Cosmographie in four bookes : containing the chorographie and historie of the whole vvorld, and all the principall kingdomes, provinces, seas and isles thereof / by Peter Heylyn.

5. CVBA.

CVBA lyeth on the West of Hispaniola, from which parted by a Frith, or narrow Channel, inter∣posed betwixt the two Capes of S. Nicholas, and that of Mayzi. Backed on the North with a frie of Ilands, called the Lucaios, and some part of the Peninsula of Florida; extended towards the East to the extream point or Foreland of Jucutan, called Cape de Gotache, from which distant about 50 Leagues, and neighboured on the South with the Isle of Jamaica.

It is in length from East to VVest, that is to say, from Cape Mazie towards Hispaniola, to the Cape of S. Anthony, 230 Leagues; in breadth where broadest hardly 40, but fifteen in others. For the fertility of the soil contending with Hispaniola for the preheminence; but in the temperature of the Aire a great deal before it. Liberally stored with Ginger, Cassia, Mastick, Aloes, Cinnamon and Su∣gar, (not reckoning such commodities as are common unto this with others) besides great plenty of Flesh, and Fish; and of Fowl no scarcity. The Gold more drossie in the Mine, then in Hispaniola, but the Brass more perfect. Hilly, and full of lofty Mountains; but those Mountains clad with divers trees, some of which drop the purest Rosin, and the Hills sending to the Valleys many notable Rivers. Pester∣ed with many sorts of Serpents, not so much out of any ill condition of the Soyl and Air, as by an old Superstition of the Savages: in former times not suffered to kill them when they might (this be∣ing a Dish reserved for the higher Powers) not able afterwards to destroy them when it would have been suffered.

What other Savage Rites they had, is not now material, the Spaniards having took an Order that they should not trouble us in that particular. Yet thus much we may adde in memory of the first Inhabi∣tants, that an old man of 80 years, one of the Caciques of the Iland, addressed himself unto Colum∣bus at his first coming hither, advising him to use his Fortune with moderation, and to remember that the souls of men have two journeys when they leave this world; the one foul and dark prepared for the injurious and cruel person; the other delectable and pleasant for the men of peace. It is said also of them that they knew not the use of money, nor understood the niceties of Meum and Tuum: Tenants in common to the blessings which the earth brought forth, and Coheirs of Nature.

Amongst the Rarities of this Iland, they mention a Fountain out of which floweth a pitchy substance, which is found frequently on the Seas into which it falleth, excellent for the Calking of ships: Se∣condly, a Navigable River (but the name not told us) the waters of which were so hot, that a man could not endure to hold his hand in them. They tell us also thirdly of a Valley 15 Leagues from S.Jago, which produceth stones exactly round, as if made for pleasure; but yet meerly natural. But these no greater Rarities then in other places: nor altogether so great as in Hispaniola. Of which they tell us of a fair River, whose waters are Salt, and yet none but fresh streams fall into it: Of another Lake (three Leagues in compass) on the top of the Mountains, into which many Rivers were known to run without any Exit. Neither of these so strange or rare as the Cucuyo, a kinde of Scarabe or Beetel: the eyes and wings whereof when opened give so great a light, in the darkest places, that a man may see to read and write by it, as well as by Candle.

Rivers of most note, 1 Cante, much annoyed with Crocodiles (a Beast not common in these Ilands, nor elswhere in this) exceeding dangerous to such as repose themselves on the Banks of the River. 2 A∣rimao, which disburdeneth it self neer the Port of Xagua. 3 Rio de Porcos, full of Rocks and quick∣sands, at the entrances of it. 4 Rio Escondida, passing betwixt Habana, and the Port of Marancas, 5 Marien, and 6 Tanne, of less note: Besides these, there is Xagua, a safe Station and Road for ship∣ping; of a narrow entrance, but large and spacious when once entred, above ten Leagues in length, and of breadth proportionable. So fenced on all sides from the winds, that ships lie here in ••afety with∣out any Anchor. Some other Baies there be as usefull, though not so considerable.

Towns of most consequence, 1 S. Jago in the South part of the Iland, situate about two Leagues from the Main, but in the bottom of a large and capacious Gulf, the most noted Port of all these Seas. Built by Don Diego de Velasques, An 1514. Afterwards made a Bishops See, beautified with a Cathedral; some Religious houses; once not inferiour unto any for numbers of People, though now few enough. 2 Baracao, 30 Leagues on the East of S. Jago, the same Foundation as the other; and neighboured by great quantities of Eben-wood. 3 S. Salvador, by some called Bayamo, according to the old name of the Province in which it standeth; built by Velasco in the most pleasant and richest part of all the Iland; but not so fitly, as the other, for Trade and Merchandise. 4 Porto del Principe, an Haven Town in the North parts: not far from which is the Fountain of a pitchie or bituminous liquor, spoken of before; which I conceive to be much of the same nature with the Fountains of Naphta in the East. 5 Trinidad, another of Velascos foundations, nine or ten leagues Eastward of the Port of Xagua: once well frequented, but now forsaken, and meer nothing. 6 Havana, in the North parts, opposite to Florida, a noted and well traded Port; so strongly situate and fortified both by nature and Art, that it seems impregnable. The Entrances defended with two notable Castles; a greater then either opposite to the mouth of the Haven; all so commodiously built, and well planted with Ord∣nance, that they are able to keep out and scatter the greatest Navy. Neer one of them standeth an high Tower, from the top whereof notice is given unto the Guards, of every ship that cometh within view of the Watchmen. The best assurance, not only of this Iland but the Bay of Mexico; and therefore honoured for the most part with the seat of the Governour, and the greatest Trade of all these Seas: the ships which are bound for Spain from all parts of the Gulf, tarrying here for one another, till all met together, and setting fail from hence by the Streits of Bahama, amongst the Isles of the Lucaios.

This Iland one of the first which was discovered by Columbus: who having almost tired the Spani∣ards with the expectation, first fell upon the Iland of Guahanani, one of the Lacaios, to which he gave the name of S. Saviours. From thence he sailed to Baracoa, on the North of this Iland, which he caused to be called Fernandina, in honour of Ferdinand the Catholick▪ King of Castile and Aragon; at whose charge and the incouragement of Isabella his Heroick Queen, he pursued this enterprise▪ Land∣ing, he asked the People if they knew Cipango (by which name Paulus Venetus calls the Isle of Japan)

and they conceiving that he enquired after Cibao (of great note for the richest Mines in Hispaniola) pointed towards Hayty; some of them going with him to conduct him thither. Cuba by this means laid aside, and all the thoughts of Spain upon Hispaniola, where they found many golden provocations to in∣vite their stay; till hungring after more Gold, and some new Plantations, they passed over hither: and in few years by the prudent conduct of Velasco, got such footing in it, and made that footing good by so many Colonies; that their title and possession was beyond dispute; and so continueth to this day.