Chapter M (13)

_Tasman_ prosecuting his Voyage farther, discover’d the following day another Island, and a crooked Arm of _New Guinee_, near which he judg’d might be an Opening betwixt _New Guinee_ and _Gilolo_; then leaving on his Starboard a great many blind Cliffs, dangerous Shelves, and uneven Grounds, he cast Anchor near a Rock, which at high Water was overflow’d. A Boat coming near the Ship, in which were six Men, whose long Hair hung down their Backs, one of them amongst the rest standing up, call’d to the _Hollanders_ in the _Ternaren_ Language, saying, _What People?_ to which a Seaman, who understood and spake the said Language, answer’d, _Spaniards_: whereupon he ask’d, _From what Countrey, and whither bound?_ to which he was answer’d, _From Moa to Ternata_: The _Southlander_ hereupon reply’d, _You are Deceivers, the Ship is not Spanish, but Holland make_; whereupon _Tasman_ caus’d the Prince of _Orange_’s Flag to be put out, which the _Southlander_ no sooner saw, but he cry’d, _It appears by your Flags that you are Hollanders, who are always more welcom to us than Spaniards_: However, though the Seaman acknowledg’d his mistake, in saying they were _Spaniards_; yet the _Southlanders_ would not stay within shot of them, but at their Rowing away cry’d aloud, _Here is abundance of Pisang, Clappes, Potato’s, Sugar-Canes, and other Fruits on Shore_.

From hence _Tasman_ Sail’d Northerly between many Isles, and a Channel that separates _New Guinee_ from _Gilolo_, by _Cerani_, _Manipe_, _Bolao_, and _Burro_, to a narrow Opening, where _Pangesane_ being on his Larboard, rose with exceeding high Rocks, as _Botton_ on the Starboard. These Rocks are most of them overgrown with Trees and Brambles. In the middle of this Channel also lies a Rock, for its shape call’d _A Galley_, by which _Tasman_ Sailing, bent his Course homeward, and at last, on the fifteenth of _June_, Anno 1643. cast Anchor before _Batavia_.

CHAP. V.
Terra Borealis, or The Artick Region.

Having spoken something of the _Terra Australis Incognita_, or _Unknown South-Land_, there remains something to be said of the opposite part, namely, the _Terra Borealis_, or the _Artick Region_; which is call’d _Incognita_ in like manner as the _Terra Australis_, in regard, though very much, as well of the one as of the other, hath been search’d into, and in part discover’d by several Voyagers, yet doubtless there is a very vast Tract of Land, in the _Artick Region_ especially (if it be not rather Sea,) which is altogether unknown, and those parts which have been discover’d, as _Groenland_, _Iseland_, _Nova Zembla_, _Spilbergen_, _Hudson’s Straights_ and _Bay_, &c. so imperfectly known, that they may well deserve the Title of _Unknown_.

The several parts of this _Artick Region_ are, 1. _Terra Subpolaris Incognita_, or that part which lies directly under the _Pole_, and is otherwise call’d _Orbis Arcticus_. 2. _Groenland._ 3. _Spilbergen_, or _Nieuland_. 5. _Iseland._ 6. _Nova Zembla._

[Sidenote: A Description of _Terra Subpolaris_.]

The _Terra Subpolaris_ is describ’d by a certain Seaman of _Bosleduc_, to be a great black Rock, about thirty five Leagues in compass, and of an extraordinary heighth; through the Land adjoyning to which the Sea violently breaking, makes four great and violent _Euripi_, or Whirlpools, whose Waters driving Northward with so forcible a Stream, that no Ship, though carry’d by never so strong a Gale, is able to stem the Current, are at last swallow’d up in the Earth. It is also reported, that between two of these _Euripi_, namely that made by the _Scythick_ Ocean, and that on the back side of _Groenland_, there lieth an Island Northward of _Lappia_ and _Biarmia_, inhabited by _Pygmies_. Much more to this purpose is related of the _Subpolar_ Region, but since it is very improbable that any one could come so near as to make any discovery thereof, to say more of this Matter, would be but to insist upon things favoring more of Fables than Reality.

[Sidenote: Bounds and Situation of _Groenland_.]

_Groenland_ is that part of _Terra Septentrionalis_, which winds about from South to East, and decline Northward from Cape _Faruel_, in the _Deucaledonian_ Sea; however, _Groenland_ hath been generally taken for an Island; yet many late Navigators think it joyns with the Continent of _Tartary_, and others leave it in doubt whether it be Island or Continent: It is bounded towards the East with the _Deucaledonian_ Ocean; towards the West, with _Hudson’s Straights_ and _Bay_, which separate it from _America_; towards the North its Bounds are altogether unknown, and is not without reason suppos’d to be the utmost part of the World towards the _North Pole_. There are who believe it to be one Continent with _America_, and that upon this ground, because several who have attempted to pass through the _Straight_ commonly call’d _The Straight of Davis_, into the _East-Indies_, affirm, that they found it to be a Gulph; but one Captain _John Monk_, who was also a great Undertaker in the North-West Passage through this _Straight_, or _Gulf of Davis_, alledges great Probabilities of this Lands being divided by Sea from the Continent of _America_.

[Sidenote: The Topography of _Groenland_ from the _Danish_ and _Iseland_
Chronicles.]

