A prospect of the most famous parts of the vvorld Viz. Asia, 3 Affrica, 5 Europe, 7 America. 9 With these kingdomes therein contained. Grecia, 11 Roman Empire, 13 Germanie, 15 Bohemia, 17 France, 19 Belgia, 21 Spaine, 23 Italie, 25 Hungarie, 27 Denmarke, 29 Poland, 31 Persia, 33 Turkish Empire, 35 Kingdome of China, 37 Tartaria, 39 Sommer Ilands, 41 Civill Warres, in England, Wales, and Ireland. You shall find placed in the beginning of the second booke marked with these [3 asterisks in triangle formation] and (5) together with all the provinces, counties, and shires, contained in that large theator of Great Brittaines empire. / Performed by John Speed.

The Description of the Sommer Ilands, once called the BERMUDAS.

AS it hath pleased God of his especiall grace and mercy to deliver this Nation from that sinke of errours, and supersti∣tious practises wherewith the face of Christendome was overspread: and hath caused the truth of Piety and Re∣ligion to shine amongst us, through the effectuall Ministry of his Word: In so much that there is no Nation in the world, to whom the grace of God hath (in these latter times) more abounded, nor where true Religion hath beene so generally imbraced and maintained, as in this Kingdome: So hath he likewise delivered us from many eminent dangers, and evill practises at home and abroad: hath blessed us with much peace and prosperitie: and moreover, hath honoured us with such notable favours, that the fame of the worthy exploits, and noble attempts of this Nation by Sea and by Land, hath resounded to the glory of his Name, even to the farthest parts of the earth; And I beseech God (in the Name of him in whom alone he is well-pleased) still to continue this his goodnesse towards us, although in these times we have just cause to feare the contrary.

Amongst these latter sort of Benefits which God hath vouch∣safed to this Nation, I meane that magnanimitie and courage, and his divine assistance in the prosecution of so many notable actions, may worthily, in my judgement (though sleighted at by some) be reckoned that noble enterprise, of planting VIR∣GINIA with Christian Religion, and English people. And as he hath manifested his succour and providence many waies, be∣yond expectation, for the advancement of this worke, so not a little in the discovery of the Sommer Ilands: for (to omit other reasons) these are as it were the Key, opening a passage, and ma∣king the way more safe to many parts of this new World, and especially to Virginia: so that if they had been discovered and in∣habited by any such as would oppose the planting of Virginia: It had proved a matter so difficult and dangerous, that in all like∣lihood it had been relinquished ere this time; of these I have exhibited this description, with the relation following.

These Ilands, formerly called the Bermudas, now the Som∣mer Ilands, shunned by Travellers, as most dangerous, and sel∣dome seene by any, except against their wills; reputed to be ra∣ther a hold and habitation of Devils, then any fit place for men to abide in, were discovered in the yeare 1609. in manner follow∣ing, There was at that time eight Ships send by the Adventurers to Virginia, amongst which one of the best and strongest was called the Sea-venture, in burden neere 300. tunne: In this, were their chiefe Commanders, Sir Thomas Gates, & Sir George Som∣mers, and with them about 150. persons. And upon the 25. of Iuly the same yeare, being at Sea, this Ship called the Sea-ven∣ture, was by a fierce and terrible storme separated from the rest of the Fleet: and withall so shaken and torne by violence of the weather, that she sprung a leake: whereat the water came in so fast, that in short time it was seven or eight foot deepe within the hold. Whereupon, for safetie of their shippe and lives, they fell to pumping, and bayling out the water with buc∣kets; and continued their labour for three dayes, and as many nights without intermission. But then perceiving that they availed nothing, the water in this space rather increasing, then any whit abating; Now hopelesse of safety, tyred and out-worne with labour, watching, and discomfort, and desirous to refresh their enfeebled spirits with some little rest before their death; they resolved to cease their labour, and so by consequence per∣mit their ship to sinke. Sir George Sommers sitting day and night all this while upon the Poope, to direct the Shippe as evenly as might be, lest she should be over-turned or swallowed of the waves, espied land, and thereupon called the Company together, and encouraged them again to pumping, and casting out water, by which meanes they kept her up from sinking, and by Gods providence escaped the rocks, till they gat within halfe a mile of the shoare, where she stuck fast betweene two rocks. The extremitie of the storme being then well qualified, they had time to land all their men, most part of their provision, and to save much of their ships tacking and iron-worke before she sanke. And thus it pleased God, by this evill, to bring to light a farre greater good, agreeable to that saying,

Quae latet, in{que} boniscess at non cognita rebus, Apparet virtus, arguitur{que} malis.

