her, who were going to be sold for Slaves.

The Soil is not unfruitful, bringing forth several sorts of Fruit, and store of _Maiz_, and probably if improv’d, would as well bear Wheat, and other usual kinds of Grain; but there is great want of Water, which the Inhabitants are troubled to fetch from the neighboring Continent.

[Sidenote: Towns and Places of chief note.]

The Places of chief note, are 1. _Monpater_, a Fort built by the _Spaniards_ in a Nook of the Island, lying Eastward to secure the Pearl-fishing Trade, and to defend the Town where the Governor resides, as also the Treasurer of the King of _Spain_’s Customs of Pearl, which have been formerly valu’d at 50000 _l._ yearly.

2. _El valle de Santa Lucia_, two Leagues from this Town, and as much from the Sea, a _Spanish_ Colony.

3. _Macanao_, the onely noted Place belonging to the Natives.

SECT. II.
Cubagua.

[Sidenote: Situation of _Cubagua_.]

_Cubagua_ lies South-West of _Margarita_, about the eleventh Degree of North-Latitude, a League or thereabouts distant from _Margarita_, and six Leagues from the nearest Continent, and about three Leagues in circumference. This is also a very great Place for Pearl-fishing, the benefit whereof hath been so considerable, that the King of _Spain_’s Fifths are said to have amounted some years to fifteen thousand _Ducats_; but otherwise of a poor and barren Soil, not onely destitute of Water, but of Fruit, Grain, Herbage, and all manner of Cattel and eatable Beasts, except a few lean Coneys; nevertheless, in respect of the Pearl-fishing Trade, the _Spaniards_ have Planted here a Colony, which they call’d _New Cadiz_, having plenty of Provisions brought them from the adjoining Coasts, and soon after their first Planting grew in a short time so powerful, that they became Masters of one of the best Ports of those Seas, call’d _Maracapana Venezuela_; but upon an Alarm of the Salvages of _Cumana_, for a while deserted the Island, and betook themselves to _Hispaniola_; from whence nevertheless being remanded back with fresh Supplies, under the Command of _James de Castellon_, they soon re-instated themselves in their former Plantation, and made it more strong and flourishing than before; in which state they remain’d as long as the Pearl-fishing Trade continu’d, but that decaying, the splendor also of this Colony declin’d: so that at present the onely thing which makes the Place remarkable, is a Fountain on the East part of the Island, not far from the Sea, yielding a liquid bituminous Water, of singular use in Medicine, and sometimes found floating on the Sea at two or three Leagues distance.

[Sidenote: The Island _Coche_.]

About four Leagues distant from _Cubagua_ there is an Island call’d _Coche_, about three Miles in compass; It was discover’d in the Year 1529. and was formerly little less considerable for Pearl-fishing than the other two.

SECT. III.
Trinidado.

[Sidenote: Situation of _Trinidado_.]

The Island of _Trinidado_ was first discover’d by _Columbus_, _Anno 1447._ in his third Voyage, and by him so call’d, as some guess, from its three Points or Promontories; but that seems not so probable, in regard it is otherwise call’d _La Trinidad_, or _Insula Sanctæ Trinitatis_, and therefore is likely to have been denominated upon a religious Account: It lieth nine Degrees or thereabouts distant from the _Line_, at the Mouth of the River _Orenoque_, and is separated from the Coast of _Paria_, over against which it lies by a _Straight_ that is three Miles over, and which for the dangerousness of passing it, _Columbus_, the first Discoverer of it, call’d _Bocca del Draco_; the length thereof from the most Southern Angle call’d _Punta del Andrada_, to the North-East, call’d _Punta del Galera_, is reckon’d twenty five Leagues, (those that reckon fifty, may be suppos’d to mistake Leagues for Miles) and the breadth about eighteen.

[Sidenote: Chief Commodities of the Island.]

The Air of this Place is so impure, that it is accounted the unwholsomest Island of all the _Indies_; nevertheless the Soil is not unfertile, as bringing forth Sugar-Canes, Cotton, _Maize_, Tobacco of the best kind, with other Commodities of the general growth of the _West-Indies_, besides store of good Fruit and Cattel; and one part of the Island call’d _Terra de Bea_, produceth great plenty of Pitch, but not of the best kind; and there have been discover’d several Veins of Gold and other Metals.

The Natives, some say, were antiently call’d _Cairi_, or _Carai_, and were distinguish’d into several _Clans_ or Tribes, each under the Government of a _Casique_, or petty Prince; but most of them dreading the _Spaniards_ Cruelty, deserted the Island, and Setled themselves in _Guiana_; and at present both this Place, _Guiana_, and _El Dorado_, have of Custom one and the same Governor, whose Place of Residence here is _St. Josephs_, the chief, if not onely Town of the Island; it stands Southward upon the _Carone_. Here most of that Tobacco is made, which is sold amongst us for _Spanish_. In the Year 1595. Sir _Walter Raleigh_ possess’d himself of it, being then but a petty Village of about forty Houses, and took Prisoner the then Governor _Antonio Berreo_, who, in all probability, to ingratiate himself with him, gave him some light towards the discovery of _Guiana_.

[Sidenote: _Tabago._]

On the North-East of _Trinidado_, and not above eight Miles distant from it, lies the Island of _Tabago_, which hath been already treated of, as one of the _Caribbees_, though some will have it one of the _Sotavento_; it is otherwise call’d _New Walcheren_, from a Town of that Name in _Zealand_, from whence a Colony of _Netherlanders_ was sent to Plant it.