This Countrey hath anciently been divided into two Regions, _East-Groenland_ and _West-Groenland_; answerable to which Division _Errick_, surnam’d _The Ruddy_, the Son of _Torvalde_, is reported by the _Danish_ Chronicle to have built two Forts or Lodges, _Ostrebug_ and _Westrebug_, in the Eastern part. The first Planters of _Christianity_ built the City _Garde_, which became, as the said Chronicle mentions, a City of great Repute and Traffick, and not long after, the Town _Albe_, and towards the Sea-Coast, a Monastery, dedicated to _St. Thomas_. The City _Garde_ was a Bishop’s See, to which belong’d a Cathedral Church, by the Title of _St. Nicholas_, built in the same City, though a certain _Iseland_ Chronicle makes mention of the Church of _Strosnes_, as the chief Metropolitan and Bishop’s See of _Groenland_. The Bishop assisted oftentimes in the Assembly of the _Estates_ of _Denmark_, and held of the Bishop of _Nidrosia_ or _Drunthen_ in _Norway_, as the Temporal _Estate_ of _Groenland_ held of the Crown of _Norway_, the _Norwegians_ being the onely known Planters of this Countrey, deriving their Original from the aforesaid _Errick_, according to the testimony of _Mr. Vormius_, and also of _Angrimus Jonas_, in his _Specimen Islandicum_, and the Vice-Roy of _Norway_, the _Nomophylax_ (as the said _Angrimus_ calls him,) or Sovereign Judge of the Countrey. The Inhabitants of _Westreburg_, or the Western Coast of _Groenland_, are by some call’d _Skreglinguers_. According to the _Iseland_ Chronicle, the Towns and Places of chief note are _Skageford_, in the most Eastern part; a little farther West the Port of _Funchebuder_, so call’d from a Page of _St. Olaus_ _King_ of _Norway_, who together with several others were cast away upon that place; a little higher, the _Roansen_, full of white Bears, and other wild Beasts. In the Western Coast, _Kindelfiord_, an Arm of the Sea; on the right Shore whereof stands _Korsekirk_, _i. e._ a Church built cross-ways; also the Town _Vandalebug_, and not far off a Monastery, dedicated to _St. Olaus_ and _St. Augustine_; the next Place is _Rumpesinfiord_, where there is a religious Convent, and divers little Islands, in which are Springs of Water, warm in the winter, and temperate in the Summer, which are accounted Medicinal and of great Vertue in the curing of divers Maladies; upon the same Coast lies _Etsnatsfiord_; between which and _Rumpesinfiord_ is the Palace _Fos_, and a great Church, dedicated to _St. Nicholas_; near the Promontory _Clining_ is another great House call’d _Daller_, and beyond _Eynatsfiord_, a great Island denominated _Reynatsen_, from the abundance of Rein-Deer which breed there: In the same Island is a Quarry of the Stone _Talguestin_, not consumable by Fire, and yet soft enough to be cut into any form, insomuch that Vessels have been made of it, containing twelve Tun. More Westerly lies the Island _Langen_, and another Royal House call’d _Hellestad_, then _Erricksfford_, another Arm of the Sea, and at the Entrance thereof, the Island _Herrieven_, part whereof belongs to the _Dome_, or Cathedral, and the other part to the Church of _Dunes_, the principal Church of _Groenland_, next to the Cathedral. North-West from _Erricksfiord_ is _Midfiord_, and farther Northward, _Bondeford_; near which are several little Isles and Ports. Between _Ostrebug_ and _Westrebug_ is a large Desart, altogether uninhabited.

This Description of the Countrey, Extracted from the _Iseland_ Chronicle, is look’d upon by a late _French_ Writer of note, as the most particular and faithful; however, the _Danish_ Chronicle differs in many things, and amongst others in this, that not the hundredth part of _Groenland_ is possess’d by the _Norwegians_, but that there inhabit several different sorts of People, of different Fashions and Governments, altogether unknown to the _Norwegians_.

[Sidenote: Temperature of _Groenland_.]

_Groenland_, notwithstanding its Northerly Situation, is reported to be a Countrey not unfertile of Corn, and other Productions of the Earth; and in respect of its verdant Aspect at some Seasons of the Year, above the rest of those _Septentrional_ Regions, it is concluded to have merited the Name of _Groenland_, i.e. _Greenland_; nay, so great is the Heat that is said to be there during the Moneths of _June_, _July_, and _August_, by reason of the reverberation of the Sun-beams from the Rocks, that many times there is but six Weeks space betwixt Seed-time and Harvest.

[Sidenote: What sort of Animals breed there.]

The Beasts, which are said to breed here in great numbers, are Horses, Deer, Foxes, Hares, Bears, both black and white, common Wolves, and a sort of Beast between a Deer and a Wolf, besides great store of Beavers and Martins, as the _Iseland_ Chronicle testifies, whose Furr in fineness may compare with the Sables of _Russia_. There are also Gerfalcons in abundance, both white and grey, of so delicate a kind, that they were in ancient times sent to the Kings of _Denmark_ as Presents of great rarity.

The Seas about _Greenland_ abound in very many sorts of Fish, as Sea-Wolves, Sea-Dogs, Sea-Calves, and above all, incredible numbers of Whales of a vast bigness.

[Sidenote: Strange kind of Horn found there.]

But the most remarkable Commodity of this Countrey, is a kind of Horn, commonly call’d the _Licornes_, or _Unicorns-Horn_, which is found there in great quantities, and great store of it is to be seen in _Denmark_, some whole, some in great pieces, sometimes onely the Ends or Stumps; but since it appears very different from all other kind of Horn, there is great Question made amongst Naturalists, whether it be Horn or Tooth? and if Horn, whether the Horn of a Beast or Fish? but it is discover’d of late to be the Horn, or rather Tusk of a certain Fish, which the Islanders call _Narhual_, being indeed a kind of Whale, as the Name seems to imply; signifying a Whale which feeds upon Carcases.

[Sidenote: The chief Voyagers thither.]

This Countrey is call’d by the Natives, _Secanunga_; who was the first Discoverer thereof is not certainly known, but the first chief Voyagers thither were, of the _Dutch_, _William Barents_, or _Barentson_, of _Amsterdam_, who set forth towards those Parts in the Year 1594. and before him, _Dithmar Blefkens_, in the Year 1563. of the _English_, Mr. _James Hall_, who set out from _Copenhagen_ in _Denmark_, Anno 1605. and in a second Voyage was slain by a Salvage of the Countrey.

[Sidenote: The Coastings, Havens, and Creeks of _Groenland_.]

