An account of several late voyages & discoveries to the south and north towards the Streights of Magellan, the South Seas, the vast tracts of land beyond Hollandia Nova &c. : also towards Nova Zembla, Greenland or Spitsberg, Groynland or Engrondland, &c. / by Sir John Narborough, Captain Jasmen Tasman, Captain John Wood, and Frederick Marten of Hamburgh ; to which are annexed a large introduction and supplement, giving an account of other navigations to those regions of the globe, the whole illustrated with charts and figures.

A SUPPLEMENT To Capt. Wood's and Marten's North-east Voyages, &c.

CHERRY- and other Islands.

OUR Men conceive Greenland to be broken ken Land, or a great number of Islands at least, very near to one another. On the West side they discovered as far as 82 deg. the most Northerly Point they called Point Purchas, there they found very many Islands, which they thought not worthy to give Names to, being careful only to take notice of those six or eight Harbours which were commodious for their Fishing. On the East side, they went no farther than 78 deg. be∣cause the Dutch disturbed their Trading on that side. There are also many Islands, some of which are named, as Hope-Island, discovered in 1613▪ which may be that the Dutch call Wil∣loughby's-land, or John Mayen's Island, though in∣deed it corresponds well to neither; but rather to the later. I belongeth to Greenland, and is

but a small Island, and lies North-east and South-west; whereas the Country Sir H. Wil∣loughby landed upon, was a large Countrey, (inasmuch as he sailed many days by the side of it) and lies North and South, which must be Greenland. Edges-Island was discovered 1616, by Capt. T. Edge, who had made that Voyage ten times. Wyches-Island (so called from a Gen∣tleman of that Name) was found out 1617, but there being nothing remarkable come to our knowledge concerning these, we pass them over. Only it is worth noting, that both the Whale and Morss-fishing was known and pra∣ctised 800 years ago, as appears by the Relation which Octber the Norwegian made to his. Lord Alfred King of England; where he also saith, that the Morsses were hunted for their Teeth, which were mightily esteemed.

Cherry-Island, when first discovered I know not, but it received not its Name, nor was known to be of any profit till 1603, when a Ship set out at the charges of Sir Franc•••• Cherry touched upon it, and found there some Lead, and a Morsses Tooth; but stayed not to fish, because the year was too far spent. However, they called it (in honour of Sir Franc••s Cherry, for whose use they took possession of it)Cherry∣Island.

In 1604. a Ship set sail (Mr. Welden the Mer∣chant, and Stephen Bennet the Master) from Lon∣don, April 15, and arrived at Cola in Lapland May I. They stayed in Lapland till July 1. and July 8, they came in sight of Cherry; and they came to an Anchor on the South-south-east side, but, because of the Stream, could not land: so that they sailed round about the Isle, and at length anchored two miles from the Shore.

Going on Land, one of them with his 〈…〉〈…〉 as many Fowl as almost laded their Boat. July 9. they found on Shore nothing but store of Foxes; that part of the Island was in 74 deg. 45 min. July 10. they weighed Anchor, and stood into another Bay, and came to an Anchor in eight fathoms, where they saw an incredible number of Morsses swimming in the Sea. Coming to shore, they espied a vast company of them lying on the Ground; they shot at them with three Guns they carried with them, but with all their Weapons they could kill but fifteen of above 1000, that lay there like Hogs huddling together on heaps, but they found as many Teeth as filled an Hogshead. Before the 13th, they killed near 100 more, making use only of their Teeth.

In 1605, the same persons went again, arri∣ving there July 2. They went on Shore, and July 6. slew abundance of Morsses, and not only with Shot, as they did the year before, but with Launces dexterously used, directing them to certain places of their Bodies; they began also to boil their Blubber, and made ele∣ven Tuns of Oyl, (five of their Bellies will yield one Hogshead) and abundance of Teeth. Here also they found a Lead-mine under Mount∣misery, and brought away about Thirty Tun of the Oar.

In 1606. the same Ship with the same Per∣sons was sent again, and landed July 3, in 74 deg. 55 min. where they stayed till the Ice was all cleared; for the Morsses will not come to Shore till the Ice be all vanished, where, at one time in six hours, they slew betwixt Seven and Eight Hundred Morsses, and Two great

〈…〉〈…〉 they made 22 Tuns of Oyl, and 〈…〉〈…〉 Hogsheads of Teeth.

In 1608. June 21, was so hot that the melted ••itch ran down the sides of their Ship: 〈…〉〈…〉 hours time they slew above 900 Morsses, making 〈…〉〈…〉 Tuns of Oyl, and above 2 Hogsheads of Teeth, besides 40 more. They took alive into their Ship two young Morsses, a Male and Female; the Female died, the Male lived ten weeks in England, where they taught it many things.

In 1610 at another Voyage with two Ships, they killed many Bears, and saw divers young ones, no bigger than young Lambs, very gamesome and lusty; they brought-two of them into England. Much Fowl also they slew, and many Seals; and June 15 set up an Ensign in token of possession of the Island for the Muscovia Company: in Gull Island they found three Lead mines, and a Coal-mine on the North side of the Island. Three Ships more also came to fish at Cherry-Island, they kil∣led 500 Morsses at one time, at other times near 300 more, one Man killing 40 with his Launce at one days hunting.

