Chapter M (10)

With the same desire of finding Gold in _Guiana_, _Antonio Berreo_ went from _New Granada_ thither; but being taken by Sir _Walter Raleigh_, was interrupted in his Design; however, he gave him an Account of his Adventures, so far as he had gone, _viz._ That he went to find out a Way along the River _Cassanor_, between _New Granada_ and _New Guiana_, went from _Cassanor_ to the Stream _Meta_, and from thence to _Orinoque_, where he was in great danger, by reason of sharp Rocks, over which the Stream flowing, washes several Isles; That he spent a whole year before he came to the utmost Borders of _Amapaia_; near which he lost several of his Barques, and on the Shore, not onely divers Horses, but also many of his Men, who either dy’d of hardship, or were kill’d by the Natives with poysonous Arrows, so that sixty of his Men were kill’d in the Countrey of _Amapaia_, which extends along the River Orinoque, besides a great many that dy’d there by drinking the Water, which was full of poysonous Animals, and glided over a slimy and muddy Ground, which made it thick and troubled: Six Moneths he stay’d in the Countrey _Amapaia_, where he made Peace with the Inhabitants of _Anebas_, who gave him ten curious Images of massie Gold. The River _Orinoque_ is about four Leagues broad here, and about seven hundred Miles long, before it fall into the Ocean, and is every where enrich’d with the Waters of many Rivers which fall into it from the North and South: He added moreover, that he endeavor’d to go down Southerly to _Guiana_, but was prevented by steep Mountains, and therefore went on Easterly till he came to the Countrey _Emeria_, where he found a courteous People, and plenty of Provisions; that the Governor of _Caripana_, being about a hundred years of age, had a long time Convers’d with the _Christians_ on the Islands _Trinidad_ and _Margareta_, and learn’d a Form of Civil Government; that Sailing down the River _Orinoque_ between many Isles lying at the Mouth of the River to _Trinidad_, and from thence to _Margareta_, he took sixty Men into his Service; but that he himself, being tir’d with so great a Journey, and staying to refresh himself at _Trinidad_, fell into the hands of another Party of the _English_; that before he was taken he sent several of his Men to _Caripana_, to find the King of _Morequito_, who three years before had been with abundance of Gold at _Cumana_ and _Margareta_, and inform’d a _Spaniard_ call’d _Vides_ so much concerning the Golden Countrey _Guiana_, that he obtain’d a Patent at the _Spanish_ Court to discover _Guiana_; but that _Vides_, jealous that he might be there before him, had not onely incens’d _Morequito_ against him, but so instructed him, that he suffer’d his Men to pass through the Countrey to fetch Gold from the City _Manoa_, and as they return’d, set upon them and slew them on the Borders of _Aromaia_, together with a Monk that was in their Company, one Man onely escaping; by whom being inform’d of the Murder, he immediately sent divers Soldiers to take Revenge of _Morequito_, who flying to the Governor _Vides_, was nevertheless, upon his demanding him in the King’s Name, deliver’d to him; and notwithstanding he proffer’d a great Sum of Money for his Ransom, was cruelly put to Death; but not satisfi’d with that Revenge, he over-run all the Countrey of _Aromaia_, took _Morequito_’s Uncle, call’d _Topiawari_, Prisoner, who bought his Life for a hundred Plates of Gold, and some Precious Stones; That Listing many Men in _Spain_ for the Gold which he sent thither, he Row’d with Barques up the Rivers _Barema_, _Pattroma_, and _Dessequebe_, where he barter’d Trifles for Men, Women, and Children, of whom he made great Sums of Money on the Island _Margareta_.

This Information which Sir _Walter Raleigh_ got from his Prisoner _Berreo_, made him desirous to make an Expedition to _Guiana_; to which purpose he sent Captain _George Gifford_ with a Ketch and a Barque to the River _Capuri_, where the Water fell before the Vessels could get beyond the Sands in the Mouth of the River.

_John Donglas_ had better success, being likewise sent out by Sir _Walter Raleigh_, for he with his Boats found that _Orinoque_ had nine Arms to the North Sea, and seven to the South, which embrace divers Isles, of which those on the right side are call’d _Pallamos_, and those on the left, _Horotomaca_. The Mouth of the River gapes a hundred Leagues. On the fore-mention’d Isles dwell the _Titiriras_, a modest People, who speak a bald Language; in the Summer they live under the open Skie upon the bare Earth, and in the Winter (being there between _May_ and _September_) on the tops of the Trees, because during that time the River _Orinoque_ rising thirty Foot higher, overflows all the Isles thereabouts, which are very high and mountainous. But _Raleigh_ himself Rowing up the River _Amana_, endur’d great hardship, his Men being most of them sweltred with the Heat, and great want of Provisions; and had not their _Indian_ Pilot shew’d them another Stream much easier to Navigate, he would have been forc’d to return successless; but being stor’d with Provision out of a Village built along the Shore, he chased four _Canoos_, of which he took one, and also an _Atwaccas_, which in fifteen days time brought him into the River _Orinoque_, where he saw the high Mountains of _Guiana_; afterwards Anchoring before a fair sandy Bank, which lay near the Mouth of three Rivers, he took abundance of Tortoises, and was furnish’d with plenty of all sorts of Provisions, sent him from the Governor _Toparimaca_, who inhabited the pleasant Village _Arowocay_, built on a little Hill, surrounded with delightful Gardens, and Fields till’d by the _Negro_’s; who accommodating _Raleigh_ with an experienc’d Pilot, he set Sail with a fresh Easterly Wind, and Westward saw the Isles _Assapana_, twenty five Leagues long, and six broad, and _Iwana_, of the same bigness. The River _Orinoque_ hath here thirty Leagues in breadth, and receives the Rivers _Arrawopana_ and _Europa_: He Sail’d next by the Isles _Ocaywita_ and _Putayma_, opposite to which on the Main Land appears the Mountain _Oecope_, whose top reacheth the Clouds; on the right side a Plain Countrey discover’d it self a vast way, which the Pilot said was call’d _The Plain of Sayma_, extending Northerly a hundred and twenty Leagues to _Cumana_ and _Caracas_, inhabited by four sorts of People, _viz._ the _Saymas_, _Assaways_, _Wikeries_ and _Aroras_; which last, being a Coal-black People, us’d poyson’d Arrows. _Raleigh_ passing between the two Mountains _Aroami_ and _Aio_, came to an Anchor near the Island _Murscolima_, and from thence into the Haven _Morequito_, where the King _Topiawari_, a hundred and ten years of age, brought all sorts of Fruit, Poultrey, Fish and Flesh, and gave him an Account of the Condition of _Guiana_, _viz._ That the whole Countrey from the Mountains _Waccarima_ to _Emeria_, bore the Name of _Guiana_, the Inhabitants calling themselves _Orinoque Poni_; on the other side of the said Mountains lies the spacious Valley _Amariocapana_, where the _Guianiatas_ reside. Southerly the _Oreiones_ and _Epuremei_, who coming out of a strange Countrey, have destroy’d the ancient Inhabitants, leaving onely the _Awaawaqueri_ and _Cassipagoios_. The _Epuremei_ built the stately City _Macurewarai_ there. But _Raleigh_ going on his Journey saw the Island _Caiama_, and came to the Mouth of the River _Caroli_, whose strong Current he was not able to stem, wherefore he desir’d Aid from _Wanuretona_, Governor of _Canuria_, who furnish’d him with Provisions, and Men to Toe him up the fore-mention’d Stream; and inform’d him that the River _Caroli_, which sprung out of the Lake _Cassipa_, was inhabited on one side by the _Iwarawakeri_, and the Lake _Cassipa_ by three powerful People, _viz._ the _Cassiapagotos_, _Eparagotos_ and _Arawogotos_, all mortal Enemies to the _Spaniards_: whereupon _Raleigh_ sent some of his Men thither, who return’d with great hopes of finding rich Gold-Mines. The fore-mention’d Lake also produces the Rivers _Aroi_, _Atoica_, and _Caora_, near which dwell the _Ewaipanoma_, who have neither Necks nor Chins, but their Mouthes just upon their Shoulders. Towards the North the River _Cari_ falls into the _Orinoque_, and on the West the Stream _Limo_; between both which the _Cannibals_ reside, whose Metropolis call’d _Acamacari_ is very famous for their strange way of Trading; for there the Women are brought to Market, and bought by the _Arwaccas_: But because great Showers of Rain fell daily, and the Stream _Caroli_ glided downwards with extraordinary force, _Raleigh_ return’d to _Morequito_; from whence _Putima_, King of _Warapana_, conduced him to a rich Golden Mountain in his Countrey, and along the Rivers _Mana_, _Oiana_, and _Cumaca_, to the place where the _Orinoque_ divides it self into three excellent Streams, the chiefest whereof, call’d _Cararoopana_, washes the Province _Emeria_, out of whose Mountains the Rivers _Waracayari_, _Coirama_, _Akaniri_, and _Iparoma_, glide to the Northern Ocean; as also the _Araturi_, _Amacura_, _Barima_, _Wana_, _Morooca_, _Paroma_, and _Wyni_, all Branches of the River _Orinoque_: From whence _Raleigh_ return’d home to _England_.

