A SHORT discovery Of the Coasts and Continent of AMERICA, From the equinoctial Northward, and of the adjacent ISLES.  
By William Castle, Minister of the gospel at Courtenhall in Northamptonshire.  
Whereunto is prefixed the author's Petition to this present Parliament, for the propagation of the gospel in America; attested by many eminent English and Scottish Divines. And a late Ordinance of Parliament for that purpose, and for the better government of the English Plantations there. Together with Sir Benjamin Rudyers Speech in Parliament, 21. Ian. concerning America.  
London, Printed in the year 1644.   

ORNATISSIMIS VIRIS.  
OLIVERO St. JOHN (Sollicitatori Regis generali) & JOANNI WILD Servienti ad Legem; verae Religionis, Iuris municipalis, Patriae debitae libertatis Assertoribus integerimis  
gulielmus castle, debitae observantiae, & gratitudinis ergo, sed praecipue, ob eximium utriusque desiderium, pro●pagandi Evangelium, apud Americo●▪ Ho● suum qualecunque Opusculum humiliter, D. D. D.   

AD LECTOREM.  
NOn opus exegi, tamen haec quae scripta videbis,  
Romanam Cathedram, Hispanos, Ereb●mque movebunt.  
Scilicet Americam, sibi soli poscit habendam  
Rex Cantabrorum (quod non si●it iste libellus,  
Multorum effigies, & fida medulla laborum.)  
Nec minu● infensos Papam, Papaeque Pa●entem,  
Hic liber inveniet; Papam retegendo suorum  
Impuros coitus, fraudes, perjuri●, clades  
Indorum immeritas, saeve, & sine fine p●ractas.  
Nec quicquam dubito (slygia dep●omta pharetra)  
In me missurum saevissima Daemona tela,  
Lumen Evangelij audentem suadere Britannis  
Laete festinare armata milite class  
Gentibus ignotis; in quas bis mille per annos  
Vindicat imperium plus quam regale retentum;  
Jamque suas (tam sponte suas) vel posse reposci  
Et fremit, & frendit, velut atrox Cerberus olim  
A●t ego quid fremitus, quid inania tela m●rarer?  
Si mode vel quicquam, nostro quocunque labore,  
Americis prosim, misere jam lumine cassis;  
Vt tandem in se discendant, laqueisque soluti  
Tartareis, Christitutissima castra sequantur.  
Agnoscantque Deum terrae caelique supremum  
Artificem, & Regem, vereque petentibus illum  
Depositum credant verum solamen in illo:  
Praesentis perdulce levamen, spemque beatae  
Vitae venturae, periturae tempore nullo.  
Hoc mihi si dederit, pater optimus undique ven●  
Divite tellurem, gemmis, auroque, refertam  
Non f●occi facio; tanto dignatus honore.   

TO THE MOST HIGH AND honourable Court of PARLIAMENT, now Assembled. The humble Petition of WILLIAM Castle, Parson of Courtenhall in Northamptonshire, for the propogating of the gospel in America.  
IN all humble manner, showeth unto your approved wisdoms, the great and general neglect of this kingdom, in not propagating the glorious gospel in America, a main part of the World: Indeed the undertaking of the work is (in the general) acknowledged pious and charitable; but the small prosecution that hath hitherto been made of it, either by us or others, having (as yet) never been generally undertaken in pity to men's souls, but in hope to possess the Land of those Infidels, or of gain by Commerce, may well make this and all other Christian kingdoms confess, they have been exceeding remiss, in performing this so religious, so great, so necessary a work.  
May it therefore please your wisdoms, to give your Petitioner leave to propose briefly, (as the nature of a Petition requireth) the more than ordinary piety and charity of the work; the evident necessity, and benefit of undertaking, together with the easiness of effecting.  
A greater expression of piety (your Petitioner conceiveth) there cannot be, then to make God known where he was never spoken nor thought of, to advance the sceptre of Christ's kingdom. And now again to reduce those, who (at first) were created after the Image of God from the manifest worship of Devils, to acknowledge and adore the blessed Trinity in Unity. To do this, is to be happy instruments of effecting those often repeated promises of God, in making all Nations blessed by the coming of Christ, and by sending his Word to all Lands: It is to enlarge greatly the pale of the Church. And to make those (who were the most detestable Synagogues of Satan) delightful Temples of the Holy Ghost.  
It was a high point of piety in the Queen of the South, to come from the utmost parts of the world to hear the wisdom of Solomon. And so it was in Abraham, to leave his native country for the better, and more free service of his God.  
And certainly it will be esteemed no less in those, who (either in their persons or purses) shall religiously endeavour to make millions of those silly seduced Americans, to hear, understand, and practise, the mystery of godliness.  
And as is the piety, such is the charity of the work, exceeding great, to no less than the immortal souls of innumerable men, who still sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death, continually assaulted and devoured by the Dragon, whose greatest delight is to bring others with himself into the same irrecoverable gulf of perdition. What those blind and spiritual distressed Americans are, we were, and so had continued, had not apostolical men afforded greater charity unto us, Divisis orbe Britannis, by long journeying; and not without great hazard of their lives, than (as yet) hath been showed by us unto them.  
We are not indeed endued with such eminent extraordinary gifts, as were the Primitive Christians; but yet (if it be duly considered) how fully and how purely God hath imparted his gospel unto this Island; how miraculously he hath lately protected us from Spanish Invasions, and Popish Conspiracies; how (at this time) we abound in shipping, and all manner of provision for Sea: It will be found, that we (of all Nations) are most for the work, and most engaged to do it in due thankfulness to God.  
Nor is the arms of the Lord shortened, or his wonted bounty so restrained; but that undertaking the Voyage principally for God's glory, and in compassion to men's souls, we may expect a more than an ordinary blessing from him, whose usual custom is to honour those that honour him, and most abundantly even in this life, to recompense such religious undertakings.  
The Spaniard boasteth much of what he hath already done in this kind; but their own Authors report their unchristian behaviour; especially their monstrous cruelties to be such, as they caused the Infidels to detest the name of Christ. Your wisdoms may judge of the Lion by his claw. In one of their Islands called Hispaniola of 2000000 of men, as Benzo (in his Italian History) affirmeth, they had not left 150 souls. And Lipsius justly complaineth, that wheresoever they came, they cut down men as they did corn without any compassion. And as for those that survived, they bought their lives at dear rates: for they put them to bear their carriages from place to place; and if they failed by the way, they either miserably dismembered, or killed them outright. They lodged them like bruit beasts under the planks of their ships, till their flesh rotted from their backs: And if any failed in the full performance of his daily task, he was sure to be whipped till his body distilled with gore blood, and then poured they in either molten pitch or scalding oil to supple him.  
A very strange and unlikely way to work Infidels unto the faith, neither yet could they (if they would) impart unto others the gospel in the truth and purity thereof, who have it not themselves, but very corruptly, accompanied with many idle, absurd, idolatrous Inventions of their own, which are but as so many superstructures wickedly oppressing, if not utterly subverting the very foundations of Christianity.  
And although some of the reformed religion, English, Scotch, French, and Dutch, have already taken up their habitations in those parts, yet hath their going thither (as yet) been to small purpose, for the converting of those nations, either for that they have placed themselves but in the skirts of America, where there are but few natives (as those of New England, or else for want of able and conscionable Ministers (as in Virginia) they themselves are become exceeding rude, more likely to turn Hethen, then to turn others to the Christian faith.  
Besides, there is little or no hope our plantations there, should be of any long continuance, since here in England for some years last past, they have been rather diversely hindered then any ways furthered, how and by whom, your wisdoms either have, or will shortly find out: but this is evident, that the proud superstitious Spaniard (who hateth their religion, and feareth their neighbourhood, will spare them no longer than (to his overswelling greatness) shall seem good: And in the judgement of most judicious Travellers that way, they may (if they will) easily enough suppress and destroy all other our Plantations, as they did of late that of Saint Christopher's, when they were no way provoked by us, as they will now pretend they are by a latter taking of Trinidado, and the loss of more than 150 of their men there. At least they will be sure to be desperately assaulted, as was the Isle of Providence, but the year last past.  
Whence your Petitioner offereth unto your Honourable considerations a third Argument (drawn from mere necessity) that as you tender the happy proceeding of those (as yet) but weakly settled Plantations: the liberties, livelihood, and lives, of many thousands our dear brethren and country men: and which is yet more the prosperous progress of the gospel, you would be pleased to consult of such an able and speedy supply, as may secure them against the now expected cruelty of the Spaniard.  
To which needful supply, the better and sooner to induce your wisdoms, your Petitioner desireth your yet a little further patience until he hath showed some temporal benefits that are thereby like to accrue unto this kingdom, together with the easiness of effecting.  
When a kingdom beginneth to be overslipped with a multitude of people (as England & Scotland now do) to have a convenient place where to send forth Colonies is no small benefit: And such are the North-East and North-West parts of America, between the degrees of 25 and 45 of the North latitude, which at this time do even offer themselves unto us, to be protected by us, against the known cruelty of the over near approaching Spaniard.  
A very large tract of ground containing spacious, healthful, pleasant, and fruitful countries, not only apt, but already provided of all things necessary for man's sustentation, corn, grass, and wholesome cattle in good competency: but fish, fowl, fruits, and herbs in abuddant variety.  
If we should look no further than the South of Virginia, (which is our own) we shall find there all manner of provision for life: besides Merchantable Commodities, silk, Vines, Cotton, Tobacco, Deere-skinnes, Goat-skinnes, rich fur, and Beavers good store, Timber, brass, Iron, Pitch, tar, Rosin, and almost all things necessary for shipping, which if they shall be employed that way; they who are sent away may (with God's blessing) within short time in due recompense of their setting forth, return this kingdom store of silver and gold, pearls, and precious stones; for undoubtedly (if there be not a general mistake in all Authors, who have written of these places) such treasure is to be had; if not there, yet in places not far remote, where (as yet the Spaniard hath nothing to do.) And in case the Spaniard will be troublesome to our Plantations, or shall (as it is generally conceived) be found an enemy to this kingdom, there is no way more likely to secure England, then by having a strong navy there; hereby we may come to share, if not utterly to defeat him of that vast Indian Treasure, wherewith he setteth on fire so great a part of the Christian world, corrupteth many councillors of state, supporteth the Papacy and generally perplexeth all reformed Churches.  
Nor need any scrupulous quere be made, whether we may not assault an enemy in any place, or not esteem them such as shall assault us in those places, where we have as much to do as they. The Spaniard claimeth indeed an Interest, little l●sse than hereditary in almost all America, and the West Indies, but it is but by virtue of the Popes grant, which is nothing worth, as was long since determined by Queen Elizabeth, and her council; so as for the Spaniard to debar us in the liberty of our Plantations, or freedom of commerce in those spacious Countries, were over proudly to take upon him; and for us to permit it were overmuch to yield of our own right.  
Especially, when we may, as now we may, so easily help ourselves: For your Petitioner conceiveth there is no great difficulty in the preparation here, or tediousness in the passage thither, or hazard when we come there. The preparation of men and shipping, in respect of the daily happy expected accord between us and the Scots, is (upon the matter) already made. And as for money it is in the power of this Honourable House to give sufficient, without any grievance, or dislike of the commonwealth, who (undoubtedly) in the general will think nothing grievous, which shall be concluded by your wisdoms, expedient to such a pious and charitable work.  
And as for the passage, how can it be thought either tedious or dangerous, it being ordinarily but six weeks' sail, in a sea much more secure from pirates, and much more free from shipwreck, and enemies coasts, than our ten or twelve months' voyage into the East-Indies. And as for our good success there, we need not fear it. The natives being now everywhere more than ever, out of an inveterate hatred to the Spaniard, ready and glad to entertain us. Our best friends the Netherlanders being with eighth and twenty ships gone before to assist and further us. And which is much more, our going with a general consent in God's cause, for the promoting of the gospel, and enlarging of his Church, may assure us of a more than ordinary protection and direction. That hitherto we have been less successful in our voyages that way, we way justly impute it to this, that as yet they have not been undertaken with such a general consent, and with such a full reference to God's glory as was requisite.  
And so your Petitioner having delivered his apprehension herein more briefly, than so weighty a matter might well require, he submits all the premises to your more full deliberation and conclusion, which he humbly prayeth, may be with all convenient speed; the only best way under God to make it the better successful.  
We whose names are here under-written, having been upon occasion acquainted with a motion intended to be made by Master William Castle, Parson of Courtenhall in the County of Northampton, to the High and Honourable Court of Parliament now assembled, concerning the propagation of the glorious gospel of Christ in America. As we do well approve of the motion; so we do humbly desire his reasons may be duly considered: And so good a work furthered their wiser judgements may resolve upon, to which we humbly submit the same. John Moseley, D. D. Ra● Brownricke, D. D. Thomas Bambrig, D. D. Robert Sanderson, D. D. Richard Alleyne, D. D. Daniel Featly, D. D. Matthius Styles, D. D. Edmond Stanton, D. D. Stephen Denison, D. D. Edw. Williamot, D. D. Jonathan Brown, D. D. Jasper Fisher, D. D. Hannibal Potter, D. D. Anthony Clapton, D. D. Thomas Drayton, D. D. John Grant. D. D.  

Ministers of London.  
George Walker.  
James Palmer.  
Edward Malbury.  
Joseph caryl.  
Edmond Calamy.  
Adoniram Byfield.  
William Price.  
Richard Maden.  
James Batty.  
Matth.  
Griffeth.  
Ephr●im Paget.  
Robert Pory.  
William Janeway.  
Nathaniel Barry.   

Ministers of several other Counties.  
John White,  
Dorsetshire.  
William Ford,  
John pin's,  
Somersetshire.  
Zachery Caudry,  
Leistershire.  
Henry Paynter,  
Devonshire.  
Stephen Marsholl,  
Samuel joiner,  
Essex.  
John Ward,  
Suffolk.  
Ier. Buroughes,  
Norfolk▪  
John Rawlinson,  
Darby.  
Moses Capell,  
William Rhet,  
Kent.  
Francis Charliot,  
Richard Gifford,  
Buck.  
William Englesby,  
Hertford.   

Other worthy Ministers of the diocese of Peterburrough, where the Petitioner liveth.  
Daniel Caudery.  
Jeremy Whittaker.  
John Barry.  
James Cranford.  
Samuel Craddock.  
David Ensme.  
Edmond castle.  
Samuel Male.  
Daniel Rogers.  
Benjamin Tomkins.  
Richard Cook.  
Richard Trueman.  
John Guderick.  
William Spencer.  
Edmond James.  
John Baynard.  
George Jay.  
Francis press.  
Miles Berket.  
Francis Atturbury.  
Jeremy Stephens.  
John Ward.  
Peter Fawtract.  
William Malkinson.   
THe motion made by Master William Castle▪ Minister of the gospel, for propagating of the blessed Evangell of Christ our Lord and Saviour, in America, we conceive in the general to be most pious, Christian and charitable. And therefore worthy to be seriously considered of all that love the glorious Name of Christ, and are zealous of the salvation of souls, which are without Christ, and without God in the world, wishing the opportunity and fit season, the instruments and means; and all things necessary for the prosecution of so pious a work, to be considered by the wisdoms of Churches and civil powers, whom God hath called, and enablad with Piety, Prudence, and Policy, for matters of public concernment, and of so great Importance. And beseeching the Lord to bless all their consultations, and proceedings for the advancing, and establishing the kingdom of Jesus Christ.  

Alexander Henderson.  
Robert Blare.  
R. baily.  
M. Gallaspie.  
N. Smyth.  
M. Borthrick.    