The Morss, Walrush, Horse-whale, Rosma∣rus, or Sea-horse, (for so he is by the Ancients often called, though of late they have discove∣red another Fish not unlike him, with streight Teeth, which they call the Sea-horse) hath a Skin like a Sea-calf, (with short and sad yellow Fur) a Mouth like a Lion; if any, hardly di∣scernable, Ears, yet they hear well, and are frighted with noise; (which also is said of the Whale, that he is driven away with the sound of a Trumpet) large Breast, short Thighs, four Feet, and upon each Foot five Toes with short sharp

Nails, with which they climb the Ice; and as large as a great Ox, having a great semicircular Tusk growing on each side of their upper Jaw, which are very much valued, especially by the Northern People, partly for their uses in Medi∣cines, as to make Cramp-rings, (which they make also of the Bristles upon his Cheeks) to resist Poison, and other malignant Diseases, wherein they are at least equal to that called the Unicorn's Horn; but more for their Beau∣try, which is equal to, if not surpassing Ivory. The heaviness of it makes it much sought after for Handles of Swords. Their Skins, being dressed, are thicker than two Ox-hides, yet light, and excellent to make Targets against Darts and Arrows of the Savages. They feed upon Fish and Herbs, and sleep, if there be Ice, upon that; where if surprized, the female casts her young ones (of which she hath commonly two at a time) into the Sea, and her self after them, swimming away with them in her Arms; and if provoked, after she hath secured them, returning many times to set upon the Boat, in∣to which if she can fasten her Teeth, she will easily sink it. But if they be farther from the Water, they all arise up together, and with their weight and force falling upon the Ice, endea∣vour to break it; as they did when surprized by Jonas Pool 1610, where himself and divers of his Men escaped drowning very narrowly; one of them being in the Sea, the Morsses set upon him with their Teeth, but with very great labour and hazard of his company he escaped Death, though sore wounded. Frequently also they sleep on the shore, and if they have con∣venience, upon an high and steep place. They always go in great companies, and set one to

keep watch; which if surprized asleep, 'tis an easie matter to kill all the rest; but if he give warning by grunting, they clap their hinder Feet under their two Tusks, and so roll into the Sea. But if they be caught on plain ground, yet are they hardly slain, being both strong and fierce, and all hasting one way to the Water. The Dutch at first were very much troubled to kill them, their Shot the Beast valued not much, their Hatchets and Half-pikes would not pierce them; nor did they think they could be killed, except struck with great force in the midst of the Forehead. The first time they set upon them, of 200 they could not kill one, but went for their Ordnance to shoot them. Our Men, after a little experience, found the way to di∣spatch them with Javelins, as is before rehearsed.

Some imagine this to be John Mayen's Island, but it seems rather that is not; for the Nor∣thermost point of that is in 71 d. 23 m. whereas this is 74 d. 55 m. except the Dutch be not so accurate in their Observations and Calculations as were to be wish'd, which I much suspect, v. Nova-Zembla. Besides, Cherry-Island is round, not frequented with Whales, but Morsses. Our Men also have travelled it on Foot from North to South, which on Mayen's Island cannot be done; and though they tell many particulars of the place, yet they never mention the great Beerenberg. Hope-Island indeed is a long Island, lies much what as they say of Mayen's, and hath been visited by the Whale-fishers, but it is more North than they place their Island. The itch of ascribing Discoveries to themselves hath brought (as I fear) Confusion both in this and many other matters of this nature.

JOHN MAYEN's Island.

JObn Mayen's Island, so called from the name of the first Discoverer, (as the Dutch pretend) seems by the English to be called Hope-Island, or if not, I know not whether the English have been upon it. It seems not to be of any great consequence, all that is spoken of it being that it extends in length from South-west to North-east The farther it shoots out in length, the more contracted and narrower it grows in breadth; so that in the middle the distance is very small between both Shores. Before the Whale-fishing was removed to Greenland, in the Summer-time this Island was much frequented by the Seamen whom Trade invited thither; and the Island was well known to most of the Northern Adventurers of Europe; but since the Whales have deserted those Shores, and have removed their Sea-quarters farther to the North, the Seamen and Fishermen have been forced to follow their Prey to Greenland. For it seems the Whales, either weary of the place, or sensible of their own danger, do often change their Har∣bours. In the Spring time the western side of the Island is not so much enclosed with Ice, as that which lies in the North, where it runs out into the Sea, with a sharp point behind the Moun∣tain of Bears; for on this side, all the year long, the Ice never removes from the Shore, above ten miles; and in the Spring time so besieges it, that there is no passage through it. For which reason the Mariners, who are bound for this Island, use all the care they can to avoid the

Eastern, and to make directly to the Western Shore, there to lye while the Fishing-season con∣tinues; if by miscarriage they come upon the East-side, they are then forced to fetch a com∣pass about the North part of the Island, where∣by they are not only exposed to the terrible winds that blow off from Bears-Mountain, but also to the dangers of the floating Ice: for here the Sea flows from South to North, and ebbs from North to South. At the Northern end of the Island appears the Bears-Mountain, of a prodigious height, and so perpendicularly steep, that it is impossible to climb to the top of it. This Mountain, from the Bears there frequently seen, called Beerenberg or the Bears-Mountain, at the bottom takes up the whole space beween the Eastern and the Western Shore; on the North side it leaves a little room for leveller ground to the Ocean; and being of prodigious height, may be descryed 30 miles off at Sea.

