THevet calls this Island Dalaca; others, Dalaccia, Delaqua, Delalaca, Dala∣qualacari, and Daleck: It lies below Mazua, a little more Southerly; but by Sanutus set opposite to Mazua; five miles from the Main Land of the Abyssines, in sixteen Degrees North-Latitude, saith Andrew Corsali; but ac∣cording to Huez, in fourteen Degrees and twenty Minutes. Marmol placeth it it eighteen Miles from Mazua, and gives it one City, of the same Name with the Island. Sanutus extends it in compass to eighty Italian miles, four reckon'd to one of the Dutch; but Corsali accounts it twenty French miles.
This Island boasts a healthy Air, and plenty of fresh Water, which hap∣pening very seldom in these Countreys, invites many People thither. 'Tis high and barren, but pleasant, for both the Hills and Dales have lovely Groves of Trees, yielding a delightful shadow, but no Fruit, contrary to Thevet, who makes this Island abound with Oranges and Lemons; adding moreover, that in March the whole Air is perfum'd with a most delicious scent. There grows little Corn or Grain, but what they have (as also Honey, Barley, and Butter) they fetch from the Abyssines; yet they have very fair Pastures, and full of Grass, which feed Cows, Camels, and many Goats.
The Inhabitants, an expert and Warlike People, are either black or tawny of Colour, sowre of Countenance, treacherous and inveterate Enemies of the Turks, against whom they hold Wars continually. They speak distinctly, bear no regard to foreign Merchants; from whom, notwithstanding their most serious engagements, they steal whatever they can meet with.
Their Language is more difficult and obscure than the Turkish, Persian, or Indian; but their Habit, if so we may call it, differs not from the last before∣mention'd.
Their Government seems Monarchical, * 1.1 one Person giving the Rule both to this and the adjacent Islands.