CHAP. CCLXII. Of the Ocean Islands, and the Trade thereof.
BEing entred into these Seas, * 1.1I will begin with the most Northen Islands thereof, and so drawing towards England, the place of our abode, and there determinate my Traffick and pe∣regrination. In the North then the report is credible, that the end of Nature and of the world is, wherein by late discovery are found these Islands: * 1.2first, Sir Hugh Willoughbie's Island, who by his death gave life and knowledge to us of this Island, searching here a new way to China, Cathai, and Moluccos: * 1.3then there is Nova Zembla only discovered, else not famous for any thing. * 1.4Next, Frisland, subject to the King of Denmark, and much frequented by Dutch, Eng∣lish, and French, for fish here taken in great abundance in the Summer season only. * 1.5Then have we Island or Icieland, plentiful in Ling; the chief Towns are Hallen and Schasholton, and subject to the King of Sweden. * 1.6Then Gronland, seated under the Northern cold Zone, where their longest Summers day is three months and a half, abounding in fish, of which there is a Society now incorporated in London, by the name of Greenland Company: the Trade whereof principally consisteth in fishing of Whales for Fins and Oyls, and only lasteth the Summer Season, and no longer, and then they are inforced to return, by reason of the extremity of the cold and Frosts. Now to come out of those cold Seas to the Ocean, as into more temperate Regions, * 1.7I meet in my way with the Orcades, or Isles of Orkney, being 33 in number, * 1.8the principal of which is Pomonia, stored with Tin and Lead; next Hethie; then Shetland, anciently imagined the last Island of the World, and called Thule.
* 1.9Then the Hebrides, which are 44, the prime whereof is Ila, abounding in red Dear. 2. Iona, famous for the Sepulchers of the Scotish Kings. 3. Mula, whose Inhabitants are called the Red∣•…•…nks; the rest of as little note I omit.
* 1.10Then the Sorlings, which are 145. The Principal being Armath, Agnes, Samson, and Silly, the name given to the rest and others.
Here I meet also with 5 Islands, which cannot be comprised within the former account. * 1.11First the Isle of Man, which is ten miles in length, and ten in breadth, abounding in Flax, Hemp, Oats, Barly, and Wheat, and some Cattel; the chief Towns are Ballacuri and Russin, or Castletown.
* 1.12Then appears the Isle of Anglesey, which is accounted a Shire of Wales, in length 24 in bredth 10 miles, and for its abundant fertility in all things, is called by the neighbouring Shires, Mam Cimbri, the Mother of Wales, as having of all food and other provision necessary to preserve the life of man, out of which is yearly sent 3000 head of Cattel to supply the wants of other Countries adjoyning, together with a good quantity of Corn, Butter, Cheese, &c. the same had in times past 300 Towns and Villages, * 1.13now it hath but one of consequence remain∣ing, called Beaumares, commodious for Trade, as commanding a fair, safe, and capacious Haven and Road, to which as being the place of my birth, I owe this grateful remembrance. * 1.14Jarsey is the next, in compass 20 miles; the chief Towns are St. Hillary, and S. Mollo, abounding in sheep &c. * 1.15Then Garnsey, 20 miles distant from Jarsey, rich in good Harbours; the chief Town is St. Peters. * 1.16The last is the Isle of Wight, being 20 miles long, and 12 broad; the prin∣cipal