AN ORDINANCE Of the LORDS and COMMONS Assembled in Parliament. Whereby Robert Earl of Warwick is made governor in chief, and Lord High admiral of all those I●ands and other Plantations, in●abited, planted, or belonging, to any his Majesties the King of England's Subjects, within the bounds, and upon the Coasts of America. And a Committee appointed to be assisting unto him, for the better governing, strengthening, and preservation of the said Plantations; but chiefly for the advancement of the true Protestant Religion, and farther spreading of the gospel of Christ among those that yet remain there in great and miserable blindness and ignorance.  
WHereas many thousands of the Natives and good Subjects of this kingdom of England, though the oppression of the Prelates, and other ill affected Ministers and Officers of State, have of late years, to their grief and miserable hardship, been enforced to transplant themselves and their families into several lands, and other remote and desolate parts of the West Indies: and having there through exceeding great labour and industry (with the blessing of God) obtained for themselves and their families, some competent and convenient means of maintenance and subsistence, so that they are now in a reasonable well settled and peaceable condition. But fearing least the outrageous malice of Papists and other ill-affected persons, should reach unto them in their poor & low, (but as yet peaceable condition) and having been informed, that there hath been lately procured from his Majesty several grants under the Great seal for erecting some new governors and Commanders amongst the said Planters in their aforementioned Plantations: Whereupon the said Planters, Adventurers, and Owners of land in the said foreign Plantations, have preferred their Petition unto this present Parliament, that for the better securing of them and their present estates there obtained, through so much extreme labour and difficulty, they might have some such governors and government as should be approved of and confirmed by the authority of both Houses of Parliament. Which Petition of theirs the Lords and Commons having taken into consideration, and finding it of great importance both to the safety and preservation of the aforesaid Natives and Subjects of this kingdom, as well from all foreign invasions and oppressions, as from their own intestine distractions and disturbances, as also much tending to the honour and advantage of his majesty's Dominions, have thought fit, and do hereby Constitute and Ordain Robert Earl of Warwick governor in chief, and Lord High admiral of all those lands, and other Plantations, inhabited, planted, or belonging to any his Majesties the King of England's Subjects, or which hereafter may be inhabited, planted, or belonging to them, within the bounds, and upon the Coasts of America. And for the more effectual, speedier, and easier transaction of this so weighty and important a business, which concerns the well-being and preservation of so many of the distressed Natives of this and other his majesty's Dominions, the Lords and Commons have thought fit that Philip Earl of Pembroke, Edward Earl of Manchester, William Viscount Say and seal, Philip Lord Wharton, John Lord Roberds, Members of the House of peers, Sir Gilbert Gerard Knight and Baronet, Sir Arthure Haselrig, Baronet, Sir Henry Vane junior, Knight, Sir Benjamin Rudyer Knight, John Pym, Oliver Cromwell, Dennis Bond, Miles Corbet, Cornelius Holland, Samuel vassal, John rolls, and William Spurstow, Esquiers, Members of the House of Commons, shall be Commissioners to join in aid and assistance with the said Earl of Warwick chief governor and admiral of the said Plantations: which chief governor, together with the said Commissioners or any four of them, shall hereby have power and authority to provide for, order and dispose all things which they shall from time to time find most fit and advantageous to the well-governing, securing, strengthening, and preserving, of the said Plantations; and chiefly to the preservation and advancement of the true Protestant Religion amongst the said Planters, inhabitants; and the further enlargement and spreading of the gospel of Christ amongst those that yet remain there in great and miserable blindness and ignorance. And for the better advancement of this so great a work, It is hereby further ordained by the said Lords and Commons, That the aforesaid governor & Commissioners shall hereby have power and authority upon all weighty and important occasions which may concern the good and safety of the aforesaid Planters, to call unto their advice and assistance therein any other of the aforesaid Planters, Owners of land, or Inhabitants of the said lands and Plantations, which shall then be within twenty miles of the place where the said Commissioners shall then be; And shall have power and authority to send for, view, and make use of all such Records, Books and Papers, which do or may concern any of the said Plantations. And because the well-setling and establishing of such Officers & governors as shall be laborious and faithful in the right governing of all such persons as be resident in or upon the said Plantations, and due ordering and disposing of all such affairs as concern the safety and welfare of the same, is of very great advantage to the public good of all such remote and new Plantations.  
It is thereby further Ordained and Decreed, That the said Robert Earl of Warwick, governor in chief, and admiral of the said Plantations, together with the aforesaid Commissioners, Philip Earl of Pembroke, Edward Earl of Manchester, William Viscount Say and seal, Philip Lord Wharton, John Lord Roberts, Sir Gibbert Gerard Knight and Baronet, Sir Arthure Ha●elrig, Baronet, Sir Henry Vane, junior, Knight, Sir Benjamin Rudyer Knight, John Pym, Oliver Cromwell, Dennis Bond, Miles Corbet, Cornelius Holland, Samuel vassal, John John ●olls, and William Purstowe, Esquires, or the greater member of them, shall have power and authority from time to time to nominate, appoint, and constitute all such subordinate governors, councillors, Commanders, Officers and Agents, as they shall judge to be best affected, and most fit and serviceable for the said lands, and Plantations: And shall hereby have power and authority upon the death or other avoidance of the aforesaid chief governor and admiral, or any the other Commissioners before named, from time to time to nominate and appoint such other chief governor & admiral, or Commissioners, in the place or room of such as shall so become void. And shall also hereby have power and authority to remove any of the said subordinate governors, councillors, Commanders, Officers, or Agents, which are, or shall be appointed to govern, counsel, or negotiate the public affairs of the said Plantation, and in their place and room to appoint such other Officers as they shall judge fit. And it is hereby ordained, That no subordinate governors, councillors, Commanders, Officers, Agents, Planters, or Inhabitants whatsoever, that are now resident in or upon the same lands or Plantations, shall admit or receive any other new governors, councillors, Commanders, Officers or Agents whatsoever, but such as shall be allowed and approved of, under the Hands and seals of the afore mentioned Commissioners, or any six of them, or under the Hands and seals of such as shall authorise thereunto.  
And whereas for the better government and security of the said Plantations and lands, and the Owners and Inhabitants, thereof, there may be just and fit occasion to assign over some part of the power and authority (granted in this Ordinance to the chief governor and Commissioners afore named) unto the said Owners, Inhabitants, or others; It is hereby Ordained, that the said chief Governors and Commissioners before mentioned, or the greater number of them, shall hereby be authorized to assign, ratify, and confirm so much of their aforementioned authority and power, and in such manner, and to such persons as they shall judge to be fit for the better governing and preserving of the said Plantations and lands from open violence and private disturbance and distractions.  
And lastly, That whosoever shall do, execute, or yield obedience to any thing contained in this Ordinance, shall by virtue hereof be saved harmless and indemnified.   

Sir Benjamin Rudyers Speech, Concerning a WEST INDIE Association, at a Committee of the whole House in the Parliament 21 JACOBI.  
Sir Dudley Digs,  
I do profess, that as my Affection, my Reason, and my judgement, go strongly with the scope and drift of this proposition; so shall a good part of my poor fortune when it comes to execution.  
For to my understanding, there was never propoundin Parliament, a design more proper for this kingdom, nor of more pregnant advantage to it, whether we consider the Nature of our situation, or the quality of our enemy's forces.  
As we are an island, it concerns our being to have store of ships to defend us, and also our well-being by their Trade to enrich us.  
This Association for the West Indies, when it shall be regulated and established by Act of Parliament, and thereby secured from the violence and injury of any intruding hand, it will certainly give many men encouragement and confidence, voluntarily to bring in large and liberal contributions, towards so notable, so profitable an Enterprise. So that in short time we shall see many new ships built, many brave men employed, and enabled for the service of their Country, none of this money shall be carried out of the Kingdtme, but laid out for shippeng, which is the defence of it, and bestowed upon our own men, who must be ●ed and maintained, though they stay at home. For this, we shall reap the fruit of whatsoever benefit, Plantation, traffic, or Purchase can procure us, besides honour and security.  
Now, let us a little consider the Enemy we are to encounter, the King of Spain. They are not his great Territories which make him so powerful, and so troublesome to all Christendom. For it is very well known, that Spain itself is but weak in men, and barren of natural Commodities. As for his other Territories, they lie divided and asunder, which is a weakness in its self; besides, they are held by force, and maintained at an extraordinary charge. Insomuch, as although he be a great King, yet is he like the great G●ant, who was said to have 100 hands, but he had 50 bellies to feed, so that ra●ably, he had no more hands than another man.  
No Sir, they are his Mines in the West Indies, which minister fuel to feed his vast ambitious desire of universal Monarchy: It is the money he hath from thence, which makes him able to levy and pay soldiers in all places; and to keep an Army continually on foot, ready to invade and endanger his Neighbours.  
So that we have no other way, but to endeavour to cut him up at root, and seek to impeach, or to supplant him in the West Indies. By part of which course, that 〈◊〉 Queen of most gracious memory, had heretofore almost brought him on his knees. And this our undertaking (if it please God to bless it) must needs effect it sooner and quicker: the whole body of the kingdom being united and concurring in a perpetual supply to this action, so that he will have no free time given him to rest.  
Moreover, this will be a means not only to save, but to fill his majesty's Coffers, enabling the people to give him liberally, and often; the King's ships will have little to do, but to guard the Coasts, for the sea-war will chiefly be made at the charge of the Subject.  
Thus, (Sir Dudley Digs) I doubt not but that in short time, both King and people shall be safe at home, and feared abroad.  
To conclude, I shall be very glad to hear any man make Objections against this design, so that he do it with an intention to refine and perfect the work; but if any man shall speak against it with a mind to hinder and destroy it, I must entreat him to pardon me, if I do scarce think him to be a good Englishman.   

AN introduction To the work.  
THE West-Indies as usually known by the name of America, were first found out by Christopher Columbus, in the year 1493. at the expense of Ferdinand King of Castille; much furthered by Isabel his Queen, who Pawned all her Jewels to advance the Christian ●aith, and to augment the revenu● of that crown. A worthy Princely act, as highly to be commended as the late pawning of the J●wels of the English crown, is justly to be condemned for the suppressing of the gospel in the purity of it, and the exceeding weakening, if not utter ruining both of King and kingdom.  
But though this New World (for so it may be justly styled, as being of a vast extent, much larger than Asia, and never heard of before) was first thought of, and in three voyages (not without divine inspiration and assistance) discovered by that worthy Columbus; yet one Americus, who after made a more full discovery, hath been honour●d with the name of it. This goodly country was first proffered to one of our Kings, Henry the seventh, a very wise Prince, who yet unhappily refused to be at any charge in the discovery; supposing the learned Columbus to build Castles in the air: but the motion being afterwards entertained by the said King Ferdinand; Castille, (the least of the three kingdoms of Spain) became Commander of them all, and by re●son of the incredible treasure yearly brought from thence, his successors are now become formidable to all Christiane Nations, ye● are designed by the Jesuits (the Pope's grand engineers) to be the sole absolute monarches of all Christendom, A plot yet to be prevented, by our King and State, if timely thought upon, in sending forth a considerable Navy, whereby we may best suppress the Spaniards overswelling greatness, and the most subtle designs of Jesuits, who have bewitched no inconsiderable number of seeming Protestants hear to believe, that the King and Grandees of Spain, intend good to this Kingdom, it being most apparent, that that Indian treasure by them disposed; first raised, and still foments these never sufficiently to be deplored combustions in Ireland and England.  
I shall say nothing of the causes, that moved Columbus to undertake this strange voyage, nor yet how it came to be first inhabited, as being by many, esp●cially by Acosta so fully related.  
Thus much in general is nec●ssarily to be observed, that in respect of latitude, it is extended well nigh from the South to the North-pole. It hath to the East Europe and Africa, from which it is divided by the wide German and Atlantic Sea, sometimes by more, sometimes by less distance of leagues, nearer to Africa than Europa. To the West it hath Asia, and those Southern parts of the world, as yet remaining to be discovered, how large the Sea is that divides America from Asia, is as little known, some are of opinion that it is but a narrow Sea, but it is more probable to prove very wide.  
The form of this spacious Country is irregular in respect of its many turnings and windings, putting out and taking in again both by sea and land, The North part of it hath a Mediterranean Sea, wherein lie those great Islands, Portu-Rico, Hispaniola, Jamaica and Cuba, every way comparable to England, were it not for the more constant temperature of this our incomparable Climate. There are likewise at least a thousand lesser Islands, all lying within this Mediterranean Sea, which make many parts of the Continent of this Northe●ne America to be far distant one from another, in regard either of longitude or latitude, Newfoundland, the most North-east part as ye● discovered, is distant from the most northwest parts of Calfornia (which are likewise the farthest) as yet discovered, full 90 degrees amounting to 1800 league, either of them by little and little drawing nearer the one to the other, until they come within a degree and an half of the tropic of Cancer: and then from the most Southern part of Florida to Cullacan bordering upon the South-west seas of Nova Hispania, (which differ not much in latitude) the longitude both by sea and land doth not exceed above thirty degrees. And afterwards in some places more, in others less; this North America in a great disproportion falleth to the equinoctial, where from the most E●sterne part of Guiana to the most Western of Popaian, the longitude is computated at 35 d●grees, as for the latitude, that also differeth very much. The Northern corner reacheth to the 53 degree; the Nore-west, so far as it is yet discovered, but to 48, the main body of it falling between those corners (which by some are fitly compared to horns) riseth no farther than the 24 degree. The form of the South part of America beyond the equinoctial is no less irregular, the general description whereof I here forbear, as intending in this book to write only of the Northern part.  
Now for the method which I have proposed to myself in the particular description hereof, it is thus. I shall begin with the most Northern part thereof, which is Newfoundland; from whence keeping the Sea-coast, (the course I intend to observe constantly throughout this Discovery:) I shall forthwith fall upon our chief English plantations, and so taking view of Florida lying upon the Sea-coast for many hundred leagues, between Virginia and Nova-Histania, so far as the Mediterranean Sea will permit, I shall (God assisting) retu●ne again and survey the Islands great and small, coming in between the two parts of the Continent, which (as I said before) in some places being far more, in others far less, are divided the one from the other.  
Having done with the Islands, I am again to bend Westward, and according to the Sea-coast, to proceed with all the p●rts of that part of this North America, falling down to the equinoctial, adjoining to the South America, much la●ger and much richer than are the Islands, or the Northern side of the Continent: Though therefore Newfoundland, many other Isl●nds, and the next adjacent Regions of the Nor-east Continent (with which I am to begin) afford but very little that may invite us thither; yet I hope those who begin to read this Compendium, will either read it over, or at least passing over these Countries of much lesser worth, will fall carefully to peruse what here by me faithfully is related out of many approved Authors, concerning the pleasant habitations, exceeding fertility of the earth, abundant provisions in all kinds, and incredible treasure of many other kingdoms and Provinces, lying Southward and South-west down to the equinoctial: Yea, and if it should be granted (as it cannot be granted without condemning of folly and falsehood, more than 50 authors who have written more or less of this part of the New-World, & many hundred witnesses, who in several Islands and parts of this wide Continent have seen and enjoyed more than I have expressed thereof) yet with true Christians (who in some good measure understand what it is to live or die for ever) the preservation of many thousands of souls out of those millions of men who now fit in darkness and perish eternally for want of the light of the gospel, aught to be of so high esteem, and so prerious in their eyes, as that though the most, or all of the forenamed invitations should be wanting, yet they should be content, I say not, to part with all, but with some considerable portion of their estates, whereby a strong Navy might withal conveniency be s●nt into such places of this North America, as the wisdom of Parliament shall judge meetest for the propagating of the gospel. Now to proceed in a particular description according to the former proposed methed.   