Having thus escaped the eminent danger of present death, and all safely arrived: We may well conceive their joy to have beene great, especially when they found there, in great abun∣dance, Fish, Fowle, Hogs, and other things for the sustenance of man, and which they most of all feared, water: but no people, nor any kinde of cattell, except those Hogs, and a few wilde Cats; which in likelihood had swoom a-shore out of some Ship cast away upon the coast, and there encreased. They abode there nine moneths, during which time, with help of such things as they saved of the Sea venture, and of such as they found in the Countrey, they built of Cedar, and rigged fit for the Sea, two Vessels, a Ship and a Pinnace, and upon the tenth of May 1610. departed toward Virginia, leaving onely two men behind them, and carrying with them store of provision for the reliefe of the people there. Vpon the 24. of May, they arrived safely there, and shortly after some of them returned to the Sommer Ilands againe for a further supply, in the same Ship which they had for∣merly built there; where Sir George Sommers dying, his men did not according to his last charge given unto them, returne to Vir∣ginia; but framed their course for England, leaving behind them three men, that stayed voluntarily, who shortly after found in Somerset Iland, which is part of Sandys Tribe, a very great trea∣sure in Amber-greece, to the value of nine or ten thousand pound sterling: there hath also beene found since divers times of the best sort.

This new discovery of the Sommer Ilands, being thus made knowne in England, to the Virginian Company, by these men which returned, they sold to some hundred and twenty persons of the same Company, who obtained a Charter from his Majesty, and so hold it. And toward the latter end of Aprill, 1612. sent thither a ship called the Plough, with some sixty persons, to in∣habite, appointing Governour one Master Richard Moore, a man ingenious and carefull, who since died in Sir Walter Rawleyes last voyage to Guiana, (a place as appeareth by our moderne Geographers, very rich and spatious). But, as I say, he arrived there about the beginning of Iuly, and found the foresaid three men that stayed voluntarily, very well. Master Moore spent three yeares of his government for the most part in fortifying the Country, and trayning the people in martial exercises, which custome hath beene continued by his successours: he built some nine or tenne Forts, placing Ordinance and Munition in them. In his time, the Lord sent upon the Countrey a very grievous scourge and punishment, threatning the utter ruine and desola∣tion of it: That it came from God I need not strive to prove, especially considering it was generally so acknowledged by us at that time: The causes and occasions of it I need not name, being very well knowne to us all that then lived there, which were about 600. persons, though shortly after much diminished. I will onely shew the thing it selfe, which was a wonderfull an∣noyance by silly Rats: These Rats comming at the first out of a Ship, few in number, increased in the space of two year, or lesse, so exceedingly, that they filled not onely those places where they were first landed: But swimming from place to place, spread themselves into all parts of the Countrey. In so much, that there was no Iland, though severed by the Sea from all other Lands, and many miles distant from the Iles where the Rats had their originall, but was pestered with them. They had their nests almost in every tree, and in all places their Burrowes in the ground (like Conies) to harbour in. They spared not the fruits of Plants or Trees, neither the Plants themselves, but eat them up. When we had set our Corne, they would com∣monly come by troupes the night following, or so soone as it began to grow, and digge it up againe. If by diligent watching any of it were preserved till it came to caring, it should then ve∣ry hardly scape them. Yea, it was a difficult matter after we had it in our houses, to save it from them, for they became noysome even to the persons of men. We used all diligence for the de∣stroying of them, nourishing many Cats, wilde and tame, for that purpose; we used Rats-bane, and many times set fire on the Woods, so as the fire might runne halfe a mile or more be∣fore it were extinct: Every man in the Countrey was enjoyned to set twelve Traps, and some of their owne accord set neere a hundred, which they visited twice or thrice in a night. We trayned up our Dogs to hunt them, wherein they grew so ex∣pert, that a good Dog in two or three houres space, would kill fortie or fiftie Rattes, and other meanes we used to destroy them, but could not prevaile, finding them still to encrease a¦gainst us.

And this was the principall cause of the great distresse where∣unto we were driven in the first planting of the Countrey, for these, devouring the fruits of the earth, kept us destitute of bread a yeere, or two; so that, when we had it afterwards again, we were so weaned from it, that we should easily neglect and forget to eate it with our meat. We were also destitute at that time of Boats, and other provision for Fishing. And moreover, M^r. Moore had received warning from England, that he should expect the Spaniard that yeare, yet they came not, but with two Ships, which attempting to come in, and having their Boat be∣fore

[illustration] map of the Bermudas

Mappa AESTIVARUM Insularum alias Bermudas dictarum, ad ostia Mexica∣ni aestuarij iacentium in La∣titudine Graduum 32: mi∣nutorum 25. Ab Anglia. Londino Scilicet versus I•••• notum 3300 Miliaribus Anglicanis, et a Roanoack (qui locus est in Virginia) versus Euro notum 500 Mil. accu〈…〉〈…〉

A Mapp of the SOMMER 〈…〉〈…〉nds once called the ••••rmudas Lying at the mouth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the bay of Mexico in the ••titude of 32. degr. 25. mi: ••••••tant from England viz from ••••••don toward the west south∣••••st 3300. miles And from ••••anoack in Virginia to∣••••rd the east south east ••••0 miles exactlie Surveyed.

