A PLEASANT description of the fortunate Islands, called the islands of CANARIA, with their strange fruits and commodities.  
VERY DELECTAble to read, to the praise of God.  
Composed by the poor Pilgrim.  
¶ Imprinted at London by Thomas East. 1583.   

¶ TO THE RIGHT Worshipful Master John Woolley Esquire, one of the Secretaries to the Queen's most excellent Majesty.  
Poor Pilgrims use, Right worshipful sir, that after their weary journeys, & return into their native soil, to communicate the troth, of any thing worthy to be known and of them seen, among their especial friends which are learned, and also lovers of such kind of vocation. The holy scripture showeth us, that when the wise men called Magi, being led by a strange star, to the place where Christ our Saviour was borne, at which place the star did not only stay, but also gave a wonderful brightness with shining beams, to assure them that there the Saviour was. Undoubtedly these men letted not to declare these marvelous things & visions, at their return, as appeareth at this present, that in Aethiopia & the East Countries, are an infinite number of Christians▪ Likewise the Eunuch, messenger to the Queen of Candace, letted not to manifest in his Country, the miraculous things that he had seen in jerusalem when Christ our Redeemer suffered the most bitter death of the cross. Nor yet the Queen of Sabba, kept in secret the wisdom of Solomon.  
But the cause Right worshipful, that I took this little Pamphlet in hand, was through the writing of Andrew Thevet a Frenchman, who wrote of the Fortunate Islands by hearsay: But I poor Pilgrim may call those islands infortunate: for there was I apprehended for an heretic and an open enemy to the Romish Church, and there detained in that bloody Inquisition, the space of five years, & now come home to offer this little work to your worship, because your helping hand is always ready to favour and further any virtuous or good attempt. Beseeching your worship to accept it, & to consider that poor Pilgrims have not any other thing to give, & the Almighty grant your hearts desire.  
At commandment: The P.P.   

¶ A DESCRIPTIon of the fortunate Islands, now called the Islands of Canaria, with their particular Commodities.  
PLATO in his Thimeo, writeth, that about 750. years past, there was a great Island lying in the Ocean Sea, in Front of Hercules Pillars, which stood at that time in the Island of Cadez, this Island was called Atlantica, which land by God's permission sunk, saving certain islands which yet remain called the islands of Cabo Verde, the islands of Canaria, and the islands of Azores and others.  
The opinion of Plato seemeth to be true, because the Coast of Grunea hath sands & shallows lying out a great way into the main Ocean, which agreeth as parcel appertaining to the other Islands before rehearsed. Some of the Canaria islands as the isle of Fortaventura by name, lieth 50. leagues distant from the continent land of Africa, and the islands of Azores near 300. leagues.  
The opinion of Plato shall serve for this purpose, to the which I remit me. Because mine intent is, particularly to speak of the Canaria islands, which are seven in number, wherein I dwelled the space of seven. years and more, because I find such variety in sundry writers, & especially great untrothes, in a book called the new found world Antarctic, set out by a French man called Andrew Thevet, the which his book he dedicated to the Cardinal of Sens, keeper of the gteat seal of France.  
It appeareth by the said book that he had read the works of sundry philosophers, Astronomers, & Cosmographers, whose opinions he gathered together. But touching his own travail which he affirmeth, I refer to the judgement of the experient in our days, and therefore for mine own part I writ of these Canaria Islands, as time hath taught me in many years.  