Newfoundland.  
WHen it was first found out by the English, it was thought to have been the most Eastern part of the North-continent, but afterwards it was disco●ered to be an Island, one of the greatest in the world, a 110 leagues long, and in most places near as many broad. To the South and East it hath the great Ocean beating upon it. To the North it is separated by a narrow sea from the most North unknown continent of America. To the West from Nova Francia by the Sea called St. Laurence gulf. Concerning the goodness of the soil, and the fitness for a constant habitation (though M. Whitburne in a book written of Newfoundland doth in both the foresaid respects, and some other over highly commend it: Yet upon better inquiry of those who have formerly written of it as al●o from those who usually resort thither, I find it to be a convenient habitation for summer, but not for Winter by reason of the exceeding coldness, and the deep overcovering of the land with snow, the waters with hug● shelves of Ice, whereby they are debarred of necessary provisions, such (as in somm●r time) the Island affordeth i● great abundance and variety, namely, land-fowl and waterfowl, fresh fish and salt fish, upon the matter, all the sustentation that the Island affordeth. And yet the yearly rich commodity of sea-fish, almost of all kinds, which are there usually in great quantities taken and transported into Europe, cause not only us, but all other neighbouring Nations yearly to resort thither: And because the constant return of that fi●h commodity is worth 200000l. at the least yearly; there hath been diverse contentions between us English and other Nations, who (whether we would or no) have taken full liberty of fishing there, and of late it hath been agreed (and in some sort well observed) that every Nation should peaceably enjoy those Ports and fishing plac●s, of which they should first be possessed. This great Island affordeth many conveni●nt and safe harboroughs for ships. Towards the North, the first North●rne Port n●arest to the South, which is cape Raz is Rennosa lying a little above the 46 degree, than Aqua-Forte two leagu●s more to the North; then Punta de Farilham as many more.  
Much higher neare upon the 28 degree are thorn Bay, than the B●y Conception half● a degr●e higher to the North. Then Bay Blanch and Bay Orge lying between the degrees of 50 and 51. From Cape de Raz on the southside toward the West, are as many Ports of far greater note, and much more advantageous for taking greater store of fish, namely, Abram Trepessa 2 leagues distant from the said cape: then Chincheca 2 more. St. Marys Haven 6 leagues more, Much more to the West within 15 scruples of 47 degrees of latitude is Presenea: After which follow five small Islands, known by the name of Saint Peter, than Port Basques, than Claire Bay, all safe and convenient Harbours, remote the one from the other about forty miles.  
The most Western cape of Newfoundland are de Raye and Anguille, from whence the Land turneth again to the North-east, from the degree of 48 to 52, in all which space I read of no Haven but that of St. George 12 leagues distant from Anguille Promontory; neither yet is that of any great repute, because not safe to come unto.  
It is to be observed before we pass to the next adjoining part of the Continent, which is New France: that this Island is on all sides (as yet any thing completely discovered) found to have many other Islands great and small thereunto belonging, on the North-east side, besides many very small, rather rocks than Islands; there are two of a pretty extent of good use and note, to wit, Bacalaos upon the 49 degree, and Aves somewhat above the 50. To the South many leagues distant lie four great Islands, viz. Grand Banek, Vert bank, Banquereaux and Sable, between the degrees of 43 and 46 (which to have named may suffice) as being of little worth, save only for fishing, wherein they are reputed not inferior to Newfoundland. Between which likewise and Nova Francia to the West and northwest, in a kind of Mediterranean Sea (Known by the name of Saint Laurence gulf) lie the Isles of Britton, Tangeaux, Brion, Ramees, and Natiscotec, not so big, but as profitable and more pleasant and apt for habitation than any of the former. These differ much in regard of their several distances towards the West from Newfoundland; but they differ more in respect of latitude, some part of Isle Britton falling to the 46 degree, whereas the most Northern part of Natiscotec ariseth to the 50, between which two Islands lie the other three, environed with Seas very narrow and shelvy, rocky, and therefore to be carefully observed by those who trade among them.   

Nova Francia.  
NOw to proceed with the Continent. The most Easterly as yet discovered, part of it go●th by the name of New France (not that it was first discovered by the French, for that was done long before, Anno 1497. by John and his son Sebastian Cabot, employed by Henry the seventh, King of England, to that purpose) but because a more full Discovery hath since been made by two worthy Frenchmen, Quarteri and Champl●ri, from whose much approved relations, I shall here briefly impart unto you what I conceive requisite for us to know.  
These two worthy Frenchmen tell us that all the discovery they mad● of this part of America (more than ever, as yet hath been made) was by the great River Canada, falling from the West about an hundred leagues into the North part of St. Laurence gulf, and by the Southern Ocean Westward.  
I shall therefore in this my bri●fe Relation, trace them in their long Voyages this way, beginning with that part of New France that bordereth on both sides Canada, where they made their first entrance: Only let me take notice of some Promontories, lying be●ween the South Ocean and Canada River, not much frequented, for that the coming in unto them hath often proved dangerous, the seas being in most places very narrow, by reason of the foresaid great Islands, and many more which formerly did, and now doth cause them who trade thither to steer a more safe course (above the said Islands) more to the North-east, between them and Newfoundland. They are known by these names, Cape de Esperance, and Bay de Chaleux, somewhat above the 48, Port Gachepe upon the 49, Cape de Bontoneriers, and Cape Evesque between the degrees of 50 and 49. From which last Cape beginneth the fall of Canada, best known, and most usually used by the westside of Natiscot●●, whereunto answereth on the North-side the River of Cheschedec more than thirty leagues distant (for such is the wideness of that River there affirmed to be.) The next cape on the southside whereunto the River Magaret on the North answereth is de chat remote from the former near thirty leagues. Above these somewhat near opposite: But 20 leagues remote from the former, lie the Rivers Lesquemin to the North, and Montonne to the South. The farthest navigable parts of this great river are on the North: Tadousac a good haven at the falling of the heady River Sagu●nay from the northwest as yet but very little discovered, and the River May on the southside.  
The other part of Canada not navigable with any great vessel (was yet att●mpted by Quartery to good purpose) and after upon a further search Champlany is affirmed to reach yet 300 l●agues to the South-west. The principal places by them observed, are Orleans and Sault, thirty leagues from Tadousac, then follow Quebec 20, Mary River 60, Lake Pierto 100 leagues more.  
Now concerning the goodness of this soil and climate, the condition of the Natives, and what hath been here performed by the French. It may suffice to know that the land o● the North side of Canada from the fall of it to the River Saguenay (as far as is yet discovered,) is found to be mountenous, woody and barren; besides, the coming up the River on that side is found much more dangerous than that ●o the South, which also in many places requireth careful circumspection, But then the land is much more fruitful and convenient to trade for Bevours and rich furs (the grand commodity here to be expected) by reason there are more store of Natives to trade withal: In the general, all this part of the country is judged to be over cold in Winter, to be well inhabited, though yet it be constantly affirmed that the Natives might live very plentifully there, were they not careless in sowing, planting, and making timely provisions; and so prodigal in spending in two or three months, what might serve them the whole year. Sure it is that the French have taken a great opinion of it, for besides many voyages formerly made, they have from the year 1608. to the year 1616. made six voyages under the conduct of the forenamed Champlany, and it is no less certain that the French have continual trading thither as finding good return, especially for Bevours skins.  
The other part of New France adjacent to the South Ocean, beginning where we came up in Saint Laurence gulf, on the westside of Isle Britton, are Port Camseau, and Port de Savelette somewhat above the 45 degree of latitude, then half a degree more to the South follow Bay de Toutes, and Port Elaine; The first full thirty, the second near fifty leagues from Savelette; then Bay Senne, Margurite River, and Cape have, all these follow one after another for a degree farther: Yet more to the South-west follow Port de Rosignall, Cape de Sable, Port Courante, and Cape Forcu, one after another for the space of 35 leagues. From Cape Forcu beginneth a great Inlet Sea called Bay Francoyse, of 15 leagues wide at the first entrance, but after a while it is narrowed more and more as it runneth backward towards the North-east, full 30 leagues into the Continent. And into this bosom of Sea are many good havens, but that the coming up unto them is not so good: They are known by these names, Marys Bay, Port royal, and Port aux Mines about five leagues distant the one from the other.  
And here it is to be observed, that the turning in of the foresaid bosom of the sea near as far to the North-east as the Gulf● of Saint Laurence, environeth that part of New France, as the French call Cade. On the South-west side of Bay Francoyse, are Cape Range, Saint John's River, Port Coquilles, and the River Croix.  
Now the temprature of this part of this Country is better than the other, as not being so excessive cold, but the goodness of the soil is in the general not so good as is that part which is called Canada, lying on the southside of the River Canoda.  
Yet the French have taken so good liking thereof, that the Lord de Monts, and the Lord de Poutrincourt have made some voyages thither in person, and spent great part of their estates in settling Plantations there, whereof there was great hope of good success, until the year 1611. and 1613. the then Queen Regent of France (who hath since proved the firebrand of Christendom, after the murder of her Husband Henry the fourth by Jesuits) sent some of that hellish fraternity thither in favour of her holy Father the Pope, and the King of Spain, to disturb the Plantations (as no doubt her dear daughter, our now dreadful Queen) hath, doth, and will unhappily endeavour to do, ●y the counsel of her greatest favourites Spanish pensions, especially if we shall presume to plant or trade in those much richer Southern Countries, which the Spaniard proudly challengeth as his inheritance.  
Touching the Native Inhabitants here, I will say no more, but that they are much of the same condition with those who border about Canada; men of no religion, living without God in the world, deluded and captivated by Satan and their Priests (which they call Autonoins.  
The Country in summer affordeth them sufficient food, but for want of due provision for Winter, they then are often exceedingly pinched, and sometimes die miserably for lack of sustenance.  
It is here to be noted, that all this South part of the Continent known by the name of New France. From Cape Britton to Cape Crux, was in the year 1621. granted by King James to Sir William Alexander, a Scotchman, who sent forth one since to discover it, and gave it a new name of New Scotland, but we hear of nothing of worth performed by him, or those who were employed by him.   

New England.  
THe next part of the Continent adjoining to New France, (formerly accounted a parcel thereof, is New England) lying between the degrees of 41 and 45. The most No●th-east part of it, (as yet least discovered by our English,) beginneth at the River Penobscot, which the French call Pentegovet, near to the River Haute. The next are the Rivers Kinibequi over against isle Bacchus 13 leagues, than Willims Bay 15 more, and Tragabigsana▪ alias, Cape Anna five more. But the most safe, and most convenient comings in, as lying nearest to the English Plantations are Hender Bay, Accomack, and Milford Haven, near Cape Cod, all within 34 leagues of Cape Anna, opposite to the Bristol Plantation. The Natives bordering near these Ports have divers names, and have many little Villages, whereof Sagadehoc, Mascosqueck, Penobscot, and the Mattahunts inhabiting two pleasant Islands are chief.  
The greatest part of the country (as our countryman captain John Smith reporteth) aboundeth with variety, and store of wholesome cattle, fowls, fish, fruits, rich furs, and timber for service; whereunto having added the excellent fertility of the soil for all manner of culture, and the sweet and wholesome temperatue of the climate; He doubteth not to compare New England with the most approved Countries of Europe. And I find his commendation seconded, if not exceeded by the Company of Adventurers for the Plantation there. For the goodness of the soil they compare it to Devonshire. For the temperature of the air to France; but yet upon farther enquiry from divers of our English who have been there, and have taken a more exact view lately of this country: I am certainly informed that in regard of fertility it cometh far short of old England.  
And now will I very briefly impart unto you (as far as is requisite) what hath been performed by our Nation in those parts.  
In the year 1606. King James did under the Great seal Licence a Plantation there, which was undertaken by some Noble men, and some M●rchants, conditionally that neither should plant within an hundred miles the one of the other. The first Colony consisting of an hundred husbandmen, sent at the charge, for the most, of the Lord chief Justice Popham, under the government of George Popham, in the year 1609. entered the great River Saga de Hoc, and by the banks of the said River settled themselves, where they continued for the space of one year, and then returned into England, for that they were not able to provide for themselves, by reason of the death of both the Pophams, by whose care and charge they were chiefly governed and sustained. But their unexpected return, was so displeasing to many other Adventurers here, as that for a good while after, they cast off all care of any further Plantation there.  
Hereupon the French fell upon those parts, but they were easily, and suddenly beaten out by captain Argall.  
After this, with far greater preparation was captain Hobson sent forth out of England, with two of those Natives, who were intended for Interpreters, (as having gotten some little knowledge of our English tongue) in the time of more than two years' abode here. But the voyage was frustrated, by reason that the Natives than were very much incensed with our English men, because one Hunt an Englishman, had not long before most perfidiously allured twenty of them into his ship, under pretence of Commerce, and so perfidiously carried them away, and sold them for slaves unto the Spaniard.  
A third and fourth voyage was performed in the year 1614, and 1615, by Captain John Smith, but those neither with any good success, for in the former, he neither discovered any golden or silver Mines, nor yet found any such useful Whales as he expected. And in the other voyage, he was taken by the French Pirates, and by them for a while detained.  
A fifth voyage accompanied with a Colony of 19 families, set forth from Plymouth in the beginning of September, in the year 1620. and on the nineteenth of November following, they entered a nook of the Sea ten miles from Cape Cod, and there they stayed until the sixteenth of December. But not liking the place, they removed to another more fertile and more commodious, over against Milford Haven, where having built them a town, called Plymouth, they have continued for more than twenty years. And since within these twelve years' last past, many hundredth of families have resorted either to new Plymouth, or they have made other plantations, as those of bristol near Cape Anna, and Connock near Hinders Bay, where they have continued a good while, every year better and better accommodated with necessary provision for life, and not without some indifferent intercourse and correspondency with the Natives, upon whom they have thus far wrought, toward the bringing them to God, as that they usually acknowledge the God of the English, to be good, but their god (which they call Tanto) to be nought. And yet for fear of the devil by whom they are expressly prohibited, they dare not frequent our Plantatione, nor confer with our men about Christian Religion, so often as they would. Neither indeed is it likely our men should be able to do any good upon those (in respect of a happy conversion to Christ) so extremely seduced and hardened infidels, unless they were better able to give them Law, and by a holy violence compel them as it were to come in, which may be done without any colour of injustice, or cru●lty, as tending both to their temporal and eternal felicity; especially unless they had a greater power and means to take away their young children, whereby they might become ours, and so be brought to the knowledge of Christianity, which they might successfully impart unto their miserable seduced parents, at least they would be sure to sticks fast to th●t most blessed and saving doctrine they learned in their youth. And this rule ought generally to be observed in all other our Plantations in America, either made, or to be made.  
I might add many other general and particular observations concerning New England, but it would not agree with my former proposal, which was not to write all of any place, but somewhat of every place. Wherefore (leaving those who are desirous of farther information to many English Authors, who have more fully writ of that country) I proceed to the Dutch Plantation.   