Not long after he sent _Laurence Keymes_ and _Thomas Masham_ back to _Guiana_: _Keymes_ found out all the Rivers between the _Amazones_ and the _Orinoque_, and _Masham_ the Stream _Wiapoco_; from whence both return’d without any farther success.

[Sidenote: Sir _Walter Raleigh_ condemn’d for Treason.]

[Sidenote: He is Repriev’d and sent again to _Guiana_.]

[Sidenote: _Raleigh_ upon _Gundamor_’s Accusation Beheaded.]

After this the Business lay still for a while, in regard Sir _Walter Raleigh_ being (together with _Grey_, _Cobham_, and the _Romish_ Priests, _Watson_ and _Clark_) found guilty of High Treason, was Condemn’d to die; but being Repriev’d by the King, was kept a Prisoner in the _Tower_ for the space of fourteen years; during which time he wrote a Description of _Guiana_; which the King perusing, was so well pleas’d with it, especially since he undertook to make out by several Reasons, that _England_ might make it self Master of divers Gold-Mines there, to which _Spain_ could lay no manner of Claim, that he discharg’d him out of Prison, and permitted him to make a second Expedition: Whereupon with ten Ships, _Anno 1617._ he set Sail for _Guiana_ again; being toss’d with divers Storms, he at last came with five Sail to the River _Calliana_, where he fell dangerously sick, and therefore sent Captain _Keymes_ with five Sail to the River _Orinoque_, to conduct the Men to the Gold-Mines; each Ship carrying fifty Men, and the other Captains being _Parker_, _North_, _Thornap_, and Sir _Walter Raleigh_’s Son. The _Spaniards_ having a Garrison at _Orinoque_, fir’d very fiercely at the _English_, who suffer’d great damage, and amongst divers others, Captain _Raleigh_ himself was slain, whilest the other five Sail lay near the Island _Trinidad_, under _John Pennington_’s Command, who daily fear’d the _Spanish_ Fleet. But _Keymes_ found it very difficult to Land in _Orinoque_, by reason of the Banks along the Shore, which _Diego de Palameque_ from _Puerto Rico_ kept strongly guarded; therefore going to an even Shore with intention to Land, he was so sharply receiv’d by a Body of _Spanish_ Musquetteers, that divers of his Men were mortally wounded; yet breaking in amongst them, he went towards the Gold-Mines, to which the Way led through a Wood where the _Spaniards_ lay in Ambuscade; but he judg’d himself too weak to do any good upon the Mines, one of which belong’d to _Peter Rodrigo de Parama_, a second to _Herviano Frontino_, and the third to _Francisco Fashardo_: The _English_ also were fearful, by reason of the _Spaniards_ Cruelties, who not long before had flay’d several Merchants alive; so that _Keymes_ contented himself with pillaging and burning the Town _St. Thomas_, which the _Spaniards_ had deserted. Soon after which Captain _Whitby_ ran away with a Ship from the Fleet, whilest _Keymes_ return’d back to _Raleigh_, who laid several things to his Charge concerning the unnecessary Expence and shame of such an unsuccessful Voyage; which so wrought upon _Keymes_, that he offer’d to lay violent hands on himself in his Cabbin. At length _Raleigh_ returning to _London_, was accus’d by the _Spanish_ Ambassador _Gundamor_ for the burning _St. Thomas_, urging that his Master resented it so ill, that he threatned to wage a War with _England_ if _Raleigh_ was not Executed; who notwithstanding he alledg’d, That the _Spaniards_ shew’d the first Acts of Hostility against the _English_, who onely defended themselves; and that _St. Thomas_ was burnt without his knowledge or Order; and that _Keymes_ had not observ’d his Command in the discovering of the Gold-Mines, (which Apologies were generally look’d upon as real Truths) yet the King esteeming the Peace with _Spain_ of more value than one Man’s Life, without taking notice of _Gundemor_’s Accusations, commanded that the Sentence formerly pass’d on him for Treason should be Executed, and accordingly in the sixtieth year of his Age he was Beheaded, discovering himself, by his Christian Behavior and Profession at his Death, to be a far other kind of Person than what the World had censur’d him to be.