them to sound the way, were shot at by the said Master Moore from Kings Castle, and as we supposed one of them stricken thorough, whereupon they presently departed. But (as I say) this expectation of them caused us (though in great neces∣sitie) to hasten the fortifications of the Country. All these joyntly (but principally the Rats) were the causes of our distresse: for being destitute of foode, many died, and we all became very feeble and weake, whereof some being so, would not; others could not stirre abroad to seeke reliefe, but died in their houses: such as went abroad were subject, through weaknesse, to be sud∣denly surprised with a disease we called the Feages, which was neither paine nor sicknesse, but as it were the highest degree of weaknesse, depriving us of power and abilitie for the execution of any bodily exercise, whether it were working, walking, or what else. Being thus taken, if there were any in company that could minister any reliefe, they would straight-wayes recover, otherwise they died there: Yet many after a little rest would be able to walke againe, and then if they found any succour were saved.

About this time, or immediately before, came thither a com∣pany of Ravens, which continued with us all the time of this mortalitie, and then departed. There were not before that time, nor since (so farre as I heare) any more of them seene there. And this, with some other reasons of more moment, moved many to thinke that there were some other Ilands neare the Sommer-Ilands, betweene Virginia, and it; and Master Moore (in his time, with some others of us) went forth in a Boat so farre as then we could conveniently, of purpose to discover it: Since then, it hath been endevoured by others, and is yet (as I heare) to be fur∣ther attempted. And howsoever I am perswaded (for certaine causes which I cannot here relate) there is no such thing; Yet would I not dis-animate any from this enterprise, for if they finde any, their labours will be well recompenced; and though they finde none, yet might they discover those parts so well, that the passage to and from Virginia would be more safe and easie.

But to returne from whence we have digressed: The ex∣tremitie of our distresse beganne to abate a little before Master Moores time of Government was expired, partly by supplies out of England, of victuall and provision for fishing, and partly by that rest and libertie we then obtained, the Countrey being fortified. Yet the Rats encreased and continued almost to the end of Captaine Tuckers time, although he was provident and industrious to destroy them, but toward the end of his time it pleased God (by what meanes it is not well knowne) to take them away, in so much that the wilde Cats and many Dogges which lived on them were famished, and many of them leaving the woods, came downe to the houses, and to such places where they use to garbish their Fish, and became tame. Some have attributed this destruction of them to the encrease of wild Cats, but that is not likely they should be so suddenly encreased ra∣ther at that time, then in the foure yeares before. And the chiefe occasion of this supposition was because they saw such companies of them leave the Woods, and shew themselves for want of food. Others have supposed it to come to passe by the coldnesse of the weather, which notwithstanding is never so great there, as with us in March, nor scarce as it is in Aprill, ex∣cept it be in the winde; besides, the Rats wanted not feathers of young Birds and Chickens which they dayly killed, and of Palmeto Mosse (as we call it) to build themselves warme nests out of the winde, as usually they did. Neither doth it appeare that the cold was so mortall to them, seeing they would ordinarily swim from place to place, and be very fat even in the midst of Winter. It remaineth then, that as we know God doth some∣times effect his will without subordinate and secondary causes, and sometimes against them: So we need not doubt but that in the speedy encrease and spreading of these Vermine; as also, in the preservation of so many of us by such weake meanes as we then enjoyed, and especially in the sodain removall of this great annoyance, there was joyned with, and besides the ordi∣nary and manifest meanes, a more immediate and secret worke of God.

Now to proceed, Master Moores time of government be∣ing expired, Captaine Tucker succeeded, arriving there about mid-May, 1616. who likewise governed (according to the cu∣stome) three yeares; which time he spent, for the most part, in husbanding the Countrey, planting and nourishing all such things as were found either fit for Trade, or for the sustentation and use of the Inhabitants, wherein he travelled with much diligence and good successe, sending to some parts of the Indies for Plants and Fruits: he also added to the fortifications, and made some inclosures. In his time, viz. in the yeare 1617. was sent a Ship and provision, with men of skill, for the killing of Whales; but they arrived there too late, to wit, about the midst of Aprill, so that before they could make ready their Shallops, and fit themselves, the principall season for Whale-fishing was past: For the Whales come thither in Ianuarie, and depart again toward the latter end of May: yet they struck some, but found them so lively, swift, and fierce after they were stricken, that they could take none. They yeeld great store of Oyle, as appeared by one that drave to shoare on Sommerset Iland, in Sandys Tribe: and by another that we found not farre from thence dead upon a Rock.

