ANEW
VOYAGE
DESCRIPTION
ISTHMUS of AMERICA
Giving an Account of the
Author's Abode there,
The Form and Make of the Country, the Coajls,
Hills, Rivers, Sec. Woods, Soil, Weather, &c. Trees *
Fruit, Beafls, Birds, Fijh, Sec.
The Indian Inhabitants, their Features, Complexion,
&c, their Manners, Cuftoms, Employments,
Marriages, Feafts, Hunting, Computation,
Language, &e.
With Remarkable Occurrences in the South-Sea and
elfewhere.
By LIONEL WAFER.
The Thirp Edition,
To which arc added,
The Natural History of thofe PARTS,
By a Fellow of the Royal Society :
AND
Davis* s Expedition to the Gold Mines, in 1702,
' Illuftrated with fever al COPPER-PLATES.
LONDON,
printed for James John Knap ton, at the
Crown in St, Paul's Church- Yard. Mpccxxix*
fffffffffffffffffffffff
To His Grace
JOHN Duke of Marlborough, Mar que fs
of Blanford, Earl of Marlborough, Baron
Churchill of Sandridge, and Lord Churchill
of Aymouth in Scotland, Captain-General of
Her Majeftys Forces Mafier-General of the
Ordinance^ Her Majeftys Ambajfador Ex-
traordinary to the States-General, One of
Her Majeftfs moft Honourable Trivy-Coun-
cily and Knight of the moft Noble Order
of the Garter.
May it pleafe Tour Grace,
TH E enfuing Treatife, is a Second Edition of
my Account of the Ifthmus of Darien^ with
Additions \ which I publilh at this Time,
not fo much becaufe the firft Impreflion is wholly
fold off, as chiefly to give Oceafion to the Miniftry
(whereof your Grace holds no fmall Share) to
think of making a Settlement on one of the moft va-
luable Spots of Ground in the World, thereby ei-
ther to enhaunce a Part of the Mines, which are
lodg'd in its Bowejs, or entirely to banifh thence
the Enemy, who is now poflefs'd of them befides,
that by fuch a Settlement, a free Paffage by Land
from the Atlantkk to the South-Sea might eafily be
effe&ed, which would be of the gceateft Confe-
rence tp the Ea!t-India Trade,
264 The Dedication.
The Mifcarriage, My Lord, of the Scots in
this Defign, can be no Difcouragement to England*
confidering that we have at Hand, within our own
Plantations, Provifions, and every Thing ufeful for
Subfiftence, which they wanted : And their Efcapes
will furnifh us with Precautions, by which we may
avoid their Misfortunes. I can afTure your Grace,
that a Friendfhip may be eafily cultivated with
the Natives* who are entirely in our Intereft. And
befides the peculiar Advantage of fuch a Settle-
ment, England would derive by their Vicinity to
Portobel* and Carthagena* a ready Sale for their
Slaves brought from the Coaft of Africa.
T h e French* My Lord, being now our Rivals
for this Settlement, it highly imports England to
prevent them, by endeavouring to become Mailers
of this Neck of Land, of which being once pofief-
fed, they may command thofe inexhauftible Trea-
sures, which at Pleafure give either Peace or War.
And how eafily that might be effected,' will
eafily appear, if your Grace will be but pleas'd
to take Notice, with how little Difficulty Captain
Rafh and his AfTociates made themfelves Mafters of
all thofe Mines with a Handful of Men, and in a
very inconfiderable Space of Time, according to
the particular Relation given of that Expedition,
jtnferted by Mr. Davis at the End of this Book.
Tis true, my Lord, they had a pretty uneafy
Paffage through thofe Rivers, Woods and Moun-
tains in the By-ways, by which the Smallnefs of
their Number obligM them to march, the better to
prevent a Difcovery. But if their Forces had been
more confiderable, they would haye kin under nq
Neceffity of taking fuch troublefome Precautions';
and thereby would feavc avoided the jnanifold
Toils
The Dedication.
Toils and Fatigues to which they happen'd to be
expos'd.
The High-Poft of Honour your Grace now
enjoys, and whereto your Merits do fo juftly en-
title you, has given me the Boldnefs to fhelter this
fmall Work under your Grace's Name believ-
ing it Natural for your Grace to make a right
Judgment, whether the Thing herein recommended
be well grounded, and will anfwer the End pro-
pofed.
I a m not infenfible, My Lord, that this Ad-
drefs is as much a Preface as a Dedication ; but con-
fidering that your Grace's Hours are not to be
taken up with Trifles, I was the eafier led to give
your Grace, at one View, my main Defign in
this Publication.
I humbly beg your Grace, to vouchfafe
the Honour of your Protection to my plain and ho-
neft Intentions, for the Welfare and Advantage
pf my Country, being with all imaginable Refped^
May itpleafe your Grace, .
Tour Graces moft Humble,
and moft Devoted Servant \
Lionel Wafer.
TO
%66
•fcil&4»** i$?.«&j*S»t tSfce&t «&a$>j. e&it&j tAatifooA* o&afo
TO THE
I READER.
THE Defign of this Second Publication of my
Defcription of the Ifthmus of Darien, Im-
proved with a Late Expedition to the Gold-
Mines, fince the Beginning of the prefent War \ and
alfo with the Natural Hiftory pf thofe Parts giving
an Account of feveral Beafts, Birds, Fifties, Rep-
tiles, &c. and particularly many Trees, Shrubs and
Herbs, with their refpettive Names, Ufes and Virtues \
communicated by a Fellow of the Royal Society, being
only to reprefent to the World, how far it would be
the Intereft cf England to make an Eftablifhment upon
that Continent ; the Product of whofe Bowels enriches
the other 'Three Parts of the World. Becaufe I am un-
willing to weary the Reader with a tedious Difcourfe
upon this Subjeff, I [hall only tell him, in few Words ,
that if I plainly demonftrate the Thing might be very
taftly effected, and that the Advantages that would
thereby accrue to the Nation, would more than anfwer
their Charges, I think there will remain but little to be
faid again]} fo glorious an Undertaking.
"Thai fuch a Thing might be fuccefsfully performed by
the Englifh in this prefent Conjuncture and that they
would eajfly be able to maintain the?nfelves in the Pojfef
fion of that valuable Conqueft, notzvithjlanding the
greateft Efforts that the French could be able to make a-
gair/i them, can farce well be denied by any Man that
he $t the Pains to confider% that we bem^ vafly fa
periour-
The P R E F A C E.
periour to them by Sea, whatever Number of Land-
Forces they might be in a Condition to [pare from Eu-
rope, 'tis our own Fault if ever they tranfport them
thither. And as to the Number of Men that fuch an
Expedition would require of us, confidering the favou-
rable Difpofition of the Indians (who are entirely our
Friends) and the Weaknefs andDivifions of our Enemies^
the Spaniards, / believe it needed 'not be fo confederablt
as fome People are apt to apprehend,
For the American Spaniards, accuftomed only to do*
mineer and tyrannize their miferable Slaves, have now
langui/h9d fuch a confiderable iime in Sloth and Idlenefs^
that it would require fome Tears to innure them to the
Hardfhips and Fatigues of War : And under their pre-
fent Circumftances, who knows but we might find them
lefs averfe to give the Englilh a kind Reception than
we are now aware of?
'The Vicinity of the Englifh Colonies to the Spanifh.
in America would render it an eafy Matter to them to
fupport one another upon all Occafions\ though the Be-
nefits that the Kingdom would thereby reap, be in them-
fehes apparent, beyond all Poffibility of Contradiction.
1* o conclude : I fhall only defire all Men of Senfe and
Judgment to confider how much the Intereft of England
would be advanced in Europe by the Addition of the
Spanifh Weft-Indies, to their other Acquifitions in
America ; fince thereby the common Enemies would be
deprived of the mofi certain Fund they have for carrying
on the War. In a Word ; the Difficulty and Ex pence
are not at all, by any reafonable Man, to be brought in
Competition with the Glory and Advantage of fuch an
Expedition.
As to the Book it [elf, though it partly bears the
Flame of Voyages, you are not to expert a compleat
Journal, or Hiftorical Account of all Occurrences in the
Scene of my T ravels, but principally as particular a De~
fcription as I could give, of the Ifthmus of Darien„
where -f was left amongfi thf wild Indians : For in the
precedent
The *P R E FACE.
Precedent and fubfequent Relations , I have only briefly
represented the Courfe of my Voyages, that the Reader
might not be deprived of the Pleafure of knowing by
what Adventure I happened to fall into that Country y
and how I found Means to make my Efcape out of it.
There now remains but one Thing to be faid % and
that is, to tell you, that I think it very convenient to
take this Opportunity of vindicating my felf to the
Worlds concerning fome Circum/lances in the Relation I
have given of the Indian way of conjuring ( called by
them Pawawing) and of the White Indians ; at which
fever al of the moft e?ninent Men of the Nation feem'd ve-
ry much ftartled. But I hope that the Teftimony of all
the Scotch Gentlemen and others, who have been there
jince me, will be looked upon by all good Men, as a fuffi-
dent Authority to confirm the Truth of what I have af
feried concerning thofe Matters \ fince none of the?n9
neither by their Writings, nor otherway, have contra-
dialed me but, on the contrary 9 confirmed what I
have faid in every Article, which has been no fmall Sa-
tisfakion to me. And Mr, Davis likewife {who is the
jiuihor of theforefaid Relation of the Late Expedition
to the Gold Mines ) deft red me, in a late Conference I
had with him, to acquaint the JVorld, that if the faid
Relation had not been printed off before I talked with
him about it, he would himfelf have given a large Ac-
count of it ; declaring, that the Pawawing of the Indi-*
ans that followed Don Pedro in thai Expedition,
was the principal Reafon that indue' d fome of the Eng-
lifh, who were more Juperftitious than others, to leave
the Mines much fooner than they at firft intended to have
done ; becaufe the Uneafinefs in which the Indians then
feemed to be, made them likewife apprehenjjve of fome
extraordinary Danger from the Spaniards,
$6?
Mr. WaferV Voyages \ and
Defcription of the Ifthmus of
America.
MY firft going abroad was in the Great Annerht A's
of London, Capt. Zachary Browne Comman-fifftVoy*
der, bound for Bantam in the Ifle of Java, a8e#
in the Eajl-Indies ; in the Year 1677. I was in the
Service of the Surgeon of the Ship ; but being then
very young, I made no great Obfervations in that
Voyage. My Stay at Bantam was not above a Bantam*
Month, we being fent from thence to Jamby in
the Ifle of Sumatra. At that Time there was a
War between the Malayans of Iihor on the Promon- nh0r.
tary of Malacca, and thofe of Jamby ; and a Fleet Malacca.
of Proe's from Iihor block5d up the Mouth of the
River of Jamby. The Town of Jamby is about 100 jamby*
Mile up the River : But within 4 or 5 Mile of the
Sea, it hath a Port Town on the River, confiding
of about 15 or 20 Houfes, built on Pofts, as the
Fafhion of that Country is : The Name of this
Port is ^uolla ; though this feems rather an Apella-^y^
tive than a proper Name, for they generally call a
Port Quolla : And 'tis ufual with our Englifh Sea-
men in thofe Parts, when they have been at a Land-
ing-place, to fay they have been at the Quolla, call-
ing it fo in Imitation of the Natives \ as the Portu-
gueze call their Landing-places, Barcadero's. This Barcadero*
"War was fome Hindrance to our Trade there ; and
we were forc'd to ftay about 4 Months in the Road,
before we could get in our Lading ©f Pepper : And
thence
270 Mr. WAFERS Voyages, &c
thence we returned to Bantam, to take in the reft: of
our Lading. While I was afliore there, the Ship
fail'd for England: So I got a Paflage home in ano-
ther Ship, the Bombay, Capt. White Commander ;
who being Chief Mate, fucceeded Capt. Bennet,
who dy'd in the Voyage.
The A's I arrived in England again in the Year 1679. and
zd.Voy- after about a Month's Stay, T entred my felt on a
a*e' 2d Voyage, in a VefTel commanded by Capt. Buck*
enham, bound for the JVeft-Indies. I was there alfo
in the Service of the Surgeon of the Ship : But when
Jamaica, we came to Jamaica, the Seafon of Sugars being not
yet come, the Captain was willing to make a lhort
Voyage, in the mean while to the Bay of Campeachy,
to fetch Logwood : But having no Mind to go fur-
ther with him, I ftaid in Jamaica. It proved well
for me that I did fo ; for in that Expedition, the
Captain was taken by the Spaniards, and carried
Prifoner to Mexico : Where one Rujfel faw him, who
was then alfo a Prifoner there, and after made his
capt. Efcape. He told me he faw Capt. Buckenham, with
Bucken- a Log chain'd to his Leg, and a Basket at his Back,
Wortunt drying Bread about the Streets for a Baker his Ma-
tter. The Spaniards would never confent to the
ranfoming him, though he was a Gentleman who
had Friends of a conliderable Fortune, and would
have given them a very large Sum of Mony.
I had a Brother in Jamaica, who was imployed
under Sir Thomas Muddiford, in his Plantation at the
The An- Angels : And my chief Inducement in undertaking
geU Plan- this Voyage was to fee him. I ftaid fome time with
- and he fettled me in a Houfe at Port-Royal,
Al where I followed my Bufinefs of Surgery for fome
Months. But in a while I met with Capt. Cook, and
Capt. Linch, 2 Privateers who were going out from
Cartagena Port-Royal, toward the Coaft of Cartagena, and
took me along with them. We met other Priva-
teers, on that Coaft \ but being parted from them
by
Mr. WAFERS Voyages, &c 27 i
by Strefs of Weather about Golden- Ijland, in the
Samballoe's, we ftood away to the Bafti?nentoys, Golden-u
where we met them again, and feveral others, who
had been at the taking of Portobel, and were rendef- JJJJjW
vouzed there* Here I firft met with Mr, Dampier, Mr. Dam*
and was with him in the Expedition into the S. Seas. pier.
For in fhort, having mufter'd up our Forces at
Golden-IJland, and landed on the Ilihmus, we march'd iflhmus^
over Land, and took Santa Maria ; and made thofe Santa
Excurfions into the S. Seas, which Mr. Ringrofe re-
lates in the 44th Part of the Hijlory of the Bucca- Hift. of
fliers. the Buc.
Mr. Dampier has told, in his Introduction to hisMr.D*^
Voyage Round the World, in what Manner the Com-^*r-
pany divided with Reference to Capt. Sharp. I wascapt*
of Mr. Dampier 's Side in that Matter, and of thenar/.
Number of thofe who chofe rather to return in
Boats to the Ifthmus, and go back again a toilfome jfihmusl
Journey over Land, than ftay under a Captain in
whom we experienced neither Courage nor Condudt.
He hath given alfo an Account of what befel us in
that Return, till fuch Time as by the Carelefsnefs of
our Company, my Knee was fo fcorch'd with Gun-
powder, that after a few Days further March, I was
left behind among the Wild- Indians, in the Ifthmus
of Darien.
It was the 5th Day of our Journey when this Ac-^c a:
cident befel me-, being alfo the 5th of May, in theieftinthe
Year 1 68 1 . I was fitting on the Ground near one ifibmus.
of our Men, who was drying of Gun-powder, in a
Silver Plate : But not managing it as he fhould, it
blew up and fcorch'd my Knee to that Degree, that His Kne^
the Bone was left bare, the Flefh being torn away, ^mrxU , -
and my Thigh burnt for a great Way above it. I
apply ed to it immediately fuch Remedies as I had
in my Knapfack : And being unwilling to be left be-
hind my Companions, I made hard Shift to jog on,
and bear them Company for a few Days j during
which
27z Mr. W A F E R's Voyages, &c:
which our Slaves ran away from us, afid among
them a Negro whom the Company had allow'd
me for my particular Attendant, to carry my Me-
dicines. He took them away with him, together
with the reft of my Things, and thereby left me
deprived of wherewithal to drefs my Sore ; inio-
much that my Pain increafing upon me, and being
not able to trudge it further through Rivers and
Woods, I took leave of my Company, and fet up
my Reft among the Darien Indians.
This was on the ioth Day ; and there ftaid with
R.Gopfon. me Mr. Richard Go pfon, who had ferved an Ap-
prenticelhip to a Druggift in London. He was an
ingenious Man, and a good Scholar he had with
him a Greek Teftament which he frequently read,
and would tranflate extempore into Englifh to fuch of
the Company as were difpos'd to hear him. Ano-
y. Ring- ther who ftaid behind with me was John Hingfon Ma-
fon- riner : They were both fo fatigued with the Jour-
ney, that they could go no further. There had
been an Order made among us at our firft Landing
to kill any who fhould flag in the Journey : But
this was made only to terrify any from loitering,
and being taken by the Spaniards who by Tortures
might extort from them a Difcovery of our March.
But this rigorous Order was not executed but the
Company took a very kind Leave both of thefe,
and of me. Before this we had loft the Company of
2 more of our Men, Robert Spratlin and Willi-
am Bowman, who parted with us at the River Con-
go, the Day after my being fcorch'd with Gun-pow-
der. The PalTage of that River was very deep,
and the Stream violent by which Means I was born
down the Current, for feveral Paces, to an Eddy in
the bending of the River. Yet I got over ; but
thefe two being the hindmoft, and feeing with what
Difficulty I crofs'd the River, which was ftill rifing,
they were difcourag'd from attempting it, and chofe
rather
Mr. WAFER 7 Toy ages, Sccl 273
rather to ftay where they were. Thefe 2 came to
me ; and the other 2 foon after the Company's De-
parture for the North Sea, as I fliall have Occafion
to mention ; fo that there were 5 of us in all who
were left behind among; the Indians,
Being now forc'd to ftay among them, and ha-The/«A«
ving no Means to alleviate the Anguifh of my4WCUrfi
Wound, the Indians undertook to cure me \ and1 cA*
apply 'd to my Knee fome Herbs, which they firft
chewT'd in their Mouths to the Confiftency of a Pafte,
and putting it on a Plantain-Leaf, laid it upon the
Sore. This prov'd fo effectual, that in about 20
Days Ufe of this Poukefs, which they applied frefh
every Day, I Was perfectly cured \ except only 4
Weaknefs in that Knee, which remain'd long after,
and a Benurnmednefs which I fomecimes find in it to
this Day. Yet they were not altogether fo kind in
other Refpe&s ; for fome of them look'd on us ve-
ry fcurvily, throwing green Plantains to us,, as we
fat cringing and fhivering, as you would Bones to
a Dog. This was but forry Food 5 yet we were
forc'd to be contented with it : But to mend our A kind
Commons, the young Indian, at whofe Houfe Indian.
Were left, would often give us fome ripe Plantains,
unknown to his Neighbours ; and thefe were a great
Refreshment to us, This Indian, in his Childhood
was taken Prifoner by the Spaniards \ and having
liv'd fome time among them, he had learn'd a pretty
deal of their Language, under the Biihop of Pa-
nama, whom he ferv'd there till finding Means to
efcape, he was got again among his own Country-
men. This was of good Ufe to us ; for we having
1 fmattering of Spanifh^ and a little of the Indians
Tongue alfo, by paffing their Country before^ be-
tween both thefe, and with the additional Uf e of Signs,
we found it no very difficult Matter to undierftand
one another. He was truly generous and hofpitable
towards us % and fo careful of that if in the
Vol, III T Day-
274 Mr. WAFER'* Voyages, Sec. -
Day-time we had no other Provifion than a few fer-
ry green Plantains, he would rife in the Night, and
go out by Stealth to the Neighbouring Plantain-
walk, and fetch a Bundle of ripe ones from thence,
which he would diftribute among us unknown to his
Country-men. Not that they were naturally in-
clinAl to ufe us thus roughly, for they are generally
a kind and free-hearted People ; but they had taken
feme particular Offence, upon the Account of our
Friends who left us, who had in a Manner awed the
Indian Guides they took with them for the Remain-
der of their journey, and made them go with them
very much againft their Wills ; the Severity of the
rainy Seafon being then fo great, that even the In-
dians themfelves had no Mind for travelling, tho*
they are little curious either as to the Weather or
Ways.
When Gopfon^ Hingfon^ and I had lived 3 or 4
n.. sprat- Days in this Manner, the other 2, Spratlin zndBow-
lit*- mun% whom we left behind at the River Congo^ on
w how- tjie gth Day of our Journey, found their way to
us 5 being exceedingly fatigued with rambling fo
long among the wild Woods and Rivers without
Guides, and having no other Suftenance but a few
Plantains they found here and there. They told us
G.Camys of George Gainfs Pifafter, whofe drowning Mr.
drowning; IMfipur relates p. 17. They faw him lie dead on
the Shore which the Floods were gone off from,
with the Rope twifted about him, and his Money
at his Neck but they were fo fatigued, they car'd
not to meddle with it. Thefe after their coming up
to us, continued with us for about a Fortnight
linger, at the fame Plantation where the main Body
of our Company had left us \ and our Provifion
was ft] 11 at the fame Rate, and the Countenances of
the Indians as ftern towards us as ever, having yet no
News of their Friends whom our Men had taken as
their Guides, Yet notwichftanding their pifguft,
they
Mr. WAFERS Voyages, 8cc. 27 y
they took care of my Wound ; which by this Time
was pretty well healed, and I was enabled to walk
about. But at length not finding their Men return
as they expefted, they were out of Patience, and
feem'd refolved to revenge on us the Injuries which
they fuppofed our Friends had done to theirs. To
this End they held frequent Confultations how they
fhould difpofe of us : Some were for killing us, o- AConfult
thers for keeping us among them, and others fort0(ieftro7
carrying us to the Spaniards, thereby to ingratiate ^ c*m-
themfelves with them. But the greateft Part ofpani0^s.
them mortally hating the Spaniards, this laft Pro-
je£t was foon laid afide ; and they came to this Re-
folution, to forbear doing any thing to us, till fo
much Time were expir'd as they thought might rea-
fonably be allow'd for the Return of their Friends,
whom our Men had taken with them as Guides to
the North Sea-Coaft ; and this, as they computed
would be 10 Days, reckoning it up to us on their
Fingers.
The Time was now aim oft expir'd, and having Preparati-
no News of the Guides, the Indians -began to fufped:
that our Men had either murther'd them, or carried
them away with them ; and feem'd refolv'd there-
upon to deftroy us. To this end they prepared a
great Pile of Wood to burn us, on the 10th Day ;
and told us what we muft truft to when the Sun
went down ; for they would not execute us till
then. z
But it fo happened that Lacenta, their Chief, Lacent&
paffing that way, diffwaded them from that Cruelty, ^vcs
and propofed to them to fend us down towards the1 ein;
North-fide, and 2 Indians with us, who might in-
form themfelves from the Indians near the Coaft,
what was become of the Guides. They readily and fends
hearkn'd to this Propofal, and immediately chofe 2 a"
Men to conduit us to the North-fide. One of thefeV'ay*
had been all along an inveterate Enemy to us but
T .2 the
2j 6 Mr. WAFER'* Voyages, &c.
the other was that kind Indian^ who was fo much
oar Friend as to rife in the Night and get us ripe
Plantains.
Bad Tra- The next Day therefore we were difmified with our
veiling. 2 Guides, and marched joyfully for g Days being
well affured we fhould not find that our Men had done
any Hurt to their Guides. The firft 3 Days we march' d-
through nothing but Swamps, having great Rains,-
with much Thundering and Lightning \ and lodg'd
every Night under the dropping Trees, upon the
cold Ground. The third Night we lodg'd on a fmall
Hill, which by the next Morning was become an
Ifland : For thofe great Rains had made fuch a
Flood, that all the low Land about it was cover5 d
deep with Water. All this while we had no Provifi-
on, except a Handful of dry Maiz our Indian
• Guides gave us the firft 2 Days: But this being
fpent, they returned Home again, and left us to
fhift for our felves.
At this Hill we remained the 4th Day and on
the 5th, the Waters being abated, we fet forward,
fleering North by a Pocket Compafs, and marched
till 6 a Clock at Night : At which Time we arrived
at a River about 40 Foot wide, and very deep.
Here we found a Tree fallen jCrofs the River, and
fo we believ'dour Men had paft that way \ therefore
here we fat down, and confulted what Courfe we
fhould take.
They are And having debated the Matter, it was concluded
be wild- Upon to crofs the River, and feek the Path in which
j they had travelled : For this River running fome-
what Northward in this Place we perfwaded our
felves we were pad the main Ridge of Land that di-
vided the North-part of the Ijlbmtis from the South ;
and confequently that we were not very far from the
North-Sea. Befides, we did not confider that the
great Rains were the only Caufe of the fudden Ri-
ling and Falling of > the River; but thought the
Tide
Mr. WAFERS Voyages, Sec. 277
Tide might contribute to it, and that we were not
very far from the Sea. We went therefore over the
River by the Help of the Tree : But the Rain had
made it fo flippery, that 'twas with great Difficulty
that we could get over it aftride, for there was no
walking on it : And tho' 4 of us got pretty well
over, yet Bowman, who was the laft, flipt off, and Bowman
the Stream hurried him out of Sight in a Moment, Me to be
fo that we concluded he was drown'd. To add to^rown^-
our Afflidlion for the Lofs of our Confort, we
fought about for a Path, but found none ; for the
late Flood had fill'd all the Land with Mud and
Oaze, and therefore fince we could not find a Path,
we returned again, and paffed over the River on the
fame Tree by which we crofs'd it at firft ; intending
to pafs down by the Side of this River, which we
ftill thought difcharged it felf into the North-Sea.
But when we were over, and had gone down with
the Stream a Quarter of a Mile, we efpy'd our
Companion fitting on the Bank of the River who,
when we came to him, told us that the Violence of
the Stream hurried him thither, and there, being
in an Eddy, he had Time to confider where he was ;
and that by the Help of fome Boughs that hung in
the Water, he had got out. This Man had at this
time 400 Pieces of Eight at his Back : He was a
weakly Man, a Taylor by Trade.
Here we lay all Night and the next Day, being Great
the 5th of our prefent Journey, we march' d further ^rd"
down by the Side of the River, thro' Thickets of llps"
hollow Bamboes and Brambles, being alfo very
weak for want of Food : But Providence fuffer'd
us not to perifh, tho' Hunger and Wearinefs had
brought us even to Death's Door : For we found
there a Mace aw Tree, which afforded us Berries, ofMaccaw*.
which we eat greedily ; and having therewith fome- berries?
what fatisfied our Hunger, we carried a Bundle of
Ti 3 them
273 Mr. WAFER'* Voyages, Sec.
them away with us, and continued our march till
Night.
They are The next Day, being the 6th, we marched till
befct wiih^jn the Afternoon, when we arrived at another Ri-
Rivers. vej^ wj1jc]1 p'm>d with that we had hitherto coafted ;
and we were now inclos'd between them, on a little
Hill at the Conflux of them. This laft River was
as wide and deep as the former ; fo that here we
were ' put to a Non-plus, not being able to find
means to ford either of them, and they being here
too wide for a Tree to go a-crofs, unlefs a greater
Tree than we were able to cut down; having no
They mi- Tool with us but a Macheat or long Knife. This
flake their ]aft River alio we fet by the Compafs, and found it
way* run due North : "Which confirmed us in our miftake,
that we were on the North-fide of the main Ridge
of Mountains ; and therefore we refolv'd upon
making two Bark-logs, to float us down the River,
which we unanimoufly concluded would bring us to
the North-Sea Coaft. The Woods afforded us
hollow Bamboes fit for our purpofe ; and we cut
them into proper lengths, and tied them together
with Twigs of a Shrub like a Vine, a great many
on the Top of one Another.
By that time we had finifhed our Bark-logs it was
Night, and we took up our Lodging on a fmall
Hill, where we gathered about a Cartload of Wood,
and made a Fire, intending to fet out with our Bark-
logs the next Morning. But not long after Sun-fet,
Violent it fell a Raining as if Heaven and Earth would
Rains. meet % which Storm was accompanied with horrid
Claps of Thunder, and fuch Flafhes of Lightning,
of a fuiphurous Smell, that we were almoft ftifled
in the open Air.
Great- Thus it continued till 12 a-Clock at Night;
Floods. wjlen to our great Terror, we could hear the Ri-
vers roaring on both fides us ; but 'twas fo dark,
thap we could fee nothing but the Fire we had made,
except
Mr. WAFERS Voyages, &c. 279
except when a flalh of Lightning came. Then we
could fee all over the Hill, and perceive the Water
approaching us \ which in kfs than half an Hour
carried away our Fire. This drove us all to our
fhifts, every Man feeking fome means to fave him-
felf from the threatning Deluge. We alfo fought
for fmall Trees to climb : For the place abounded
with great Cotton Trees, of a prodigious bignefs
from the Root upward, and at leaft 40 or 50 Foot
clear without Branches, fo that there was no climb-
ing up them.
For my own Part, I was in a great Confirmation, The A<
and running to fave my Life, I very opportunely ^|™bs a
met with a large Cotton Tree, which by fome acci-
dent, or thro9 Age, was become Rotten^ and hol-
low on one Side \ having a Flole in it at about the
Heighth of 4 Foot from the Ground. I immediate-
ly got up it as well as I could : And in the Cavity 1
found a Knob, which ferv'd me for a Stool ; and
there I fat down almoft Head and Heels together,
not having room enough to fland or fit upright.
In this condition I fat wifhing for Day : but being
fatigued with Travel, though very hungry withal,
and cold, I fell afleep : But was foon awaken'd by
the Noife of great Trees which were brought down
by the Flood ; and came with fuch force againit the
Tree, that they made it fhake.
When 1 awoke I found my Knees in the Water, Heisbele
though the loweft Part of my hollow Trunk was, ^e^f
as I faid, 4 Foot above the Ground ; and the Wa-
ter was running as fwift, as if 'twere in the middle
of the River. The Night was ftill very Dark, but
only when the fiafhes of Lightning came: Which
made it fo dreadful and terrible, that I forgot my
Hunger, and was wholly taken up with praying to
God to fpare my Life. While I was praying and
meditating thus on my fad Condition, I faw the
Morning-Star appear \ by which I knew that Day
T 4 was
his Com-
panions,
iSq Mr. WAFERS Voyages, Seel
.was at hand : This cheared my drooping Spirits ;
and in lefs than half an Hour the Day began to
The dawn, the Rain and Lightning ceafed, and the Wa-
^J°0<k S°ters abated, infomuch that by that time the Sun was
up, the Water was gone off from my Tree.
Then I ventur'd out of my cold Lodging ; but
being ftiff and the Ground flipper/, I could fcarce
iland : Yet I made a ftiift to ramble to the Place
where we had made our Fire, but found no Body
there. Then I call'd out aloud, but was anfwer'd
only with my own Eccho \ which ftruck fuch Terror
into me, that I fell down as dead, being opprefs'd
both with Grief and Hunger ; this being the 7th
Day of ourFaft, fave only the M^caw-btxn^ be-
fore related,
pejneets Being in this Condition, defpairing of Comfort
\^Tr 7uh ^Qr want °f my Conforts, I lay fometime on the wet
Ground, till at laft I heard a Voice hard by me
which in fome fort revived me ; but efpecially when
I law Mr. Hmgfon one of my Companions, and the
reft found us prefently after; having all fav'd them-
felves by climbing fmall Trees, We greeted each
other with Tears in our Eyes, and returned Thanks
to God for our deliverance*
The firft thing we did in the Morning was to look
after our Bark-logs or Rafts which we had left tied
to a Tree, in order to profecute our Voyage down
(he River 5 but coming to the Place where we left
them, we found them funk and full of Water,
which had got into the hollow of the Bamboes, con-
trary to our Expectation ; for we thought they
would not have admitted fo much as Air, but have
been like large Bladders full blown: But it feems
there were Cracks in them which we did not per-
ceive, and perhaps made in them by our Carelefnefs
in working them \ for the Veffels made, of thefe
hollow Bamboes are wont to hold Water very
well.'" " ' \
This
Mr. WAFERS Voyages, &c. 281
This was a new Vexation to us, and how to pro- In danger
;ceed farther we knew not , but Providence ftilt di-of g°inS
reded all for the better: For if we had gone down^rn|nc-
this River, which we afterwrds underftood to be a mies.
River that runs into the River of Cheapo, and fo to- River of
wards the Bay of Panama and the South Sea, it cheapo.
would have carried us into the midft of our Ene-
xnies, the Spaniards, from whom we could expedfc
no Mercy.
The Neighbourhood of the Mountains, and
- Steepnefs of the Defcent, is the caufe that the Rivers
rife thus fuddenly after thefe violent Rains ; but for
the fame Reafon they as fuddenly fall again.
But to return to my Story : being thus fruftrated
of our Defign of going down the Stream, or of
croffing either of thefe Rivers, by Reafon of the
finking of our Bark-logs, we were glad to think of
returning back to the Indian Settlement, and Coaft- They are
ed up the River-fide in the fame Track we earned ^
home by. As our Hunger was ready to carry ourrcturn'
Eyes to any Object that might afford us fome Re-
lief, it hapned that we efpied a Deer fail afleep :
Which we defign'd if poffible to get, and in order ;
to it we came fo very near, that we might almoft
have thrown our felves on him : But one of our
Men putting the Muzzle of his Gun clofe to him,
and the ihot not being wadded, tumbled out, juft
before the Gun went olf, and did the Deer no hurt ;
but flatting up at the Noife, he took the River and
fwam over. As long as our way lay by the River
fide, we made a fliifc to keep it well enough : But
. being now to take leave of the River^ in order to
feek for the Indians Habitation, we were much at a
lofs. This was the Eighth Day, and we had no
Suftenence befide the Maccaw-Bzrrics we had got,
and the Pith qf a Bibby-Tree we met with, which
|jre fplit and eat very favour]^.
After
zZz Mr. WAFERS Voyages, &c
After a little Confideration what Courfe to fleer
next, we concluded it belt to follow the Track of
a Pecary or Wild -Hog, hoping it might bring us
to lbme old Plantain-Walk or Potato-Piece, which/
thefe Creatures often refort to, to look for Food :
This brought us, according to our expectation, to
an old Plantation, and in fight of a new one. But
here again fear overwhelmed us, being between two
Straights, either to ftarve or venture up to the In-
The are dian Houfes, whom being fo near, we were now
in fear of afraid of again, not knowing how they would re-
ans ceive us. But Iince there was no avoiding it, it was
concluded that one fhould go up to the Houfe,
while the reft ftaid behind to fee the Iffuc. In con-
clufion I went to the Plantation, and it proved the
fame that we came from. The Indians were all a-
mazed to fee me, and began to ask many Queftions:
But I prevented them by falling into a Swoon,
occafion'd by the heat of the Houfe, and the fcent
The indi of the Meat that was boyling over the Fire. The
ans re- Indians were very officious to help me in this Extre-
them roky,* and when I revived they gave me a little to
Ipndly. eat. Then they enquired of me for the other 4
Men; for whom they prefently fent, and brought
all but Gobfony who was left a little further off, and
treated us all very kindly : For our long~expe£ted
Guides were now returned from the North-fide, and
gave large Commendations of the Kindnefs and Ge-
nerofity of our Men \ by which means all the In-
dians were become now again our very good Friends.
The Indian who was fo particularly kind to us,
perceiving Mr. Gobfon was not yet arrived at the
Plantation, carried out Vidtuals to him, and after
he was a little refrefhed with that, brought him
up to us. So that now we were all together again,
and had a great deal of care taken of us.
Here
Afr. WAFERS Voyages, &c. 183
Here we flayed 7 Days to refrelh our felves, and They fet
then took our March again : For we were defirousout aSail1,
to get to the North-Seas as foon as we could, and
they were now more willing to guide us than ever
before; fince the Guides our Party took with them,
had not only been difmifs'd civilly, but with Pre-
fents alfo of Axes, Beads, &c. The Indians there-
fore of the Village where we now were, order'd 4
lufty young Men to conduft us down again to the
River, over which . the Tree was fallen, who going
now with a good will, carried us thither in one Day
whereas we were 3 Days the firft time in going thi-
ther. When we came thither, we marched about a
Mile up the River, where lay a Canoa, into which
we all imbarked, and the Indians guided us up the
fame River which we before thro* miftake, had ftrove
to go down. The Indians padled ftoutly againfl: the
Stream till Night, and then we lodged at a Houfe,
where thefe Men gave luch large Commendations of
our Men, who were gone to the North-Sea, that
the Matter of the Houfe treated us after the beft
Manner. The next Day we fet out again with 2
Indians more, who made 6 in all, to row or pad-
dle us ; and our Condition now was well altered.
In 6 Days time after this^ they brought us to La-
centals Houfe, who had before faved our Lives.
This Houfe is fituated on a fine little Hill, on Lacentas
which grov/s the ftatelieft Grove of Cotton Trees p*lace.
that ever I faw. The Bodies of thefe Trees were Large
generally 6 Foot in Diameter, nay fome 8, 9, 10, Cotton
1 1 ; for 4 Indians and my felf took hand in hand Tr€es-
round a Tree, and could not fathom it by 3 Foot.
Here was likewife a ftately Plantain-walk, and a
Grove of other fmall Trees, that would make a
Pleafant artificial Wildernefs, if Induftry and Art
were beftowed on it.
The
284 Mr. WAFERS Voyages, Sec.
The Circumference of this pleafant little Hill,
contains at leaft 100 Acres of Land; and is a Penin-
fula of an oval Form, almofk furrounded with 2
great Rivers, one coming from the Eaft, the other
from the Weft 5 which approaching within 40 Foot of
each other, at the Front of the Peninfula, feparate
again, embracing the Hill, and meet on the other
Side, making there one pretty large River which
runs very fwift. There is therefore but one Way
to come in towards this Seat ; which as I before ob-
ferved, is not above 40 Foot wide, between the Ri-
vers on each Side and 'tis fenced with hollow Bam-
boes, Popes- heads and Prickle-pears, fo thick fet
from one Side the Neck of Land to the other, that
3tis impofiible for an Enemy to approach it.
On this Hill live 50 principal Men of the Coun-
try, all under Lacenta's Command, who is a Prince
over all the South-part of the IJlhmus of Darien
the Indians both there and on the North-fide alfo,
paying him great Refped*: But the South-fide is
his Country, and this Hill his Seat or Palace. There
is only one Canoa belonging to it, which ferves to
ferry over Lacenta and the reft of them.
Latent a When we were arrived at this Place, Lacenta dif~
keeps charged our Guides, and fent them back again, tel-
them with]jng us^ t{lat 'twas not poffihle for us to travel to
the North-fide at this Seafon ; for the rainy Seafon
was now in its Heighth, and Travelling very bad ;
but told us we fliould ftay with him, and he would
take care of us : And we were forc'd to comply
with him.
We had not been long here before an Occurrence
happened, which tended much to the increafing the
good Opinion Lacenta and his People had conceiv'd
of us, and brought me into particular Efteemwith
the m ,
Mr. WAFERS Voyages; &c* 2 8 5
It fo happen'd, that one of Lacenta's Wives be-
ing indifpofed, was to be let Blood ; which the Indians The indU
perform in this Manner : The Patient is feated on
Stone in the River, and one with a fmall Bow fhoots Biood^
little Arrows into the naked Body of the Patient,
up and down ; fhooting them as faft as he can, and
not miffing any Part. But the Arrows are gaged,
fo that they penetrate no farther than we generally
thruft our Lancets : And if by chance they hit a
Vein which is full of Wind and the Blood fpurts out
a little, they will leap and skip about, fliewing ma-
ny Antick Geftures, by way of Rejoycing and Tri-
umph.
I was by while this was performing on Lacsntcfs
Lady : And perceiving their Ignorance, told Lacen-jhs A.
tay that if he pleafed, I would fliew him a better bleeds Za-
way, without putting the Patient to fo much Tor-"*'*'s
ment. Let me fee, fays he ; and at his Command een*
I bound up her Arm with a Piece of Bark, and
with my Lancet breathed a Vein : But this rafh At-
tempt had like to have coft me my Life. For La-
centa feeing the Blood iffue out in a Stream, which
us'd to come Drop by Drop, got hold of his Lance
and fwore by his Tooth, that if fhe did any other-
wife than well, he would have my Heart's Blood,
I was not moved, but defired him to be patient,
and I drew off about 12 Ounces, and bound up her
Arm, and defired lhe might reft till the next Day :
By which Means the Fever abated, and fhe had not
another Fit. This gained me fo much Reputation,
that Lacenta came to me, and before all his Atten-
dants, bowed and kifs'd my Hand. Then the reft
came thick about me, and fame killed my Hand,
others my Knee, and fome my Foot: After which The A,
I was taken up in a Hammock, arid carried on rnuch re~
Men's Shoulders, Lacenta himfelf making a Speech f^.^ ioz
in my Praife, and commending me as much fuperi-' '
our to any of their Do&ors, Thus I was carried
about
2 86 Mr. WAFERS Voyages, &c.
about from Plantation to Plantation, and lived in
great Splendour and Repute, adminiftring both
Phyfick and Phlebotomy to thole that wanted.
For though I loft my Salves and Plaifters, when j
the Negro ran away with my Knapfack, yet I
preferv'd a Box of Inftruments, and a few Medi- !
caments wrapt up in an Oil Cloth, by having them
in my Pocket, where I generally carried them.
I lived thus fome Months among the Indians ,
who in a Manner ador'd me. Some of thefe Indi-
ans had been Slaves to the Spaniards ^ and had made
their Efcapes ; which I fuppofe was the Caufe of !
their expreffing a Defire of Baptifm : But more to
have an European Name given them than for any
thing they know of Chriftianity.
He goes a During my Abode with Lacenta^ I often accom-
Hunting panied him a Hunting, wherein he took great De-
wnh La- jjgh^ jiere being good Game. I was one Time a-
bout the Beginning of the dry Seafon, accompany-
ing him toward theSouth-Eaft part of the Country,
and we pafs'd by a River where the Spaniards were
GoldRi- gathering Gold. I took this River to be one of thofe
vcr. which comes from the Gulph of St. Michael. When
we came near the Place where they wrought,
we ftole foftly through the Woods, and placing our
felves behind the great Trees, looked on them a
The way good while, they not feeing us. The Manner of
|>f gather- t[ieir getting Gold is as follows. They have little
mg Gold. WOO(jen Difhes which they dip foftly into the Water,
and take it up half full of Sand, which they draw
gently out of the Water ; and every dipping they
rake up Gold mix'd with the Sand Water, more or
Ids. This they Ihake, and the Sand rifeth, and
goes over the Brims of the Dilh with the Water
but the Gold fettles to the Bottom. This done
they bring it out and dry it in the Sun., and then
pound it in a Mortar. Then they take it out and
fpread .
Mr. WAFERS Voyages^ &c 287
fpread it on Paper, and having a Load-ftone they
move that over it, which draws all the Iron,
from it, and then leaves the Gold clean from Ore or
Filth \ and this they bottle up in Gourds or Cala-
bashes. In this Manner they work during the dry
Seafon, which is 3 Months \ for in the wet Time
the Gold is wafhed from the Mountains by violent
Rains, and then commonly the Rivers are very
deep ; but now in the gathering Seafon, when they
are fallen again, they are not above a Foot deep.
Having fpent the dry Seafon in gathering, they im-
bark in fmall Veffels for Santa Maria Town ; and gant*
if they meet with good Succefs and a . favourable Maria.
Time, they carry with them, by Report (for I
learnt thefe Particulars of a Spaniard whom we The Gold
took at Santa Maria under Captain Sharp) 18 or carried to
20000 Pound Weight of Gold : But whether they sfnta Ma~
gather more or lefs, 'tis incredible to report the
Store of Gold which is yearly waih'd down out of
thefe Rivers.
During thefe Progreffes I made with Lacmta, my
4 Companions ftaid behind at his Seat ; but I had by
this Time fo far ingratiated my felf with Lacenta,
that he would never go any where without me, and
I plainly perceiv'cl he intended to keep me in this
Country all the Days of my Life ; which raifed
fome anxious Thoughts in me, but I conceal'd them
as well as I could.
Purfuing our Sport one Day, it hapned we ftart-
ed a Pecary, which held the Indians and their Dogs
in Play the greateft Part of the Day ; till Lacenta
was almoft fpent for want of Viftuals, and was fo
troubled at his ill Succefs that he impatiently
wifh'd for fome better Way of managing this Sort
of Game.
I now underftood their Language pretty well, A.'
and finding what troubled him, I took this Oppor-f^ve*for
0 7 rr . leave to
Canity depart.
23 8 Mr. W A F E R's Voyages, &c
tunity to attempt the getting my Liberty to depart,
by commending to him our Engli/h Dogs, and ma-
king an Offer of bringing him a few of them from
England, if he would futfer me to go thither for a
and 'tis fhort Time. He demurred at this Motion a-while ;
granted. j)ut at iength he fwore by his Tooth, laying his
Fingers on it, that I fhould have my Liberty, and
for my Sake the other 4 with me \ provided I would
promife and fwear by my Tooth, that I would re-
turn and marry among them ; for he had made me
a Promife of his Daughter in Marriage, but fhe
was not then marriageable. I accepted of the Con-
ditions : And he further promifed, that at my Re-
, turn he would do for me beyond my .Expectation.
He returns I return'd him Thanks, and was the next Day
towards difmifs'd under the Convoy of 7 lufty Fellows ; and
Houfc- S we kac* 4 Women to carry our Provifions, and my
Cloaths, which wrere only a Linnen Frock and a
pair of Breeches. Thefe I faved to cover my Na-
kednefs, if ever I fhould come among Chriftians
again f6t at this Time I went naked as the Salvages,
and was painted by their Women ; but I would not
fuffer them to prick my Skin, to rub the Paint in,
as they ufe to do* but only to lay it on in little
Specks.
and arrives Thus we departed from the Neighbourhood of
there. the South Seas, where Lacenta was hunting, to his
Seat or Palace, where I arrived in about 15 Days,
ro the great Joy of my Conforts ; who had ftaid
there during this hunting Expedition I made with
Lacenta to the South-Eaft.
After many Salutations on both Sides, and fome
joyful Tears, I told them how I got my Liberty of
Lacenta, and what I promifed at my Return and
they were very glad at the Hopes of getting away*
after fo long a Stay in a Salvage Country,
\
I frayed
Mr. WAFERS Voyages, Sec. 289
I ftaid here fome few Days till I was refrefhed*
and then with my Companions marched away for
the North-Seas, having a ftrong Convoy of armed
Indians for our Guides.
We travelled over many very high Mountains ; The main
at laft we came to one furpafiing the reft in Heighth, R,d§e ot
to which we were 4 Days gradually afcending, tho' an "
now and then with fome Defcent between while.
Being on the Top, I perceiv'd a ftrange Giddinefs
in my Head ; and enquiring both of my Compani-
ons, and the Indians, they all allured me they were
in the like Condition ; which I can only impute to
the Height of the Mountains, and the Clearnefs of
the Air. I cake this part of the Mountains to have
been higher than either that which we crofs'd with
Captain Sharp, or that which Mr. Damper and the
reft of our Party crofs'd in their Return : For from
this Eminence, the Tops of the Mountains over
which we paffed before, feem'd very much below
us, and fometimes we could not fee them for the
Clouds between ; but when the Clouds few over
the Tops of the Hill, they would break, and then
we could difcern them, looking as it were thro' fo
many Loop-holes.
I defired 2 Men to lie on my Legs, while I laid
my Head over that Side of the Mountain which
was mod perpendicular ; but could fee no Ground
for the Clouds that were between. The Indians car-
ried us over a Ridge fo narrow that we were forced
to ftraddle over on our Breeches ; and the Indians
took the fame Care of themfelves, handing their
Bows, Arrows, and Luggage, from one to ano-
ther. As we defcended we were all cured of our
Giddinefs.
When we came to the Foot of the Mountain we
found a River that ran into the North-Seas, and
near the Side of it were a few Indian Houfes, which jn&tani
afforded us indifferent good Entertainment, HereScttle"
vol. III. U we
29o Mr. WAFERS Voyages, &c,
we lay one Night, it being the firft Houfe I had
feen for 6 Days \ my Lodging by the way being
in a Hammock made fall to 2 Trees, and my Co-
vering a Plantain-Leaf.
They The next Morning we fet forward, and iri 2 Days
come to Time arrived at the Sea-fide, and were met by 40
fidV*Ca" °^ t'ie ^ort °^ ^n^ians m thz Country, who
congratulated our coming and welcomed us to their
Indians in Houfes. They were all in their fineft Robes, which
^Llcir are long white Gowns, reaching to their Ancles,
owns* with Fringes at the Bottom, and in their Hands they
had half Pikes. But of thefe Things, and fuch o-
ther Particulars as I obferv'd during my Abode in
this Country, I (hall fay more when I come to de-
fer ibe it.
We prefently enquired of thefe Indians when they
expected any Ships ? They told us they knew not,
The /»- but would enquire ; and therefore they fent for one
dians fall of their Conjurers, who immdiately went to work
to con)*- to rajfe the Devil, to enquire of him at what Time
fl*1' a Ship would arrive here ; for they are very expert
and skilful in their Sort of Diabolical Conjurations.
"We were in the Houfe with them, and they firft be-
gan to work with making a Partition with Ham-
Fawawing mocks, that the Pawawers, for fo they call thefe
Conjurers, might be by themfelves. They conti-
nued fome time at their Exercife, and we could hear
them make moft hideous Yellings and Shrieks ; imi-
tating the Voices of all their kind of Birds and
Beafts. With their own Noife, they joyn'd that of
feveral Stones ftruck together, and of Conch-fhells,
and of a forry Sort of Drums made of hollow Bam-
boes, which they beat upon ; making a jarring
Noife alfo with Strings faften'd to the larger Bones
of Beafts. And every now and then they would
make a dreadful Exclamation, and clattering all of
a fudden, would as fuddenly make a Paufe and a
profound Silence, But finding that after a confide-
rable
Mr. WAFERS Voyages, Sec. 291
rable Time no Anfwer was made them, they con-
cluded that 'twas becaufe we were in the Houfe,
and fo turn'd us out, and went to work again. Bun
(till finding no Return, after an Hour or more,
they made a new Search in our Apartment ; and
finding fome of our Cloaths hanging up in a Basket
againft the Wall, they threw 'em out of Doors in
great Difdain. Then they fell once more to their
Pawawing ; and after a little Time they came out
with their Anfwer, but all in a Muck-fweat j fo
that they firft went down to the River and. waflied
themfelves, and then came and delivered the Oracle The An*
to us, which was to this Effe6t : That the loth Day i™f^^e
from that Time there would arrive 2 Ships ; andj^g
that in the Morning of the 10th Day we flhouldhear
firft one Gun, and fometime after that another ;
that one of us fhould die foon after ; and that go-
ing aboard we fhould lofe one of our Guns : All
which fell out exaftly according to the Prediction.