Since this last Expedition of Sir _Walter Raleigh_, we find not that there hath been any great Resort or Trade unto this Countrey, except by a few _Netherland_ Merchants, who have yearly sent eight or nine Ships to the River _Orinoque_ for Tobacco.

[Sidenote: The temperature of the Air.]

As for the Air or Climate of _Guiana_, it is very differing, for about the _Amazone_ River, dry Weather begins about _August_, and the windy and rainy Season about _February_; but Westward towards _Orinoque_, the Summer takes beginning in _October_, and the Winter in _April_; the Days and Nights are almost of an equal length, and the difference of Heat and Cold is but little.

Burning-Feavers, Dropsie, and the _Jawnes_, destroy many People here; which last is not unlike the _POX_, and proceeds from carnal Copulation with the _Guianian_ Women, who are naturally subject to this Disease.

[Sidenote: The Nature of the Inhabitants.]

The Inhabitants are divided into several sorts, the chiefest whereof being the _Caribbees_ go naked, covering onely their Privities with a Lappet. The Women, though yellow, are very comely; and both Men and Women paint their Bodies with _Netto_, which grows on little Trees in Cods: They make Holes through their Noses, Lips and Ears, and hang Glass, Bells, pieces of Copper, or any other Trifles that they get from the _English_ and _Netherlanders_, in them: About their Necks, Arms and Legs, they wear Strings of Beads, or Cockle-shells.

Their Houses with low Roofs, serve them onely to sleep in the Night upon Cotton Hammocks, for in the day-time they sit under high Arch’d open places, that the Wind may blow full upon them. Their Houshold-stuff consists of Earthen Pots and Dishes neatly painted. They live in Tribes or Families together in a Town, which is Govern’d by the eldest of them; and their _Militia_ is Commanded by one that is able to endure most Stripes with Switches without any shew of pain. The chiefest of their Families have commonly three or four Wives, whereas others are contented with one. The Men seldom do any toilsom Work, but make their Wives do all, insomuch that as soon as a Woman is Deliver’d of a Child, she must immediately go about her usual Employment, whilest her Husband lies lozelling out his Moneth on a Hammock.

Their Language sounds not unpleasantly, but is hard to learn, because many words differ but little in the pronunciation, and yet have quite another signification.

When they march into the Field against their Enemies, then the General sends a Stick to all the Villages under his Jurisdiction, on which are cut so many Notches as there are Days appointed before he intends to set forth, which they cut out again as the Days expire, and on the last they repair to the appointed place.

A not much unlike Custom they observe in all Promises and Bargains; for they give one another as many Sticks as they desire Days to perform the same in, and so throw away every day one, till they have onely one remaining, and then they begin to think of performing their Promise or Bargain.

They know no word whereby to express any greater number than Ten; Twenty they express by laying their ten Fingers on their Toes, and all that exceeds Twenty, they compare to the Hairs of their Head, crying _Ounsa awara_.

Some of the painted _Canoos_ made of the Trunks of Trees, will carry five or six Tuns.

[Sidenote: Their manner of Fighting, Religion, _&c._]

In their Wars they use Bowes, poyson’d Arrows, short Truncheons of speckled Wood, and Shields full of carv’d Images, and Fight without any Order. They go upon no Design but in the Night, and upon certain advantages. All Women and Children which they take Prisoners, are sold for Slaves, but the Men are cruelly put to death.

There is but little of Religion that can be ascrib’d to these People, onely that some shew Reverence to the Sun and Moon, which they believe are both living Creatures; but they make no Offerings to them.

Their Funeral-Feasts for great Persons are strangely kept, _viz._ all the Men making themselves Drunk with the Liquor _Parranoro_, Dance three or four days one after another, and he that drinks most, and is worst Drunk, gains the greatest Honor, whilest the Women lament and mourn for the Deceased.

Their Priests, call’d _Peeaios_, are in great esteem amongst them, because they pretend that they Converse with the Spirits _Wattipa_ and _Yarakin_, which the _Guianians_ exceedingly fear, apprehending themselves often beaten black and blue by them.

The _Peeaios_ also profess themselves to be Chirurgeons and Doctors, but if they cure not their Patients, they go in danger of their Lives, unless they speedily get away.

They burn their dead Bodies, together with those things the Deceased affected most in his Life-time. A Prince or Governor also hath his Slaves put to death at the time when he is burn’d, that they may serve him in the other World.

[Sidenote: Their Bread-Corn.]

The _Cassavi_-Root press’d, boyl’d with Pepper, dry’d and bak’d on hot Stones, serves the Natives for Bread.

Each Grain that is Sown here produces in Harvest above fifteen hundred.

Their Corn makes wholsom and well tasted Beer, call’d _Passiaw_, and of their stamp’d _Cassavi_ they make the Liquor _Parranow_.

In hollow Trees, and Caves under Ground, they find abundance of Honey; and their Vines afford them excellent Grapes twice a year.

No Plant is ever seen here without either Leaf, Blossom, or Fruit, except the _European_ Apple-Tree, which never changes its nature, but blossoms and bears Fruit at the same time of the year as in _Europe_.

The wild Hogs _Pokkiero_, whose Navels grow on their Backs; and the _Pangio_, not unlike our Swine, afford the Inhabitants excellent Food.

Here are also Water-hogs, of a very delicious taste; but because they are very apprehensive, and dive at the least noise, they are seldom taken.

The Woods are full of Baboons and Apes, as also the slothful Beast _Ai_.

The Hares here, being of a brown Colour, with white Specks, and the red Rabbets, are accounted great Delicacies.

There is no Countrey in _America_, which breeds greater _Armadillo_’s than _Guiana_, some of them weighing eighty Pound.

Here are also Bears, which live on nothing but Pismires; they have long hairy Tails, with which they cover their Bodies in rainy Weather; they put their Tongues a Foot deep into the Pismires Nests, and so pulls them out.

The Tygers here are either black, spotted, or red; but the black exceed the other in cruelty, yet are seldom seen near inhabited places; the spotted and red devour abundance of Cattel, but will seldom set upon a Man, especially in the day-time.

The Woods are also full of Land-Turtles, which the Inhabitants take, and keep till they have occasion to make use of their Flesh.

The Eagles that are here with their Claws, Engage with those that go about to take them.

The Catamountains make such an exceeding noise at a certain hour, both in the Night and in the Day, that it is heard two Leagues off.

The _Marmozets_, a little Beast, biting the Catamountains and Apes in the Ears, forces them to leap from one Tree to another.

The black Beast _Quotto_ hath a Face like an old Woman, and hanging by the Tail, swings from one Tree to another.

The _Cuscary_ is a brown four-footed Creature, about the bigness of a little Dog, but hath the shape of a Lyon.