The Island of Canaria.  
THE Island of Canaria is almost comparable in length to breadth, containing 12. leagues in length, touching the which as principal & the residue, the Spaniards hold opinion, that they discovered it in their navigation toward America, but the Portugeses say, that their nation first found the said Islands, in their Navigation toward Aethiopia and East India.  
But truth it is that the Spaniards first conquered these islands, with divers English Gentlemen in their company, whose descendants this present day enjoyeth them. Some writ that this Island was named Canaria by mean of the number of dogs which there were found. As for example, Andrew Thevet saith, the one juba carried two dogs from thence: but that opinion could I never learn by any of the natural people of the Country, although I have talked with many in my time, & with many of their children. For truth it is, that there were dogs, but such as are in all the northwest lands, and some part of the West India, which served the people in steed of sheep for victual. But of some of the conquerors of those Islands I have heard say, that the reason why they were called Canaria islands, is, there groweth generally in them all, a four square cane in great multitude together, which in touching them will cast out a liquor as white as milk, which liquor is rank poison, and at the first entry into these Islands, some of the discoverers were therewith poisoned: for many years after that conquest, the inhabitants began to plant both wine and Sugar, so that Canaria was not so called by Sugar canes.  
The people which first inhabited this land were called Canaries by the conquerors, they were clothed in goat skins made like unto a lose cassock, they dwelled in caves in the Rocks, in great amity & brotherly love. They spoke all one language, their chief feeding was gelt dogs, goats, and goats milk, their bread was made of Barley meal and Goat's milk, called Gofia, which they use at this day, and thereof I have eaten diverse times, for it is accounted exceeding wholesome.  
Touching the original of these people, some hold opinion, that the Romans which dwelled in Africa exiled them thither, as well men as women, their tongues being cut out of their heads, for blasphemy against the Roman Gods. But howsoever it were, their language was special, and not mixed with Roman speech or Arabian.  
This Island is now the principallest of all the rest, not in fertility, but by reason it is the seat of justice and government of all the residue. This Island hath a special Governor for the Island only, yet notwithstanding there are three judges called Auditors, who are superior judges, and all in one jointly proceed as the Lord chancellor of any realm.  
To this City from all the other islands come all such by appeal, as have sustained any wrong, and these good judges do remedy the same. The City is called Civitas Palmarum, it hath a beautiful Cathedral Church, with all dignities thereunto pertaining. For the public weal of the Island ther are sundry Aldermen of great authority, who have a counsel house by themselves. The City is not only beautiful, but the citizens curious and gallant in apparel. And after any rain or foul weather a man may go clean in Velvet slippers, because the ground is sandy, the air very temperate, without extreme heat or cold.  
They reap wheat in February, and again in May, which is excellent good, & maketh bread as white as snow. This Island hath in it other three fair towns, the one called Telde, and the second Galder the third Guia. It hath also 12. Sugar houses called jugenios', in which they make great quantity of good sugar.  
The manner of the growth of Sugar is in this sort, a good ground giveth soorth fruit nine times in 18. year. That is to say, the first is called Planta which is laid a long in a vorrowe, so that the water of a sluice may come over every root being covered with earth: this root bringeth forth sundry canes, and so consequently all the rest. It groweth two years before the yielding of profit, and not six months, as Andrew Thevet the French man writeth.  
Then are they cut even with the ground, and the tops and leaves called Coholia cut off, and the canes bound into bundles like faggets, & so are carried to the sugar house called jugenio, where they are ground in a mill, and the juice thereof conveyed by conduct to a great vessel made for the purpose, where it is boiled till it wax thick, and then is it put into a fornaice or earthen pots of the mould of a Sugar loaf, & then is it carried to another house, called a purging house, where it is placed to purge the blackness with a certain clay that is laid thereon. Of the remainder in the cauldron is made a second sort called Escumas, and of the purging liquor that droppeth from the white Sugar is made a third sort, and the remainder is called Panela or Netas', the refuse of all the purging is called Remiel or Mallasses: and thereof is made another sort called Refinnado.  
When this first fruit is in this sort gathered called Planta, than the Cane field where it grew, is burned over with Sugar straw to the stumps of the first canes, and being husbanded, watered & trimmed, at the end of other two years, it yieldeth the second fruit called Zoca. The third fruit is called Tercia Zoca, the fourth Quarta Zoca, and so orderly the rest till age causeth the old Canes to be planted again.  
This Island hath singular good wine, especially in the town of Telde, and sundry sorts of good fruits, as Batata, Melons, pears, Apples, Oranges, Lemons. Pomegranads, Figs, Peaches of diverse sorts, and many other fruits: but especially the Plantano which groweth near brook sides, it is a tree that hath no Timber in it, but groweth directly upward with the body having marvelous thick leaves, & every leaf at the top of two yards long and almost half a yard broad.  
The Tree never yieldeth fruit but once, and then is cut down, in whose place springeth another, and so still continueth. The fruit groweth on a branch, and every tree yieldeth two or three of those branches, which beareth some more and some less, as some 40. and some 30. the fruit is like a cucumber, and when it is ripe it is black, and in eating more delicate than any conserve. This Island is sufficiently provided of Oxen Kine, camels, Goats, sheep, Capons, Hens, Ducks, and Pigeons, and great Partridges. Wood is the thing that most wanteth: and because I have particularly to deal of the other six islands, I leave further enlarging of Canaria, which standeth in 27. degrees distant from the Aequator.   