New netherlands.  
AS the bounds of New England westward, and by the South endeth with the Promontory Malebare: So the Dutch Plantation beginneth there, and extendeth itself more Westward, and more Southward toward Virginia. Yet was first found out in the year 1609. by Master Henry Hudson an Englishman, employed by the States of the Low-countries for a discovery in those parts: After which Discovery returning to Amsterdam, he was next year by the Merchants thereof sent forth again with a ship furnished with such commodities as were fittest to truck with the Natives, for number far exceeding those of New England. The continent upon the Sea-coast from the foresaid Maleb●r bending a good space to the South-West. And then a little to the northwest hath adjoining four Islands, Petakonocke, Kotget, Christian, and Block; whereof the third Christian, is of good note for store of timber, abundant fowl and fish. Within the Continent lieth the great River Nassaw, whose first entrance is two miles wide, and for eight miles it cotinneth very Navigable, but after becometh shallow. The country adjoining on either side is very pleasant and fruitful, inhabited by the Wapavockes and Nalucantos.  
Then followeth the River Siccanamos, the country whereunto adjoining is possessed by the Pequets, professed enemies to the English. Then the River Virresche, on the westside whereof bending to the North, lie the Sequini, and Novasis. Between these Nations, and the Matawaces, who live by fishing▪ there lieth an Archipellagus, wherein are many Islands: On the North-side of the Dutch Plantation springeth the river Machicham, called the great North river, which running thorough one of the widest parts of that part of the continent, as yet discovered, affordeth convenient habitation for the Aquamachites, and the Manahots on the East-side. For the Sanachans and Tappans on the westside. Near of this great River, the Dutch have built a Castle of great use to them, not only for the keeping under of the Natives adjoining, but likewise for their more free trading with many of Florida, who usually come down the River Canida, and so by land to them. A plain proof, Canida is not far remote.  
There is yet another River, not fully discovered, bigger than the former, called the South River; It lieth westerly by South toward Virginia; The entrance into it is very wide, having Cape May to the East, and Cape Hinlopen to the West, lying about the degrees of 41, and from thence the Sea-coast inclineth by little and little somewhat more than two degree to the South. A point necessarily to be observed by those who sail into those seas for avoiding of shelves and sands. The chief inhabitant lying on the East-side of this River to the East are the Sicones, and the Naraticons: On the West are the Minquaans', the Senenquaans', and many more.  
And now concerning New Netherlands convenient temperature, the goodness of the soil, or commodities which either sea or land afford. I need say no more, but that in all these respects it differeth not much from New England, only I must in these four things give it the precedency, that the land in general is richer, the fields more fragrant with flowers, the timber longer, and therefore more fit for building and shipping, the woods fuller of Bevors, and the waters of Salmon and Sturgeon.   

Virginia.  
VIrginia is next adjoining westerly to New netherlands, it extendeth itself with relation to the Sea-coast, from North to South, from the degree of 39 to 33. And it is divided into two parts, the Northern and the Southern; the Southern was first found out by Sir Walter Raleigh, in the year 1586. And by him in honour of our most gratiou● Queen Elizabeth called Virginia; from whence the other part also is denominated, what success his Discovery had or hath, I shall impart unto you in its due place, so soon as I have done with the Northern part, which in the year 1606, from the degree 37 to 39 began to be inhabited by our English, and hath ever since continued, sometime in better, sometime in worser estate, but for some years last past, for many temporal respects beyond imagination prosperous.  
The summer is here as hot as in Spain, especially in June, July and August, but it is for the most part greatly mitigated by a brisk Easternely wind, and other winds coming ordinarily from the Sea-coast; from December to March it freezeth sharply, but is not usually of any long continuance, some years more, and some years less, (as in other regions) and though here sometime drought, sometime rain do exceed, (yet do they not so exc●ed,) but that the Inhabitants affording a due care and endeavour, may and do reap the fruits of the land in great variety.  
There is but one only coming up unto this Norther part of Virginia, which is by a wide arm of the sea called Chesapea●ke, bounded on the North, and on the South with two great Promontories, whereof the Northern taketh denomination from King Charles, the Southern from Prince Henry.  
It extendeth itself from South to North (accompanied well near for two hundred miles with the ebbing and flowing of the sea) so as it is navigable more than fifty miles; there falleth into it, as it passeth from the northwest, five principal Rivers, fed and maintained by many other Rivers, which I purposely omit, these being sufficient, (lying as they do, some 25. miles asunder) to fructify and replenish with store of corn, grass, and other fruits, almost all the known parts of North Virginia, which our English either now do, or shall undoubtedly by God's assistance shortly enjoy.  
The first River is Pawhatan, which springing out of the mountains of Monocham, and afterwards increased by divers other Rivers, becometh so wide and so deep, as it is Navigable about an hundred miles from its fall, into the grand stream Chesapeacke, not far from Cape Henry: Either side of this River is inhabited by diversity of Natives, whereof on the North-side are the Chicahemans, the Wenankes, and the Paspaheyens, whereof the first are able to bring near two hundred men to the war, the second an hundred, the third forty. And here forty miles from Cape Henry lieth James town, our best hold: On the southside, the chief are the Nansamunds', consisting of about forty men of war, the Chesapeackes an hundred, the Apamatucks sixty, and either of these and others less considerable, by reason of their far smaller numbers, have their several petty Kings, which they call Weroances.  
The second River distant from Pawhatan to the North, is Pamaunke, at first small, but after greatly increased by the access of other Rivers; all the Natives on either side this River, cannot bring above 150 men to the war.  
The third is Toppahanocke, Navigable about 150 miles, the Natives lying on both sides of it, whereof the toppanahoches are not much more than 300 serviceable men.  
The fourth is Patowomeke, a very wide and deep River, Navigable 140. miles, by reason that divers other Rivers fall into it, and it is on either side, in regard of the commodiousness, and pleasantness of the soil much inhabited, and is able out of three Villages only, Adigcomoco, Onawmament, Noyowane, to send 350, and as many more out of others.  
The last and least River is called Pawtunxt, the Inhabitants whereof on either side cannot bring into the field above two hundred men.  
There are yet other Rivers, on the other side Eastward, all which fall likewise into the great River Chesapeacke, but they are of no great note, because not Navigabl●, but the Natives inhabiting about them, for proportion of ground, are as many as on the other side; the number of their fighting men are about four hundred, so as the whole number of their men of war in the North part of Virginia, do not exceed three thousand, who being no better armed than with bows and arrows, and not daring to approach our great Ordnance, no nor our Muskets neither, if there be any store of them, less than three hundred of our men may easily beat away, and keep them under.  
And now I shall acqu●int you with such things as the earth bringeth forth of her own accord, as also what grain and other fruits careful husbandry may produce.  
Store of grass in many places there is not, not because the soil is unfit to yield it, but that it is hindered by the over-shadowing of trees, which almost in every place groweth into great abundance, a thing easily to be amended, bycutting down good store of them, as appeareth plainly in some of our Plantations, where this course being carefully performed: They have besides store of grass, store of English and Indian grain; yea, I have been credibly informed by divers persons of good worth, that they have many fields belonging to a Plantation, where the ground yieldeth greater increase upon bare tillage than ours here in England doth, with the most chargeable, and most painful husbandry.  
Among the fruitful trees of the wood, the prime are the Oak, Walnut, Mulberry, Prune Damson trees, of the fruit whereof stamped together, the Natives make of the drier part that which serveth them as well as bread; and with the liquid part that which contenteth them as well as beer: They have also store of Cherries, and Grap●s greater than ours, though nothing so sweet, which undoubtedly may be justly imputed to the want of due husbandry, in setting, grafting, and pruning them. It hath besides diverse other trees, which though they bear no fruit, yet are they no less profitable for building and other uses, as namely the Cedar, the Cyprus, and the Sa●affras.  
It sends forth also of its own accord great variety of herbs and roots, very useful both for food and physic.  
The grain which the Natives set, in the place where great trees ●●ood, a year or two before they had first burnt them down, and then rooted them up, are chiefly West-Indian Wheat, and pease, which being set in April, (Four wheat and two pease grains, in several holes distant four foot each from other;) in August they receive a wonderful increase, every stalk bearing usually two or three ears, and every ear two hundred, some five hundred grains, which are as big, and as sweet, as our Rounsevals; but our countrymen (besides the Indian grain) do now sow in great quantity our Wheat, Barley, pease and Oats, and receive usually as you have heard, a greater increase than our English land affordeth.  
The Beasts which the North part of Virginia, of itself offordeth, whose flesh yield wholesome nourishment, are upon the matter only dear, of several kinds, Castor's, Hares, and Squirrels as big as our Conneys, and with either of these it aboundeth. But besides these, our Plantations do at this present so abound with Neat and Swine, as that they feed more plentifully on them than they need; and as I have been credibly informed by divers worthy inhabitants, that they can, upon occasion spare sufficient, beef, pork, turkeys, Hens, and saltfish, with such store of grain as may sufficiently victual any Navy of ours which shall be employed that may.  
The flying fowl there, such as are for prey, are Eagles and divers hawks; for food there rre partridges, Pigeons turkeys, blackbirds, Thrushes, and in the Winter (though but little in the Summer) they do abound with Water-fowles of all sorts, Swans, Cranes, Geese, Ducks, and many more, whom we of Europe never knew. For Fish, there are Sea-calves, Salman, Trout, E●les, Soles, Herrings, Mullets, perch; and of all kind of shellfish, far greater and better than are ours.  
Now as concerning the condition of the Natives, it may suffice to know that some few of them, as the sasquesahanoxes, who lie most Northerly about two miles from the grand River Chesepeacke, are Giants in comparison of us; that other, as the Wickocomacks are Dwarfs, though for the most part they are of a competent stature, borne white, but turning tawny by continual painting of themselves; they are strong and nimble of body, and well enured to endured Winter and summer; In Winter they lie in the woods by a great fire, clothed with the hairy skins of dear and Castor's, in summer with smooth skins.  
In the year 1606. at the charge of some Nobles and Citizens, under the Government of Master Neoport, a Colony of about an hundred men, was sent into this North part of Virginia▪ The first part where they began to build and plant, was at Cape Henry, where at the first they were kindly rece●ved by the Natives, but it continued not long, for within a while they refused to supply them with any provision of victuals, and in the end they set upon them both by treachery and force, to subdue them, which they very hardly withstood, being almost fa●●ished, and had undoubtedly all forthwith perished, had not there then a new supply of an hundred and twenty more men, and of proportionable provision happily arrived out of England, under the conduct of the foresaid Master Neoport, in whose absence Captain Smith was governor; but this was but a short refreshing, by reason that a great part of their provision was consumed by casualty of fire, neither was there any good agreement between the chief Officers there, or such a continued supply hence as was requisite, so as they fell again into a very hard condition, being extremely pinched with famine, and daily assaulted by the Natives, in so much as they were all resolved to have retured into England, had it not been for the Lord De Laware, by whose coming with store of all provision, they were comforted and supported: And so they continued in a much bettering estate, under the Command of Captain●Smith, Master Dale, and Master Gates: Captain Smith affirmeth that at his departure, he left there near five hundred well provided with victual, and all manner of ammunition; which by the coming of Master Dale and Master Gates was made as good again. And in this flourishing increasing condition, they continued from the year 1610, unto 1621., in which year they lost by an unexpected treacherous surprisal of tae Natives, three hundred and forty, and had been utterly destroyed, had not James tow escaped by a Virginian, who had got some little knowledge in Christianity, but since they have abundantly recovered that loss, being now more than a thousand, and commanding the Natives as they please: Many other remarkable passages touching this part of Virginia, are to be found in captain smith's Discourse thereof.  
The greater and more fertile part of Virginia is the Southern, found out (as I said) by Sir Walter Raleigh, and since amply described by our countryman Master Harcourt, who affirmeth that there are great store of dear, Conneys, and big squirrels, which afford very sweet and wholesome nourishment, and no less abundance of fowl, as Peacocks, Partridges, Stock-doves, Cranes, Hernes, Swans, Geese; as also of Fish, as Sturgeon, Herring, rays, Mullets, Plaice, Soles, Trouts, eels, and many more, beside infinite store of all kind of shellfish, and all of these very useful for man's sustentation: There are likewise in this Southern part, many Merchantable commodities, besides ample provision of almost all things necessary for shipping, which with a competent supply of men and Ammunition from England, might within a short time, by God's blessed assistance, command the Northern parts of America, where would be found silver and gold sufficient, though they never went over the Line, to abate the overswelling greatness of the Spaniard, by whom the Papacy is only supported, and all Protestant Churches at this present so extremely perplexed. There was in the year 1546, a small Colony sent into this part of Virginia, at the charge of Sir Walter Raleigh, but finding themselves not able long to resist the Natives, they returned into England.  
A Second Expedition was undertaken in the year 1585., by Sir Richard Grinvill, who continued not long there, but left a Colony of an hundred and seven under the command of Sir Raphael Lane, who being greatly distressed by the Natives, were next year brought back again by Sir Francis Drake.  
The last voyage we read of, was undertaken at the charge of the said Sir Walter Raleigh, by Master With, 1587., who finding the former Colony gone, and himself not able to make good the Plantation, returned.   