[Sidenote: Birds.]

Moreover, _Guiana_ produces Teal, Geese, Crains, Phesants, Partridges, Pigeons, Marlins, Snipes, Falcons, Plovers, and Parrots of all sorts, besides many other strange Fowls; amongst which the chiefest are a sort whose Feathers glitter like Scarlet, and walk along in Rank and Fyle like Soldiers.

[Sidenote: Fish.]

The Sea produces abundance of Turbots, Soals, Thornback, yellow Salmon, Sturgeon, Black-fish, Gurnets, Crabs, and Oysters.

Amongst other Fishes, the _Cassoorwa_, which is somewhat bigger than an Eel, is very strange, having two Sights in each Eye, of which it always holds one above, and the other underneath the Water when it swims.

Here are also the great Fishes call’d _Manati_ and _Num-eel_, by which if any part of a Man be touch’d, it immediately becomes stiff.

[Sidenote: Vermin.]

There are likewise divers Vermine, which trouble the Countrey _Guiana_, among which are Serpents, of thirty Foot long, that come out of the Water and feed on the Land; they do little hurt, as not being poysonous: but there are many of a lesser size, whose biting is so venomous, that it causes the Flesh of a Man to rot in twenty four hours time: others there are which have forked Tails, and Tusks in the Roof of their Mouthes.

The Crocodiles here also devour abundance of Cattel.

[Sidenote: Strange kind of Scorpions.]

The Scorpions, which are black, and resemble a Lobster, breed under dry Wood or Corn; their Stings are hid in their Tails, with which if any one be touch’d, he is sure to endure an intolerable pain, but without danger of losing his Life for the present, yet nothing can perfectly cure the same, except the Scorpion kill’d and laid on the Wound.

The Bats here are as big as Pigeons, and they suck the Blood of Men and Beasts so gently, that they seldom perceive the same.

The Pismires also do great mischief, especially in sandy Grounds; and likewise the _Musketo_’s, whose Stings cause painful Swellings; but these most of all trouble them that inhabit near the Sea side on low Lands, insomuch that the Fisher-men bury themselves in the Night in Sand, leaving onely Holes to breathe at.

Frogs and Toads also make a terrible noise here, and especially after Rain.

[Sidenote: Commodities of the Countrey.]

The Soil is inferior to none in the World, for the production of Sugar; but the general Commodities of the Countrey are Flax, Cotton, Hemp, the Berry _Annoto_, which Dyes an excellent Orange colour, another Berry which Dyes a deep Blue, a Tree whose Leaves Dye a Red, and the Wood of another Tree whose Juice Dyes a Purple and Crimson.

Moreover, _Guiana_ produces the Gums _Lemnia_, _Barattu_, and _Carriman_, which being black and prickly, smells very pleasantly, and cures the Head-ache, Bruises, Pains in the Limbs, Gouts, and green Wounds. The same operation hath the Gum _Baratta_.

Here are also good _Sena_, _Bolus Armenius_, _Cassia-Fistula_, _Terra-Lemnia_, the Berry _Kelette_, very effectual against the Bloody-flux, the Juice of the Leaf _Upee_, which cures the Wounds of poyson’d Arrows, and a sort of somniferous Apples, whereof the least bite occasions a deadly Sleep.

There is also a Tree, generally growing about the Houses of the Natives, the Boughs whereof bruis’d between two Stones, and thrown into the Creeks of deep Water full of Fish, cause them to swim above Water upon their Backs.

The _Letter_-Wood call’d _Pira timinere_, turns also to a good account, much more the excellent Stones, Jasper and Porphyr.

Nor are there wanting Gold and Silver-Mines, which doubtless would yield great profit, were they open’d.

The Grain of the Countrey grows on Stalks seven Foot long, on the tops whereof hang two Ears full of Kernels as big as Pease, which ripens in four Moneths.

The Sugar-Canes, being of the bigness of a Man’s Arm, and about six Foot long, are at the years end cut off, broken and press’d in a Mill; after which the Juice boyl’d in Copper Kettles to a certain Substance, is put into woodden Tunnels, square at the top, and narrow at bottom, with a small Hole, which is open’d as soon as the Sugar is sufficiently hardned, to let out the Syrrup; after which it is put into Hogsheads, and so Transported.

The _Negro_’s which are brought from _Angola_ and _Guinee_, are so cruelly us’d, that they oftentimes through despair destroy themselves.

The whole Countrey of _Guiana_ is by several modern Writers methodically divided into these inferior or lesser Provinces, 1. _Rio de las Amazones._ 2. _Wiapoco_, or _Guiana_, properly so call’d. 3. _Orenoque_; and 4. The Islands of _Guiana_.

[Sidenote: _Rio de las Amazones._]

_Rio de las Amazones_, or the Countrey of the _Amazones_, contains all that part of _Guiana_ which lieth on both sides of the River _Orellano_, of a rich and good Soil, generally, abounding with all sorts of Fruits, and especially with those which the _Americans_ call _Totok_, and love it extreamly, out of an opinion, they say, that it excites them to Venery, whereunto they are of themselves but too much inclin’d; and another which they call _Pita_, of a taste far more delicious and pleasing, and not so hurtful as the other. The Countrey was first discover’d by the fore-mention’d _Francisco Orellana_, a _Spaniard_ from _Quito_, but it was onely by the River _Orellana_; and though he be credibly reported to have Sail’d no less than eighteen hundred Leagues down the Stream, and to have discover’d a rich and fair Countrey on both sides the River, well peopled with Natives, and giving in divers places no small Arguments of greater Wealth and Riches more within Land; yet such was the bad success of his second Endeavors, and likewise of those that follow’d him, as is evident from what hath been before related, that, as yet, there seems no farther Report to be given, at least not of any thing special, concerning that part of the Countrey.

[Sidenote: _Wiapoco_, or _Guiana_, properly so call’d.]