For on the 10th Day in the Morning we heard the
Guns, firft one, and then another, in that Manner TwoShips
that was told us \ and one of our Guns or Fufeesarr^v ^
was loft in going aboard the Ships ; For we 5, and
3 of the Indians went off* to the Ships in a Canoa ;
but as we crofs'd the Bar of the River it overfet,
where Mr. Gopfon, one of my Contorts, was like
to be drowned ; and tho' we recovered him out of
the Water, yet he loft his Gun according to the Pre-
diction. I know not how this happen'd as to his
Gun ; but ours were all lafh'd down to the Side of
the Canoa : And in the Weft-Indies we never go in-*
to a Canoa but a little Matter overfets, but we
make faft our Guns to the Sides or Seats : And I
fuppofe Mr. Gopfon, who was a very careful and
fenfible Man, had lafh'd down his alfo, tho' not
faft enough,
Being
29z Mr. WAFERS Voyages, &c.
Being over-fet, and our Canoa turn'd upfide down,
we got to Shore as well as we could, and dragg'd
Mr. Gopfon with us, tho' with Difficulty. Then we
put off again, and kept more along the Shore, and at
They go length flood over to La Sound's Key, where the 2
•off to the Ships lay, an Englifh Sloop, and a Spanifh Tartan,
ShlPs' which the Englijh had taken but 2 or 3 Days before.
We knew by the Make of this laft that it was a Spanifh
Veffel, before we came up with it: But feeing it in
Company with an Englifh one, we thought they muft
be Conforts ; and whether the Spani/h Veffel fhould
prove to be under the Englifh one, or the Englijh un-
der that, we were refolv'd to put it to the Venture,
and get aboard, being quite tir'd with our Stay a-
mong the wild Indians. The Indians were more afraid
of its being a Veffel of Spaniards, their Enemies as well
as ours : For this was another Particular they told
us 10 Days before, when they were Pawawing, that
when their Oracle inform'd them that 2 Veffels
would arrive at this Time, they underftood by their
Daemons Anfwer, that one of them would be an
Englijh one j but as to the other, he fpake fo dubi-
ously, that they were much afraid it would be a
Spanifh one ; and 'twas not without great Difficulty
that we now perfwaded them to go aboard with us ;
which was another remarkable Circumftance, fince
this Veffel was not only a Spani/h one, but actually
under the Command of the Spaniards at the Time
of the Pawazving, and fome Days after, till taken
by the Engli/h.
They and went aboard the Englijh Sloop, and our Indi-
xYieindians an Friends with us, and were receiv'd with a very
^c^ d a_ hearty "Welcome, The 4 Englijhmen with me were
prefently known and carefs'd by the Ship's Crew ;
but I fat a while cringing upon my Hams among
the Indians, after their Fafhion, painted as they
were, and all naked but only about the Waift, and
with my Nofe-piece (of which more hereafterj hang-
in or
Mr. WAFER 'j Voyages, &c. 29?
ing over my Mouth. I was willing to try if they
knew me in this Difguife ; and 'twas the better Part
of an Hour before one of the Crew, looking more
narrowly upon me, cry'd out, Here's our Doffor ;
and immediately they all congratulated my Arrival
among them. I did what I could prefently to waihTheA.
off my Paint; but 'twas near a Month before ^*p"°ff
could get tolerably rid of it, having had my Skin 1S a,nt*
io long ftain'd with it, and the Pigment dry'd on in
the Suft: And when it did come off, 'twas ufually
with the peeling off of Skin and all. As for MxMxGopfm
Gopfon^ we brought him alive to the Ship, yet he^es'
did not recover his Fatigues, and his drenching in
the Water, but having languifh'd aboard about 3
Days, he died there at La Sounds Key ; and his
Death verify 'd another Part of the Pawazver's Pre-
diction. Our Indians, having been kindly entertain-The indfc
ed aboard for about 6 or 7 Days ; and many others^*™*nm
of them, who went to and fro with their Wives and
Children, and Lacenta among them, vifiting us a-
bout a F01 tnight or 3 Weeks, we at length took leave
of them, except 2 or 3 of them who would needs
go with us to Windward ; and we fet fail, with the
Tartane in our Company, firft to the more EafternT^ey
Ides of the Samballoes, and then towards the Coaft*^ l?m
r n wards
of Lartagene. Cartagem,
But I fhall not enter into the Difcourfe of our
Voyage after this, Mr. Dampier, who was in the fame
VefTel, having done it particularly. It may fuffice
juft to intimate, That I was cruifing with him up The A's
and down the Weft-India Coaft and Ifland, partly ^^"^
under Capt. Wright, and partly under Capt. Tanky *w^nfm
till fuch time as Capt. Tanky left Mr. Darnpier and with Mr.
the reft under Capt. Wright, at the Ifle of Salt Tor^mpUr^
hga, as Mr. Darnpier relates in the 3d Chapter of his^rwith
Voyage round the World, p. 58. I went then awayr*»*y.
with Capt. Tanky firft to the Ifle of AJh where thel.of Jjh,
French tookus, as he relates occafionally. Chap. 4,
U 3 p. 63,
294 Mr. WAFERS Voyages, Sccl
p. 68. as alfo their turning us there aftiore ; our
being taken in by Capt.Thy/zVz;/ another Frenchman ;
his carrying us with him almoft to Petit-Guaves ; our
Men feizing the Ship when he was gone afhore,
carrying it back to the Ifle of A(h^ and there taking
in the reft of our Crew : The taking the French Ship
with Wines, and the other in which Capt. Cook, who
was then of our Crew, went afterwards to the South-
His Arri- Seas, after having firft been at Virginia : So that we
val in arrived in Virginia with thefe Prizes about 8 or 9
Virginia. Months after Mr. Dumpier came thither. I fet out
into the *n r^at new Expedition to the South-
S. Seas Seas under Capt. Cooky though he forgot to mention
with Mr. me in that Part of his Voyages. We went round
jpampier, ^rr& fcl Fuego, and fo up the South-Sea Coaft,
along (f bilii Peru, and Mexico^ as he relates at large
in his 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th Chapters, p. 223.
There he tells how Capt. Davis, who had fucceeded
Capt. Cook at his Death, broke off Confortlhip with
Capt. Swan, whom we had met with in the Southl-
and parts Seas. That himfelf being defirous to ftand over to
with him the Eaft-Indies, went aboard Capt. Swan : But I
remain'd aboard the fame Ship, now under Capt.
Davis , and return* d with him the way I came. Some
few Particulars that I obferv'd in that Return, I
TbisRela-lhall fpeak of at the Conclufion of the Book : In
tion dif- tjlc mean while, having given this Summary account
€d, to de* °f ^e Courfe of my Travels, from my firft parting
fcribe the with Mr. Dampier in the Ifthmus, till my laft leaving
jjlhmus. him in the South-Seas, I Khali now go on with the
particular Defcription of the Ifthmus of America,
which was the main Thing I intended in publishing
thefe Relations,
Mr,
Mr. WAFER'; Voyages, &c. 295
Mr. Wafer; 'Defcriptionof the Ifthmus of
America.
^Tl HE Country I am going to defcribe is theifthmusot
JL narroweft Part of the Ifth?nus of America, Da"*n*
which is moft peculiarly call'd the Ifthmus of Darien ;
probably, from the great River of that Name,
wherewith its Northern Coaft is bounded to the Eaft : River of
For beyond this River the Land fpreads fo to theS*™*" .
j ± Jixtcnt Of
Eaft and North-Eaft, as that on the other Coaft ^ jjih,
does to the South and South-Eaft, that it can nomus.
further be called an Ifthmus. It is moftly compre- Breadth.
hended between the Latitudes of 8 and 10 N. but its
breadth in the narroweft Part, is much about one
Degree. How far it reaches in length Weftward un- Length;
der the Name of the Ifthmus of Darien whether
as far as Honduras, or Nicaragua, or no further than
the River Chagre, or the Towns of Portobel and
Panama, I cannot fay.
This laft is the Boundary of what I mean to de-
fcribe and I fhall be moft particular as to the mid-
dle Part even of this, as being the Scene of my A-
bode and Ramble in that Country : Tho5 what I
fhall have occafion to fay as to this Part of the
Ifthmus, will be in fome Meafure applicable to the
Country even beyond Panama.
Were I to fix particular Limits to this narroweftBounds of
Part of the American Ifthmus, I would affign for its what is
WefternTerm, a Line which fhould run from
Mouth of the River Chagre, where it falls into the
North-Sea, to the neareft Part of the South-Sea,
Weftward of Panama ; including thereby that City3
and Portobel, with the Rivers of Cheapo and Chagre,
And I fhould draw a Line from Point Garachina, or
U 4 the
296 Mr. WAFERS Voyages, &cJ
the South-part of the Gulph of St. Michael, direft-
ly Eaft, to the neareft Part of the great River of
ItsSituati- JHurien^ for the Eaftern Boundary, fo as to take
on- Caret Bay into the Ifthmus. On the North and v
South it is fufficiently bounded by each of thefe
vaft Oceans : and confidering that this is the nar- I
roweft Land that disjoins them, and how exceeding
great the Compafs is that muft be fetched from one
ihore to the other by Sea, fince it has the North and
South America for each Extreme, 'tis of a very fingu-
lar Situation, very pleafantand agreeable.
Jflands on Nor doth either of thefe Oceans fall in at once up-
each fide, on the Shore, but is intercepted by a great many
valuable Iflands, that lie fcatter'd along each Coaft :
The Baftimento's and others ; but efpecially the long
Range of the Samballoe's, on the North-fide % and
Bay of the King's or Pearl Iflands, Perica and others in the
Vamma. gay Gf pamma^ Gn the South-fide. This Bay is
causM by the bending of the Ifthmus : And for the
bignefs of it, there is not, it may be, a more plea-
fant and advantageous one any where to be found.
The Face The Land of this Continent is almoft every where
of the 0f an unequal Surface, diftinguifh'd with Hills and
Hms^and Valleys, of great Variety for Heighth, Depth, and
Vales. Extent. The Valleys are generally water'd with
Waters. Rivers, Brooks, and Perennial Springs, with which
the Country very much abounds. They fall fome
into the North, and others into the South; and do
mod of them take their Rife from a Ridge or Chain
Main of higher Hills than the reft, running the length of
in a manner parrallel to the Shore ;
which for diftinciionVfake, I Jfhall call the Main
Ridge,
This Ridge is of an unequal Breadth, and trends
along bending as the Ifthmus it felf doth. 3Tis in
mo ft part neareft the Edge of the North-Sea, fel-
dom above 10 or 15 Miles diftant. We had always
a fair and clear View of the North-Sea from thence,
and
Mr. WAFER V Voyages, &c- 297
and the various Makings of the Shore, together with Fine Prof-
the adjacent Iflands, rendered it a very agreeable Pcca-
Profpett but the South-Sea I could not fee from
any Part of the Ridge. Not that the diftance of it
from the South-Sea is fo great, as that the Eye could
not reach fo far, efpecially from fuch an Eminence,
were the Country between a Level or Champian :
But though there are here and there Plains and
Valleys of a confiderable Extent and fome open
Places, yet do they lie intermix* d with confiderable
Hills ; and thofe too fo cloath'd with tall Woods,
that they much hinder the Profpeft which would
otherwife be. Neither on the other fide is the main Hills to
Ridge difcern'd from that Side, by Reafon of thofe the S. of
Hills that lie between it and the South-Sea : upon*^***
afcending each of which in our Return from the *
South-Sea, we expedted to have been upon the main
Ridge, and to have feen the North- Sea. And tho*
ftill the further we went that way, the Hills we
crofs'd feem'd the larger ; yet by this means, we
were lefs fenfible of the Heighth of the main Ridge,
than if we had climb' d up to it next way out of a
low Country.
On the North-fide of the main Ridge, there are N. fide all
either no Hills at all, or fuch as are rather gentle a Foreft.
Declivities or gradual Subfidings of the Ridge, than
Hills diftind from it : And though this Side of the
Country is every where covered with Woods, and
more univerfally too, for it is all one continued Fo-
reft, yet the Eye from that Heighth commands the
lefs diftant Northern Shore with much eafe and
Pleafure.
Nor is the main Ridge it felf carried on every Breaks fi
where with a continued Top y but is rather a Row the mai*
or Chain of diftinft Hills, than one prolonged :RidSe-
And accordingly hath frequent and large Valleys
disjoining the feveral Eminencies that compofe its
length : And thefe Valleys, as they make even the
Ridge
29S Mr. WAFERS Voyages, &c.
Ridge it felf the more ufeful and habitable, fo are
they fome of them fo deep in their Defcent, as e~
ven to admit a Paffage for Rivers, For thus the
R.Chagre. River Chagre^ which rifes from fome Hills near the
South-Sea, runs along in an Oblique North Wefter-
ly Courfe, till it finds it felf a Paffage into the North-
Sea, tho* the Chain of Hills, if I miftake not, is ex-
tended much farther to the Weft, even to the Lake
of Nicaragua
The Ri- The Rivers that water this Country are fome of
vers, them indifferent large ; though but few navigable,
and°kS as havin§ Bars and Sholes at the Mouths. On the
Springs of North-Sea Coaft the Rivers are for the moil Part
the N. very fmall ; for rifing generally from the main
Coaft- Ridge, which lies near that Shore, their Courfe is
R of Da-very Ihort. The River of Darien is indeed a very
rien. large one ; but the depth at the Entrance is not an-
fwerable to the widenefs of its Mouth, though 'tis
deep enough further in : But from thence to Cbagre^
the whole length of this Coaft, they are little better
River of than Brooks: Nor is the River of Conception any
Comep- other, which comes out over-againft La Sound's Key
jljzhagre. m ^ Sambalkes. The River of Chagre is pretty con-
siderable ; for it has a long bending Coaft, riling as
it does from the South and Eaft-part of the Ifthmus,
and at fuch- a diftance from its Outlet. But in ge-
neral, the North-Coaftis plentifully watered yet it
is chiefly with Springs and Rivulets, trickling down
from the Neighbouring Hills.
The Soil on this North-Coaft is various , gene-
rally 'tis good Land, rifing in Hills ; but to the
Sea there are here and there Swamps, yet feldom a-
bove half a Mile broad.
The Soil Inclufively from Caret Bay, which lies in the
by Caret RjVer of Darien^ and is the only Harbour in it, to
Bay# the Promontory near Golden I/land^ the Shore of the
JJlhmus is indifferently fruitful, partly Sandy Bay ;
but part of it is drowned, fwampy, Mangrove Lanct>
where
Mr. WAFERS Voyages, &c. 299
where there is no going afhore but up to the Middle
in Mud, The Shore of this Coaft rifes in Hills
prefently ; and the main Ridge is about 5 or 6
Miles diftant. Caret Bay hath 2 or 3 Rivulets of
frefli Water falling into it, as I am informed ; for I
have not been there. It is a little Bay, and two
fmall Wands lying before it, make it an indifferent
good Harbour, and hath clear Anchoring Ground,
without any Rocks. Thefe Iflands are pretty high
Land, cloathed with variety of Trees.
To the Weftward of the Cape, at the Entrance B^y near
of the River Darien, is another fine fandy Bay. In |^aen^en"of
the Cod of it lies a little, low, fwampy Ifland ; th^River
about which 'tis fhole Water and dirty Ground, notof Darkn.
fit for Shipping ; and the fhore of the Ifthmus be- m the
hind and about it, is fwampy Land overgrown with^0*thc
Mangroves; till after 3 or 4 Miles the Land afcends
up tp the main Ridge. But though the Cod of this
Bay be fo bad, yet the entrance of it is deep Wa-
ter, and hard fandy bottom, excellent for anchor-
ing ; and has 3 Iflands lying before it, which make
it an extraordinary good Harbour. The Eaftermoft
of thefe 3 is Golden Ifland, a fmall one, with a fairG^»
deep Channel between it and the Main. It is rocky
and fteep all round to the Sea, fand thereby natu-
rally fortified) except only the Landing-place, which Good
is a fmall fandy Bay on the South-fide, towards HarD0UYc
the Harbour, from whence it gently rifes. It is mo-
derately high, and cover'd with fmall Trees or
Shrubs. The Land of the Ifthmus oppofite to it, to
the South-Eafc, is excellent fruitful Land, of a
black Mold, with Sand intermix'd ; and is pretty
level for 4 or 5 Mile, till you come to the foot
of the Hills. At this place we landed at our going
into the South-Seas with Capt. Sharp. I have been
afiboYe at this Golden Ifland, and was lying in the
Harbour near it for about a Fortnight together be-
fore J went into the South-Seas, Near the Ealtern-
Paint
300 Mr. WAFERV Voyages, &c.
Point of the Bay, which is not above 3 or 4 Fur-
longs diftant from Golden IJland, there is a Rivulet
of very good Water.
Another Weft of Golden IJland lies the biggeft of the 3
Ifland. tjiat face t{ie gay . \t jSj as a large low fwampy I-
fland, fo befet with Mangroves, that it is difficult
to go afhore ; nor did any of us care to attempt it,
having no Bufinefs in fuch bad Ground. It lies ve-
ry near a Point of the IJlbmus, which is fuch a Sort
of Ground too for a Mile or 2 farther Weil ward ;
and fuch alfo is the Ground on the other Side, quite
into the Cod of the Bay. This Ifiand is fcarce part-
ed from the Ifthmus but at High-water ; and even
then Ships cannot pafs between.
Ifland of The IJland of Pines is a fmall Ifland to the North
fines- of the other 2, making a Kind of Triangle with
them. It rifes in 2 Hills, and is a very remarkable
Land off at Sea. It is cover'd all over with good
tall Trees, fit for any Ufe and has a fine Rivulet
of frefh Water. The North of it is rocky, as is
the oppofite Shore of the Ijthmus. On the South
you go aftiore on the Ifland at a curious Sand-bay,
inclofed between 2 Points like a Half-Moon *, and
there is very good Riding. You may fail quite
round the Ifland of Pines ; but to go to Golden I-
fland Harbour, you muft enter by the Eaft-end of
Golden Iflands, between that and the Main \ for
there is no pafling between it and the great low I-
fland.
TheShore From thefe Iflands, and the low fwampy Point
to Point: oppofite to them, the Shore runs North- Wefterly to
|p*Mto?Point Samballas ; and for the firft 3 Leagues, 'tis
guarded with a Riff of Rocks, fome above, and
fome under Water, where a Boat cannot go afhore :
The Rocks lie fcatter*d unequally in Breadth, for
a Mile in fome Places, in others 2 from the Shore.
At the North- Weft-End of thefe Rocks, is a fine
little fandy Bay, with good anchoring and going
afhore
Mr. WAFER'; Voyages, &c 3oi
afliore, as is reported by feveral Privateers : And
the End of the Rocks on the one Side, and fome of
the Samkalloes Iflands, (the Range of which begins
from hence ) on the other Side, guard it from the
Sea, and make it a very good Harbour. This, as
well as the reft, is much frequented by Privateers ;
and is by thofe of our Country call'd, Tickle fnexkhUtw
quickly Harbour. quickly
All along from hence to Point Sanballas^ lie theHarbour-
Samballoes Iflands, a great Multitude of them fcat-^w/w
tering in a Row, and collaterally too, at very une-
qual Diftances, fome of one, fome 2, or 2 Mile and
a half, from the Shore, and from one another ;
which, with the adjacent Shore, its Hills and perpe-
tual Woods, make a lovely Landfchape off at Sea.
There are a great many more of thefe Iflands than
could well be reprefented in the Map ; fome of them
alfo being very fmall. They feem to lie parcell'd
out in Clufters, as it were ; between which general-
ly, there are navigable Channels, by which you
may enter within them \ and the Sea between the
whole Range and the Ifihmus is navigable from End
to End, and affords every where good anchoring,
in hard fandy Ground, and good Landing on the
Iflands and Main. In this long Channel, on the In-
fide of fome or other of thofe little Keys or Iflands,
be the Winds how they will, you never fail of a
good Place for any Number of Ships to ride at ; fo
that this was the greateft ^Rendezvous of the Priva-l4 Sounj>s
teers on this Coaft but chiefly La Sound's Key, orKey.
Springer's Key, efpecially if they ftaid any Time springer 9
here ; as well becaufe thefe 2 Iflands afford a goodKey%
Shelter for careening, as becaufe they yield Wells of
frefli Water upon digging, which few of the reijt
do. The Sa??tballoe9s are generally low, flat, fandy
Iflands, cover'd with Variety of Trees ; [efpecially Trees in
with Mammees, Sapadilloes, and Manchineel, &c.the$*m-
beade the Shell-fifh, and other Refreshments they'4""'-
afford
soz Mr. WAFERS Voyages, &c.
afford the Privateers.] The outermoft Keys to-
wards the main Sea, are rocky on that Side (and
are called the Riffe Keys ;) their oppofite Sides are
fandy, as the innermolt Keys or Iflands are. And
there is a Ridge alfo of Rocks lying off at Sea on
the Out- fide, which appear above Water at fome
half a Mile diftance, and extend in length as far as
ha Sound's Key, if not farther, and even the Sea
between, and the Shore of the Samb allocs it felf on
that Side, is all rocky.
Channel The long Channel between the Samballoes and the
ofthe. Iftbmus is of 2, 3 and 4 Miles breadth; and the
Samba fc"g]lore Qf t]ie Ijlhmus is partly Sandy Bays, and part-
ly Mangrove Land, quite to Point Samballas. The
Mountains are much at the fame Diftance of 6 or 7
R. of c^- Mile from the Shore ; but about the River of Con-
cej?ttonzri&ception^ which comes out about a Mile or 2 to the
Coaft! Eaftward of La Sound's Key, the main Ridge is
fomewhat further diftant. Many little Brooks fall
into the Sea on either Side of that. River, and the
Outlets are fome of them in the Sandy Bay, and
fome of them among the Mangrove Land ; the
Swamps of which Mangrove are fon this CoaftJ
made by the Salt Water, fo that the Brooks which
come out there are brack ifh ; but thofe in the Sandy
Bay yield very fweet Water. None of thefe Out-
lets, not the River of Conception it felf, are deep
enough to admit of any Velfel but Canoas, the Ri-
vers on this part of the Coaft being numerous but
fhallow but the fine Riding in the Channel makes
Good any other Harbour needlefs. I have been up and
Landing, down moft Parts of it, and upon many of the I-
(lands, and there the going afhore is always eafy.
But a Sea-wind makes a great Sea fometimes fall
in upon the Ijlhmus^ efpecially where a Channel o~
pens between the Iflands fo that I have been over-
let in a Canoa going afhore in one River, and in put-
ting off to Sea from another. The Ground herea-
abouts
Mr. WAFERS Voyages, &c. 303
bouts is an Excellent Soil within Land, rifing up
gently^to the main Ridge, and is a continued Foreft
of ftately Timber-Trees.
Point Sanballas is a rocky Point, pretty long and Point San*
low, and is alfo fo guarded with Rocks for a Mile**'*"*
off at Sea, that it is dangerous coming near it.
From hence the Shore runs Weft, and a little Nor-
therly, quite to PortobeL About 3 Leagues Weft-
ward from this Point lies Port Scrivan. The Coaft
between them is all rocky, and the Country within
Land all woody, as in other Parts.
Port Scrivan is a good Harbour, when you zxt Scrivan^
got into it; but -the Entrance of it, which is fcarcePort-
a Furlong over, is fo befet with Rocks on each
Side, but efpecially to the Eaft, that it is very dan-
gerous going in : Nor doth there feem to be a
Depth of Water fufficient to admit Veflels of any
Bulk, there being in moft Places but 8 or 9 Foot
Water. The Infide of the Harbour goes pretty
deep within the Land and as there is good Riding,
. in a fandy Bottom, efpecially at the Cod of it,
which is alfo fruitful Land, and has good frefli
Water, fo there is good Landing too on the Eaft
and South, where the Country is low for 2 or 3
Miles, and very firm Land ; but the Weft-fide is a
Swamp of red Mangroves. It was here at this Red Mat^
Swamp, as bad a Paffage as it is, that Capt. Coxon, groves.
La Sound, and the Privateers landed in the Year
1678-9, when they went to take PortobeL They
had by this Means a very tedious and wearifome
March ; but they chofe to land at this Diftance from
the Town, rather than at the Baftimento's or any
nearer Place, that they might avoid being difcover'd
by the Scouts which the Spaniards always keep in
their Neighbourhood, and fo might furprize them.
And they did, indeed, by this Means avoid being
difcern'd, till they came within an Hour's March
of the Town ; tho* they travelled along the Coun-
try
304 Mr. WAFERS Voyages, Sec.
try for 5 or 6 Days. The Spaniards make no Ufe
of this Pore Scrivan ; and unlefs a Privateer, or a
rambling Sloop put in here by Chance, no Veffel
vifits it in many Years.
From Port Scrivan to the Place where flood for-
merly the City of A 1 ombre de Dios, 'tis further Weft-
ward about 7 or 8 Leagues. The Land between is
very uneven, with fmall Hills fteep againft the Sea;
the Valleys between them watered with forry little
Rivers. The Soil of the Hills is rocky, producing
but fmall fhrubby Trees ; the Valleys are fome of
good Land, fome of Swamps and Mangroves.
The main Ridge here feems to lie at a good Di-
ftance from the Sea for it was not difcernible in
this March of the Privateers along the Shore to Por-
Kcrnfa-edetobel. The Place where Nombre de Dios ftood is the
Bios. Bottom of a Bay, clofe by the Sea, all over-grown
with a Sort of Wild-Canes, like thofe us'd by our
Anglers in England. There is no Sign of a Town
remaining, it is all fo over-run with thefe Canes.
The Situation of it feems to have been but very in-
different, the Bay before it lying open to the Sea,
and affording little Shelter for Shipping ; which I
have heard was one Reafon why the Spaniards for-
fook it : And another, probably, was the Un-
healthinefs of the Country it felf, it being fuch low
fwampy Land, and very fickly ; yet there is a Ri-
vulet of very fweet Waters which runs clofe by the
Eaft-fide of the Town. The Mouth of the Har-
bour is very wide ; and tho* I have heard that there
lie before it 2 or 3 little Keys, or Rocks, yet they
afforded no great Security to it. So that the Spani-
ards were certainly much in the right, for quitting
this Place to fettle at Portobel which tho* it be al-
fo an unhealthy Place, yet has it the Advantage of
a rery good and defenfible Harbour,
About
of the Ifthmus of America. 305
About a Mile or 2 to the Weftward of thefe
fmall Iflands, at the Mouth of the Bay of Nomhre
de DioS) and about half a Mile or more from the
Shore, lie a few Iflands call'd the Baftimento's^ forf- Vafi}~
the moft part pretty high, and one peeked, and ^\\mentot'
cloath'd with Woods. On one of them, (part of
which alfo was a fandy Bay, and a good Riding
and Landing-place; there is a Spring of very good
Water. I was afhore at this Ifland, and up and
down among the reft of them ; and all of them to-
gether make a very good Harbour between them
and the Ifthmus. The Bottom affords good ancho-
ring ; and there is good coming in with the Sea-
wind between the Eaftermoft Ifland and the next to
it, and going out with the Land-wind the fame way,
this being the chief Paflage. Further Weft, before
you come to PortGbel, lie 2 fmall Ifiands, flat, and Two o-
without Wood or Water. They are pretty clofcthcr Illef*
together ; and one of them I have been afhore up-
on. The Soil is fandy, and they are environ'd with
Rocks towards the Sea ; and they lie fo near the
Ifthmus that there is but a very narrow Channel be-
tween, not fit for Ships to come into.
The Shore of the Ifthmus hereabouts confifts
moftly of fandy Bays, after you are paft a Ridge of
Rocks that run out from the Bay of Nombre de Di-
Cs^ pointing toward the Baftimento's. Beyond the The
Baftirnento's to Portobel^ the Coaft is generally Neigh-
rocky. Within Land the Country is full of high^nJf
and fteep Hills, very good Land ; moft woody, the
unlefs where cleared for Plantations by Spanifh Indi-mus.
Wf, tributary to Portobel^ whither they go tof^f3ln^
Church. And thefe are the firft Settlements on iam%
this Coaft under the Spanifh Government, and lie
fcattering in lone Houfes or little Villages, from
hence to Portcbel and beyond \ v/ith fome Look-
outs or Watches kept towards the Sea, for the Safe-
ty of the Town. In all the reft of the North-fide
Vol. IIL X of
3 o6 Mr. WAFER V T>efcri$tiori.
of the Ifthmus, which I have defcribed hitherto, the
Spaniards had neither Command over the Indians r
nor Commerce with them while I was there, though
there are Indians inhabiting all along the Continent
yv. one has told me fince, that the Spaniards have
won them over to them.
portobeL r or label is a very fair, large and commodious
TheHar- H rbour, affording good Anchoring and good
hour. Shelter for Ships, having a narrow Mouth, and
fp reading wider within. The Galleons from Spain
find good Riding here during the Time of their
Bufmefs at Portobel% for from hence they take in 1
fucb of the Treafures of Peru as are brought thither
TheForts. over Land from Panama, The Entrance of this
Harbour is fecur'd by a Fort upon the left Hand
going in ; it is a very ftrong one, and the Paffage
is made morefecure by a Block-Houfe on the other
Side, oppofite to it. At the Bottom of the Har-
bour lies the Town, bending along the Shore like a
Half-moon : In the Middle of which upon the Sea
is another fmall low Fort, environed with Houfes,
except only to the Sea : And at the Weft-end of the
Town, about a Furlong from the Shore, upon a
gentle Rifing, lies another Fort, pretty large and
very ftrong, yet over looked by a Neighbouring
Hill further up the Country, which Sir Henry Mor-
gan made ufe of to, take the Fort. In all thefe Forts
there may be about 2 or 300 Spanifh Soldiers in Gar-
The rifon. The Town is long and narrow, having two
Town, principal Streets befides thofe that go a-erofs with
a fmall Parade ab6ut the Middle of it, furrounded
with pretty fair Houfes. The other Houfes alfo
and Churches are pretty handfome, after the Spani/h
Make. The Town lies open to the the Country
without either Wall or Works ; and at the Eaft-
Road to fide of k, where the Road to Panama goes out (be-
Panama. caufe 0f Hills that lie to the Southward of the
Town, and obftrudt the direct Paffage) there lies a
of the Ifthrnus of America. 307
long Stable running North and South from the
Town to which it joins. This is the King's Stable The Krs
for the Mules that are imployed in the Road betwixt StabIe-
this and Panama. The Governour's Houie is clofe The Go-
by the great Fort, on the fame Rifing, at the Weft vemour's
of the Town. Between the Parade in the Middle Houfc-
of the Town, and the Governour's Houfe, is a
little Creek or Brook, with a Bridge over it *, and
at the Eaft-end, by the Stable, is a fmall Rivulet of Rivulet,
frefh Water. I have already faid that it is an un- Bad Air.
healthy Place. The Eaft-fide is low and fwampy
and the Sea at low Water leaves the Shore withiri
the Harbour bare, a great way from the Houfes •>
which having a black filthy Mud, it ftinks very
much, and breeds noifom Vapours, through the
Heat of the Climate. From the South and the
Eaft-fides the Country rifes gently in Hills, which
are partly Woodland and partly Savannah ; but
there is no great Store either of Fruit-trees or Plan-
tations near the Town. This Account I have had
from feveral Privateers juft as they return3d from
Portobel ; but I have not been there my felf
The Country beyond this Weft-ward, to theThe^oaft
Mouth of the River Chagre, I have feen off at Sea : ^^JJ2L
But not having been afliore there, I can give no o-
ther Account of it, but only that it is partly hilly,
and near the Sea very much fwampy and I have
heard by feveral that there is no Communication
between Portobel and the Mouth of that River.
I have been yet further Weftward on this Coaft,
before I went over the Ifthrnus with Capt. Sharp,
ranging up and down and carreening at Bocca Toro Boca Tor*
and Bocca Drago y but this is without the Verge of an<* Bo"*
thofe Bounds I have fet my felf. Dr**°-
Having thus furvey'd the North-Coaft of the The s. Sea
Ifthmus, I fhall take a light View of the South al-
lb: But I fhall the lefs need to be particular in it, *
X 2 becaufe
jo8 Mr. WAFER; *Defcription
becaufe Mr. Dampier hath in fome Meafure de-
fcrib'd this part of it in his Voyage round the World.
Point G*- To begin therefore from Point Garachina, which
raehina. makes the Weft-fide of the Mouth of the River
of Sambo i this Point is pretty high faft Land ; but
within towards the River, it is low, drowned Man-
Cape St. grove, and fo are all the Points of Land to Cape
Lorenzo. Saint Lorenzo.
r. sambo* The River of Sambo I have not feen ; but it is
faid to be a pretty large River. Its Mouth opens to
the North ; and from thence the Coaft bears
Gulph of North -Eaft to the Gulph of St. Michael This
S. M'uhael Gulph is made by the Outlets of feveral Rivers,
the inoft noted of which are the River of Santa
Maria , and the River of Congo \ tho' there are o-
thers of a confiderable Bigneis. Of thefe Rivers,
to the Southward of Santa Maria, one is called
Gold R. the Gold River, affording Gold Duft in great Plen-
ty f For hither the Spaniards of Panama and Santa
Maria Town bring up their Slaves to gather up the
Gold Duft.
"R. Santa, The next to the Gold River is that of Santa Ma-
Mana. r'ia^ fQ called from the Town of that Name feated
on the South-fide of it, at a good Diftance from
the Sea. It was along this River we came, when
we firft entred the South Seas withCapt. Sharp, Hand-
ing over it, from the Bay by Golden Ifland, where we
Santa landed. We then took the Town of Santa Maria
Maria \n our way ; which was garrifon'd with about
Tovvn' 200 Spanifh Soldiers, but was not very ftrong, ha-
ving no Walls and the Fort it felf was fecur'd
with Stockadoes only, or Pallifadoes. This is but
a new Town, being built by the Spaniards of Pana-
ma, partly for a Garrifon and Magazine of Provisi-
on, and partly for Quarters of Refreftiment, and a
retiring Place for their Workmen in the Gold Ri-
The ver. The Country all about here is woody and
Country ]ow? aiMj very unhealthy 5 the Rivers being fo oazy,
of the Ifthmus of America.' 309
i that the fcinking Mud infe&s the Air: But the little
[ Village of Scuchadero lies on the Right-fide of the
River of Santa Maria, near the Mouth of it, is™V*
feated on faft rifing Ground, open to the Gulph of
St. Michael, and admitting frefh Breezes from the
Sea fo that this is pretty healthy and ferves as a
place of Refrefhment for the Mines 5 and has a fine
Rivulet of very fweet Water whereas thofe Ri-
vers are brackifh for a confiderable way up the
Country.
Between Scuchadero and Cape St. Lorenzo, which R.C^*.
makes the North-fide of the Gulph of St. Michael,
the River of Congo falls into the Gulph ; which Ri-
ver is made up of many Rivulets, that fall from
the Neigbouring Hills, and join into one Stream.
The Mouth of it is muddy, and bare for a great
v/ay at low Water, unlefs jufl in the Depth of the
Channel \ and it affords little Entertainment for
Shipping. But further in, the River is deep
enough ; fo that Ships coming in at high Water
might find it a very good Harbour, if they 1 lacl any
Bufinefs here. The Gulph it felf hath feveral I- Gulph of
fiands in it ; and up and down in and about them, St. Mi*
there is in many Places very good Riding ; for€**ae*"
the mod Part in oazy Ground. Thelfiands alio,
efpecially thofe towards the Mouth, make a good
Shelter ; and the Gulph hath room enough for a
Multitude of Ships. The Sides are evfcry where
furrounded with Mangroves, growing in wet fwam-
py Land.
North of this Gulph is a fmall Creek, where we The Land
landed at our Return out of the Seas \ and the Land to the N.
between thefe is partly fuch Mangrove Land as the°f ^
other, and partly Sandy-Bays. From thence' the
» Land runs further on North, but gently bending to
the Weft : And this Coaft alfo is much fuch a mix-
ture of Mangrove Land and Sandy Bay quite to
the River Cheapo ^ and in many Places there are
X 3 ' Sholeai
316 Mr. WAFERS Defcription
Sholes, Sholes, for a Mile, or half a Mile off at Sea. In
feveral parts of this Coaft, at about 5 or 6 Miles
diftance from the Shore there are fmall Hills ; and
the whole Country is covered with Woods. I
know but one River worth obferving between Congo
and Cheapo : Yet there are many Creeks and Out-
lets but no frefh Water, that I know of, in any
part of this Coaft, in the dry Seafon ; for the Stag-
nancies and Declivities of the Ground, and the
very Droppings of the Trees, in the wet Seafon,
afford Water enough.
R. Cheapo. Cheapo is a considerable River, but has no good
entring into it for Sholes. Its Courfe is long, rifing
near the North-Sea, and pretty far from towards
The Land the Eaft. About this River the Country fomething
^er^# changes its Face, being Savannah on the Weft fide
though the Eaft-fide is Wood-land, as the other.
cheapo T. Cheapo Town Hands on the Weft- fide, at fome dif-
tance from the Sea ; but is fmall, and of no great
Confequence. Its chief Support is from the Paftu-
rage of black Cattle in the Savannahs.
$zvm~ Thefe Savannahs are not level, but confift of
aahs, fma|l Hills and Valleys, with fine Spots of Woods
intermixed \ and from fome of thefe Hills not far
jL.cfagre. from Cheapo , the River of Chagre, which runs into
the North-Sea, takes its rife. It runs Weft for a
while y and on the South-fide of it, at no great di-
yentade ftance from Panama, is Venta de Cruxes, a fmall
Cruwu Village 5 of Inns and Store-houfes ; whither Mer-
chandises that are to be fent down the River Chagre
are cafriejd from Panama by Mules, and there em-
barked in Canoa's or Pereagoe's ; but the Plate is
Carriage carried all the way by Land on Mules, to Portobeh
toPorsobel Xhe Country here alfo is Savannah and Woodland
intermixed ; with thick Ihort Hills, efpecially to-
wards Panama,
Between
of the Ifthmus 'of America." jii
Between the River of Cheapo and Panama^ fur-
ther Weft, are 3 Rivers, of no great Confequence, 3 Rivers,
lying open to the Sea. The Land between is low
even Land, molt of it dry, and cover'd here and
there by the Sea, with lliort Buflies. Near the mod
Wefterly of thefe Old Panama was feated, once a°M^
large City •, but nothing now remains of it befides^*
Rubbifh, and a few Houfesof poor People. The
Spaniards were weary of it, having no good Port or
Landing-place ; and had a defign to have left it, be-
fore it was burnt by Sir Henry Morgan. But then
they no longer deliberated about the Matter ; but
inftead of rebuilding it, rais'd another Town to the
Weft ward, which is the prefent City of Panama.
The River of Old Panama runs between them; but \l. of pa-
rather nearer the new Town than the Old $ and into*****,
this River fmall Barks many enter.
The chief advantage which New Panama hath a- New Pa-
bove the Old, is an excellent Road for fmall Ships, nama-
as good as a Harbour ; for which it is beholden to The Har-
the Shelter of the neighbouring Ifles of Perica,h°w>
which lie before it, 3 in Number, in a row parallel ^otPt
to the Shore. There is very good anchoring be-
tween, at a good diftance from the Town ; but be-
tween the Road and the Town is a Shole or Spit of shole.
Land fo that Ships cannot come near the Town,
but lie neareft to Perica \ but by this means the
Town has them lefs under command. Panama
ftands on a level Ground, and is furrounded with
a high Wall, efpecially towards the Sea. It hath
no Fortbefides the Town-Walls upon which the
Sea, which wafhes it every Tide, beats fo ftrongly,
fometimes, as to throw down a part of them* It Fine Pro-
makes a very beautiful Profped oif at Sea, theU^elot
Churches and chief Houfes appearing above the Fanama°
reft. The Building appears white ; efpecially the
Walls, which are of Stone ; and the Covering of
the Houfe? red, for probably they are Pan-tile, which
X 4 y h
Panama.
li z Mr. WAFERS Ttefcription
is much ufed by the Spaniards all over the Weft-
Indies. The Town is furrounded wit'h Savannahs,
gentle fiat Hills, and Copfes of Wood, which add
much to the Beauty of the Profpeft ; and among
Eftantions thefe are fcattered here and there fome Eftantions or
Farm-houfes for the managing their Cattle, which
The great are Beeves, Horfes and Mules. This Town is the
reiort to great Rendezvous of this Part of the South-Sea
Coaft ; being the Receptacle of the Treafures from
Lima, and other Sea-ports of Peru ; trading alfo
towards Mexico, though very little beyond the
Gulphof Nicaragua. The King of Spain hath a
Prefident here, who a£ts in Concert with his Coun-
cil ; and the Governour of Portobel is under him.
His Jurifdiftion comprehends Nata, Ravelia, Leon?
Realeja, &c. till he meets with the Government of
Gnatimalce and Eaftward he commands over as
much of the Ifthmus, on both Seas, as is under the
Spaniards. The place is very fickly, though it lies
in a Country good enough ; but poffibly 'tis only
fo to thofe who come hither from the dry pure Air
of Lima and Truxillio, and other parts of Peru ;
who grow indifpos'd prefently, and are forc'd to
cat off their Hair. Yet is it very healthy in com-
parison of Portobel.
About a League to the Weft of Panama is ano-
ther River, which is pretty large, and is called by
JttfGVawfefome Rio Grande. It is fhole at the Entrance, and
runs very fwift ; and fo is not fit for Shipping.
On the Weft-banks of it are Eftantions and Plantati-
ons of Sugar ; but the Shore from hence begin-
ning to trend away to the Southward again, I fhall
here fix my Weftern Boundary to the South-Sea
Coaft of the Ifthmus, and go no further in the De-
fcription of it.
The Shore between Point Garachina and this Ri-
ver, and fo on further to Punt a Mala, makes a ve-
ry regular, and more than femiciijcular Bay, called
/ by
Its Jurif-
Bad Air.
of the Ifthmus of America. 313
by the Name of the Bay of Panama. In this Bay of
are feveral as fine Iflands, as are any where to be Panama.
found, the Kings or Pearl Iflands, Pacheque, Cbe-
pelioj Perica, &c. with great Variety of good Ri-
ding for Ships : Of all which Mr. Dampur hath gi-
ven a particular Account in the 7th Chapter of his
Voyage round the World ; fo that I fhall forbear to fay
any thing more of them. 'Tis a very noble de-
lightful Bay ; and as it affords good Anchoring and
Shelter, fo the Iflands alfo yield Plenty of Wood,
•Water, Fruits, Fowls, and Hogs, for the Ac-
commodation of Shipping,
The Soil of the Inland part of the Country is The Soil
generally very good, for the mofl part of a black
fruitful Mould. From the Gulph of St. Michael,
to the Ridge of Hills lying off Caret Bay, it is a
Vale Country, well water'd with the Rivers that fall
into that Gulph : But near the Gulph 'tis very
fwampy and broken, fo as that it is fcarce poffible
to travel along the Shore thereabouts. Weftward
of the River of Congo, the 'Country grows mere
hilly and dry, with pleafant and rich Vales inter-
mixed, rill you are paft the River Cheapo and thus
far the whole Country is all, as it were, one conti-
nued Wood. The Savannah Country commences
here, dry and grafly with fmall Hills and Woods
intermix'd : And the Hills are every where fertile
to the Top (though more fruitful nearer the Bot-
tom) and even the Tops of the main Ridge are
cover'd with very flourishing Trees. Yet the Hills
from which the Gold Rivers fall, near Santa Maria,
are barren towards the Top, and bear fhort Shrubs
fcatter'd here and there. The Soil feems capable
of any Productions proper to the Climate: I be-
lieve we have nothing that grows in Jamaica but
what would thrive here alfo, and grow very lux-
uriantly, confidering the exceeding Richnels of the
Soil;
The
3 14 Mr, WAFERS T>efcription
The The Woods of this Country are not the fame
woods. on the Tops or S}des of the Hills in the Inland
Country, as they are near the Sea, For in the drier
and more rifing Inland Country, the Woods are ra-
ther a large Foreft of Timber-trees, or a delightful
Grove of Trees of feveral kinds, very large and
tall, with little or no Under-wood : And the Trees
are placed at fuch a Diftance from each other, as
that a Horfe might gallop among them for a great
way, and decline them with eafe. The Tops of
thefe Trees are generally very large and fpreading ;
and, I prefume, 'tis the Shade and Dropping of
thefe which hinder any thing elfe from growing in
the rich Ground among them : For in the open Sa-
vannahs, or where the Ground is cleared by Induf-
try for Plantations, there grow fmaller Vegetables
Swampy in greater Abundance. But on the Sea-Coaft9
ihicivecs. where the Soil is often fwampy drown'd Land, efpe-
cially near the Mouths of Rivers, the Trees are not
tall but fhrubby as Mangroves, Brambles, Bam-
boes, £5?*; not growing in the manner of Groves
or Arbours, fcattering at convenient Diftances \
but in a continued Thicket, fo clofe fet, that 'tis a
very difficult Matter to work one's way through
thefe MorafTes.
TheWea- The Weather is much the fame here as in other
tlier- Places of the Torrid Zone in this Latitude, but in-
Seafon of clining rather to the wet Extreme, The Seafon of
the Rains. Rajns begins in April or May \ and during the
Months of June, July and Auguft, the Rains
are very violent. It is very hot alfo about this
Time, where-ever the Sun breaks out of a Cloud s
For the Air is then very fultry, becaufe then ufually
there are no Breezes to fan and cool it, but it is all
glowing hot. About September the Rains begin to
abate : But 'tis November or December^ and, it may
be, part of January e're they are quite gone : So
th^c 'tis a very wet Country, and has Rains for 2
Thirds^
of the Ifthmus of America. 315
Thirds, if not 3 Quarters of a Year. Their firfl:
coming is after the Manner of our fudden April
Showers, or hafty Thunder Showers, one in a Day
at firft. After this, 2 or 3 in a Day ; at length
a Shower almoft every Hour ; and frequently ac-
companied with violent Thunder, and Lightning : Thunder
During which Time, the Air has often a faint ful- andLight-
phureous Smell, where pent up among the Woods. ninS-
After this variable Weather, for about 4 or 6
Weeks, there will be fettled continued Rains of fe~
veral Days and Nights, without Thunder and
Lightning, but exceeding vehement, confidering
the Length of them. Yet at certain Intervals be-
tween tftefe, even in the wetteft of the Seafon,
there will be feveral fair Days intermix'd, with on-
ly Tornado's or Thunder-Showers; and that
ibmetimes for a Week together. Thefe Thunder-
Showers caufe ufually a fenfible Wind, by the
Clouds preffing the Atmofphere, which is very re~
frefhing, and moderates the Heat : But then this
Wind fhaking the Trees of this continued Foreft,
their dropping is as troublefome as the Rain it felf.
When the Shower is over, you fhajl hear a great
way together the Croaking of Frogs and Toads,
the humming of Moskito's or Gnats, and the hif-
fing or fhriekings of Snakes and other Infedts,
loud and unpleafant ; fome like the quacking of
Ducks, The Moskitoes chiefly infeit the low Moskuou
fwampy or Mangrove Lands, near the Rivers or
Seas ; But however, this Country is not fo pefter'd
with that uneafy Vermin, as many other of the
warm Countries are* * When the Rains fall a- Land-
mong the Woods, they make a holloWL^^ ratling Floods^
found : But the Floods caus'd by them often bear
down the Trees ; as I obferv'd in relating my Paf-
iage over Land. Thefe will often barricado and
dam up the River, till 'tis clear'd by another Flood
that Hull fee the Trees all afloat again, Sometimes
• * alfo
r
3i6 Mr. WAFERS Ttefcription
alfo the Floods run over a broad Plain ; and for the
Time make it all like one great Lake. The cooleft
Time here is about our Chriftmas, when the fair
Weather is coming on.
Of the Trees, Fruits , &c. in the lfthmus of
America.
Trees, o^. AS this Country is very woody, fo it contains
XV great Variety of Trees, of feveral Kinds un-
known to us in Europe, as well Fruit-Trees as o-
thers.
Cotton- The Cotton-T ree is the largeft: of any, and grows
Trees. 'm great p]enty in moft parts of the lfthmus ; but I
do not remember that I have feen it in the Sambal-
loeSj or any other of the adjacent IJlands. It bears
a Cod about as big as a Nutmeg, full of Ihort
Wool or Down, which when ripe burfts out of the
Cod, and is blown about by the Wind, and is of
little ufe. . The chief Advantage that is made of
thefe Trees, is by forming them into Canoas or Pe-
riago's; which laft differ from the other as Lighters
and fmall Barges do from Wherries, The Indians
burn the Trees hollow ; but the Spaniards hew and
chizzel them ; and the Wood is very foft and eafy
to work upon, being fofter than Willow.