Florida.  
THE next adjacent country unto Virginia, to the West and Southwest is Florida, containing a very large tract of ground, not yet fully discovered, it hath the Island Cuba to the South, and runneth South-west to the River de Palmas, about forty miles distant from Panuco, a Province of Nova Hispania. The temperature of the air differeth not much from that of Castille in Spain, it is for the most part very fertile, but it seemeth not to have in it any rich mines, either of gold or silver, or not to have been regarded by the Natives, who not long since would not take the pains to take up any of the great store of gold and silver, which was usually cast upon that coast, by reason of many shipwrecks which the Spaniard suffered in bringing such treasure thorough the dangerous Straits of Bahema from Nova Hispania, and the South of America; the soil is as fertile, if not more fertile than any part of Virginia, and aboundeth with greater store and varie●y of flesh, fish, fowl and fruit, than that doth. Great store of gold and silver is found there, which they who have written of Florida, impute rather to frequent shipwreck, than to any Mines growing there, because they have far the greater store near the Sea-coast, though yet there be a constant report of many golden Mines in the Apalaci mountains, which divides Florida, from the South part of Virginia, but it is certain that many of the seashores afford store of Amber Grise.  
The Inhabitants are of a tawny colour, of great stature, and well compacted bodies, very expert Archers, exceeding active, fierce and manly in their manner of assault.  
Their Religion is the same, or not much differing from that of their Neighbours, a mere worship of Devils, wherein they are greatly deluded by their Priests, who are great Magicians.  
They hate the Spaniard extremely, more willingly they entertain and join their forces with the French, and other Christian Nations against them. They consist of many petty Governments, which usually infeft and weaken one another, in that respect easy to be subdued, though they were better provided for war than they are.  
The Spaniard, as also the French, have made many voyages into Florida.  
The first Spanish Expedition was undertaken in the year 1512. from the Isle of Portorico, by Portius, from whom it received the name, for that the face of the Country hath a resemblance of a continual spring, but this Expedition proved to be of none effect.  
A second voyage was undertaken in the year 1520, by Vasques, from Hispaniola, who performed nothing memorable there, save only this infamous act of inviting many of the Natives into his ships, where once ab●ord, he hoist sail, and carried them into miserable bondage.  
A third voyage was made to as little purpose, by Narvesius, Anno 1526, who stayed so long in the search of the South-west part of Florida, which is the most barren part, as they were fain to eat one another.  
The most remarkable was undertaken by Ferdinando à Soto, from the year 1536, unto 1541, in which time he with his army of nine hundred foot, and five hundred horse, were the greater part consumed, having not found out (what they chiefly sought after) any golden or silver mines; the remainder of his souldidiers, which were not a fourth part of those he brought from Cuba, were after his death under the conduct of Ludovicus Moscosus, brought into Nova Hispania, not without great difficulty, being often fiercely set upon, and prosecuted by the Natives. After which very chargeable and unprosperous voyage of Hernandus the Spaniard for many years did intermit any further search of Florida, which indeed was never throughly by them, as having searched no further than that part of the country, which lieth opposite to the gulf of Nova Hispania, and not within and beyond the Straits of Bohema, lying towards Virginia, which is by many degrees the more fertile soil, and most abounding with treasure, and rich merchantable commodities.  
After this the French with two of the King's ships, every way well provided, by the procurement of Colinus (that most worthy admiral of France,) under the conduct of Ribaldus, set forth to Florida, in the year 1542, where they arrived within two months at the River of Dolphines, lying about the 30 degree, and from thence following the Sea-coast towards the North, they came to a very safe Port, which they named Port Riall, near unto which they built Charles Fort, about the degree of 32, near adjoining to the Sea-coast of Virginia, But by reason of great civil war that as then happened very fierce in France, a long expected supply being not sent from thence, a mutiny arose among his soldiers, so as Ribaldus, though ha was well entertained, and supplied by the Natives, was enforced to return into France, after some discovery made of the North-east part of Florida, not without the loss of some men, though of more money; And in his return (for want of victuals) they killed one of their own men, and had hardly ever again recovered France, but that they were unexpectedly furnished with some victuals by an English ship.  
After this the civil war ceasing in France, and Colinus the admiral returning again into grace with the King, Laudonerius the twentieth of May 1544, set forth with three ships well furnished for Florida, where he arrived the twentieth of June, and was friendly received by the Natives, but could not find any gold or silver Mines, though he spent much travel and time in search after them, so long as his provision was all spent; And the Natives growing both unable, and unwilling to supply him any longer, he was resolved to have returned into France, if the foresaid Ribaldus had not again arrived there with thre● small ships out of France; whose expected coming as it was very joyful to the French, so the Natives seemed to be highly pleased therewith, as four of their petty Kings, the Kings of Homoloa Seravatri, Almacam, Malica and Castri, came forth to congratulate Ribaldus arrival, and promised to conduct the French unto the mountains of Apalactri, where store of red mettle was to be had, which they supposed to be gold: But this great hope of the French soon vanished, by reason of the Spaniards coming suddenly upon them with great ships every way well prepared, upon whose approach the French stole away to sea, but were forthwith pursued by the Spaniard, whom though they as then escaped, yet were they by a violent tempest, after shipwreck and loss of some of their men, again cast upon the coast of Florida, about six and twenty miles higher to the North-east towards Virginia, where they were forth with set upon by the Spaniard, beaten out of their Forts, and almost all cruelly slain, to the number of six hundred, among which Ribaldus the governor was one, though he yielded himself among other conditions, to have his life spared; Laudonerius 〈◊〉 ●●me few of the French escaped hardly to their ships 〈…〉 returned into France, having cast off all future hopes of 〈◊〉▪ which was now 〈…〉 dispose of the cruel Spaniard; neither 〈◊〉 the French 〈◊〉 (for that he greatly disliked, if not hated 〈◊〉, and such were these that were ●laine in 〈…〉 slaughter of his people, as ever af●●●●o much as attempt the least revenge of their blood, which yet two years after one monsieur Gurgius, a private man, at his own charge with 280 men transported in three ships, w● most v●liantly undertaken, and no less happily effected, by the help of the Natives, who upon his first arrival, out of an inveterate hatred to the Spaniard, their insolent outrageous opposers, joined with him to the slaughter, and utter extirpating of them out of Florida; and yet for all this complete victory, the valiant Gurgius, though earnestly invited by the Natives, would not venture with so small a force, to stay long in Florida, as knowing very well that the bloody revengeful Spaniard might in a short time from Cuba, Hispaniola, or other there near adjoining Plantations, invade him with far greater forces, and therefore within a while returned, where he found his worthy service to be so displeasing to the King and his Popish Lords, as he was fain a good while to hide himself, and to fly for his life, and after this we do not hear that the French did ever venture into Florida any more.  
Neither yet hath the Spaniard obtained any strong footing there, for as yet they have no town of any note toward the sea of Mexico, and but two which lie towards the Northern sea, the one (which is chiefest) called Saint Augustine's, the other Saint Matthewes, of great difficulty to be taken by a small Navy, but of great import, in regard of their great wealth to them that shall take them. And now will I only describe the Sea coasts of Florida from the Confines of Virginia unto Nova Hispania, far better known than the Inland countries to the North of Florida. The nearest River of Florida to Virginia of any note falling into the Ocean, is the River Jordaine, which lieth 32 degrees from the equinoctial; from whence, about 20 leagues downward to the South, towards the West lieth the Promonntory of S. Helen, near Port royal, which the French chose for the best and surest place to begin their Plantations; between which, Oristanum, Ostanum, and Cayagna, whereof the first is distant from S. Helen six leagues, the second from the first four leaguesthe third from the second, eight leagues: but how far Cayagua is from the River Jordaine, is not yet determined. From S. Helen to Dos Baxos haven is five leagues, from thence to the Bay De Asapo three leagues, thence to Cafonusum three, to Capula five, to Saron nine, to S. Alcany fourteen, to S. Peter twenty leagues. All bays and Rivers Westward falling down to the South from Peter Bay, which lieth about the 31 Degree to the South, to S. Matthews Town, is five leagues, and from thence ten more to S. Austin's, directly Southward, the land so falling in upon the Sea, from the degree of 30 and a half to 25, where the coming up of thestrait of Bahama beginneth, having to the west side those dangerous Rocks called Marteries, to the East those called Roques. between S. Austin's town and the Bay de Mosquito, is fifteen leagues. From thence to the point Ca●evarall, is 16 leagues; from thence to the River Ayz is full 20 leagues and from thence to martyrs near as many more; so as from Cape Francis (Near S. Matthewes town where the land beginneth to turn directly Southward) to martyrs (Coming up from the gulf of Mexico to the north-east parts of Florida) is near six degrees downward to the Line. Not far from martyrs Westward, lie Tortugas dangerous lands, where the Continent of Florida turneth again almost directly North for near 5 degrees: between which and Tacobago which lieth near to the top of that great Reach, lie the bays of Carlos, Tampa, Muspa, S. Joseph; Muspa is distant from Carlos thirteen leagues, to Tampa from Carlos as many more, from thence to S. Joseph are fifteen leagues, and from S. Joseph to Tacobago eighteen: between which at S. Joseph beginneth a great inlet of the Sea for more than twenty leagues to the North latitude, and more than forty four to the Western longitude; in the middle of which lieth ant, a safe haven, and of great import for those who intend a more full discovery of Florida, which as yet is but slenderly discovered towards the West; for between it and the most Northwest parts of Nova Hispania, which are distant the one from the other four hundred leagues, we read but of one safe Bay, called the Bay of the Holy Ghost near Cape de Crus, and some few Rivers for succour and supply of Navigators.  
The first River from Ante one hundred leagues is Nieves, from whence the River Flores is twenty, from the Haven of the Holy Ghost (which is of all the surest) To the River Flores is seventy leagues, from which to the River Piscadores is as many more: where the gulf of Mexico beginneth to turn from the West directly South, from the degrees of 29 to 25.  
I might here proceed with the description of Nova Hispania, (a country of highest esteem with the Spaniard, for riches and fruitfulness;) but having passed as far as the Northwest Seas of America will permit, I take it to be our best course to return back again to view the lands, and the more Southeast parts of the Continent, lying far nearer, and every way of as good consequence for the propagating of the gospel, and the settling of some weak Plantations which we have there already, for the continual sending forth more Colonies, and for the obtaining store of treasure, and many rich merchantable commodities.   

Cuba.  
THE first great island in our return lying most to the West, is Cuba, having Hispaniola Easternly to usward, distant from the first Eastern part thereof which is Cape Mayzi, twelve leagues, to the West it is divided from Nova Hispania by a long and large interposition of Sea, called Mexico; To the North it hath the Lucayicke Islands, The nearest parts to the South is the Island Jamaica.  
From the East promontory of Mazi to Cape Anthony full West it extendeth itself no less than 230 leagues but in breadth where it is largest it exceedeth not forty leagues, where narroest not fifteen, A very large Island and fruitful soil able abundantly to sustain many thousand men, for the Natives are well nigh utterly destroyed by the Spaniard, And the few Spanish inhabitants at this time there remaining are not able to make use of the fifth part thereof. The Climate is somewhat hot, but yet healthful and reasonable temperate, it is so over stored with kine as they kill them merely for their hides, and so with hogs as they know not what to do with them.  
It hath in it a cathedral, and a Monestery. To the East thirty leagues distant; and within ten leagues of the Northern Sea lieth a town called Baracoa near to which runneth the River Mares. To the North West likewise thirty leagues lieth Baiamo, which though it be an inland town yet it is well furnished with useful commodities, by means of the great river Cante which falleth into the Sea on the southside of the Island, A fourth town whereunto belongeth a good haven Porto del Principe lying to the Northside near forty leagues from Saint jages; On the Southfide more than fifty leagues from jages lieth the Town Spiritus Sanctus, And between these lie the great mountains Tarquino, Cape de Crus, and a great inlet of the Sea, the Land bending to the North, and to the North-east no less than a degree, but the coming up unto them (by reason of the many rocks and shelves) is somewhat dangerous.  
From hence being more than half the length of the Island unto Cape Anthony (the most Western promontory of great note with mariners.) On the southside also lieth the Town Seas, Port Xagua, and Cape Corrientes opportune places to harbour, and take in water, and wood. The West end of Cuba from Cape Anthony bendeth Northward where lie the organs observed by sailors to be dangerous touching upon in regard of many sands rocks, and shallows, but after the Land falling into the East not above nine miles from Habana there are two very convenient Ports Port Puercos and Port Marien, but of all the Ports of Cuba, Habana, on the Northside near the West end of the island is far the largest, the safest, and most renowned. It is strongly Fortified both by nature and by art, by a narrow coming up unto it by Sea, and with strong Castles, as it is thought to be invincible, and therefore hither as to a most secure harbour from all parts of America the Spanish Fleet meeteth yearly, and so being gathered together return about the beginning of September, with there far greater treasure collected, then considerable Forces to conduct it safely into Spain. Neither indeed is Habana so impregnable, but that (a Navy royal landing some of their Forces at Port Marien, or Port Puercos aforesaid may take both Town & treasure before the Spanish Navy can put from thence,) if they could in a seasonable time somewhat about September, light upon the Spanish Fleet. And if the Grandes of Spain, have (by reason of the large pension of 3. or 4000 pounds yearly paid to many pensioners here) such intelligence of an intendment that way, yet though we should miss of the Fleet for one year, we might be sure to seize upon the town, and so greatly straighten them in their yearly returns, and in few years become Commanders of those narrow Seas, through which their vast treasure is yearly conveyed.   

Hispaniola.  
HIspaniola lieth between the degree of eighteen and twenty one of the North latitude. The most East end of it at Cape Enganno, is very narrow: the most West end, between Saint Nicholas, to the North and Cape Dona Maria, to the Southside, is broader than any other part of the Island. The length from East to West 120. leagues, the breadth as it is related by Spanish Authors is 60. leagues where it is widest, where narrowest thirty. The temperature of the air till noon is somewhat over hot, but after continually temperate. The commodities of sugar, and Cow-hides are more abundaut here, then in any of these Islands. Acosta reporteth that from hence in the year 1587. were brought into Spain 9000. Chests of sugar, & they though kill their Beasts most for their hides, yet they multiply to fast upon them, and such is the increase of horse, and hogs, which sufficiently proveth the exceeding fertility of their soil, there having been neither Neat, horse nor hogs, in the whole isle, before it was stored by the Spanish, not above 150 years since.  
Now to begin the particular description, of the I'll, of the towns, Rivers, and Ports according to the several Provinces, as they lie from East to West, between North and South. The most Eastern Province called Hygvey is a rough, and mountainous place, yet well furnished, with variety of fruitful trees. To the South, lie two small Islands Catilina and Zybo well provided with good nature and store of cattle, as also the Island Saona of a larger extent, which though it be not now inhabited, yet it is very commodious for Ships to furnish themselves with several sorts of provision, it abounding with great store of fruits and wholesome cattle.  
The next province is Jagvagua upon the South Coast, wherein standeth San Domingo, the only chief City of the Island built by Bartholomeus Collumbus Anno 1494. on the East-side of the River Osama, but afterwards removed by Nicolas Obando to the Westside. It is neatly built and stately with stones, and environed with a strong wall. It is the seat of an Archbishop, and the place where the governor of the Island, and all the King's officers do reside, and but that it is not conveniently supplied with water, it might well pass for one of the best cities in all America. It flourished exceedingly in the preceding age, but since the finding out of Peru, it hath lost much of its spendour, as being less frequented by Merchants. The inhabitants hereof according to the Spaniards own relation, doth not exceed 600. families of Spaniards, the moors and mongrels (which are begot of Spanish and moors) amounting to as many more. It was taken in the year 1586 by Sir Francis Drake with 1200. men, but the spoil came far short of expectation, there being found great store of brass coin but little gold. To the North of this prime City, in the same Province is the City De La Conception, wherein is a cathedral and a monastery as also the town Gotuy. Not far from San Domingo, the Province of Cayagua beginneth, and extendeth itself on the South coast near 160 miles, and in this Province is Azna commonly called Compostella very rich in sugars, and five convenient havens Nizao, Formoso. Ocoa, Caligna, and (Yagnion, itself,) all greatly frequented especially Nizao, and Ocoa by the Dutch, for the abundance of sugar and hides, until of latter years, trading there hath been utterly prohibited, by the King of Spain, Upon this coast are three little Islands (little better than Rocks) Beta, Alta, Vela, frails, wherein though there be nothing worth observation, yet are they carefully to be observed for the preventions of shipwreck, The next Province to the West, and more to the North is Baoca very mountains, and so hard of access as it cost the Spaniard very dear before he could gain it. The most Southwest Province is Hanigvagia very plain, pleasant, and fruitful, wherein standeth Savana just opposite to Baqua, a small but very considerable Island to furnish navigators hath also in it, Cape Tuburo, and the promontory Dona, and many safe harbours for Ships. From the last of these, the Land turning to the East many leagues, admitteth of a great inlet of Sea, upon which bordereth Zagua, a Province no less fruitful, and pleasant than the former, in which standeth the town called Jaguana, well provided with store of excellent Salt. And near unto the North, is the Island Guanabo. The most Northwest is Cape Saint Nicholas, where beginneth the first Northside Province of the Island Marien, where Christophorus Columbus built Navidad, hereunto belong two Islands Mosquites and Port Palma the one to the East the other to the West. The next Province is Lawega real, extending itself 70 leagues in length twenty in breadth admirable rich in meadows and Pastures. Between this Northern Province and Yaquimo to the South lie to other, Cibao sometime abounding with golden mines, and Maguana with in comparable meadows, as being almost encompassed with two wide Rivers Niba, and Yaquen. There are belonging to this spacious Province two towns of good note Saint Jago and Port de Plata, besides four convenient havens Cape Francis, Port Riall, Mons Christi, and Port Isabella. The most north-east is Samana unto which belongeth one only haven of note bearing the same name.   