I also received by Captaine Tucker, directions from the Ad∣venturers to divide the Countrey, and to Assigne to each Ad∣venturer his shares or portion of land: and withall, a description, with notes touching the manner how they would have it done, as they had formerly determined by lot. Which thing I did with all faithfulnesse and diligence, the manner of it doth above appeare, and is more largely manifested in a Booke of the Survey of the Countrey, exhibited to the Right Honoura∣ble his Majesties Councell, and the Court of Adventurers for these parts. And then began this, which was before as it were an unsetled and confused Chaos (I meane as touching a Plan∣tation, for considered onely as a Regiment it was otherwise) to receive a convenient disposition, forme, and order, and to become indeed a Plantation; for though the Countrey was small, yet they could not have beene conveniently disposed and well setled, without a true description and Survey made of it; and againe every man being setled where he might con∣stantly abide, they knew their businesse, and fitted their house∣hold accordingly. They built for themselves and their families, not Tents or Cabins, but more substantiall houses: they cleared their grounds, and planted not onely such things as would yeeld them their fruits in a yeare, or halfe a yeare: but all such too, as would afford them profit after certaine yeares, &c. So that in short time after, even before the expiration of Captaine Tuckers government, the Countrey began to aspire and neerly to approach unto that happinesse and prosperitie wherein now is flourisheth. For may it not justly be accounted happinesse and prosperitie, for men to live where they enjoy the meanes of true religion and salvation, to wit, the sincere ministery of the Word and Sacraments? where the government is good, without rigour and oppression, the place healthfull and tempe∣rate? where they are freed from all extreme care and toyle? where they have food in abundance, and very good, with other things needfull to the body? and where they have commodi∣ties meete for Trade, by which they may better and advance their estates? all which and more is largely verified in the pre∣sent estate of that Colony, whatsoever some maliciously mind∣ed, or to evill ends suborned, may say to the contrary, so that there may seeme to be a restauration of that golden age so much spoken of.

The Governour now there resident, is one Captaine Butler, for Captaine Tucker departing thence in December, 1618. left in his place, Captaine Kendall, (who also was one that supplied the same place in the interim, betweene Master Moores time and Captaine Tuckers) and hath spent some nine or ten years in the Countrey. But in the yeare 1619. about Midsommer, the Ad∣venturers sent thither as Governour for three yeares, (according to the custome) the said Captaine Butler, and foure Ships, with some five hundred persons, there being at that time in the Coun∣trey onely five hundred more: for by the space of foure yeares, to wit, during the later part of Master Moores government, and all the time of Captaine Tuckers, they had sent few thither, be∣ing almost hopelesse of the place, by reason of the Rats: But since there have beene sent many Companies more then have come to my knowledge. In so much that I understand the Coun∣trey is now almost fully Planted and Inhabited.

Thus I have briefly related, (so farre foorth as hath come to my knowledge and remembrance) every thing of most note and im∣portance that hath befallen in the first discovery and planting of these Ilands, till this present. I have laboured to contract my selfe, yet have exceeded my extended limits. Now I must speake something of the Countrey it selfe: which consisteth of a com∣pany of small Ilands, scituate and formed as above appeareth. It lyeth in the Westerne Ocean, in that part of the world lately discovered, and called AMERICA, or the NEVV WORLD, vulgarly, the WEST INDIES: It hath Latitude, or elevation (as is above-said) 32. Degrees 25. minutes, which is almost the same with the Maderaes, or rather more Southward. Now the better to manifest the scituation of it, I have reduced the whole into a narrow roome, placing it, as above appeareth at the Cen∣ter or middle of the Flye or Compasse: and withall have made an appearance of the Sea-coast of VIRGINIA, as also of sundry other places of Note adjacent, according to their true position and distance from it, as neere as I could gather; so that the Com∣passe sheweth how any of those places bear from the SOMMER ILANDS: and if you measure by the parts of the graduated Me∣ridian, from the middle of the Compasse to any of those places, you have their distance. For every Degree is twenty Leagues, or sixtie Miles.

The Countrey is round about environed with Rocks; which to the North-ward, West-ward, & South-West-ward, extend farther then hath beene yet discovered: By reason of these Rockes the Countrey is very strong: For there is onely two places (and scarce two, except to such as know them well) where shipping may safely come in: & those places are very wel

fortified: but within its roome to entertaine a Royall Fleet. The Rockes in most places appeare at a low water: neither are they much covered at a high water; For it ebbs and flowes there, not above five foot. The shore it selfe (for the most part) is a Rock: so hardned by the Sunne, Winde, and Sea, that it is not apt to be worne by the waves; whose violence is also broken by the Rocks, before they come at the shoare. The Mould is of divers co∣lours; neither Clay, nor Sand, but a meane betweene. The Red, which resembleth Clay, is worst; the whitish, resembling Sand, and the blackish Clay, is good: the Brown between them both (which they call white, be∣cause there is mingled with it as it were a white Marle) is best. Vnder the mould two or three foot deepe, and sometimes lesse, is a kinde of white, hard substance, which they call the Rock: the Trees usually fasten their rootes in it; and draw their nourishment from it: Neither is it indeed Rocke or Stone, nor so hard, though for the most part harder then Chalke, nor so white, but Pumice-like and spungie, easily receiving and containing much water: I have seen, in some places, Clay found under it. It seemes to be engendered of the Rain-water, draying through the earth, and drawing with it of his substance, unto a certaine depth where it congeales. The hard∣est kind of it (which is commonly under the red ground) is not so spungie, nor re••••ins much water; but lveth in the ground in Quarries, as it were thick Slates one upon another: & there is some chinks or crevices betwixt one lare and another, through which the water hath passage: so that in such places there is scarce found any fresh water. For all, or the most part of their fresh water (whereof they have good store) cometh out of the Sea; drayn∣ing through the sand, or through the fore said substance, which they call the Rocke, and leaving his salt behinde, it becomes fresh: Sometimes we digged wels of fresh water, within foure or five pases of the Sea-side; some∣times further off. The most part of them would ebbe and flow, as the Sea did, and be levell or little higher then the superficies of the Sea.