The Sea-coast lies thus: 1. Noords-hoeck, or the Northern Angle, is the extream point shooting out to the North. 2. Oosthoeck is the most Eastern point. Ysbergh, mark'd 1, 2, 3, are three Mountains of Ice, or rather vast heaps of con∣gealed Snow, which dissolved by the heat of the Sun, falls from the top of Bears-Mountain, but upon the Sun's retiring freezes again. 3. Zuydoost-hoeck is the South-east Angle. From this point the Shore extends itself from East to West to a little Island, and then winds again to the West and South; in some places not passa∣ble by reason of its steepness, in others smooth enough. 4. Cleyn Sand-bay or Little Sand-bay, Eyerland, or Eggland, being certain Rocks full of Birds; here, about a Musket shot from the shore, the Sea is 60 fathom deep, and a little far∣ther,

[illustration]

The Habits of the Gronelanders. Supplem^t. Tab: R. Pag. 187.

the sounding line will not reach to the bottom. 5. Groote Hoot-bay or great Wood-bay, by reason of the great pieces of rotten Timber, that are there found. In this, which is the nar∣rowest part of the Island, are certain Mountains not very steep, from the top whereof any per∣son calling them that stand upon either shore, may be heard by both 6. Cleyn Hoot-bay, or Little Wood-bay. 7. English Bay, and several others, to which the Dutch have given such Names as they thought fit.

GRONELAND.

CAlled also Groenland, Groinland, and more anciently Engroenland, lies (as the Islan∣ders say) like an Half-moon about the North of their Countrey, at the distance of four days sailing. But it seems not to lye so much East, but rather on the North of America. From Cape Farewell, in 60 deg. 30 min. on the South, it is unknown to how many degrees in the North. The East and West are encompass'd by two great. Oceans, but at what degrees of Longitude is not yet discover'd. Only Mr. Fotherby found it near the Coast of Groneland, in 71 deg. and the South of Greenland to be above two hundred Laeagues.

It is said to have been discovered first by a Norwegian Gentleman, whose Name was Eric Rotcop, or Red Head; who having committed a Murther in Iseland, to save his Life, resolved a adventure to andother Country, whereof he had

heard some obscure flying Reports. He succee∣ded so well, that he arrived in a safe Harbour called Sandstasm, lying between two Mountai∣nous Promontories; the one upon an Island over against Groneland, which he called H••idser∣ken, on Wbite Sbirs, because of the Snow upon it: the other on the Continent, called Huarf Eric. He winter'd in the Island, but when the season suffer'd pass'd into the Continent: which because of its greenness and flourishing he called Groneland. Thence he sent his Son to Ola•••• Trugger King of Norway, to get his Pardon, which was easily granted, when he was inform'd by him of this new Discovery. Whereupon divers Gentlemen adventur'd to plant there, who multiplying, not long after divided the whole Country into the Easten and Western, and built two Cities, Garde and Albe. In Albe was a Bishop's See, and a Cathedral Church dedica∣ted to St. Anthony; the Seat also of the Viceroy sent thither from time to time by the Norwegian. They write also of a great Monastery called of St. Thomas, wherein was a Spring, whose Water was so hot, that it dressed all their Meat; and being conveyed into the Cells and other Rooms in Pipes, heated all the Monastery as if it had been so many Stoves. They say also, that this Monastery is built all of Pumice-stones, and that this hot Water falling upon them, mixeth with the outer parts, and produces a sort of clammy matter, which serves instead of Lime.

But what the Norwegians conquered or pos∣sessed in this Country was an inconsiderable corner of that large Continent. Themselves mention a Nation, whom they call Skrelingers, to have inhabited in the middle of the Land,

but what they were we know not. But whe∣ther their Paucity exposed them to the merci∣lesness of the Natives, or whether it were an Epidemical Disease, which they called the black Plague, which swept away not only most of that Nation in Groneland, but also the Mer∣chants and Meriners in Norway, that maintai∣ned that Traffick; or whether it were some other Reason, which is now forgotten: so it is, that since 1349, little Intelligence hath descen∣ded to us concerning Groneland, till seeking the North-west passage to China, occasioned more knowledge of it. In 1389. they say, that the King of Denmark sent a Fleet thither, with in∣tention to re-establish his Dominion in those parts; but that being cast away, discouraged him from any further Enterprize; till new of late Christian IV. renewed somewhat again of that Navigation, of which by and by. In 1406. the Bishop of Drontheim sent a Priest (called Andreas) to succeed Henry Bishop of Garda, if dead; if alive, to return and bring notice of the stute of the Church there. But Andreas never came back; nor hath there been since any further care taken to supply Bishops, or maintain Christianity there. There is a Relation in Purchas's Pilgrim, par. 3. of one Ivor Boty a Gronelander, translated 1560, out of the Norweighish Language, which gives a suffici∣ently particular account of all the places in that Country inhabited by Christians, but nothing besides.