Lucaick lands.  
TO the North of Hispaniola and Cuba, between them and the Continent of Florida, lie the many small Lucaick lands, so near one another, as they make those Seas very rough, heady and dangerous: besides this, there is nothing worth noting in them. I shall therefore herein return the Readers whom it may concern (I mean those who are to pass those seas) to advise with that Map, which the most judicious Author Mr. De Laet hath made and placed in that his great and exact Collection of all America, almost out of all Authors, Latin, English, Spanish, Dutch, or French, who have written in this kind: From him (by whom I have been most assisted in this my short Compendium) they shall find their several names, and be sufficiently informed, how they fall between the forefaid lands and the Continent, which for me here to ins●rt, would be both needless and troublesome, they are so many, and of so little worth.   

Porto-Rico.  
Portorico lying to the North, short of the 19 Degree of the North latitude, is to the East of Hispaniola near sixteen leagues. To the West of Virgo, Gorda, and Anagado, the most West of the Carib lands seventeen leagues, from Cogui Bocoa, a Promontory of Vnezuella, in the Continent of America, to the north-east it is distant one hundred thirty leagues. The Climate is very pleasant, only sometimes in the months of December and January, it is infefted with too much rain; in June, July and August, with somewhat immoderate heat, and terrible tempests, which they call Huracanes. The land for the most part riseth and falleth with convenient small fruitful hills and valleys, though the fruitfulness thereof is much hindered with the overgreat store of Guiabo trees. The towns and Ports of this island are but few: about the middle of the North side lieth Porto-Rico, the only town of note, built after the Spanish fashion, and divided into fair streets: it hath in it a safe Haven for ships, a stately cathedral, and a Monastery: and though it hath no walls it is well fortified by land and sea: yet not so, but that it was taken by our country man the Earl of Cumberland, who found there a rich booty, and at least seventy great pieces of Ordnance, which he brought away Anno 1597. It hath since in the year 1625 been assaulted by Henricides the Dutch general, who though he demeaned himself very valiantly in the attempt, could not obtain it. The other Ports on the North side of the island, as Visa, Canaba, and Cabeca, to the East of Portorico, are not safe, as being exposed to the Northern tempests and shelves, and sands which lie before them. In the Northwest corner lieth Agada, a very oportune Haven to water in, between which and Portorico the Rivers Cami and Cabuco fall into the sea. Directly to the West side of the island, somewhat about the middle, lieth the River Guiabo, by which they pass to Saint Germin four leagues remote from the Western sea, the town is but small, and hath been often taken by the French. Between the harbour belonging to it, which is the mouth of Guiabo and Aguada, directly to the west side of the island lieth the Rock Zacheo, inconvenient and dangerous. There are other small villages in the Island but none other of great worth or note.  
On the Southside most to the West lieth Cape Roxo, near which our English have found some salt pits very useful for those who travail those parts. From Cape Roxo lie the havens of Guaima, Xaria; Guadianilla, and Guaiama distant five or six leagues the one from the other. On the Southeast-side lie the small Islands Bieque, on the East coast, then are only these two Ports Saint James and Yabucoa. The prime commodities of this Island are great store of Sugars, Ginger Cassia, and neat's hides. It did abound with silver and gold, but those mines are either exhausted, or name for want of work men.   

Burmudos.  
THere is another Island called Burmudos (which because it falleth much in the same longitude with Porto Rico, though many degrees distant to the North in regard of latitude) I must either here insert or leave out. It lieth within a degree and a half of South Virginia, not so easy to be come unto (in regard it hath but one and that none of the best Ports to land in. Besides it is (as much if not more than any other place infested with most tempestuous fearful winds called Huracans. The soil and temperature is far inferior to any part of Virginia, and yet is it inhabited no less than with a thousand English: Who no doubt when the wisdom of the kingdom shall think convenient to send a strong Navy into America) will be forward to remove and improve their pla●●●●ion into a more convenient and richer soil.   

Caribb Islands.  
TO the the East of Porto-Rico begin the Carib or cannibal Islands; so called, for that the Natives are men-eaters: for the most part, they fall one within another, sometimes in a double, sometimes in a threefold squadron, from the degree of eighteen and a half, to somewhat more than the sixteenth degree of latitude. I will only mention them as they lie in their several ranks from East to West. Anegado and virgins, Angotllo and Virgin, Granda, Saint Martin, Saba and Crus, Saint Bartoline and Saint Estasio, Barbada, Nieves and Saint Christopher, Antigua and Monserata, Desseada and Gnadalupe, Mary Glande, Sanco and A●stin. From whence the Carib Islands Dominica, Martimno, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Beria and Granada, fall down to the twelfth degree of latitude by a proportionable bending much like a bow towards the West from Anegado to Gr●●ada. only Barbados lieth to the East more than twenty leagues out of the foresaid bow-bending figure. Of these Barbados, Saint Christopher and Nieves (now in possession of our Countrymen) are most spacious, and in all respects fitter for plantation) except Dominica, Matinino and Granada) which though they be not inhabited by Spaniards, yet beside the sustaining of 1000 Savages; either of them affordeth the Spanish Navy in its yearly voyage to the South Continent of America, good stone of provision at very small rates, four Porkets and six Hens for one hatchet. I say no more of these Islands but this, though they be thought scarce worth looking after by the Spaniards, yet would they sustain 20000 men.  
I might here pass Westward again, with the Islands of Margarita, Cobana, Coetz and many more which lie upon the matter directly Westward, not far remote from Gran●da, Andalusia and Venevella, the nearest part of the continent Southward; by coasting whereof to Martha, Nicuragua and so to Nova Hispania, I might more perspicuously and conveniently have concluded this my present discovery of the North America, but than I must leave out two great Islands of good note, and which is of twenty times more concernment the most spacious Guiana by our judicious Countryman Sir Walter Raleigh and others, most admired and applauded for health, wealth and pleasure. Though therefore it be somewhat out of my way, and do a little obscure my proposed method, by the Mediterranean sea of America; yet I may not by any means leave them out as falling many degrees on the North side of the equinoctial, unless it be one part of Guiana, which to the southeast goeth over the line somewhat more than a degree, taken up only with several branches of the great River Amazon, and many small Islands dispersed in them of no great worth.  
The Islands between Granada and Guiana to the South-west are Tabago and Trinidado: I shall quickly have done with them and from thence begin in a second book my discovery of Guiana, and the rest of the Continent; taking it according to the several regions thereof, as I shall find them nearest agreeing to the seacoasts so far as the Mediterranean will permit us, that is as far as Nava Hispania.  
Tabago now in possession of the Dutch, lieth to the southeast full thirty leagues from Granada, and upon eight miles to the East of Trinidado: It hath many good harbours but the coming in unto them, especially toward the West is dangerous by reason the seas there are very boisterous and not free from sands and shelves. It is constantly reported by the Dutch (who should best know it) as having many years possessed it to afford many rare fruits and herbs, variety of fowls and Fish, and not to be utterly destitute of fourfooted beasts, wholesome for nourishment, as having good store of Indian Hogs and Armadillos, both which afford good food.  
Trinidado, now possessed (as is credibly reported) by the Forces of the present most illustrious admiral of England, the Earl of Warwick; lieth according to the several far distant parts and corners thereof between the eighth and tenth degree of latitudge. For though Sir Walter Raleigh (a judicious Traveller) place point Curiapan, which the Spaniards call Punco de Gallo, the most Northern part, but in the eighth degree, yet the Dutch (according to Oviedus, upon more exact calculation) found it to come near to the tenth degree. Besides this, about fifteen miles to the South there is another convenient Haven, called Point Blanco; after which, directly to the South, between the Island and the falling of four or more branches of the great River Oronoque from Guiana, there is a very shallow narrow sea not above three miles over, and not above 11 or 12 foot deep; howbeit by reason of four or five Islands which come between them, that sea is heady and rough.  
This Island is according to Herea his observation two hundred leagues from Hispaniola, sixty from Granada; In length, (according to Oviedus) it is twenty five; in breadth twenty leagues. Concerning the fertility of the soil author's agree not; Herea reporteth it to be barren in the general, but Sir Walter Raleigh acknowledgeth it to be so only in that part which is next adjoining to Curiapan; but the rest of the Island to be sufficiently fruitful, especially of Indian grain, and such Roots as the Americans usually make their Bread and beer of; besides great store of dear and hogs, and other wild Beasts, of which the Inhabitants may feed plentifully. Good probability there is, that some Golden Mine● may be found there, but as yet what hath been digged there, is acknowledged by the said Sir Walter Raleigh, and by another of our Countrymen Sir Robert Dudley, to be but Marca●ite, which though it shine like Gold, yet it it of no value. The only great town in all Trinidad is Saint Joseph, the Merchantable Commodity there is Tobacco.    

The second book.  