The Coastings, Courses, Havens and Creeks of _Groenland_, according as _Barentson_ receiv’d an Account of them from _Iver Boty_, a _Groenlander_ written in the _Norsh_ Language, as it is call’d, are as followeth: From _Stad_ in _Norway_, to _Hornness_, the East part of _Groenland_, it is seven days Sailing. Between _Iseland_ and _Groenland_ lieth a Riff call’d _Gombornse-skare_, the Ice lying upon which, hindreth the Passage. Those that Sail from _Bergen_ in _Norway_ South of _Rokeness_ in _Iseland_, come under _Swafster_, a Promontory, or high Land in the East part of _Groenland_, and within sight of the high Mount _Whitsark_; between which and _Groenland_ lieth a Headland, call’d _Hernoldus Hook_, not far from _Sound-Haven_, formerly much frequented by the _Norway_ Merchants. Those that Sail from _Iseland_ to _Groenland_, Steer to _Snoffness_, West of _Rokeness_, and after South-West. East of _Hernoldus Hook_ lieth the Village of _Skagenford_, the most Easterly Village of the Island; East of _Skagenford_, the Haven _Bearford_, inaccessible by Ships, by reason of a great Riff lying at the Mouth thereof. This Place is chiefly remarkable for the Whale-fishing, the Whales upon the going back of the Tide running into a great _Swalth_, as they call it, which is in the Haven. East of _Bearford_ is the Haven call’d _Allabong Sound_, full of little Isles. East from the Icy Mountain, the aforemention’d Haven _Fendobothes_. Farther East is the Highland _Corse Hought_, where they Hunt white Bears. West from _Hernoldus Hook_ is the Village _Codosford_, and hard by the Sea-Coast, a fair Church, which we conceive to be the same with _Korsekirk_ above spoken of, as _Codosford_ may also probably be the same with _Kindelfiord_. A little farther West lieth the _Boy_, or Town of _Wartsdale_ (for in the _Norsh_ Language _Boy_ signifies a Town,) belonging to _Petresuik_, or _Peterswike_ Church: Near this _Boy_ or Town standeth a Cloyster, or Abbey of Canons Regular, dedicated to _St. Olafe_ and _St. Augustine_. Next to _Codosford_ is _Rompnesford_, the same questionless with the above-mention’d _Rumpesinfiord_, where there is a Cloyster of Nuns of the Order of _St. Benedict_: In this Ford lie many small Isles. Between _Rompness_ and the next Sound lieth a great Garden call’d _Vose_, belonging to the King of the Countrey, as also _St. Nicholas_ Church before mention’d. At the entrance into _Emnestnesford_ is the Inlet _Southwoderswike_, and somewhat higher on the same side, the little Cape _Bloming_, beyond the Inlet _Granwike_; above that, the Garden call’d _Daleth_, belonging to the Cathedral Church; and on the right-hand to those that Sail out of the said Sound, a great Wood belonging to the same Church, where they feed their Oxen, Kine, and Horses. The Highland lying by _Emestnesford_, is call’d _The Ramas Hayth_, from the Rain-Deer which use to be there Hunted: And hereabouts is that sort of Stone of which they make large Fats or Cisterns, as hath been before intimated; it is by some call’d the _Zevell-Stone_, being a sort of Marble, or (as some will have it) Load-stone, of all colours. West from this lieth another Highland, call’d _Long-Highland_. The next Sound is call’d _Swalterford_, having a Church belonging to it of the same Name, and where there is also a Garden belonging to the King, call’d _St. Hentelstad_. Next to that lieth _Erricksford_, and at the entrance thereof the Highland _Erricks Hought_, belonging to _Deverskirk_, the first Parochial Church in _Groenland_. North-West from _Erricksford_, is _Megdenford_. Farther out is a Church call’d _Scogelkirk_; and farther in the Sound, _Leadenkirk_. Beyond _Erricksford_ is another Ford or Sound, by the Name of _Fossa_, belonging to the Cathedral Church; and to the North of it, two Villages, _Ever-boy_ and _Forther-boy_. From thence farther North lieth _Bredaford_; and after that _Lormontford_; and from thence Westward, _Icedeep_. To the North of the _Westland_ lieth a spacious Wilderness, call’d _Hemel Hatsfelt_, and Edg’d with massie Rocks and Cliffs towards the Sea side; beyond which the Sea is innavigable, by reason of the many _Swalgen_, or Whirlpools thereabouts.

In _Groenland_ there are divers Hills, wherein are Silver-Mines, multitudes of white Bears, with red Patches on their Heads; also white Hawks, and all sorts of Fish. There are moreover in the Countrey divers Rivers, frozen up for the most part of the Year, and cover’d with Ice; yet it is generally affirm’d, that it is not so cold there as in _Norway_ or _Iseland_. On the Hills are said to grow Acorns and Nuts, very well tasted, and as big as Apples; also as good Wheat as is commonly produc’d in other Parts.

[Sidenote: An Account of _Groenland_ from _Dithmar Blefkens_ his
_Journal_.]

In the _Journal_ of _Dithmar Blefkens_’s Voyage, mention is made of a certain blind Monk, brought up in the Monastery of _St. Thomas_, who reported several memorable things concerning this Countrey, as that it was call’d _Groenland_ antiphrastically, or by contrariety of Speech, as appearing seldom or never green; and that it abounded with Bears and white Foxes, and was not without Pygmies and Unicorns, which never appear’d till after the Sun was entred into _Aries_; that in the said Monastery of _St. Thomas_ there was a Fountain of scalding Water, which was convey’d through Pipes of Stones to the Monks several Cells, and serv’d them not onely for Stoves, but for the dressing of their Meat, which was as well boyl’d by means of this Water, as if it had been over a real Fire, and that the Walls of the Monastery were made of a kind of Pumice-stone, upon which if Water were pour’d, it would produce a slimy Matter, commonly us’d in stead of Lime for Mortar, like the Stone of Mount _Hecla_ in _Iseland_; that two of these Pygmies, a Male and a Female, were kept by the Abbot, and were both endu’d with perfect humane Shape, and overgrown with Hair, even to the outermost Joynts of their Fingers, the Male especially, who had a Beard reaching down to his Knees, but that they seem’d wholly devoid of Reason and Understanding, nor had any distinct use of Speech, onely made a semblance of Hissing of the manner of Geese; lastly, he reported the duration of the Lives of these Creatures to be answerable to the shortness of their Stature; but that concerning their Wars with the Cranes, he had no other knowledge than by Tradition.

[Sidenote: From Mr. _James Hall_’s Description.]

The Description of _Groenland_ left by Mr. _James Hall_, renders it a high, mountainous, and craggy Region, sufficiently water’d with Rivers, and provided with good Harbors, of a Soil not unfertile in all places where he came, having between the Mountains fruitful Valleys and pleasant Plains, abounding with several sorts of Fowl, as Partridges, Pheasants, Sea-mews, Gulls, Crows, _&c._ but of Beasts, chiefly black Foxes, and (as was conjectur’d by the plenty of Harts-horns found about their Tents) Rein-Deer, yet not destitute of other Beasts, the _Vestigium_ of one whereof was found to be not less than eight Inches over.

As for the Manners and Customs of the Natives, they are by the said Description represented to be a kind of _Samoid_, or wandring People, still moving from place to place, warlike and active, using Slings and Darts with marvellous dexterity, of a brown Complexion for the most part, and of an indifferent Stature, eating their Meat either quite raw, or onely a little parboyl’d, Clothing themselves with the Skins of such Beasts, or other Creatures, as they kill, especially Seals, or some of the largest size of Fowls, which they Dress very smooth and soft, turning the Feather or Hair side outwards in Summer, and inward in Winter. Their Weapons Bowes, Slings, and Bone or Iron-headed Darts; their Religion Idolatrous, but chiefly Sun-Worship, as was gather’d from their manner of Accost, when any of the _English_ first approach’d them, for they us’d to point up to the Sun, as chief Author of their felicity, and then beat their Breasts, crying, _Iliont_, which seem’d to signifie as much as _I mean no harm_, and would not come near till those that met them did the like. Their Houses built of Whales Bones, and the Baulks thereof with Whales Ribs, and cover’d with Earth, but the best sort with Seal-Skins, having Vaults or Rooms under Ground, four-square, and two Yards deep in the Earth. Their manner of Burial, a Pile of Stones thrown over the Corps, being first wrapt up in Seal-Skins.