[Sidenote: _Virgin Gorda._]

Amongst others of the small obscure Islands hereabouts, is _Virgin Gorda_, which is sometimes reckon’d amongst the _Caribbee_ Islands; but since there is nothing considerable to be spoken of it, it is sufficient that it hath been mention’d, though not punctually in its proper place.

CHAP. XX.
California.

[Sidenote: _California_ how distinguish’d.]

Having before made mention of _California_, as it is by some taken for that large portion of _Northern America_ which lies most Southward, and also utmost West of all that is known of the _New World_, and having treated of those several Provinces which are generally reckon’d to be comprehended in it, (excepting _California_ strictly taken, as it is generally granted to be an Island) _viz._ _Quivira_, _Cibola_, and _Nova Albion_, lying on the Continent (though there want not those who make _Nova Albion_ onely the North part of _California_) we shall close up our Discourse of these Islands that lie Northward of the _Equinoctial Line_ with the aforesaid _California_, specially so call’d, which was by many thought and describ’d to be but a _Peninsula_, or half Island, by reason that the Bay which divides it from _Quivira_ and _New Gallicia_, towards the North runneth much narrower than it doth Southerly, which made them think, that somewhere or other at the North it was joyn’d to the Main Land of _America_; But later Discoveries, as hath been said, have found it to be a perfect Island, and altogether separate from the Continent: for about the Year 1620. some Adventurers beating upon those Coasts Northward, accidentally, and before they were aware, fell upon a _Straight_, the Waters whereof ran with such a Torrent and violent Course, that they brought them into _Mar Vermiglio_, whether they would or no, and before they knew it, and by that means discover’d that _California_ was an Island, and that the Waters which were observ’d to fall so violently into that Sea towards the North, were not the Waters of any River emptying it self into the Bay from the Main Land, as was formerly thought, but the Waters of the North-West Sea it self, violently breaking into the Bay, and dividing it wholly from the Continent: It lieth North and South, extending it self in a vast length, full twenty Degrees of Latitude, _viz._ from twenty two to forty two; but the breadth nothing answerable: The most Northern Point of it is call’d _Cape Blanche_; that to the South, _Cape St. Lucas_, memorable for that rich and gallant Prize which Captain _Cavendish_, in the Year 1587. being then in his Voyage about the World, took from the _Spaniards_ near to this Place. As for the Island it self, it is at present little, if at all inhabited by the _Spaniards_; whether it be that they want Men to furnish new Plantations, or that they find no matter of invitation and encouragement from the Countrey, or perhaps that the access thither be not so easie: for ’tis reported to be wonderfully well peopled by the Natives, and that there were found onely upon the Coasts and along the Shore of _Mar Vermiglio_, twenty or twenty three Nations, all of different Languages; though from the particular Narrations that have been made of the Voyages of several eminent Persons into these Parts, it appears that the _Spaniards_ have taken great pains in the discovery thereof, and also from the several _Spanish_ Names of Places, that they have had Plantations here formerly, however neglected at present.

[Sidenote: The Customs and Manners of the Natives.]

The Countrey is abundantly well stor’d with Fish and Fowl, as appears partly by the Natives, who take a huge pride in making themselves gay with the Bones of the one, with which they load their Ears, and sometimes their Noses also; and with the Feathers of the other, which ordinary People wear onely sticking about their Wastes; but Great Persons, and such as will be fine indeed, beset their Heads strangely with them, and have commonly one Bunch of them bigger than ordinary hanging down behind them like a Tail.

Having no knowledge of the true God, they worship what the Devil will have them, that is, the Sun, attributing to it onely the increase of their Plants, healthful Seasons, and most of the other good things they enjoy, or are sensible of.

[Sidenote: Their Government.]

Their Government is said to be onely _Oeconomical_, each Father ordering the Affairs of his Family apart, without subjection to any other Superior; yet so well manag’d, that they live in good Peace one with another; not without many good Laws and Customs, _viz._ That they allow but one Wife to one Man; That they punish Adultery with Death; That they suffer not Maids to talk or converse with Men till they be Married; That Widows may not Marry till they have Mourn’d at least one half year for their Husbands deceased; and divers others of like nature, which perhaps, if the truth were known, do more properly belong to the Natives of _Utopia_, or _New Atlantis_, than to these of _California_.

[Sidenote: Places of note.]

The Places therein, as yet observ’d, are onely upon the Sea-coasts, 1. The _Capes_ of _St. Clara_ and _St. Lucas_, the one at the South-East end of the Island, looking towards _New Gallicia_, the other at the South-West, looking into the Sea, and towards _Asia_.

2. _St. Cruce_, so nam’d from its being first discover’d on _Holy-Rood_-Day, being a large and convenient Haven, not far from _Cape St. Clara_.

3. _Cabo de las Playas_, so call’d from a company of little bare Hillocks appearing from the Sea, and is more within the Bay.

4. _Cabo Baxo_, so term’d, as lying towards the bottom of the Gulf.

5. _St. Andrews_, another convenient Haven upon an Island of the same Name.

6. _St. Thomas_, an Island at the Mouth of the Gulf or Bay, of about twenty five Leagues in compass, rising Southerly with an high mountainous Point, under which is a convenient Road for Shipping, and twenty five Fathoms of Water.