Cedar. The Cedars of this Country are valuable for their
heighth and largenefs ; there -are very ftately ones
on the Continent, but I remember not any in the
Iflands. They grow towards each of the Sea-Coafts,
but efpecially towards the North. The Wood is
very red, of a curious 'fine Grain, and very fra-
grant. But thefe are put to no better ufe than the
"Cotton-Threes, ferving only to make Canoas and Pe-
riago's:
of the Ifthmus of America. 317
rlago's : And their Plenty you may judge of by
this, that if the Indians want to cut one for a Ca-
noa, they will not trouble themfelves about any a
Furlong off, tho' never fo fine having enough u-
fually to fell by the Side of the River into which
they intend to launch it.
There are on the Continent feveral Trees of thcMaccaw-
Palm-kind, of which fart we may reckon the Mac- tree-
caiv-tree. It grows in great Plenty in fwampy or
moift Grounds ; and I remember not that I faw
them any where but on the South-fide of the lfth-
mus, which is moftly of fuch a Soil. It is not very
tall, the Body rifing ftreight up to about 10 Foot or
more, furrounded with protuberant Rings at cer-
tain Diftances, and thofe thick-fet with long Prickles.
The Middle of the Tree is a Pith like Elder, taking
up above half the Diameter of the Body. The Bo-
dy is naked without Branches till towards the Top ,
but there it puts out Leaves or Branches 12 or 14
Foot long, and a Foot and an half wide, leffening
gradually towards the Extremity. The Rib or
Seam of this Leaf is befet all along with Prickles,
on the Out-fide ; and the Leaf it felf is jagged a-
bout the Edges and as thick as one's Eland, at the
broader End of it. At the Top of the Tree, and
amidft the Roots of thefe Leaves grows the Fruit,
a Sort of Berries fprouting up in Clufters, each a-
bout the Size of a fmall Pear, but many Score of
them together. They incline to an Oval Figure,
and are of a yellow or reddifh Colour when ripe.
There is a Stone in the Middle, and the Out-fide
is ftringy, and flimy when ripe ; of a tart Tafte,
harfh in the Mouth, yet not unpleafant : And the
way of eating the Fruit is to bite the fleihy Part
from the Stone, and having chew'd it, to fpit out
the remaining ftringy Subftance. The Indians fre-
quently cut down the Tree only to get the Berries ;
but fuch of them as are moft low and flender, you
may
3i8 Mr. WAFERS "Defer iptiori
may bend down to your hand. The Wood 6f the
Tree is very hard, black, and ponderous, and is of
great ufe. It fplits very eafily ; and the Indians
make of it many Conveniences for their Building
and other Occafions, fplitting the Trees into fmall
Planks or Rafters which they ufe about their
Houfes. The Men make Arrow-heads of this
Wood ; the Women Needle-Shuttles to weave
their Cotton, &c.
BiWy-tree Upon the Main alfo grows the Bitty Tree, fo
called from a Liquor which diftills from it, and
which our Englifb call Bibby. The Tree hath a
ftreight (lender Body no thicker than one's Thigh,
but grows to a great Heigth, 60 or 70 Foot. The
Body is naked of Leaves or Branches, but prickly.
The Branches put out at the Top, and among
them grow the Berries abundantly, like a Garland
round about the Root of each of the Branches.
The Tree hath all along the Infide of it a narrow
Pich ; the Wood is very hard, and black as Ink.
The Indians do not cut but burn down the Tree to
get at the Berries. Thefe are of a whitifh Colour,
Nut Oil. anc* ab°ut che Size of a Nutmeg. They are very
oily ; and the Indians beat them in hollow Mortars
or Troughs, then boil and ftrain them s and as the
Liquor cools they skim off a clear Oil from the
Top. This Oil is extraordinary bitter : The Indi*
dians ufe it for anointing themfelves, and to mix
with the Colours wherewith they paint themfelves.
TheJWify.When the Tree is young they tap it, and put a
Leaf into the Bore ; from whence the Bibby trickles
down in great Quantity. It is a wheyifh Liquor, of
a pleafant tart Tafte ; and they drink ic after it
hath been kept a Day or two.
Coc». There are CV^trees in the Iflands, but none on
the Ifthmus that I remember ; and Cacao-trees on
either.
On
of the Ifthmus of America. 3i£
On the Main grows a Tree that bears a Fruit Anony-
like a Cherry \ but full of Stones, and never foft. mous-
On the Main alfo art Plantains in great Abun- vlantains.
dance, which have a Body confiding of feveral
Leaves or Coats, that grow one from under ano-
ther, fpiring upwards into an oblong Fruit at the
Top; the Coats or Leaves, which are very long
and large, fpreading from the Body, and making a
Plume all round. None of them grow wild, unleis
when fome are brought down the Rivers in the Sea-
fon of the Rains, and being left a ground, fow
themfelves. The Indians let them in Rows or
Walks, without Under-wood ; and they make very
delightful Groves. They cut them down to get at
the Fruit ; and the Bodies being green and fappy,
they are cut down with one Stroke of an Axe.
The Bonano's alfo grow on the Ifthmus very plen- Bonano's.
tifully. They are a fort of Plantains. The Fruit
is fhort and thick, fweet and mealy. This eats
beft raw, and the Plantain boil'd.
On the I/lands there are a great many Mammee- Mammee.
trees, which grow with a clear, ftreight Body, to 60
Foot high, or upwards. The Fruit is very wholfome
and delicious Sfhap'd fomewhat like a Pound-pear,
but much larger, with a fmall Stone or two in the
Middle.
The Mammee Sappota differs fomething from the Mammee
other, and is a fmaller and firmer Fruit, of a fxneSatfofa-
beautiful Colour when ripe. It is very fcarce on the
Iflands : and neither of thefe grow on the Conti-
iinent.
So neither are Sapadilloes found growing on the SapadiiWi
Ifthmus^ though there is great Plenty of them in
the Iflands. The Tree is not fo high as thofe laft y
it grows without Branches to the Top, where it
fpreads out in Limbs like an Oak. The Fruit is
very pleafant to the Tafte. It is as fmall as a Bsrga-
mafco Pear, and is coated like a Rufiet-Pippin.
3 20 Mr. WAFERS "Defcrlption
Vint- On the Iftbmus grows that delicious Fruit which
we call the Pine-Apple, in Shape not much unlike
an Artichoke, and as big as a Man's Head. It
grows like a Crown on the Top of a Stalk about as
big as one's Arm, and a Foot and a half high.
The Fruit is ordinarily about 6 Pound Weight ;
and is inclos'd with fhort prickly Leaves like an
Artichoke. They do not ftrip but pare off' thefe
Leaves to get at the Fruit ; which hath no Stone
or Kernel in it. 'Tis very juicy \ and fome fancy it
to referable the Tafte of all the mod delicious
Fruits one can imagine mix'd together. It ripens
at all Times of the Year, and is rais'd from new
Plants. The Leaves of the Plant are broad, about
a Foot long, and grow from the Root.
Prickle- On the Main aifo grows the Prickle-pear, which is
Pear. a thick-leav'd Plant about 4 Foot high, full of
Prickles all over. That which they call the Pear
grows at the Extremity of the Leaf. It's a good
Fruit, much eaten by the Indians and others.
Pefes There are Popes Heads, as we call them, on the
He&du Main. They are a Plant or Shrub growing like a
Mole-hill, and full of Spurs a Span long, fharp,
thick and hard, with a black Point. They make
a very good Fence, galling the Feet and Legs of
any who come among them.
suzar- They have Sugar-Canes on the IJlhmus but the
Canes. Indians make no other ufe of them, than to chew
them and fuck out the Juice.
Manchi- There is on the I/lands, a Tree which is called
nuL Manchineel, and its Fruit the Manchineel Apple.
*Tis in Smell and Colour like a lovely pleafant Ap-
ple, fmall and fragrant, but of a poifonous Na-
ture, for if any eat of any living Creature that has
happen'd to feed on that Fruit, they are poifon'd
thereby, tho5 perhaps not mortally. The Trees
grow in : green Spots ; they are low, with a large
Body, fpreading out and full of Leaves* I have
heard
of the Ifthmus of America. 321-
heard that the Wood hach been us'd in fine carved
or inlayed Works ; for it is delicately grain'd.
But there is danger in cutting it, the very Sap being
fo poifonous, as to blifter the part which any of the
Chips flrike upon as they fly off, A French-man
of our Company lying under one of thefe Trees,
in one of the Samballoes, to refrefh himfelf, the
Rain-water trickling down thence on his Head and
Breaft, blifter'd him all over, as if he had been be-
ftrewed with Cantharides. His Life was faved with
much Difficulty ; and even when cured, there re-
mained Scars, like thofe after the Small-Pox.
The Maho-Tree, which grows here, is about asM*£*-
big as an Afh. Another Sort of Maho^ which isTree-
more common, is fmaller, and grows in the moift
fwampy Places, by the Sides of the Rivers, or near
the Sea. Its Bark is ragged like tatter'd Canvafs ;
if you lay hold on a Piece of it, 'twill rip off in
Strings to the Top of the Tree > the Strings are of
a great Length, (lender, and very ftrong. Ropes
are made of it for Cables, and Rigging for fmall
VefTels. The way the Indians order it is thus :
They ftrip off the Bark in great Flakes : Out of
them they draw greater or lefTer Strings as they
pleafe. Thefe they beat and clean, and twift into
Threads and Cords, by rolling them between the
Palm of the Hand, and the Knee or Thigh, as
our Shoomakers twift their Ends, but much quick-
er. Of thefe they make Nets for fifliing, but only
for great Filh, as Tarpoms, or the like.
The Tree which bears the Calabajh is fnort and calabafk-
thick ; the Calabafh grows up and down among the Tr^e.
Boughs, as our Apples do. It is of a globular Fi-
gure, the Out-fide of it is an hard Shell, holding
the Quantity of 2, 3, 4, or 5 Quarts. Thefe
Shells the Indians ufe as VefTels for many Occafions.
There are 2 Sorts of thefe Trees, but the DifFe- '
rence is chiefly in the Fruit \ that of one being fweer,
Vol. IIL Y the
3 2 2 Mr. WAFER'* Defer iption.
the other bitter. The Subftance of both is fpongy
and juicy. That of the fweeter doth yet incline to j
a tart, fouriflh Tafte. The Indians, however, eat-
them frequently in a March, tho' they are not veryV
delightful. They only fuck out the Juice, and i
fpit out the reft. The bitter Sort is not eatable,
but very medicinal. They are good in Tertian's
and a Decodtion of them in a Clyfter is an admirable
Specifick in the Tortions of the Guts or dry Gripes.
The Calabafh Shells are almoft as hard as thofe of
the Coco-nuts, but not half fo thick. The Darien
Calabajh is painted, and much efteem'd by the Spa-
niards.
Gourds. There are Gourds alfo which grow creeping along
the Ground, or climbing up Trees in great Quanti- ;
ties, like Pompions or Vines. Of thefe alfo there
are i Sorts, a fweet and a bitter : The Sweet eata-
ble, but not defireable ; the Bitter medicinal in the
Pajfio Iliaca, Tertian's, Coftivenefs, &c. taken in
a Clyfter. But the Indians value both Sorts chiefly
for their Shells ; and the larger Sort of thefe ferve
them by way of Pails and Buckets, as Calabafhes do
for Diflies, Cups and Drinking- Veffels..
slll^Grafs. They have a Plant alfo which is of good ufe to
them, call'd by us Silk-Grafs \ tho5 'tis indeed a kind
of Flag. Tt grows in great Quantities in moift
Places on the Sides of Hills. The Roots are knob-
bed, and fhoot out into Leaves like a Sword Blade,
as thick as one's Hand in the Middle of the Leaf
towards the Root, thinner towards the Edges and
the Top ; where it ends in a fharp Point, altogether
like our Flags, fave that the Leaf is much broader,
and a Yard or two in Length, and jagged at the
Edges like a Saw or fome Reap-hooks. The Indi-
ans cut thefe Leaves when of a convenient Growth,
and having dried them well in the Sun, they beat
them into Strings like fine Flax, extraordinary
ftrong, beyond any of our Flax or Hemp : For the
Leaf
of the Ifthmus of America. * 323
Leaf it felf feems to be nothing but a Congeries of
Strings inclos'd with a Skin on each Side. They
twift thefe Strings as they do thofe of the Maho-
tree, and make of them Ropes for Hammocks,
Cordage of all Sorts, but efpecially a finer kind of
Nets for fmall Fifh. In Jamaica the Shoomakers
ufe this to few with, as being ftronger than any
other. The Spantfh Women make Stockings of it,
which are called Silk-grafs Stockings^ and are fold very
dear. They make of it alfo a kind of yellowifh
Lace* which is much bought and worn by the Mo-
fiefa- Women in the Weft- Indian Plantations.
There grows here a Tree about the Bignefs of an Light-
Elm, the Wood of which is very light, arid - we
therefore call it Light-wood. The Tree is very
ftreight and well-bodied, and has a great Leaf like
a Wall-nut. A Man may carry a great Quantity of
the Wood when cut down : Its Subflance reiembles
Cork, and is of a whitifh Colour but the Grain of
it is rougher than Fir, or coarfer yet, Jike that of
the Cotton-Tree. I know not whether it has that
fpongy Elafticity that Cork has \ yet I Ihould think
it an excellent Wood for making Tomkins or Stop-
ples for Muzzles of great Guns. 5Tis fo very light
in Water that 3 or 4 Logs of it, about as thick as
one's Thigh and about 4 Foot long, ihall make a
Rafter on which 2 or 3 Men may go out to Sea.
The Indians make large Rafters of it upon Occafi-
on after this Manner : They take Logs of this
Wood not very big, and bind them together colla-
terally with Maho Cords, making of them a kind
of Floor. Then they lay another Range of Logs
a-crofs thefe, at fome Diftance from each other,
and peg them down to the former with long Pins of
Maccaw-wood and the Wood of the Float is fa
foft, and tenacious withal, that it eafily gives Ad-
mittance to the Peg upon driving, and clofes fait
about it. The Floats, were they boarded, would
Y 2 refemble
324 ^ WAFEtlV T>efcripthn
refemble our Dyers-floats in the Thames at London %
and the Indians ufe them chiefly for Paflage crofs a
great River where Canoas or other Trees are want-
ing *, or for Fiftiing.
white- Another Tree they have which we call White-wood.
wood. The Body of it grows in Heighth about 18 or 20
Foot, like a large Willow, and about as thick as
one's Thigh. The Leaf is like Sena, very fmall.
The Wood is very hard, clofe and ponderous, and
exceeding white, .beyond any European Wood that
ever I faw, and of a very fine Grain : So that i can-
not but think it would be very good for inlaying,
or other Cabinet-work. I never faw this Tree any
where but in this Ifthmus.
Tama- They have 'Tamarinds here of the brown Sort,
rinds. and good, but not well manured. The Tree is a
fair fpreading one, and very large of the kind.
The Tree grows ufually in a fandy Soil, near a
River.
Locuft- The Tree alfo that bears the Locutt-i ruit, grows
Tree- here. The wild Sort is found in great Abundance,
'tis not much unlike the Tamarind.
Baflard- They have a Badard-Cinnamon alfo, bearing a
cinnamon q0& fhorter than a Bean-cod, but thicker, it
grows only on the Main.
Bawbees. Bamboes grow here but too plentifully, like a
Briar, whole Copfes of them. The Branches or
Canes grow in Clufters 20 or 30 or more of them
from one Root, and guarded with Prickles. They
render the Places where they grow almoft impaffa-
ble, which are generally fwampy Grounds, or the
Sides of the Rivers. They are found moftly on
the Main, the IJlands having only fome few of
them.
Hollow- The Hollow Bamboes are on the Main only. They
Bamlms. grow 20 or 30 Foot in Heighth, and as thick as
one's Thigh. They have Knots all along at the
Diftance of about a Foot and a half. All the Space
from
of the Ifthmus of America. . 325
from Knot to Knot is hollow, and of a Capacity
ufually of a Gallon or more, and thefc are fervicea-
ble on many Occafions. The Leaves of this Shrub
are like Eldenn-leaves, in a Clufter at the Top of
each Cane, and thefe alfo grow thick together in
Copfes.
Mangrove-Trees grow out of the Water both m Mangrove,
Jflands and Main, rifing from feveral Roots like
Stilts entangled one among another. The Roots or
Stumps appear fome Feet above Water, rifing from
a pretty Depth alfo from under the Surface of it,
and at length they unite altogether, Arbour-wife,
into the Body of a lufty tall Tree, of a Foot or
two Diameter. There is fcarce any palling along
where thefe Trees grow, the Roots of them are fo
blended together. The Bark of the Mangroves that
grows in Salt Water is of a red Colour, and is us'd
for tanning of Leather. I have fome Reafon to
think that the Tree from whence the Peruvian or
Jefuifs Bark is fetch is of the Mangrove kind ; for
when I was laft at Arica in Peru, I faw a Caravan
of about 20 Mules with this Bark juft come in,
and then unlading at a Store-houfe. One of our
Company, who fpake Spani/b, ask'd a Spaniard who
guided the Drove, from whence he fetch'd that
Bark ; He anfwered from a great frefh Water Lake
behind a Mountain a great way within Land * at
the fame Time pointing at a very high Ridge of
Hills we faw at a great Diftance from us and the
Sea. Being further examined as to the Tree it grew
on, he fo defcrib?d it, by thole intangled Stilts,
and other Particulars, that our Interpreter laid to
him, fure it muft be a Mangrove-Trzz \ The Spaniard
anfwer'd, Yes, a freftv water Mangrove : Yet he faid
it was a very fmall Tree, which the Mangrove is
not, unlefs this fhould be a Dwarf-kind of it. We
brought av/ay with us feveral Bundles of this Bark,
and I found it to be the right Sort, by the frequent
3 26 Mr. WAFERS Tfefcription
ufe I made of it in Virginia and elfewhere ; and I
have fome of it now by me.
Pepper. They have two Sorts of Pepper, the one called
Bell-Pepper, the other Bird-Pepper, and great Quali-
ties of each, much ufed by the Indians. . Each Sort
grows on a Weed, or Shrubby Bufh about a Yard
high. The Bird-Pepper has the fmaller Leaf, and
is by the Indians better efteemed than the other, for
they eat a great deal of it.
Zed-Wood. There is on the Main a Red Sort of Wood that
might be of good ufe for Dyers. It grows moftly
towards the North-Sea Coaft, upon a River that
runs towards the Samballoes, about 2 Miles from the
Sea~fhore. I faw there great Quantities of thefe
Trees: They are 30 or 40 Foot high, about as big
as one's Thigh, and the Out-fide is all along full of
Cavities or Notches in the Bark. When the Wood
is cut, it appears of a Yellowifh Red. With this,
and a kind of Earth which they have up the Coun-
try, the Indians dye Cottons for their Hammocks
and Gowns. , I tried a little of it, which upon boil-
ing two Hours in fair "Water, turned it red as Blood.
I dipt therein a Piece of Cotton, which it died of a
good Red ; and when I wafh5d it, it turn'd but a
little paler, which I imputed to the want only of
fomething to fix the Colour ; for no wafhing could
fetch out the Tin&ure. 5Twas a bright and gloffy
Red, very lively.
Fotatofs. The Indians have feveral Roots which they plant ;
* efpecially Potatoes, which they roaft and eat.
Tame. They do the fame alfo by Tarns \ of which they
have 2 Sorts, a White and a Purple.
Caffava. They have a Root call'd Cajfava, not much un-
like a Parfnip. There are 2 Sorts alfo of thefe, a
fweet, and a poifonous. The fweet Sort they roaft
and eat as they do Potatoes or Yams. Of the poi-
fonous they make Bread, having firft prefs'd out
the Juice, which is noxious. Part of the remaining
Subflance
of the Ifthnuis of America. ' 327
-Subftance they grate to a Powder ; and having a
Baking-ftone, or Trivet fet over a Fire, they ftrew
the Flower over the hot Stone gradually, which
bakes it all to a Cake, the Bottom hard-bak'd and
brown, the reft rough and white, like our Oat-
cakes ; they ufe to hang them on the Houfes or
Hedges, where they dry and grow crifp. In Ja-
maica they ufe them frequently inftead of Bread i
and fo in other of the Weft-Indian Ifiands.
Thefe Indians have Tobacco among them. hrdaece.
grows as the Tobacco in Virginia, but is not fo
ftrong : Perhaps for want of tranfplanting and ma-
nuring, which the Indians don't well underftand *,
for they only raife it from the Seed in their Planta-
tions. When 'tis dried and cured they ftrip it from
the Stalks ; and laying 2 or 3 Leaves upon one a-
nother, they roll up all together fideways into a
long Roll, yet leaving a little Hollow. Round
this they roll other Leaves one after another, in the
fame Manner, but clofe and hard, till the Roll be
as big as one's Wrift, and 2 or 3 Feet in length.
Their way of fmoaking when they are in Company Indian
together, is thus : A Boy lights one end of a Roll way of
3nd burns it to a Coal, wetting the part next it to &mo*kin<
keep it from wafting too faft. The end fo lighted
he puts into his Mouth, and blows the Smoak
through the whole Length of the Roll into the
Face of every one of the Company or Council,
though there be 2 or 300 of them. Then they,
fitting in their ufual Pofture upon Forms, make,
with their Hands held hollow together, a kind oi
Funnel round their Mouths and Nofes. Into tfais
they receive the Smoak as 'tis blown upon them,
fnuffing it up greedily and ftrongly, as long as ever
they are able to hold their Breath, and feeming to
blefs themfelves, as it were, with the Refrefliment
k gives them.
Of
9 "■
32S Mr. WAFERS *Defcripio»
****************************
Of the Animals; and Jirft of Beafts and
Reptiles.
'TT H E Variety of Beafts in this Country is not
A very great ; but the Land is fo fertile, that
upon clearing any confiderable Part of the Woods
it would doubtlefs afford excellent Paflure for the
maintaining black Cattle, Swine, or whatever other
Beafts 'tis ufual to bring out of Europe into thefe
Climates.
The Country has of its own a kind of Hog,
Ptcary. which is called Pecary, not much unlike a Virginia
Hog. 'Tis black, and has little fhort Legs, yet is
pretty nimble. It has one thing very ftrange, that
the Navel is not upon the Belly, but the Back :
And what is more ftill, if upon killing a Pecary the
Navel be not cut away from the Carcafs within
3 or 4 Hours after at fartheft, 'twill fo taint all the
Flefh, as not only to render it unfit to be eaten, but
make it ftink infufferably. Elfe 'twill keep frefh
feveral Days, and is very good wholefome Meat,
nourifliing and well tailed. The Indians barbecue it,
when they would keep any of it longer : The Man-
ner in which they do it I fhall defcribe elfewhere.
Thefe Creatures ufually herd together, and range
about in Droves ; and the Indians either hunt
them down with their Dogs, and fo ftrike them
with their Lances, or elfe (hoot them with their Ar-
rows, as they have Opportunity.
Wkrr$$.[ The Warree is another kind of Wild-Hog they
have, which is alio very good Meat. It has little
Ears, but very great Tusks ; and the Hair or Bri-
ftles 'tis covered with are long, ftrong and thickfet,
like a coarfe Furr all over its Body. The Warree is
fierce,
of the Ifthmus of America, 329
fierce, and fights with the Pecary, or any other
Creature that comes in his way. The Indians hunt
thefe alfo as the other, and manage their Flefli the
fame way, except only as to what concerns the
Navel the Singularity of which is peculiar to the
Pecary.
They have confiderable Store of Deer alfo, re- Deer.
fembling moft our Red Deer ; but thefe they never
hunt nor kill ; nor will they ever eat of their Flefh,
though 'tis very good ; but we were not fhy of it.
Whether it be out of Superftition, or for any other
Reafon that they forbear them, I know not : But
when they faw fome of our Men killing and eating
of them, they not only refus'd to eat with them,
but feem'd difpleas'd with them for it. Yet they
preferve the Horns of thefe Deer, fetting them up
in their Houfes ; but they are fuch only as they
fhed, for I never faw among them fo much as the
Skin or Head of any of them that might fhew they
had been kilPd by the Indians-, and they are too
nimble for the Warree, if not a Match for him.
The Dogs they have are fmall, not well fhap'd, Dogs.
their Hair rough and ftragling, like our Mungrels.
They ferve only to bark and ftart the Game, or by
their barking give Notice to the Hunters to fhoot
their Arrows. They wiU rpn about in this Manner
from Morning to Night ; but are fuch meer whiff-
ling Curs, that of 2 or 300 Be&fts ftarted in a Day,
they fhall feldom kill above 2 or 3 ; and thefe not
by running them down, but by getting them at a
Bay and befetting them, till the Hunters can come
up with them. Large flrong Dogs would make
better Work hefe ; and it might be a very accepta-
ble Thing to the Indians to tranfport hither a Breed
of fuch : But then they muft keep to their Houfes,
or they would be in Danger of running wild in this
Country.
Her$
33o Mr. WAFERS Ttefcription
Rabbits. Here are Rabbits, call'd by our Englifh, Indian
Conies. They are as large as our Hares \ But I
know not that this Country has any Hares. Thefe
Rabbits have no Tails, and but little fhort Ears ;
and the Claws of their Feet are long. They lodge
in the Roots of Trees, making no Burrows ; and
the Indians hunt them, but there is no great Plenty
of them. They ate very good Meat, and eat ra-
ther moifter than ours.
Monkeys. There are great Droves of Monkeys, fome of
them white, but moil of them black ; fome have
Beards, others are beardlefs. They are of a middle
Size, yet extraordinary fat at the dry Seafon, when
the Fruits are ripe and they are very good Meat,
for we ate of them very plentifully. The Indians
were fhy of eating them for a while ; but they
foon were perfwaded to it, by feeing us feed on
them fo heartily. In the rainy Seafon they have
Worms in their Bowels. I have taken a Handful
of them out of one Monkey we cut open ; and
fome of them y or 8 Foot long. They are a ve-
ry waggilli Kind of Monkey, and plaid a thou-
fand antick Tricks as we march'd at any Time
through the Woods, skipping from Bough to
Bough, with the young one's hanging at the old
one's Back, making Faces at us, chattering, and, if
they had Opportunity, pilling down purpofely on
our tleads. To pafs from Top to Top of high
Trees, whole Branches are a little to far afunder for
their Leaping, they will fometimes hang down by
one another's Tails in a Chain ; and fwinging in that
Manner, the lowermoft catches hold of a Bough
of the other Tree, and draws up the reft of them.
No Euro- Here are no Bullocks, Horfes, Affes, Sheep,
pan Cat- Goats, or other fuch Beafts as we have for Food or
tle- Service. They are exceedingly pefter'd with Mice
M?ce! anc* ^ats> which are nioftly grey \ and a Brood of
c^nmuchCats therefore to deftroy thefe, might be as accep-
citeefo'd. tabl<j
of the Ifthmus of America. 331
table a Prefent to them as better Dogs for their
hunting. When I left the Ifthmus, two of the Indi-
ans who came aboard the fame VefTel at the Sambal-
loes^ went a cruifing with us towards the Corn-
I/lands and Cartagena : And when they were difpos'd
to return, and we were ftudying to oblige 'em with
■ fome Prefent, one of them fpied a Cat we had a-
board, and begg'd it • Which we had no fooner given
him, but he and his Confort, without flaying for
any other Gift, went immediately into their Canoa,
and paddled off* with Abundance of Joy. They
had learnt the Ufe of Cats while they were a-
board.
They have Snakes, but of what kind I don't well Infe&s
remember ; nor did I fee or hear any Rattle Snakes. and Ver"
"Spiders they have many, very large, but not poifo- llrio
nous. They have Lice in their Heads which they
feel out with their Fingers, and eat as they catch
them.
There is a fort of Infe£l like a Snail in great Plen- Soldier-ln-
ty among the Samballoe's, which is called the So!dier-k&,
Infeft ; but I don't remember I faw any of them
upon the Main. The Reafon of the Name, is be-
caufe of the Colour -3 for one third part of his Bo-
dy about his Head, which is out of the Shell, is
in Shape and Colour like a boil'd Shrimp, with little
Claws, and two larger like thofe of a Crab. That
part within the Shell, the Tail efpecially, is eata-
ble, and is good Food, very well tafted and delici-
ous, like Marrow. We thruft a Skuer through Delicious
this part, and roaft a pretty many of them in aMeat-
row. The Forepart is bony and ufelefs. They
feed upon the Ground, eating what falls from
Trees : And they have under the Chin a little Bag,
into which they put a Referve of Food. Befide
this they have in them a little Sand-Bag, which muftsand-
always be taken out when they are to be eaten, bag.
This Bag is commonly pretty full of Sand : And
Conch
33*
Poifon-
ousif fed
with
The Oil
an excel
kntSalye
Land-
Crabs)
where.
Angullla
Crab-
Ifland.
Good
Meat.
Mr. WAFERS "Defcription
Conch and Welks, and other Shell-fifh, have ufu-
ally a Sand in a Veflel that runs the length of the
Body in Manner of a Gut ; which we are forc'd to
take out, for elfe they would be gritty in one's
Teeth. If thefe Soldiers eat of any of the Manchi-
neel- Apples which drop from the Trees, their Flefh
becomes fo infe&ed with that virulent Juice, as to
poifon in a Manner thofe who eat of it : And we
have had fome of our Company very fick by eating
fuch as had fed on Manchineei but after a while
'twould wear off again, without further Damage.
The Oil of thefe Infefts is a mod Sovereign Reme-
dy for any Sprain or Contufion. I have found it fo,
'as many others have done frequently : The Indians
ufe it that way very fuccefsfully, and many of the
Privateers in the Weft-Indies : And our Men fought
them as much for the Oil, as for the fake of eating
them. The Oil is of a yellow Colour, like Wax,
but of the Confiflency of Palm-Oil,
On the Samballoes I think there are alfo Land-
Crabs^ tho* but few: But in the Caribbee-lildinds, a-
mong which I have been crufing, and efpecially on
Anguilla^ they are very numerous, and fome very
large, as big as the large ft Sea-Crabs that are fold
at London. They have them alfo in other of the
Weft-India Iflands ; but on Anguilla they fwarm ;
and a little Ifland near it has fuch Multitudes of
them, that 'tis calPd Crab-Iftand. They are excel-
lent good Meat, and are the main Support of the
Inhabitants, who range about a Crabbing, as they call
it. After a Shower of Rain they will come abroad ;
and then is the beft Time , to look out for them.
They live in Holes or Burrows like Rabbits, which
they dig for themfelves with their Claws, When
they are upon the March they never go about, nor
turn their Backs, but crawl over any thing that lies
in their Way, guarding with their great Claws
while they creep with the fmall ones \ and whatever
they
of the Ifthmus of America, tj 3 3
they lay hold of they pinch very feverely. The
Inhabitants of fome of thefe Ifles, when they take'fatten'd'
any of them, put them for 3 or 4 Days into a Piece with Po-
of Potato-ground to fatten them , for which they tato$s.
are faid to eat much the better.
Alligators and Guano's, which are alfo very good Alligators.
Meat, efpecially the Tail of the Alligator, I have
eaten in feveral Parts of the Weft-Indies ; but I don't
remember my feeing either of them in the IJlhmus.
The Guano is all over very good Meat, preferr'd toGmnoes,
a Pullet or Chicken, either for the Meat or Broth.
Their Eggs alfo are very good \ but thofe of the
Alligator have too much of a musky Flavour, and
fometimes fmell very ftrong of it. There are
up and down the IJlhmus a great many Lizards, Lizards*
green, and red-fpeckled , but thofe in the fwampy
Land and Thickets look more black or rufty.
They are none of them large, generally lefs than
a Span. I never faw the Indians eat of them.
They are pretty innocent familiar Creatures, and
the Indians fuffer them to creep up and down their
Houfes.
They have Frogs and Toads, and other fmal-
ler Infefts i but I took no particular Notice of
them.
fhfi
^5 cm
# % %•
334 Mr. WAFERV Ttefcription
«$? «S? & cf^ ^fc £h $h '-ft* of? & ^ ^» ^
Birds, ^ flying Insects.
TP HEY have feveral Sorts of Birds, fome of
A Kinds unknown to us ; and remarkable both
for their Beauty, and the good Relifh of their
Flefli.
There is one ftately Kind of Land-bird, pretty
common among the Woods on the Ifthmus^ which
chicaly- is called by the Indians ChicalyChicaU. Its Noife
chicaiy. js fomewhat like a Cuckow's, but lharper and
quicker. 5Tis a large and long Bird, and has a
long Tail, which he carries upright like a Dunghill
Cock. His Feathers are of great Variety of fine
lively Colours, red, blue, £sf<r. The Indians make
a Sort of Aprons, fometimes, of the Feathers which
grow on his Back \ but thefe they feldom wear.
This Bird keeps moftly on the Trees, flying from
one to another, and but rarely to the Ground. He
feeds on Fruit. His Flefh is blackifh, and of a
coarfe Grain, yet pretty good Meat.
Qyams. The Quam is alio a long and large Land-bird.
He feeds alfo upon Fruits, and flies up and down
the Trees. His Wings are of a dun Colour, but
his Tail is very dark, fhort, ftumpy, and upright.
This Bird is much better Meat than the other.
Anony- There is alio a Ruflet-colour'd Land- bird, fhap'd
mous. not un]ike a Partridge ; but has a longer Neck and
Legs, yet a fhort Tail. He runs molt on the
Ground, and feldom flies. His Flefh is very good
Meat.
Corrcfou. The Corrofiu is a large, black Land-bird, heavy
and big as a Turkey-hen ; but the Hen is not fo
black as the Cock. The Cock has on his Head a
fine Crown or Comb of yellow Feathers, which he
moves
of the Ifthmus of America. 335
mtoves to and fro as he pleafes : He has Gills alfo
like a Turkey ; but the Hen has neither Plume nor
Gills. They live on the Trees, and feed on Fruits.
They fing and make a Noife big and grofs, yet ve-
ry fweet and delightful ; efpecially to the Indians^
who endeavour to imitate them : And the Indians
and they will fometimes anfwer one another this
way, and the Indians difcover their Haunts by it.
The old ones alfo call their young ones by this
Sound. The Flelh is fomewhat tough, but other-
wife very good and well-tafted Meat. The Indians
either throw the Bones of the Corrofou into the Ri-
ver, or make a Hole and bury them, to keep them
from their Dogs, being thought unwholfome for
the Dogs to eat ; and the Indians fay they will make
the Dogs run mad : Neither do the Engli/h in the
TVeft-Indies let the Dogs eat of them. The Indians
fhoot down all thefe Birds with their Arrows.
They have Parrots good Store, fome blue, and Parrots.
fome green, for Shape and Size like the Generality
of the Parrots we have from Jamaica. There is
here great Variety of them, and they are very
good Meat.
They have alfo many Parakites, mo ft of thtm Parakites.
green ; generally much the fame as in other Places.
They don't fort with the Parrots, but go in large
Flights by themfelves.
Macaw-birds are here alfo in great Plenty. 'TisMacaw-
fhap'd not much unlike a Parrot, but is as large a- birds-
gain as the biggeft of them. It has a Bill like a
Hawks, and a bufhy Tail with 2 or 3 long flrag-
gling Feathers, all red or blue : The Feathers ail
over the Body are of feveral very bright and lovely
Colours, blue, green and red. The Pinions of the
Wings of fome of them are all red, of others all
blue, and the Beaks yellow. They make a great
Noife in a Morning, very hoarfe and deep, like
Men who fpeak much in the Throat,* The Indians
336 Mr. WAFERS "Defer iptidft
keep thefe Birds tame, as we do Parrots or Mag-
pies : But after they have kept tliem clofe fome
Time, and taught them to fpeak fome Words in
their Language, they fuffer them to go abroad in
the Day-time into the Woods, among the wild
ones ; from whence they will on their own Accord
return in the Evening to the Indian Houfes or Plan-
tations, and give Notice of their Arrival by their
fluttering and prating. They will exadtly imitate
the Indians Voices, and their way of finging and
they will call the Cbicaly-Cbicaly in its own Note, as
exa&ly as the Indians themfelves, whom I have ob-
ferv'd to be very expert at it. 5Tis the moft beau-
tiful and pleafant Bird that ever I faw \ and the
Flefh is fweet- tailed enough, but black and tough.
Wood* There is alfo a Sort of Wood-pecker^ with fuch a
faker. longflender Bill as that kind of Birds have. Thefe
have ftrong Claws, wherewith they climb up and
down the Bodies of Trees, and flick very clofe to
them. They are pied like our Magpies, white and'
black ; but more finely, being a fmaller Bird. The
Flefh is of an earthy unpleafant Tafte. I tafted of
them as I was travelling with my Companions, for
Hunger then made us glad of any thing of Food ;
but the Indians don't eat of them.
Dunghill- They have great Plenty of Poultry tame about
Fowl. their Houfes of two Sorts, a greater and a lefs.
The larger Sort are much like ours, of different
Colours and Breed, as Coppie-crown'd, the com-
mon Dunghill Cock and Hen, and of the Game
kind 5 though thefe Indians don't delight in Cock-
v fighting as thofe of Java do. The fmaller Sort
are feather'd about the Legs like Carrier-pidgeons,
and have very bufiiy Tails, which they carry up-
right and the Tips of their Wings are generally
black. This fmall Sort keep apart from the other.
They all keep the fame Crowing Seafon, before
Day, as our Cocks do. They are conftantly about
of the Ifthmus of America. 337
the Houfes, not ranging far into the Woods ; and
both their Flefh and their Eggs are as well tailed as
any we have in England ; and they are generally
fatter ; for the Indians give them Maize good Store,
which is very fattening.
Thefe are all the Kinds of Land-birds I noted a-
mong them: Though there are many fmall ones Small
which I did not fo particularly obferve ; and thefe Birds.
I generally very pretty and mufical.
About the Samballoes and other the Iflands and
the Sea-Coaft, on the North-fide efpecially, there
are great Numbers of Sea-fowl. The South-Sea- Sea- fowL;
Coaft, more to Windward, has many of them too
but whether it be that the Bay of Panama does not
afford fo many Fifh to invite them ; for 'tis not near
fo well ftock'd with Fifh as the Coaft about the Sam*
bailees, there are but very few Sea-fowl on the
South-Sea-Coaft of the Ifthmus, to what there are on Pelican.
the North- Coaft; and as to Pelicans particularly,
which are very frequent among the Samballoes, and all
along the Weft-India Coafts, I don't remember that
I ever faw one of them any where in the South-Seas.
The Pelican is a large Bird, with a great Beak,
fhort-legg'd like a Goofe ; and has a long Neck,
which it holds upright like a Swan. The Feathers
are of dark grey ; 'tis web-footed. Under the
Throat hangs a Bag or Pouch, which, when fill'd,
is as large as both one's Fills. The Subftance of it
is a thin Membrane, of a fine grey afhy Colour,
The Seamen kill them for the fake of thefe Bags, to
make Tobacco-pouches of them; for, when dry,
they will hold a Pound of Tobacco and by a Bul-
let hung in them, they are foon brought into Shape.
The Pelican flies heavy and low ; we find nothing
but Fifh in his Maw, for that is his Food. His
Pouch, as well as Stomach, has Fifh found in it :
So that it feems likely that the Pouch is a Bag in-
tended to keep a Referve of Food, I have never
Vol.. Ill, Z feen
3 3 8 Mr. WAFERS Ttefcription.
feen any of the old Pelicans eaten ; but the young
ones are faid to be Meat good enough, but I have
never eaten of any of them.
Cormo- There are Cormorants alfo among the Samballoes,
rants. which for Size and Shape are like Ducks, but ra- |
ther lefs. They are black, but have a white Spot
on the Breaft. Tho' they are Web-footed, as other
Water-fowl are, yet they pitch on Trees and
Shrubs by the Water-fide. I have never heard
of any one's eating of thefe, for their Flefli is j
thought to be too coarfe and rank.
Sea Gulls There are a great many Sea-Gulls alfo and Sea-
and sea- pieS) on that Coaft ; both of them much like ours,
but rather fmaller. The Flefh of both thefe is eat-
en commonly enough, and 'tis tolerable good Meat,
but of a Fifhy Tafte, as Sea-fowl ufually are. Yet
to correft this Tafte, when we kill'd any Sea-Gulls^
Sea-Pies, Boobies, or the like, on any Shore, we 11
us'd to make a Hole in the hot Sand, and there bu-
ry them for 8 or 10 Hours, with their Feathers on,
and Guts in them : And upon drefling them after**
wards, we found the Flefh tender, and he Tafte i
not fo rank nor fifty,
Bats. There are Bats, on the Ifihmus, the Bodies of
which are as large as Pidgeons, and their Wings
extended to a proportionable Length and Breadth j
with Claws at the Joints of the Wings, by which <
they cling to any Thing. They much haunt okl
Houfes and deferted Plantations.
Flying In- Of flying Infedts, befide the Moskitoes or Gnats
feds. | before-mention'd, there are up and down the
tfz^Wafps and Beetles, and Flies of feveral Kinds 1 1
particularly the Alining Fly, which fhines in the
Shining Night like a Glow-worm ; and where there are ma- j
Fly* ny of them in a Thicket, they appear in the Nightl
like fo many Sparkte of Fire,
They
of the Ifthmus of America^ 3 j 9
They have Bees alfo, and confequently Honey
and Wax. The Bees are of two Sorts ; the one
Ihort and thick, and its Colour inclining to red ;
the other blackifh, long and flender. They neft
on the Tops and in Holes of Trees \ which the In-
dians climb, and thruft their Arms into their Neft,
to get the Combs. Their Arms will be covered
with Bees, upon their drawing them back ; yet I ne-
ver perceiv'd they were flung by them : And I have
had many of them at a Time upon my naked Body,
without being ftung fo that I have been inclin'd to
think they have no Stings : But that's a thing I ne-
ver examined. The Indians fometimes burn down
the Trees to get at the Combs, efpecially if they
be high and difficult to climb. The Honey they Honeyl
mix with Water, and drink it : But they make no
ufe of the Wax, that ever I faw ; ufing for Candles Waxi
a Sort of light Wood, which they keep in their
Houfes for that Purpofe.
They have Ants with Wings, large and long, as Ants.
well as thofe which are Reptiles only. They raife
Hillocks like ours : They fting, and are very trou-
blefome; efpecially when they get into the Houfes,
as they frequently do. They fwarm up and down the
Samballoes and the other Neighbouring Ifles, as well
as on the Ijlbmus it felf ; and there is no lying down
to Reft on any Piece of Ground where they are.
Neither do the Indians care to tye their Hammocks
to any Trees near the Ant-hills ; for the Ants would
climb up fuch Trees, and foon get into their Ham-
mocks.
Of
340 Mr. WAFERS Tpefcriptton
I
Of the FISH.
Sca-Fifo. HP HE North-Sea Coaft, as I intimated, abounds
A in Fifli, and has great Variety of them. Thole
which I have had the Opportunity of feeing, are
chiefly thefe :
TArfom. The "Tar^om^ which is a large and firm Fifh, eat-
ing in Flakes like Salmon or Cod. They are fome
of 50 or 60 Pound weight and upwards. One of
them afforded a good Dinner once to about 10 of
us, as we were cruifing towards the Coaft of Carta-
gene ; befide a good Quantity of Oil we got out of
the Fat.
shares. Sharks are alfo found in thefe Seas ; tho9 not fo
commonly about the Samballoes> as on other of the
Weft -India Coafts.
There is a Fifii there like the Shark, but much
fmaller and fweeter Meat. Its Mouth is alfo longer
and narrower than the Shark's ; neither has he more
than one Row of Teeth. Our Seamen us'd to
Dog fi/h. call this the Dog-fijh;. (
Cavally. The Cavally is found among the Samballoes. *Tis
a fmall Fifh, clean, long and {lender, much about
the Size of a Mackarel a very fine lively Fifh,
with a bright large Eye ; and 'tis very good Meat,
moift and well-tafted. - %
old-wives Old-wives, which is a flat Kind of Fifli, and good
Meat, are there alfo.
Tsracoods. They have Paracoods alfo, which are a long and
round Fifh, about as large as a well-grown Pike,
but ufually much longer. They are generally very
good Meat ; and here efpecially : But there are
fome particular Banks off at Sea, where you can
take no Paracoods but what are poifonous. Whe-
ther
of the Ifthmus of America. 341
ther it be from fome particular Feed they have there,
or from what other Caufe, I know not ; but I have
known feveral Men poifon'd with them, to that De-
gree as to have their Hair and Nails come off; and
fome have died with eating them. The Antidore
for this is faid to be the Back-bone of the Fifh, dri-
ed and beaten to a Powder, and given in any Liquor.
I can't vouch for the Succefs of this my felf ; but
feveral have told me, that they have us'd it then>
felves, when they have found themfelves fick with
eating any Paracood\ but that upon taking the
Bone thus powder'd, they have found no other
ill Effeft, but only a Nummednefs in their Limbr,
and a Weaknefs for fome Time after. Some will
pretend to diftinguifh a poifonous Paracood from a
wholefome one, by the Liver ; which as foon as
they have taken the Fifh, they pull out and tafte.
If it tafte fweet, they drefs and eat the Fiflh. without
any Fear but if the Liver be bitter, or bite the
Tongue like Pepper, they conclude the Fifh to be
naught, and throw it away.
There is another Sort of Fifh on the North-Sea Gar~SSh.
Coaft, which our Seamen call Gar-Rfti; fome of
them are near 2 Foot long. They have a long
Bone on the Snout, of about a third Part the
Length of the Body ; and 'tis very fharp at the
End. They will glide along the Surface of the
Water as fwift as a Swallow, gliding thus on the
Surface, and leaping out of the Water alternately,
30 or 40 Times together. They move with fuch a
Force, that as I have been inform'd, they will run
their Snout through the Side of a Canoa and 'tis
dangerous for a Man who is Swimming to meet
with them, left they ftrike through him. The Back-
bone looks blueifh, of a Colour towards a Saphire,
The Flefh is very good Meat.
There
342 Mr. WAFERS Ttefcription
'Scutyins. There are Sculpins alfo, a Fifli about a Foot long,
with Prickles all about him : They ftrip them of
their prickly Skin, and then drefs them. They
are very good Meat.
sung rays, There are in the North-Sea many other Fifli befide
^J^'^thefe, as Sting-ray J, Parrot-fifh, Snooks^ Conger-Eels,
Conger- &c- and many others probably, that I have neither
Eels, &c. feen nor heard of; for 'tis a Sea very well ftor'd
with Filh.
Shell-fifti. Of Shell-fifli, there are Conchs all along the Sam-
Gonchs. ialloes }n Abundance. Their Shells are very large,
winding within like a Snail-fliell -9 the Mouth of the
Shell is flat, and very wide, proportionably to the
Bignefs of the Shell. The Colour of it within is
like Mother of Pearl ; but without 'tis coarfe and
rugged. The Fifli is flimy, the Out-parts of it,
cfpecially, and muft therefore be fcour'd with Sand
before 'tis drefs'd for Eating. But within, the Sub-
ftance is hard and tough ; for which Reafon they
beat them after they have fcour'd the Out-fide : But
when they have been thus managed, they are a very
fweet and good Fifh.
Teriwinc- There are Periwinckles good Store among the
kles. Rocks ; which are alfo good Meat. We pick them
out of the Shells with Pins.
Limpits; The Limpits alfo ftick to the Rocks hereabouts ;
and are rather better Meat than the other.
There are no Oyfters nor Lobfters on the Coaft
Sea-Crabs, of the Ifthmus ; but a few Crabs, and a Sort of
Craiv-filh. Craw- fifh among the Rocks of the Samballoes, as
large as fmall Lobfters, but wanting the two great
Claws. Thefe laft are very delicious Meat ; but
the Sea-Crabs are not very good.
Frefh- There are Fifh in the Rivers alfo of the Ifthmus %
jvaterFifli-but I am not acquainted with many of the Kinds of
them.
There
of the Ifthmus of America, 343
There is one Sort like our Roach, blackifh andAnony-
very bony, in length about a Foot, very fweet, mQUS*
firm, and well tafted.
There is another Fifli in Shape like the Paracood,
but much fmaller, and a very good Fifli.
There is a Fifli like our Pike or Jack for Shape ;
but not above 8 or 10 Inches long. His Mouth is
fomewhat like a Rabbit's, his Teeth a little way
within : His Lips are cartilaginous. 'Tis a very
good Fifh.
What other Fifh their Rivers yield, I know not,
for I took no particular Notice even of thefe.
But I was more obferving of the Indians manner Manner
of Fifhing, at which they are very expert, and ma-of*
nage it differently, according to the Place wherelng*
they fifh. In the Rivers Mouths and upon the Sea-
Coafts, in fandy Bays where there are no Rocks,
they ufe Nets, like our Drag-nets, made of Maho-
bark, or Silk-grafs ; which they carry out in their
Canoas. But in the Hill Country, where the
Streams are clear, and the Banks in many Places
Rocky, they go along the Banks up the River,
looking narrowly into the Water to view the Fifli.
When they fpy any to their Mind, they leap into
the Water, and wade or fwim up and down after
them •, and if the Fifh through Fright betake them-
felves into the Holes in the Banks for Shelter, as
they frequently do, the Indians feel them out with
their Hands and take them thence, as we do Chubs
or Craw-fi/h in our Rivers. By Night they bring
with them Torches of Light-wood, and with thefe
they fpy out the Fifh, and fo jump in, and purfue
them into their Holes.
For dreffing their Fifh ; xhey firft: gut them, and Dreffing
then either boil them in an Earthen Pot, or eife theirFl^ft
barbecue or broil them.
Far
344 Mr. WAFER'* Ttefcriptton
Salt, how For Salt, they have it out of the Sea- water ;
made. which they boil up and evaporate in Earthen Pots,
till the Salt is left in a Cake at the Bottom, which
they take out and break in Pieces for ufe : But as
this is a tedious way, fo they have but little, and
are very choice and fparing of it. They don't fait
their Fifh for keeping •, but when they eat it, they
boil Abundance of Pepper with it, as they do with
every thing elfe. But their Cookery I fhall fpeak
of elfewhere.