[Sidenote: First Discovery of _Spilbergia_ or _Greenland_.]

_Spilbergia_, so call’d by the _Hollanders_, from _Spilbergen_, whom probably they reckon to have been the first Discoverer of it, is the same that we vulgarly call _Greenland_, and which Sir _Hugh Willoughby_ (if not the first of all, yet at least the first of the _English_ that discover’d any thing of these Parts) nam’d _King James’s New-Land_. The said Sir _Hugh Willoughby_ set forth _Anno 1553._ in the _Bona Esperanza_, accompany’d with two Ships more, _viz._ the _Bonaventure_, _Richard Challoner_ Captain, and the _Bona Confidentia_, and after some time of Coasting up and down those Northern Seas, he Landed with his Company upon the Place, where staying a few days, he sent three Men three days Journey into the Countrey South-West, and three more as far full West, who all, after much hardship in their Travelling, return’d without having met any People by the Way, or seen the least appearance of any Habitation. Sailing hence back for _Lapland_, they were all frozen to death in the Haven _Arzina_.

_Fotherby_’s Description of _Greenland_.

A Description of _Greenland_ by one Mr. _Robert Fotherby_, represents the Nature of this Place contradictory to its Name, as before was observ’d of _Groenland_: “For certainly (saith he) no part of the World, yet known and discover’d, is less Green than this, both the Mountains and Low-lands being cover’d with Snow till the beginning of _June_. The Countrey, which is for the most part mountainous, bearing neither Grass nor Tree, save onely Heath or Ling, as it is call’d in the North parts of _England_, which grows upon the Moors or Heathy Grounds when the Snow begins to melt, and on which in Summer the Deer feed themselves fat in one Moneth; but how they live in the Winter, is a thing beyond any Man’s skill to comprehend, especially during the Sun’s absence under the Horizon, which in the Latitude of seventy seven Degrees continues from the eighteenth of _October_ to the fourth of _February_.”

This Countrey is by many suppos’d never to have been inhabited by Men, yet not altogether uncapable of affording Habitation to such as would bring with them sufficient defensive Weapons against Hunger and Cold: For other Animals, it is found, by the testimony of those that have been upon the Place, not to be destitute; for besides Deer before mention’d, there have been seen Bears and Foxes; and of wild Fowl, _Cuthbert_ Ducks, Willocks, Stints, Sea-Pigeons, Sea-Parrots, Gulls, Noddies, _&c._

The Southermost part of _Greenland_, call’d _Point Look-out_, stands in seventy six Degrees and thirty Minutes. The West side of the Land was discover’d by the first Voyagers Northward as far as eighty Degrees and odd Minutes, and in that compass six or eight good Harbors for the Whale-fishing; the East side as far as seventy eight Degrees, with divers Islands, both great and small, yielding good Harbors, and store of Whales and Sea-Horses.

[Sidenote: The Voyages of _Jonas Pool_ and others to _Greenland_.]

In the Year 1610. _Jonas Pool_, Master of the _Amity_ fell in with this Land in _May_, and continu’d upon the Coast, discovering of Harbors, and killing of _Morses_, till _June_ following: and he is said to have been the first that gave this Countrey the Name of _Greenland_. The next year he set out again, accompany’d with _Thomas Edge_, Commander of the _Mary Margaret_; And since many other Voyages have been made as to a Place known, and a great Trade driven in catching of Whales, not without several Contests with the _Dutch_ and _Danes_, but nothing of late discover’d considerable more than in the first Voyages. The Harbors, Sounds and Coastings most taken notice of, are _Fair Foreland_, _Cape Cold_, _Black-Point_, _Horn-Sound_, _Knotty-Point_, _Bell-Sound_, _Lowness_, _Cross-Road_, _Deer-Sound_, _Fowl-Sound_, _Close-Cove_, _Gurnet-Nose_, _Ice-Sound_, and _Green-Haven_.

[Sidenote: _Cherry-Island._]

There are few that have Sail’d to _Greenland_, but make great mention of _Cherry Island_, so call’d, as having been first discover’d at the Charges of Sir _Francis Cherry_, an eminent Merchant; by others _Bear-Island_, from the multitude of Bears found there; it lies in the Latitude of seventy four Degrees, and is noted for store of Fowl, Foxes like Dogs, and upon the Coasts great store of Whales, Sea-Horses, and Morses: It is also said to be furnish’d with Lead-Mines, and Pits of Sea-Coal.

[Sidenote: Situation and first Discovery of _Iseland_.]

_Iseland_, so call’d from the continual Ice which is upon it, is a craggy mountainous Countrey; and not onely the Hills, but a great part of the Low-land cover’d with perpetual Snow: It is of a Form somewhat oblong, lying between the fifty fourth and fifty ninth Degree of Northern Latitude, having _Norway_ on the East, the _Orcades_ and _Scotland_ on the South, Grenland on the West, and the _Hyperborean_, or frozen Sea on the North. It is by _Olaus Magnus_ suppos’d to be twice as big as _Sicily_, that is to say, about a hundred Leagues in length. It is the most known, and most througly discover’d of all the Countreys of the _Artick Region_, and is said to have been first found out and peopled in the Year of our Lord 900. by certain of the Nobility of _East-Frisia_ in the Countrey of _Breme_, in the time of _Alebrand_, Bishop of that Countrey; but whether or no utterly unpeopled till that time, is a Question not easie to be determin’d, though in all probability so obvious a Place to be found out, could not lie so long totally uninhabited. Not long after several Colonies of _Norwegians_ Setled themselves, some in _Hitland_, some in _Ferow_, others (following the Example of these _Bremers_) in _Iseland_. The Countrey is full of Rocks and Stones, and (as is credibly reported) not a cultivated Field or Garden in the whole Island, and by consequence no sort of Corn, yet the People living without either Bread or Salt, are very strong, and of a good Complexion: Neither is there a Tree to be seen, except the Birch, which likewise grows but in one place, and exceeds not the heighth of a Man, by reason of the violence of the Winds; yet there is said to be great plenty of Butter, the Grass being so fat, that the Oxen are not suffer’d to stay long at a time in the Pastures for fear of bursting. Till of late there was neither Town, nor any thing that could be call’d a Village, in the whole Island, but stragling Cottages here and there, not above three or four together in a place, most by the Sea side for the convenience of Fishing; they were built pretty deep in the Ground, but artificially fram’d of Whales Bones, with Seats, Benches, and other Utensils of the same; now sometimes they use Fir to the same purpose, which is cast upon the Coast by the force of the Sea from _Tartary_ or elsewhere. For want of Vessels, they lay their Butter in Heaps in the Corners of their Houses like Mortar. In the Winter, wanting Fodder, they feed their Cattel with Fish. Besides these Cattel, which are Kine without Horns, Horses onely fit for carrying of Burthens, and very large Sheep, there are store of white Foxes, and huge Bears of the same colour, and a sort of rough Dogs, very well known, and frequent amongst us by the Name of _Shocks_, which the Islanders esteem not a little, and will part with their Children at a far easier rate: They keep neither Hogs nor Poultrey, for want of Grain to feed them.