The occasion of our Voyages to those Coast was to find out a way to China, &c. by the North-west, which had been fruitlesly sought toward the North-east.

The first whom we read to have searched the North-west for a passage, was Martyn Frobisher, who in 1576, with two Barks coming to the height of 62 deg. found a great Inlet, called by him Forbisher's Straits, whereinto having sailed 60 leagues with main Land on either side, re∣turned. He found there a certain Oar, which he conceived to be of Gold; and the next year he made a second Voyage to fetch a quantity of it, but it proving to be nothing but black Lead, answer'd not expectation; yet they found a Silver Mine, which lay so deep and fast in the Rocks, that they could not dig it. They melted Gold also, but in very small quantities, out of several Stones they found there upon Smith's Isle. They found also a dead Fish, of about twelve foot long, not unlike in shape to a Porpoise, having an Horn six foot long (such as is commonly called Unicorn's Horn) growing out of his Snout, which is still kept at Windsor. In 1578. he went out again upon a Discove∣ry, wherein passing as far as he thought good, he took possession of the Land in the name of Queen Elizabeth, calling it Meta incognita.

In 1583. Sir Humphrey Gilbert upon the same design went to the great River of St. Lawrence, in Canada, took possession of the Countrey, and setled a Fishing-trade there. This Voyage I suppose was made upon suggestion of a Greek Mariner, who assured some of our Nation, that himself had passed a great Strait, North of Vir∣ginia, from the West or South Ocean, and offe∣red to be Pilot for the Discovery, but died be∣fore he came into England.

In 1585. Mr. John Davis was employ•••• with two Barks to the same search. The first Land he came to, he named the Land of Desolation, and is one part of Groneland; then he arrived in 64 deg. 15 min. in Gilbert's Sound, where they found a great quantity of that Oar which Frobisher brought into England, and also Lapis Specularis. Thence they went to 66 deg. 40 min. to Mount Raleigh, Totness Sound, &c. where they saw some few low Shrubs, but nothing else worth noting.

In 1586. he made a second Voyage to the same place, where he found amongst the Na∣tives Copper Oar, as also black and red Copper. Thence they searched many places Westward, and returned with good hopes of discovering the desired passage.

In 1587. he made a third Voyage, to 72 deg. 12 min. the Compass varying to 82 deg. West∣ward, the Land they called London-Coast; and there they found an open Sea, and forty leagues between Land and Land, thinking this to be the most likely place to find the passage; and it was from him called Fretum Davis.

Thus from time to time proceeded the disco∣very of these Countries, but now not upon hopes of a passage to the Indies, but for the pro∣fit of Trading; till Mr. Hudson, in 1610, after he was satisfied that there was no passage North∣easterly, was sent to make a Tryal here also. He proceeded an hundred leagues farther than any before had done; and gave Names to certain places, as Desire-provokes, Isle of God's Mercies,

Prince Henry's Cape, King James's Cape, Queen Ann's Cape, and the like; but the Ice hindered him from going further, and the Sedition of his Men from returning home.

In 1612. James Hall returning into England, and with him Willian Baffin, who discovored Cockin's Sound, in-the height of 65 deg. 20 min. which differed in Longitude from London 60 deg. 30 min. Westward. They saw also the footing of a great Beast they supposed in Elk, or the like. James Hall was killed in the Boat by a Native pretending to trade with them. They tryed the Mine at Cunningham's River, which the Danes had digged before, and found it to be nothing worth. There were Rocks of very pure Stone, finer and whiter that Alabaster, and Angelica growing plentifully in many places, which the Savages use to eat.

In 1615. Mr. Baffin was sent again; he found Fair-Point to differ in Longitude from London 74 deg. and 5. min. Westward. But the chief thing they discover'd was, that there was no passage in the North of Davis Straits, it being no other than a great Bay; but that profit might be made by fishing for Whales, Morsses, and Unicorns, of which there are good store.

In 1616. Mr. Baffin went again. In Sir Tho. Smith's Sound, 78 deg. Lat. their Compass va∣ried 56 deg. Westward, the greatest variation that is any where known. Despairing to disco∣ver their desired North-west passage, they retur∣ned home, and since that we hear of no more Voyages made from England upon that design, except by Capt. James, in 1631.