The aire is most commonly clear, very temperate, moist, with a moderate heat, very healthfull, and apt for generation and nourishing of all things; so that there is scarce any thing transported from hence thither, but it yeelds a far greater encrease; if it be any living thing, becomes fatter and better-li∣king, then here. By this means the Countrey was so replenished with Hens and Turkies, within the space of three or foure years, that being neglected, many of them forsooke the houses, and became wilde, and so lived in great abundance. The like encrease there is of Hogs and other Cattle, according to their kinds. There seems to be a continuall Spring, which is the cause that some few things come not to that maturity and perfection, as were requisite. And though the Trees doe shed their leaves, yet they are alwayes full of greene. The Corne is the same which they use almost in all parts of the West Indies, to wit, Maiz: which, to such as are used to it, is more hearty and nourishing then our English Wheat, and yeelds a farre greater encrease, as a pound, sometimes, of one or two graines. Of this Corne, and divers other things without either plowing or digging the ground, they have two harvests every yeare: for they set about March, which they gather in Iuly; and again in August, which is ripe in December: And little slips of Fig-trees, and Vines, doe usually beare fruit in lesse then a yeare after they be planted, sometimes in halfe a yeare. The like fertility it hath in other things.

There is scarce at any time to be perceived either frost or snow, nor any extream heat; for there is almost alwaies some wind stirring, which cleareth and cooleth the ayre. Their Summers and Winters observe the same times with ours, but their longest dayes & nights are shorter then ours in England by two houres and almost a halfe: as also their shortest dayes and nights are as much longer then ours: for their longest dayes and nights are about four∣teen houres, and their shortest ten. When it is Noone with us, it is Morning with them; and when it is about five of the clock in the Evening with us, it is high noone with them: so that whilst the Sunne declines with us, it riseth with them, as also it doth in Virginia. It is apt to thunder and lightning all the yeare, oft-times more terrible then in England; but no man, or other li∣ving creature have I knowne hurt by it. There is no venomous creature in the Countrey: the yellow Spider which is there, making her web as it were of silke, and bringing forth her young (as the Alchimists their stone) of Egges like little balls of quick-silver, is not perceived to be any whit veno∣mous. Yet there is a Plant (that clymeth trees like Ivie, the leafe also of the same colour, but in shape like the Vine) that is some-what venomous, but of no great force.

There is great store and variety of Fish, and so good that these parts of the World afford not the like; which being for the most part unknowne to us, each man gave them names as they best liked: As one kind they called Rock-fish, another Groopers, others Progy-fish, Hog-fish, Angel-fish, Ca∣vallyes, Yellow-tayles. Spanish Makarell, Mullets, Breame, Conny-fish, Morrayes, Sting-tayles, Flying fish, &c. The like they did by the Fowle, as Cohooes, Sand Birds, Herons, Duck and Teale, Pemlicoes, Castle∣boobies, Hawkes, &c. The Countrey, when we first began the Plantation, was all over-growne with woods and Plants of severall kinds: and to such kinds as were unknowne to us (which were the most part) we also gave names; such as were known retaining their old names: as Cedars, Palme-toes, Black-wood, White-wood, Yellow-wood, Mulbery-trees, Stopper-trees, Laurell and Olive-trees, Mangrowes, Pepper-trees, Yellow-berry-weed, Red-weed: These and many others, we have naturally growing in the Countrey. But since it hath beene inhabited, there hath beene brought thither, as well from the Indies, as from other parts of the World, sundry other Plants, as Vines of severall kinds, Sugar-canes, Fig-trees, Apple-trees, Oranges, Lymons, Pomegranets, Plantaines, Pines, Parsnips, Raddishes, Artichokes, Potatoes, Cassado, Indico, and many other: In so much that it is now become as it were some specious Garden or Nurcery of many plea∣sant and profitable things.