[Sidenote: Many Rivers in _Iseland_.]

The Rivers belonging to this Island are many, and those not unpleasant, affording to the Inhabitants plenty of Fish, especially Sturgeon, Trouts, and Salmons; and one is especially remarkable for a Bridge made over it, which being the onely Bridge of the Countrey, is made of the great Bones of a Whale. The whole Island is one continu’d Desart, without any trodden Path or Road from one end to the other; so that all that have occasion to travel to any part thereof by Land, make use of the Compass, as if they were Voyaging by Sea.

[Sidenote: Strange Fish on the Coast of _Iseland_.]

The Coast of _Iseland_ hath many strange and monstrous Fish worth observation, as first the _Orca_, which though nothing near so big as the Whale, yet is able to be the death of it; for being of the shape of a Ship turn’d upside-down, and having sharp long Fins on its Back, it pricks the Belly of the Whale therewith till it kills.

The next is the _Hackfall_, which is very fat, and about twelve Inches long.

Then the Dog-Fish, which lifting up its Head out of the Sea, Barks, and letting forth its young ones, receives them into her Belly again, when they have sported a while in the Sea.

Lastly, another Monster, of a most frightful shape, mention’d by _Olaus Magnus_, but not by any particular Name.

[Sidenote: Strange Fountains.]

In divers Parts of the Island are Fountains of scalding Water, which as soon as taken from the Fountain begins to cool, and when cold, hath a sulphury Substance swimming on the top.

At the West end is a smoaky Fountain, very cold, and turning all that is cast into it into Stone.

At the place upon the Sea call’d _Turlocks Haven_, are two Fountains of different quality, the one hot, the other cold, which by Pipes being brought together into one place, make a Bath of an excellent temperature, and of a medicinal Vertue.

Not far from _Haven Halneford_ is a Cliff in a Rock of an unknown depth, and no Water to be discern’d by those that look down into it, but if a Stone be cast in, it shall make a noise for half an hour together, as if it were striking against a Brazen Vessel, and all this while the Water will be rising till it comes up to the brim, and then will be so long sinking again as the Stone was falling.

[Sidenote: Mountains of _Iseland_.]

There are also three Mountains in _Iseland_ not to be left unmention’d, the Mountain of the _Cross_, the Mountain _Snenelstockel_, and the Mountain _Hecla_; the two first are chiefly considerable for their wonderful heighth, and for the dreadful noise of Thunder which is heard on the top of them, when in the adjacent parts below, the Air is calm and clear; the third lying in the North of the Island, and not very high, is one of the most prodigious _Vulcans_ in the World, for the casting forth of Flames, black Ashes, and Pumice-Stones, insomuch that there is no possibility of Habitation within six Miles of it round about; and it is a receiv’d Opinion of the Inhabitants, that it is the place of Torment for the Souls of the Damned; from whence there hath risen such a company of strange Stories and Fables, that it would make up a Volume of it self to relate them. The occasion of the great Eruption of this Mountain is not without much reason imputed to the inflammation of the Sulphur, of which there are several Mines or Pits in the Countrey, though none of any sort of Metal.

[Sidenote: First planting of _Christian Religion_ here.]

_Waldemarus_, King of _Denmark_ and _Norway_, being consequently Master of this amongst the other _Norwegian_ Colonies, Planted the _Christian_ Religion in this Island in the Year of _Christ_ 1398. and Ordain’d two Bishops, one in _Schalholden_, in the East part, another in _Hollen_, in the West; and after the _Reformation_ was begun, _Christianus_, King of _Denmark_, took care to propagate the Reformed _Doctrine_ there, as well as in other parts of his Dominions; and to that end sent over a PRINTER thither, that the _BIBLE_, together with the Works of _Philip Melancthon_ and _Urbanus Regius_, might be publish’d in the Vulgar Tongue of the Countrey. But these Proceedings were mainly oppos’d by the Bishop of _Schalholden_, who animating the People to Rebellion, they slew the King’s Lieutenant: Whereupon the next Year _Paul Holfelt_, a Knight of the _Danish_ Order, being sent over with an Army, overthrew the Rebels, and taking off the chief Heads of the Rebellion, committed the Charge of the Government to another Nobleman of _Denmark_, whom he left upon the Place. But one _Tadde Bonde_, a great Man of the Countrey, meditating a Revolt, drew divers Persons of principal note into Conspiracy with him, and was advancing to a formidable Power, had not the Bishop given continual Intelligence of their Proceedings to the King’s Lieutenant, who thereupon employ’d Agents to the chief Accomplices of the Faction, and what with fair Means and threatnings so wrought with them, that they return’d to their Obedience, and forsook _Todde_, insomuch that he flying with a small Party, betook himself to a fastness at the Foot of _Heckelveld_, where being hemm’d in, those about him were slain, and he himself taken Prisoner; and because no Man to whose safe custody he was offer’d durst receive him, so much dreaded was his Power, one _Jonas_, a bold courageous Fellow, slew him with his own Hand, and thereby put an end to all farther Tumults and Seditions.

[Sidenote: The People _Iseland_ addicted to Sorcery and Superstition.]

So much have the People of this Island been ever addicted to Sorcerie and Superstition, that notwithstanding the Profession of _Christianity_, and the frequent Preaching against those Sins, especially since the _Reformation_, the generality of them are still wedded to many of those old diabolical Customs, which were practis’d there in time of _Paganism_; and amongst other things they are said to be serv’d, many of them, by Spirits, which constantly attend them, and as _Olaus Magnus_ writes of the _Finlanders_, they are oftentimes dealt with by Strangers, to sell them prosperous Winds for Money, and (doubtless by the help of the Devil) perform the same; as also on the contrary, they are said by their Enchantments to stop the Course of a Ship, and make it as it were immovable, though in the Stream of never so prosperous a Gale. They are a proud, haughty People, and for the most part endu’d with vast strength of Body; their Habit so promiscuous, that neither Sex can be distinguish’d by it. They are not onely forward to prostitute their Daughters to those _Germans_ that Trade with them at _Hafnefords_, but that Virgin who hath had to do with a _German_, shall be sure to be so much the more esteem’d and Courted.