Of the Indian INHABITANTS; their
Manners, Cuftoms, &c.
Indian In- HP H E Indian Inhabitants of the Ifthmus are not
habitants. A very numerous, but they live thickeft on the
North-fide, efpecially along the Sides of Rivers.
The wild Indians of the South-fide live moil to-
wards Peru: But there are Indians fcatter'd up and
down; all Parts of the Ifthmus.
Their Sta- The Size of the Men is ufually about 5 or 6 Foot,
tare. They are ftreight and clean-limb'd, big-bon'd, full-
Shape, breafted and handfomly fliap'd. I never faw a-
mong them a crooked or deformed Perfon. They
are very nimble and adtive, running very well.
But the Women are fhort and thick, and not fo
lively as the Men. The young Women are very
plump and fat, well-fhap'd, and have a brisk Eye.
Features. The elder Women are very ordinary ; their Bellies
and Breads being penfile and wrinkled. Both Men
and Women are of a round Vifage, with fliort bot-
tle Nofes their Eyes large, generally grey, yet
lively and fparkling when young. They have a
high Forehead^ white even Teeth, thin Lips, and
Mouth
of the Ifthmus of America. 345
Mouth moderately large. Their Cheeks and Chin
are well proportion' d and in general they are
handfomly featur'd, but the Men more than the
Women.
Both Sexes have ftreight, long, black Hair, lank, Hair,
coarfe and ftrong, which they wear ufually down to
the Middle of the Back, or lower, hanging loofe
at its full length ; only the Women tie it together with
a String juft behind the Head, below which it flows
loofe as the Mens. Both Men and Women pride
themfelves much in the Length of the Hair of the
Head ; and they frequently part it with their Fin-
gers, to keep it difentangled ; or comb it out with
a Sort of Combs they make of Macaw- wood. ThflScoifiWof
Comb is made of feveral ftnall Sticks, of about 5 Macaw
or 6 Inches long, and tapering to a Point at each'fticks-
End like our Glovers Sticks. Thefe being tied 10
or 12 of them together about the Middle where
they are thick, the Extremities of them both ways
open from each other, and ferve at either End for
a Comb : which does well enough to part the Hair ;
but they are forc'd to ufe their Fingers to fetch the
Lice out of their Heads. They take great Delight
in combing their Hair, and will do it for an Hour
together. All other Hair, except that of their
Eye-brows and Eye-lids, they eradicate : For tho*
the Men have Beards if they would let them grow,
yet they always have them rooted out : And the
Women are the Operators for all this Work ; ufing
two little Sticks for that Purpofe^ between which
they pinch the Hair, and pluck it up. But the
Men upon fome Occafions cut off the Hair even of
their Heads ; it being a Cuftom they have to do fo
by way of Triumph, and as a diftinguifhing Mark
of Honour to him who has kill'd a Spaniard^ or o-
ther Enemy. He alfo then paints himfelf black
{which is not ufual upon any other occafion ) conti-
nuing
346 Mr. WAFERV ^Defcttption
nuing painted of this Colour till the firft New-moon
(as I remember ) after the Fa6l is done.
Complex- Their Natural Complexion is a Copper- Colour,
ion. or Orange-tawney ; and their Eye-brows are natu-
rally black as Jet. They ufe no Art to deepen the
Colour either of their Eye-brows, or the Hair of
Anointing their Head ; but they daub it with Oil to make it
them- fhine ; for, like other Indians, they anoint them-
felves. felves all over, whether for Beauty to make the Skin
fmooth and fleek, or to fupple it and keep it from
parching, or to hinder too much Perfpiration in this
hot Country, I know not.
white In- There is one Complexion fo lingular among a
diam. Sort of People of this Country, that I never faw
nor heard of any like them in any Part of the
"World. The Account will feem ftrange ; but any
Privateers who have gone over the IJlbmus muft
have feen them, and can atteft the main of what I
am going to relate, though few have had the Op-
portunity of fo particular an Information about
thefe People as I have had.
They are white, and there are of them of both
Sexes yet there are but few of them in Comparifon
of the Copper-colour'd, poflibly but i to 2 or 300.
They differ from the other Indians chiefly in Re-
fpeft of Colour, though not in that only. Their
Skins are not of fuch a White as thofe of fair People
Milk- among Europeans, with fome Tin6ture of a Blulh
white or Sanguine Complexion ; neither yet is their Com-
5kms. plexion like that of our paler People, but 'tis ra-
ther a Milk-white, lighter than the Colour of any
Europeans, and much like that of a white Horfe.
For there is this further remarkable in them, that
their Bodies are befet all over, more or lefs, with a
Down, fine fhort Milk-white Down, which adds to the
Whitenefs of their Skins : for they are not fo thick*
fet with this Down, efpecially on the Cheeks and
Forehead, but that the Skin appears diftind from it.
The
of the Ifthmus of America.' 347
The Men would probably have white Briftles for
Beards, did not they prevent them by their Cuftom
of plucking the young Beard up by the Roots con-
tinually : but for the Down all over their Bodies,
they never try to get rid of it. Their Eye-brows
are Milk- white alfo, and fo is the Hair of their and Hair.
Heads, and very fine withal, about the Length of 6
or 8 Inches, and inclining to a Curl.
They are not fo big as the other Indians ; and Smaller
what is yet more ftrange, their Eye-lids bend andthanthc
open in an oblong Figure, pointing downward tt0J^iln~
the Corners, and forming an Arch or Figure of a
Crefcent with the Points downwards. From hence,
and from their feeing fo clear as they do in a Moon- Moon-
fhiny Night, we us'd to call them Moon-efd. For eyU
they fee not very well in the Sun, poring in the
'cleareft Day their Eyes being but weak, and run-
ning with Water if the Sun fhine towards them fo
that in the Day-time they care, not to go abroad, un-
lefs it be a cloudy dark Day. Befides, they are but
a weak People in Comparifon of the other, and not
fit for Hunting or other laborious Exercife, nor do
they delight in any fuch. But notwithstanding
their being thus fluggifh, and dull, and reftive in
the Day-time, yet when Moon- fhiny Night's come, Afliveby
they are all Life and Adtivity, running abroad, Mooa-
and into the Woods, skipping about like Wild-**1*06,
Bucks ; and running as faft by Moon-light, even in
the Gloom and Shade of the Woods, as the other
Indians by Day, being as nimble as they, tho5 not
fo ftrong and lufty.
The Copper-colour'd Indians feem not to refpedt
thefe fo much as thofe of their own Complexion,
looking on them as fomewhat monftrous. They
are not a diftind: Race by themfelves, but now and
then one is bred of a Copper-colour'd Father and Of Cop-
Mother; and I have feen a Child of lefs than a Year j^,^0*
old of this Sort. Some would be apt to fufpeit parents
tfiey
j 4* Mr. WAFER 3s "Defcription
they might be the OfF-fpring of fome European Fa-
ther : But befides that the Europeans come little
here, and have little Commerce with the Indian-Wo-
men when they do come, thefe white People are as
different from the Europeans in fome Refpefts, as
from the Copper- colour'd Indians in others. And
befides, where an European lies with an Indian-Wo-
man, the Child is always a Moftefe, or Tawney, as
is well known to all who have been in the Weft-In-
dies ; where there are Moftefa's, Mullatto's, of fe-
veral Gradations between the White, and the Black
or Copper-colour' d according as the Parents are ;
even to Decompounds, as a Mullatto-Fina, the
Child of a Mullat to -Man , and a Moftefa wo-
man,
and Pa- But neither is the Child of a Man and Woman of
rents of thefe white Indians, white like the Parents, but
iucb. Copper-colour'd as their Parents were. For fo La-
centa told me, and gave me this as his Conje&ure how
thefe came to be white, that 'twas through the
Force of the Mother's Imagination, looking on
the Moon at the Time of the Conception ; but this
I leave others to judge of. He told me withal,
that they were but fhort-liv'd.
Painting Both thefe and the Copper- coloured Indians ufe
their Bo- painting their Bodies, even of the fucking Children
Faces' f°met*mes- They make Figures of Birds, Beafts,
Men, Trees, or the like, up and down in every
Part of the Body, more efpecially the .Face: But
the Figures are not extraordinary like what they re-
present, and are of differing Dimenfions, as their
Fancies lead them.
Women The Women are the Painters, and take a great
Painters. Delight in it. The Colours they like and ufe molt
are red, yellow and blue, very bright and lovely.
They temper them with fome kind of Oil, and
keep them in Calabafhes for ufe ; and ordinarily
lay them on the Surface of the Skin with Pencils of
Wood,
ofthelRhmus of America. 349
Wood, gnaw'd at the End to the Softnefs of a
Brufh. So lay'd on they will laft fome Weeks, and
are renew'd continually. This way they painted
me.
But finer Figures, efpecially by their greater Ar-
tifts, are imprinted deeper, after this Manner.
They firft with the Brufn and Colour make a rough
Draft of the Figure they defign ; then they prick
all over with a lharp Thorn till the Blood gufties Pricking
out then they rub the Place with their Hands, firft the skin*
dipp'd in their Colour they defign ; and the Pi&ure
fo made is indelible : But fcarce one in forty of them
is painted this way.
One of my Companions defired me once to get
out of his Cheek one of thefe imprinted Piftures,
which was made by the Negroes, his Name was Bull-
?nan which yet I could not effedtually do, after
much fcarifying and fetching off a great Part of the
Skin. The Men when they go to War, paint the
Faces all over with red ; and the Shoulders, Breafts,
and the reft of the Bodies, here with black, and
there with yellow, or any other Colour at Pleafure,
in large Spots ; all which they walh off at Night
in the River before they go to fleep.
They wear no Cloaths ordinarily ; but only the Womens
Women have a Clout or Piece of Cloth about their Garba
Middle, tied behind with a Thread, and hanging
down to their Knees or Ancles, if they can get one
large enough. They make thefe of Cotton but
fometimes they meet with fome old Cloaths got by
trucking with their Neighbouring Indians fubje£t to
the Spaniards \ and thefe they are very proud of.
Mr. T)a??ipier relates how we prevailed with a morofe
Indian, by prefenting his Wife with a Sky-colour'd
Petticoat : And nothing will oblige the Women
more than to give them Cloaths, efpecially of gau-
dy Colours.
The
3 5 o Mr. WAFE R's "Defer option
Men The Men go ordinarily quite naked, without fo
naked. much as a Clout about them, which few other In-
dians are without. But thefe have only a fmall Vef-
fel of Gold or Silver, if they are able, or at leaft a
Piece of Plantain-leaf, of a Conick Figure, like the
Conick Extinguifher of a Candle. They forceably bear
Veflcl. back the Perns within its owrn Tegument, clofe to
the Pubes \ and they keep it there with this Funnel
tied hard upon it with a String coming from it, and
going about their Waifts, They leave the Scrotum
exposed, having no Senfe of Shame with Reference
to that, as they have with Refpe£t to the Penis,
Modefty which they never fhew uncovered : But the Men will
of both turn away their Faces even from one another, if by
Sexes. any Accident it be uncovered ; and when they
would make Water, they turn their Backs to their
Companions, and fquatting down flip off the Funnel
with one Hand, and having done, put it on again
very nimbly. When they would go to Stool, they
choofe always to go into the River, both Men or
Women ; having a great Senfe of Shame as to that
particular : And in general, they are both a modeft
and a cleanly People.
TheMen's Yet the Men alfo have a Value for Cloaths, and if
Robes, on any of them had an old Shirt given him by any of
particular he WOuld be fure to wear it, and ftrut about at
cca ionsno orcjjnary Rate> Befides this they have a Sort of
long Cotton Garments of their own, fome white,
others of a rufty black, fhap'd like our .Carter's
Frocks, hanging down to their Heels, with a
Fringe of the fame of Cotton about a Span long,
and Ihort, wide, open Sleeves, reaching but to the
Middle of their Arms. Thefe Garments they put
on over their Heads ; but they are worn only on
fome great Occafions, as attending the King or
Chief, either at a Feaft, a Wedding efpecially ; or
fitting in Council, or the like. They don't march
in them : But the Women carry thefe and their o-
ther
of the Ifthmus of America^ 351
ther Ornaments in Baskets after them ; which they
put on when they come to the Place of Aflembly,
and there make themfelves as fine as they can.
When they are thus aflembled, they will fometimes
walk about the Place or Plantation where they are,
with thefe their Robes on : And I once faw Lacenta
thus walking about with 2 or 300 of thefe attending
him, as if he was muftering them : And I took
Notice that thofe in the black Gowns walk'd before
him, and the white after him, each having their Lan-
ces of the fame Colour with their Robes.
For an Ornament to the Face, befide their gene-pjajes
ral painting and daubing their Cheeks with red hanging
when they go to War, the Men wear at all Times a over the
piece of Plate hanging over their Mouths, general- ut "
ly of Silver, but the principal Men have it of Gold.
*Tis of an oval Figure, covering the Mouth from
Corner to Corner ; and this is the length of it. It
reaches fo low as to lye upon the Under-lip with its
loweft Side, and there is a piece cut out of the Up-
per-fide, near the Extremity of it ; which Edge
being cut afunder, the whole Plate is like the Figure
of a Half-moon, only inclining more to an Oval ;
and gently pinching the Bridle of the Nofe with its
Points, it hangs dangling from thence. It is in the
Middle of about the Thicknefs of a Guinea \ but
grows thinner gradually towards the Edge. The
Plates of this Size are fuch as they ufe when they
go to a Feaft or Council : But thar which they
wear abroad upon a long March, Hunting, or at
ordinary Times, is of the fame Shape, but much
fmaller, and does not cover their Lips, Such an
one I wore among them of Gold.
Inftead of this Plate, the Women wear a Ring The Wo-"
hanging down in the fame Manner ; and the Metal mensNofe
and Size alfo differing according to their Rank, and Rings'
the Occafion. The larger Sort is of the Thicknefs
of a Goofe-quil! s and not Oval as the Men's Plate,
but
3 52 Mr. WAFER'* "Defcription
but circular. It goes through the Bridle of the
Nofe which many Times, by its Weight and long
Ufe, efpecially in Elder Womeh^ it brings down
to the Mouth.
Both Men and Women, at folemn Meals or
Feafts, when they wear their larger Plates or Rings,
take them out and lay them afide till they have
done Eating ; when rubbing them very clean and
bright, they put them in again. At other Times
when they eat or drink, they content themfelves with
lifting up with the left Hand, if need be, the fmall
Plates or Rings they then wear, (and the Womens
Rings are feldom fo fmall but they lie upon the
Lipsj while they ufe their Right in taking up the
Cup or feeding themfelves. And by the way, they
always make the chief ufe of their right Hands :
None of And I never perceiv'd a Left-handed Perfon among
Le?Han r^em' Neither the Plates nor Rings hinder much
ded! an" their Speaking, tho' they lie bobbing upon their
Lips.
Ear pen- The King or Chief, and fome few of the great
dants. Ones, at extraordinary Times, wear in each Ear,
faftned to a Ring there, two large gold Plates, one
hanging before to the Breaft, and the other behind
on the Shoulder. They are about a Span long, of
an Heart-fafhion fas that is commonly painted) with
the Point downward ; having on the upper Part a
narrow Plate or Label, about 3 or 4 Inches long,,
by a Hole which it hangs to the Ring in the Ear,
It wears great Holes in the Ears by frequent Ufe.
Diadems I once faw Lacenta, in a great Council, wear a
of Gold, Diadem of Gold-plate, like a Band about his Head,
8 or 9 Inches broad, jagged at the Top like the
Teeth of a Saw, and lined on the Infide with a Net-
work of fmall Canes. And all the armed Men,
who then attended him in Council, wore on their
Heads fuch a Band, but like a Basket of Canes,
and fo jagged, wrought fine, and painted very
hand-
of the Ifthmus of America. 353
handfomely, for the mo ft part red ; but not cover'd
over with a Gold-plate as Lacentcfs was. The Topandof
of thefe was fet round with long Feathers, of fevc-j^??
ral of the moft beautiful Birds ftuck upright in athers.
Ring or Crown : But Lacenta had no Feathers on
his Diadem.
Befide thefe particular Ornaments there are yet o~ Chains of
ther general ones, which they all wear, Men, Wo- Beads, }
men and Children of 7 or 8 Years old, in Proporti-^*
on to their Age. Thefe are feveral Strings or
Chains of Teeth, Shells,- Beads, or the like, hang-
ing from the Neck down upon the Breaft, and to
the Pit of the Stomach. The Teeth-chains are cu- their
rioufly made with Teeth jagged like a Saw in feve- greatMens
ral Rows, fo contrived as that the Prominences of
the one Row may lie in the Notches of the other,
and look like one folid Mafs of Bone. This was
worn only by Lacenta, and fome few of the princi-
pal Men, on particular Occafions ; and they put them
on over the reft of their Beads. We us'd to call
thefe Tygers-teeth, though I know not for whatT7-ers-
Reafon, for 1 never faw any fuch Creature there :teet^-
Yet I have been informed there are Tygers on theTygers
Continent. Some of our Men who crofs'd the IJIb- °" the
mus9 told me, they killed one there ; and at ano- mHs*
ther Time, when we went over with Capt. Sharp,
fome of the Men faid they faw a Tyger, who flood
at a ftnall Diftance, and ftar'd upon them. I have
heard alfo that there is a fmall Sort, but very fierce,
in the Bay of Camp each y.
But for the reft of them, both Men and Women, The
they wear not any Teeth, but only a few Scattering ^^ins
! fometimes here and there in the Chains among themacjc,
reft of the Baubles. Each of them has, it may be,
about the Neck 3 or 400 Strings of Beads, Shells,
I or the like, but thefe divided into 7 or 8 Ranks ;
,and the Strings of each, by being turn'd a little a-
bout one another, make, as it were, fo many
Vox, IIL A a Ropes
3 54 Mr. WAFER x IXefcription.
Ropes of them. Thefe hang ufually one below a-
nother, yet in no great Order \ and the Women
generally have theirs hanging all on a Heap or
Clufter. Whatever Bugles or other fuch Toys they :
get, they find a Place for them among their Chains u
which the heavier they be, the more ornamental.
Their She is a poor Woman who has not 15 or 20 Pound
u?a-Ch • Weight upon her; fome have 3c or more ; and
' the Men have commonly near twice as much in
Weight as the Women, according as their Strength
is, and their Ability to compafs them,
when When they are in the Houfe, or on Hunting, or
worn. going to War, they wear none of thefe Chains ;
but only when they would appear in State, upon
Occafion of a Feaft, Wedding, Council, or the
like. As tfyey go to the Place of Rendezvous, the
Women carry them for them, as they do their other
Trinkets, in Baskets 5 one at each End of a Pole
laid a-crofs the Shoulder. When they come to the
Place, they put them on, and walk about and
fometimes will dance in them ; till with the Motion
and Weight they fweat extremely. When they
fit down to eat, they take them off till they have
done.
The Children have only a few fmall Chains ; and
a String or two of Beads or Bugles they will put
upon their very Infants. And the Women, befides
thefe Chains, have fometimes Bracelets about their
Woraens Arms, of a fmall Quantity of the farjrte Materials]
Bracelets twifted feveral Times abotit. Both Men and Wo-
°f the men, when painted, and let out -with all thefe Fine-!
ame' ries, make no ordinary Figure.
Their Their Houfes lie moftly thin and fcattering, ef-
Houfes 1 peclally in new Plantations, and always by a River
fide. But in fome Places there are a pretty many
together, fo as to make a Town or Village yet
not Handing clofe or orderly in Rows or Streets, but
and how difpers'd here andr there, like our Villages or Com-
***** *mons,i
of the Ifthmus of America. 355
mons, or in Wood-lands. They have Plantations ly-
ing about them, fome at a nearer, others at a great-
er Diftance, referving ftill a Place to build the com-
mon War-houfe on. They change not their Seats
or Houfes, unlefs either for fear of the Neighbour-
ing Spaniards, if they think them too much ac-
quainted with the Place of their Abode \ or to
mend their Commons, when the Ground is worn
out of Heart ; for they never manure it.
In building th£y lay no Foundations, only dig an<j buat#
Holes 2 or 3 Feet afunder ; in which they fet fmall
Pofts upright, of an equal Heighth, of 6, 7, or
8 Foot high. The Walls are walled up with Sticks,
and daub'd over with Earth : And from tlfefe Walls
the Roof runs in fmall Rafters, meeting in a Ridge,
and covered with Leaves of fome Trees of the
Palm-kind.
The Building is all irregular. The Length is a-
bout 24 or 25 Foot; the Breadth proportionable.
There is no Chimney, but the Fire is made in the
Middle of the Houfe, on the Ground the Smoke
going out at a Hole on the Top, or at the Crevifes
in the Thatch. The Houfe is not fo much parted
into Rooms, as all of it a Clufter of Hovels, join-
ing together in one Houfe. No Stories, no Doors,
nor Shelves, nor other Seats, than Logs of Wood-
Every one of the Family has a Hammock tied up,
hanging from End to End of the Hovel or Room.
Several Houfes in a Village or Neighbourhood, War-
have one War-houfe or Fort in common to them ^p^g301'
which is generally at leaft 120 or 130 Foot long,
about 25 broad, the Wall about 9 or 10 Foot high *,
and in all to the Top of the Ridge about 20 Foot \
and cover d with Leaves as* their other Houfes. The
Materials and Method of Building are alfo much
the fame as in the other Houfes ; but there are no
Partitions. The Sides and Ends of thefe War-
houfes are full of Holes, each about as wide as one's
A a 2 Fift %
356 Mr. WAFERS Ttefcription
Fiflr ; but made here and there at Random in no
regular Figure or Order. Out of thefe they view
an approaching Enemy, and (hoot their Arrows.
They have no way of flanking an Enemy. Thefe
Floufes are always feated on a Level, on the Nap
or Edge of a gentle Hill ? and they clear the Coalt
of Woods and Shrubs, for a Bow's-ftioot quite
round it. There is a Door- way at each End and
to barricado it, a Sort of Door made of Macaw-
wood and Bamboes, both fplit and bound together
with Withs ; 'tis about a Foot thick : This they
have ready to fet up againft: an Enemies Entrance,
and 2 or 3 Polls in the Ground to fupport it. 5Tis
a great Inconvenience of thefe Forts that they are
eafily fet a Fire , and the Spaniards fhoot into the
Thatch, Arrows with long Shanks made red hot,
for that Purpofe. There is ufually a Family of In-
dians living in the War-houfe, as a Guard to it, and
to keep it clean : And they are always kept pretty
neat, as their private Houfes alfo are. The War-
houfes ferve them alfo to hold their Councils, or o-
ther general Meetings.
Plantati- In the Plantations, among their Houfes, they fet
onsand fo much of Plantains, Maiz, or the like, as ferves
Pusban- t^[r Occafions. The Country being all a Foreft,
y' the firft Thing of their Husbandry is ufually to cut
down the Trees and clear a piece of Ground. They
often let the Trees lie along the Place 3 or 4 Years
after they are cut down ; and then fet fire to them
and the Underwood or Stumps, burning all toge-
ther. Yet in the mean time they plant Maiz a-
mong the Trees as they lie. So much of the
Roots of the Trees as are under Ground, they fuf-
fer to lie there and rot, having no way to grub them
up. When the Ground is pretty clear, they hough
it up into little Ridges and Hillocks ; but in no very
good Form nor regular Diftance. In each of thefe
Hillocks they make a Hole with their Fingers, and
throw
of the Ifthmus 0/* America.' 357
throw in 2 or 3 Grains of Maiz as we do Garden-
beans ; covering it up with Earth. ' The Seed-time
is about April \ the Harveft about September or
October. They pluck off the Ears of the Maiz
with their Hands, as is ufual alfo elfewhere : And
tho* I was not there in their Harveft-time, yet I
faw the Maiz in the preceeding Harveft laid up in
the Husk in their Houfes. . Initead of ThrefJiing,
they rub off the Grain. They make no Bread of Maiz
it, nor Cakes, but ufe the Flower on many Occafi- Flower,
ons ; parching the Corn, and grinding it between
two Stones, as Chocolate is made. One ufe they put
the Flower to, is to mixt it with Water in a Cala-
bafh, and fo drink it off ; which they do frequently
when they travel, and have not leifure to get other
Provifions. This Mixture they call Chichab, which,
I think, fignifies Maiz.
They make a Drink alfo of their Maiz, which Com
they call Chiehah-Co-pah ; for Co-pah fignifies Drink. Drink.
They fteep in a Trough of Water a Quantity of
Maiz bruifed, about 20 or 30 Bufhels, if it be a-
gainft a Feaft or Wedding ; letting it lie fo long till
the Water is impregnated with the Corn, and be-
gins to turn foure. Then the Women, ufually fome
old Women, who have little elfe to do, come to-
gether and chew Grains of Maiz in their Mouths, howfer-.
which they fpit out into a Gourd or Calabafh : merited.
And when they think they have a fufficient Quan-
tity of this Spittle and Maiz in the Calabafhes, they
empty them into the Trough of Water, after ha-
ving firft taken out the Maiz that was infus'd in it ;:
and this ferves inftead of Barm or Yeail, fetting all
the Trough of Liquor in a fmall Ferment. When
it has done working, they draw it off clean from the
Sediment into another Trough, and then 'tis ready
for ufe. It taftes like foure fmall Beer, yet 'tis ve-
ry intoxicating. They drink large Quantities of it,
and are very fond of it : It makes them belch very
A a 3 muck
35? Mr. WAFERS Defcription
much. This is their Choice Drink ; for ordinarily
they drink plain Water or Mijlaw.
Mi/law of Miflawis a Drink made of ripe Plantains : There
Plantains, is of two Sorts, one made of Plantains frefh-ga-
ther'd, the other of dry ones. The former they
roaft in its Cod, which peeling off, they put the
Plantain into a Calabash of Water, and mafh it
with their Hands, till 'tis all diifolved ; and then
they drink it up with the Water. The other is made
of Cakes or Lumps of Plantain dried for the
Plantains when ripe and gather'd, will not keep,
but quickly grow rotten if left in the Cod. To
preserve them therefore, they make a Mafs of the
Pulp of a great many of the ripe Plantains, which
they dry with a gentle Fire upon a Barbecue or
Grate of Sticks, made like a Gridiron. This
Lump they keep for ufe, breaking off a piece of it
when they pleafe, and mafhing it in Water for
Mijlaw. They carry a Lump of Plantain with
them for this End when ever they travel ; efpeci-
ally into Places where they can't hope to get ripe
Plantains, tho' they prefer the dried ones. Green
and half ripe ones they eat inftead of Bread with
Flefh ; but they boil them firft. They do the fame
with their Yams and Potato's, which they fome-
times roaft y as alfo the CalTava-root : And their
Plantations are never without fome or other of
thefe, and ufually in good Plenty ; efpecially the
old Plantations.
1 faw no Herbs or Sallading in their Plantations,
neither did I ever fee them eat any kind of Herbs.
But they never forget to have in their Plantations
fome of their beloved Pepper ; and they ufually
are pretty well ftor'd with Pine-Apples, which
they have very plentiful, and eat of them every
Day,
The
of the Ifihvr.us of America. 3 59
The Men firft clear the Plantations, and bring Women
them into order, but the Women have all the mer$*
Trouble of them afterwards ; the digging, hough-
ing, planting, plucking the Maiz, and letting Yams,
and every thing of Husbandry, is left to them,
but only the cutting down Trees, or fuch Work
that requires greater Strength. The Women alio
have the managing Affairs within Doors, for they
are in genera] the Drudges of the Family ; especi-
ally the Old Women, for fuch Works as they are
able to do, as Cooking, Wafhing, and the like.
And abroad alfo the Women are to attend their
Husbands, and do all their fervile Work. Nay,
they are little better than their Pack-horfes, carry-
ing all the Luggage of their Houfliold-Utenfils,
Viftuals, fcrV. and when they come to the Place
where they are to lodge, the Wife dreffes Supper,
while the Man hangs up the Hammocks ; for each
of them lies in their own Hammock.
But notwithftanding the Women are put thus to The Wo-
all Manner of Drudgery about the Houfe and Plan- j?en*
tations, and in travelling abroad, and are little bet- voluruary
ter than Slaves to their Husbands ; yet they do
their Work fo readily and chearfully, that it ap-
pears to be rather their own Choice than any Ner
ceffity laid upon them. They are in general very Their
good condition^, pitiful and courteous to one ano-S0?dC°n-
ther, but efpecially to Strangers s ready to give any ltlons>
juft Attendance or Afliftance they can. They ob-
ferve their Husbands with a profound Refped; and
Duty upon all Occafions ; and on the other Side and their
their Husbands are very kind and loving to them, Hl^sban^
I never knew an Indian beat his Wife, nor give her
any hard Words : Nor even in the Quarrels, which
they are wont to have in their Cups, do they fhew
any Roughnefs towards their Women who attend
them.
A a 4
Refide
?6o Mr. WAFERS T)efcription
Care of Befide thefe Cares, the Women have that which
Children more immediately belongs to them, the Care of
Lying in. their Children. When a Woman is delivered of a
Child, another Woman takes it in her Arms with-
in half an Hour or lefs after it is born, and takes
the lying-in Woman upon her Back, and goes with
both of them into the River and wafhes them there.
Nurfing. The Child for the firft Month, is tied upon a
Board, or piece of Ma^aw -wood fplit (Tor that
ferves them ufually for Boards, having no Saws)
and this piece of Wood is fwathed to the Back of
the Child ; and their Children generally grow very
ftreight. When there is Occafion to clean the
Child, they take it off from the Board, and wafh
it with cold Water ; and then fwathe it on again.
The Mother takes up the Child to give it Suck,
Board and all, and lays it down again in a little
Hammock made for that Purpofe ; the upper Part
of which is kept open with flhort Sticks.
Educati- As the Children grow up, the Boys are bred to
on of the their Fathers Exercifes ; efpecially fhooting with
^oys# the Bow and Arrow, and throwing the Lance ; at
both which they are very expert. I have feen
Things performed by them with a Dexterity almoft
Their incredible : For Inflance, a little Boy of about 8
Pexterity. Years old, would fet a Cane up on end, and going
about 20 Paces from it, would fplit it with a Bow
and Arrow, and not mifs once in feveral EfTays.
This I have feen, and this is the chief of their Exer-
cife : And as they generally accompany their Fathers
onFIunting, (efpecially when about 10 or 12 Years
old, and big enough to carry their own Provifion,
and a Calabafh of Corn-Drink) fo they will fhoot
little Birds they meet with, and ftrike in with the
Hunt. Their young Children they never carry a-
broad with them on a Journey, or on a hunting or
fighting Expedition. The Boys, when grown fome-
what big, always go abroad with the Father an4
Mother.
of the Mhrnus of America. 361
Mother, and do what little Services they can \ but
the Girls ftay at home with the old Women.
They feem very fond of their Children, both Fa- Indul-
thers and Mothers ; and I have fcarce feen them uleScncc*
any Severity towards them. And the Children are
fuffer'd to divert themfelves which way they will.
Swimming in the Rivers and catching Fifh, is a
great Exercife even ror the fmall Boys and Girls ;
and the Parents alfo ufe that Refrefhment. They go
quite naked, both Boys and Girls, till the Age of
Puberty ; when the Girls put on their Clout, and
the Boys the Funnel.
The Girls are bred up by their Mothers to their Girls Em-
domeftick Employments. They make them help ploy-
to drefs the Victuals, and fet them to draw Strings niems%
out of iW^-bark, and to beat 5i/£-grafs, for
Thread, Cordage, and Nets. They pick the Cot-
ton alfo, and fpin it for their Mothers weaving.
For weaving, the Women make a Roller of Wood, The Wo-
about 3 Foot long, turning eafily about between 2 ™fns .
Polls. About this they place Strings of Cotton, Vlns'
of 3 or 4 Yards long, at moft, but oftner lefs, ac-
cording to the ufe the Cloth is to be put to, whe-
ther for a Hammock, or to tie about their Waifts,
or for Gowns, or Blankets to cover them in their
Hammocks, as they lie in them in their Houfes ;
which are all the Ufes they have for Cloth : And
they never weave a Piece of Cotton with a Defign
to cut it, but of a Size that ihall juft ferve for the
particular Ufe. The Threads thus coming from
the Roller are the Warp ; and for the Woof, they
twift Cotton-yarn about a fmall piece of Macaw-
wood, notch'd at each End 5 and taking up every
other Thread of the Warp with the Fingers of one
Hand, they put the Woof through with the other
Hand, and receive it out on the other Side : And
to make the Threads of the Woof lie clofe in the
Cloth, they ftrike them at every Turn with a long
362 Mr. WAFERS ^Defcriptwn
and thin piece of Macaw-wood like a Ruler, which
lies a-crofs between the Threads of the Warp for
that Purpofe.
The Girls alfo twift Cotton- Yarn for Fringes,
and prepare Canes, Reeds, or Palmeto-Leaves, as
The Mens the Boys alio do, for Basket-making. But the ma-
Basket- king up the Baskets is the Men's work ; who firft
making. dye the Materials of feveral curious lively Colours,
and then mix and weave them very prettily. They
weave little Baskets like Cups alfo very neat ; with
the Twigs wrought fo very fine and clofe, as to
hold any Liquor, without any more to do, having
no Lacker or Varnifh : And they as ordinarily drink
Woven out °f thefe woven Cups, as out of their Cala-
Cups. bafhes, which they paint very curioufly. Theymak£
Baskets of feveral Sizes, for carrying their Cioaths,
or other Ufes, with great Variety of Work ; and fo
firm, that you may crufh them, or throw them a-
bout, how you will almoft, with little or no Da*
mage to them.
Modefty The young Maids are fhut up in private by their
of the Parents'at the Time of Puberty, and will not be
M°iids§ ^een ky any> but put a piece of Cotton as a Veil o-
ver their Faces, if any one fhould come accidental-
ly into the Place where they are, though it be their
Father. This Confinement lafts not long, but they
foon go abroad again. They are very modeft ;
and though they will lay hold of any Part of a
Man, yet they do it with great Simplicity and Inno-
cence.
Plurality Lacenta had feveral Wives, as others of them al-
pf wives. f0 had. Lacenta's were 7 in Number. When he
went a Progrefs or long Journey, 'twas fo contri-
ved, that he ftill found one of hi§ Wives at every
new Stage he came to.
Adultery
of the Ifthmus of America.1 363
Adultery is punifhed among them with thePunifli-'
Death of both Parties. Yet if the Woman confef- S°rfr
fes the Faft to her Husband, and fwears fhe was U
forc'd, fhe finds Favour : But if fhe conceals it, and
it be prov'd againft her, fhe is burnt. Their
Laws are fevere alfo in other Refpe&s for a Thief Theft,
dies without Mercy.
If a Man debauches a Virgin, they thruft a Sort and de-
of Briar up the Paflage of his Penis, and then turnflounnS
it round ten or a dozen Times : Which is not only VirSins#
a great Torment, but commonly mortifies the
Part ; and the Perfon dies of it ; but he has L iber-
ty to cure himfelf if he can. Thefe Fafts mull be
proved by Oath ; which is by their Tooth.
When they marry, the Father of the Bride, orThefr
the next Man of Kin, keeps her privately in the fame Marriage,
Apartment with himfelf the firft feven Nights >
whether to exprefs an Unwillingnefs to part with
her, or for what other Reafon 1 know not j and
fhe is then deliver'd to her Flusband.
When a Man difpofes of his Daughter, he invites
all the Indians within 20 Miles round, to a great
Feaft, which he provides for them. The Men whoPrefents
come to the Wedding bring their Axes along with brou*lir-
them, to work with : The Women bring about
half a Bufhel of Maiz : The Boys bring Fruit and
Roots : The Girls Fowls and Eggs for none come
empty-handed. They fet their Preients at the
Door of the Houfe, and go away again, till all the
reft of the Guefts have brought theirs ; which are
all receiv'd in, and difpos'd of by the People of the
Houfe.
Then the Men return firft to the Wedding^ and Vamag<»
the Bridegroom prefents each Man with a Calabafh 'Ceremo-
of ftrong Drink, and condufts them through theRles#
Houfe one by one, into fome open Place behind it.
The Women come next, who likewife receive a Ca-
labafh of Liquor, aad march through the Houfe.
Then
3 <S4- Mr. WAFER'/ "Defcription
Then come the Boys, and laft of all the Girls j
who all drink at the Door, and go after the reft.
Then come the Fathers of the young Couple,
with their Son and Daughter : The Father of the
Bridegroom leads his Son, and the Father of
the Bride leads his Daughter. The former makes
a Speech to the Company ; and then dances a-
bout with many Antick Geftures, till he is all on
a Sweat. Then kneeling down he gives his Son to
the Bride ; whofe Father is kneeling alfo and holds
her, having danc'd himfelf into a Sweat, as the o-
ther. Then the young Couple take each other by
the Hand, and the Bridegroom returns the Bride
to her Father ; and thus ends the Ceremony.
Working Then all the Men take up their Axes, and run
^rwth^ou-fhouting and hollowing to a Trad: of Woodland,
pie. which before is laid out for a Plantation for the
young Couple. There they fall to work, cutting
down the Woods, and clearing the Ground as fait
as they can. Thus they continue about feven Days,
working with the greateft Vigour imagineable :
And all the Ground which they clear, the Women
and Children plant with Maiz, or whatever elfe is
agreeable to the Seafon. They alfo build a Houfe
for the new-married Couple to live in.
The Mar- The feven Days being ended, and the young
riageFeaftMan fettled with his Wife in his new Houfe, the
Company make merry there with Cbicbah-Co-pab,
the Corn-drink before defcribed, of which they arc
fure to provide good Store. They alfo make Provifion
for Feafting ; and the Guefts fall too very heartily.
Hard When their Eating is over, the Men fall to hard
Drinking. Drinking : But before they begin, the Bridegroom
Care to takes all their Arms, and hangs them to the Ridge-
prevent pQ]e Qf ^ Houfe, where none can get at them but
" himfelf : For they are very quarrelfome in their
Drink : They continue drinking Night and Day,
till all the Liquor i& fpent > which lafls ufually 3
or
of the Ifthmtis of America. 365
Of 4 Days. During which fome are always drink-
ing, while others are drunk and fleeping : And
when all the Drink is out, and they have recover'd
their Senfes, they all return to their own Homes.
They have Feafting on other Occafions alfo; as other
after a great Council held, or any other Meeting ; Fcafts and
which they have fometimes only for Merriment. Meals.
The Men conftantly drink to one another at Meals,
fpeaking fome Word, and reaching out the Cup to-
wards the Perfon they drink to. They never drink
to their Women but thefe conftantly ftand by
and attend them while they are eating \ take the
Cup of any one who has drank, thr6w due the Re-
mainder of the Liquor, rinfe it, ancI^P^e it full to
another. The Women at all Feafts, and in their
own Houfes, wait on their Husbands till they have
done ; and then go and eat by themfelves, or with
one another.
The Men, when they are at home, trouble them- The Mens
felves little with any Bufinefs ; but that they may not Employ-
be quite idle, they will be often making them Cupsments*
and Baskets, Arrows and Heads for them, Lances,
Nets, and the like.
The Men make alfo a Sort of Pipes of fmall hoi- Their Re-
low Bamboes, and fometimes of a fingle Reed, creation.
They cut Notches in it, and blow it ftrongly, ma-
king a whining Noife, but without any diftinft
Notes : And they frequently entertain themfelves
with fuch Inftruments, as they us'd in their Paw aw-
ing. They will do any thing to make a Noife,
which they love much ; and they keep every one a
Humming at the fame Time to themfelves.
They hum alfo when they dance, which they do Dancing."
many Times 30 or 40 in a Ring, Men only toge-
ther. They ftretch out their Hands, laying them
on another's Shoulders. Then they move gently
fide- ways round in the fame Circle \ and lhake all
the
3 66 Mr. WAFERV Ttefcription
the Joints of their Bodies with a wrigling antick
Gefture, as they move along the Ring.
They pipe and drum often, even at working
Times but their dancing they ufe chiefly when
they get together to make merry. When they
have danc'd fome Time, one or other of the Com-
pany goes out of the Ring, jumps about, and plays
antick Tricks, throwing and catching his Lance,
bending back towards the Ground, and fpringing
forward again, with many other Motions, like our
Tumblers; but with more Activity than Art:
And when one is tired with his Tricks, another
fteps out ; and fometimes two or three together. As
foon as evei^lKs over, they jump into the River, all
in a violent Sweat as they are. and there wafh them-
felves clean ; and when they come out of the Wa-
ter, they ftroke it off from their Hair and Bodies
with their Hands. A Dancing-bout, if the Meet-
ing be large, lafts fometimes a whole Day, feldom
lefs than 5 or 6 Hours ; and 'tis ufually after having
a fhort drinking Bout : But they don't dance after
they have drank very hard.
Thefe, and the Huntings and Shooting at a
Mark, are fheir chief Divertifements ; for both
Men and Boys will be letting fly at any thing they
fee, though for nothing but Exercife or Trial of
The Wo- Skill. The Women have Dancings and Merri-
ment Di- ments by themfelves, when their Husbands Paftimes
verfions. are over . fQT never feaft nor p]ay together
with the Men : But they will drink by themfelves
till they are fuddled.
Their care ^e Women take great Care of their Husbands
of their when they have made themfelves drunk. For when
drunken they perceive him in fuch a Condition that he can
u s bear up no longer, they get 1 or 2 more Women
to affift them to take him up, and put him into his
Hammock , where as he lies fnoring, they ftand by
and fprinkle Water on his Body to cool him, walk-
ing
of the Ifthmus of America* 367
ing his Hands, Feet and Face ftroking off that
Water with their Hands as it grows warm, and
throwing on frefh. I have feen 10 or 12 or more,
lying thus in their Hammocks after a Feaft, and
the Women Handing by to look after them.
The Men never ftir abroad upon the mod ordina- Hunting
ry Occafion, if it be but juft without the Door toExpectiti-
make Wate*, but they take with them fome or o-onSo
ther of their Weapons, their Bow and Arrow,
Lance, Hatchet, or Macheat or Long-knife. Their
mod frequent Expeditions in Time of Peace, are to
go a Hunting. For this is their way of fupplying
themfelves with Flefli and they go out as often as
it fails at home. They fometimes go out a Family
or two only by themfelves ; but they have often
larger and more folemn Huntings, of a great many
in Company together: And there is feldom a Coun-
cil held, or Feaft, but there is fome hunting Match
concluded on before they part \ and a Time fet for
every one to appear with their feveral Neceffaries,
at the general Rendezvous.
A hunting Expedition lads fometimes 3 or 4,
fometimes 10, 12, 17 or 18 Days, according as
they meet with the Game, and as the Courfe is
which they fteer to find it : For fometimes they will
range to the Borders, to vifit or traffick with their
Neighbouring Indians \ And they will hunt all the
way as they go and return. They hunt more or
lefs at all Seafons of the Year ; never regarding
whether their Venifon be in Seafon or not. They
take with them one or two Dogs a piece, to beat,
about ; and there go as well Women as Men.
When I went with them a hunting a young Woman
was appointed me to wait on me, and carry my
Basket of Provifions.
The Women carry in their Baskets, Plantains, Provifions
Bonanoes, Yams, Potatoes and Caffava-roots, rea-
dy roafted \ but in the Woods, among the ruin -d
Plant.a-
3 68 Mr. WAFERS Tfefcrlption
Plantations, they often meet with green Plantains
v which they drefs there, and with thefe Roots : So
that if they go defignedly among fuch Plantations*
they carry the lefs with them. They carry alfo
fome parch'd Maiz in Meal or Flower* and fome
ripe Plaintains raw to make Mijlaw with. This is
all their Provifion. Every Woman carries a Cala-
bafh ; and there are one or two Pipkins among
them all. The Men carry Bows and Arrows* a
Tamahock or little Axe, and a Macheat. All go
Barefoot, and are often fcratch'd in the Woods,
but matter it not. They hunt Pecary, Warree^
TheGame Quaums^ Cbicaly-C hie alee Corrofou's^ or any other
Beafl or Bird they meet with, except Monkeys and
Deer. The Fowls, and what will not be fo eafily
prcferv'd, they eat prefently. They lodge all
Night at any place where they happen to be at Sun-
fet, fo it be near a Brook or River, and on the Nap
of the Hill. They hang up their Hammocks be-
tween two Trees, and cover themfelves with a
Plantain-Leaf, for Shelter from Rain, Wind,
with a Fire all Night by the Hammock. They ne-
ver hunt after Sun-fet ; and begin not again till
Sun-rife. Their chief Game are the Pecary and
Warree ; neither of which are fwift of Foot. They
go in Droves, often 2 or 300; fo that if the In-
dians come upon them unawares, they ufually kill
fome by random Shot among them. But elfe, they
are many Times a whole Day without getting any *,
or fo few, confidering how many they ftart, that
it feems a great Toil to little Purpofe. I have feen
about a thoufand ftarted, in feveral Droves, when
I was a hunting with them \ of which we kilPd but
two, as I remember. Sometimes when they are
flhot, they carry away the. Arrows quite. When
the Bead is tir'd, it will ftand at a Bay with the
Dogs which will fet him round, lying clofe, not
daring to feize, but fnapping at the Buttocks ; and
when
' of the Ifthmus of America. 369
when they fee their Mafter behind a Tree ready to
flioot, they all withdraw to avoid the Arrow. As
foon as an Indian hath fliot a Pecary or Warree, he
runs in and lances them \ then he unbowels them,
throwing away the Guts, and cuts them in two a-
crofs the Middle. Then he cuts a piece of Wood
jharp at both Ends ; fticks the Forepart of the
Beaft at one End, and the Hinder-part at the other.
So each laying his Stick a-crofs his Shoulder, they
go to the Rendezvous, where they appointed the
Women to be \ after which they carry their Meat
Home, firft barbecuing it that Night.
. When they take ar Beaft or Bird, they pierce it
with the Lances, or flioot Arrows into it, to let
out the Blood. Then they quarter it (firft cutting
off the Head 5) and if it be a Pecary they fcald off Curing
the Hair with hot Water ; if a Warree, they flea it. the Meat.
From fome of the Birds they ftrip the Feathers on-
ly, from others the Skin alfo : And this not regular-
ly, while the Carcafs is whole, but Piece-meal, af-
ter they have difmember'd it ; efpecially in their
Journies.
If they intend to preferve any, having little Salt,
they ereft four forked Sticks. 8 or 9 Foot afunder*
on which they lay two parallel Staves that fhall be
above a Foot from the Ground, and fo make a
Barbecue. A-crofs thefe Staves they lay the pieces
of the Beafts or Birds j and fpread underneath a
few live Coals, to make which they burn a Parcel
of Wood on purpofe 5 and turn the fame pieces,
and renew this fmall Fire for 3 or 4 Days, or a
Week, till the Meat be as dry as a Chip, or like
our fmoak'd Beef. This they do abroad if they
kill a great many Pecary, Birds, &c. and bring the
pieces home ready dried: And if there be much of
it, the Men help the Women to carry home the Ve-
nifon. Thefe pieces will keep a great while 5 and
when the Stock is almoft out, they go again a hunt-
Vol. III. B b ing.
370 Mr. WAFERS Ttefcription
ing. They make a Barbecue at home alfo, heap-
ing up thefe dried pieces a-crofs, and often putting
fome Embers underneath, to keep them from gi- i
ving, or growing mufty in that moift Country.
From thefe pieces they cut off Bits for ufe as they
want them.
Their If they take any Parcels of their dried Flefh, or \
Cookery; any newly killed, they cut it into fmall pieces, and
throw them into the Pipkin ; putting into it fome of
the Roots and green Plantains or Bonano's, or any ,
other Eatable, and a great deal of Pepper ftewing
>all together by a fimmering gentle Heat, never
boiling it. The Veffel ftands thus clofe covered
. tfor 7 or 8 Hours ; for 'tis fet on very early in the I
Morning, and they flay till all be brought to Pulp
or Mafh. This is for fet Meals for Plantains and I
Bonano's they eat all Day ; but this fet Meal of
Flefh they eat but once, about Mid-day only. The
and man- Mafh they pour out into a large Earthen Difh oi J
ner of Calabafh, fetting it on the great Block, which is in
Bating. every Houfe as a Table, fitting round on little I
Blocks as on Stools. But at great Feafts, for large j
Companies, they make a great Barbecue, io, 12, ]
6r 20 Foot long, or more, as the Company is, and i
broad proportionably : They fpread on it 3 or 4
Breadths of Plantain-leaves for a Table-Cloath. j
Every one has a Calabafh of Water Handing by1
him at his Right-Hand, on the Ground. In eating,
they dip the two Fore- fingers of the Right-Hand
bent Hook-wife, and take up therewith out of th6 I
Difh, as with a Spoon, as much as they can, ftro- I
king it a-crofs into their Mouths. At every mouth- ■!
ful they dip their Fingers into the Calabafh of Wa-
ter by their Side, whether for Cleanlinefs or Cool- I
ing, I know not ; for they eat their Meat excefllve r\
hot, as well as violently pepper'd. They eat no- l
thing with it as Bread ; but when they have a Lump j
of Salt (which is rarej at every 3 or 4 Mouthfuls cj
they J
ef the Ifthrnus of America. 371
they ftroke it over their Tongue, to give a RelHh,
and then lay it down again.
The Indians^ when they travel, guide themfelves TheirTra*
either by the Sun, when it fhines, or by fleering to- veiling. m
wards fuch a determinate Point, obferving the
bending of the Trees, according as the Wind is.
If they are at a lofs this way, they notch the Barks
of Trees, to fee which Side is thickeft which is
always the South, or Sunny-fide ; and their Way lies
generally through Woods. They go alfo through
Swamps, Boggs, Rivers, &c. where there is no
Sign of a Path, and are often forced to turn afide
yet will keep their way pretty dire£t for feveral
Days together j clearing their way through Thick-
ets with their Macheats, efpecially if of hollow
Bamboes •, for there is no getting through without
it. They fwim over Rivers, Men, Women and
Children, without felling Trees, as we did there*
But down the River they ufe either their Canoas, or
Bark-Logs made of Light-wood.