The I'll of Tenerif.  
THE Island of Tenerif standeth in 27. degrees & a half, from the equator, & is distant from Canaria 12. leagues, Northward. This Island containeth 17. leagues in length, and the land lieth high in form of a ridge of sown land in some part of England, and in the midst of the said place standeth a round hill called Pico Deteythe, situated of this sort. The top of this pike containeth of height directly upward 15. leagues and more, which is 45. English miles, out of the which oftentimes proceedeth fire and brimstone, & may be about half a mile compass: the said top is in form or likeness of a cauldron. But within two miles of the top is nothing but ashes and pomish stones: yet beneath that two miles, is the cold region covered all the year with Snow, and somewhat lower are mighty huge trees growing called Vinatico which is exceeding heavy, and will not rot in any water, although it lie a thousand years therein. Also there is a wood called Barbusano, of like virtue, with many savin trees and Pine trees. And beneath this sorts of trees are woods of Bay trees, of x. & 12. miles long, which is a pleasant thing to travail through, among the which are great numbers of small birds, which sing exceeding sweet: but especially one sort that are very little, and of colour in all respects like a Swallow, saving he hath a little black spot on his breast as broad as a penny. He singeth more sweeter than all the rest, but if he be taken and imprisoned in a cage, he liveth but a small while. This Island bringeth forth all sorts of fruits as Canaria doth, and also all the other islands in general, bringeth forth shrubs or brushes, out of the which issueth a juice as white as milk, which after a while that it hath come out waxeth thick, and is exceeding good Birdlime, the bush is called Taybayba. This Island also bringeth forth another tree called Drago, which groweth on high among rocks, and by incision at the foot of the tree issueth out a liquor like blood, & is a common drug among Apothecaries. Of the wood of this tree are made targets greatly esteemed, because if any sword or dagger hit thereon, they stick so fast that it is hard plucking them out.  
This is the most fruitfullest Island of all the rest for corn, and in that respect is a mother or nurse to all the others in time of need. There groweth also a certain moss upon the high rocks called Orchel, which is bought for Dyer's to die withal. There are 12. Ingenios called sugar houses, which make great quantity of Sugar.  
There is also one league of ground which standeth between two towns, the one called Larotava, & the other Rialeio, which is thought that the like plot of ground is not in all the world. The reason is, that this one league of ground produceth sweet water out of the cliffs or rocky mountains, corn of all sorts, fruits of all sorts, and excellent good silk, flax, wax, and honey, and very good wines in abundance, with great store of Sugar and fire wood. Out of this Island is laden great quantity of wines for the west India, and other Countries. The best groweth on a hill side called the Ramble.  
There is in that Island a fair City, standing three leagues from the sea, near unto a lake called Laguna, wherein are two fair Parish Churches, there dwelleth the governor who ruleth all that Island with justice. There are also Aldermen for the public weal, who buy their offices of the king: the most of the whole inhabitants of this City are Gentlemen, Merchants, and husband men.  
There are other four Towns called Sancta Crux, Larotava, Rialeio, and Gara-chico?  
In this Island before the conquest dwelled seven kings, who with all their people dwelled in caves, and were clothed in goat skins, as the Canaria people were, and with such like order of diet as they had. Their order of burial was, that when any died, he was carried naked to a great cave, where he was propped up against the wall standing on his feet. But if he were of any authority among them, than had he a staff in his hand, & a vessel of milk standing by him. I have seen caves of 300. of these corpse together, the flesh being dried up, the body remained as light as parchment. These people were called Guamches, by natural name they spoke another language clean contrary to the Canarians, and so consequently every Island spoke a several language. Note gentle Reader that the Island of Canaria, the isle of Tenerif, and the isle of Palm appertain to the King of Spain, unto whom they rend fifty thousand Ducats yearly for custom & other profits. All these Islands jointly are one Bishopric, which rend to the Bishop is 12. thousand ducats yearly, and this I conclude of the isle of Tenerif, which standeth 27. degrees and a half, as I have before declared.   