This Ingenious and most Skilful Navigator, Capt. Theo. James was pester'd with much Ice in these North-west Seas in June and July, sailing from Cape-Farewell, by the Island of Reso∣lution, to Mill's and Nottingham Isles, as also that call'd Mansfield, from whence he steer'd over a great Bay to the Westward, near Port-Nelson, and named the Land New South-Wales. He met hereabouts with Capt. Fox, in one of his Majesty's Ships, who had been in Port-Nelson, but they were soon parted by bad weather. Capt. James continued to roving up and down these Seas, and giving Names to his Discoveries, as Cape Henrietta Maria, Lord Weston's Island, The Earl of Bristol's Island, Sir Thomas Roe's Island, Earl of Danby's Island, Charlton Island, where he winter'd in the Lat. of 52 deg. 03 min. from whence he returned home in 1632. having built a little Pinnace out of his Ship, in which he passed over to Cary's Swans-Nest, and so by Cape Charles and Salisbury-Isle homewards, ha∣ving made many additional Discoveries beyond Hudson, Button, and Baffin.

This Island (saith Capt. James) and all the rest (as well as the Main) is a light white Sand, cover'd over with a white Moss, and full of Shrubs and low Bushes, excepting some bare Hills and Patches, where the Sand will drive with the Wind like Dust. 'Tis full of Trees, as Spruce Firrs, and Juniper, which together with the Moss will take fire like Torches or Flax. We found great store of an Herb like Scurvy-grass, which boil'd, did extreamly refresh us. We saw some Deer, abundance of Foxes, a few Bears, and some little Beasts. In May there came some Fowl, as Ducks and Geese; white

Partridges we saw; Fish we could never see any in the Sea, nor any Bones of Fish on the Shore side, excepting a few Cockle-shells. The Muskitoes upon our coming away in July were most intolerable, there being no Fence against them. The Climate (of the Isle of Charleton) is most unnatural, the Days in Summer being ex∣cessive hot, and the Nights sharp Frosts, even to an inch thickness in the Ponds, and all this in June and July. Here are divers sorts of Flies, as Butter-flies, Butchers-flies, Horse-flies, infi∣nite numbers of Ants and Frogs, plenty of Vetches, which recover'd our Scorbutick Men. And yet that which is most wonderful, the Winter is as severe here as in any place lying 30 degrees more Northerly.

The King of Denmark also, partly to advance the Trading of his own, and partly to renew his ancient Pretence to that Country, if any thing should be discover'd worth the claiming, whilst the English were busie in these Discove∣ries, set out two Ships and a Pinnace 1605. the Admiral was Capt. John Cunningham a Scot, Godske Lindenaw a noble Dane was Vice Admi∣ral, the chief Pilots were James Hall and John Knight, Englishmen. Godske arrived on some part of the Countrey where he traffick'd some small matters with the Natives, took two of them, and returned into Denmark. The other two Ships arrived at Cape Farewell, thence went to Frobisher's Straits, gave Danish Names to divers places, traded with the Natives, of whom they brought away three, and found certain Stones in a place called Cunningham's Ford, out of an hundred pound of which were extracted twenty-six ounces of fine Silver.

In 1606. he sent again four Ships and a Pin∣nace, Godske Lindenaw Admiral, and James Hall Pilot-General, they brought away five of the Natives.

In 1607. James Hall was sent again, but the Seamen mutining as soon as he came to the Coast, brought the Ship back again into Den∣mark, without any thing done.

The King of Denmark set out two Ships more, under Christian Richardson an Holsteiner, with Norwegian and Iselandish Mariners, who re∣turned before they saw Shore. More of their Expeditions we know not, till 1619, when he sent out John Munck with two Ships. They ar∣rived safe at Cape Farewell 60 deg. 30 min. where their Tackle was so frozen, and full of Isicles, that they could not handle them; the next day was so hot; that they could not endure their Clothes, but wrought in their shirts. The South part of Hudson's Bay he called Mare No∣vum; that part towards Groneland, Mare Chri∣stianum. He arriv'd in 63 deg. 20 min. where he winter'd, and called it Munck's Winter-harbour, and the Country New Denmark, (it seems to be near Digg's Island.) In that long Winter he there endured, little of note happen'd, but that in April it rained, and then came thither vast quantities of Fowls, of divers sorts, to breed in those quiet, undisturbed places. Of all his Company, which was forty-six in one Ship, and sixteen in the Pinnace, scarce so many were left alive, as were able to bring the Pin∣nace thorow very horrid dangers, to their own Country.

If any one desire to know what became of the eight Gronelanders brought at several times into Denmark, the account is this: The King commanded great care should be taken of them, appointed certain persons to attend them, to give them liberty enough, so as they prevented their escape. No Necessary or Convenience was wanting; their Food such as they could eat, Milk, Butter, Cheese, Flesh, and Fish, but raw. They could eat no Bread, nor boil'd Meat, but nothing so much abhorr'd by them as Wine, or Brandy. Their pleasantest Beuvrage was Train-Oyl. But whatever was done to, or for them, could never take away that Melancholy and Chagrin which they continually lived in for the want of their beloved Country. They could never be brought to learn much of the Danish Language, or to apprehend any thing of Christian Religion. Three of them were sent back towards their own Country 1606. the most towardly and hopeful, who might serve for In∣terpreters and Brokers to the Danes; but two of them, Oxo and Omeg, died in the Ship, and the third (because the Danes durst not land or trade by reason of the great numbers of Natives that appeared in Arms on the Coast, ready to re∣venge them that had been before carried away) was brought back into Denmark, to his former Treatment. An Ambassador arriving there from Spain, the King was pleased to shew him those Savages, and their dexterity in rowing, which was by all the Spectators admired. The Ambassador sending them Money, one of them had the courage to buy him Clothes after the Danish Fashion, got a Feather in his Cap, Boots and Spurs, and all things ala cavaliere; he came