When any enquire the Way of them, as we had Shewing
feveral Times occafion to do in palling and repaf-theWay
fing the Ifthrnus^ their ulual Method of informing *nd_TimC
them as to the Bearing of Place they enquire after, y ,gn *
is by pointing towards it and as to the Time in
which they may hope to arrive there, by pointing
to fome part of the Arc the Sun defer ibes in their
Hemifphere : For according as they point higher
or lower# either to the Eaft or Weft of the Meridi-
an, they fuggeft the Time of the Day, Morning
or Afternoon, in which you may hope to arrive at
the River, Plantations, or whatever 'tis you enquire
after. So the Middle diftance between the Eaftern
Limb of the Horizon, and the Meridian, figftifies
9 a Clock in the Morning % £ths of the South-weft
Arc of the Sun's diurnal Courfe denotes 4 in the
Afternoon, &c4 If the Time they would intimate
be not of Hours but Days, they turn their Faces
6b 2 South-
372 Mr. WAFERS Defcriftion
Southward, and describing with their Hand the Arc
of the Sun's diurnal Courfe from Eaft to Weft,,
when they have brought their Hand to point to the
Weftern Horizon, they then bring it to the Side
of their Head \ and laying down their Head on
that Side upon it, and flxutting their Eyes, counter-
feit for a Moment their being afleep. Then re-
peating the Motion with their Hand, and the inter-
vening deeping Times, they make you underftand
that there will be fo many ileeping Times or Nights
before you arrive at the Place you feek.
Computa- I oblerv'd among them no Diftin&ion of Weeks,
of Time, or particular Days, no parting the Day into Hours,
or any Portions, otherwife than by this Pointing:
And when they ufe this, or any other Sign, yet
they fpeak at the fame Time, and exprefs their
Meaning in their own Language, tho* to Europeans
who underftand it not. They reckon Times paft
by no Revolutions of the Heavenly Bodies, but the
Moons : For Lacenta fpeaking of the Havock the
Spaniards had made to the Weftward, intimated
'twas a great many Moons ago.
Numbers Their Computation is by Unites and Tens, and
andCalcu Scores, to an Hundred ; beyond which I have not
ktions. hearcl them reckon. To exprefs a Number above
this, they take a Lock of their Hair, little or great
("in Proportion to the Number they would intimate)
and hold it up in their Hands,1 forting it gradually
with their Fingers, and fhaking it. To exprefs a
thing innumerable, they take up all the Hair on one
Side of the Head, and ihake it.
When we went into the South Seas under Captain
Sharps we were in Number about 3 36, as I remem-
ber and a pretty many of the Indians of the ljth-
mus bore us Company in our March. They were
willing to take Account of our Number as we
march' d ; fo one of the Indians fat in the Path, and
having a little Heap of Maiz-grains by him, for
every
of the Ifthmus of America. 373
every Man of ours that pafs'd by him he, put one
Grain into his Basket. When he had thus taken a
great Part of our Number, one of our Men in
paffing by, gave his Basket purpofely a Tofs, a..nci
threw out his Corn, and fo fpoil'd his Account
This feem'd to difpleafe them : Yet one ol them
got a little before, and fitting clofe in the A-
at a fmall Diftance from the narrow Path, which
we were to pafs one by one, he there took
Number in Grains of Maiz. But when he had v.-
ken his Account, they were put to it to caft it u:
For 2 or 3 Days after, in the Progrefs of out
March, coming among fome of the Southern JhM-
dians^ we faw fome 20 or 30 of the graver Men got
together, and trying their Skill to compute the
Grains in the Basket ; which when they had laid up-
on a Plantain-leaf, feveral of them indeavour'd to
tell one after another : But when they could tell no
further, (the Number probably exceeding their A-
rithmetick) and feem'd to grow very hot, and ear-
neft in their Debates about it, one of them ftarted
■up, and forting out a Lock of his Hair with his
Fingers and fhaking it, feem'd to intimate the Num-
ber to be great and unknown ; and fo put an end
to the Difpute. But one of them came after us5
and enquir'd our Number in broken Spanijh.
Their Capital Numbers, One, Two, Three, they
name thus :
1. Conjugo.
2. Poquab.
3. Pauquab.
4. Pakeqxab.
5. Eterrab.
6. Indricah.
7. Coogolab,
8. Paukopab,
9. Pakekopab.
Bb 3
Numeral
Names,
10. AmvegK
$74 Mr. WAFERS Defcription
10, Anivego.
11. Anivego Conjugo.
12, Anivego Poquab,
13. Anivego Pauquab, &c.
20. 700/4 Boguab,
40. 700/4 Guannab.
And fo on to 100.
Under 10 they content themfel vcs with naming
the particular Number at once; which they do rea-
dily. But at the fame Time that they name Anivego,
or 10, they clap together their expanded Hands.
And for 11, 12, 13, £s?r. to 20, they clap toge-
ther their Hands, and fay Anivego ; and then fepa-
rating them, they ftrike in order their Fingers of
the Left-hand, one by one with the Fore-finger of
the Right, laying, Anivego Conjugo, Anivego Poquab,
Anivego Pauquab, &c, to the Number they would
exprefs, i£ under 20.
When they would exprefs 20, they clap their
Hands twice, (once at every 10) and fay 7*00/4 Bo-
guah. Toola feems to fignify the fame with them,
as Score with us. For 21, they fay 7*00/4 Boguab Con-
jugo ; 22, 700/4 Boguab Poquab, &c. To exprefs 30,
they clap their Hands thrice, and fay Toola Boguah
Anivego, (20 and 10J for 31, 700/4 Boguab Anivego
Conjugo, C2oand 11, ) and fo on to 40 ; when again
they clap their Hands 4 Times, and fay Toola guan-
nab, implying another Score; 41, 700/4 guannab
Conjugo, Sec. 50, 700/4 guannab Anivego, (two
Score and Ten \) 51, 700/4 guannab Anivego Conju-
go, (Two Score and Eleven, &c<) The Name of
the other Scores to 100, I know not; and there
are few of them can reckon fo far : For while I
was among them, I was induftrious to learn their
Numbers, and 'twas a Diverfion I had with them ;
for they liked well my trying to imitate them ; and
WOyld be very merry upon it : BuC 'twas not every
on©
of the Ifthmus of America^
375
one could readily carry me much farther than I have
now reckoned, or fet me right if I was out.
Their way of Reckoning thus from Score tOReckoa-
Score, is no more than what our old EngUJh wayingby
was: But there faying inftead of 31, 32, OneScores*
Score and Eleven, One Score and Twelve, is much
like the High-landers of Scotland and Ireland, reck-
oning Eleven and Twenty, Twelve and Twenty,
So for 53. the High-landers fay Thirteen and
two Score, as the Darien Indians would, two Score
and Thirteen, only changing the Place. In my
Youth I was well acquainted with the High-Land,
or primitive Irijh Language ; both as it is fpoken
in the North of Ireland, particularly at the Navan
upon the Boyne, and about the Town of Virgini
upon Lough Rammer in the Barony of Caftle Raghen,
in the County of Cavan and alfo in the High-
lands of Scotland, where I have been up and down
in feveral Places. Their way of Reckoning may
be a Curiofity to fome ; for which Reafon I have
here inferted a Table of it ; fpelt not according
to the Orthography, but the Pronunciation,
Bb 4
16. Shaedagg*
irijh and
Scotch
Highland-
ers Num-
bers.
376 Mr. WAFERS <Defcrij>tion
1 6. Sbaedeegg.
17. Schauchtdeegg.
18. Oachtdeegg.
19. ffinyedesgg*
20. 'Feb. A Score.
21. Heanaugusfeb Briefly
[ausfeb ; augus fignifies and.
22. augus [eh. Two and a Score
23. TV* augus feb. Three, €sV.
30. Z)^ ^z/g^ Ten and a Score.
3 x. Heaneegg augus feb. Eleven and a Score.
32. DZeegg augus. feb.
40. Yoyibt.
41. tfagtfj yoyibt .
43. Z)£ ^»g«j yoyibt.
50. yoyibt.
5 f . Heaneegg tb* yoyibt.
52. Deoeegg augus tb* 'yoyibt,
60. fehtb.
61. augus Tree febtb.
70. Tra fehtb.
Sol Careb-fehth.
90. i>£ Careb-fehth.
1 00. Codigfehtb ; or Caed, a Hundred.
20O. Gychead.
1000. MeelaL
ioocooc. Meelioon*
Indian My Knowledge of the High-Land Language
Pronun- made me the more capable of learning the Darien
compar d ^ndians -Language, when I was among them. For
with there is feme Affinity, not in the Signification of
theirs the Words of each Language, but in the Pronun-
ciation, which I could eafily imitate ; both being
fpoken pretty much in the Throat, with frequent
Afpirates, and much the fame fharp or circumflex
Tang or Cant. I learned a great deal of the Dari-
Language in a Month's Converf&tion with them ;
1 ■ for
of the Ifthmus of America. 377
for I was always asking what they call this and that :
And Lacenta was continually talking with me ; who
fpake alfo a few Words of broken Spanijh. I took
no Care to retain any of the Indians Language ;
but fome few Words that I ftill remember, I have
here put as a Specimen.
Tautab, Father. Indian
Naunab, Mother. Words.
Poonab, Woman.
Roopab, Brother.
Bidama foquab Roopab ? How do you Brother ?
Neenab, a Girl.
Nee, the Moon,
Chaunab, Go.
Cbaunab Weeynacab ; Make hafte, run.
Shennorung ; big, a great Thing.
Eetbab, ugly.
Paecba, foh ! ugly !
Eechab Malooquab, (an Expreflion of great Diflike.J
Cotcbah, Sleep.
Caupab, a Hammock.
Cotchab Caupab ? Will you go fleep in the Ham-
mock ?
Pa poonab eetab Coupab ? Woman have you got
the Hammock ?
Doolab, Water.
Doolab Copab ? Will you drink Water ?
Cbicba-Copab, Maiz-Drink.
'Mamaubab, Fine.
Cab, Pepper.
Aupab eenab ? What do you call this ?
Mr.
■ cm
1 ■$>
37*
Mr. WAFER'* Voyages, &c
MR • ?®S SSPS ?®5 M
fi^S iSsfc t^£j5> iS
cJ7V/r- Wafer^ Voyages, &c
TheRela- X-I^ving t^lus gone over the Ifthmus, and made
tionof fuch Obfervations about it as occurr'd to me,
theVoy- I fhall now refume the Thread of my Voyage,
tufueT" w^ck I broke in the South Sea, at Realeja on the
Seep.294.C0aA: of Mexico, where I parted with Mr, Dampier,
Harbour after my fecond being with him in thofe Seas. Cap-
oiKealeja.t2i[n $wan \n the Cygnet, was going to the Weft-
ward ; and Mr. Dampier, chofe to go with him. I
flaid with Captain Davis in the Batchelors Delight
and he was for going again to the Southward.
SeeD*w- So we left them in the Harbour of Realeja, when
;wrWoy-we fet out Aug. 27. 1685. with three other Veflels
i8p%23 our C°mPany- But our Men growing very fick
' when we were got out to Sea, we foon put into the
Gulphof Gulph of Amapalla. There we lay feveral Weeks
Amapallazt a fmall Ifland, on which we built Huts for our
fick Men, whom we put afhore. In our 4 fmall
Ships, we had then above 130 fick of the Spotted-
Fever, many of whom died : Yet tho* I attended
them every Day, I thank God I efcap'd the Infect-
ion. But 'tis not my Intention to particularize as
to all the Places or Occurrences we met with for
I kept no Journal : But fome fuch Things as I took
more particular Notice of, and thought worth re-
marking I fhall briefly fpeak of as I go along.
Being in great want of Provifion while we lay
here, we went alhore, in order to fupply our Ne*
ceflities at a Beef-Eftantion on the Continent, at the
South of the Cod of the Bay, which lay from the
Landing-place about three Miles. In our way we
were
Mr. WAFERV Voyages, &c. 379
#?ere forced to pafs a hot River in an open Silvan- Hot Rivet
nah, although we made fome Difficulty at it by Rea-
fon of its Heat. This River iffued out from under
a Hill : But it was no Vulqan, tho* there are feve-
ral on this Coaft. I had the Curiofity to wade up
the Stream as far as I had Day-light to guide me :
The Water was clear and ftiallow, but the Streams
under the Hill were like thofe of a boiling Pot, and
my Hair was wet with them. The River without
the Hill reek'd for a great way. Many of our
Men who had the Itch bath'd themfelves here, and
growing well foon after, they imputed it to the Sul-
phuroufnefs, or other Vertue of this Water. In
this Place are a Multitude of Wolves , which are the Fierce
boldeft that ever I met with : for they would come Wolves-
fo near, as to bealmoft ready to pull the Flefli out
of our Hands: Yet we durft not Ihoot them for
fear the Noife of our Guns fhould call more to
their Afliftance ; and we went but ftragling up and
down.
Our Men being tolerably well recover'd, we
ftood away to the Southward, and came to the
Jfland Cocos, in 5 Deg. 15 Min. N. Lat. 'Tis fotcwug
called from its Coco-Nuts, wherewith 'tis plentifully
ftor'd. 'Tis but a fmall Ifland, yet a very pleafant a pleafant;
one : For the Middle of the Ifland is a fteep Hill, Placc-
furrounded all about with a Plain, declining to the
JSea. This Plain, and particularly the Valley where
you go aftiore, is thick fet with Coco-nut Trees,
which flourilh here very finely, it being a rich and
fruitful Soil. They grow alfo on the Skirts of the
Hilly Ground in the Middle of the Ifle, and Matter-
ing in Spots upon the Sides of it, very pleafantly.
But that which contributes moft to the Pleafure of
the Place is, that a great many Springs of clear and
fweet Water rifing to the Top of the Hill, are
there gathered as in a deep large Bafon or Pond, the
Top fubfiding inwards quite round ; and the Wa-
ter
3 So Mr. WAFERV Voyages, &c.
ter having hy this Means no Channel whereby to
flow along, as in a Brook or River, it overflows the
Verge of its Bafon in feveral Places, and runs trick-
ling down in many pretty Streams. In fome Places
of its overflowing, the rocky Sides of the Hill being
more than perpendicular, and hanging over the
Arched Plain beneath, the Water pours down in a Cataraft,
Cararafts. as out of a Bucket, fo as to leave a Space dry under
the Spout, and form a kind of Arch of Water ;
which together with the Advantage of the Profpeft,
the near adjoining Coco-nut Trees, and the Frefh-
riefs which the Falling Water gives the Air in this hot
Climate, makes it a very charming Place, and de-
lightful to feveral of the Senfes at once.
Our Men were very much pleas'd with the En-
tertainment this Ifl^nd afforded them : And they al-
fo filPd here all thfeir Water-Casks ; for here is ex-
cellent frefh Water in the Rivulet, which thofe little
Catarafls form below in the Plain, and the Ship lay
jufl: at its Outlet into the Sea, whdre there was very
good Riding : So that 'tis as commodious a Water-
ing-place as any I have met with.
Nor did we fpare the Coco-nuts, eating what we
would, and drinking the Milk, and carrying feveral
Hundreds of them on board. Some or other of
our Men went afhore every Day : And one Day a-
mong the reft, being minded to make themfelves
very merry, they went afhore and cut down a
great many Coco-trees from which they gathered
the Fruit, and drew about 20 Gallons of the Milk.
Then they all fat down and drank Healths to the
King, and Queen, They drank an exceflive
Quantity \ yet it did not end in Drunkennefs : But
Numbed- however, that Sort of Liquor had fo chilled aud be-
nefswith numb'd their Nerves, that they could neither go
Coco- * nor ^and : Nor could they return on board the
milk. Ship, without the Help of thofe who had not been
, Parta^
Mr. WAFER y$ Voyages, &c. 3 g 2
Partakers in the Frolick : Nor did they recover k
under 4 or 5 Days Time.
From hence we ftood on ftill to the South, and r Gall#~
came to one of the Gallapago-lftands, lying under pages.
the Line. Upon one of thefe Iflands. we found a LandTor-.
great many very large Land-Tortoife, of that Sore toife, arc.
which we us'd to call Hecate. Upon this Ifland is
no Water to be found, but in one Place, whirher
I obferv'd thefe Animals frequently go to drink 5
but they go not into the Water.
At this Ifland there was but one Watering-place,
and there we careen'd our Ship. Hither many Tur-
tle-Doves and other Birds reforted for Water ;
which were at firft fo familiar with us, that they
would light upon our Heads and Arms ; infomuch
that for feveral Days we maintained the Ship's Com-
pany with them : But in a little Time they began to-
be fo fhy, that we could kill none but what we Ihot.
Heo are alfo Guano's very plentiful, which are very Guano**
good Food. There grows a Sort of Wood in this
Ifle very fweet in fmell. 'Tis but a low Tree, not
fhrubby, but like a Pear-tree, tho' thicker ; and
full of very fweet Gum. While we lay here at the
Gallapago's, we took in at one of the Iflands there
500 Packs of Flower, which we had formerly left
there upon the Rocks ; but the Turtle-Doves hadp]ower
devoured a great deal of the Flower, for the Bags left there
lay expos'd to the Air.
When we left the Gallapago's we went cruifing upcruifiug
and down about feveral of the Iflands and Coalts of on the
Peru \ the Particulars of which I fhall not trouble ^°*ftof
the Reader with. We had Engagements at Guvray
Guacha, and Pifca ; and the two laft very fharp ones,
yet we took the Towns. There was v/ith us then in
Company Captain Knight only ; for the other two
Veffels that came with us from Amapalla, had left
us at the Ifland Com. Twas July 1 63 6. when we
were
3 82 Mr. WAFERS Voyages, &c.
were at Pifca, and Cape. Knight and we kept Com-
pany almoft all that Year.
Monkeys Among other Places we were at the Ifland Gorgo-
and Oy- nia, where we clean'd ; and I took notice of feve-
Iters at ral Monkeys there who lived partly upon Oyfters,
orgonta. ^jy^jj gQt QUt Qf ^ Sea at low Water,
Their way was to take up an Oyfter, and lay it upon
a Stone, and with another Stone to keep beating
of it till they had broke the Shell in pieces.
We were together alfo at La Nafta, which is a
JaKafca fmall Port, in the Lat. of 15 S. It affords Abun-
Wme. dance of rich ftrong Wine, fas Pifca and other Pla-
ces on that Coaft alfo doj tailed much like that of
Madera. 'Tis brought down out of the Country
to this Port, to be fhipt for Lima, Panama, or o«
ther Places. It lies here fometimes many Years
flopt up in Jars of about eight Gallons apiece : But
the Jars are under no Shelter, but ftand expos5 d to
the hot fcorching Sun •, being placed along the Bay,
and between the Rocks, every Merchant having
his own mark'd. We took in Store of this Wine.
Ccyuimbo. We were alfo together at Coquimbo, a large
Town with nine Churches in it, lying in about 29
S. Lat. Here we landed upon a deep Sand, in a
large Bay, which had a fmall River that ran through
the Country, and made its way out 3 Mile below
the Town. In this River the Spaniards get Gold
Its Gold higher up in the Country ; and the Sands of the Ri-
River. ver by the Sea, as the whole Bay, are all befpang-
led with Particles of Gold ; infomuch that as we
travelled along the Sandy Bays, our People were
covered with a fine Gold Duft , but too fine for
any thing elfe ; for it would be an endlefs Work to
pick it up. This Obfervation I have made infome
other Places along the Coaft, where any of thefe
Gold Rivers make their way into the Sea through
Sandy Bays ; for there the Sand is in a manner gild*
ed by them ; But all that is worth looking after is
Mr. WAFER'* Voyages, &c; 335
up near the River's Head, or towards the Mountains
they fall from, where the weightier Grains lodge ;
for none but this meer Dull of it is walh'd down to
the Sea.
We went after this to the Ifland of John Fernan-\tj0tjn
do, where wecareen'dv and there Captain Knight Fernanda
left us, making the beft of his way round Terra del
Fuego to the JVeJI-Indies. But we were for coafting
it back again toward the Line : having with us a
Bark we had taken off Pifca.
Going off therefore from John Fernando9 s we
flood yet further South in going over to the Conti-
tinent, to the Latitude of 39 S. as well to gain a
Wind as to have the more of the Coaft before us.
We fell in firft with the Ifland of Mocha, which lies I. Mocha,
in about 38 Deg. 20 Min. S. and wanting Water
and Provifion we came to an Anchor, and put a-
fliore there, about the Middle of December, 1686.
and ftay'd 5 or 6 Days. Here we were very well
relieved, for the Ifland afforded both Water and
frefli Provifion for our Men, all the Time we ftay'd.
The Land is very low and flat, and upon the Sea-
coaft fandy ; but the middle Ground is good Mould,
and produces Maiz and other Wheat:, Barley, with
Variety of Fruits, &c. Here were feveral Houfes
belonging to the Spanijh Indians, which were very
well ftor'd with Dunghil-Fowl. They have here al-
fo feveral Horfes : But that which is mod: worthy of
Note, is a Sort of Sheep they have, which the In* Its Sheep:
habitants call Cornera de 'Terra. This Creature is
about 4 Foot and an half high at the Back, and a
very ftately Beaft. Thefe Sheep are fo tame, that
we frequently ufed to bridle one of them, upon
whofe Back two of the luftieft Men would ride af
once round the Ifland, to drive the reft to the Fold.
His ordinary Pace is either an Amble or a good
Hand-gallop i nor does he care for going any other
Pace, during the Time his Rider is upon his Back,
384 Mr. WAFERS Voyages^ &c.'
His Mouth is like that of a Hare-, and the Hair-lip
above opens as well as the Main-lips, when he bites
the Grafs, which he does very near. His Head is
much like an Antelope^ but they had no Horns
when we were there \ yet we found very large
Horns, much twitted, in the Form of a Snaikfhell,
which we fuppos'd they had fhed : They lay many
of them fcattering upon the fandy Bays. His Ears
referable thofe of an Afs, his Neck fmall, and re-
fembling a Cammels. He carries his Head bend-
ing, and very {lately, like a Swan ; is full-chefted
like a Horfe, and has his Loyns much like a well-
fhap'd Grey-hound. His Buttocks refemble thofe
of a full-grown Deer, and he has much fuch a Tail.
He is Cloven-footed like a Sheep, but on the In-
fide of each Foot has a large Claw, bigger than
ones' Finger, but lharp, and refembling thofe of an
Eagle. Thefe Claws ftand about 2 Inches above
the Divifion of the Hoof; and they ferve him in
climbing Rocks, holding fail by whatever they
bear againft. His FJeflb eats as like Mutton as can
be : He bears Wool of 12 or 14 Inches long upon
the Belly ; but 'tis fliorter on the Back, fhaggy,
and but inclining to a Curl. 'Tis an innocent and
very ferviceable Beaft, fit for any Drudgery. Of
thefe we kill'd 43 ; out of the Maw of one of
which I took 13 Bezoar-iioncs, of which fome were
ragged and of feveral Forms ; fome long, refem-
bling Coral ; fome round, and fome oval, but all
green when taken out of the Maw : Yet by long
keeping they turn'd of an Afh-colour ; and I have
fome of them now by me.
The Spaniards told us, that thefe Creatures are
extraordinarily ferviceable to them at the Mines of
Potofiy (which lie a great way up in the Country) in
bringing the Silver from thence to the Cities that lie
toward the Sea ; between which Cities and the Mines
are fuch cragged Ways and dangerous Precipices,
Mr. WAFERV Voyages, Sec. 385
that it were almoft impoffible for any Man, or any
other Beaft: to carry it. But thefe Sheep being la-
den, and led to the Precipices, their Mafter leaves
them there to themfelves for above 16 Leagues,
and never meets them till he himfelf has alfo fetch'd
a Compafs about 57 Leagues round. This their
Surenefs of Foot confifts folely in their aforefaid
CJaws, by which they hold themfelves fo faft upon
the leaft Footing, that they can go where no other
Beaft can. The Spaniards alfo inform'd us, that at
a City they named, which has no Water within a
League of it, thefe Beafts, being bred up to it,
were wont to be laden with two Jars, like Panniers,
upon their Backs, and away they would go, with-
out Guide or Driver ; and when they came to the
River, would lye down and rowl themfelves in the
! Water until both the Jars were full, and then of
their own Accord, would return home with their
Water. The Spaniards added, that this Creature
will not nor can be forc'd to work after Day-light :
And we found them obftinate enough ; for when
once lain down, no Beating fhould make them rife \
but they would lie and make a whining or groaning,
though they were not tir'd, being but newly ta-
ken up.
• We went from Mocha to the Continent, and kept
failing and touching along the Coaft of Chilly often
fending ourCanoas afhore, till we came to Copaya-R.ofco*
pOj in the Lat. of about 26 S. We wanted Water, payafo.
and fo got afhore to fee if we could find the River
that bears the Name of the River of Copayapo. As
foon as we came afhore we afcended a Hill, in
hopes to defcry that River from the Top thereof ;
but contrary to our Expedition, when we came to
the Top, we had yet another fteep and very high
Hill to climb, and another after that ; infomuch
that before we reach'dthe utmoft Heighth, I fainted
for want of Water : But refreshing my felf with that
Vol, III, Cc of
386 Mr. WAFERS Voyages, &c
of my own, I at laft came to the Top of the third
Mountain, where we fat down and refted our felves
Sea-fhells under the Shade of a vaft craggy Rock. The Place
to* ^of Wlllcre we ^at was cover'd with Sand and Sea-fhells of
j!Jfj| ° divers Shapes and Forms ; tho' indeed, which I
No shell- wonder'd at, there were no Shell-filh on the Shores
fiftionthea.il along this whole Coaft. I have landed at many
Coaft. piaces of it, but could never find any. When we
had refted our felves in this Place, which was as
near as we could compute 8 Miles from the Sea, and
at leaft a Mile in perpendicular above it, we looked;
round us to fee for the River ; but to our great
Grief could difcover none. All this Land, as well
high as low Ground, is covered with Sand and Sea-
fhells, many of which are of the Shape of a Seal-
lop-ihell and thefe in vaft Quantities, in fome
Places, efpecially at the Feet of the Rocks, from
whence they are crumbled and driven down by the
Winds: For in the very Mafs of the "Stones of
Rocks there were, as I remember, of the very fame
Sorts of Shells. We were told by the Spaniards^
that at one Time of the Year, the Sun melting the
Snow that lies upon the Top of Mountains that are
a great way up in the Country, makes the River
that we looked for overflow. It may as well pofli-
bly be from Rains falling on thefe Mountains far
within Land ; for I never knew it rain on all the
NoRain Sea-Coaft of Chili and Peru •, but we could fee
on the Clouds hovering over the Tops of the Mountains
within Land, as we fail'd along the Coaft : And
once at Arte a we could not fee the Mountain's peek*
ed Top for Clouds that hung about it ; though at
another Time we faw it plain enough ; the Rains
then probably, being gone off from the Hill-Coun*
try i But as for Arica it felf and its neighbouring
Sea-Coaft, we were told by old Spaniards. Inhabi-
tants there, that they never had any Rain, I have
alfo been at one Time of the Year aihore at the
River
Mr. WAFERS Voyages, Sec. 387
River of Ylo, but could find little or no Water :
Yet at. another Time of the Year there was Water
.enough ; although I never knew of any Rain on
that Coaft, and the Spaniards told us, it never
rain'd there, unlefs far within Land : Yet they have
very great Dews. At Copayapo the Coaft is barren Barren
and deiblate, and fo on each Side all along both Chi- Land,
/iand Peru ; nothing is to be feen but bare Sands,
iand naked Rocks, unlefs in a Valley now and then :
JNo Trees, Herbs, or other green Thing. Nor
did we fee any Sort of Fowl, nor Beaft or other li-
ving Creature i No People, nor fign of any ; un-
lefs here and there a poor Town or Village, at as
forry a Port, with fcarce Water enough, at moft
of thenij to admit a Cock-boat, unlefs at a Flood:
Elfe little or no Water, nor any Thing for Accom-
modation or Ufe.
Getting no Water at Copayapo, we were fore'd
to put to Sea again, and ftood along the Coaft to A-
rica, which is a Town of Peru, handfomely feated Arica,
in the bending of that Coaft, in the Lat. of between the Port
18 and 19 S. Hither the Silver of Potcfi is brought SfcJsof
down to be fhipt off for Panama, for the Harbour Fotofu
is tolerably good, having a Road made with a little
Ifland lying before it, breaking the Swell of the Sea,
which is here very great and continually rowling
in upon the Shore, though fmooth as the Surface
of a River, here being little or no Wind to curl
,the Waves. It dafhes fo violent againft the Shore, The^^
which is all along a high bold Coaft, though rib- de?.
thing fo high as the Mountains far within Land,
that there is fcarce any Landing hereabouts but juft
at Arica it felf. There is a little River which Arica
ftands upon, and we would have taken in Water
there ; bu t there was no getting at any frefh, for
its Outlet was among little craggy Rocks, and the
Sea-water dafh'd in among it. We landed here, and
ranfack'd the Place, meeting with little or no Re-
1 C c 2 fiftance >
3 S 8 Mr. WAFERV Voyages, &c
fiftance ; we got a few Hogs and Poultry, Sugar
and Wine ; and faw a whole Houfe full Of Jefu-
its Bark, as I have faid already. I was here al-
to formerly with Captain Sharp, when we had fo
fmart an Engagement that we loft a great Number
of our Men , and every one of our Surgeons was
kill'd befide my felf, who was then left to guard
the Canoas.
R. xlo: We went hence a little further to Leeward, and
watered at the River Tlo, where we got Oil-Olive,
Figs, and Sugar, with feveral Fruits ; all which
grow there very plentiful. There is an Oil-work,
and 2 or 3 Sugar-works. There are extraordinary
good Oranges, of the China Sort. 'Tis the fineft
A fine Valley I have feen on all the Coaft of Peru ; very
Valley, fertile and well furnilh'd with a Multitude of Vege-
tables : Though it has no Moifture but that of the
little River, (which they carry winding up and
down among their Grounds in artificial Channels)
and the great Dew which falls every Night. The
Valley is the pleafanter, and fo are all thofe of Pe-
ru and Chili, for the difmal barren Mountains that
lies all about, and ferve as a Foil to them : They
are moftly fandy or black Rocks, like Cinders or
Iron-ftones for Colour.
% In failing along upon this Coaft we were fome-
times put to it for Food as well as Water; and
once were fo Hunger-pinch'd, that meeting with
fome Sea-crabs on the Coaft, one of our Men*
Mr. Smallbones, eat them raw, and even Sea-weeds :
But others of us, whofe Stomachs would not ferve
for that Food, looking about found a lean gall'd
Horfe graifing in a little Spot at the Foot of the
Hill ; which we prefently kill'd, cut in pieces, and
making a Fire with Sea-weeds, eat the Flefh while
'twas hardly warm, leaving none, but carrying the
very Guts aboard.
IfhaN
Mr. WAFER 's Voyages, &c. 3 8 9
I fhall not purfue all my Coafting along this Shore
with Captain Davis ; but two Particulars more I
itnuft not omit : The one is, that we put afliore at
Vermejo^ in io Deg. S. Lat. There we landed a-
bout 30 Men fof whom I was onej to fee for Wa-
ter, or any other Refrefhment that we wanted. Verne}*.
pfter we were landed, we marched about 4 Miles
up a fandy Bay ; all which we found covered with
the Bodies of Men, Women and Children ; which
lay fo thick, that a Man might if he would, have
walked half a Mile, and never trod a Step off a Dead Bo-
dead human Body. Thefe Bodies to Appearance, .
feem'das if they had not been above a Week dead NumbefSa
[but if you handled them, they proved as dry and
light as a Spunge or piece of Cork. After we had
been fome Time afliore we efpyed a Smoak and
jimaking up to it, found an old Man, a Spanijb In-
Jian^ who was ranging along the Sea-fide, to find
fome dried Sea-weeds, to drefs fome Fifh which his
Company had caught for he belonged to a Fifh-
ing Boat hard by. We asked him many Queftions,
in Spani/hj about the Place, and how thofe dead Bo-
dies came there ? To which he returned for anfwer,
that in his Father's Time the Soil there, which now-
yielded nothing, was green, well- cultivated and
fruitful : That the City of Wormia had been well
inhabited with Indians: And that they were fo nu-
merous, that they could have handed a Fifh, from
Hand to Hand, qo Leagues from the Sea, until it
had come to the King or Tanca'% Hand : That the
River was very deep, and the Current ftrong : And
that the Reafon of thofe dead Bodies was, that
when the Spaniards came, and block'd up and
laid Siege to the City, the Indians rather than lie
at the Spaniards Mercy, dug Holes in the Sand,
and buried themfelves alive. The Men as they
now lie, have with them their broken Bows 1 and
Cc 3
390 Mr. WAFERS Voyages, &c,
the Women their Spinning-wheels, and DiftafFs
with Cotton-yajn upon them. Of thefe dead Bo-
dies I brought on Board a Boy of about 9 or 10
Years of Age, with an Intent to bring him home
for England : But was fruftrated of my Purpofe by
the Sailors ; who having a fooliih Conceit, that the
Compafs would not traverfe aright, fo long as a-
ny dead Body was on Board, threw him over-board,
to my great Vexation.
This Place is a deep fandy Ground, of little Hills
and Valleys of Sand. 5Tis like the reft of this part
of Peru, without Rain ; but it has Dews, and there
was the Channel of a fmall River ; yet 'twas dry
when we were there.
The other Particular I would fpeak of, is of our
Santa, touching at a Place called Santa^ a fmall Town in
the Lat. of 8 Deg. 40 Min. S. Here I went afhore,
and fo up to the Town, which was 3 Miles or there*?
abouts from the Sea. In our way to the Town we
crofs'd a fmall Hill ; and in a Valley between the
Ships caft Hill and the Town we faw 3 fmall Ships of about
farafhore 60 or 1 00 Tuns a-piece lodg'd there, and very rui^
Earth- nous- % caufed in us great Admiration, and we
quake. were puzzled to think how thofe Ships could come
there : But proceeding toward the Town,- we faw
an Indian^ whom we called, and he at the firft Mo-
tion came to us. We asked him feveral Queftions,
and among the reft, how thofe Ships came there?.
He told us, that about 9 Years before, thefe 3
Ships were riding at Anchor in the Bay, which i$
an open Place about 5 or 6 Leagues from Point t&
Point.; and that an Earthquake came, and carried
the Water out of Sight; which ftayed away 24
Hoars, and then came in again, tumbling and
rowlihg with fuch Violence, that it carried thefe
Ships over the Town, which then flood on the Hill
which we came over, and lodged them there ; and
that
Mr. WAFER'/ Voyages, &c. ffl
that it deftroyed the Country for a confiderable way
along the Coaft. This Report when we came to
the Town, was confirmed to us by the Parifh-Prieft,
and many ocher Inhabitants of the Town.
We continued thus rambling about to little Pur-
pofe, fometimes at Sea, and fometimes afiiore ; till
having fpent much Time, and vificed many Places,
we were got again to the Gallapago's, under thel.G<&*-
Line ; and were then refolved to make the belt afW>s'
our Way out of thefe Seas.
Accordingly we went thence again for the South-
ward, intending to touch no where till we came to
the Ifland of John Ferdinando. In our way thither,
about 4 a Clock in the Morning, when we were in
the Lat. of 12 Deg. 30 Min S. and about 150
Leagues from the Main of America, our Ship and Earth-'
Bark felt a terrible Shock J which put our Men la-J0*^
to fuch a Confirmation, that they could hardly tell
where they were, or what to think •, but every one
began to prepare for Death. And indeed the Shock
was fo fudden and violent, that we took it for
granted the Ship had ftruck upon a Rock : But
when the Amazement was a little over, we caft the
Lead, and founded, but found no Ground •, fo that
after Confutation, we concluded it muft certainly
be fome Earthquake. The Suddennefs of this Shock
made the Guns of the Ship leap in their Carriages,
and feveral of the Men were lhaken out of their
Hammocks. Captain Davis, who lay with his Head
over a Gun, was thrown out of his Cabbin. The
Sea, which ordinarily looks Green, feem'd then of
a whitifii Colour ; and the Water which we took
up in Buckets for the Ships, ufe, we found to be a
little mixed with Sand. This at firft made us think
there was fome Spit of Sand ; but when we had
founded, it confirm'd our Opinion of the Earth- Earth.
quake. Some Time after we heard News, that at quake at
that very Time there was an Earthquake at Callao rcf™m
CC4 SKW-W
393 Mr. WAFERS Voyages, Sec.
which is the Road for Lima ; and that the Sea eb-
bed fo far from the Shore, that on a fudden there
was no Water to be feen : And that after it had
been away a confiderable Time, it returned in rowl-
ing Mountains of Water, which carried the Ships in
the Road of Callao a League up into the Country,
overflowed the City of Callao, though it flood up-
on a Hill, together with the Fort, and drowned
Man and Beaft for 50 Leagues along Shore ; do-
ing Mifchief even at Lima, though 6 Miles within
Land from the Town of Callao. This feems to
have been much fuch another Earthquake as that,
the Effefts of which we faw at Santa.
New Having recovered our Fright, we kept on to the
Landdif- Southward. We fteer'd South and by Eaft, half Eaft-
coverd, cvly, until we came to the Latitude of 27 Deg. 20
Min. Si when about 2 Hours before Day, we fell in
with a fmall, low, fandy Ifland, and heard a great
roaring Noife, like that of the Sea beating upon the
Shore, right a-head of the Ship. Whereupon the
Sailors, fearing to fall foul upon the Shore before
Day, defired the Captain to put the Ship about, and
to ftand off till Day appear'd ; to which the Captain
gave his Confent. So we plied off till Day, and
then flood in again with the Land ; which proved
to be a fmall flat Ifland, without the Guard of any
Rocks. We flood in within a Quarter of a Mile
of the Shore, and could fee it plainly ; for 'twas a
clear Morning, not foggy nor hazy. To the Weft-
ward, about 12 Leagues by Judgment, we faw a
Range of high Land, which we took to be Iflands,
for there v/ere feveral Partitions in the Profpe6t. This
Land feem'd to reach about 14 or 16 Leagues in a
Range, arid there came thence great Flocks of
Fowls, I, and many more of our Men, would
have made this Land, and have gone afhore at it ;
but the Captain would not permit us. The fmall
ffland bears from Capayapo aJmoft due Eafl 500
^Leagues. 1
Mr. WAFERS Voyages, Sec. 393
Leauges ; and from the Gallapago's, under the Line,
600 Leagues.
When we were arrived again at John Fernando' 's, \. Mocha
which was at the latter End of the Year 1687, welaidwaftej
clean'd our Ship there, having quitted our Bark,
and flood over to the Main ; intending to get fome
of the Sheep of Mocha, for our Voyage round 'Ter-
ra Ad Fuego. But when we came there, the Spani-
ards had wholly deftroyed, or carried away the
Sheep, Horfes, and all other living Creatures. We \. santa
went then to Santa Maria, an Ifland in 37 Deg. S. Maria,
in Expe&ation of frefh Provifion ; but this Ifland aIfo'
was likewife deftroy'd ; So we were forc'd to con-
tent our felves with fuch Provifion as we had
brought from the Gallapago's ; which were chiefly
Flower, Maiz, Hecatee, or Land-Tortoife falted,
and the Fat of it tried, or made into Lard or Oil,
of which we got there 60 Jars. The Spaniards had
fet Dogs aftiore ztjohn FerdinandoH, alfo, to de-and?^»
ftroy the Goats there, that we might fail of Provi- Fernanda's
fion : But we were content with killing there no
more than we eat prefently ; not doubting but we
fhould have found Sheep enough at Mocha, to vic-
tual the Ship.
Three or four of our Men having loft: what Mo-Someftay
ney they had at Play, and being unwilling to re- afhoreat
turn out of thefe Seas as poor as they came, would J/J^^
needs ftay behind at John Fernando**, in Expectati-
on of fome other Privateers coming thither. We
gave them a fmall Canoa, a Porridge-pot, Axes,
Macheats, Maiz, and other Neceffaries. I heard
fince that they planted fome of the Maiz, and
tam'd fome of the Coats, and liv'd on Fifh and
Fowls ; of which there is one Sort grey, and about
the Size of a fmall Pullet, that makes Burrows
in the Ground like a Rabbit \ lodging there in the
Night, and going out to catch Fifli in the Day 1
FQr 'tis a Waser-Fpwl, and qats a little fifty, ye£
pretty
394 Mr. WAFERV Voyages, &c
pretty well tafted after a little burying. I heard
alfo that thefe Men were taken by a Privateer- Vef-
fel which came thither a Year or two after ; and
that one of them is fince come to England.
We were now ftanding out to Sea again, to dou-
Terra del ble Terra del Fuego : We were in a terrible Storm
juego. for about 3 Weeks before we came off Cape Horn :
A storm. We did not fee Cape Horny being a great way to the
■ Honu South of it, and in the Lat. of 62 Deg. 45 Min. S.
nor did we well know what Courfe to fteer, having
but very indifferent Seamen aboard. It was now
about the Heigth of Summer here for I remember
that upon Chriftmas day, 1687. we were juft clear
of the Storm, and in the Latitude we mentioned,
off Cape Horn. Running hence to the Northward
Mandsof again, being now got out of the South Sea, we met
lce* feveral Iflands of Ice % which at firft feem'd to be real
Land. Some of them feemed a League or two in
length, and fome not above half a Mile. The big-
geft feem'd, as we fail'd by them, which we did be-
fore the Wind for feveral Days, to be about 4 or
500 Foot high. We founded near them, but found
no Ground ; fo that it may reafonably be conclu-
ded they were afloat and perhaps reached as deep
into the Water, as their Heighth was above it. We
faw no fuch Ifland of Ice as I went into the South
Sea with Mr. Dampier y neither did I ever hear that
Capt. Sharp met with any in his Return out of that
Sea. Thefe Iflands appeared to us fo' plain at
Night, that we could eafily fee how to fleer clear
of them : But there were fome which lay under
Water, which we could not poflibly fhun, but
fometimes they would fhake our Ship: Yet they
never did us much Damage. From thefe Hills of
Ice came very cold Blafts of Wind infomuch that
our Men, newly coming out of a hot Country,
could hardly ensure the Deck,
In
Mr. WAFERS Voyages, Sec. 395
In all our PafiTage round tferra del Fuego, the
Weather was fo ftormy for 3 Weeks, that we lay
to the Southward of Cape Horn, and the Sun and
Stars fo obfeur'd, that we could take no Obferva-
tion of our Lat. yet, by our Reckoning, we were
in very near 63 Deg. S. Lat. which is the farthefi
to the South that any European, probably, ever
yet was, and perhaps any Man. When we were in
Lat. 62. Deg. 30 Min. we began to think of fliift-
ing our Courfe to the Northward again, toward the
JEthiopick and Atlantick Seas ; and we foon brought
^ur felves to ftand E. N. E. and E. and by N.
and kept much thofe Courfes for a great way*
In our PafTage, we had allow'd for 3 Points Weft-
erly Variation : But when we came to have a good
Obfervation v/e found that we had gone to theMifreck-
Eaftward, making our way E. and by S. WeorJInSth<?
found therefore that we had miftaken the Variation Variatl0IV
of the Compafs, fo that we concluded the Varia-
tion to be Eafterly, and fteer'd away N. N. E. and
N. E. and by N.
By this Means, when we came into the Latitude
of the River of Plate, along which we intended to
run, we reckon'd our felves to be about 100
Leagues off Land \ and flood in dire&ly for the
Shore, not doubting but we fhould find it at that
Diftance. But we were then really 500 Leagues
off-, and having run fome hundreds of Leagues to
the Weft in the fame Latitude, and yet finding no
Land, our Men were out of Heart, fearing we
were ftill in a wrong Courfe, and being all in Dan-
ger of perifhing at Sea, through want of Provifi-
6ns *, having little Food, andlefs Water. It pleas'd A feafon-
God, during this Exigence, to fend us a Day's able Ram,
Rain, which fell very plentiful ; and we fav'd of it
feveral Casks of W ater, which was a great Refrefh-
ment to us, and made our Men pluck up their
Hearts for fome Time, But having run 450 Leagues
. ' " in
3*6 Mr. WAFERS Voyages, &c.
in this Latitude, and ftill finding no Land,' which
they had expe£ted to have feen in 100, this bred a
frelh Commotion, and we had like to have been al-
together by the Ears upon it. The greateft part
were for changing their Courfe, which they thought
Deliver- mull needs be wrong : But Captain Davis, and
ance from Mr. Knott the Mafter, begg'd of them for God's
a ganger Sake to keep the fame Courfe two Days longer,
iDgat Sea.w^^c^ they did, though we had but a fmall Wind :
And in that Time a Flight of Locufts and other
Infefts coming off with a Flurry of Wind from the
Weft, affur'd us there was Land there, not far off.
Had not this providentially hapned, we fhould have
chang'd our Courfe, for the Men would not be per-
fwaded to the contrary for a great many of them
were fo ignorant, that they would not be perfwa-
ded but that they were in the South Sea : And had
we chang'd this Courfe, we fhould have flood out
to Sea again, and muft have perifh'd there.
Coaflby The Land we made, following the Direction of
the R. of the Flurry and the Locufts, and fetting the Point
plate* they come from by the Compafs, was a little to the
North of the Mouth of the River of Plate. We
put afhore here to get Water and frefh Provifion,
of which this Country afforded Plenty : And here
our Men having with them their Fufees, fpy'd a
Sea-fwine.Herd of Sea-Swine, as we call them, upon a Point
of Land * and were thereupon refolved to kill fome
of them to bring on board. In order thereunto
they contrived, that fome Men fhould flop the
Pafs that led up to the Mountain, whilft others
went in among them, and with their Cutlafles did
what Execution they could. But ftill as the Men
came near them, the Herd walked toward the Sea,
contrary to our Mens Expe&ation ; for they hither-*
to took them to be Land-Swine. There they ftood
on the Shore, flaring at and admiring our People :
But when the Men came near enough* and were
Mr. W A f E R V Voyages, &c. 3 97
juft going to ftrike among them, the whole Herd
jump'd into the Sea, leaving the Men in Amaze-
ment, and forely vex'd at their Difappointment*
But at another Time they fnot and brought on
Board two of them which eat like Land-pork, ex-
cept fome fifliy Tafte it had. They were fhap'd
much, like Swine, and had fhort Hair more briftly
than that of Seals ; and like them had finny Stumps
to fwim with, and were of a black Colour. The
Country hereabouts is well water'd, but without
any Inhabitants. Here is notwithftanding Abun-
dance of black Cattle, of which for feveral Scores
of Leagues we obferv'd many Herds ; with Deer
alio and Eftridges.
We faw a great many of thefe Eftridges, and Eflridges-
found Abundance of their Eggs on the Sand : For
there fhe drops her Eggs upon the Ground, and
'tis faid fhe never takes any farther Care of them ;
but that they are hatched by the Sun, and the
young one fo foon as hatched follows the firft Crea-
ture it meets with. I my felf had fometimes a great
many young Eftridges following me. They are a
foolifh Bird ; and will follow a Deer or any Crea-
ture. The old Birds are here very large : I mea-
fur'd the Thigh of one of them, and thought it
little lefs than my own. We have had feveral of
them on Board, and fome we eat but the old
ones were very rank, coarfe Food. Some fancy
that the Eftridge eats Iron : I believe juft as truly as
Poultry eat Pebble Stones, not as Food, but for
Digeftion, and toferveas Mill-ftones, or Grinders,
to macerate their Food in the Maw. The Eftridge
will indeed fwallow Nails or Stones, or any thing
you throw to it ; but they pafs through the Body as
whole as they went in.
Putting off to Sea again, we coafted along Brafil, BrafiL
and thence toward the Caribbee-Ittznds where
meeting with one Mr, Edwin Carter, in a Bwba-
does
39 S Mr. WAFERV Voyages, &c.
does Sloop, I and fome others went aboard him,
and had of him the News of King Jame£% Procla-
mation to pardon and call in the Buccanniers. So
we went in his Ship to the River de la Ware*, and up
The A. into Pel filvania, to the City of Philadelphia; where
arrivesin I arriv'd in May, 1 688.
Penjilva- There I flayed fome Time ; after which I came
nia ' down the River de la Ware, as far as Apokunnumy-
creek, with Capt. Davis and John Hingfon, who
was left with me on the Ifthmus : There we carted
our Chefts, with other Goods, over a fmall Neck
of Land into Bohemia River, which leads down the
great Bay of Chifapeck to Point-Comfort in James-
and Fir- River in Virginia. There I thought to fettle : But
ginia. meeting with fome Troubles, after a 3 Years Re-
Conclu- fidence there, I came home for England in the
lioiu Year, 1690*
An
The Natural Hifory
An Additional Account of feveral Beafts,
Birds, Fifties* Reptiles, &c. and particular-
ly many Trees, Shrubs, and Herbs, with
their Names, Ufe, Vermes, &c. as has
been obferv'd in thofe Parts. Communicated
by a Member of the Royal Society.
CHAP. I.
Of the Beasts.
i, * | ^ HE great Armadillo. Thefe live chiefly
A under Ground in watry Places ; they eat
Rabbits, dead Birds, &c.
2. The lefler Armadillo. This is excellent Meat.
3. Round-headed Armadillo. This differs from
the two laft, in having but four Lifts round his Bo-
dy, the others have as many more.
4. Great Ant-Bear. His Food is Pifmires, which
he fucks in with a long Chameleon-like Tongue.
5. Small Ant-Bear. About the Bignefs of a Ra-
coon, he fleeps all Day, with his Head between his
Fore-Legs : His Flelh fmells like a Fox.