_Wiapoco_, or _Guiana_, properly so call’d, taketh up the middle part of this Province, being divided, as the other, almost into two equal parts, by the River _Wiapoco_, which runs through the midst of it. The Countrey on both sides of the River is very rich and fertile, and so naturally apt, both for Sugar-Canes, Cotton-Wooll, and Tobacco, that they are said to grow here (all of them very good) without Planting, or any art of Husbandry. In this Countrey likewise should be the famous _Dorada_, as the _Spaniards_ call it, or _City of Gold_ (if it could be found) with the reports and hopes whereof some of our own Nation seem to have been not a little possess’d as well as the _Spaniards_: nor can we much blame them; for if the Stories of it had prov’d true, it must have been one of the goodliest and fairest Cities in the World (not to speak of the Wealth.) _Diego de Ordas_, the _Spaniard_ of whom we have lately had occasion to make frequent mention of, being reported by some to have travell’d one whole day, and half another in it, before he could arrive at the King’s Palace; which yet must be suppos’d to have stood but in the midst of the City. Places of less Magnificence, but more Certainty, are 1. _Caripo_, which was once a Colony of _English_, setled there by Captain _Robert Harcourt_, Anno 1608. upon the Banks of _Wiapoco_, and not far from the Mouth of it; being a place, by the advantage of a Rock, which it hath on the one side of it, of great strength and very difficult access; the Air about it sound, and said to be very agreeable to _English_ Bodies. 2. _Gomaribo_, a Colony formerly of the _Dutch_, on the North-West side of the Bay of _Wiapoco_, but since deserted by them. 3. _Woyemon._ 4. _Crewinay_, both of them Towns of the Natives, not far distant from the other.

[Sidenote: _Orinoque._]

_Orinoque_, or the third Division of this Province, comprehendeth the most Northerly parts of _Guiana_, lying upon, or towards the Banks of this famous River: a Countrey likewise reported to be very rich, and comparable to _Peru_ it self for hidden Treasure, which, they say, is not yet discover’d, onely for want of diligent and industrious searching. The Places in it already known are onely 1. _Coniolaba_, as they call it, which seems to be some Town of the Natives, lying a few Leagues distant from the _Orinoque_, towards the South. 2. _Morequito_, a known Port or Haven-Town upon a Branch of the _Orinoque_, much frequented, and of great use to the _English_ when they discover’d these Coasts. 3. _Wenicapora_: and 4. _St Thomas_, the onely Town which the _Spaniards_ hold upon this part of the Continent, situate upon the principal Channel of the _Orinoque_, and consisting of two hundred Families, or thereabouts: It is now a fortifi’d Place, and was taken by Sir _Walter Raleigh_, in that unfortunate Action of 1617. above related more at large.

[Sidenote: Islands belonging to _Guiana_.]

The Islands that belong to, and are commonly reckon’d as parts of _Guiana_, are either such as lie scatter’d about the Shore of the Province, or such as are found at the Mouth, and sometime far within the Channel of those great Rivers, which empty themselves at several parts of this Countrey into the Sea, _viz._ _Orinoque_, _Wiapoco_, _Rio de las Amazones_, &c. There are many of them, but of any great name or esteem, onely two, _viz._ _Trinidado_ and _Tabago_, the Description whereof we shall here omit, as having already taken notice of them amongst the _Sotaventi_ and _Caribbee_ Islands.

CHAP. IX.
Paria, or New Andalusia.

[Sidenote: Situation and Description of _Nova Andalusia_.]

VVestward of _Guiana_ lieth the Countrey of _Paria_, so call’d from its chief River: It hath also the Denomination of _New Andalusia_, but for what resemblance with _Andalusia_ of _Old Spain_, they do not tell us.

This Countrey lying as it doth, brings us back again by the Eastern Coast to the _Isthmus_ or _Strait_, which, as we have often said, joyns the two parts of the Continent of _America_ together, at least to those Countreys that lie next upon it to the South, _viz._ the Kingdom of _Granada_, &c. It hath on the East _Guiana_, and those Islands which lie about the Mouth of _Orinoque_; on the West, the Gulf or Bay of _Venezuela_, with some part of the new Kingdom abovesaid; on the North it is wash’d with the _Atlantick_ Ocean; and on the South hath some Countreys yet undiscover’d, toward the _Andes_. The whole consisteth partly of Continent, and partly of Islands near adjoyning to it, and is commonly divided into five several Precincts or Parts, which are 1. _Cumana._ 2: _Venezuela_, being upon the Continent, 3. _Margareta._ 4. _Cubagua_, two Islands above-mention’d, famous for Pearl-fishing; and lastly, some lesser islands.

SECT. II.
Cumana.

[Sidenote: Bounds and Description of _Cumana_.]

_Cumana_ is bounded Eastward with the Gulf of _Paria_ and the River _Orinoque_; on the West, with _Venezuela_; Northward it hath the _Atlantick_; and on the South, those undiscover’d Countreys above mention’d; extending along the Northern Ocean, over against _Margareta_ two hundred Leagues or more, as some say, in length, and not much less than a hundred in breadth.

The Coast of this Countrey, as well as of the Islands _Margareta_ and _Cabagua_, hath formerly been much fam’d for the rich Trade of Pearls and Pearl-fishing; which failing, its principal esteem now is for an excellent Vein of Salt, which they dig here as out of a Mine, and gather it naturally made ready to their Hands, not half a Mile from the Sea side, on the back side of the Promontory or Cape, by some call’d _Punto de Araya_, and by others for this reason _Cape de Salinas_.

[Sidenote: Towns and Places of note.]

Places of chiefest consideration here, are 1. _Cumana_ it self, a Colony of _Spaniards_ seated on the Banks of a little River two Miles distant from the Sea, where it hath a good Harbor.

2. _St. Jago_, a very strong Fortress, which the _Spaniards_ of late years have built, for the defence and security of the Salt-works against the _Dutch_, who began to Trade much that way, and in the Year 1622. had a Design to have made themselves Masters of the Place.

3. _St. Michael de Neveri_, another Fortress of theirs, standing upon a River bearing the same Name.

4. _Guaniba_, a Town of the Natives.

This Countrey of _Cumana_, being generally infested with terrible Crocodiles, hath a large Inlet call’d _Cariaco_, which flows fourteen Leagues into the Countrey.

[Sidenote: Manners and Customs of the People.]

The Men of this Countrey wear Cotton Cloaks, and anointing their Bodies with Gum, stick the same full of Feathers.

When they go to Wars, or to a general Feast, then they shave their Hair off above their Ears, pull out their Beards, and black their Teeth with a certain Herb.

Their Princes and Grandees take as many Wives as they please, and give to those of their Guests whom they intend most to oblige, their choice of the fairest of them to lie with.

Whoring is accounted no shame, except amongst Marry’d Women, who generally live very Chaste, unless their Husbands consent to their Adultery.

The Women also Hunt, Fish, Shoot, and Swim, and are diligent in Tilling their Lands, and other Houshold Affairs. Most of them have sore Eyes, occasion’d not so much (as some wrongfully suppose) by their drinking of the Water out of the Stream _Cumana_, but proceeding rather from their unwholsom Food, as Spiders, and the like.

Amongst the several sorts of Trees that grow here, there are some that yield a white well scented Gum, or delicious Juice like Milk, and produce a Fruit not unlike a Mulberry, which may be boyl’d to an excellent Syrrup; the Wood also strikes Fire: There are others, whose Timber is good for Shipping.