Gomera.  
THe Island of Gomera standeth Westward from Tenerif, in distance six leagues: this is but a small Island containing 8. leagues in length. It is an Earldom, and the Lord thereof is called, the Earl of Gomera. But in case of any controversy the vassals may appeal to the kings superior judges which reside in Canaria.  
This Island hath one proper town, called Gomera, which hath an excellent good port or harbour for ships, where oftentimes the India Fleet, take refreshing for their voyage.  
There is also sufficient grain and fruit for the maintenance of themselves.  
There is one jugenio or Sugar house, with great plenty of wine and other sorts of fruits, as Canaria and Tenerif hath.  
This Island yieldeth no other commodity but only Orchell, it standeth in 27. degrees distant from the Equator toward the pole Arctic.   

The I'll of Palma.  
THe I'll of Palma standeth. 12. leagues, distant from thy Isle Gomera Norwestward. This Island is fruitful of wine and Sugar: it hath a proper City, called the City of Palma, where is great contraction for wines, which are laden for the West India & other places. This city hath one fair Church, and a governor, & Aldermen to maintain and execute justice. It hath also another pretty Town, called S. Andrew's. It hath also four Ingenios which make excellent sugar, two of the which are called Zauzes, and the other two, Tassacort.  
This Island gathereth but little bread corn: but rather is thereof provided from Tenerif and other places.  
Their best wines grow in a soil called the Brenia, where yearly is gathered 12. thousand Butts of wine like unto maulmsies. This Island standeth round, and containeth in circuit near 25. leagues. It hath plenty of all sorts of fruits, as Canaria & Tenerif hath, it standeth in twenty seven degrees and a half.   

The Island of Iron, called Hierro.  
THis Island standeth 10. leagues distant from the Island of Palma Weastward: it is but a little Island, which containeth six leagues in circuit, and hath but small peroblation. It appertaineth to the Earl of Gomera. The chiefest commodity of this Island is goats flesh and Orchell. There is no Wine in all that Island, but only one vineyard that an English man of Taunton in the West Country planted among rocks, his name was john Hill.  
This Island hath no kind of fresh water but only in the middle of the Island groweth a great tree with leaves like an Olive tree, which hath a great sesterne at the foot of the said tree. This Tree continually is covered with clouds, and by mean thereof, the leaves of the said Tree doth still drop Water, very sweet into the said Sesterne, which cometh to the said tree from the clouds by attraction. And this water sufficeth the Island for all necessity, as well the cattle, as for the inhabitants. It standeth in 27. degrees.   