6. The Musk-Boar. He has fhort Ears, and no
Tail, eats like our Hogs, but is not fo fat.
7. The Bofchratte. A long (lender Animal with
a Woolf-like Head, its Hair fhines, is white tipt
with black ; they live on Fowl.
8. Wild-Cats. Here are of them of divers Colours
they live on Fowl which they greedily devour, af-
ter
of thefe Tarts.
ter ftripping them of their Feathers ; they arc not
to be tamed*
9. The Goat. Whilft a Month or two old, they
are finely fpotted with white, which wears out as
they gro\y older.
10. The Monkey Hare. He is covered with
brown BrifBes, arucHeeds fitting like a Squirrel, is a
very fwift voracious Animal.
11. The Elephant Hog. Has a long flit Snout,
which he extends or contrails at Pleafure : He is
an excellent Swimmer.
12. The River-Hog. Feeds on Grafs and divers
Fruits, can fwim and dive well they make a hideous
Noife in the Night, braying like an Afs.
13. The Black Monkey. Is as big as a Woolf^ a
a fnappifh Animal, and not eafily tamed.
14. Satyr Monkeys. Are bigger than the laft, and
black like them, with very long Beards \ thefe are
very leacherous, and often fall foul on the Negro
Women.
15. The Shrew Moufe. Thefe are brown, with
three blacl> Lifts along the Back, the Cats and they
are very friendly.
16. The Otter. Is black all but the Head,
which is brown, and a particular yellow Spot on his
Throat.
17. The great Pongie. Is of an Alii Colour,
with a Mixture of black, their Tails are brown,
and near a Foot and half long.
18. The leffer Pongie. Is a very fmall Ape, in
length not above fix Inches, but his Tail ten, his
Head no bigger than a fmall Apple, has a fharp
Voice, and leaps nimbly \ they are very tender,
and cannot endure cold.
19. The Porcupine. Climbs Trees flowly, and
in coming down frequently holds by the Tail Cfor
he cannot leap ) to prevent falling s they are very
good Meat, efpecially roafted.
20. The
of theje *Parts.
20. The Pojfum. Is a ftrange Animal, and faid
to breed its Young at its Paps it having a double
Belly or Pouch, whofe Orifice may be ftretched a-
bove two Inches wide ; it climbs Trees and catches
! Birds.
21. The Rackoon. Runs from Tree to Tree and
eats its Fruit ; they love alfo the Flelh of Sheep and
Fowl.
22. The Black Rackoon. Their Hair very lhort,
rough and knotted. #
23. The Collar & Rabbit. This is bigger than the
long Nofed, and is diftinguilh'd from the Common
by a white Ring about its Neck.
! 24. The Hog Rabbit. Is grofs and fat, with Hair
fhort, hard, and dark, fpotted on the Edges with
grey.
25. The Long-nofed Rabbit. Has lhort round
Ears and a long Snout, lives and eats like ours.
" 26. The Spotted Rabbit. Thefe have round Ears,
with white, black, and reddilh Spots : When tame
they grunt for their Food.
27. The Sloath. Is a very flow-paced Animal, ta-
king a whole Day in going fifty Paces : he is about
the Bignefs of a middling Fox \ living on Trees,
eating the Leaves, but never drinks.
28. The Jirip'd Squirrel. Is a pretty tame Crea-
ture, of a pale yellow, mixt with brown, having a
white Lift on each Side.
• 29. Tygers. Here are of two or three kinds, all
very fierce ; but their Flelh good Meat,
Vol. HL Dd CHAP.
WW
402
The Natural Hiftory
CHAP. II.
Of the Birds.
i. HP HE Hunch-bach A Water Fowl, with a
A DuckVbill, its Head black, Belly white,
Back brown. •
2. The Spoon-Bill. Its Back and Wings Flefh co-
loured, the reft white ; is good Meat.
3. The greater Bill-Bird, or Toucan. Its Breaft
bright Gold, the Belly or Thighs red, Tail black
tipt with red.
4. The leffer Bill-Bird. The Body and Breaft
moftly yellow, with a red Circle crofs the laft.
5. The Chriftmas-Bird. Is almoft as big as a
Pidgeon, it has about the Throat many Inch-long
black Watles ; it never cries but in December and
Beginning of January, but then may be heard a
great way off.
63 The King-Bird. An elegant Sort of Bird of
Paradife.
j. The Muftacbo-Bird. He has on each Side eight
or ten thick Briftles Sanding both forwards and fide-
ways ; the Tail eight Inches, the two outfide Fea-
thers longer than the reft.
8. The Unicorn-Bird. Has a Horn on his Head
above two Inches long, which is faid to be a great
Counter-poifon. The Female bigger than a Swan,
and the Male twice that Bignefs.
9. The Tellow-Breaft. About the Bignefs of a
Sparrow, partly yellow and Steel-blue ; thefe arc
kept in Cages, and love to be five or fix together.
10. The Green-Cap. Is of the Chaffinch Size,
partly yellow and Steel-blue, but when it flies it ap-
pears ftreakt with black and yellow.
11. Th<
of thefe Tarts.
11. The Chaffinch. Has a Mixture of Afh-colour
and Sea-green ; which laft in the Backs and Wings
fhines wonderfully in the Sun.
12. The Chatt. Has a black Tail with white
Tips.
13. The Curlew. His Head and Neck fprinkled
with white, the reft brown. It's pretty good Meat.
14. The greater Curlew. Is about the Bignefs of
a Goofe, moftly black. It's good Meat roafted.
1 5. The leifer Curlew. Is no bigger than a Hen,
found with the laft about Rivers.
16. The Scarlet Curlew. Is both a Land and
Water-Fowl ; and feeds as well on Flefh as Fifh.
17. The Silk-Diver. From the Softnefs of its
Feathers, its Neck a Foot long, and very (lender.
18. The Black- tufted Duck. The Shoulders of
the Wings white, the reft black, with a fhining
green Glofs : They are good Meat. Thefe fettle on
high Trees.
19. The black-legg'd Buck.
20. The red-legg'd Duck. The Feet of thefe
when roafted dye both Hands and Linnen red.
21. The crefted Eagle. His Cry is like a Hen
that has loft its young.
22. The Pied-tail Eagle. Its Tail nine Inches
long \ the fix firft are white and the Tip, the reft
black.
23. The Bull-finch. Head and Neck of a bloody
red, the Tail black, and three Inches long.
24. The Steel-finch. His Feathers black, with a
fhining Glofs like polifht Steel.
25. The Tellowfinch. His Wings and Tail of a
greenifti yellow mixt with brown, the reft all yellow.
26. The RufTet King's Fijher. Is known by a
white Ring about his Neck.
27. The Gip. From its Note, of a Lark's Size ;
it's variegated with red, brown, and white.
D d 2
28. The
The Natural Hi/lory
28. The Hook-bill* d Goofe. Is moftly black and
white, with a Hew of green ; it's very common a-
bout Rivers.
29. The Yellow-hammer. Is of the Lark's Size,
moftly yellow and black, except Tail and Wings,
which are brownifli ftreakt with green.
30. The Black-Head. Its Breaft and Belly of a
Mixture ©f white and yellow ftreakt with black
Lines.
31. The Blue-headed Water-hen. A beautiful
Bird, about the Bignefs of a Pidgeon, its Feathers
green and black they are very common in moor-
ifti Places.
32. The Horn-wing d Water-hen. Like the laft
in Shape and Bignefs, but Ihort in Colour it hath
on the Infide of each Wing a ftreight Horn or
Spur for its Defence.
33. The Black Horn-wing d Water-Hen. Like the
laft, but moftly black, the reft green and brown,
the Horns are yellow.
34. The Red-headed Horn-wing'd Water-Hen.
Its Bill yellow and Spurs Saffron-coloured.
35. The Crefted-Heron. Is moftly^ grey and
white, from its Creft hang two black Feathers each
five Inches and a half long. The Meat is good.
36. The Notch-bill Heron. The Quill Feathers
are half black and green tipt with white.
37. The Pidgeon Heron. From its Bignefs, the
Body being fcarce 4 and the Neck 7 Inches long.
38. The White Heron, Its whole Body Milk-
white.
39. The White-Heron^ with a Saffron-bill. His
Neck near one Foot and half long, and Bill 5 Inches.
40. The Yellow-Speckled Heron. The Back and
Wings are black, fpeckled with yellow.
41. Short-bill9 d Humming-Bird. Like Numb. 45.
but more beautiful near the Vent is a large Spot
of pure white,
42. The
of thefe Tarts. 405
42. The Grey Humming-Bird. Is of an Aft co-
lour, with here and there a Mixture of ftiining red.
43. The Green-Golden Humming-Bird. For Shape
and Bignefs like Numb. 45. its Tail an Inch long,
pretty broad, and blue like poliflit Steel.
44. The Rubine-headed Humming-Bird. This is
the moft beautiful of all5 the Head and Throat ber
ing of an admirable Rubine furpafling Defcription.
45. The Blew-tail'd Humming-Bird. It's wonder-
fully mixt with green, gold, flame colour, and
yellow, which fliine admirably in the Sun ; its Tail
blue like polifht Steel.
46. The Brown-Tail' d Humming-Bird. The Tail
an Inch long, of a fine brown, with a glofs of blue
about the Edges.
47. The Fine-Tail' d Humming-Bird. His Body
moft Gold, half Fire-colour, and a little green,
his Tail handfome, broad, and an Inch and a half
long, of party-coloured Feathers, fome like the
Body, others half white and green.
48. The Fork-Tail' d Humming-Bird. This is Jef-
fer then Numb. 41. and 45. and is known by its
forked Tail which is three Inches long.
49. The Tip-Tail9 d Humming-Bird. This is thd
leaft of all, yet its Bill is an Inch and a half long,
its Tail ends with its Wings, is of a greenilh black
with white Tips.
50. Jacu. A Sort of Pheafant fo call'd from its
Note.
51. The Kite. Its Feathers tawny, with white
and yellow Specks.
52. The JVhite-breafted Kite. Like the laft, but
Breaft and Belly white.
53. The Sea-lark. Has a white Ring about hh
Neck, and near it a Semicircle of dark grey \ it's
frequent on the Sea-ftiores, and Salt River Banks.
54. The Red-Maccaw.
D d 3 55* The
406 The N antral Hi (lory
55. The Yellow -Mace aw. Thefe are two Sorts
of large Parrots.
56. Meeuwe. Is as big as a Hen, and lays Eggs
in the Sand, which are like them, and well tailed,
but their Flefh is not efteem'd.
57. The Tit-Moufe. Is wholly black and blew.
58. The Green-headed Tit-Moufe. Has a black
Spot above the Bill, and Circle of black encompaf-
fes the Beginning of the Back.
59. The Scarlet-headed Tit-Moufe. The Body,
"Wings, and Tail fhining black, the Thighs white
with Scarlet Spots.
60. The Great Wide-Mouth. Is as big as an Owl ;
when it gapes one may eafily put in one's Fift.
61. The Lejfer Wide-Mouth. Is no bigger than
a Swallow \ it's black, fpeckled with white.
62. The Black and Red Hang-Neft. This and
the next build their Nefts at the Ends of the Boughs
• of Trees.
63. The Black and Yellow Hang-Neft.
64. The American Oftricb. Its whole Body is
covered with grey Feathers. The Flefh is good
Meat.
65. The Heart-Owl. The Feathers have a Mix-
ture of white and pale yellow, fpotted with brown.
66. The Tricolour Horn'd Owl. Thefe are as big
as Geefe, finely mixt with black, white, and yellow.
67. The Little Tame-Owl It's of the Bignefs of
a Tbroflle ; and plays with Men, making divers an-
tick Faces.
68. The Black Parrot. Has an ere£l Tail fix
Inches long, common in Woods, it has but one
Tone, which it raifes in the Middle,
69. The Black and Red Parrot.
70. The Red-breajled Parrot. His Head, Breaft,
and Shoulders, viz, the Top of his Wings red,
the reft green.
71, The
of thefe "Parts. 407
71. The Blewi/h-grey Parrot. Is very large,
and feeds on the Marocock Fruit.
72. The Blew-crowrfd Parrot. Is of many Co-
lours, viz. yellow, green, faffron, and blew.
73. The Cripple-crown9 d Parrot. His Creft is
blue with a Glofs of Black, and a yellow Spot in
the Middle.
74. The Yellow-crown* d Parrot. With the yel-
low is a Mixture of white.
75. The Greater-green Parrot.
76. The Lejfer-green Parrot.
77. The Oe-Parrot. From its Cry. His Wings
above green with blue Tips, below fcarlet.
78. Yellow-bellied Parrakeet. The Shape and Tail
like Numb. 74.
79. B lew-edged Parrakeet. As big as a Lark, the
whole Body light Green, the Beginning of its
Wings and the Borders of its Feathers are blue.
80. The Green Parrakeet. Thefe will grow tame,
learn to talk, and bear Handling.
8 f . The Brown-headed Parrakeet. Is a beautiful
Bird.
82. The Scarlet-headed Parrakeet. Its Body of
a pale yellow, this builds on Trees in forfaken Ant-
hills.
83. The Yellow-headed Parrakeet. His Back,
Wings, Tail, and Belly, are green.
84. The Long-taii'd Parrakeet. Is about the
Size of a Sparrow, all green.
85. The Short-tailed Parrakeet. Otherwife like
the yellow-bellied, Numb. 78.
86. The Yellow Parrakeet. Is all yellow except
the Tips of the Wings which are green \ has a long
Tail, and is eafily tamed.
87. The Partridge. Like ours, but of a dark
yellow, fpotted with brown.
Dd4
88. The
The Natural Hiftory
88. The Great Partridge. Has as much Flefh as
two ordinary Hens, and is well tafted, its Eggs
are of a blueifh green.
89. The Bare-Neckt Pelican. The greateft Part
of the Neck is one half white, the other black and
bare.
90. The Feather-Neckt Pelican. Has long Fea-
thers hanging about his Neck. The Flelh is well
tailed.
91. The Crefted Pheafant. His Bill Saffron-co-
loured, its Head covered with twifted fpiral curl
Feathers, which it raifes on Occafion.
92. The Turky Pheafant. Is moftly black, roofts
on high Trees, and is eafily tamed. The Meat
good and favoury.
93. American Sparrow. Is all red except the
Wings, Top of the Head and Tail, which are
black, the laft three Inches long.
94. The Black Sparrow. Has on his Head a
bloody Spot, moft of the Feathers on the Back and
part of the Wings have a blue Caft, the reft as
black as a Crow,
95. The Blueijh Sparrow. His Wings referable
% Sea-green, the reft a blue Afh-colour. except the
Belly and Throat, which are of a fhining Silver.
96. American Starling. All his Feathers are of a
Ihimng black, except fome fcarlet Spots on his
Throat.
97. The Tettow-breafted Starling. Hath on his
Head a white Crown.
98. The Red-bill' d Starling. His Throat yellow,
Breaft and Belly white, fpeckled with brown.
99 . The Red-beaded Starling. Is Male to the next.
100. The Ydlow -headed Starling. The yellow
places on the Head and Neck are fpotted with red.
tot 4 The Long-tail' d Starling. Hath long Fea-
thers alfo on his Head, which he can ered like two
Horns*
jQ2. The
of thefe Tart si 409
102. The Pied-Stork. Its Bill nine Inches, the
Body black and white •, the Flefh eatable.
103. The Swallow. Is moftly white below, and
above brown, mixt with grey.
104. The Black-tail. The Body three Inches
long, and Tail four : it's moftly black and yellowy
with a white Spot in each Wing.
105. The Ring-tail. Is green above, mixt with
a fiery Gold, fo that it Ihines wonderfully ; about
its Neck it hath a Ring of the fame, below it's dark
yellow, like Bees-wax, the Tail above three Inches
long.
106. The Tufted Feather-tail. Has a fmall Body,
but feems as large as a Pidgeon ; Its Colours are ve-
ry beautiful ; the Tail has but two Feathers, and
they very long, viz. ten Inches, and but one broad,
except near the Tip, which is twro Inches.
107. The Black-Throat. Is of a Gold-finch Size,
part Gold colour, the reft pale green.
108. The Throftle. Its Head and Bill bigger in
Proportion than the Body,
109. The Water Turkey. Eats very well ; he
hath a Tuft of Feathers ftanding upright on his
Head, its Cry like a Hen Turkey , and is heard a
great way off.
no. The Red-legg d Turtle. Has a Mixture of
grey and brown.
in. The White-leg^ d Turtle. Are good Meat
and very fat.
112. The Black Vulture. Feeds on dead Carcafies.
113. The Crejled Woodcock. Has a Vermillion
Head, the reft black and white.
1 1 4. The Red-breafied Woodpecker. The End of its
Tail is bordered with black, the reft, am} the Back
of a fhining green, with a Glofs of gold and blue.
115. The Hang-neft Woodpecker. Has a Mixture
of black and sky colour ; it builds an admirable
Neft, at the Ends of the Boughs of Trees,
116. The
The Natural Htftory
1 1 6. The Crefted-yellow Woodpecker. Is moftly
yellow, the Tip of the Tail white, the reft dusky.
117. The Black-headed Zip. Its Breaft and Belly
whitifh, Back and Wings brown.
118. The White-headed Zip. Is like a Sparrow,
but black, with a white Head ; both thefe from
their Note.
CHAP. III.
Of Fishes.
1. HTHE Aivl-fijh. Its Fins black, and befides
JL thefe it hath thiee or four Awl-like Prickles
on its Back and Belly.
2. The Silver Awl-fijh. The Awl-like Spikes
black, the reft Silver ; it's often eat.
3. The Brown-Barbel. Is fpotted with black, ta-
ken in Rivers : It's good Meat.
4. The Fin-bearded Barbel. About the Mouth it
has two fhort Beards, and two others eight Inches
long, and another pair as long near its Gill-fin ;
and what is particular, at his Back-fin he has one
nine Inches long.
5. The Four-bearded Barbel. Two of which are
very fhort, the other eight Inches long ; at the
Back-fin it hath a Thong nine Inches in length:
this is fomewhat paunch Bellied.
6. The Gold yellow Barbel. The Fins and Tail
grey it has fix Beards ; the outer four Inches long,
the reft fhorter : It eats well.
7. The Saffron Barbel. Is full of brown Spots
and Warts.
8. The Saw-finn" d Barbel. Has a Lift of Prickles
along each Side s it's not much efteemed, having
but little Meat.
9. The
of thefe Tarts.
9. The Silver Barbel. Has four Beards each an
Inch and half long, and two others as long as the
Fifh ; the Bite of this Fifli caufes great Pain and is
hard to cure, neverthelefs it's good Meat.
10. The Spotted Barbel. This eats well, and is
very fat.
it. The Water-Batt.
12. The Rock-beard. Is fat and good Meat, ea-
fily skinn'd.
13. The Prickle-belly. Is a Foot long, with fil-
ver Scales, and towards the Back lhaded with
brown : an edible Fifh.
14. The BilUfi/h. Its Bill fharp, hard andboney,
and the upper Jaw fixteen, the lower ten Inches
long, without Teeth or Notches ; its Back-fin very
large and prickly.
1 5. The Blood-fijh. Is fix Inches long, and one
and a half broad ; its Scales of a fliining Silver ;
along its Side is a broad white Lift, which lhines
not : thefe are eafily caught with Bread, &c. this
Fifh often bites Men, being very greedy of Hu-
mane Blood.
16. Bocamolle^ or foft Mouth. Becaufe without
Teeth : it lives in the Sea Mudd, but dies as foon as
taken out : it's good Meat.
17. Green Bodiano. About ten Inches long, and
three broad ; this is a beautiful Fifh and eatable.
1 3. Yellow Bodiano. Is moftly Gold yellow,
Head and Back Purple : good to eat.
19. The Bonito.
20. The Bra/em. It's about a Foot long, "and
five Inches where broadeft, of a Silver colour.
21. The Cannibal. Is a Foot long, and half as
thick, very greedy of Humane Blood, thefe chiefly
delight in muddy Rivers.
22. The hejjer Cannibal. Has a Snout (harper
than the next, is Silvery with a Shade of blue \ this
is not fo ravenous as the lait
23. The
The Natural Htjloty
23. The Sand Cannibal Has a Mixture of Gold*
red and blue, and are caught at the Bottom of fan"
dy Rivers : they are all eatable.
24. The River-Carp. Its fhape, colour and tafte
refembles ours.
25. Sea-Carp. It's ten or twelve Inches long,
and three or four broad : It eats well.
26. Cloud-fifh. Having four blackifh Clouds on
each Side its Back.
27. The fmall Corcovado. Is an edible Fifli, its
Belly-fins white, the reft, with the Tail, Gold co-
lour.
28. The Dolphin. Its Head, Back, Sides and
Fins, are green mixt with white, elegantly fprinkled
with blue Specks of feveral Sizes, it's a very fwift
Swimmer, and good to eat.
29. The Lake Eel-kin. Is moftly brown, darker
on the Back, the Belly Liver-coloured, the Tail
like a Snake : It's caught in Lakes and Ponds, and
is good Meat.
30. Jacob Evert/on, A large Fifh, greyifh
brown, full of black Specks : Is good Meat.
31. The Beard-fin. Is about a Foot long, with
Silver Scales : It eats well, and is taken in fandy
Places.
32. The Bloody Fins. Its Scales are red and fil ve-
ry, the Belly-fins are white tipt with red, the reft of
a Bloody colour ; they are often prefervedin Pickle.
33. The Party-fin. Is moftly deep red and fpot-
ted with divers Colours •, the Back-fin next the
Head is prickly, the other End larger and fmooth.
34. Speckled Party-fin. Is Moon-fcaled, fpeckled
with black ; the Flefh tender and good.
35. The Sail-Fin. A fiat Fifh three Inches broad
and four long, its Scales black, and fhining like
Silk, and moft of them edged with yellow Semicir-
cles, he is remarkable for three broad Lifts, two ex-
tend into his Back-fin, the third round his Head,
36, The
of thefe Tartf.
36. The Sword-fin. Is a large Fifli eleven or
twelve Foot long, and as thick as a Man its Scales
are very like Silver fhining through ablueifh Shade,
which is on his Back only \ its Flefh very boney,
and ought to be boiled long.
37. The White-fin. Is two or three Inches long ;
it's moftly white and Olive colour, along the Mid-
dle of the Side is a broad lhining filver Lift : It's
edible.
38. The Flying FiJIj. Is fomewhat bigger than a
Herring and fhines like them ; its Fin-wings arc
very large and fpotted with black.
39. The Eel-Gar. Is two Foot long and very
{lender ; along the Side is a greenifh Lift, which
parts the filver Belly from the olive coloured back :
It's good Meat, efpecially fryed, is not boney ; it
frequents Salt Rivers coming from the Sea.
40. The Gate-fijh, Is pale yellow, fully fprinkled
with fmall bloody Spots : It's good Food.
41. The River-Gilt. Hath fmall Scales with a
Blufh of Gold towards the Back. They eat it.
42. The Gold Head. Has blue Streaks along the
Sides ; it's found amongft the Rocks ; and eats well.
43. The Hard-head. Is covered with Gold, Sil-
ver, and fine coloured Scales, good to eat.
44. The Black Hard-head. Is a Fifh found only
in Lakes and Ponds, his Belly whitifh, but all his
Fins, Back, &c. are black : It eats well.
45. The Brown Hermet. Is four Inches long ; he
hath two red Threads above*his Eyes.
46. The Striped Hermet. Has deep Purple crook-
ed Lines on his Sides ; both thefe live amongft the
Rocks, and often fhelter thcmfelves in Sea-ftiell§.
47. The Horned-Hog. A fmall flat Fifh, with a
Horn on his Head, notcht on one Side only.
48. The Smooth Horn' d Hog. Is much larger than
the laft, being near a Foot long, and four Inches
where
The Natural Hijlory
where broadeft j its Horn four Inches long and
taper.
49. The Sea-hog. Its Back blue, alfo two Lifts
near the Gills, the Scales beautiful, being fpeckled
with green ; it's good fryed, but of no Account
boiled.
50. The Hound- jjh. Is two Foot and a half
long the Flefh is dry, yet often eat.
51. The jacket-jijh. Hath five black Girdles
and Tail of the fame Colour, a Peach-finn'd Back :
It's good to eat.
52. The Iron-fijh. Is half a Foot long, the Bel-
ly whitilh.
53. The Lejjer Iron-jijh. Has whitifh Scales,
with a round Tail, thefe two, and the next are
edible.
£4. The Sojt Iron-fifh. Has a broad and wide
Mouth.
55. The Awl-pointed Knije-jjh. Its Tail running
into a Point of three Inches long, found. in Rivers.
56. The Spotted Kmje-fijh. Is a flat Fifh, blunt
on the Back, and Belly fharp like a Knife s it's
caught in Lakes and eaten.
57. The Spotlefs Kmje-fijh. Not half fo broad as
the firft ; it's taken in Lakes : Eats well, but boney.
58. The Lattice Fijh. Is very large, fome weigh-
ing above a hundred Pounds ; the Side-fins have
golden Edges, the reft Liver-coloured.
59. The Loufte Fijh. Has cruftaceous Lice often
found on him. #
60. The Great Mackarell. Is feven Foot long,
and as thick as one's Body, it hath a crooked Line
on* its Side, compofed of very minute Scales : It
eats well.
61. The Spotted Mackarell. Is like the Iaft, but
much fpotted on the Sides with brown : It's good
Meat, but dry ; this is a Ihy Fiih, and difficult to
be caught.
62. The
of thefe Tarts.
62. The Moon-fifh. Is black and full of yellow
1 Semicircles : good to eat.
63. Tne Red- Mouth. His Back and Gill-fins
fcarlet, the reft edged with white ; has a broad
black Lift : Is very good boiled.
64. The Stone-Mouth. Is like a Carp, its Fins
are filvery with a Caft of Gold : It eats well.
65. The Bloody Mullet. From its Colour; it's
fpotted with black, and has a golden Tail.
66. The Needle Ftjh. It's line-fpotted with blue
and green.
67. The Gilt Pearch. Has feven Streaks on each
Side, fome golden, others of a fhining brown : Is
good Meat.
68. The Red-lifted Pearch. Is good to eat ; has
large filver Scales with a fcarlet Glofs ; near its Tail
is a large Spot.
69. The Rock-Pearch. Its Head is covered with
a rough Cruft, Flefh coloured, the reft filvery.
70. The Silver -lifted Pearch. The Scales are round,
fmall, and of a fhining Silver, as is a Lift along its
Side : it eats well, is fometimes two Foot long.
71. The Spotted Pearch. Has a large black Spot
in the Middle of each Side, and another near the
Tail it's found in frefh Rivers and eaten.
72. The Yellow-headed Pearch. Has on each Side
two golden Lifts •, it's good Meat, found amongft
Rocks.
73. The Yellow-ftrip'd Pearch. Is found with the
laft, and eaten,
74. Pieterman. A thick-headed Fifh fprinkled
with black Specks ; it's eaten if the Liver and Gall
be taken out, otherwife poifonous.
75. The Frog-mouth9 d Porcupine. Has near each
Fin a black Spot, both above and below each Gill,
and another near his Tail, his Prickles yellow,
76. The Sea-Porcupine. Is 14 Inches long, and
22 round it's full of Prickles inftead of Scales.
77. The
The Natural Hiftory
77. The Tellow-finn'd Porcupine. Has near each
Fin a black Spot ; it fwe]ls and grows lank at Plea-
fore,
78. The Sand-fijh. Its Flefh very white, and eats
lhort.
79. The Saw-fi(h. Is large and taper, with a
rough Skin and flanting Tail : They eat well, ef-
pecially the young ones.
80. The Seale. A Sort of Shark.
8 1. The Shark. Has three Rows of Teeth on
each Jaw ; they are great Devourers : the young
are pretty good Meat.
82. The Heart Shark. From the Shape of its
Head : this is not fo dangerous as the laft, having
but a fmall Mouth.
83. The Thorn-back Shark. His Body black and
Belly very white, is accounted a very choice Fifh.
84. The Sole. Is caught in fandy Waters ; eats
well.
85. The River Souldier. It's maiPd fomewhat
like a Sturgeon^ the Meat good ; they fay it gets on
Land to feek for Water when the Rivers are near dry,
86. The Sprat. Is of the Shape and Size of a
Gudgeon, has no Gills ; is eaten.
87. The Meer Sprat. Never exceeds an Inch and:
a half in length ; the Fins yellow with a black Spot
near the Tail > it's found in frefh Lakes and Ponds,
is eaten.
88. Tellow-ftreakt Stock-fijh. Has nine yellow
Lifts ori each Side, the Belly filvery, is found both
at Sea and in Rivers : It eats very well.
89. The Sucking-fijh or Remmora. Thefe are of-
ten found flicking to the Shark, and taken with
them.
90. The Gold-tail. A little Fifh, rarely exceed-
ing 4 or 5 Inches, it fwims ftrongly againft the
Stream in frefh Rivers : they are often eat roaft in
the Embers, firft wrapt in Leaves.
91. The
of thefe *Parts. 417
91. The Male Hard-tail. Is 8 or 10 Inches long
and 2 broad, on his Side is a Row of round Pea-
like black Spots fprinkled with blue Specks ; its
Tail covered with a black Shell : it's a River Fifh
and good Meat*
92. The Female Hard-tail. Is like the Male ;
but without blue Specks \ its Belly alfo towards the
Tail is reddifh.
93. River Tairera. Has a hard fhelly Head and
is much thicker than the next : it's edible, but very
boney.
94. The Sea Tairera. Is a Foot long and half as
thick, has a forked Tail, otherwifelike an Eel ; it's
lifted with yellow Streaks and green : it eats better
than the laft.
95. The Great fmooth Thorn-back. Its Belly white,
above Iron coloured with white Spots ; the Skin is
wholly fmooth its Tail above 4 Inches long and
taper •> not far from the Rump are two Fifh-hooks
t like Thorns 3 Inches long : one Fifh affords Meat
fufficient to fatisfy 40 Men.
96. The Smooth-tail' d Thorn-hack. Is like the
next, but wants Waddles ; it's of a dark Colour,
fprinkled with black Specks : the Meat is good.
97* The Waddle-tail' d Thorn-back. Is white be-
low, and Afh-brown above : it's good Meat.
98. The Whip-tail' d Thorn-back. Its Tail 3 Foot
and a half long, thick at fetting on, but ends taper,
and is very plyable it's full of black Warts.
99. The Warty Thorn-back. Is flat and round,
about 9 Inches over, his Tail 4 Foot long, with 2
thick horny Pricles in the Middle, fet backward to
offend the Belly white, Back Iron colour, with
black Warts in the Middle.
100. The Sea-fcad. Is of a dark red with black
Spots, has a Horn on his Nofe which he turns back ;
its eafily skinn'd and ftuft.
Vol, in.
Ee
101. The
/ The Natural Hiflory
101. The Stone- tongue. A boney Fifh : but good
to eat.
102. The Triangle with Horns. Is full of black
Spots on the Back.
103. The Homlefs Triangle. Lefler thanth^laft,
but broader Bellied and longer tail'd.
104. The Sea Trout. His Scales are filver with
grey Lines between, all his Fins are whitifh.
105. The'Sfi^ The Scales blackHh ; its Rapier
or Tuck is hid in his Side ; it's good Meat.
106. The Violin. It's taken in the upland Rivers
in ftormy Weather ; the Flefli intoxicates.
107. The River Whisker. Has fix long black
"Whiskers, but no Scales : it taftes well, and is fre-
quently eaten.
108. The Cod-jijh. Is two Foot long; the Up-
per-part dark grey, the lower filvery ; it's very fat,
and may be eaten either boiled or fryed without But-
ter or Oyl: thefe are faked and dryed in great
Numbers, or otherwife kept in Pickle.
109. The Ling. Is much lefs than the laft, but
faked like them and dryed ; the Flefli is dryer, and
and the Fat in boyling turns yellow.
CHAP. IV.
Of Crujiaceous^isu^ and Teftaceous Animals.
1. I P-Barnacles. Are compofed of five
*3 white Shells, but where joined, yellow.
2. The Ambergreafe Crab. Becaufe he loves it5
and comes often afliore at low Water to find it. Of
a Wallnut Size, his Hookers white, his Legs and
Body grey and pale yellow.
3 . The Apple Crab. Is finely fpotted and paint-
ed, with red, green, blue, white and brown, with
a red
of theje 7 arts. 419
a red Spot on each Side ; its Legs pale yellow ftreakc
with brown : it's good Meat.
4. The Bogg-crabb. Is as big as a Hen's Egg, his
right Claw much the bigger, with fharp Warts be-
low, its Belly pale yellow, above Olive coloured,
with yellow Edges : the Meat good.
5. The Great Bogg-Crab. Differs only in Bignefs
and Colour from the laft.
6. The Female Bogg-Crab. Is lefler than Numb. 4.
ithe left Claw bigger than the right, and very little
hairy.
7. The 'Tborny-edg'd Crab. Its Claws are hairy
tipt with black. He is of a lively red* and holds
his Colour after boiling.
! 8. The Brown Heart-Crab. Its Legs and Claws
are white, blue and green mixt : they eat well, and
are fometimes taken at the going out of the Sea.
9. The Round Land-Crab. Runs Side-ways, and
fwiftly : They are good Meat, and found Plenty in
[boggy Woods.
ro. The Square Land-Crab. Is of divers Co-
lours, as blue, white, and dark brown, with red
varioufl) fpotted ; its Legs alfo variegated*
11. The Olive Spotted Crab. Is of a dark Colour;
the Tips of his Claws, and Hookers blue, his Bel-
ly whitifh mixt with fcarlet.
ii. The Mandevill Crab. Comes out of his
Holes only at the Recefs of the Sea his right. Claw
above 3 Inches long, very thick, and can hide his
whole Body, the Shoulder warty, the Claws ferra-
ted : it's eaten.
13. The Moon-Crab. Is a large beautiful varie-
gated Animal : it fpouts Water out like a Fountain.
14. The Plumb-Crab. Its Body rufty coloured,
Legs deep Purple covered with pale Hair ; lives in
Salt Rivers.
1 5. The Three-pointed Crab. Is as big as a Hen's
Egg ; the Body fpotted with brown, the Legs with
purplifh Specks, the reft white.
Ee 2 16. The
42° The Natural Hipry
1 6. The Square Crab. Is very fmall, of a Liver j
colour, his Hookers dark red.
1 7. The Brown Cray-fijh. Is four Inches long I
they eat it boiled.
18. The Long-legg d Cray-fijh. Hath a pale
Cruft, long ftriped with thick grey Streaks ; its
Meat good to eat.
19. The Black Crevife, differs from Numb. 21I
only in Colour, and the Slendernefs of its Legs.
20. The Land-Crevife. Climbs Trees, his Shell
black, fprinkled with many yellow Specks.
21. The WhitiJJo Crevife. Is all over fpeckled;
with brown : Are found plentifully in the rainy Sea-
foris, and eaten boil'd.
22. Five Fingers. Each Ray half a Foot long;
thick-fet with curious Warts.
23. The Brancht Five Fingers. Thefe Rays dif-
play themfelves each into feveral Ramifications,,
netting one into another.
24. Nine Fingers. A Sort of Star-fifh with cut Rays.
25. The Sea-kidney. From its Shape ; it's flat,
and five Inches long, is brittle, and hath a Navel
or Orifice on the under Side.
2 6. The Sea-Loeujl. His Body is full of Prickles,
as are its Horns •, between which are two Pair of
fmooth Feelers.
27. The Sea-Mantifs. Is about a Foot in length,
and flender : it's of Kin to the Cray-filh.
28. Ship-Nuts. Are hard Shells, which com- i
monly adhere to Ships like the Barnacles. !
29. The Tree-Oyfier. Found commonly on the •
Branches of the Mangrove, which grows by the
Sea-fide. i
30. The Shrimp. Is not much bigger than 3 1
Filbert the Shell brown, the reft, with its Legs >
yellowiih : it's eaten.
31. The Hermet Shrimp. Thefe are of different :
Sizes and Colours ; are frequently found in Shells '
on the Banks of Rivers. 32. The
of thefe Tarts.
32. The Short-horn' 'd Shrimp. Like Numb. 30.
but its Horns or Feelers are fhorter.
33. The Broad-fquill. Has a fhort broad Body,
with notcht Edges ; its Legs very fttort. ,
34. The Flat perforated Sea Urchin. This has a
Star in the Middle, with Holes thro' the Shells.
CHAP. V.
Of Reptiles, as Snakes, Lizards, &c.
1, HpHE Crocodile. Is 8 or 9 Foot long his
X Mouth very large, opening beyond his Eyes,
their Eggs white, hard, and as it were warty ; they
tafte well ; you often find near 30 of them toge-
ther : the Flefh of the Crocodile is often eaten by
the Blacks.
2. The Tree Frog. Is of a midling Size, above
pale yellow, below deeper ; its Sides and Hind-legs
are ftreakt with black.
3. The Guana. Is green, with black and white
waved Lifts along his Back ; from Head to Tail is
a notable green Welt, whofe Seam gradually leffens
downwards : boiled or roafted they eat as well as
Fowl or Rabbits.
4. The Smooth-back Guana. Is black finely
fprinkled with white ; towards the End of the Tail
it has as it were fix white Prickles, they love raw
Eggs : its Fleih is eaten.
5. The Houfe Lizzard. Is a friendly Animal,
for if it fees you in Danger of any hurtful Creature
whilft afieep, it will come and awake you. They
are very common in Gardens and about the Houies.
6. The Blue-tail' 'd Lizzard. Is not thicker than
a Swan-quill, and but 3 Inches long •, its Body
imooth and fquarim \ thefe are faid to be poifonous
Ee 3
422 The Natural Htftory
and thirfl after the Blood of breeding Women : and
they report, that if a Woman, or but her Cloaths
do touch this Creature, flie will afterwards prove
barren.
y. The Fork- tail9 d Lizzard. Refembles in all
Things the Houfe Lizzard, except his Tail, which
ends in two ftrait Horns.
8. The Long-tail' d Lizzard. Is no thicker thaq
one's little Finger ; its Belly white vHfh bloody *
Spots, its Back finely ftrip'd and waved wifh-3pecks
between.
9. The S potted-tail9 d Lizzard. Is waved on the
Back with brown Lifts, and has four Spots on the
Tail.
10. The Small Venomous Lizzard. Is four or five
Inches long ; it's brown markt with white Lines
mixt with yellow.
1 1 ; The Coral Snake. Is two Foot long, and as
thick as one's Thumb, it's alternately fpotted very
elegantly with white, black and fcarlet ; the firft
and laft are edged with black : it's venomous.
12. The Frog Snake. From his Food he is fe-
ven or eight Foot long, and as thick as a Man, is
taper and ends very lharp he is Olive coloured,
with a yellowifh Belly.
13. The Great Goat-fnake. Becaufe fo large they
ean fwallow them whole, being above 8 Foot long,
and 1 5 Inches about ; finely markt with black and
white : its Flefh is eaten.
14. The Horn-bellied Snake. Near fix Foot long,
and half a Foot about ; it has near its Vent two
fmall Bird-like Claws.
15. The Houfe-fnake. Its Belly white, and Back
Iron coloured ; about 3 Foot long, and two Fin-
gers thick : thefe deftroy the Hens Eggs.
16. The Green Houfe-fnake. About as thick as
ones little Finger, and 2 or 3 Foot long ; has a
large Mouth, and is very poifonous,
37. The
of thefe Tarts. 423
17. The Rattle-fnake. Is pale yellow, with black
Spots : It's faid to be fo poilonous, that there is no
Remedy for it.
18. The Circle-f potted Snake. Is brown, with
two Rows of alternate yellow Spots fet in dark red
Circles.
19. The Great [potted Snake. Is venomous and
fpotted like the Rattle Snake*
20. The Ring- tail9 d Snake. Hath a fhining fil-
ver Belly, the reft black and white ; he hath fix fil-
ver Rings in his Tail, and as many fharp Teeth in
both Jaws.
21. The Veado-fnake. In Length about 8 Foot,
with a Chain of black Spots along the Back, with
white Spots on the Sides furrounded with black.
22. The Terrapin or Land-turtle. Is covered with
a black Shell, the Scales triangular ; its Liver is
delicious. a
23. The Sea- turtle. Has the Nofe of a Bird,
Fin-like Feet ; and is of feverai Sizes and Colours :
its Flefti and Eggs are good Meat.
24. The Lejfer Turtle. Is about 10 Inches long,
and 9 broad its Tail fhort and pointed ; each
Foot has 4 black Claws ; their Eggs white, round,,
and about the Bignels of Pidgeon9^ eat well fryed.
25. The Blind-worm. Is white and fliining like
Glafs, with copperifh Rings and Streaks, lives on
Ants; it's faid there is no Remedy againfl its
Poifon*
Ee4 CHAP.
4H
The Natural Hiftory
CHAP. VI.
Of Insects.
i. \ NTS. Are in great Numbers both in the
Jl\ Woods and Fields ; and are univerfal De-
vourers, as well of Animals as Vegetables.
2. The Black Ant. Is about an Inch long.
3. The Flying Ant. Hath four tranfparent yel-
lowish Wings, with fad red Vein and Edges : the
Blacks eat the Bodies of them.
4. The Hairy- Ant. Thefe have Wings, but on-
ly at certain Seafons,
5. The Scarlet- Ant. Has a very Ihining Head.
6. The Birds-neft Bee. The Hiv#s of thefe are
black and hard, hanging from the Trees like Birds-
jiefts.
7. The Bujh-bee. Yields the befl: and fweeteffc
Honey ; it hives on Shrubs and low Trees, its
Combs hang down half a yard long.
8. The Ground-bee. Thefe are found out by
fmoaking them.
9. Another Ground-bee. Whofe Paper-like Hive
refembles a Sugar-loaf*, thefe three laft fting like
ours
10. The Tree* bee. Sticks his Honey to the Bo-
dies of Trees, inclofed in round Balls of Wax : this
and the next fting not.
11. The Tree-hole Bee. Lives in hollow Trees':
Its Honey is well tafted and very wholefome.
12. The fmall Black-beetle. Is round and fhining.
13. The Bull-beetle. Is very large, with two
Horns on his Shoulders* and one from his Snout
turning upwards.
14. The
ef thefe Tarts. 425
14. The hair Bull-beetle. A large Sort of black
Ihining Beetle, covered with yellowifh Hairs.
!$♦ The crofs Goat-beetle. Is of a dark red mixt
with a fliining Blacknefs ; thwart his Back is a yel-
low Lift his Horns yellow and black.
16. The Saphire-beetle. Has green Wings with
a Gold Glofs.
17. The Snap-beetle. Its Shoulders black with
yellow Edges, its Cruft-wings ftreakt with black.
18. The Tortoife-beetle. The Body of a golden
Luftre, the Edges Copper.
19. The Unicorn-beetle. Has a Mixture of black,
green, and gold, fhines ; yet covered with fine
Hair. It fmells like a Goat, and has often fmall
ones about his Body.
20. The Green-bugg. His Head yellow, above
mixt with green ; it ftinks much.
21. The Scorpion-bugg. Is two Inches long, and
one broad \ its Legs dark yellow, with black Spots,
and hairy.
22. The black Butterfly, Has flant green Lines
gloft with Gold.
23. The Black-rimmed Butterfly.
24. The Striped-olive Butterfly.
25. The pale Butterfly with yellow Wings. The
Edges of this is markt with black and white,,
26. The Silver-fpotted Butterfly.
27. The white Butterfly with brown Spots.
28. The great yellow Butterfly with differing co-
loured Spots.
29. The black Velvet Caterpillar. Has nine yellow
Rings crofs its Back > its Head, Tail and Feet
fcarlet. -
30. The Golden Lifted, black Velvet Caterpillar.
31. The Grey-ring d Caterpillar.
32. The green Caterpillar. Is fpeckled with
black? and has white flant Lines on ics Sides.
33, The
The Natural Hifloty
33. The green and white Catter pillar. Has two
yellow Lines its Length, and flant ones of the fame.
34. The fcarlet Horn'd Catter pillar. Has fome
white mixt with its deep red, the Belly, Sides, and
Tail green.
35. The Mar acock Caterpillar. Is hatcht from
the Eggs of the Silver-fpotted Butterfly, Numb. 26,
36. The Nightfloade Caterpillar. Is very black,
but Head and Sides white fpotted ; it's covered
with yellow Briftles : When thefe touch a Man's
Skin, it burns like Fire.
37. The Silk-worm Caterpillar.
3?. Chegoes. Are like Fleas, and frequently get
under the Nails of both Hands and Feet ; and
there raife a great Itching and Lodge, except they
are pickt out with a Needle.
39. The Locuft-r cricket. Is fomewhat like and of
Kin to our Mole^cricket.
40. The Black-hairy Drone. Is fliining and vel-
vety the Forepart of a whitifli yellow, with a
black Spot.
41. The black Silk Drone.
42 0 The fhining yellow Drone. Is covered with
fine Hair.
43. The Great Earwig. Is two Inches long,
partly black and pale yellow.
44. The black Fly. Has fhining Saphirine Eyes.
45. The Dew Fly. Thefe towards the Evening
flock in great Numbers on Trees, and make a long
continued Noife.
46. The Fire-fly. On each Side of the Upper-
part of his Body, is a round white fliining Spot,
no bigger than a'Muftard -feed through which it
cafts its amazing Light.
47. The Green Fly. Has a golden Glofs, with a
Saphire coloured Head \ it* Wings fpotted with
dark red,
48, Th&
of thefe Tarts. 427;
48. The Hairy Toddy-fly. A very large Beetle,
with a long Horn from each Jaw.
49. The Scarlet Fly. Frequent in Gardens,
"Woods and Fields in the rainy Seafons.
50. The Scarlet Fly with f potted Wings. Its Bo-
dy brown and green, the Wings round and black.
5 1 . The Scarlet-wing d Fly. The Head and Up-
per-parts of a fhining black, the Tips brown.
52. The Silver and Brown Fly. Has tranfparent
Wings fpeckled with brown.
53. The yellow Fly. Is a troublefome Infe£t.
54. The Green-golden Gnat. Has two Wings of
the Colours of the Rainbow ; its Legs and Body
hairy.
55. The barmlefs Gnat. Is a bufie Fly, but has
no Sting.
56. The flinging Gnat. Thefe are very trouble-
fome, efpecially in the Night.
57. The ftreak'd Hog-loufe. Has crofs Lines of
dark yellow and black.
58. The Variegated Knot-horn. Is finely markt
with yellow, brown and blue the Legs yellow and
black party coloured.
59. The Brown Locuft. Lefler than the next.
60. The Gretn Locuft, His B.ack *and Belly red ;
his under Wings are latticed with red, black, aflh,
and green Squares.
61. The Grey Locuft. Is three Inches long, his
Pincers red.
62. The Leaf-like Locuft. His Body fhorter than
Numb. 60. his Back flat, and Head fmooth.
63. The Greater Shiill-Lpcufi. The Body of this
is warty.
64. The Lejfer Quill-Locuft. Is a long flender
grey Infeft, with fpotted Lines.
65. The Green Mantifs. Somewhat like a Lo-
cuft > but has a lorjg flender Necij like a Cameh
66, The
The Natural Hiftory
66. The Rufty Mantifs. Refembles a dead Leaf*
67. The Silver Millepodes. Are larger than ours %
have fix Legs towards the Head, the laft pair
longeft.
68. The great brown Moth. Its Wings are three
Inches and a half long, and one and a half broad.
69. The Scolopendria. Is about four Inches long
and has twenty Legs on each Side.
70. The Flat-ring'd Scolopendria. Is black, with
yellow Edges on the Rings.
71. The Scorpion. Is common in Houfes, and
very large ; with two Spines in his Tail.
72. The triangular -backt Spider. On his Sides are
fix fharp white Points, fpotted with dark brown.
73. The Great-hairy Spider. Thefe are very
common : they live on Flies and other Infefts ; yet
can fubfift under Confinement a great while without*
74. The Houfe Spider. Its Back and Legs are
fpotted with black ; thefe cafl their Skin like the
laft.
75. The Leffer Houfe Spider. Carry their Young
in a round Bag under their Belly they fpin in the
Night,
76. The Grey-fpider* Is hairy like Velvet, and
fpeckled with black;.
77. The Silver-fpider. Is elegantly fhaped.
78. The great Silver-fpider. Like the laft, but
bigger.
79. The Silver and Tellow Spider, This is ftreakt
with brown Lines, and makes Webs like the com-
mon.
80. The Tortoife-fpider. No bigger than a Pea ;
its Shell hexangular, Silver coloured with black
Spots.
81. The Tick. A fmall flat roundifli Loufe t
if any Body fits down in the Woods or Fields, this
Vermine prefently attacks him, and gets into his
Flcfh.
82. The
of thefe Tarts.
82. The Steel-wafp. Has a very hard Body, not
cafily penetrable with a Needle, yet flick as Silk.
83. The Glafs-wing. h a fmall oval Infe£t, half
an Inch long.
\ 84. The Houfe-worm. A Sort of Scolopendria3
as thick as one's little Finger, and half a Foot long.
85. The Palm-worm. About two Inches long,
and as thick as the laft.
CHAP. VII.
Of Trees.
1. r I ^ H E Anda. Is a large handfome Tree, with
A fine yellow Flowers ; the W ood is put to
many Ufes: The Natives catch Fifli with the Bark,
by throwing it into the Water, which fuddles
them.
2. Angelin-tree. They ufe the Wood hereof to
build their Houfes,
3. The Ball- Apple. Has Leaves growing by
Pairs eight or nine Inches long, and 2 or 3 where
broadeft ; the Apple dark yellow, with 3 Seeds in
each.
4. The Bread- Apple. Its Flowers fmall and yel-
low growing in a long Spike. Half a Dram of the
Kernel drank in Water is an excellent Remedy for
the Flux.