The Soil also produces _Cassia-Fistula_, Roses, and other strong smelling Flowers and Herbs.

[Sidenote: Beasts.]

For Beasts, besides Lyons, Tygers, and wild Hogs, there are several strange kinds here, as the _Cappa_, which is bigger than an Ass, having shaggy and black Hair; it runs away from Mankind, but devours whatsoever else it meets with.

The _Aranata_, which hath a Goats Beard, and is of the bigness of a Greyhound; it howls very dreadfully, and feeds on Fruits.

The wild Cats which breed here, leap, though great with Young, from one Tree to another.

In the Evening a Beast like a lean Dog comes to their Huts, cries like a Child, and devours all those it meets abroad; wherefore every one that goes out in the Night carries a lighted Stick with him, for this Beast dreads the sight of Fire.

The Trees give Harbor to great numbers of Parrots, and other fine Feather’d Birds.

The Bats here are very large and hurtful, sucking the Blood from Men and Beasts.

The _Muschito_’s also do very much plague and vex the Inhabitants.

The Spiders, much bigger than those of _Europe_, and of divers colours, make very strong Cobwebs.

Along the Sea-Coast, and in the Rivers is plenty of delicious Fish.

[Sidenote: _Dominicans_ put to death by the Natives.]

[Sidenote: _Alonzo de Ojeda_ slain by _Gonzales_.]

_Anno 1513._ two _Dominican_ Fryers went over from _Terra Fiona_ to _Cumana_, where the Natives kindly Entertain’d them, till a _Spanish_ Ship Anchoring there for the Pearl-Trade, carry’d away by violence the Governor and seventeen of his Servants; whereupon the Natives threatned, that unless their Lord was restor’d, they would put the two _Dominicans_ to death; the _Spaniards_ promising restauration of him in four Moneths time, inform’d the Council at _Hispaniola_ of it, who not consenting to his Releasement, the two Monks were, according the former threatning, presently put to death. Yet after this the _Franciscans_ and _Dominicans_ built each of them a Cloyster in the Province of _Chiribichi_, where they kept friendly Correspondence with the _Cumana_’s, till _Anno 1520._ when _Alonso de Ojeda_ coming to an Anchor before _Maracapana_, under pretence of bartering _Maiz_ for _Spanish_ Goods with the _Tagarez_, who came about fifty from the Mountains on which they liv’d, being three Leagues up in the Countrey, and brought _Maiz_ down to the Shore, the _Spaniards_ took thirty six of them Prisoners, and kill’d or wounded the rest: Whereupon the Governor _Gonzales_ being complain’d unto by the neighboring Prince _Maraguey_, and his assistance desir’d in taking Revenge of the _Dominicans_ and _Franciscans_, who had urg’d and perswaded _Ojeda_ to the fore-mention’d Act, _Gonzales_ hereupon made an Agreement with _Maraguey_, that he should destroy the Monks, whilest he himself would kill _Ojeda_, which they accordingly perform’d. The Council in _St. Domingo_ inform’d hereof, immediately sent three Ships, Mann’d with three hundred Men, under the Command of _Gonzalvo de Ocampo_, who Anchoring in the Haven of _Maracapana_, feign’d as if he came newly from _Spain_, and that he knew nothing of the Business between _Ojeda_ and _Gonzales_, that so he might entice the Natives into his Ship, and accordingly when divers of them came aboard, the Armed _Spaniards_ started from under the Decks, and hung them up at their Yard-arms, burnt the Village _Maracapana_, and ruin’d the Countrey far and near with Fire and Sword.

[Sidenote: _Soto_ with all his Men destroy’d by the _Indians_.]

_Ocampo_ also built the Town _Toledo_, about half a League farther into the Countrey, where the Bishop _Bartholomew de las Casas_, making his Visitation, commanded _Ocampo_ to forbear his cruelty against the Natives, he having daily either burnt, hang’d, beheaded, or made Slaves of some or other of them. _Casas_ also caus’d a little Fort to be built at the Mouth of the River _Cumana_, to be near to prevent the inhumane Murders and Oppressions committed by his Countrey-men; but because the Inhabitants of _Cubagua_ bereav’d him of his chief Builder, his Fort was left half unfinish’d; wherefore _Casas_ leaving the Command of this Countrey to _Francisco de Soto_, went back to _Hispaniola_, where in _St. Domingo_ he made his Complaints to the High Court of Justice of the _Spaniards_ Cruelties; but being little regarded, he went into the _Dominicans_ Cloyster, till he was call’d out and made Bishop of _Chiapa_. Mean while _Soto_, contrary to _Casas_ his order, had fitted out two Ships to Trade along the Coast of _Paria_; but the Expedition prov’d very unsuccessful, for he and all his Men were destroy’d by the Natives; not without just reason, for the _Spaniards_ (according to the Relation of _Casas_ from an Eye-witness) destroy’d this Countrey after such a manner, that a Ship Sail’d between _Lucago_ and _Hispaniola_ sixty Leagues without any Compass, finding the Way onely by the floating of dead Bodies, thrown out of the _Spanish_ Ships. Moreover, the Prisoners fainting, were set ashore on _Hispaniola_, and divided into Companies, each Company consisting of twenty; Parents separated from their Children, and Husbands from their Wives, and Lots cast for them: those that had either sick, decrepid, or old People fall to their share, us’d to cry (as _Casas_ testifies he hath often heard,) _What do I do with this sick, decrepid old Dog? give him to the Devil; I will not put my self to the trouble to kill and bury him._

But _Soto_’s Death was not left unreveng’d; for not long after _Jacob Castellon_ setting Sail from _St. Domingo_, left several Companies on _Cubagua_, to re-build the Town _Cadiz_, and rais’d a Fort at the Mouth of _Cumana_, which hath ever since been kept by the _Spaniards_, who made great slaughter amongst the Natives.

[Sidenote: _Hieronymo Ortall_ deserted by his Men.]

_Hieronymo Ortall_ Sailing up the Stream _Negeri_, sent his Lieutenant _Augustine Delgado_ through the populous Provinces _Guacharuco_ and _Parimatuotu_ to the River _Unare_, where, not without a sharp Conflict, he took abundance of Provisions in a Village. In the mean time _Ortall_ travell’d to _Meta_, acting inhumane Cruelties all the way; but approaching _Guiana_ (where _Delgado_ was kill’d) he was deserted by his mutinous Men, who ran over to _Nicholas Federman_; so that he was forc’d to return back to the new Fort _Miguel de Neveri_, and from thence to _St. Domingo_ with ten Soldiers, fearing that _Antonio Sedenno_ (who judg’d himself wrong’d by _Ortall_, because _Cumana_ belong’d to his Lordship) would fall upon him.