[Sidenote: Towns and Places of note.]

The onely Towns and Buildings of note here, and those created but of late Ages, are 1. _Hafnefords_, a Haven Town, chiefly frequented by _Dutch_ Merchants for Traffick with the Natives.

2. _Bedstede_, the Residence of the Lord Lieutenant or Governor for the King of _Denmark_.

3. The Bishops See of _Halsar_, having four Monasteries belonging to it, _viz._ _Pingore_, _Remestede_, _Modor_, and _Monkeniere_.

4. The Bishops See of _Schalholt_, to which also doth belong four Monasteries, _viz._ _Vedey_, _Pernebar_, _Kirkebar_, and _Schirde_.

[Sidenote: Their Place and manner of Judicature.]

The Nobles of _Iseland_ are call’d _Bonden_; their _Justiciaries_ or Judges, being twelve in number, _Lochmaders_, that is, Men of Law or Justice, who are said to meet once a year on the twenty ninth of _June_, to administer Justice in a place ordain’d for that purpose in the midst of the Island, appearing like some feigned Paradice, so pleasant a place it is represented to be at that time of the year, being (as the Tradition goes) from a high burning Mountain like _Hecla_, consum’d to a Plain, and so environ’d with Rocks, that there was left but a small Passage for one at a time to enter. Here the Governor having first given the Charge, leaves the Trial of all Matters to the _Lochmaders_, who having diligently heard every Cause argued on both sides, withdraw for a while to Consult together, and then proceed to Sentence, the same Persons being both Jury and Judge; but if any Case of difficulty or scruple arise, they consult the Governor.

[Sidenote: _Angrimus Jonas_’s Relation of _Iseland_.]

_Angrimus Jonas_’s Relation of _Iseland_ differing much from what hath been deliver’d by _Blefkens_, is not to be omitted. He saith it was first discover’d by one _Naddocus_, a Pyrate, who going towards the _Farensian_ Islands, was cast by Tempest upon the Shore of _East-Iseland_, near the Mountain _Reidarfial_; and as he departed from the Coast, perceiving the tops of the highest Mountains cover’d with a very deep Snow, call’d the Island _Snælandia_, that is, _Snowy Countrey_.

[Sidenote: _Gardarus_’s Voyage to _Iseland_.]

Upon the fame of _Naddocus_’s Discovery, one _Gardarus_, the Son of _Suavarus_, a _Swede_, was desirous to make a Voyage thither, and arriving near the Eastern Shore, Winter’d in the Bay of _Skialfanda_, or _North-Island_, in the Year of our Lord 864. and call’d the Haven _Huscawick_, from the Houses or Wintering-places built there, as the next Haven to it was call’d _Nartarawick_, from _Natrare_, an eminent Mariner in this Expedition. _Gardarus_ returning home about the beginning of the Spring, call’d the Countrey from his own Name _Gardarsholm_.

[Sidenote: _Flocco_’s Voyage to the same Place.]

The next that follow’d his Example, was one _Flocco_, a famous Pyrate, whose Daughter _Geirhilda_ being drown’d upon the Coast of _Schetland_ (anciently _Hietland_,) gave the Name of _Geirhildarwata_ to the Sea thereabouts: Not having the use of the Mariners Compass, he made use of Ravens for the steering of his Course, and having sent forth two without success, by the guidance of the third he had sight of the Eastern side of the Island; and Steering Southward, he found a very wide Bay, between the Promontories _Renkanes_ and _Snæfesness_; which Bay, from _Faxa_ a _Scottish_ Mariner that accompany’d him, he nam’d _Faxaos_, that is, _The Mouth of Faxa_, though from its many Havens it came afterwards to be term’d _Hafnafiordur_. Sailing along the West side of the Island, he entred the Bay _Bredafiord_, and took up his Quarters at _Watnesfiordur_, a Haven in the Province _Bardostraund_ (for by these Names these Places came afterwards to be known:) Having stay’d here two Winters, he return’d back into _Norway_, and is said to have been the first that gave this Countrey the Name of _Iseland_, from the great quantities of Ice which fill’d the Seas thereabouts, he also gave it the Name of _Rafnaflock_, from the Ravens which serv’d him in stead of a Compass.

[Sidenote: A Plantation setled in _Ise_ by _Ingulphus_ and
_Hiorleifus_.]

The last and most considerable Adventurer was _Ingulfus_, the Son of _Orn_, Duke of _Fyrdafilace_ in _Norway_, who, together with his Cousin _Hiorleifus_, that Marry’d his Sister _Helca_, being adjudg’d to Banishment by _Halsten_ (to the Award of whose Judgment they had submitted themselves) upon the slaughter of his two Brethren, _Holmsten_ and _Hersten_, (these three Brethren were the Sons of _Atlas_, one of the prime Noblemen of _Norway_) in a Quarrel, wherein _Halsten_ was chosen Umpire; and also detesting the Tyranny of _Haraldus Pulchricomus_, King of Norway, went over _Gonfaloniere_, or chief Leader of a great Colony of People, whom he rais’d for the setling of a Plantation in some foreign Countrey: Accompany’d with his Cousin _Hiorleifus_, he took Shipping for _Iseland_ in the Year of our Lord 854. having been over to visit it about four years before; he Landed at a Promontory on the South Shore, which from him took the Name of _Ingulfholde_, and at _Reicharwick_ setled his Habitation, while _Hiorleifus_ seated himself at the Promontory by him call’d _Hiorleifholda_, where he built two very large Houses, each being about a hundred and thirty Foot long; then he set himself to Manure and Till the Ground, employing in that Work ten Slaves, whom he brought with him for that purpose out of _Norway_; but it was not long ere they traiterously set upon him and slew him by an Ambuscade which they had laid for him; after which they betook themselves to certain little Isles, which were nam’d _Westmafyar_, where before they had well nestled themselves, the whole Race of them were rooted out by _Ingulphus_, in revenge of his Kinsman’s Death. After this the Island grew daily more and more populous by the coming over of new Families from _Norway_; so that at this day it is a Place not the least considerable belonging to the Kings of _Denmark_.

The ancient Inhabitants of this Place (for it is to be suppos’d that there were People here before the coming over of _Ingulfus_) were call’d _Papæ_ or _Pappæ_, and the East side of the Island, _Papey_, which agrees very well with the Names of two little Islands on the Coast of _Scotland_, _Pappa_ and _Westrepappa_, from which many conjecture, as also from several Crosses and Bells found upon the Place, that there hath been in former Ages a resort of the _Irish_, and of the People of the North-West parts of _Scotland_.