5. The Musk-Apple. Bears fmall whife Flowers
full of Thread : The ripe Fruit big as an Egg and
yellowifh : It flowers in July and Auguft \ and bears
ripe Fruit in March.
6. The Stone- Apple. Is a fweet edible Fruit, as
large as an Orange, yet its Infide fmells rancid.
7. The Copaiba Balfam. This Tree yields great
Plenty of a Baliam, very good in all Fluxes of the
Bowels.
The Natural Hijlory
Bowels. The Leaves are 4 or 5 Inches long and 2
and a half broad ; the Wood is very red, and the
Boards they put to feveral Ufes.
8. The Banana. Its Fruit ftrait, ftiort, round
and fragrant ; they are to be had all the Year.
9. Red-dye Bark. Becaufe it's ufed in dying that
Colour, by boiling it in Water \ its Outfide is grey,
within white.
10. Soap Bark. Is a Tree whofe inner Bark they
ufe either green or dry inftead of Spanifh-foap it
wafhing Cloaths beyond the Soap-berries.
ill The Bird-grain Berry. Its Leaves grow by
Pairs ; are finely veined, white and woolly below,
the Fruit foft and fweet, and eaten by the Birds.
12. Blue-berry. Becaufe ufed in dying that Co-
lour ; they will keep dry a long time when ripe
they are about the Bignefs of a fmall Cherry,
and are mightily coveted by the Pidgeons.
13. The Black- Ink Berry. This the Portuguese
call Preta.
14. The White- Ink Berry, Is a Pear-like Tree,
with large five leaved yellow fragrant Rofes ;
which flowers in October and November*
15. Soap-berry. This Tree grows in many pla-
ces ; of the Fruit they make Buttons.
16. The Suck-berry. Is a tall Tree Tree ending
with 3 Leaves : the Fruit is ripe in Aprils which they
fuck the Juice of only, fpitting out the Skins,
17. The Two Berry -tree. Its Leaves grow by
Pairs, as does its Fruit, which is yellow, of a Plumb
Size, and round : it may be eaten plentifully with-
out Danger.
18. Birch-wood. Becaufe like it, which they
put to feveral ufes.
19. Bird-lime Tree. Bears fmall Leaves like the
fenfible Plant; yields a clammy Pitch-like Gum,
which they rub on Sticks to catch Birds with, as we
do our Bird-lime.
20. Braftl-
of thefe Tarts.
^20. Brafil-wood. Is a tall thorny Tree, with Box-
like Leaves •> it flowers in December *, they are red
and yellow, and fmell like Lillies of the Vallies.
n. The Calabafh-tree. Bears white and green
Lilly-like Flowers, but they ftink egregioufly :
The Trees at certain Seafons lofe all their Leaves in
one Day, and in 2 or 3 more they will grow again.
22. The Canow-Tree. Is very large and much
brancht ; its Flowers are partly yellow and greenifh,
very fragrant ; the Fruit about as big as an Apple,
covered with Hair, and when ripe breaks into three
Parts : Of the Wood they make Fifhing and Fer-
ry-boats.
23. Cajhew-tree. Bears a Kidney-like Fruit, at
the end of a larger ; whofe Kernel roafted eats be-
yond a Chefnut : The Natives make Canows of its
Timber.
24. Wild Cajhew* Like the laft, but thefe
Leaves are very rough and hard.
25. HorfeCaffia. Is a tall great Tree, with Fleffi
Flowers, which may be feen at a great Diftance.
26. The Char done. Is a Sort of Indian-Fig or
Prickle-Pear ; with an edible deep red Fruit, as big
again as a Goofe Egg : good to eat.
27. The Cochineel-Chardone or Tuna. Its Leaves
from one to 4 Foot long ; fomc 3, others 4 Square ;
die Flowers much lefs than the next, the Fruit 3
Inches long and 4 about, which by preffing fplits
Lengthways, containing a white juicy Pulp full of
Seeds : Thefe are eaten with the Pulp, and for
Pleafantnefs exceed our common Figs.
28. The Knobbed Char done.
29. The three Square Chardont.
30. Birds Cherry. Bears a black Fruit much co-
veted by the Birds.
31. Myrtle Cherry. Its Fruit black *, the Leaves
have an Aftringent or dry Tafte, but being rubb'd
betwixt the Fingers, fmell very ftrong.
32. Pepper
The Natural Hifiory
32. Pepper Cherry. The Fruit fcarlet, with eight I
Furrows, taftes bitterifh, and fomething hot, like I
Capftcum or Cod-pepper.
33. The Trefoil, Spotted Cherry. Its Flowers
five Leaved ; the Fruit when ripe Cwhich is in Fe- 1
bruary) blackifh, fpeckled with white, the Skin j
peel'd off they are fweetifh, each as big as aGoofe-
berry, and contain 3 fmall white Kernels.
34. Yellow-cherry. Thefe they often eat.
35. The Coco-tree. Is a Sort of Palm every Bo-*
dy knows.
36. Coral-tree. Grows about as big as a Crab*
is thorny and trifoliated ; its Bloffoms equal the
Flower-de-luce, are fcarlet and feen at a great Di-
flance, but quickly fall off; the Pods are 1, 3, and
fome 5 Inches long, with as many Partitions as Seed. !
37. The Cork-tree. Is about the Size of a Line
or Bafs-tree, the Leaves like Walnut but fharper ;
it bears pale yellow Flowers in great Tufts, and a
yellow Plumb, the Wood is reddifh and light : of
which they make Corks and Stopples.
^8. Ebony. Is a large Tree, with fmall dark
green Leaves ; the Heart of the Tree is a fad Olive-
colour near black : it's bitter whilft growing.
39. Thrum- Elder '. Its Wood, Bark and Pith,
refemble Elder, and the firft fmells of it ; the Flow-
ers are fragrant, large and yellow like Primrofes
made of five Leaves, and fill'd with yellow and
faffron coloured Threads an Inch and a half long ;
the Tree very beautiful.
40. The Torch-Fig. A Sort of prickly Pear, on
the Leaves of which grow certain Warts or Excref-
cencies.
41. Silk-finger Tree. This bears 8 or 10 Leaves
on a 2 or 3 Inch Footftalk ; Star-faftiioned like the
Fire-root, fmooth above, and filky below : finely
veined.
42, Curl
of thefe Tarts.
42. Curl Flower. This Tree is large and fhady ;
of the Wood, which is very hard, they make Wheels
for their Su&ar-mills : the Tree looks beautiful when
in Flower, which is in October and November, they
being of a blue and white Colour.
43. Sweet Flower Tree. At the Top of the
Leaves, which are whicifli underneath, grow Tufts
of fmall white fix leaved Flowers of a pleafant
Scent.
44. Tellow Hang Flower. Is a Tree with foft long
oppofite Leaves ; at the Top of the Branches grow
a Spike of beautiful yellow Flowers, which by a
crooked Foot-ftalk hang downwards ; its Fruit of a
Currran Size.
45. Wall-Flower Tree. Becaufe its Flowers are
like our fingle Stock-gillowflower, yellow and rather
fweeter than them, which are to be feen in December
and January.
46. All- Fruit. From its Plenty, being fo thick
fet round its Body, you c^n fcarce fee its Bark
they are about the Bignefs of a Lime, fweet, tem-
perate, and wholefome, pleafant in Fevers.
47. The Fufiick. Grows every where in the
Woods ; its Fruit is ripe in March.
48. The Genipat, or Ink- Apple. A Tree whofe
Fruit ftains like Ink.
49. Gum- Idea. The Bark of this Tree being
cut, yields a fragrant Rozin fmelling like Dill \
much ufed in all Wounds of the Head.
50. Tellozv Gum-Tree. From the Bark of this al-
fo flows a purging yellow Gum, which the Portu-
guefe call Gum Lacra.
51. The Chefnut Gourd. Each Fruit, has 5 or 6
very white Cbefnut-Wko. Kernels, which eat well.
52. The Orange Gourd. Contains 2 or 3 large
Kernels, which are not edible, but the Pulp about-
them is, being fharp and a little bitterifh. A faf-
fron Milk flows from the Tree being cut.
Vol, III. Ff 53 ■ The
The Natural Hiftory
53. The Ginger Hazel. Becaufe it bears a Katkin
fomewhat like it, which fmells of Gipger > the
Root has alfo the fame Tafte and Smell.
54'i The Greater or Male Iaracatia. Is a tall ft rait
thorny Tree, the Fruit of a faffron Colour both
within and without when ripe it's eaten either raw
or boy I'd : in March it renews its Leaves, and in
April and May it flowers and fruits.
25, The Female Iaracatia. Differs from the Male,
only in being lefs in all its Parts.
36. Coil'd Inga. Is diftinguilht from the follow-
ing in having its Fruit 6 or 7 Inches long, but odly
turn'd about like Pennid Sugar.
57. Feather-lnga. Bears a Tuft of fmall white
Flowers filPd with white filken Hair two Inches
long, tipt with yellow ; thefe fmell fweet like thofe
of the Lime-tree.
58. Joynted Inga. They eat its Fruit, which is
well tafted ; it's ripe in May.
59. Rujly Inga. The Pods of this are flat and
covered with arufty coloured Hair.
60. Iron-Wood. Is a great branched Tree with
Iharp pointed Heart-like Leaves 3 or 4 Inches long :
the Wood extream hard.
61. Black Lignum-Vitte. The Wood hard and
fmells well.
62. White Ugnum-Vitcr. Its Flower buds fome-
what bigger than a Cherry-ftone, which opens into
5 Parts, difcovering a fingle, round, fweet, yellow
Leaf, on which are many white Threads, tipt with
yellow.
63. The Wood-Limon. Has a thin Skin and ve^
ry juicy, with a few fmall Seed, which are hurtful
to the Teeth.
64. The Mangrove-tree. The Flowers of a yel-
lowilh green > the Fruit is Food for the Terrapines.
6s. Match*
of theje *Part$i 435
65. Match-tree. The Natives make Ropes of the
Bark of this Tree, as alfo Match-cord like ours made
of Paper.
66. Mullein- tree. The Leaves very like them ; it
bears a Spike of yellow Flowers, and a Goofe-berry-
like Fruit, which they eat.
67. Bread Palm. Avery ufeful Tree to the Na-
tives, not only in making Flower of the Wood flit
and beaten, which they eat inftead of Ca/fava-br^zdy
but with the Leaves they thatch their Huts, and
alfo being pliable they ufe them as Cords : Of the
Fruit they make an Oyl, the Kernel they eat ; and
of the Bark they make Match to light their Pipes
with.
68. Egg Palm. Of the faffron coloured Pulp ;
they make a croceous Oyl, which they burn in their
Lamps, and from its Kerpcl they exprefs a clear
Oyl, which they cook their Meat .withal whilft
frefli •, of the Bark of the Nut they make Tobacco-
pipes, and with its Leaves they thatch their Hou-
fes, make Mats, Baskets, fsfb.
69. Hurdle-Palm. Bears pale yellow three leaved
Flowers, and an Olive-like Fruit ; they make Bas-
kets, and cover their Huts with its Leaves, and of
the Wood is made Hurdles to fold their Sheep and
other Cattle.
70. Yellow-Palm. Its Flowers three leaved, and
very fmall, with Threads, which and the Palm-bag
are all yellow ; its Fruit fmall, and Wood taper,
which they ufe in Building.
71. Bread-Peach. The Fruit of this they eat
boil'd with Flefh and Fife inftead of Bread \ it hath
a large Kernel, which they alfo eat with it.
72. The Pitoma. Is a large branched Tree, the
Leaves grow by Pairs of divers Sizes, viz. from 3
to 8 Inches long the Flowers fmall, 4 leaved, of a
Straw colour, the Fruit oval, the Meat of a plea-
fant fharp Tafte, with a Stipticity or Drynefs.
F f 2 73, Amber
The Natural Hlfiory
73. Ambtr Plumb. Its Branches thorny, the
Flower 5 leaved, but very fmall ; its Fruit yellow,
pleafant, tho' fomewhat four and bitterifh : it ri-
pens in January and February.
74. Bay Plumb. The Fruit when ripe black, but
before yellow.
75. The Kidney-Plumb. The Skin and Flefli is
yellow, and fmells like Spanifh-foap.
76. Mangala Plumb. Its Flowers are like Jejfa-
mine, and very fragrant ; the Fruit of a greenifti
yellow, frequently fpotted on one Side with red ;
the Kernel is very white and fweet tafted-, and
therefore eaten with the Fruit, but not until they
fall pff themfelves.
77. Fire-root. The Natives make a Flole in a
Piece of this Root dryed, into which they put a
Stick of a cer^ii^liard Wood \ and by conftant
turning routfel, it creates Fire.
78. River Tree. Becaufe it always grows on its
Banks, and fhoots its Roots on the Water ; it bears
a beautiful Umbel of fmall 5 leaved fcarlet Flowers.
79. Balfam Rofe, Its Leaves fmell like Rofemary
and Marjerom the Fruit dark red, eats fweetilh
and gummy. It flowers in January and February :
the Fruit is ripe in April and May.
80. Heart Rofe. Bears an 8 leaved white Flower
refembling a Rofe, and as fweet.
81. The Cup-tree. Is very tall, the Leaves like
Mulberries notcht and crumpled ; it's Wooden
Fruit as big as a Child's Head ; having a Stopple
or Cover for its Crown, which it drops in March
and April, when ripe : Of the Wood they make
the Spokes of their Sugar-wheels, becaufe it bears
Moifture without Damage.
82. The Salt-tree. Looks like a Willow \ from
its Leaves come 4 or 5 fmall 4 leaved pale yellow
Flowers, with as many black Threads in them :
thefe Leaves yield a kind of Salt, as much of which,
you
af thefe Tarts. 43 7
you may take from 3 or 4, as will feafon a Mefs of
Broth.
83. Yellow-tree. From its Plenty of large yel-
low Flowers, by which it may be known at 2 or 3
Miles diftance ; at that Time having no Leaves,
they coming afterwards.
84. The flat podded Yellow-tree. Has 3, 4 or
5 Leaves from one Bafe on 3 Inch Foot Stalks ; it
flowers in December: they are Bell-fafhion'd, 2 In-
ches long, and cut on the Brims into 5 Parts.
85. "Thorny V/aga. A prickly Tree, with very
fmall Leaves, and thrummy white Flowers.
86. Cabinet-wood. Is a high Tree with blue
Flowers: the Wood ismixt with red and black, and
is much ufed in Carving, Inlaying, 13 c.
87. Camel-wood. Is a great Tree with a green
Ball-like Fruit, red within, full of fmall Fig-like
Seed : Thefe are eat by fome, but not much valued.
88. Milkey Camel-wood. This Tree bears a white
Rofe-Wkt Flower, with reddifh Bottoms, each on a
long Footftalk : In the Middle of the Flower, is a
yellow roziney Pea-fized Button like Turpentine, but
of an unfavoury Smell.
89. Gum-wood. The Leaves of this Tree are
pointed, ihine, and grow oppofite 5 or 7 in a
Branch ; the Fruit red, in Shape and Size like a
Pijlachio ; which with the Wood fmell like the
Gum Icica.
90. Boat-wood. Becaufe the Natives make their
Boats and Canows of this Wood, either green jor
dry.
91. Holy-wood. Is a large Tree, with a fmooth
grey Bark; its Wood very hard: On the Top
Boughs of this Tree grow frequently an odd Sort
of Mifletoe fpringing from feveral fharp pointed
ftreakt yellow Balls ; whofe Leaves are of a yellow
green., fix or feven Inches long, and very narrow.
92. Sugar-
The Natural Hiftory
92. Sugar-wood. Is yellow; of the Planks they
make Sugar Cheft^ : the Tree is tall, and yields a
brown fcentlefs Balfam ; with which the Natives by
anointing, cures the Worms in their Feet, a Difeafe
frequent amongft them.
CHAP. VIII.
Of Shrub s.
i/|aHE Thorny Globe Acacia. Grows 8 or "9
A Foot high the Ste^n full of fmall crooked
Spines, the Leaves grow in Pairs, very lik:e Solo-
mon* s Sea^ with 2 fmall Thorns between each Pair :
its Flowers pale yellow, and globular, compofed
of many fmall Threads the Pod a Foot or 15 In-
ches long, befet with fmall Prickles.
2. The Great Aloes. Bears a greenifh yellow
Flower, made of 5 Star-fafhioned Petalce or Flow-
er Leaves ; they make good Cloath of the Leaves
of this Plant \ and thefe or its Roots thrown into
Ponds, fuddles the Fifh ; fo that you may take
them with your Hand.
3. Mijletoe Aloes. This grows from the Boughs
and rotten Trunks of Trees j the Leaves are very
like Aloes.
4. Arnotto. Is a Shrub, with large cordated
Leaves 3 with 5 leaved Rofe-like Bluih-colour'd
Flowers growing in Clufters : they make a fafFron
coloured Indico of the Seed, call'd Arnotto ; with
which they dye raw Silk.
5. The Burr. Has broad Leaves ferrated and
pointed ; its Burs grow in Rundles, 12 or more to-
gether : they are very troublefome in travelling both
to Man and Beaft, flicking to their Hair, &c.
6. Button*
of thefe Tarts, 439
6. Button-tree. Its Flowers fmall and yellowifli ;
tfre-Heads are. like Alder Cones.
7. Brafrf Calavancies. Its Flowers yellow, with
red Veins ; the Pods flat and twifted, each holding
4 white Peafe, which tafte well : they flourifti all
the Year.
8. Caffada. Rifes 7 or 8 Foot high, thick as
one's Thumb, 6 or 7 Leaves gr ow from one Stalk,
Star fafliion'd ; its Flowers fmall 5 leaved, pale
yellow, and very thrummy in the Middle : its
Root large as one's Thigh, 3 or 4 Foot long, and
yields a thick Milk, which is deadly Poifon : Ne-
verthelefs, by boiling and ordering of it, they make
a wholefome Bread.
9. Cotton-bufh. Has a Rofe-like Flower, yellow,
with a Purple Bottom ; its Fruit bears the Cotton.
10. Bay-leaved Granadilla. The Fruit Pear-
fafhion'd ; when ripe of a greenifh yellow, plea-
fant to the Tafte and Smell it's full of black flat
fhining Seed.
11. Broad-leaved Granadilla. The Flower fweet
and party-coloured ; Fruit like the laft.
12. Ivy-leaved Granadilla. Each Leaf Hands 2
Inches and half diftant on an Inch Footftalk ; on
which grows a fmall, round dentated Leaf, with
a reddifti Tendrel joining to it ; the Fruit oval, of the
Size of a large Plumb.
13. Fiddle-pointed Granadilla. Has a Leaf with
5 Segments, and the Middle often finuated like the
Sides of a Fiddle ; the Fruit yellowifli, and plea-
fant both in Smell and Tafte ; the Pulp croceous,
and will dye the Tongue of a Saffron colour.
14. The Trefoil Granadilla. Its Flowers moftly
white, and fmells well > the Fruit yellow when
ripe, but before fpotted with white.
15. The Trefoil Auriculated Granadilla. The Ear?
confift of 3 ferrated Leaves the Fruit fweet,
F f 4 greenifh
\
440 The Natural Hiftory
greenifft and white ; the Middle of the Threads
Purple.
16. The {linking, hairy, Bladder' d Granadilla.
The Leaves' cordated, and fmell like Henbane.
17. Hot-tree. Bears Willow Leaves and mem-
branaceous Fruit, fomewhat like Hops ; grows in
fandy places.
1 8. Indico. Grows 3 or 4 Foot high, and bears
pale purplifn Flowers.
19. White Indico. Lias a fpungy Stalk, hairy
Leaves, a white Flower of a Daifie Make and Size
the Stalks or Roots broken yield a blue Juice.
20. Love Apple. Grows about a Yard high ; the
Leaves finuated, foft and prickly, on the middle
Rib of the under Side; the Flowers 5 leaved, of a
greenifh yellow : the Fruit edible of a Medlar Size ;
yellow when ripe, but before whitilh with green
Streaks.
21. White-flavored Love Apple. Its Stalks thorny
and hoary, as are its Leaves, and fomewhat jagged ;
the Fruit of an Apple Size, hoary, yellow and
filming when ripe ; its Shell brittle as an Egg, the
Pulp very fweet, and a grateful Food to the Ants.
22. Hoary Love Apple. Its Branches and Leaves
'ah hoary and thorny ; the laft: has generally 7
Angles : the Flower of a faint blue, refembling a
five-pointed Star.
23. The Melon Apple. Bears a yellow five leaved
Flower in Size and Shape like & Daffodil-, thefe grow
15 or 20 together on very long Pedicles : the Fruit
finning anc) black, but when ripe are often found
empty.
24. Heart-leaved Mifletoe. Its Flowers brown yel-
low, fix leaved, with yellow Threads : its Fruit like
a Clove.
25. Nettle-berry. Has its Stalks and Leaves hai-
ry *, the Lift fofi, grow oppofite, and are lightly
notcht :
of thefe Tarts.
notcht : the Fruit like Juniper, and black, fweet
tafted ; and are eaten by the Negroes.
f 26. Palma Chrifii. From the Kernels of this
they prefs an Oyl to burn in their Houfes, &c.
27. The Nettle Palma Chrifti. The Leaves and
Stalks are thick-fet with flinging Hairs ; the firft
are generally divided into 3 Parts ; its Flowers
fmall, white and five leaved.
28. Goat Pea. Each Stalk hath 6 Pair of Leaves
an Inch long, with one at the End, underneath
woolly : it bears a Spike of frqall, white Flowers
mixt with Purple ; after which come many half
Inch Pods like Goats Horns, each containing 6 or 8
Seeds.
29. Tree Pea. Bears knotted taper Pods about
4 Inches long \ the Peafe dark yellow, fharp at one
end, with a Chink or Furrow along its Sides.
30. Pellitory Tree.^ The Root is hotter than our
Pellitory, and like it draws a great deal of Rheum
from the Head : it's an excellent Remedy for a Go-
norrhea drank in a Morning as Tea ; it relieves alfo
in the Stone and Stoppage of Urine.
31. Holey Pellitory. Refembles our common;
but the Leaves are perforrated like thofe of Oranges
and St. John's-wort.
32. Penguins. Bears an edible Fruit, 5 Inches
long ; its Flowers blueifh, with white Threads, the
Leaves very like Aloes.
33. Tail Pepper. Grows 5 or 6 Foot high ; taftes
like long Pepper ; is gathered in October and Novem-
ber, 5 or 6 Inches Jong, and fomewhat crooked :
The Root fmells like Thime, and wonderfully cures
Impofthumes.
34. Narrow leaved Tail Pepper. Is common in
the Woods the Fruit longer than the laft.
35. The Dwarf Plumb, Grows about a Foot
high, bears Willow-like Leaves in Pairs ending
fingle.
The Natural Hijloty
fmgie, the Flowers yellow, as is its Fruit, and
fweet, but neverthelefs is not eaten.
- 36. The Clufter^ Plumb. Has Leaves thick,
roundifh and fhining : The Flowers 5 leaved, j
fmall and whitifti 5 the Fruit edible, when ripe of a
dark red.
37. The Granat Plumb. Is fweetilh and well
tailed, yellow when ripe, and full of fmall Grains ;
a Tea made of the Root, is excellent in Fluxes :
Of the Fruit they make a Marmalade like that of
Quinces.
38. Rats-bane. The Leaves of this grow 2 or 3
together ; the Flowers red, but Footftalks Saffron
coloured ; the Root is an Antidote againft the Poi-
ibn of its Flowers and Leaves.
39. Blue-berried Rats-bane. Is a certain Poifon,
both to Man and Beaft.
40. Balfamick Golden Rod. The Flowers or
Leaves bruifed, fmell like Stcrax ; the laft they ufe
in Pain and Rcdnefsof the Eyes.
41. Shrub Golden Rod. The Leaves when dry are
black above, but white and woolly underneath.
42. The hairy Star-podded Senfible Plant. Is
thorny with Leaves about one Inch and half long,
which grow in Pairs, and are hairy underneath ; the
Flowers are a fmall white thrummy Head ; with a
Blufh of Purple, which produces 10 or 12 hairy
Pods, which grow Star-wife, each about an Inch
long: The Leaves of this Plant fhut themfelves up
on the leaft Touch, but open again a while after.
43. The Round feeded Senfible. The Flowers pur-
plifh fet clofe into a Head; the Pods about 3 In-
ches long, rdugh and hairy : the Roots fmell like
T nrnips.
44. The Square feeded Senfible. As large as a Slow
Bulh ^ the Flowers and Pods like the laft, but
bigger.
At. The
of thefe Tarts. 44?
45. The Rofe Senfible. The Leaves and Pods
grow like an open Rofe.
46. Shrub Solomon's Seal. Has fhining Leaves
growing by Pairs, each an Inch and half long, and
almoft as broad \ the Flowers white.
47. Golden Spike. A Shrub with oppofite Leaves,
fomewhat whitifh below ; at the Top of the Bran-
ches grow Spikes 6 or 7 Inches long, with 5 fmall
leaved yellow Flowers, whofe Edges are deep red.
48. The Sugar Cane. Grows generally 6 or 7
Foot high, and 4 Inches thick, and about that Di-
I fiance betwixt each joynt, but if longer they are
the better efteemed.
49. Thorn-berry. Its Thorns grow by Pairs, as
does its Leaves, which are like Box, and generally
6, or 3 Couple ; its Flowers long, pale purple,
I hang down ■> are 4 leaved, with as many fmall
! white Threads : The Berries of the Bignefs of El-
1 der, of a dark Purple and ftain like black Cherries ;
each has one fmall white flat Stone.
50. The Waved Torch. Its Leaves are thick as
Aloes \ the Edges of a dark red, and notcht.
51. The White Tuft. A Shrub bearing at the
Top of its Branches a Clutter of white 4 leaved
Flowers, full of the fame coloured Threads, an
Inch and half long : they fmell fomewhat like a
j Rofe, and make a pleafant Shew.
51. Yellow Violet Tree. The Leaves finely veined,
oval and ferrated towards the Points ; its Flowers 5
I Leaved, yellow and fweet as our Wall-flower, buc
of a deep red before they are opened.
CHAP,
The Natural Hiftory
CHAP. IX.
Of Herbs.
f.jyOUND Mam's Apple. Its Flowers five
XV leaved with Purple Veins ; the Fruit round
fmooth, and when ripe yellow •, fomewhat bigger
than a Crab : thefe are eaten boiled with Oyl and
Pepper.
2. Pine Apple. Its Leaves referable Aloes ; the
Flower three leaved, and blue ; its Fruit very plea-
fant and well known.
3. Amur ainth-like Herb. Is woody, and grows a-
«Uj 2rFoor hi§h ' at every Branch comes a red
Head of fmall Flowers on an Inch Footftalk fuftain-
edby a fmall Nettle-like Leaf.
4. White Arfmart. Bears long (lender white Flow-
ers, Willow Leaves, and knotty Stalks.
5. Avens. Rifes a Yard or higher, Branches at
the Joynts, where are generally 5 Leaves wing'd
and cut like ours.
. 6- Tway blade Avens. Grow fometimes a Yard
nigh ; it Branches from the Joynts, where are 2 fer-
rated Leaves 5 or 6 Inches long ; at the Tops grow
fmall 5 leaved yellow Flowers, fcenting fomewhat
like Chamomil.
7. Battata's. Have Leaves fome cordated, o-
thers angular, bears neither Flower nor Fruit the
Root is milkey, very white within, and pale yellow
without.
8. Red Battata's. Thefe are red throughout,
and tinge the Hands blue, and a Knife black.
• 9. Sea-berry. Bears thick juicy Leaves like Purf.
hm, but much bigger ; the Flowers like a Gilly-
flower, 5 leaved and white, with black mining O-
iive
. of thefe Tarts.
live fized Berries : the Flelh like that of a Black
Cherry.
10. Befom weed. From the Ufe they put it to ;
it's a Bulh half a yard high, with oppofite Vervain
Leaves \ from whence proceed fmall white 4 leaved
Flowers, which are fucceeded by round little Berries
full of dufty Seed.
11. Hand leaved Bindweed. Climbs Trees and
Bufhes, the Stalk hairy and fpotted \ has plain
Cinquefoil Leaves and a white Flower.
12. White Bindweed. Has cordated Leaves, with
a white pentangular Flower.
13. The Blite. Bears a Spike of green Flowers :
it's boyPd for a Sallet, and eats well.
14. Welted Broom. Rifesayard high, with hai-
ry welted Stalks ; at the Top grow yellow Flow-
ers, with Pea-like Pods and greenifh Seed \ which
are generally Worm-eaten.
15. Bur-budds. Its Branches, fome are upright
others bending ; at the Joynts grow 3 or 4 fofc
Inch-long Leaves hoary below ; at the Top of the
Stalks are fmall pale Purple Flowers, whofe Bud
is fo fat and burry, that it eafily clings to your
Cloaths.
16. Yellow Buttons. Is alow Plant, with Hyf-
fop Leaves, and a Head of yellow Flowers cut to
the Middle in 6 Notches, with as many white
Threads.
17. The "Three leaved Calabajh. Climbs tall
Trees ; it Leaves like the Cowitch : the Fruit lefs
than the common Calabafh, elfe very like it.
1 8. Ground Calavances. Has Trefoil Leaves with
fmall yellow Flowers ; it creeps on the Ground
with many netty Roots: to thefe grow Hazel-like
Nuts, in which are one or two fweet edible Kernels,
as pleafant as Peafe,
19, The
The Natural Hiftory
19. The Red Camara. Smells finer than Mint ;
the Leaves ferrated and grow oppofite, the Berries
green.
20. The White Camara. The Flowers fweet,
and the whole Plant has a Minty Smell.
21. The Yellow Camara. The Flowers yellow ;
otherwife like the red.
?2. The Clammy yellow Camara. Grows very
tall y the Leaves rough and hairy like Nettles ;
the Flowers 9 Leaved, with black Threads.
23. Star Campion. Grows about 2 Foot high,
with leveral woolly Moufe-ear Leaves ; at the Top
grow 5 or 6 blue five leaved Flowers, with a white
Star at the Bottom, and fome Threads of the fame
Colour.
24. Cone Cane. The Leaves 8 or 9 Inches long,
and 3 where broadeft ; at the Top grows a yellow
and fcarlet Cone \ between the Scales come pale pur-
plifh Flowers, with many black Seed wrapt in a
Sort of Lint. The Stalk of this chewed for 8 Days
together is faid to be an infallible Remedy againft a
Gonorrhea^ without ufing any other Medicine.
25. Red Cone Cane.
26. Blue Cone Cane. Its Flowers four leaved and
blue.
27. Red edg'd flouring Cane. Has taper pointed
veiny Leaves, with red Edges : Its Flowers made
of 3 or 4 crooked Leaves, of a Fire colour, the
Root cures Ulcers : they alfo eat it boyl'd or roafted
in hard Times.
28. Grape flowring Cane. Its Flowers of a blufli
red; the Fruit grows in Gutters, the Bark juicy,
ftains like Black Cherries : they ufe it therefore for
Ink, the whole Plant very fweet, fmelling like
Ginger if bruifed.
29. The Fire coloured Flowring Cane.
30. The Yellow flowringGane. Like the laft, but
Leaves narrower.
31. Cemmon
of thefe Tarts.
I 31. Common Capftcum, Grows 3 or 4 Foot high,
with a fcarlet pyramidal Fruit ; much fharper than
the reft.
32. Cherry Capftcum. The Fruit refembling it.
33. Small Cherry Capftcum. The Fruit much lefs
than the laft, and pale red or yellowifh.
34. Crooked Capftcum. The Fruit of thefe hang
down.
35. Great Capftcum. Like the Common, but the
Fruit thicker and deeper red \ the Leaves of this
grow fingle.
36. Narrow Capftcum. The Leaves much long-
er and narrower than the laft ; the Fruit 3 Inches
long, red and taper.
3 7. Dock-leaved Catkin. Its Julus like that of a
Walnut, 5 or 6 Inches long, thick and compofed
of 4 fquare Buds of a fine fcarlet ; the Fruit hangs
by 3 fine Threads, has a white Pulp and Kernel.
38. The Char done. A Sort of Indian- fig grow-
ing on Trees and Shrubs ; the Flowers are compofed
of many Leaves, green, white and yellow ; the
Fruit oval, with triangular Points of a curious red,
the Seed black, and eaten with the Pulp.
39. The Winter Cherry. The Flowers are fmall
pale yellow, and five angled, with as many Spots ;
the Fruit of a Cherry Size : is eaten.
40. 'Tall Chickzveed. Grows 4 or 5 Foot high,
with fingle narrow hairy Willow Leaves ; the Flow-
ers are white with purple Bottoms.
41. Fifh-Climer. Has a welted Stalk with 5 fer~
rated Leaves, viz. two pair, and one at the End ;
its Beans are red, with a black Kernel : thefe being
bruifed and caft into Rivers, intoxicate the Fifii.
42. Snake-Climer. Its Leaves whitifh underneath,
cordated and umbilicated ; it's 8 leaved, Flower is
yellowifh, fmall, and of an odd Make the con-
torted Root an approved Remedy in the Stone, the
Leaves
The Natural Hiftory
heaves bruifed and applied, an excellent Antidote
againft all venomous Bites.
43. Three feeded Climer. Has cordated Leaves,
with fmall white 5 Starred Flowers, with a purple
Spot in the Middle ; the Fruit 3 Square, with as
many Cells, having in each one brown Seed.
44. Brown Cocks-foot. Grows 3 or 4 Cubits
high, the Spikes divided into 12 or 15 brown Fin-
gers ; each 8 or 9 Inches long.
45; Green Cocks-foot. Like the kit, but the
Spikes green, as alfo longer and finer.
46. Sweet Cotton weed. Its heaves woolly and
curl'd like Groundfel ; the Flowers grow towards the
Top of the Herb, refembling Wormwood, but
fmell like Dittander of Creet,
47. Wild Cucumber. Its heaves trifid, notcht and
hairy \ the Fruit of an Egg Size, prickly, yet.
eaten.
48. The Grand Cow-itch. A Sort of Kidney Bean
with yellow Flowers \ its Pods broad, hairy and
rugged it climbs Trees, flowers in June and July.
49. Umbellated Cyperus. Grows 3 or 4 Foot high,
and branches into 4 or 5 Stalks,
50. White headed Cyperus. Rifes a Foot high, at
the Top comes 7" or 8 white Heads {landing on
Ihort Footftalks, guarded with 6 fharp heaves.
5 1. Hairy naked Daifie. Like the next but Stalks
and Leaves hairy and notcht about.
52. Smooth naked Daifie. Its Leaves 3 or 4 In-
ches long, and one and a half where broadeft, whi-
tifh below: it's a great Counter-poyfon, and very
good in Fluxes.
53. Slender Dock. Grows half a Yard high, with
many narrow heaves and flender Spikes, with very
minute yellow Flowers.
54. Stinking Dogsbane. Is a climing milky Plant,
with a yellow Flower and Fruit, fomewhat prickly
like
of thefe Tarts. 449
like the Thorn-apple, in which are many Seed ad-
hering to a beautiful filver Down.
55. Apple-rooted Dragons. From the Refemblance
of its Bulb,* grows 2 Foot high, its Stalk fpeckled
with green, yellow and white ; its Peflel when ripe
fpotted with yellow and red.
56. Four-lcaved-Earthnuts. Grows about half a
yard high, with two pair of Liquorifh Leaves, and
yellow Pulfe Flowers to its Roots are Pods fixed,
in which are two pleafant Kernels that tafte like Pi-
flacheo9s, and are eaten boyl'd in their Deferts.
57. The broad Edder. The Leaves of this are
more pointed and broader, than the Round, and
double veined round the Edges ; they eat the Root
boyl'd as Potatoes, and the Leaves as a boyl'd Sallet.
58. Narrow-leaved Edder. Has Leaves about a
Foot long, it flowers in April, green without and
white within.
59. Round Edder. Has a round cordated milky
Leaf-, the Root of an Onyon fize, yellow within,
but reddifh without.
60. Scarlet Elder. The Leaves 5 or 6 Inches
long, trifoliated and ferrated : It flowers like £Mt ;
they are of a bloody Colour, without Petalee.
61. Elecampane Everlafling. Becaufe its i?00/*
have the fame Scent the Flowers are compofed of
fhining filvery Scales which never decay.
62. Climing Fern. This twines about feveral
Shrubs and Plants.
63. Notcht-leaved Fern. Grows 3 or 4 Foot high,,
its Leaves 5 or 6 Inches long, bearing its Seed on
the Edges only. .
64. Miter-headed Flax. Rifes about two Foot high,
and branches much its Stalks hairy, as alfo its
Leaves, which are long and pointed, putting out
here and there blood-red Flowers, with Flax-like
Heads mitred and bluntly triangular.
Vol. Ill,
65. Dead
450 The Natural Hiflory
65. Dead-fee n ted Fleabane. Grows half a yard
high, dividing into oppofite Branches, where grow
3 or 4 plain Leaves one bigger than another ; from
thefe on 2 or 3 Inch Footftalks come yellow Daifie-
like Flowers, without any Smell.
66. Dwarf Flower-fence. Rifes a yard high,
each Stalk hath 12 or more pair of Leaves like the
Senfible Plant , the Flowers yellow and Pods 2 or 3
Inches long.
67. Feather-flower. Grows half a yard high its
Stalks angular and knotty at every Joynt, where it
branches with two ferrated Leaves, but more in the
leffer, whence proceed fmall 4 leaved white feathery
Flowers.
68. The Horn-flower. Grows a yard high, the
Leaves 6 or 8 Inches long, fomewhat wrinkled and
lightly notcht ; the Flowers long, hollow and of a
curious red ; its Fruit round and ftriated, with
fmall Seed divided within like a Poppy Head.
69. The Paunch^ flower. Is a fcandent Plant
with roundifh Leaves \ the Flower is of a whitifh
yellow ; its Shape Angular, refembling a humane
Paunch : to this is annexed a broad Membrane full
of red Veins.
70. ^win-flowers. Has from one Root 9 or 10
Branches, each near 2 Foot high, on thefe grow
Willow-like Leaves by pairs ; at the Top come out
white Flowers like Tanfy, but 6 Times lefs, on 4
Inch Footftalks, but always 2 together.
71. Scarlet Fox -Glove. Grows 3 or 4 Foot high,
with 'Nettle Leaves oppofite y the Flowers grow in
Spikes like the common.
72. Purging Germander. Its Leaves grow oppo-
fite, round and ferrated, Flowers white, but very
fmall. A Drink of this purges and vomits
ftrongly.
73. Ginger. Grows about two Foot high, with
Flag Leaves.
74, Bottle
of theje Tarts.
74. Bottk Gourd. Bears a large white 5 leaved
Flower ; the Seed flat and as it were forked at each
End.
75. Ivy Gourd. A fcandent Plant with Ivy
Leaves: In the Fruit of this are 12 Seed in 3 Cells',
of whofe Kernels they make a clear Oyl, to burn
in their Lamps 5 but like the Kernel, it's too bitter
to be eaten.
76. The long Gourd. Its Fruit 15 Inche3 long,
and 11 about its Meat yellow, tafte unpleafant ^
and therefore not eaten.
77. Trifid-leaved Gourd. Runs amongfl: other
Herbs and Shrubs, the Stalks winged ; the Leaves
rough and green with pointed Edges.
78. Grafs-flower. Has graffy Leaves about the
Root \ its Stalk near half a yard high ; at the Top
grows a fingle fcaly Head, out of which proceeds
a 3 leaved Flower.
79. Feather-grafs. Near a yard high, divides at
Top into 25, or 3 flender Spikes each 3 or 4 Inches
long.
80. Square-headed Grafs. Its Stalk triangular, 15
and fometimes 20 Inches high ; the Heads 4
Square, and feem to be made up of 5 Glands as big
as a Rai/in, with 4 Leaves coming from its Bofom ;
thefe Heads fmell like Chamomil.
81. Pleated Millet-Grafs. Grows 4 or /$ Foot
high, Reed-like its Leaves finely pleated, like the
young Palmetto ; the Spikes half a Foot long.
82. ffoir^ Oat-grafs. At the Top of the Stalk
comes 7 narrow fharp Leaves, about 2 inches long,
the Infide very white at firft fetting on \ in the
Middle of thefe grow Oat-like Seed.
83. Silver Quaking-Grafs. Bears 5 or 6 (lender
Spikes 2 Inches long, no thicker than a Packthread ;
this from filvery, turns purplilh, and trembles with
the Wind,
G g 2 84. Prickley-
/ ' - <:
4 52 The Natural Htfiory
84. Prickley-feed Grafs. Grows from a 3 Square
Stalk to about 4 Foot high, where grows many
ftiarp Grains, as it were fet with Prickles.
85. S'take-Grajs. Grows about a yard high, the
middle Vein of the Leaves is white : If you are bit
in the Hand by any venomoas Snake, the Poifon
will not fpread, if you tye it about with this Grafs.
86. White flrlfd Grafs. Rifes 2 Yards high, and
has a white Lift in, the Midft of each Leaf.
87. Itcbey Groundsel. For the Leaves which have
a fharp and hot Tafte, being boyl'd and wafh'd
with it, cures that Diftemper in any Part of the
Body : It grows a Yard high, full of long, narrow,
notcht, foft Leaves ; at the Top it branches into
many yellow Flowers, with downey Seed.
88. Blue- Heart-wort. The Flowers which come
at the Ends of the Stalks are wrapt in a fingular cor-
dated Leaf, which alfo covers the Seed.
89. Scarlet Heart-wort.
90. Marfh Hemlock. Grows 2 or 3 Foot high in
the Water near the Banks, v/ith Leaves 3 or 4 In-
ches long cut into 8 narrow pointed Segments, re-
fembling Horns, of a Smallage Tafte.
gt. Clammy Horehound. Rifes near a yard highr
and at every Joynt has 2 or 3 Branches \ its Flowers
blue and 3 leaved.
92. Red Jeffamine. Riles with a fihgle StaJk, ha-
ving oppofite Leaves 3 or 4 Inches long ; at the
Top grows many red Flowers fomewhat cut like
the Honey-fuckle.
93. Broad-leaved Knot-wort. Is a leaning Plant,
L e. between upright and lying on the Ground its
Leaves like Hyffop, grow 2 or 4 at a Joynt and
hoary ; from whence proceed Heads or globular
Whorles fet clofe together.
94. Narrow-leaved Knot-wort. Like the laft,
but Leaves narrower and Knobs white..
95. Baft
of thefe Tarts.
95. Safe Indico. Grows a yard high with Sena-
like Leaves 4 or 5 pair on a Stalk : Flowers yellow,
Pods 6 or 7 Inches long, flattifh and fomewhat
crooked, containing 50 or more Seed ; it flourilh.es
all the Year. Applyed Poultifwife, it's good for
Pains in the Sides.
96. Round-leaved Bafe Ipdico. Like the laft, but
Leaves rounder and end not fingle they clofe in the
Night ; the Seed round, black, and fmall.
97. White Water-lillsj. Is very like ours, has 12
white Leaves in each Flower, and 4 green ones un-
der them.
98. Yellow-codded Loofe-ftrife. Grows 4 Foot high,
branches much •, the Leaves hairy and taper at both
Ends : on a 2 Inch Footftalk Hands a Flower com-
pofed of 4 yellow Leaves, which are with the Cods
ripe from Auguft to November.
99. The lejfer Yellow-codded Loofe-ftrife. The
Flowers ftand on Inch Pods, and the whole Plant
grows not two Foot high.
100. Clammy Mallow. A beautiful Plant, often
10 Foot high, with hairy notcht Leaves, and Flefh
coloured Floivers ; the black Seed, fhining and 3
Square, the whole Plant very clammy.
101. Mar(h Mallow. Grows 2 or 3 Foot high,
with a 5 leaved Flefh coloured Flower.
102. Musk Mallow. Its Leaves notcht, angu-
lar and hairy ; the Flowers purple at the Bottom,
the reft yellow and ftrip'd with the fame ; the fweet
Seed grow in a 5 angled hairy Pod, in which Divi-
fions are 70 or more Seed.
103. The yellow Mallow. Is ufed mftead of tne
common.
104. Mechoacan. A Sort of blum-coloured
Bindweed, purple within ; its Root very thick and
large.
105. Balfam Mint. Grows a Foot or 2 high, it s
Stalks and "Leaves hairy, the laft notcht, grows fcy
G g 3 Pairs>
45+ The Natural Hifiory
pairs, and refembles thofe of Nettles : it flowers all
the Year they are compofed of white and blue,
in Shape and Manner of growing like Tanfy.
ic6. Gray Mofs Mijletoe. Hangs down from ve-
ry tall Trees almoft covering them it's like Thread,
with here and there a few Rofemary Leaves.
107. Palm Mijletoe. Ffom an oval fat Bulb-like
Knob, grows a Squill Leaf a Foot or more long,
with 3 Ribs its full Length : thefe are faid to be
cooling, &nd very effectual in eafing Pains.
108. The Monorchis. Has a round Root of a
Filbert fize, with 2 or 3 velvety Leaves from 4 In-
ches to a Foot long ; thefe have 2 Rows of fquare
blackifh Spots on both Sides, as in fome Ferns at
the Top grow 3 or 4 yellow fcentlefs two-leaved
Flowers, one of which is fpotted.
109. The Mujhroom Antidote. Grows 2 Foot
high, the Leaves foft and infoliated ; its Flowers
fmall, white and 4 leaved, fet in a double Spike of
little Leaves the Root of a biting Tafte like Pelli-
tory : it's a great Counter-poyfon, and of Angular
Virtue againft the eating of venomous Mujhrooms.
1 1 6. Thrum Mujlard. Has fingred Leaves like
Lupines 1 of a Marjerome Smell ; the whole Plant is
clammy, and at the fetting on of the Leaves
thorny.
in. The Nettle. Grows 8 or 9 Foot high, and
the Flowers much more branched than ours.
112. Nickars. From the Likenefs of the Seed
to Marbles fuch as Boys play with ; it's a thorny
Bufh about the Bignefs of Bryar ; its Leaves like
Liquorifli, the Flowers yellow, and the Pods
prickly.
113. Black Uight-Jhade. They ufe it much in
Phyfick ; the Birds love their Berries.
114. Qccoembo. Has a thick crooked biting
Root, with broad Leaves, green above, but rufty
below like a Fern,
115. Short
of thefe Tarts.
115. ShoYtOker. Grows about a yard high, the
Flowers yellow like the Holly-osk, with a dark Pur-
ple Bottom : they eat the green Pods boyPd with
Pepper , Oyl and Vinegar.
116. Cone Orchis. Has a Tulip-llk$ Bulb, which
boyPd, they eat as Tarns \ it bears 3 or 4 long white
fcaly Flowers, at the Top of a fingle Stalk.
1 1 7. Hollow-leaved Orchis. From one Root grow
5 or 6 Stalks, with a fingle hollow Leaf on each,
from whence rifes a Spike of fix-leaved purplifh
Flowers.
118. Star Parfly. Grows half a yard high, and
its Leaves fomewhat like Herb Paris ; its Flowers
pale Purple, final], and grow in Spikes, the Root
fmells like Parfly.
119. Pearl Seed. From its Shining and Hard-
nefs ; it rifes with 4 or 5 yellowifh Stalks from one
Rooty with hairy Leaves, finely ferrated.
120. Run die Plantain. Becaufe it bears its Flow-
ers in Whorles, compofed of 3 white Leaves,
which grow on a Plantain-like Stalk near a yard
high ; angular above, but round below.
121. Serrated Polypody. Grows about a yard
high, with ferrated Leaves four Inches long, alter-
nately fet.
122. Trifoliate Polypody. Rifes 3 or 4 Foot
high ; its Leaves have a fourfold Row of Spots on
each Side the middle Rib.
123. Great Pumkin. Its Fruit ftriated, round,
but fomewhat flattilh, mixt with white and red,
but within yellow ; boyl'd or roafted in the Embers
it eats well.
124. White-headed Purflain. This they pickle
and eat with Fifh and Flefh ; it taftes well, and is
diuretick.
125. Smooth-purple Purflain. The Leaves like
Lavander, thick and juicy, the Stalks take Root
Gg4 at
45 6 The Natural Hiftory
at every Joynt ; its Flowers pentapetalous and
purple.
126. Woolly Purjlain. Bears a five-leaved yellow
Flower like ours, fet in a Rofe of 8 green Leaves ;
its Seed fmall and black, lying in Wool, with which
alfo the Branches are covered.
127. Black Maiden Hair. Grows 2 Foot high,
and bears rufty Seed.
128. White Maiden Hair. Becaufe the Stalks are
covered with a white Meal, otherwife like the laft.
129. Green Melon. From the Colour of its
Meat : thefe are often eat before Meals.
130. Water Melons. Are very pleafant, growing
as big as one's Head, and round ; it's red where the
Seed lies, and white near the Shell ; they are to be
had all the Year, but moft plentiful about Chrijl-
mas.
131. The Arrow Reed. From its Ufe; they
grow about 20 Foot high, has fometimes a Branch
or 2 towards the Top, the Leaves near 2 yards long.
132. The Thorny Reed. Grows 20 Foot or high-
er, its Leaves about a yard and half long, grow al-
ternately, 7, 8 or 9 on a Branch, which is thorny
at fetting on : thefe, if not cut down in a few
Months, flop up the Roads, fo that Travellers can-
not pafs ; they ufe them in their Journeys over De-
ferts to carry Water in.
133. Clammy Reft-harrow. Has many hairy
clammy Stalks, partly creeping and upright, its
Flowers yellow.
134. Rofe podded Reft-harrow. Grows a Foot
and half high, dividing it felf into many Branches ;
its Seed black and-warty.
135. Dwarf Rofe. Its Flowers pale Purple, re-
fembling our Oleander, but the Seed-veffel very
fmall, including a flattifh brown Seed ; the Leaves
fomewhat hairy and grow by pairs.
136, White
of thefe Tarts.