_Sedenno_ being five hundred Men strong discover’d the Sea-Coast all along to _Patigutaro_; where Setling himself, he regarded no Discipline; which the Natives observing, kill’d many a _Spaniard_, and others the Tygers also devour’d, especially in the Night, they being forc’d to keep lighted Fires about them against the wild Beasts.

[Sidenote: The Death of _Sedenno_ and _Juan Fernandez_.]

About the beginning of the Year 1537. _Sedenno_ travell’d to the Countrey _Anapuya_ and _Orocomay_, to the Province _Goioguaney_, where the Inhabitants defended themselves very valiantly in a woodden Fort, before which many _Spaniards_ were kill’d with poyson’d Arrows, and those who were not mortally wounded, had no way to escape but by burning the Poyson out with hot Irons; yet at last the Defendants were forc’d to flie with their Wives and Children up to the Mountains, overgrown with Brambles. _Sedenno_ marching through barren Fields, and over troublesom Rivers, came to the mountainous Countrey _Catapararo_, where he found abundance of _Maiz_, and some little pieces of Gold, and was advanc’d about a League and a half in _Cumana_, when dying, he made room for his Successor _Juan Fernandez_, who surviv’d him not long; yet the Expedition was not left unprosecuted: for _Sedenno_’s Men, after the Decease of him and _Fernandez_, went farther, and discover’d a low Land, which in the Winter being overflow’d, forc’d the Inhabitants to remove to the Mountains: But at last the _Spaniards_, being weary with travelling, fell out amongst themselves, and dividing into several Parties, went several ways, some to _Venezuela_, others to _Maracapana_, and the rest to _Cubagua_.

SECT. III.
Venezuela.

[Sidenote: Situation and Description of _Venezuela_.]

[Sidenote: Towns and principal Places of _Venezuela_.]

The principal part of the Province of _Venezuela_ is border’d on the East with _Cumana_; on the West, with a great Gulf or Bay, call’d _The Bay of Venezuela_, with the Lake _Maracabo_, and some part of _New Granada_; Northward it hath the Ocean, or _Atlantick_ Sea; Southward, some undiscover’d Countreys, which, as we said, lie betwixt the _Andes_ and it. It stretches out in length from East to West, a hundred and thirty Leagues, or thereabouts, but in breadth little more than half so much; it was nam’d _Venezuela_, or _Little Venice_, by _Alonso de Ojeda_, a _Spaniard_, who at his first discovery of the Countrey fell upon a Town of the Natives, which stood like another _Venice_, all upon the Water, and having no passage to it but by Boats. It is a Countrey extraordinary rich in all sorts of Commodities, affords good Pasture for Cattel, and abundance of fair Herds of them, Oxen, Sheep, Swine, _&c._ plenty of Corn, and other Grain, great store of Venison in the Woods, of Fish in the Rivers, Gold in the Mines, and therefore not likely but to be well peopled and inhabited, especially by the _Spaniards_, whose Towns and Places of chief importance are these, 1. _Venezuela_, at the most Westerly Confines of the Countrey, built upon the Sea, with the advantage of a double Haven, in a temperate and good Air, and the Soil round about it the best in the whole Province: It is now a Bishop’s See, who is Suffragan to the Arch-bishop in _Hispaniola_, and the ordinary Residence of the Governor.

2. _Caravalleda_, call’d by the _Spaniards_, _Nuestra Sennora de Caravalleda_, fourscore Leagues distant from _Venezuela_ towards the East, upon the Sea.

3. _St. Jago de Leon_, in the Countrey of _Caracas_, four or five Leagues Southward of _Caravalleda_, and six or seven distant from the Sea.

4. _New Valentia_, twenty five Leagues distant from _St. Jago_.

5. _New Xeres_, a Town but lately built, fifteen Leagues Southward of _New Valentia_.

6. _New Segovia_, but one League distant from _Xeres_.

7. _Tucuyo_, a Place well known and frequented, for the abundance of Sugar that is made there, and in the Countrey round about it.

8. _Truxillo_, or _Our Lady de la Paz_, eighteen Leagues Southward of the Lake _Maracabo_, a Place of great resort, and much frequented for Trade both by _Spaniards_ and Natives.

9. _Laguna_, a Town lying more towards the bottom of the Lake, said to be much haunted with Tygers; and more than this, not much is said of it.

According to the ancient Division of the Natives, this Province contains the Countreys _Curiana_, _Cuycas_, _Caracas_, _Bariquicemeto_, _Tucuyo_, and _Carora_; in which there are estimated to be about a hundred thousand Inhabitants that pay Taxes; which Charge, according to a Law made at the _Spanish_ Court, all Men above fifty, and Youth under eighteen, are freed from: yet this Countrey had formerly much more People, great numbers of them being destroy’d by the _Germans_, Anno 1529. for the Bishop _Bartholomeus de las Casas_ relates, That above fifty hundred thousand of the Inhabitants were kill’d by them; nay, they rooted out whole Countreys, notwithstanding the Natives were ready to Entertain them with all Civility imaginable; the Particulars of the Story are as followeth:

[Sidenote: The Expedition of _Alfinger_ and _Sayltar_ to _Venezuela_.]

[Sidenote: _Alfinger_’s horrid Cruelties upon the Natives.]

When the Emperor _Charles_ the Fifth Marry’d with _Isabella_, Daughter to the King of _Portugal_, Anno 1526. the _Welsares_, being _Dutch_ Gentlemen in _Augsburgh_, made an Agreement with him for a Sum of Money, to Conquer _Venezuela_; whither they sent _Ambrosius Alfinger_, and _Bartholomeus Sayltar_, with four hundred Foot and eighty Horse: These Forces Landing at _Venezuela_, drove away _Juan de Ampues_, who Sailing from _St. Domingo_ thither, had discover’d the Coast along _Coriano_, and already made an Agreement with a mighty Prince of that Countrey, call’d _Manaure_. But _Alfinger_ marching to the Lake _Maracabo_, destroy’d all the Inhabitants of the Countrey _Axaguas_, though they came to meet him Dancing, with rich Presents of Gold; which he not regarding, kill’d them, drove some into a House, and there cut them in pieces, and burnt those that were got upon the Roof. From hence going towards the _Pocabuyes_, who dwelt on the West side of _Maracabo_, amongst high Mountains, he was Entertain’d by them a considerable time very courteously, and Presented with rich Gifts, for which at his departure he shut up both Men, Women, and Children, into a high Wall’d Park, where they were all to perish, if they did not every one pay a certain quantity of Gold to be releas’d, which not being able to raise, they all dy’d for want of Food. After the same manner he dealt with the neighboring People _Alcoholados_, of whom he got much Gold, but not without unheard of Cruelties, for he burnt all their Villages and Houses, ruin’d the Countrey with Fire and Sword from _Thamaleque_ to the River _Lebrixa_, carry’d away many of the Natives coupled together with Chains about their Necks, and each of them loaded with at least a hundred pound weight of pillag’d Goods; and as soon as any of them began to faint under their Burthens for want of refreshment, their Heads were immediately cut off. But _Alfinger_ coming to certain cold Mountains, was resisted by a valiant People; in which Conflict he receiv’d a Wound, of which he dy’d at his return to _Coro_, Anno 1532. Upon which the _Welsares_ sent _John Aleman_ to succeed him; but he also dying, made place for _George de Espoira_, and _Nicholas Federman_, of which two _Espoira_ being the chief, spent three years in ranging up and down the Countrey, without any remarkable Transactions, being continually at variance with his Lieutenant _Federman_.