also to the King, and desired to serve him; but this fervor was quickly decay'd, and the poor man returned to his sadness and complaints. Some of them endeavoured to get to Sea in their little Boats, but being retrieved, dyed of Me∣lancholy. Two lived divers years at Koldingen in Jutland, where they were employ'd in diving for Pearl-Muscles; in which their skill and dexterity was such, that every one that saw them believed they had practised the same employ∣ment in their own Country. Such fuccess they had, that the Governour promised himself great Profit thereby; and that in a short time he should sell Pearls by the quart, if they continued. But his Covetousness destroyed his Gain; for not content with what they fished in Summer, he also compelled them under the Ice in Win∣ter time; where one of them fell into such a Disease, from the cold so contracted, that he dyed. After whose death the other never en∣joyed himself; but finding an opportunity, he got his little Boat, and before he was overtaken got to the main Sea. But being brought back, they represented to him the impossibility of his ever getting home to Groneland; but he slighted their Advice, and told them, That he intended to go northward so far, and when he was there the Stars would direct him into his own Country.

The Country is mostly all High-land and Mountains, cover'd with Snow all the Year, but the southern parts more than the northern. They have very little or no Wood growing there, except some few Bushes, and not many Plants or Herbs; consequently not many Beasts

there nourished, but their chief subsistence is upon Fishing. There are divers Mountains, which promise rich Mines of Metal; and some have been found to contain it actually, others only to make a shew. The Inhabitants know neither sowing nor planting; tho' the Soil seem'd to be fertile and pleasant, especially be∣tween the Mountains. The northern parts, by reason of the terrible Ice and Cold, are wholly undiscover'd; the southern consist of many Islands, different in shapes and bigness: which seems to be the reason, that in these Seas are many various and strong currents, and (as Ivor Boty saith) very many dangerous Whirlpools towards the West and North, none of which however have been found by our Mariners. The Country seems much subject to Earth∣quakes, else very healthful; only it was obser∣ved, that those who went thither infected with any Venereal Disease grew worse immediately, and could not there be cured. Which they at∣tributed to the purity of the Air, perhaps they might have done it more rationally to the Cold.

Ivor Boty speaks much also of their great numbers of Cows and Sheep; but our Men found no Beasts there, but Bears, Foxes, (very many of which are black) Rain-Deer, and Dogs, whereof are two sorts, a bigger, which they use to draw their Sleds; and a lesser, which they feed for their Tables. Our Men observed this peculiarity both in their Foxes and Dogs, that their Pizzles were of Bone. Tho' it is very likely, that there are the same sorts which are in Lapland and Sam••ieda; but

our Men have not searched any more than the Shores, both because of their short stay, and the Treachery of the Inhabitants.

Of Fishes there is great both Plenty and Va∣riety, Whales, Seals Dog-••ish; but in these are caught the greatest quantity of Sea Unicorns, whose Horns are so much esteemed, and kept as Rarities in the Cabinets of Princes. The Natives here are so well stored with it, that they have sufficient both for truck and their own use. They make of them (besides other Utensils) Swords, and Heads for their Darts and Arrows; which they work and grind with Stones, till they make them as sharp-piercing as ours. This Horn grows in the Snout of the Fish, and is his Weapon, wherewith he fears not to fight the Whale, and to assault and some∣times endanger a Ship. The Fish itself is as large as an Ox, very strong, swift, and hard to be caught, except left on the Shore by the Tide, or entangled by the Weeds.

Fowls are here in great abundance and varie∣ty. Our Men have seen those they call Bass-Geese, or such as once a year come to breed in the Bass, a famous Rock or Island near Edin∣burgh. The Natives also have a very great Art and Dexterity in making and setting Snares and Springs to catch them; which they do chiefly for their Skins and Feathers. Two or three of our Men with their Guns killed in one day Fifteen hundred, and found them worse tasted, but better clothed than those of the same kind in these Countries; they could not eat them till ••••ay'd, their Skins being very thick, tough,

and more cover'd with Feathers; which also were not easily pluck'd off; which is the reason that the Natives dress their Skins as they do those of Beasts, and Seals, and make Garments of them, using them to all purposes like other Furrs; with the Feathers outward in Summer, inward in Winter: which is also observed in all other cold Countries, as well as Groneland.