Guiana.  
AND now being to proceed with Guiana. I know no better course, than to follow those, who have gone before me: who by ascending and descending the grand Rivers; I mean Oronoque to the North; Amazon to the South, as also many others which fall between them, into the east Ocean; have made the only discovery which have as yet been made thereof: And no marvel, for those great Rivers do on every side environ Guiana with the countries thereunto belonging, so as by help of their great labour and cost upon some further search; as complete a discovery in short time may be had of this large goodly cowtry, as of any other in America, (to the future incredible benefit of our Nation,) who might long since have enjoyed the inestimable riches thereof, (had the true relation of incomparable Raleigh, in his Book entitled Guiana, found that credit, or his most powerful motives had so timely prevailed with this kingdom, as was but requisite when the Spaniard had got but little knowledge, and less ●●re-footing in those parts.) This I write not as conceiving England now too weak to remove the Spaniard thence: No, I know very well that the power and wisdom of this kingdom now met in Parliament, might & I hope would before this have sent forth such a power and well prepared Navy, as might have driven him out of his strongest holds in any part of the North America; (unto which any reasonable near access may be made by water) had not Spanish factors, Jesuits from abroad and grand Pensioners at home, raised these present most cruel & most unnatural, I should rather say infernal commotions in this kingdom, and that in Ireland, purposely to divert their wisdom from taking such a design into any deep consideration, being distracted and perplexed on all sides.  
But to the matter; great and long inquiry hath been made by the Spanish, English and Dutch, to find out Manoa, otherwise called El Dorado, the chief City of Guiana, and the golden mountains adjacent, by those great Rivers that empty themselves into the East Ocean, especially by those the two greatest, Oronoque and Amazon, both upward and downward; I mean downward near from whence they arise, upward from their wide mouths where they fall into the Sea. Of Spaniards, the first of note who attemp●ed the search of Guiana, by the River Oronoque, were Diego Ordace, a Knight of the Order of Saint Jago; and Pedro Harnandez de Serpa: but we find nothing of worth, or certainty, to have been performed by either of them in that search. Only Sir Walter Raleigh affirmeth, that he did see a great Anchor of Ordaces ship, lying in a Port called M●requito, 300 miles within the Land, upon the River Oronoque, a strong proof he was there.  
As for Pedro Harnandez, it is said by some; that taking his journey from Cumana in the West-Indies, by land, toward Oronoque, which may be about 120 leagues; he was set upon, and quite overthrown, by a Nation of the Indians called W●kery, before he came to the borders of the said River. Others affirm that he was defeated in the very entrance of Guiana, at the first civil town of the Empire, called Magureguary; but of this there is but little certainty. One Martin's and Berea a Spanish Gentleman, and a Commander of great note and quality, after them proved far more successful (if we may rely upon Berea's own report, as it was taken by Sir Walter Raleigh, from his own mouth) Marianes discovery briefly happened thus (I may well say happened, for though never so true, yet was it but a mere chance.)  
The foresaid Voyage of Ordace being utterly lost, by reason his provision of Gunpowder was at once blown up, through the negligence of this Martin's; his final judgement was, that he should be set into a Canoa alone, without any victual, only with his arms, and so turned loose into the great River. But it pleased God, that the Canoa was carried down the stream and that certain Guianians met it the same evening; (and having never seen any Christian, or man before of that colour) they carried him into the Country to be wondered at; and so from town to town until he came to the great City Manoah, the place of Inga, the Emperor's abode: Who upon the first sight of him, knew him to be a Christian, as having seen many in Peru, where he formerly lived, before his brother Atabalipa Emperor thereof, was vanquished by the Spaniard: At what time he and many thousands more fled to Guiana; where within half an age, by reason of the exceeding riches and fertility of that large Country, having subdued many Nations, he became as potent as ever his magnificent Ancestors were in Peru. The entertainment of this Martin's by Inga, is by himself acknowledged to have been very free and bountiful; for though he was brought blindfold thither, and during the time of his abode in Manoa (which was seven months) he was not suffered to wander anywhere into the Country; yet Inga caused him to be lodged in his own Palace, and to be every way well provided for.  
At the end of which time, when he had somewhat learned the language, he obtained favour of the Emperor to depart, with whom he sent divers Guianians to conduct him to the River of Orinoque, all loaden with as much gold as they could bear, given to Martin's at his departure: of all which as he arrived near the River side, the Oronoque poni (enemies to Inga) robbed him, save only of two great bottles of Gords, which were filled with beads of gold curiously wrought: With these the Oronoque-poni, (who thought the bottles only to have contained some food) permitted him to pass dowry Oronoque in canoes: From whence he got to Trinidado, and from thence to Margarita, and so to Saint Ivan de Puerto-Rico; where at the time of his death receiving the Sacrament, he affirmed the truth of this Relation, and gave his gold beads to the Church. You have heard the unexpected success of Martin's wandering; hear now briefly the long and difficult travails of Berea which were purposely undertaken, as they are recorded by the same Author from hsi own mouth.  
Gundizalvus Zimenes having without any good success spent much in the search of Guiana, by those Rivers of Nuevo Reygno, that fall into Oronoque, left at his death a very great 〈◊〉 to Berea, who had married his daughter conditionally, he with his best endeavour should prosecute his design of Guiana, which he faithfully performed; for not long after he fell with great strength and provisions down the River Cassanar rising in Nuevo Reygno, out of the mountains near the City of Tunia, and falling into Meta another River springing out of a mountain near Pampalone, in the same Nuevo Reygno de Granado, where it loseth its name as likewise doth Meta, when a little above the fifth degree of North Latitude, it emptieth itself into Bariquan otherwise called Bariqui c●meto, a River of Venezuella, which after a hundred Leagues turning and winding, meeteth and joineth with the River Huriaparia which is Oronoque. Where it is to be observed, that though Berea had from his first setting forth from the River Casanar, fallen near two degrees to the South, yet he according to geographical description in the best maps, fell short a degree in Latitude, and at least seventy Leagues in Longitude of Macurewarai, the nearest town of all Guiana, properly so called, and somewhat more than three from Manoa the chief City: so as keeping his course, as he (acknowledgeth he did) down Orinoque, running directly North-East from thence, there was then no hope of finding what he so eagerly sought for, but instead thereof received both in his forces and provisions much loss, many of them perishing by water, his small vessels being split upon rocks, or overwhelmed and swallowed with the violence of the stream, and many of them killed by the Natives. The first place of note he arrived at, was the Province of Amapaia, which he affirmed to be rich in gold, and though for the greatest time of his abode there (which was six months) he was fiercely infefted by the inhabitants▪ yet at length, after the concluding of a peace between them, he obtained eight Images of gold (as curiously made as any in Europe) which he sent to the King of Spain.  
The River of Oronoque running on the East side of Amapaia is said to be twelve miles broad, and about seven or eight hundreth miles from its fall into the Ocean. From hence getting over to the southeast side of Orinoque, he sought very diligently to have found an entrance into Guiana, but could find none, all places being stopped up with high unpassable mountains. And although he met with divers Rivers both on the one and on the other side of Orinoque, yet he professed he could not learn the name of them, but only of the River Caroly: neither could he (as he pretended) for want of the use of Geography, express of what degrees they were, so as he utterly despaired of obtaining any good success in this voyage, until he came to Emeria, where he found store of provision, and the inhabitants of a more peaceable and civil disposition. The petty King thereof was called Carapana, a man of a hundred years of age, who in his youth had been often at the Islands of Trinidado and Marga●ita, where he traded with the▪ Christians there, and learned much from them how to govern his people. Berea having stayed here some good space of time, and having as he conceived gained sufficient knowledge of Guiana betaketh himself (without staying anywhere) down the River Oronoque directly to Trinidado; from thence not long after he sent back again to Carapana, who directed them to Morequito Lord of Aramaia, as having better knowledge of Guiana, living four or five days' journey from Magureguaira. This Morequito had some few years before, brought much gold to Gumana; and withal had so highly extolled the great riches of Guiana▪ as that Vedes the governor of Margarita sought to have obtained a patent thereof from the King of Spain, but was prevented by Berea; which so troubled More●uito for (his acquaintance Vedes sake, with whom he had much ingratiated himself) as that though he feared openly to deny Berea's request, in sending guides with his men, to truck with the Guianians for gold: Yet privily upon their return (which is reported to have been with much store of gold) he caused them to be mutthered near the banks of Oronoque, one only escaping to inform Berea of this 〈◊〉 act, which he conceiving to have been plotted by Morequito, sent a good part of the men he had at Trinidado, to take him and to spoil his country: Before whose coming Morequi●o hearing of it, fled to Vides for succour; but being within a while demanded in the King of Spain's name, he was delivered and executed; whose execution so displeased the borderers of Oronoque as he thought it not safe ever after to venture with a few men, to traffic that way, neither was his strength now sufficient to make his way; wherefore expecting sufficient forces from other parts of the Spaniards dominions nearest adjoining, he stayed so long at Trinidado, until he was surprised by Sir Walter Raleigh in the year 1596. Here then Berea's discovery of Guiana being interrupted, it is meet I forbear any further relation thereof, until I have showed you what was performed by our worthy. Countryman the said Sir Walter Raleigh, in his first expedition thither; after which (as being after it in time) the conclusion of Bereas' discovery; as also of captain Kemish, and others who were employed by learned and expert Raleigh, that way will more seasonably follow.  
After six weeks and two days' departure from England, Sir Walter Raleigh, though he stayed seven days at Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands in expectation of captain Preston, arrived at Trinidado, and took it within four days; where losing no time in the prosecution of his intended design for Guiana; after diligent search, the narrow sea between Trinidado and the fall of Oronoque being so shallow and shelvie, more especially those branches of the said River; all that was then discovered, (being sound by his seamen not above nine foot deep at high water) he was enforced to leave his ships, and with a hundred men thronged together in two barges and three whirreys to cross that narrow sea, and to venture up the River by those branches; wherein when they had rowed four days, his own barge came a ground, so as they were in some fear, whether they should ever have got her off again; such was the shallowness of the River when the flowing of sea had left them. After this for many days more, they wandered here and there for want of a good Pilot, not knowing which stream to take, (the streams multiplying so exceedingly upon them) by reason of the many great and small Islands that lie in this wide bottom of Oronoque computated by the most judicious Geographers, near a hundred miles wide from southeast to northwest. After they fell upon those Islands commonly called Trivitivans, the Inhabitants whereof commonly go by the name ●awani and Warawe●k●, who in regard they are commonly overflown from May to September, they live in houses upon trees very artificially built, their food being Indian bread, f●●h and venisons, prepared before hand.  
Here they happened on a Pilot, more expert than the former, who yet within few days was out of his knowledge where again it was their good hap to meet with a 〈◊〉, much more expert, one Martin an Arwacan, whom 〈◊〉 ●ooke in a Canoa, with some others going down Amana, one 〈◊〉 the greatest arms of Oronoque to Margarita with store of bread; both the Pilot and the bread were of singular use to Sir Walter Raleigh, and his almost fainting company▪ without which they had undoubtedly been much straightened for going any further.  
But by direction, they quickly attained unto Arowacy on the South side of Oronoque, whereof Toparimaca being Lord, entertained them kindly, and furnished them with provisions▪ as also with another Pilot, yet more experienced in the cross perplexed streams of O●onique as they grew higher to Gu●●na. From Arowacy bending their course almost directly Westward, they pasted by a great Isle called Arrow●pana, twenty miles in length, and six in breadth, and at nigh● cast Ancour at Ocawyta not one third part so big. The next night they stayed under Putayma Island, from whence they could plainly discern the continent to the North-West, to be a large pleasant plain between two edges of moun●aines consisting of Arable and meadow known (as their last Pilot affirmed) by the name of the great Valley of Sayma, running in length almost to Cumana near upon 120. Leagues. The third, fourth, and fifth day they passed the Isle Manoriparum▪ and a great part of Arromaia. On the sixth day they came and stayed at the Port of Morequito, where he was kindly entertained, and informed concerning the state of those parts from Topiowary, Lord of Arromaia and uncle to the aforesaid Morequito. The information he received from him was, that all the Regions thereabout even to Emeria, were called Guiana: though yet the inhabitants were called Oronoque-poni as far as the mountains of Wacarima, which they might from thence behold afar off in the Continent, beyond which he told them, the large valley of Amariocapana did lie, whose inhabitants were called Guianians. And that into the Provinces which lie beyond these more to the South, there came some years since multitudes of people called Oriones and Epuremei, who possessed themselves thereof, having driven the Natives out of their ancient inheritances; (the Cassiapagots, Eparagots, and Arawagots only excepted) who were then great enemies to the Spaniard and possess Magureguaran, a City strongly and stately built, and withal amply furnished with gold.  
From hence in two days they rowed up near to the River Caroli, where the heady violence of that, and the other Rivers, (as is usual at that time of the year) permitted them not then by water to make any higher search into Guiana. Here therefore staying three or four days, their small company was dispersed by direction of the Commander, to view the several quarters about and above the said River; which upon their return, they reported in general to be very fruitful, in well grown meadows and Pastures; exceeding commodious for hunting, hawking, fishing, fowling; as having many plains, clear Rivers, abundance of Pheasants, partridges, quails, rails, Cranes, Herons, and most other fowls; dear of all sorts, Camas or Antas, as big, and affording as good nourishment, and as pleasant, as our English beef, Porkets, Hares, lions, tigers, Leopards, and divers other sorts of Beasts, either for chase or food. But that which most contented them, was (as being the thing they chiefly aimed at) the great store of gold and precious stones, the greater and lesser hills promised them, the very stones glistering like gold; a more than probable argument, in the judgement of the best Mineralists, that the earth lying a fathom or two deep, under strong spars or quarries of such stone usually called Marcasite hideth much Treasure. Upon due consideration of the relations made of those that Sir Walter had sent to review the Inland (agreeing so well with what he himself had then seen, near the bank of Caroli, which he with some few musqueteers undertook to survey) he confidently affirmeth Guiana, in no respect to be inferior to any part of the world.  
His own lively expressions (being a Gentleman of as great learning this way, as any one our age hath afforded) is worthy to be read and seriously considered. I never saw (saith he) a more beautiful country, nor more lively prospects, hills so raised here and there over the valleys, the River winding into divers branches, the plains adjoining without bush or stubble, all fair green grass, the ground of hard sand to march on either for horse or foot, the dear crossing in every path, the birds towards the evening singing on every tree with a hundred several tunes, Cranes and Herons of white, crimson, carnation, perching on the River side, the air fresh with a gentle easterly wind; and every stone we stooped to take up, promised either gold or silver by his complexion.  
Your Lordship (saith he) writing to the Lord admiral (that then was) shall see of many sorts, and I hope some of them cannot be bettered under the sun; and yet we had no means but with our daggers and fingers to tear them out here and there, the rocks being most hard of a mineral sparre, as hard or harder than a flint: Besides, the veins lie a fathom or two deep in the rocks, and we wanted necessary Instruments to have digged the treasure out. Which last clause well considered together with what he in his book of Guiana allegeth for himself (namely the violence of the waters hourly increasing, unseasonableness of the year, the smallness of his company, the enforced leaving off his ships more than 400 miles for a whole month, and his unwillingness to let the natives now perceive that the intent of his coming was the same with the Spaniards, chiefly for gold) may in my judgement sufficiently answer those, who have and do still question the truth of Sir Welter's high expressions of Guiana's riches, and the most fruitful and pleasant habitation it affordeth, for that he made no longer stay there, and brought no more store of Treasure home with him.  
The issue of this worthy Travelour's first voyage was this, Not being able by reason of the great downfall and over-bearing stream of Caroli, to ascend any further, (Without seeing the Rivers Baraquan, Beta, Daune and Obarro, all falling from the West into Oronoque: and being distant each from other about a degree more and more to the South;) though yet in regard of longitude from East to West they are much alike, either from Macurewarai or the great City Manoa: He returned in few days to the Port of Morequito, where he concluded with Topiawa●i; hostages being given on either side, to return with great forces the next year, and that in the time he should work with the Oronoque poni, to join with them in an expedition against their enemies the Epuremei, who possessed the regions that most abound with silver and precious stones. But here was the unhappiness of the man▪ (I might rather say of the kingdom;) that upon his speedy retur●e into England, not above eight months from his setting forth, he could not (though he were very gracious at Court) procure a Navy to be sent within a year to Topiawari, as was promised: Whence it came to pass, that the foresaid Berea, neglecting no time, did by the assistance of Carrapana Lord of Emeria, again get up the River of Oronoque with 300 Spanish soldiers as far as Caroli, where he built a little town called Saint Thomas, consisting of thirty houses of great consequence, to bring under and keep in the fearful; unarmed borderers of Oronoque, and also for opposing any other Nation, who should attempt Guiana that way. But Sir Walter (not understanding of the Spaniards building and strong fortifying Saint Thomas,) sent forth captain Keymish with a ship and a pinnace (all he was able to do at his own charge) the 26 of January in the year 1596, (which being four months later than he promised and intended,) caused Topiawari and the rest of the borderers of Oronoque, for fear of Bevea and his Spanish forces, to withdraw themselves; when Keymish (who first discovered the genuine and best Navigable stream of the great River Oronoque, within eight days' sail and entrance thereunto, came up to the Port of Morequito, where finding his hopes of assistance from the Natives frustrated and himself not able to encounter the Spaniards, he forthwith for fear of surprisal, taketh down the River again, and so in the fifth month after his setting forth out of England, returned thither safe again, though without any good success at all. After this I find no further attempt to have been made by the English upon Guiana, but that of Sir Walter himself, Anno 1617. when he had been fourteen years' prisoner to the great retarding of his intended prosecution of Guiana. The success of this voyage was little answerable to the great preparation thereof: For though he went forth at his own and friends charge, with seven good ships well manned and provided, yet he brought no treasure home. And no marvel (for as he no less truly then boldly writeth to Sir Ralph Winwood from Christopher's Island) his whole design, what ships, what men, what Ammunition he would take with him, as also what time he would set forth hence, and what branch of Oronoque he intended to go up to Guiana; were all made known to the Spaniard before he could get out of the Thames by King James, to whom he was enforced by oath (before he could get liberty to go) to discover the foresaid particulars. Upon which notice speedy directions were sent from the Court of Spain, to draw up forces, three times as many as ours were, from Porto-Rico▪ Nuequo-Reygno, and other nearest adjoining parts, to surprise them unexpectedly. Yet such was the courage and resolution of our men, that they went up to Saint Thomas, and took it, and in it some store of rich Tobacco; but the Spanish forces purposely abandoned the town, for the better defence of the mines, so that ours could not take them, which by reason of Woods lying on every side near unto them, with 200 Musqueteers they easily defended. A more than probable argument, that the Spaniard was then possessed of those golden mines (then sought by the English;) else, would they not have left their town and betook themselves to the defence of them? And Sir Walter Raleigh in his foresaid letter maketh good proof of it, in naming the men in whose possession they then were; and he further confidently affirmeth, that he was sufficiently able to make good what he writ, by the King of Spa●nes several grants to several persons; as also by the Spanish Register books, wherein appear the abundance of Treasure the mines as then discovered afforded, by the great sums thence arising yearly from the Kings fifth part. And certainly had the Spanish King not feared, learned and experienced Raleigh's future and greater discovery and prosecution of Guiana, he would never so eagerly have pursued him unto death as he did; which yet he had not soon effected, had it not been for his pensioners; here, some noble ignoble English men overpowerfull with King James, (the reputed Solomon of his time) as now they are much more with his successor, much inferior to his father in wisdom.  
From that time to this (the English hopes being chrushed in loss of so worthy a Commander) there hath been either none or little venturing from England to Guiana. But the Netherlands since that, have made so many yearly voyages up the River Oronoque as far as Saint Thomas (encouraged by the great return made from thence, not of gold but of rich Tobacco) as that some of their skilful Pilots, were as well able to direct the best and safest way thither, as our watermen are able to describe the passage from Dover to London; the very cause as is generally conceived, why (being grown so expert in that River) they were some years since so severely prohibited by the King of Spain to trade any more there.  
You have heard of Guiana as it bordereth Westerly on both sides Oronoque, as much as can be conveniently expressed in so short an Epitome. You shall now hear more briefly how it lieth to the East Ocean, accord●ng to the pincipall Rivers as they fall between Oronoque and Amazon▪ The first great River of any note from Winkebery, the most Southern and best navigable arm or stream of Oronoque is Essequebe, very broad, but withal very shallow in the mouth of it where it falleth into the Ocean: It is affirmed by the natives bordering upon both sides of it, to arise within one days' journey of golden Manoa the prime City of Guiana; but both our English and the Dutch, who have diligently endeavoured to make entrance into the continent by this River, have found it in two or three days not passable, by reason of many great waterfalls, three times as high and more heady than is the fall of London-bridge. The Inhabitants about this River, nearest to sea are called Arwaci, as barbarous but not so inhuman & cruel as are the Caribs, who possess the more inland Cou●try. They are continually at war between themselves, yet both great enemies to the Spaniard, and not to be trusted by us or any other Christian Nation when they are able to do mischief. The soil especially about 20 miles from sea is exceeding fertile: the Commodities are crystal, and a kind of wood very useful, and much desired for dying the best colours. The next River of note is Berbice, lying somewhat above the sixth degree, the Land adjoining is as the former possessed by the Arwaci, but is far inferior in regard of fertility, and the forenamed merchantable Commodities. The next two Rivers, or rather two in one is Sarname upon the sixth degree, and I●otera, that falleth into Sarname, three miles before it emptieth itself into the Ocean. The Inhabitants hereof (being men-eaters, and very false in performing their promises) are of all others lest to be trusted; neither indeed are the Commodities thereabout of that worth (being upon the matter only Brasil-wood) as might invite men to venture far into the Country. Twelve miles more to the South is Marawyny, a River of a wide and deep mouth, affording above twenty leagues convenient passage for vessels of burden, though yet the coming up from sea into it is very difficult: The inhumanity and infidelity of the borderers is as great as the other, and the Commodities the Land affordeth of as little worth, and therefore seldom frequented either by us or the Netherlands. From hence more and more to the South, five other Rivers of greater note have their fall into the East Ocean. The first is Cajana, inhabited by the Caribs, whose fall is computated to be twenty leagues from Marawiny, the head of it to be more than fifty from the South-west. The second and third Cauwo and Wio, much upon the middle between the fourth and fifth degree (inhabited by the Yayi and Shebaij) have their rising to the South-west further into the continent. The most Southern of the five great Rivers is Wiapoco (inhabited also by the Yayi) lying between the fourth and fifth degree of latitude, into whose channel many little Rivers fall. The regions in general belonging to the five foresaid Rivers, are very fruitful, temperate and pleasant; I say in the general (for they are not in all places alike.) The sea coasts (to omit further particulars) are more hot, but yet withal moarish, and therefore less fruitful or pleasant. The Inland being mountainous is colder, but yet more profitable, the ground that lieth between them (both being in some places of greater, in others of less extent) doth far exceed them both in temperature, pleasure and profit: They abound with all manner of provision for life, with Cassavi root●, wherewith the Natives 〈◊〉 a kind of bread a●d bear, which they prefer before those made with ours or Ind●an grain; of both which the soil in general promiseth great increase. They have also store of beasts, both for food and chase; namely, dear of all sorts, boars, Hares, Conneys, tigers, Leopards and lions; but those that are of greatest use for food, are their Maypowri, and Baremo, the flesh of the one like our beef the other like our Mutton. As for fowl, Fish, fruits, they afford according to our Countryman Master Harcourt's relation, not m●ch less store or variety, than is before confidently reported to be found in the country's bordering about Caroly, and the other higher streams of Oronoque And though as yet there hath not been any discovery made by us, of any golden or silver mines in these parts, yet both English and Dutch travellers that way, affirm, they have seen two sorts of precious stones, Jaspers and Porpheryes; of both which the Natives infor●e them there are great store to be found in divers hills. But this is very certain, that few places in the world afford more variety of rich materials for dying, or more sweet and sovereign balsams.  
The third most Southern River in comp●ssing Guiana, is that of Amazon, so called (not as some have conjectured, for that the Women have killed, or expelled the Males, not admitting any society with t●em, but only for one month, in the year, for the continuance of Procreation, but because both Male and Female, usually go in long hair hanging down below their 〈◊〉.) This great River is observed to vent itself, by so many arms or streams, far distant the one from the other no less than six degrees, viz. from the River Arowary, lying above Cape de Noordneere, upon the third degree of the North Latit●de, unto the River Ta●ieuru, as many to the South beyond the Equinoctial. Yet because the discovery as yet made, (or at least made known to us) of the several f●lls of this great River are small and confusedly delivered. I shall reserve the description of them, and the regions adjacent, with the condition of the Natives, to my next book, as having so near intercourse and respect to So●th America.  
I h●ve done with 〈◊〉, my d●scription must now proceed with the co●tinent and Islands adjoining where I 〈…〉 t●ey lie Westward from the Island Granada, by the America M●d●terranean Sea.   