136. White Rott. RefemWes ours, but the
Leaves are notcht : they ufe the Roots ( Which fmell
and tafte like Parfly) to take out Freckles.
137. Angola Sallet. Becaufe the Leaves and
Flowers are eaten by their Blacks ; it bears a Leaf
about 4 Inches long, with 3 cordated fmall Leaves
about a Bell-flower.
138. Sarfaparilla. Is a thorny Bramble ; at the
fetting on of each Leaf, which is 3 or 4 Inches
broad, and fometimes 10 or 12 long, come out 2
Tendrels which fix themfelves to the neighbouring
Plants : Its Berries grow in Clufters, of near the
Cherry Jize, and wrinkled like them when dry,
each has 1 or 2 hard Stones, with a white Kernel.
139. Oil Seed. Its Leaves whitifh, grow moftly
oppofite ; the Flowers of the Shape of Fox-gloves y
but fmall and white ; the Pods are 4 Square, which
when ripe flheds its brown Seed.
140. Semper vive. Sends forth 20 or morefharp
thorny edged thick Leaves^ a Foot or 2 long ;
whence rifes a double Stalk of yellow hollow Flow-
ers cut into fix Parts.
141. Silver-head. A fmall leaning Plant, bear-
ing a filvery Head, with purplifh Threads, which
fmell faintly of Violets.
142. Snake-Herb. Is fomewhat hairy ; the
Leaves grow oppofite, ferrated and whitifh under-
neath ; at the Joynts come fmall green Flowers with
a Blufh of red ; the whole Plant is milky : being
bruifed and applied, it's an excellent Remedy a-
gainft the Bites of Serpents or other Wounds.
143. White Snake Herb. Somewhat larger than
the lafi: ; the Flowers tetrapetalous and white : the
Milk of this is faid to be good to take away the
Pain and Rednefs of the Eyes.
144. Soldanella or Sea-bindweed. The whole Plant
is very milky : it fhuts its Flowers after Noon.
145. Rofemary
The Natural Hiflory
145. Rofemary-leaved Solomon's Seal. Grows
near a Foot high, and divides into many Branches,
146. Purple Sorrel. Its Leaves and Stalks very
juicy like Purjlain ; the Top of the Stalk fhuts in-
to another 3 fquare one, with triangular Branches,
on which grow many purple five-leaved Flowers :
the Plant has a grateful Sowernefs, and is much ef-
teemed as a Sallet.
147. White Sorrel. Grows 7 or 8 Inches highr
with Leaves like Muftard at the Top grows a long
Spike of fmall white Flowers like our Sheep Sorrel.
148. The Squill. Has 3 or 4 Leaves near half a
yard long, and about 4 Inches where broadeft, net-
ted with green Veins.
149. Rats Tail. Grows near 2 Foot high, each
Joynt hath 4, 5, or more narrow notcht Leaves
of different Sizes at the Top grows a taper Spike
a Foot long, filPd all about with blueifh Flowers
of 5 Leaves, each fmelling fomething like a
150. Broad Rats Tail. Like the laft, but Spikes
broader.
151. Germander Rats Tail. Its Leaves grow in
pairs, ferrated and hairy, the Flowers ftand on a
long Spike, are four-leaved and red, refembling
Batchellofs Buttons.
152. Citron Thime. Grows 4 or 5 Foot high,
branches at each Joynt, where grows 2 fharp-point-
ed notcht Leaves ; its Flowers fmall and pale blue,
growing in a Spike 2 or 3 Inches long : This Plant
has a grateful Scent of Citrons mixt with Bawm,
which it retains fome Years dry.
153. Toad-bane. Becaufe it's faid the Leaves or
Seeds rubb'd on a Toads Back immediately kills him :
This Herb is alfo a great Counter-poyfon againft
all venomous Creatures, the Leaves chewed bite like
Mujlard > they boyl it with Fifhu
154. Love
of tkefe Tarts.
154. Love Trefoil Bears a Spike of purple
Flowers ; its Pods refemble the Horfe-Shoe Vefck, but
being rough, they eafily flick like a Burr to the
Cloaths.
155. Prickly Trefoil. Grows about 2 Foot high,
fpreading into many prickly Branches ; its Flowers
of a greenifh white, ftand on Inch Footftalks
the Plant fmells like Fanugreed.
156. Blueijh Turnfole. Grows a yard high, has
hairy Borrage Leaves ; at the Top grows a Spike
10 or 12 Inches long, befet with blue and yellow
Flowers, which produce triangular Seed, like Buck-
wheat.
157. White Turnfole. Like the laft, but Stalks
bigger, Leaves fofter, Flowers five-leaved and
white, Seed round.
158. The DiJJentrick Vomit. This is a leaning
Plant towards the Top of which grow 6 or 8 vei-
ny foft Leaves ; amidft thefe ^omes a fmall Head
of a dozen or more five-leaved white Flowers,
which are fucceeded by dark red Berries, each in-
cluding 2 fmall Seed ; it grows in moift Woods.
159. Umbellated Wharle. Is a fmall leaning Plant,
with a quadrangular hairy Stalk and Nettle Leaves
growing oppofite; from thefe come a Tuft of
deep Purple galeated Flowers ftanding on a long
Footftalk.
160. Yellow-willow Herb. Grows a Foot highy
has Swellings on the Stalks near the Root ; its
Leaves grow alternately, are notcht and hairy, at
the Top grow 3 or 4 yellow five-leaved Flowers,
with Threads of the fame.
161. Twine-wood. Bears Tufts of fmall white
five-leaved fweet Flowers ; the Leaves are 4 Inches
long, ferrated and pointed.
162. Purple Tarn. Its Root, Stalk, and Veins of
its Leaves being of that Colour.
163. St.
The Natural Hiftory, Sec.
163. St. Tboma Tarn. Is fo vaft a Creeper, that
one Plant will quickly cover a fmall Garden ; its
Stalks welted, the Leaves grow by pairs and corda-
ted, the Root large ; its outer Coat brown, the
Inner yellowifli ; the Meat white and full of milky
Juice.
164. Round Yarn. From the Root which is
white raw, but when boyPd red : it's a drayling
Plant, with cordated Leaves, and fometimes ear'd.
165. White Yam. Its Root being of that Colour*
the Leaves Angle and cordated.
o
4<SI
Expedition of a Body of Eng-
liih-men to the Gold Mines of
Spanilh America, in 1702.
with the many ftrange Adven-
tures that hefel them in that
bold Undertaking. By Na-
thaniel Davis,
€ T3 ^*nS feeble that many Times there is but
' fj ^tr^e Credit given to Adventures of this
4 kind ; and that the bare affirming of this
4 Relation in particular to be true, will hardly go
4 down with fome People, without better Autho-
c rity : The Reader for his further Satisfa6tion, is
4 defired to take Notice; that this is really an Ac-
4 count given more at large by one of the Adven-
4 turers, of what was but .very briefly and defeft-
4 ively inferted in the London-Gazzttt, of February
4 8. 1702. in Words to this Effed, which fhall
4 ferve here as the Contents of that which is to
4 follow. That 9 or 10 Englijh Privateers, had at-
4 tacked a Place upon the Continent called Tolou
4 (or rather Telu) about 10 Leagues from Cartha-
4 gena^ which they took, plunder'd and burnt ;
4 and that from thence they failed to Caledonia,
4 rowed up the River of Darien, and ingratiating
4 themfelves with the Indians, were by them con-
4 dueled to the Gold Mines of SanSta Cruz de Cana,
4 near
4<S£ D A V I S's Expedition
4 near SanSla Maria \ and that after they had march-
4 ed 9 Days, they fell in with an Outguard of the
4 Spaniards, of whom they took 9 ; but the others
4 efcaping, gave Notice at the Mines of their Ap-
4 proach. So that the richeft of the Inhabitants
4 fled with their Money and Jewels : that however,
4 the Englifh xook the Fort and poffefled themfelves
4 of the Mines, where about 70 Negroes remained,
4 whom they fet to work during the one and twen-
* ty Days they continned there ; in which Time
4 they got about 80 Pounds Weight of Gold, be-
4 fides feveral Pieces of Plate, which they found
4 buryed in the Ground by the Inhabitants ; and
4 that at their Return they burnt the Town, and
4 brought away the Negroes.
D a v 1 s's Expedition to the
Gold-Mines.
IN the Year 1702. Colonel Peter Beckford, Lieu-
tenant-Governour of the Ifland of Jamaica, ha-
ving granted Commiffions to the 4 following Sloops
to go a Privateering againft the French and Spani-
ards, viz. the Baftamento, having 74 Men and 8
Guns, under the Command of Captain John Rajh \
the Thomas and Elizabeth, Captain Murray, 63
Men and 8 Guns ; the Phcenix, Captain Plowman,
56 Men and 8 Guns, and the Bleffing, Captain Brown,
79 Men and 10 Guns. We fet Sail from Jamaica
the 24th of July, in order to make the beft of our
way to the Spanijh Coaft.
On the 28th, at 6 in the Evening, they made the
Ifland of Palma: And next Morning, the Baft amen-
to and the Blejftng, flood clofe in to the Shore ; it
being
to the Gold Mines, &c.
being agreed that the other Sloops ihould ftand in
to the Weft-end of the Ifland ; and about 9 Captain
Rajh ordered the Canoa, to be mann'd and arm'd,
and went himfelf to fee if they cou'd take any Peo-
ple in order for Guides ; but at 6 in the Evenings
return' d without any Prifoners.
However, obferving 2 petty Oagers ( that were
cut out of a Tree all of one piecej under the
Shore, the Captains Rajh and Browne took one of
them, with an old and young Man in it, but no
Money. The other in Company, Captain Browne
fired at, but could not come up with ; fo he made
his Efcape. But for all this, our 2 Prifoners could
give us but little Intelligence, for they knew nothing
of a War but faid it was expedted by the Spani-
ards. Neither could Captain Murray's 2 Prifoners
he took upon the Ifland, which were an Indian and
a Negroe> give but little Account of any Thing we
defir'd to be informed in.
Hereupon our Commanders confulting together
what to undertake, it was agreed, that Capt. Browne
and Capt. Murray fhou'd go into tfholoe which is a
rich Town, and Detachments to be made from the
other two Sloops, which we left at Palina, one of
the Friends Iflands, for furthering our Defigns; all
the Commanders went with us, except Plowman,
who was indifpofed : They landed on the 31ft at
Night in a fandy Bay, about 4 Miles from the
Town, and Orders were prefently given to march,
Capt. Rajh with his Company in the Van, Capt.
Browne in the Center, and Capt. Murray with Plow-
man's Men was in the Rear : Our Guide was the
Indian before mentioned : We marched, being in
all Two Hundred and Seventeen, along the Sea-
fide, very faft, up to the Knees in Water, and I be-
lieve we were not above an Hour before we halted
at the Walls of the Caftle, not Piftol-Shot off, we
having Orders from our Commanders to march
clofe
Davis his Expedition
clofe up to the Wails : We were prefently challen-
ged by the Centinel, who called for the Captain of
the Guard, and fired on us not above one Volley
of fniall Shot \ they were anfwered by us in the Van
in the fame Language ; after which we prefently
entered the Fort, they all forfaking it, as they did
the Town, without making any Oppofition we
in the Van had like to have had much Damage by
our own Men's Mifmanagement : For no fooner was
the Van engag'd, but the Center and Rear fired in
amongft us, and being dark, and not having Room
enough for 6 Men to march abreaft, it wras very
good Fortune we loft no more Men than we did.
I cannot affert it for Truth, but believe Capt.
Browne was foot through the Head by our own
People, of which Wound he inftantly dyed one
John Elis was Ihot through the Body, and likewife
one Edward Raggett into the Shoulder, both of our
Sloop's Crew: We took Care as foon as we took
the Town, to fet a Main-guard at the Caftle, and
another in the Church, and Centinels all round it :
Then we began to look about for Plunder, but the
Inhabitants having fome Intelligence of our Defign,
had 2 Days before conveyed all their Riches into
the Country ; fo that there was not left fo much
as a filver Candleftick in their Churches, which was
Very mortifying to us, fince we reckoned upon the
fharing near 200 Pounds a Man. All the People
we found here was a Mullatta-Wom&n, and one
Man ; we took 4 Slaves, and redeemed 4 Englijh-
Men, who were taken Prifoners by them in Tra-
ding. When we had plundered as much as we
could, Orders were given to fire the Town, which
we did, and fpiked up their Guns ; but we could
not carry them off, by Reafon our Craft was but
Canoes and Petty-Oagers, and hardly big enough
to carry off our Men and Plunder. We embarkecl
at 2 in the Afternoon, and no fooner were we a-
board,
to the Gold Mines, Sec.
board, and out of the Reach of Shot, but fome
Spaniards that lay fculking in the Woods, came
out and fired at us, to fhow us they were not all
kiJPd. I cannot tell what Number of them was
flain, but believe there were feveral, by Reafon of
our firing into the Woods and Bufhes, whole Vol-
leys, but could not lee them, it being fuch a
woody Country, and it would not have been fafe for
us to follow them, having a whole Country to en-
gage with a Handful of Men: About 4 the fame
Afternoon we all got aboard our Sloops, and made
the beft of our way to the Ifland of Palma, where
our other 2 Sloops lay ; about 7 we anchored therer
and made ready for the burying of Capt. Brown's
Corps, which was carryed afhore, and interred on
that Ifland, with all the Solemnity that the Place
and our Circumftance would allow of: This done,
they fet Sail on the 3 ift in the Evening for thtSam-
balloes-Keys, in order to joyn the reft of their Con-
forts,
On the 3d of Augufl, we loft Company with the
Thomas and Elizabeth, and Phcenix\ and in the Inte-
rim it was agreed, that Capt. Brown's Sloop fhould
be commanded by Capt. Chriftian, who was a Vo-
luntier on board us ; he being an old experiene'd
Soldier and Privateer, very brave and juft in all his
Actions.
On the 4th at 9 in the Morning we made the
Land, it bearing North Weft about 6 Leagues,
which proved to be Golden Ifland. On the eighth
we ftood in clofe to the Land, the Wind at N. we
Hood along the Shore, N. W. by W. in order to
get in amongft the Keys, for there we defign'd to
anchor.
On the 9th, we law 2 Sail, under the Shore, and
fending our Canoa to difcover what they were,
they proved to be the Dragon-Gally Capt. Pilkington,
and the Grey-hound^ Capt. John Golding* who had
Vol. Ill, Hh been
to the Gold Mines, &c.
been treating with fome French Pyrates on Articles ;
that if they would fubmit and come in, they flhould
be pardoned.
On the ioth, there was a Canoa fent afhore for
Water, the Pyrates giving them leave, and to Wood
alfo; they put up a Flag of Truce, in Order to
have Commerce with us, and feveral of them came
aboard: We treated them very handfomely, but
were forced to leave 2 of our Men afhore for Hofl-
ages : Moft of them were French, I think there was
but one Engljh-m&n and 2 Dutcb-mcn among them,
they being in all about 800 Perfons. Their Craft
is no bigger than Petty-Oagers, but they have done
a great deal of Mifchief, both to the Spaniards and
all other Nations they could mailer, and have
been very barbarous in their Aftions, by mur-
dering of feveral that have fallen into their
Hands. They have lived among thefe Indians 10
Years, moft of them are marry'd among them,
and have got very confiderable Sums of Money :
They would have ventured to come aboard us,
and ftay'd with us, if their Pardon could be cer-
tain ; for they feem'd to be weary of the Courfe
of Life they followed. As foon as we got our Wa-
ter aboard, we in the Baftamento failed in order to
joyn our Conforts at the Samballoes Keys we having
agreed to meet there before our going out of Jamai-
ca, from whence they fet out 5 Days before us.
Capt. Pilkington informed us, that the Glocefier and
Sea-Horfe Men of War, had been engaged with the
Fort at Portobel, and that they landed above 300
Men from the Sloops ; but that before they could
get into the Town, the Glocefier Spring of his Ca-
ble, gave way, which made them leave off firing,
and go off ; but Capt. Pilkington the Day before,
had deluded fome Spaniards off, making them be-
lieve he came to trade, detained about 7000 Pieces of
Eight, before they had any Intelligence of (he War£
D A V I S 's Expedition 45 5;
and had got a confiderable Summ more, had It not
been difcovered by one Allen, an 7n/#-Man, who
was Interpreter to the Glocefter ; and fo our Defiga
mifcarried on that Place.
All our Company being met together at the Sam*
hallo's Keys, the foremention'd French Pirates came
aboard us, and we fent a Meflenger up to Don Pe-
dro, King of the Indians, to know if he would
come down, and agree to fuch Articles as we
fhould propofe to him, to join with us againft the
Spaniards he readily complied, and propofed to
take 300 Indians with him, in order to cut a Paf-
fage thro1 the Woods, for our Men to march up to
the Mines ; the French Pirates refolved alfo to go
with us, provided they fhould have an equal Share
with us, and (if poffiblej we procured them their
Pardon : But an unadvifed Word dropped by one
of our Captains, made them decline the Expedition,
and quite break off: However, they were fo honou-
rable, that they promifed to keep the Spaniards
they had clofe Prifoners for 5 or 6 Weeks, by
which Time we might have finifhed our Defign,
that fo no Intelligence might be given of the Ene-
my : The King of the Indians continued aboard the
Neptune with his Retinue ; he is a very fenfible Man,
and was brought up amongft the French atMartinico,
fpeaks French , Spanijh, and broken Englijh, and al-
fo writes it, which no other Indian can do in his
Country, and feemed very defirous of a Corref-
pondence with us ; and on the 14th in die Evening
there came 130 of the beft of the Pirates, with the
Confent of the reft, on Board.
On the 15th Don Pedro, accompanied by fome
of our Captains and others, went afhore, and treat-
ed them at his Houfe very nobly, after the Man-
ner of his Country ; they had Provifions very
Plenty of all Sorts, but they had no other Drink
but Mujhlaw% made of Plantains, and Cbity made
H h 2 of
DAVIS 's Expedition
of Indian Corn and Water boiled, the manner of
it is thus, a parcel of Old Women chew the Corn,
and then drop it into a Calabajh^ from whence they
put it to boil, and fo drink it.
On the 1 6th Don Pedro returned, with our
Captains, and brought feveral of his Wives and
Grandees to attend him, with 14 Indians^ which
were to ferve for Pilots up the River in our Canoes ;
one of the Women was Pedro's Wife, who was
very richly drefl, with Corals, and other Stones,
which were put on Strings, round her Hands,
Arms, Legs, and Neck, to a very great value : I j
was informed by Captain Chrifiian that he had
feveral Wives more, and that he had had a Child
by one of his own Daughters, and that that is very
common among them ; it is their way, that when-
ever they Marry their Daughters, that the Father
(if able) lies with them firft, if fhe is a Maid, and
if the Father is very Old, and pad his Labour,
then the Eldeft Son does that Office, and the next
day all his and her Friends meet, and put them to-
gethey : This Captain Chriftian is very well acquain-
ted with all their Methods, for he lived among them
fome Years, when he was out a Roving on the Ac-
county as the Jamaica Men call it, but it is downright
Pirating, they making their own Commiffions on
the Capflane.
This done we fet Sail, and on the 19th arrived
near the Barkadeers, or the place of landing, the
River we went up was one of the pleafanteft that
ever I was in, being very broad, and deep enough
for any Ship to ride in, if they could get over the
Bar that lies at the Mouth of it *, there were very
pleafant Trees on both fides, and all manner of
Fifh and Fowl in it ; Parrots were as plenty here as
Sparrows are at a Farmer's Barn Door in England
at Thrafhing time, and Monkeys like Flocks of
Sheep on a Common, but we durft not fire for fear
to the Gold Mines, &c 4<S>
of any Spanijh- Indian fhould be looking out and
difcover us : About twelve we turn'd into another
River on the Right-hand, not fo broad as the other
which brought us into a Lagoone ; about four we
got into it, it being a large Bay \ Land all round
us, only fmall Creeks, which carry us up to- the
Barckacleers or landing Places, but no Houfes near
you, except it were Huts, which are built by tra-
velling Indians : We landed about five, at a very
muddy Place, having nothing but Swamps to
march through, and but one Man could go in the
Path, which was but juft cut by the Indians for us ;
when we got out of that Path, we came to a Ri-
ver, which was full as bad marching as before, oc-
cafion'd by the great Rains defecending from the
Mountains, it took us fometimes up to the middle,
and when out of it, had nothing but Rocks to climb
over, and before we came to the Town (as they call
it) we croft this River thirty three times in ten Miles
March, and in moil Places it runs fo ftrong, that
it is as much as a Man can do to ftand on his Legs.
Some of the Men tumbled, and loft their
Arms and Ammunition, and almoft themfelves,
each having with him a Gun, Piftol and Cartouch
Box, with thirty Cartridges befides fpare Shot,
Powder and Provifions, burthen enough for a City
Porter, confidering the way : We kept marching
that Night till it was quite dark, and then we cut
Wood and built our felves Huts to llielter us from
the Weather ; at break of Day, on the twentieth,
we fet forward to the Town after the reft of our
Men, who had landed the Day before and about
ten a-Clock we came to the Place of Rendezvous,
where all our Men met together and lodged their
Arms, only Captain Plowman and Captain Pi/king-
ton were ordered to ftay with the Sloops ; at the
fame time there was Provifion brought us for all
the People, as Hogs, Pickery's, Fowls, £sfc. a Pic-
H h 3 kery
450 D A V I S's Expedition
kery is a Creature like a Hog, and as fweet Meat.
On the twenty firft at three in the Afternoon, Or-
ders were given to march, which we all did, down
the fame River we came up, but did not go above
a quarter of a Mile before we mounted one of their
Mountains the Path was fo narrow, that but one
Man could march, and almoft Perpendicular; fo
that we were forced to hawl our felves up by Twigs
of Trees it was above a Mile and a half high, and
not twenty Yards of plain Ground on it, fo that
fome of the Men fainted, and were ordered back a-
gain to the Houfe we came from: Don Pedro ha-
ving given Directions to all the Indians to take them
into their Houfes, and to let them not want for
any thing that could be got for them by Women
and Children, left in that Country, for he took
all the Men along with him. About feven in the
Evening we got to the Top of this Mountain, where
we lodg'd that Night in a Houfe, but not big
enough to hold our People, the reft lay without,
we being in all 482 Englijb, befides Indians , of
whom at that time they had no more than a Hun-
dred under Pedro, but moft of them very brisk
young Fellows, each of them having two Lances,
two Bows, and about twenty Arrows. They are
all naked, having long black Hair hanging down
to their Waftes, and a Horn which they put their
Yards into, ty'd with a String, and a very large
piece of Gold, with a Ring in the fhape of a half
Moon, reaching from Ear to Ear, and a Hole in
their Nofe, into which the Ring goes; and for the
Women they have a Clout about their Pofteriors,
and only a Ring in their Nofes : They value not
Money, for they had rather have fmall Beads,
which are but of little value. Since the French Py-
rates have been amongft them, they have learnt
how to make ufe of Fire- Arms, but very unhandi-
ly 1 Don Pedro had a very good Gun and Hanger,
to the Gold Mines] Sec. , 451
and two or three more of the Captains, which were
all I faw amongft them.
Next Day, after a very hard march, we refted at
Night on the Top of a very high Mountain, which
according to the beft of my Computation could not
be lefs than four or five Miles in heighth.
We had a very difficult March for the two fol-
lowing Days, efpecially by reafon of the narrow-
nefs of the Path, and the rapidity and depth of a
River we were forced twice to crofs and therefore,
on the 25th, refted among the Indians, who for the
moft part live upon Plantains, Caffador, and Beans ;
their Drink is Chilly made of Corn and Water
boyled, mdiMu/hlaw made with ripe Plantains boyled.
On the 26th we crofied the foremention'd Ri-
ver again, and befides many other Inconveniences,
were incommoded with getting up to a prodigious
Mountain, which, I believe, could not be lefs
than fix Miles high : Nothing remarkable hapned
next Day, only that we came up to a Spanijh
Houfe, in which we found a Boy fent from the
place which we defign'd to attack, in order to get In-
telligence. Our March on the 28th was exceeding
difficult, by reafon of the badnefs of the Way, fteepnefs
of the Mountains, and the many Rivers we had to
pafs over ; fa that our Men fell fick in great Numbers.
On the 20th we came up to a Houfe where there
was a Guard kept to look after us, confifting of a
Spanijh Captain and nine more, whofe Orders were
to give all the Intelligence they could to the Mine,
whom we all killed, or took Prifoners, except one
who made his efcape to the Mine, and gave them
an account of our approach. We loft on our fide
one Indian, whom we bury'd in the Houfe. This
Day we marched over the higheft of all the Moun-
tains, and fuch a one as I thought Man could not
be able to get up : I do really believe it could not
be lefs than feven or eight miles high, Some of
H h 4 ©ur
\jz D A V I S's Expedition
our Men imagin'd it to be within a Stone9s caft of
Heaven, and would willingly have tarry'd there,
efpecially being much wearied with the Fatigue
they underwent, and fuppofing they fhould never
come again fo near the blifsful Region. We paffed
over three Rivers on the 30th; and being within
two miles of the Town of Cava, a Spaniard who
was fet on the look-out, was difcover'd by our
Forlorn, and was fhot dead by Captain Goulding ;
we got into the Savannah fas they call it) about
eleven, but fuch an one, as I believe, was never
feen before, for we were up to the Crutches, go-
ing up to the Town in Mud and Dirt ; feveral of
our Men damnify'd their Arms and Ammunition.
Captain Gandy and Goulding with Pedro, being in
the Van, with about fifty Englijb and thirty Indians?
fell on as foon as they came within Gun-fhot, and
our People not coming up, as faft as they could,
if it had been dry, Gandy made a halt, but it was
not above two or three Minutes, the reft marching
as faft as poflible to joyn them. The Spaniards fee-
ing no more of us in Number ftood a fmall Brufli,
but difcovering the reft, quickly retired from the
Town to a Hill in the Woods ; however, we took
fome Prifoners, and thence marching up to the
Hill, which was naturally very ftrong, we quickly
drove them thence, and feizing what Booty they
3eft there, we carryed it into the Church, as we
did next Day, what Gold and Silver, with Rings
#nd other rich Moveables, we could get in the Town.
On the firft of September we fent out a Company
of our Men, with Spaniards and Negroes? to wafh
the Gold from the Oare; the Mine is on the fide
of a great Hill, above Thirty Yards deep, and
feveral Caves run into the Hill farther than any
one would venture to go the Oare they dig out
of it is a fort of a mixture of Rock, which aftex
it is dug out of the Mine is brought to the Mill,
which
to the Gold Mines, &c? 473
which grinds it fmall, and then 'tis wafted, made
up into the form of Bricks, and lodged in Houfes
built at the Mine for that purpofe, over which a
Guard is fet, with a Captain and Governour to fee
that the King is not cheated : After it has lain fome
fhort time in thofe Houfes, then it is wafh'd a
fecond time, and fo cleared of the Drofs or fome
rocky Part wherewith it's intermixed till there re-
mains pure Gold. They make a great quantity of
Gold every Day they work ; we made five pound
weight and nine Ounces in lefs than a Day. Every
thing here fells at an Extravagant Rate, as a pound
of Sugar at fifteen Shillings, and fo proportionably
for all things elfe v they carry what Gold they make
every fix Weeks to Panama, which is feven Days
Journey from this Town. The Town was now
fearch'd more narrowly, when we found more Gold
and Plate.
Next Day our Scouts brought in more Spaniards
and Negroes, than we had already in our Power, fome
of whom we fent with a Guard to the Mine to wafli
the Oare, of which they made fix pound weight.
We fent twenty four Negroes on the third into
the Mine, who brought eight Pounds of Gold :
Now it was, that we began to puniftt fome of the
Spaniards and Negroes, to make them difcover
where they had hid their Treafure ; the Captain of
the Mine ( who was our Prifoner) we ty'd up by
the Neck fo long, till he was almoft dead, yet
could get nothing out of him, nor the reft, whom
we punifhed in the fame manner ; the Priefts having
it feems, given them the Sacrament not to dif-
cover any thing upon pain of Damnation. But
though we could procure nothing this way, we
made however fourteen pound weight of Gold on
the 4th, as we did fixteen on the next > when we
thought it time to kill Beef, and other Provillons,
and get Mules ready to carry our lick Men over
4<5 z D A V I Expedition
the Savannahs : As we were leaving the Town on
the 7th, there was an old Prieft who could hardly
creep, at whom Pedro fired his Gun, but feeing it
had not done any Execution, he took up a great
Stone and beat the poor Fellows Brains out, which
Barbarity the white Men much difliked ; then we
fired the Town, wherein I guefs there might be a-
bout nine hundred Houfes, but one Church ; it lyes
from Caledonia S. W. about fixteen Leagues i fo
that our defign in marching fo far about, was to
come upon them undifcovered. Indeed, fuch a
March, was never undertaken before, by any, but
fome French Pyrates, who after they went fome
part of the way, returned again.
Having got over the Savannah on the 7th, we
were the three fucceeding Days much incommoded
in our March, efpecially with our fick Men ; but on
the eleventh, we got up to a large Indian Town,
where we joyned all together ; but the Indians were
very unkind to us, for we could get little of any
fort of Provifions without ten times the value of
it 5 fo that fcarcity began to creep in among us,
moft of our Shoes were worn out; fo that forty
or fifty Shillings was a common Price for an old
pair ; others gave as much to have their Guns
carry'd ; if we had fuch a Train of Women after
us, as ufually follows a Camp, they might have
got more Plunder, than forty fhares amounted to,
for any thing above a Pound weight was fo trouble-
fome, that it was furely flung away ; it is indeed
almoft incredible what Hardfhip we endured, we
having throughout the whole Expedition, except
when at the Town, endured exceffive hunger,
travelling ftill over nothing but Mountains and
Rivers, lying always in the Rain, for we never had
it fair in the Night, and nothing to comfort us.
Things went no better with us the fucceeding
iDays, but at length on the eighteenth we arrived
within
to the Gold Mines, &c.
within five Miles of the Barkadeers ; from whence
Capt. Chriflian was fent with a Party of Men to
Capt. Robins, to fee if it was poffible to get the
Pirates down aboard the Sloops, but few of them
would truft us : Captain Robins, who was an Indian*
and of confiderable Authority there, having been
difobliged before our fetting out upon our Expe-
dition, becaufe he was not invited to dine with
Don Pedro and the reft of the Captains, threatned to
kill any Englifh-mtn that came to them for the future.
Having got all things in a readinefs, and em-
barked on board our Sloops by the 21ft, the Com-
manders held a Confutation, wherein it was agreed,
that Articles fhould be drawn to renew the Confort-
fhip for one Month, and that we fhould divide in-
to three Squadrons ; the Neptune, Blejfing, Edward
and Sarah, fhould cruize off Portobel for one
Month, and the Phenix, Thomas, Elizabeth and
Content, fhould cruize off Carthagena, and the
Baftamento's, Greyhound and Dragon, fhould be at
the Rivers Mouth of Jacco, till they all returned,
which was agreed upon in a Months time, and then
we defigned to go up the River.
It will be unneceffary, as well as too tedious for
us, to follow thefe three fmall Squadrons in their
refpeftive Cruifings ; 'tis fufficient to obferve, that
they met with no great matter of Booty, efpeci-
ally thofe whofe Station it was to be about the
Mouth of Jacco, who in the fpace of five Months,
that they continued in thefe Parts, could never hear
of any Tidings of 201 white Men, befides Negroes*
who fome time before went up the River of Jacco*
in order either to trade with the Jacco Indians*
who have a great deal of Gold, or to join with
them againfl a rich Spanijh Town in that Country i
ar>d fo gave them over in a manner for loft.
FINIS,
I N D EX
To Mr. WA F ER's Voyages.
A.
f A Vulteryy how punifhedVzg.
jf\ 363
Air at Portobel> 307
at Panama, 212
Alligator Sy 333
Amapal'a Cu/ph, 378
Anguilla, its Land-Crab sy 332
Animals of the Ifihmus, 328
Ants, 339
Arica, 387
Afli-//&, 295
Authors fir ft Voyage t 269. fe-
cond Voyagey 270. fir ft meets
Mr. Dampier, 271. Misfor-
tune in faffing the Ifthmus, ib.
great Hard//ypsy 272, to 283.
narrowly ef capes Drowning ,
280. to /J?tfr <?/ Indians,
28 u fets out for the North-
Sea a fecond time, 28 3 . bleeds
Lacenta % Ladyy 285. his re*
pute among the Indians, ib.
gets leave of Lacenta to depart ,
288. fets out a third time for
the .North-Seas, ib. arrives
-at the Sea-fide^ 290. meets
with the Privateersy 292. his
wafting about the Weft4ndie&
with Mr. Dampier, 293. ar-
rival at Virginia, 294. goes
a fecond time with Mr. Datn-
pier into the South-Seay and
parts with him therey ib. Voy-
age continued \ 378. arrives
at Penfilvania, 398. and Vir-
ginia againy ibid,
B.
Bantam, 267
Barcaderoes, or Landing places^
268
Baftimento s lfie% 271, 303
BatSy 338
Beesy 339
Bezozx-ftones in Mocha Sheepy
384
Bibby-tree and Fruity 281, 3 18
and Oily 318
Birds of the Ifthmus. 3 34, 3 37
Blood-lettingy 285
Bocca Drago, 3 ©7
Toro, 507
Bonano s, Tra? FrwiJ, 3 19
Bowman (William) Ai* narrow
Efcapey 277
Brafil, ' 397
Buckenham (Capt.) taken Prifo-
fonery 270. hard Ufagey 271
INDEX,
Diet,
C. Diver/Ion,
Dogs,
Calabafi-tree, 321
Canes, 320
Caret- Bay, 296, 298
Cartagena, 270, 293
Cajfava Roots and Bread, 326
Catsy much efteemed by the In-
dians, 330
Cavally-fi/h, 34.0
Cedars, 316
Chagre-ffzwr, 298,307,310
Chains, Ornamental, 335
Cheapo River, 28 1, 3 [ o
Chepelio-jJ/7d?/ 313
Chicaly-Chicaly, Bird, 334
Coco- l(le, 379
■ M/f Trw, 318, 38a
Combs uCd by the Indians, 345
Conception-Kiwr, 298, 302
Congo-ffi7W, 309
Conjuring^ 290
Cookery, 37°
Copayapo-jfo'wr, 385
Coquimbo, 382
Cormorants, 338
Corcfou-Bird, 334
Cotton-Tree, 283, 336
Conchs, 342
Crabs^ Land) 332
Drink*
17*
366
329
340
357
1 —
Crab-7/W,
Cravo-fifh,
Cups^
342
332
342
362
D.
Dancing, ^ 365
Dead Bodies found in abundance,
389
D^r, 329
Dexterity of the Indians, 360
J^iadepis of Gold, &c. 352
E.
Earthquake felt at Sea, 391,
57;i/u caft far on Land by
them, 590, 391
Eating, 370
Education, 360
Employments, 359, 36$
Eftantions (what) 31 2
F.
E?tf/?.r, 365
John Fernando 583, 393
B£*, 388
of the Ifthmus, 340, 343
lifting, : 343
F/y, jhiriing, 138
Floods, 278,315
fbrfr, <?r War-houfes, 355
F<w/ 0/* ^ Ifthmus 336
Fruits of the Ifthmus, 3 16
G.
Gainy (George,) drowned, 274
Gallapago s-^, 381, 391
Gar-fi(b, 341
Garachina, 308, 312
Guatimala Government, 312
Gopfon (Richard) dies, 293
286
Go\den-If!and, 271, 299
Gold-River, 286, 308, 382
Gorgonia, 382
Gourds, 322
Guacha, 381
Guanoes, 333, 381
Guavra, 381
Sea-
Sea-Gulls^
I N D
338
Habits of the chief Indians, 350,
3 53- of the other Men and
Women^ 354, 359, &c.
Hair, 345> 347
Bills, 289, 296
Hogs, 328
Hony, 339
Horn, Cape, 394
Horfes, 393
Houfes, 354
Hunting, 367
Husbandry, 3 58
I.
Jamaica, 270
Jamby 269
Ice-lflands, 394
jfc/itff j Jfc*r*, 375j 388
Iihor, 269
Indians cure the Author, 273.
are dijpleafed, 274. confult
to kill the Author and his Com-
fany, 275. afterwards receive
them kindly, and why, 282.
Conjuring, 290. their Sta*
ture, Features, 8cc. 344
tutting off their Hair on kil-
ling an Enemy, 345. white
Indians, 346. painting them-
f elves, 348. Ornaments of
both Sexes, ^o, dec. Houfes,
354, &c. Plantations, and
Husbandry, 3 56. Womens Em-
ployments, 359. Lying-in, 360.
Education of Children, ib. 361,
&c. iW^i Employments, 362.
Marriages and Feafis, 363,
^64. Recreations, 365. Hunt-
ing and Cookery, 367, 370.
Travelling, 371, Numbers
E X.
<2#i Calculation, 372, &cj
Language and Pronunciation,
377. Ctffli Qualities, 273, 274,
282,367,380. jW, 366,367
InfeBs, 33^338
J/lands on each fide the Ifthmus,
296, 291
Iflhmus 0/ Darien ; 7fr breadth,
&c 294. Situation, 396. H///x,
&c. 396. Rivers^ 298. North-
Sea Co aft defcribed, 298. &c.
South-Sea Coaft, 307, &c.
313. Jx, 297, 3 14. ^4/>
Weather, 3 16. Floods, 281,
315. Vegetables,^ 6. Beafts
and Reptiles, 328. Sinir <z«i
Flying InfeBs, 338. Inhabi-
tants, 344
L.
Lacenta Aw Civility, 275. Palace,
283. detains the Author, &c.
2H4. RefpeB to the Author,
287. A/w £0
/wf, 288. for VFiwi 362
Land, barren, 387
-Floods, 279, 315
• -»£tp dif covered, called by
Mr. Dampier," Davis V Land,
392
Language, 377
Laveha,
Leon,
Lightning,
Limpits,
Lizards,
Locufl-tree,
Lorenzo, Cape,
312
ib.
3*5
342
333
324
3^5
M.
Macaw-berries % and Tree, 277,
3*7
Macaw \
INDEX.
Macaw-birds, 335
Maho-tree, 321
Maiz, Flower, and Drink, 357
Malacca, 269
Mammee-tree and Fruit, 3 1 9
Mammee-Sappota, 3 1 9
Manchineel tree and Fruit, poi-
fonous, 320
Mangrove trees, 303, 325
Marriages, 363
Mice^
3?
St. Michaels Gulph, 296, 308,
309
Mi flaw of Plantains, 3 58
Mocha-//?**, 383,3*3
Modeftyof Indians, 350,362
Monkeys, 330, 382
iW<?0# J Indians, 347
Moskito s^ or Gnats, 315
LaNafca, 382
Nata, 312
Nicaragua Lake, 298
Nombre de Dios, 304
North-Sea Coafi of the Iflhmiis,
Nofe-nngs, 351
Numbering andNumeralNatnes,
Numbednefs with drinking Coco-
milk) 380
O.
Oi/ 0/ Bibby-be rrles, 318
O/iw, 388
of the Soldier-InfeBs* its
Vertues, 332
Oranges, 388
Ojf/?w, 382
P.
)Pachegu§ ^wi, J13
Panama, ^ 295,306,31!
Paracoods, Tz/Ij, 340
Par a kites, 335
Parrot'fijh, 342.,
Pawawmg^ or Conjuring, 292
Y^xVlfLands, 296, 315
Pecary, Beafi, 328
Pelf can, 337
Penfilvania, 398
Pepper, 326
Perica 311,315
Periwinkles, 342
Sea-Pies, 338
Pine-app7esy Fruity 320
Pines 1/land, 300
Pifca, 381
Plantains, 319
Plantations, 358
iYtfto 0/ Go/4, &c. ornamental^
Popes-heads, a Shrub, 32O
Portobel, 271,307, 310
Port Royal, 270
Potato's 1,26
Prickle-pear, Fruit, 320
Privateers make an order to kill
thofe that flag, 272. Ze/fc
0« f A* Ifthmus filt Author,
ib. ^ Ifthmus, tffli
cruife in the W. Indies, 294,
crwi/tf 0« (&r G?^ 0/ Peru,
381
Proviftons, 367
Punta mala, 31a
a
Quolla, or Landing-place^ 269
Quam, J?;VJ, 334
Rabbits,
Raint
Rats,
330
a78, 3 H> 59$
fUakja,
Realej'a,a
Recreationsy
Rio-grande,
RiverSy
« hot.
I N D
378
365
312
298, 302,
379
S.
Salt hoxo madey 344
Sambo-River, 308
Samballoes Channel^ 302
SambdUoes Ijlesy
Samballas Point, 303
Santa, Ships caft a-ground there^
390
Santa Maria, 271, 308, 393
Sappadilloes Tree and f ruity 3 1 9
Savannahs, 3 10
Scrivan Port, 303
Sculpinsy Fifh% 342
Sea-Gulhy 138
Sea-pies, ib.
Scuchadero, 309
Sharks ) 340
Shell-fib^ 342
fome Miles on the Shore y
390
Shining Fly> 138
Sholesy 310
Silk-graft) 52 *
Smoakingy 327
Snakes y 331
5«00Jb 342
0/ Ifthmus, 298, 313
Soldier Infefty 33 1
La Sounds if^y, 30 1
,SWA G?<z/? 0/ ife Ifthmus,
307
Spanifh Tnd i ans, 4 3 0 5
Spaniards deftroy Mocha^ £$fc.393
Spidets, 331
Springer'* ^jr, 301
Stingrays Fifa 342
E X.
Stortnsy
Sugar,
Sugar -Canes 1
320
T.
Tamarinds.
Tarpom, Fi//)y
Terra del Fuego,
Theft,
Thunder^
Tigers,
Teeth,
324
340
?94
363
315
lb.
Timey the Indians computation of
ity 372
Tobacco y 327
Tortoifey 381
Travellings 17 6y 371
Trees) 30^ 316
V.
ValleySy 296
Venta de Cruzes, 3 10
Verminy 331
Vermejo3 dead Bodies there \ 389
Weavingy
Wine La Nafca, Pifca,
Women, 3 54,
Woody lights
r^i,
« wAife,
Y.
Ylo River,
Yanky f Captain)
328
269
296
539
314
361
382
361
314
336
323
326
324
326
388
INDEX
INDEX to the Additions,
A.
438
ib.
ib.
A Caci^
x^dam s Apple
Amarinth-like Herb
Aloes
Anda
Angelin
Ants ; feveral forts 424
Ant* Bear, two forts $99
Apple, Ball, Bread, £ffc. 429.
Love, white flowered^ Hoary,
gfc. Apples, 440. Apple (Pine)
444
Armadillo great, lelTer and Round-
headed 399
Arnotto 438
Arfmart 444
Avens ib.
Awl-filh, two forts, 410
B.
T) Arbel, feveral forts, 410, 41 1
Bottatas 444
Bees; feveral forts 424
Beetle; feveral forts 425
Berries 430
Berry (Sea) 444
Befom-weed 445
Bill- Bird ; the different forts, 402
BUl-fifh 411
Bindweed 445
Blite ib.
Blood-fifli 41 1
Bodiano, two forts : ib.
Bofchratte, 399
Brafil-wood 43 1
Calavancies 439
Broom ( welted) 44 5
Bugs 425
Bur 438
Bur-buds 44$
Bulh (Cotton ) 449
Button-tree ib*
Buttons (yellow) 445
Butterflies 425
c
Alabafh-tree, 431. ' Three-
^ leaved 44$
Calavances ( ground) 445
Camaras 446
Campion (Star) ib.
Canibal ; feveral forts 411
Canes 446
Canow-tree 4^1
Capficums 447
Carp, two forts 412,
Caffia 431
Caterpillars, 425, &c.
Catkin 447
Cats ( wild) 399
Chaffinch 403
Chardone, 447. yellow, ib.
Cherries** 43*>£2fc-
Chickweed 447
Chitty, how made 468
Climers 447
Cocks-foot 448
Coco and Coral Trees 432
Cod 418
Copaiba-Balfom 429
Cotton- weed 448
Crabs ; feveral forts, 41 8, .
Cray-filh 420
Crevife ib„
Crocodile 42 1
Cucumber 448
Cup Tree 436
Curlew 5 feveral forts 403
Cy perns 448
Ii D»
INDEX.
443
448
ib.
412
449
■V Bock
Dogsbane
Dolphin
Dragons (Apple-rooted)
Duck 5 feveral forts,
E.
EAgle, two forts 403
Earthnuts 449
Ebony 4^2
Edders / 449
Eel-gar 4J3
Elder (thrum ) 4^2
Elecampane 449
Elephant-Hog 4*0
Eftridges 4°6
F.
Erns * 449
* Finbeard, and the other Jbrts,
412, 413
Fire- Root 4; 6
Filh, Hound, Jacket, Iron, gfc.
414,415
Flax 449
Fleabane 450
Flies 426,427
Flower, Tree, Cure, Sweet, £sf
433. Flower- fcence, Dwarf,
Feather, Horn> 450
Foxglove z£»
G.
GErmander 450
Ginger
Gnats 427
Gold Mines defcribed 472
Gourds, 432. Bottle Ivy, &c.
451
Gum tree
H.
433
Granadillas
39
Grafs, Flower, Feather, g«fc. 451,
452
Groundfel 452
Guana 421
IT Ang-nefl, two forts 406
Head Gold, hard, g^fc. 41 3
Heart- wort 452
Hemlock 452
Heron, federal forts 404
Hog, Horned, Sea, gfo 413,414
Hop-tree 440
Horehound 45 2
Humming-bird; feveral forts, 404,
4°5
Hunchback 402
T Racacia s 434
J- jeffamine 452
Indians^ their Incefhious way of
living, 468. Defcribed, 450
Indico, Bafe, &c. 453
Ingas 434
Iron-wood 434
K.
Notwort 452
T IgnunnvitA 434
Water Lilly 453
Lizzard 421,422
Looflrifes 455
Locufts 427
M.
M Ackarel 414
iYl Maiden Hairs 456""
Mallows 453, 454
Mangrove-tree, 434
Meeuwe 406
Mechoacan 453
Melons 456
MintfBalfam) 453
Mifletoe (Heart-leaved ) 440,454
Monkey- Hare, 4C0. Black, Satyr,
401
Monkeys, where plenty 469
Monorchis 454
Mountains,
INDEX.
Mountains, vaftly high 450, 451
Mullein 4*5
iusk Boar 399
Muftuoom f Antidote) 454
Muftacho-Bird 402
Muftard (Thrum) 454
N.
\[ Ettle-berry 44°
Nettles 454
Nichars w»
Nightihade (black) ib.
o«
f\ Ccoembo 454
%-f Okcrs ffliort) 455
Orchis's 455
OwL feveral forts 406
P.
p Almas 44 1
A Palms 4^5
Parrakeet, the feveral forts 407
Parrot, the feveral forts, 407
very numerous 468
Fariley (Star) 465
Partridges 407, 408
Peach (BreadJ 435
Pearch, feveral forts 415
Pearl-feed 455
Peas .44*
Pedro (Don^King of the Indians^
455. defcribed ib.
Pellican, two forts 408
Pellitories 44 1
Penguins ib.
Peppers ib*
Pheafants, two forts 408
Pickery, what it is 450
Pitoma 435
Plantane 455
Plumbs 436>44*> 442
Polipody's 455
Pongie, great and fmall 400
Porcupine 400>4I5
Portobel, attempted by the Glo-
cefter^ 8cc. ^66
PolTum 401
Privateers, arrive at the Ifles of
Valma^ 465
They take Tholoe, 464. fet
out for the Gold Mines, 469,
take SanBa Maria de Canay
472, their Afiions at the
Gold Mines, ib. Return,
with the Particulars, 462, gfc.
Pumpkin 455
Purflains 45 5>40
Py rates, {French) 455
R.
"D Abbit, collar'd, Hog, long-
£^ nofed and fpotted 48 c
Rackoon ib.
Reeds, Arrow, thorny, gjfc. 456
Reft-Harrows ib.
River-Hog 400
River-Tree \ 436
Rod, Balfamick, &c, 442
Rofe-Trees, 436
Rot ; white) 457
S.
C Allet (Angola) 457
^ Salt-Tree^* 436
Sarfaparilla 457
Sea-Swine 396
Seed (Oil) 457
Sempervive ib.
Senfible Plants 442
Shark, feveral forts 416
Ship-Ndts ; 420
Shrew- Moufe 400
Silk-Finger Elder 452
Silver- Head 457
Sloath 401
Snakes, feveral forts, 422, &c.
Snake Herbs ^.57
Soldanella 457
Solomon*
INDEX.
Solomons Seal 443
Sorrel, (Purple) -458
Sparrow feveral forts 408
Spiders 428
Spikes (Golden) 443
Spoonbill 402
Squill 458
Squirrel (failed) 40 1
Starling, feveral forts 408
Stock-Fifli 416
Sugar-Cane 443
T.
TAil, Hard, Gold, £«f c. 416,417
Ratstail 458
Tairera, two forts 412
*Xholoe CTelu) taken by the
Privateers 464
Thornback; feveral forts 417
Thornberry 443
Time (Citron^ 458
Titmoufe, two fort$ 406
Jbad-bane 458
45?
4°9
45?
402 ■
459
Trefoils
Turtle 5 feveral forts
Turnfole
U,
T T Nicorn-bird
^ Vomit (Diffentrick)
W.
WAgafthofny) 437
f r Water Hen $ feveral forts,
404
Waved Torch 443
Wharle (umbellated) 4551
Wide-mouth, two forts 406
Yellow Willow Herb, 459
Wood-pecker ; feveral forts 409
Wood Cabinet, Camel 437
Wnodftwine^ 459
XT Ams 459, 460
Yellow-trees 437
Yellow Violet-tree f 445
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