All Persons, that have been there, give a wonderful and strange account of a certain North-light, as they call it, not easily conceived by them who have not seen it. It appears usu∣ally about the time of the new Moon, and tho' only in the North, yet doth it enlighten the whole Country: sometimes also Norway, Iseland, and even these Regions of ours, as Gassendus (vita Piresk, & exercit. In Doctorem Flud) saith, himself observed, and at large describes. Nor should I much doubt to affirm, that it is that which is sometimes seen in England, and especi∣ally in the Northern parts, call'd Streaming. It is said to be like a great Pillar (or Beam) of Fire, yet darting out Rays and Streams every way, moving also from place to place, and lea∣ving behind it a Mist or Cloud; continuing also till the Sun-beams hide it.

The Country seems to be inhabited by di∣vers Nations, differing in habit, manners, and language. Those whom James Hall found and brought with him, differed much from those with whom Gotske Lindenaw had to do. That part which the Norwegians are said to have an∣ciently possessed, was an inconsiderable part of that whole Country, and they found several

Nations there besides themselves; govern'd by several Kings; tho' they write not, that they had Wars one with another, but only against them. Our late Discoverers in 66 deg. 50 min. found a Country which the Natives (as they could understand them) called Secanunga, who also said, that they had a great King, carried upon Mens Shoulders, and they called him Ca∣chico. But more particulars than these, I find not.

The Inhabitants are generally of a low sta∣ture, black hair, flat nos'd, broad fac'd, lips tur∣ned up, and of a ripe Olive colour, some of them also quite black. Their Women (for their greater ornament doubtless) stain their saces in blew, and sometimes in black streaks, which colour they let into the Skin, by pricking it with a sharp Bone, that it will never be taken nor worn out. In all things they resemble the Samoieds and Laplanders. They are very active and strong, yet could some of our English run swifter, and leap farther than any of them; but they were hard enough for any of ours at wrastling. They are also very couragious, and sometimes desperate; for rather than be taken by our Men, they would throw themselves down the Rocks and Mountains. Extreamly thievish, treacherous, and revengeful they pro∣ved; nor could any kindness or fair-dealing win them; but as true Barbarians, never omit∣ted any opportunity of fulfilling their Desires; they would steal when they saw the Mariners look upon them. After they had been well used and treated at their Tables, they would shoot at, sling Stones, wound and kill our Men,

if they could. Yet are they apprehensive enough, and quickly conceive yours, and ex∣press their own meaning. If they had not seen what was asked them, they winked, or cover'd their Eyes; if they understood not, stopt their Ears, and the like. They delight exceedingly in Musick, to which they would keep time both with their voice, hands, and feet: wonderful also affectionate one to another, and to their Country. In one Voyage there went a Danish Mariner, with black hair, flat nos'd, and other, though not very exact, resemblances of a Grone∣lander; as soon as they saw him, they came about him, kissed him, hung upon him, and shewed to him all possible demonstrations of Kindness and Affection. And those who were in Denmark never enjoy'd themselves, nor had any content, but continually pined away, and languish'd with Discontent for their condition, and love of their country. Their Religion, such as it is, seems to be unto the Sun; for when our People invited them to conversation, bartering, &c. they held up their hands towards the Sun, and cried ••otan; nor would they come near us, till our men had done the like. But John Munck, and divers others, having gone farther into the country, found images, such as we make of Devils, with horns, beaks, claws, cloven feet, &c very ill made; Altars also and quantities of Bones of Beasts, as of Deer, Foxes, Dogs, and the like, near unto them. They seem also, as all Idolaters, given to Enchant∣ments and Sorceries. Our men have seen them lying flat upon the Earth, and muttering their Prayers or Charms into the Ground, worship∣ing the Devil, whose proper habitation they

conceive to be under them. In some Diseases they tye a stick to a great stone, to which they pay their Devotions; and if they can lift it up easily and lightly, they think their Prayers are heard, and Recovery granted. In Winter they retire from the Sea side, unto the warmer Val∣leys, where they have their Houses and Towns, which are commonly Caves at the foot of an hill, round like an Oven, close to one another, and passage in the inner parts from one to ano∣ther; their Doors, which are low and round, open to the south; and they dig trenches also to draw away the water that falls or drains from the hill. The entrance, and some part of their house, stands without the cave, which they frame very handsomly and commodiously of the ribs of Whales join'd artificially at the top, and cover'd with Seals skins. They raise also one part of their floor higher than another, which they strow with moss to sleep upon. But in their fishing-time they have Tents, which they remove from place to place in their larger Boats. They set up four Poles, and cover them with Skins, which serves very well in summer: when fishing is done, they return with them to their Houses. Their manner of bartering, is to make two heaps, one of such things as they desire, the other of what they would part with; and they cease not to take away from the one or other, till the Trade is ballanced. The chiefest things of our which they valued▪ were Knives, Needles, little pieces of ••oon, Looking glasses, &c. for these they would sell their; B••wg and Arrows; their Boaid, and s••rip bhem?sewes of their Clothes, but never, like some other Barba∣rians, sell their Wives and Children.