The afore-mention’d City _Venezuela_, otherwise call’d _Caro_, and by the Natives _Corana_, was, _Anno 1559._ taken and burnt by the _English_.

[Sidenote: The Provinces _Paragoana_ and _Bariquicemeto_.]

Northward from the City, the Promontory _St. Roman_, in the Province of _Paragoana_, runs into the Sea, opposite to the Islands _Aruba_ and _Quuracao_.

The Countrey _Paragoana_ is low and full of Venison; out of the middle of it rises a high Mountain, the Inhabitants whereof are very hospitable and courteous.

The Lyons that breed in this Countrey run away from Men; but on the contrary, the Tygers are exceeding cruel.

From _Coro_ there leads a Way up into the Countrey over the Mountain _Xizaezaras_, to the Province _Bariquicemeto_.

Between both these Provinces very fruitful Valleys, which produce _Maiz_ in great abundance, are surrounded by wooddy Mountains, inhabited by Man-eaters, call’d _Axaguas_.

[Sidenote: _Segovia_ built by _Juan de Villegas_.]

_Anno 1552._ _Juan de Villegas_ discovering the Province _Tucuyo_, he found several rich Gold-Mines near the Mountain _Pedro_, out of which springs the River _Burio_. Near this place he built the Town _Segovia_, which, by reason of the unwholsom Air, was soon after transplanted, and built on the Shore of the River _Bariquicemeto_, so call’d, because the Water when touch’d, turns to an Ash-colour. The Plain Countrey round about would be intolerable hot, did not the cool Winds that blow from the Mountains temper the same.

[Sidenote: The Natives of the Province _Bariquicemeto_, their manner of
living.]

The Natives divided into Tribes that understand not one another, live on _Callibashes_, Deers-flesh, Rabbets, and the Juice of the _Cocuy_.

In the Rivers _Hacarigua_ and _Boraute_, they throw the stamp’d Root _Barbasco_, which causes the Fish to appear above the Water, and suffer themselves to be caught with the Hand.

In the Summer they all store themselves with Venison, which they catch after this manner: They set the dry Bushes and Brambles on fire, which makes the wild Hogs, Goats, Deer, _Armadillo_’s, Tygers, the great Serpents _Bobas_, and other wild Creatures, to leap forth from their Holes and Receptacles to shun the same, whilest the Hunters standing ready with their Bowes and Arrows, seldom miss one of them.

In the hollow Trees near the Rivers, the Bees make abundance of Honey for them.

Most of the Rivers here fall into the Stream _Huriapari_, which glides from the _Peruvian_ Mountains to the Northern Ocean.

The Province _Chioas_ produces plenty of Gold.

[Sidenote: Also of the Natives about _Segovia_.]

The Natives about _Segovia_ go naked, are very ignorant, and much addicted to Drunkenness; in which humor they kill one another: They live without care, feeding on Roots till their _Maiz_ is ripe, which in some places comes to its full maturity in forty days time, and in others in three Moneths.

Close by _Segovia_ glides the Rivulet _Claro_, whose clear Water goes but a small Course from its Fountain Head, before it sinks into the Ground; in the Summer it is very high, and in the Winter almost destitute of Water.

[Sidenote: The Commodities of the Countrey hereabouts.]

This Countrey breeds all sorts of Fowls, but especially Quails and Turtle-Doves.

Cattel, Sheep, Goats and Hogs, increase wonderfully here, insomuch that many of them are driven to be sold at _New Granada_.

The Cotton-Clothes that are woven here, also turn to a good account.

From _Segovia_ runs a Way through a Valley twelve Leagues long, to the Town _Tucuyo_, which stands low, but in a healthful Climate, and surrounded with Mountains.

The Countrey hereabouts produces plenty of Corn, Pot-herbs, Sugar, and Cotton; and feeds Oxen, Cowes, Horses, Sheep, Deer, and Goats, to which the Tygers and Lyons do great mischief.

Here are Gold-Mines, but they are not open’d by reason of the great want of Men.

There is likewise plenty of the _Bezoar_-Stones to be had here.

The Cuycas, in whose Countrey stands the Town _Truxillo_, are a valiant, but very cruel People.

The Lake _Maracabo_, running forty Leagues up into the Countrey, is ten Leagues broad, Ebbs and Flows, and feeds the great Fish _Manati_.

Westward dwell the _Pocabuyes_, and _Alcoholados_, both quiet and rich People.

[Sidenote: The Province _Xuruara_.]

The Province _Xuruara_ lies towards the South behind high Mountains, inhabited by the valiant _Coromochos_; and towards the North from _Xuruara_, the _Bobures_, hard by the City _Merida_; the Countrey about which is unhealthful and Morassy, and the Inhabitants exceedingly plagu’d by the _Muschito_’s.

[Sidenote: Havens of _Venezuela_.]

The Haven _Maracapana_ is the best in _Venezuela_, and lies in the Eastern part of the Province, where the Mountains are inhabited by the wild _Chiugotos_, who kill and eat all the _Spaniards_ they can get.

The other Havens Westward, not comparable to _Maracapana_, are _Flechado_, _Sardinas_, and _Burburute_, where some _Spanish_ Families have a Salt-pit.

[Sidenote: Islands and Promontories.]

Six Leagues up in the Countrey you come to the fresh Lake _Tocarigua_, full of little inhabited Isles; the People whereof live quietly, and barter Gold.

Towards the North-West the Ocean makes the great Inlet _Triste_, before which lies the Island _Bonaire_, very full of Cattel, and on each side appear the _Aves_ and _Quaraco_, which abound with Fowl.

The Promontory _St. Roman_ runs twenty Leagues into the Sea, and the Cape _Coquibocoa_ extends farther. Between both these runs the Channel of _Venezuela_, which touches the Lake _Maracapabo_.