The Island of Lanzerot.  
THe Island of Lanzerot standeth xviij. leagues distant from Gran Canaria Southeastward, the only commodity of this Island, is Goat's flesh and Orchell. It is an Earldom, & doth appertain to Don Augustine de Herrera, with title of Earl of Fortaventura & Lanzerot. But the vassals of these Earldoms, may in any cause of wrong, appeal to the Kings judges, which reside in Canaria, as I have said before: because although the King hath reserved to himself but only the three fruitful islands, called Canaria, Tenerif, & Palma, yet he also reserved the rod of justice to himself, because otherwise the vassals might be evil entreated of their Lords.  
From this Island is wéekly brought to Canaria, Tenerif, & Palma, boats laden with dried Goats flesh, called Tussinetta, which serveth in steed of bacon, and is very good meat. This Island standeth in 26. degrees and is in length 12. leagues.   

The I'll of Fortaventura.  
THE I'll of Fortaventura standeth 50. leagues distant from the Promontory of Cabo de Guer, in the firm land of Africa, and 24. leagues distant from Canana Eastward. This Island doth appertain to the Senior of Lanzerot. It is reasonable fruitful of Wheat and Barley, and also of Kine, Goats, and Orchell: this isle is 15. leagues long and 10. leagues broad on the North side. It hath a little Island about one league distant from the main Island between both of the which it is navegable for any ships, and is called Graciosa.  
Both Fortaventura and Lanzerot have very little wine of the growth of those islands. It standeth in 27. degrees.  
Thus much have I written of these 7. islands by experience, because I was a dweller there as I have said before, the space of seven years, in the affairs of Master Thomas Lock, Master Anthony Hikman, and Master Casthin, who in those days were worthy Merchants, and of great credit in the city of London.   

A description of the Island of Madera.  
THE Island of Madera standeth in 33. degrees distant from the equinoctinall line, and 70. leagues from the isle of Tenerif Northeastward, & South-west from Hercules pillars. This Island was discovered, conquered, & inhabited by the Portugal nation: it was first called the Island of Madera, by reason of the great wilderness of sundry sorts of trees that there did grow, and yet doth, as Cedar, cypress, Vinatico, Barbuzano, Pine trees, and divers others, and therefore the said Island continueth still with the same name. Howbeit they hold opinion that between the said Island and the isle of Palma is an Island not yet discovered, which is the true Island Madera called S. Brandon. This Island renteth a great sum of money to the king of Portugal yearly: it hath one fair city called Fouchall, which hath a fair port or harbour for ships, and a strong Bulwark, & a fair Cathedral Church, with a Bishop & other dignities thereunto appertaining. There is also justice and government according to the Portugal use. But causes of appellation are remitted to the city of Lisbon in Portugal, to the kings superior judges there. This Island hath another town called Machico, which hath likewise a good road for ships. There is also. 16 Sugar houses called Ingenios, which make excellent good Sugar.  
There is beside the goodly timber before declared, great store of divers sorts of fruits, as pears, apples, plums, wild dates, peaches of diverse sorts, Melons, Batatas, Oranges, Lemons, pomegranates, Cidrons, Figs, and all manner of garden herbs. There are many Dragon trees, such as grow in the Canaria islands. But chief this land produceth great quantity of singular good wines which are laden for many places. On the North side of this land three leagues distant from the main Island standeth another little Island, called Porto santo: the people thereof liveth by husbandry, for the Island of Madera gathereth but little corn: but rather is thereof provided out of France and from the Island of Tenerif. On the East side of the isle of Madera six leagues distant standeth another little Island called the Desert, which produceth only Orchell, and nourisheth a great number of Goats. For the provision of the main Island, which may be 30. leagues in circuit, and the land is of great height where those trees grow. It is wonder to see the conveyance of the water to the Ingenios by mines through the mountains.  
In the mid way between Tenerif, and the Island of Madera standeth a little solitary Island called the savages, which may be about one league in compass, which hath neither tree nor fruit, but only food for Goats.   
FINIS.