Their clothing is either of Birds-skins, with the Feathers and Down upon them, or Seals, Dogfish, or the like. Seals they use most in their fishing, because that fish there abounds, and are easily deceived, by seeing one clad▪ in their own Livery: besides, that these kind of Furs are not so apt to be wet, though dip'd in Water. They wear the hair sides outward in summer, inward in winter, and in great colds carry two or more suits one upon another. They dress their Skins very well, making them dry, soft, and durable, and sow them also very strong with Sinews of Beasts, and Needles made of Fish∣bones.

But in nothing do they shew so much Art, as in their Boats or Canoes. They are made of that we call Whalebone, about in inch thick and broad, and these not set like ribs, but all along from prow to poop, fast sowed to one another with strong Sinews, and covered over with Seals-skin. They are from ten to twenty foot long, and about two foot broad, made like a Weaver's Shutle, sharp at both ends, so that he can row either way; and in making this pointedness they are of all things most curious, for therein consists the strength of their Vessel. In the middle of it are the ribs, both to keep the sides asunder, and to make the hole in the covering, wherein the Rower sits. They have a deck made of the same materials, which is closely fasten'd to the sides, in the midst where∣of is a round hole, as big as the middle of a Man; so that when he goes to Sea, he sets himself in that hole, stretching out his feet for¦ward

into the hollow of the Boat; he stops up the hole so close with his frock, or loose upper garment, that no water can enter, tho' it were in the bottom of the Sea. His frock is strait tyed at the hand-wrists, and to his neck, and his capouch sowed also close to it; so that if the Boat be overturned or overwhelmed in the Sea, he rises up again, without any wet either upon his Skin or in his Boat. They have but one Oar, which is about six foot long, with a paddle six inches broad at either end; this serves him both to ballance his Boat and move it; which he doth with that incredible sceleri∣ty, that one of our Boats with ten Oars is not able to keep company with them: The Danish relation saith, that they rowed so swift, that they even dazled the Eyes of the Spectators; and tho' they crossed frequently, yet never in∣terfered or hit one another.

Their fishing ordinarily is darting; their darts are long, strongly barbed, and at the other end have Bladders fastened to them, that when they have struck the Fish, he may spend himself with strugling to get under water, which yet he can∣not do, and so is easily taken.

Besides these, they have greater Boats for the removing their Tents and other Utensils, as also to carry their Fish they have caught to their Houses; these are thirty and forty foot long, and have sometimes ten, and sometimes more seats for Rowers. Cardinal Bembus (in his Ve∣netian History) saith, that in his time one of these, with seven Persons in it, was by storm cast upon the coast of Britany. I know not whether

it be worth mentioning, that they have Kettles and Pans made of Stone (some say of Load∣stone) that endures the fire wonderfully, but not having tools fit to hollow them sufficiently, they make up the edges of Whalebone.

FREESLAND, or FRISELAND,

LIeth in 60 deg. more westerly than any part of Europe: distant from Iseland leagues. It is reported in bigness not to be much lesser than England; a ragged and high land, the mountains cover'd with snow, and the coast so full of drift Ice, that it is almost inaccessible.

It was first discovered to us by Nicolao and Antonio Zani, two Venetian Gentlemen, that were here shipwrack'd. They describe the Inhabi∣tants to be good Christians, very civil, and to be governed by a great Lord whose Name was Zichmay, whose mighty conquests, and strange accidents may be read in Hackluit. It is not our business to write or repeat Romances. Those men whom our Seamen (touching there accidently) saw, were like in all things to the Gronelanders, both in features of body, and man∣ner of living, as much as they could judge; so like, that many of them thought it continued to Groneland; in which opinion also they were confirm'd by the multitudes of the Islands of ice,

which coming from the north, argued land to be that way: for many of our Mariners hold, that salt water doth not freeze, but that all the Ice they find in the Sea comes from the Bays, and mouths of fresh-water Rivers; for the ice it self is sweet and fresh, being dissolved, and serves to all purposes, as well as Spring or River water. Besides, the salt Sea (they say) is always in motion, and so cannot freeze. But the Dutch, who winter'd in Nova Zembla, took notice, that the salt water freez'd, and that two inches thick in one night.

There seems to be good fishing every where upon the coast. In their soundings they brought up a sort of pale Coral, and little Stones clear as Crystal. They call'd it West England, and one of the highest mountains they called Charing-Cross.

THE END.

Notes

• Northern Islands.
• Hope-Island.
• Edges-Island.
• Wyches-Island.
• Cherry-Island.
• Morss∣fishing.
• Morsses.
• The Name and Situa∣tion.
• Ancient Discoveries
• By the Norwegians.
• Later Dis∣coveries by the English.
• Sir Martin Frobisher.
• Sir Hum. Gilbert.
• Mr. Davi••
• Mr. Hud∣son.
• James Hall.
• Mr. Baffin.
• By the Danes.
• Gronelan∣ders in Denmark.
• The Soil, &c. of Groneland
• Beasts.
• Fishes.
• Fowls.
• Of the North light
• Division of the Country.
• Inhabitants
• Their Cloa∣thing.
• Their Boats
• Their Fish∣ing.
• Its Disco∣veries.