Now if I should proceed to a more speciall Narration, and speake of all these Plants, Birds, Fishes, and other remarkable things particularly: I could not but be much larger then were any waies expedient in this place. Besides, I have long since understood, that Captaine Butler (the Governour there resident) hath undertaken to write of these and the like things, a peculiar Treatise. This therefore that is spoken touching the nature of the Countrey in generall, shall suffice. Only to give the Reader some taste and satisfaction in that kinde, I will make choyse of two particulars, whereof I will speake, not so largely as the thing requires; but so farre forth as will be meete and convenient in this place. The first shall be the Tortoys, which they call a Turckle: which having some affinity and resemblance with Fishes, Beasts, and Fowles, shall serve in stead of an History of them all. The other shall be that which they call the prickled Peare-tree: which participating in nature, and resembling in some things, Hearbes, and in other, Trees; shall likewise serve in stead of the naturall History of them both.

And first of the Turckle, not regarding (for brevities sake) the large dis∣courses of others; I will onely write what I have seen and known my selfe. They are in the shape of their body like a Crab-fish; and have foure ••innes: they are as great as three or foure men can carry: the upper part of them is covered with a great shell, which we call a galley-patch weighing (as I take it) halfe a hundred weight: that flesh that cleaveth to the inside of this being rosted against the fire, is excellent meat, almost like the marrow of Beefe; but the shell it selfe harder then horne: she hath also a shell on her belly, not so hard, but being boyled it becometh soft like the sinews or gristle of Beefe; and good meat. These live in the Sea, spending the Spring-time, and part of Summer about these Ilands: but the residue of the yeare, we know not where. They are like to Fowle in respect of smalnesse and fashion of their heads and necks: which are wrinckled like a Turkies, but white, and not so sharpe billed. They also breed their young of Egges which they lay. They resemble Beasts, in that their flesh is like Veale, but more hard and solid; and they feed alwaies upon grasse growing at the bottome of the wa∣ter, neither can they abide any longer under water, thē they hold their breath; which the old ones will doe long: but the young ones being chased to and fro, cannot continue two minutes without coming up to breathe. Shortly after their first coming in, the Male and Female couple, which we call coo∣ting; this they continue some three dayes together, during which time, they will scarce separate though a Boat come to them, nor hardly when they are smitten. Not long after, the she-Turckle comes up by night upon some sandy bay; and further up then the water useth to flow, she digges a hole with her finne in the sand, some two foot deepe; and there coming up severall nights layes her egges, some halfe a bushell (which are about the bignesse of a Hens egge, and round as a ball) and each time covers them with sand very curiously; so that a man shall hardly find the place. These egges (as it seemes) are afterwards hatched by heat of the Sun, and then by the pro∣vidence of God (the means as yet unknown to us) are brought out of the earth, for we could never perceive that she returnes any more to them, and yet in likely-hood they remain not long in the earth after they are hatched, because (as I have before said) they cannot live without breathing. We sometimes see of the young ones no bigger then a mans hand, which some fish will devoure. They grow slowly, and seeme to have a very long life; they'le sleepe on the top of the water, and were wont to sleepe often on the land, till the Countrey was peopled; they will also live out of the water some three weeks, and that without meat, but mourne and pine a way; they are wery witty. Being on the land turned upon their backs, they can no more without some helpe or advantage recover themselves; by which means when they come on shore to lay their egges, they are easily taken, as also they are when they are cooting. But otherwise we take them for the most part by night, making a great light in a Boat, to which they will some∣times swim, and seldome shun: so that a man standing ready with a staffe in his hand, which hath at one end a socket, wherein is an Iron lesse then a mans finger, foure-square and sharpe, with a l••ne fastned to it, he striketh this Iron into the upper shell of the Turckle, it sticks so fast, that after she hath a little tyred her selfe by swimming to and fro, she is taken by it. They will live, the head being cut off, foure and twenty houres; so that if you cut the flesh with a knife, or touch it, it will tremble and shrinke away. There is no meat will keepe longer either fresh or salt.

But leaving these, we will now come to speak of the prickled pears, which are a fruit growing in these Ilands, in such places as are scarce fit for any thing else, namely, upon rocks and cliffes, and commonly by the Sea-side, as if the salt water did some-what help to the generation and nourishing of them. The tree seemes to grow certaine yeares before it beares fruit, and then to continue bearing, very many yeares, having almost all the yeare long fruit upon it. And although we call this a tree, yet hath it scarce any bo¦dy or branches, but consisteth in a manner wholly of leaves and fruit, soft and brittle. But because there is a very learned Writer hath made a descrip∣tion (as it may seeme) of this Plant, wherein he hath given some light of that profit and commodity that may arise of it; I have thought good to translate the same into English, and here to insert it, which is as followeth. Card de variet. Rerum.