[Sidenote: The Division of _Iseland_.]

The Eastern Bound of _Iseland_ is call’d _Austurhorn_; the Western, _Randesandur_; the Northern, _Langanes_; and the Southern, _Reicranes_. The Island being divided according to the four Quarters of the World, _North-Island_ is sever’d from _East-Island_ by the aforesaid Promontory of _Langanes_; from _West-Island_ by _Rutafiordur_ Bay; from _South-Island_, by vast and unpassable Desarts. Between _South-Island_ and _East-Island_ runneth the River _Jocolsu_, through the Desarts of _Solseimasande_. Between _South-Island_ and _West-Island_ a famous River nam’d _Albis_, which emptieth it self into the Bay of _Bargarfiord_.

[Sidenote: _Schetland_ the _Thule_ of the Ancients.]

’Tis a vulgar Opinion, that this Island is the same which the Ancients call’d _Thule_; but upon consideration it will appear, that by the _Ultima Thule_ taken notice of by _Virgil_, _Claudian_, _Statius_, _Pythias Massiliensis_, _Pliny_, _Seneca_, _Solinus_, _Tacitus_, and others, is meant one of the _British_ Isles, amongst which were comprehended the Isles on the North of _Scotland_, as the _Orcades_, and some others, the utmost of which we call _Schetland_, and is very probable to be this _Ultima Thule_ of the Ancients.

[Sidenote: _Nova Zembla_, when first discover’d.]

_Nova Zembla_, lying under seventy six Degrees of Northern Latitude, and a hundred and twelve Degrees and twenty five Minutes of Longitude, and being reckon’d above two hundred Miles in length, was, together with the River _Puora_, and Straights of _Weygats_, discover’d, (and, as it is thought, first of all) by _Stephen Burrough_, who was sent out by the _Muscovia_ Company in the Year 1556. to find out a Way to _Cathay_ by the North-East.

Afterwards one _Oliver Bunel_, a _Dutch_-man, mov’d with the hope of Gain, went from _Enkhuissen_ to _Pecora_; where (having first discover’d _Costinfarca_ in _Nova Zembla_) he lost all by Shipwrack.

The _States-General_ nothing discourag’d with the little success of these two Voyagers, sent forth two Ships under the Command of _Hugo Linschot_, to the Straights of _Weygats_, and two others under _William Barrents_, who were to go directly Northwards for _Nova Zembla_: _Linschot_ went fifty Miles beyond the Straights, but the Northerly Winds and late Season of the year forc’d him to hasten back with all possible speed. _William Barents_ and his Company were necessitated in the Year 1596. being not able to get off, in regard the Ice increas’d upon them more and more, to take up their Winter Quarters there in a Cottage, which they made a shift to cast up for their present necessity, having much ado to defend themselves against the Bears, that continually assaulted them.

[Sidenote: Description of the Countrey.]

This Countrey is generally deliver’d to be a barren and desart Countrey, full of Wood indeed, but the Boughs as bare of Leaves, as the Ground of Grass; also very incommodious to be travell’d through, by reason of its desartness, and the danger of Bears, great fierce Foxes, and such like ravenous Beasts, which feed onely upon Flesh, and which are the onely Beasts this Countrey harbors.

In a _Journal_ of Mr. _Henry Hudson_, there is to be found a much more favorable Description of the Countrey: “Generally (saith he) the Land of _Nova Zembla_ that we have seen, is to a Man’s Eye a pleasant Land, much Main High-land with no Snow on it, looking in some places green, and Deer feeding thereon, and the Hills partly cover’d with Snow, and partly bare.”

It should seem to have been a receiv’d Opinion from the first Discovery of _Nova Zembla_, that it was inhabited by _Pygmies_, it being several times, in the _Journals_ of some Voyages, mention’d particularly by the Name of _The Land of Pygmies_, but upon what certain Ground cannot in the least be discover’d; for we find not from the _Russians_ (to whom the Place, by reason of its Vicinity, is probable to have been first known) any other Account of the Inhabitants, but that they are a People wholly destitute of civil Manners, and unlimited by Law or Religion, saving that they seem to give some kind of Adoration to the Sun, Moon, and North-star, and have some Qualities which speak them rational Creatures; whereas the _Pygmies_ (if there be any such Creatures) are thought to have nothing of Humane but their Shape onely.

[Sidenote: _Willoughby-Island._]

Besides _Nova Zembla_ there is not far from it another Island, known by the Name of _Willoughby-Island_, from Sir _Hugh Willoughby_, the first Discoverer; they both are of the Dominions of the _Czar_ of _Russia_.

_Several Attempts for the discovery of the_ North-West Passage.

What hath been discover’d of Sea in the North or South parts of the World, is of no less Consequence than what hath been discover’d of Land, and the _Straight_ of _Hudson_ Northward, is no less considerable than the _Straight_ of _Magellan_ South; we shall therefore compleat this Discourse of the _Artick Region_ with a brief Mention of what Capes, Bays, Sounds, &c. have been found out by those that have attempted to find a Passage by the North-West to the _East-Indies_.

Not to insist upon the fabulous Stories of King _Arthur_’s first conquering _Ireland_, and then Sailing into the Northern Seas, and subduing _Scantia_, _Iseland_, _Groenland_, and (as the Story saith) many other Islands beyond _Norway_ even under the _Pole_, or of _Malgo_’s subduing _Ireland_, _Iseland_, the _Orcades_ and _Norway_, or _Octher_’s Reports to King _Alfred_ of his Voyages to the North-East parts beyond _Norway_, or the Voyages of the two famous _Venetian_ Brethren, _Nicolo_ and _Antonio Zeni_, or of _Marcus Paulus Venetus_, _Odoricus_ and _Vertomannus_; the first _English_-man we hear of, that made an Expedition into those Northern Seas, was Sir _Hugh Willoughby_, before taken notice of for the Discovery of _King James’s Newland_ and _Willoughby-Island_, in the Year of our Lord 1553.

_Stephen Burroughs_ (as hath been intimated) discover’d amongst other Places, about the Year 1556. the _Straight_ of _Vaigats_.

[Sidenote: _Queen Elizabeths Foreland._]

[Sidenote: _Forbisher’s Straight._]

In the Year 1576. Sir _Martin Forbisher_ setting forth with two Barques, after he had been out about five Weeks, had sight of a High-land, which he nam’d _Queen Elizabeths Foreland_: Thence Sailing more Northerly to the heighth of about sixty two Degrees, he descry’d a great Sea or Inlet, which he entred, and thence it took the Appellation of _Forbisher’s Straight_. About two years after proceeding to a farther discovery of it, he entred a good way into it, and took possession of the utmost Place he went to for Queen _Elizabeth_, who thereupon gave it the Name of _Meta Incognita_.