The Purple or Scarlet dye hath alwaies beene of greatest value, and it is two-fold, to wit, of Wooll, which in times past was thus coloured, with the Iuice of a a 1.1 fish, whereof we have spoken where we treated of fishes. Of late it hath beene dyed with b 1.2 Coccus, whereof we have also spoken in his place. But Silke as we have said, was dyed with cer∣taine knots of c 1.3 Bibenella: though now for the most part with the graine comming of the d 1.4 Indian Fig: heereof we made mention whilst we spake of Aloes, as also

where we spake of Silke dye: It will not be amisse now to gather them both into one. The Indian Fig is so called, because in respect of the forme of the fruit the greatnesse of his leaves it resembleth a Fig: But I will describe it more accurately; for when I was at Genoway, I there saw it at a certaine Physicians house, where also I first saw the Indian Balme. This Indian Fig is called by them of Mexico, where there is great store of them, Nuchtly, ••nd the tree it selfe Nopai: But the Indians of Hispaniola call both the tree and the fruit Tuna. Some also doe account that which they call Py∣thaya, to be of the same kind: because in these two things they agree, name∣ly, in that they have both a very bright red colour, stayning the hands, and colouring the urine, that it seemes to be bloud: they both also have red graines within the fruit as a Fig, and both grow on prickled Plants: but they differ in the fruit; that which they call Pythaya, is not crowned as the other which they call Tuna is: but in form resembleth a Quince, being of a bloud red-colour, and a very hard rynde.

The Plant therefore that bears the foresaid fruit, called Tuna or Nuchtly, hath his leaves a foot long, and halfe a foot broad, and neare an Inch thick, very green and full of long stiff▪ prickles, almost of an ash colour. The best fruit are those which are white, next, those which are yellow; in the next place those which are of changeable colour: the last and worst sort of these * 1.5 are those which are greene, and any of these sorts are usually eaten without feare.

The fruit it selfe is very like a * 1.6 Fig, as well in respect of the limmernesse and softnesse of the rynde, as also in forme or shape, save that it is somewhat longer: and hath as it were a crown on the top, like Medlars.

The leaves grow one out

[illustration]

of another without any stalke: and out of the sides of the leaves growes the fruit, without stalks also, and without such Thorns as are on the leaves. Some tast like pears, some like grapes, and have within them those graynes which (as I have said) they use for the dying of Silke. This fruit doth coole as doth the juyce of their leaves, which they use for water. The leaves therefore (as it is evident) are likened to Fig-tree leaves, onely in respect of their greatnesse: the fruit it selfe is likened to a Fig, in respect of the thicknesse and softnesse of the rynde, and because of the graynes within it; and hence it hath beene fitly called the Indian Fig. Now whether Silke be dyed of these graynes alone, or that some other things be used with them, it imports not much, seeing we intend not so much to teach the ad∣juncts of this or that particular, which are subject to alteration and change, but rather the things themselves, according to their causes and reasons, which are unchangeable: for all things by tract of time, and many things by the diversitie of Countries are altered; yet the reason still remaineth. As if any thing else should retaine this bright red colour, and be also in sub∣stance somewhat subtill and condensate: Then having strength and efficacy it shall be fit for the dying of Silke, or Wooll. But if this Plant could be produced * 1.7 here, it would prove a thing of marveilous profit: for they dye with this Drug, not silke alone, but likewise wooll, calling it a Crimson or Scarlet dye.

This his description of the Indian Fig called, as it seemes by the Indians, in some places, Tuna, in others Nuchtly, exactly agreeth with that fruit w^ch in the Sommer Islands we call the prickled Peare: Neither is there any such difference as can make them appeare to be of divers kinds. I understand that the like fruit is also growing in Virginia, I have seene of the leaves of this tree, being full of great prickles, hanged round about the wals of a Storehouse to preserve the Come that was therein the Rats: which after a moneth or two dropping downe, have againe grown and produced other trees by the wals side. The leaves are full of Iuyce, cleare and clammy as the whites of Egges. Now touching the dying of Silke or Scarlet with this fruit I have known no tryall to be made: but this light being given, I doubt not but some will exercise their skill that wayes: Two things are herein requisite, first that it may have his perfect maturity and ripenesse; and then that it be used in such manner, and with such materials as are conveni∣ent: whether Arsnick, Allome, Tartar, alias Argoll, Wormeseed, the scum of Sope, the water of Bran, or what else: and yet perchance the diversity of Regions may make all frustrate. For I have found by experience setting the seeds here in England, the Plant to degenerate so much that it could scarce be known from a Thistle. Much more might be spoken hereof, which I let passe, that I might draw to an end.