_Anno 1580._ _Arthur Pett_ and _Charles Jackman_ were sent out by the _Russian_ Company, to make a Discovery of the River _Ob_, and passing the _Straight_ of _Waigats_, took particular observation of the Islands and Places there, but not being able to pass much farther, by reason of the Ice, towards the latter end of the year they return’d.

[Sidenote: _Davis’s Straight._]

In prosecution of this Discovery to the North-West, Captain _John Davis_ of _Sandruge_ in _Devonshire_, made three Voyages; his first _Anno 1585._ his second, 1587. in which he met with many strange Adventures; but the main thing that accru’d from these Voyages, was the finding of a mighty Through-let between vast and desart Islands, to which his Name gave the Appellation of _Fretum Davis_, or _Davis’s Straight_.

The next that went upon this Design was Captain _George Weymouth_, who from the Year 1585 to 1602 made several Expeditions, which produc’d large Relations of strange Accidents that befell them, but little of Discovery farther than what had been made before.

[Sidenote: _Cape Christianus._]

Mr. _James Hall_, very noted for his Voyages to _Groenland_, (which before was by Captain _Davis_ call’d _Desolation_) at his falling in with that Place nam’d a Head-land from the then King of _Denmark_, _Cape Christianus_, which some think to be no other than _Cape Farewel_.

_Anno 1606._ Mr. _John Knight_ was set out by the King of _Denmark_, of the Passages of whole Voyage little or nothing memorable is recorded.

[Sidenote: _Hudson’s Straight and Bay._]

The next and most famous Attempter in the discovery of the _North-West Passage_, was _Henry Hudson_, who is said to have discover’d farther Northward to the _Pole_ than any before him. From the Year 1607 to 1610 he made several Voyages, being set out by Sir _Thomas Smith_, Sir _Dudley Diggs_, and Mr. _John Wostenholm_, with others that were his great Friends, and Advancers of such publick Designs. In his last Voyage the Isles of _Gods Mercy_, _Prince Henry’s Foreland_, _King James’s Cape_, _Queen Annes Cape_, _Diggs’s Island_, _Cape Wostenholm_, _The King’s Foreland_, _Mount Charles_, _Cape Salisbury_, &c. were first taken notice of and nam’d, and, which were his principal Discoveries, and therefore worthily retaining his Name, _Hudson’s Straight and Bay_; but in his return homeward he was set upon in his Cabbin by one _Green_, _Wilson_, and others of their Conspiracy, and together with his Son _John Hudson_, _Tho. Widdows_, _Arn. Ludlow_, _Sidrach Faner_, and two or three more, was put over into a small Shallop, in which they were forc’d to seek their Fortune, and in all likelihood perish’d, for they were never heard of after. Not long after _Green_ going on Shore upon a strange Island, was shot from an Ambuscade of Salvages into the Heart; the like End had _Wilson_, and three more of the Conspirators dy’d of their mortal Wounds, the rest with much ado got home in a very sick and weak Condition, through the Hardships they had sustain’d, and want of Provisions.

There was also another _Hudson_, who _Anno 1608._ went to the heighth of eighty one Degrees, and gave Names to certain Places, which continue to this day, as _Whale-Bay_, _Hackluit’s Headland_, and _Hudson’s Touches_.

[Sidenote: _Button’s Bay._]

By the Assistance of Prince _Henry_, and those other Noble Persons above mention’d, Captain _Thomas Button_ set out in the Year 1612. and is said to have pass’d _Hudson’s Straight_, and leaving _Hudson’s Bay_ to the South, to have Sail’d two hundred Leagues South-Westward over a Sea above eighty Fathoms deep, which at length he discover’d to be another great Bay, since call’d _Button’s Bay_; He is said also to have discover’d a great Continent, which he call’d _New Wales_.

[Sidenote: _Baffin’s Bay._]

Several other Voyagers there were in this great Attempt of the _North-West Passage_, as Captain _Gibbons_, _Robert Bylot_, _William Baffins_, and Captain _William Hawkridge_, who though they all came short of the main Enterprize, yet every one found out some new Cape, Bay, or Promontory, or open’d a farther Passage than had been before, as _Bylot_ made known _Cape Comfort_; _Baffin_, the Inlet call’d from him _Baffins Bay_, as also Sir _James Lancaster’s Sound_; _Hawkridge_, a farther Passage into _Lumly_’s Inlet.

From the Year 1616. to 1631. the Business slept, and then a Voyage was undertaken by Captain _Luke Fox_, who at his Return gave very good hopes and encouragement, that the Work, so long in prosecution, was not impossible to be effected; nevertheless, by reason of the late troublesom Times it was again wholly laid aside for almost forty years; but in the Year 1668. several Persons of Honor undertook to revive the Work, and so that purpose furnish’d out two Ships, which set forth in _June_, and return’d about the beginning of _October_ the Year following, giving so satisfactory an Account of their Voyage, that in the Year 1670. the same Adventurers thought fit to send out two Ships more, so furnish’d, as to endure a Wintering there, which they did, with greater hopes than ever of finding out the _North-West Passage_, besides a handsom Cargo of rich Furrs, which made it more than a saving Voyage; so that ’tis suppos’d this will not be the last Attempt, but that another will suddenly follow. And it may well be observ’d, that nothing considerable hath been done, in this grand Enterprize, but by the _English_.

_A brief View of what Places are posses’d at this day in the_
West-Indies

_by the_ English, Spaniards, French, Portuguese, _and_ Dutch.

The _English_ possess in _Northern America_, _New England_, the Bay of _Trinity_, _Chincet_, and a part of _Terra Nova_, or _New-found Land_; _Virginia_, part of _Florida_, now call’d _Carolina_, the _Bermudas_, or _Summer-Islands_, _New Holland_, which they took from the _Dutch_ An. 1664. with _New Amsterdam_ and _Fort Orange_; _Terra Mariæ_, or _Mary-Land_, part of the Isles call’d _Lucaies_; among the _Antillæ_ or _Caribbee-Islands_, _Barbados_, _Anguilla_, part of _St. Christophers_, _Montserrat_, _Nieves_ or _Mevis_, _Antego_, _Dominico_, and _St. Vincent_; the Isle of _St. Catherine_, otherwise call’d _Providence_, _Jamaica_, the Isles of _Curacao_ and _Trinity_, several Colonies at _Surinam_ and _Sinamari_, with several Forts upon the Coast of _Guiana_; and lastly, the Haven _Porto Bello_, once the _Spaniards_.