Now because (as I have before said) these Islands may seeme, as well in the strange manner of their discovery as in respect of their strength and sci∣tuation, to be ordained and reserved by the providence of God, not so much for themselves (being small) as for the more easie and commodious plan∣ting of other parts of this new World; and especially of Virginia. And be∣cause by the wisdome and discretion of his Majesties Counsell for that place, it hath beene lately ordered and foreseene that the Sommer Islands might have some necessary coherence, and as it were dependancy upon Vir∣ginia, (so that looke how much land any man doth properly possesse in the Sommer Islands, he hath at least foure times so much in Virginia) the care al∣so and oversight of them both being committed to the right Honorable the Earle of Southampton: (whose Honorable affection and endevours as they have every way appeared for the good of this Common-wealth, so par∣ticularly in the government of these affaires: Insomuch that they are on a sudden growne to thrice so great strength and prosperity as formerly they had.) I say for these causes, having my selfe spent certaine years in the one place, and being sometimes conversant with such as have lived in the other, I think it fit to expresse my opinion truly as I am perswaded of these Plan∣tations, and so explaining it by two or three arguments to conclude. I say therefore the Countries being free to be possessed, affording things meete for houshold provision and trade, and being also healthfull and agreeable to the constitutions of our Country-men; all which of the one I know and can affirme, and of the other understand no lesse: the planting of them (besides the benefit of the adventurers) must needs adde much to the strength, pro∣speritie and glory of this Kingdome, would prove a singular benefit to the native Inhabitants of Virginia; and also to such our Country-men as should goe over, and in all tend to the glory of God. For first, touching such as goe over. It is not unknowne that amongst other things wherein God hath prospered our Nation, this is one: that he hath caused us to multiply and en∣crease exceedingly; Insomuch that his blessing pronounced touching the Iews, that their children should say, Isa. 40.20. The place is straight for me, give place to me that I may dwell, may seeme after a sort to be verified & ac∣complished in us at this day: so that although many thousands were aspared, the land would remain abundantly replenished: w^ch being so, if such as lack meanes here (as many doe) to support the charges incident to themselves and their families, in such sort as were requisite, to goe over thither; they are forth-with endowed with lands and employments, whence through their industrie they may raise their estates. And it is certaine there are very few there, but they maintaine themselves farre better, and with lesse care and pains then they did or could doe here. Againe, if they be such as have meanes to purchase land there, and transport servants at their own charge, they have in their lands large penny-worths, and for their servants many profitable employments. Secondly, the benefit that should redound to the native Inhabitants of Virginia is very great, whilst by this meanes they might in time be reclaimed from their rude conditions, and savage kind of life, to more humanity and knowledge, being instructed in Arts and Occu∣pations; and furnished with sundry instruments, so necessary in humane Societies, that without them we could not well subsist: and finally be re∣duced to a more civill and orderly forme of government. But chiefly and in the first place, those silly creatures sitting now in darknesse, and in the sha∣dow of death: might be delivered from darknes to light, & from the power and tyranny of Satan, unto God, by faith in Christ. Lastly, as it would adde much to the fame and glory of this Kingdome, so would it to the strength and prosperitie thereof: whilst we might be served from thence with sundry commodities which we now obtaine from other places with the exporting and diverting hence an infinite treasure, and that many times to the enriching of the enemies of our State and Religion: as Currants, and other fruit, Oyles, Gummes, Cotten-wooll, Sugar, Rich Furres, Caviary and Cordage, Masts, Plancks, Boards, Pitch, Tarre, Pot-ashes, and Sope-ashes, Hempe, Flax, Iron, Salt, Silkes, Woad, Madder, Indico, and other Drugs for Dyes, and Physick, &c. For it is not to be doubted, but these and the like things doe cost this Kingdome yearely many Millions of wealth. Some men will say, though these things or any them were brought us from these Plantations, yet would there be little saved to this Common-wealth, because they would and in equitie might expect to receive their price for them; but the difference is very great: First, because we might have them from thence at lower Rates, the voyage being shorter and lesse dangerous then in any of the others: Secondly the customes and other duties which we now pay in Forraine Countries would there be saved; for though they were as great as they are in those countries, yet would they wholly redound to the benefit of his Majestie, and consequently to the good of this King∣dome: Thirdly, forasmuch as those which are Adventurers thither, live and have their estates here in Englaud, & condition with such as they send over at their charge upon their lands, to receive from them the ratable moyetie of all such profits as shall be raised on their lands: It is evident that a great part of those commodities would be brought in without any charge to this Kingdome, whilst there should be neither money, nor wares exported for them: And so they would become as it were the naturall commodities of our owne Countrey. Moreover the Planters there are our Countrey-men, members of the same Common-wealth with us: who may no doubt in short time deserve of the Indians so well, in the things before mentioned, and succouring them in their wants, &c. as may move them freely without compulsion or injury, to resigne themselves to his Majesties protection and government. And many other benefits are like to arise of this worthy acti∣on, which might stirre up forwardnesse in the prosecution of it. But let this suffice to be spoken in this place.

Notes

• a 1.1

  There is in the Sommer Ilands (as I have seene, to the West-ward of Port-royall) such a kind of fish yeelding a purple Iuice•• but I do not so well remem∣ber it as to set down certainly whether it be the purple fish be here speakes of.
• b 1.2

  This seemeth to be of a kind of Palme, but much different from the Palmetoes that are in the Som••er Ilands.
• c 1.3

  He meanes not Cutchene••e which is a flye brought from the Indies, without heads; but lit∣tle wormes, breeding on the roote of a Plant called Bibenella.
• d 1.4

  This is that we call the prickled peare.
• * 1.5

  There are only of these two last 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the Sommer Ilands.
• * 1.6

  You must understand it to be meant whilst the Figs are on the trees.
• * 1.7

  He speakes of Italy.