Margarita, Coetz, Cobana.  
THe nearest parts of the continent to Granada, the most Southern of all the Charib Islands is by Herr●●, styled Nova A●dalusia, but now better 〈◊〉 by the names of Cumana and Venesuella, a spacious Country, but not the fifth part of what formerly hath been reckoned, to belong to Nova Audalusia. In the passage from Granada to Araya, the first part of note belonging to Cumana, about 17 leagues distant from Granada to the South-west, lie Testigos eight rocks rather than Islands. As also, the Isle of Margarita, Coets and Cobana, not long since very famous for exceeding store of rich pearl: I shall briefly dispatch them, and so proceed with Cumana, which is yet more to the South-west.  
The greatest and chiefest of these three Islands is Margarita, just about the eleventh degree to the North of Cumana, six or seven leagues between which lie the two other Cobana and Coetz. According to Herrea it is distant from Hispalinola 170 leagues; the length of it is said to be sixteen leagues; the fertility of the soil is said to be very good, but this the late netherlands navigators deny: In former times the great abundance of pearl obtained by continual taking of Oysters, made this Island of greatest fame and report, insomuch as the Kings of Spain, for the better securing the pinnaces employed in the Oyster fi●hing, b●ilt two strong Forts, the one to the East, the other to the South.  
But now the pearly Oysters, by reaso● of the Spanish insatiable and unseasonable taking of them, do upon the matter utterly fail, the Island is of small note, and less resort: The chief Fort of it was taken and demolished 1626. by Heredices' the Dutch admiral, who carried from thence eleven pieces of Ordnance.  
The other two Islands Cobana and Coetz, which fall between Margarita and Cubana, are but small ones, and at this time of as little regard, though formerly of great esteem with the Spaniard for the great store of pearl they afforded: It is ●redibly reported that for many years, the Kings fifth part, which was imposed upon the Traders, came in Cobana only to no less than 15000 Ducats yearly.   

Cubana and Venezuella.  
ANd now to the continent: The first place of note in Cubana, is the promontory of Araya, in the same parallel of longitude to the West end of Margarita, but distant in regard of latitude to the South six or seven leagues: Upon the winding in of this promontory, between it and the gulf Cariaco, which for many leagues is extended into the continent, are found large pits of excellent and durable salt; of which the Dutch made great use, until many of their men were there unhappily surp●●ed and crue●ly cut off by the Spaniard: Since which time, the better to debar them and other Nations from supplying themselves from thence with that most necessary commodity, he hath built a very strong Fort.  
On the west side of the gulf two miles distant from Sea▪ is Cumana, a pretty large town; from whence the Land beginning to t●rne again to the North, hath besides others these four safe and convenient Havens, Bordones, Saint faiths, Commonagot, and Oychyre. From which last and most Western part Oychyre unto Cape Salinas, the most Eastward, near Bocco Del Draco where Cumana beginneth, are at least seventy leagues: The breadth of it according to Spanish Authors, in most places is forty leagues unto the South: In former ages it was well stored with Natives, of which the tenth part are not now to be found; the Spaniard having several occasions to transport them elsewhere, and to make unmerciful execution of them.  
It should seem by the long stay and large preambulations▪ that Ortelius and Sedenus two Spanish commanders made in this Country, that but small store of gold and silver is to be found here; neither is there any great provision of sustentation for life▪ except it be of Fish, Fowl and honey, with which it aboundeth. Over against the West end of Cumana, a degree remote to the North lieth Tortugas and Blancas, distant five leagues one from the other, which for that they afford little el●e but hogs and Goats hard to be taken, being overrun with exceeding sharp briers and thorns are seldom gone unto.  
The next part of the continent bending to the Northwest is Venezuella, a ●ar greater and r●cher Country; It consisteth of many Provinces▪ and hath in it many Spanish towns and commodicus Havens.  
The soil in general is so fertile, as it affordeth two crop● yearly; the Pastures and meadows thereof are so many and ●o rich as they plentifully sustain gre●t store of wholesome cattle as well Neat as other: The great s●ore of Cow and ox hides usually brought from thence sufficiently prove the same: It is also generally reported to afford in divers Provinces good store of treasure, especially gold of the best sort.  
Before the coming of the G●rmanes into this Country (to whom the Emperor Charles gave it, in regard of their great service against the Protestants) the Country was full of Inhabitants; but by reason of the covetousness and cruelty of those Germans, whose intent was not to plant, but to make spoil of the Natives, they were well nigh utterly rooted out, and are not now much increased by a latter possession of the Spanish, but tigers and other wild beasts have overrun it. Spanish Authors make mention of several Provinces belonging to Venezuella, but they do not so clearly prescribe their several limits, as is requisite. Therefore proceeding in my discourse, according to my usual method, in following the Sea-coast, I shall briefly acquaint you with such Spanish Towns as are near adjacent to the Sea-coast, or near upon the same degree of longitude, though far distant in regard of latitude from North to South, which is the breadth of the Country.  
The most Eastern promontory of Venezuella is Cordeliera, within five miles of Porte de Guaira; whence within fifteen miles is the strong Tower called Cara●as▪ and from thence within two miles is Blanco, all convenient harbours for ships: Then follow Tur●ane and Burburate two other commodious and safe Havens, the former whereof affordeth good water, and is distant from Blanco thirteen miles; the other store of salt, and is remote from the said Blanco fifteen miles: Within the Land a●ove two leagues from the Sea-coast lieth Carvaleda, a Spanish town of some note, and from thence about four leagues is Saint Jago a greater Town, where the governor of those parts doth usually reside. From Porte Burbarata about seven leagues within the continent directly to the South, the Spanish of latter time, hath built Nova Valentia; from whence fifteen leagues more to the South is Nova Zerez of a later standing both well accommodated with wholesome provision in a competent measure: From Zerez to Nova Segovia, another Spanish town directly to the South is twenty leagues; it joineth upon the River Bariquicemet●, which falleth after a great circuit of ground into the River Oronoque: the Country hereabouts is very barren but the mountains with which it is surrounded are conceived by the Germans (who built that town) to be well stored with gold, & this opinion of theirs is upon good grounds strongly confirmed by others of better judgement who have written of those parts. Tucunio that is exceedingly commended for the sweetness of the air, the temperature of the climate, the super-abundant variety of victual, and store of gold it yieldeth, is yet eleven leagues more to the Southwest, distant from the nearest place of the North sea-coast fifty, from Nova Granado 150 leagues; in which long passage two parts are very pleasant and fruitful, the third very rough and ill provided.  
Now to return to the Sea coast and so with relation to the longitude of Venesuella; to survey the middle of this Country as it extendeth itself to the South. Not far from Burburata lieth a little gulf called Triste, from which Porte Etsave is a league distant, whence the Land beginning to wind upon the North sea continueth (for the space of 55 leagues) so to do by somewhat proportionable gaining on the Sea: only a little above Coro (the only City here) the Land turning two leagues to the South, and then again twelve to the northwest, admitteth a great inlet of the Sea; which falling somewhat near to the gulf of Venezuella, laying on the other side, maketh a kind of Peninsula called Paragoana containing in the circumferance about 25 leagues: The Cape whereof to the North is San-Roman, a promontory of great note; and between the South-west end thereof and the foresaid gulf, lieth the great Lake of Maracaybo, extended into the continent in length 35. 〈◊〉 breadth ten leag●es over; the mouth of it being a mile and a half wide, joined with the gulf of Venequell; whence though the Sea daily flow into it, yet doth it empty itself by a constant ebbing.  
The Islands over against this part of the continent some leagues remote in respect of latitude; are first Bonary, near a degree distant to the North, it is of eight miles' circumferance, well provided with store of hogs and horse; as also with one safe Haven on the Northwest end thereof, from hence 39 leagues farther to the west, and fourteen to the North from Coro, the only City of Venezuella is Curaca, far less but more fertile. It hath a Haven on the North, but not very safe, especially for great ships.  
The last is Araba, nine miles remote from Quarac●o to the West, and eight from Cape San Roman to the North. Let us now consider the Spanish towns adjacent to this Sea-coast, and more remote into the Land; Coro which is built in the foresaid Peninsula, having a Bishop seat in it, goeth by the name of a City, and is indeed the only place of note near adjoying to Sea and chief town of Venezuella; it hath belonging to it two Havens to the West and North; that to the west though not very good, is far better than that of the North.  
The Country round about is well stored with fish, flesh, foul and sugar Canes: One thing it hath peculiar, such store of wholesome and medicinable herbs, as it is said to need no physician▪ From Coro directly to the South, between the North Sea-coast the Lake Maracabo and near Valent●a, lieth Portilla de Carora in the fertile Vale of Carora; a large space of ground near two leagues from the pleasant and fruitful fields of Coro, to the no less pleasant and fruitful Vale of Carora is mountainous and unfruitful, inhabited only by Savages, called Xizatiaras and Axaguas.  
In the bottom of Maracabo is Lagana a Spanish town, surrounded between two Rivers with well leveled grounds, which might serve to good use being abundantly stored with dear, Coneys, and great variety of fowl, but that it is overrun with wild Beasts, especially with tigers: Beyond which eightteene leagues more to the South is the Province of Xuruara, and beyond that ten leagues more somewhat near to the southeast is the Port of Guiacas; of both which we read of nothing much worth noting; but only betwixt these and the rich Provinc● of Tucuio 25 leagues distant, a short passage may be had into the great kingdom of Granado: The south side of the Lake Maricabo is inhabited by the Pocabuyes and the Alcohalads, two Nations of a milder temper and more tra●table disposition then are most other Natives; both are confidently reported to possess great riches, and a ●oyle every way well furnished for a comfortable sustentation of life.   

Terra Firma.  
ANd now having finished Venezuella, we are to proceed with the next adjacent part, called Terra Firma, as being first sound after the Islands; It is thought by Cieca who hath wrote of it, that it extendeth itself from about Martha, which is in the eleventh degree of the North latitude, within a degree of the equinoctial, for the space of 400 leagues.  
The breadth of it (as it is taken according to the sea-coast, from Cape Vela t●Panima directly West) where it is widest doth not exceed three hundred leagues: between which not many leagues distant from sea, though far remote the one from the other, arise four high mountains running the length of this Region, and all Peru and Chyly are usually known by the name of the Andion mountains, where they are narrowest; they are two leagues over, in most ten, in some more than twenty; but ●he● between these mountains lie many large well leveled plains, which being continually watered from the many small brooks and wide Rivers issuing from them, make many exceeding fruitful Provinces, except it be some places where over great abundance of water's tu●neth them into moors and Fens.  
The Climate in general is very wholesome; but in regard of heat and cold little can be said of it in general (the mountains and the plains differing so much) these being for the greatest part of the year somewhat over hot, those over cold; yet so, as having recourse to both according to the several seasons of the y●ere they prove very convenient for habitation, and are for the most part as well stored with gold and precious stones, as any part of A●erica whatsoever. When I have set forth so much of this Sea-coast as shall be requisite at once, I shall then by an orderly falling down with the continent, within a degree or two of the equinoctial, particularly acquaint you with the places where the foresaid treasure, and many other useful commodities are to be had.  
Cape Vela the most Eastern Province of Ter●a Firma is distant from ●oro in Venezuella sixty leagues; from whence to Rio de la Hacha are eighteen, thence to Martha thirty, thence to Cartagena five and thirty more. These three are the only Haven towns of note belonging to the East part of this Country, though yet there be many other Ports and Rivers which may and do affor● safe harbour for shipping: Short of de●la Hacha to the East is River Ranceria; beyond it to the West four leagues is Port Ramada; then follow the mouth of the five great Rivers Buhio, Pera, Palamino, Don Diego and Anchon de Quag●c●icho, remote the one from the other a league or two: between these and Martha Port do intervene Concha and Los Anchones two convenient Havens (though nothing comparable to that of Mart●a) which in the year 1587. was certified to the King of Spain by Baptista Antonella his own Geographer to be mo●e safe and convenient for the Spanish Fleets yearly passage into those parts than Cathagena if any considerable cost were bestowed upon it▪ and that merely for want thereof, it hath been twice taken by the English with small forces.  
Between Martha town and the falling of the great River Martha, which is near about the midway Cape Agnia, and the navigable Rivers of Gayra and Ciennagoy places of note, do intervene: So on the other side between it and the Port of Carthagena, the sandy Island of Zamba and other shelvy places (by avoiding the coast and striking to Sea) are carefully to be avoided, until ships ma● more safely put in from Sea to Canoa▪ but two leagues from Carthagena.  
As for the Port of Carthagena itself (were it as well provided as the foresaid Baptista adviseth his Majesty of Spain to have it done, it might upon better ground be esteemed impregnable. But for aught I can read or hear, a strong Navy which can spare to land, but 2000 or 3000 men (where they shall find opportunity) may take the town and all the rich treasure in it, as well as it hath been formerly taken by our Countrymen with far less strength when it was less● fortified: but of this strong Port more hereafter.  
From Cartagena where the Sea beginneth to decline from the North to the south-west, for the space of 35 leagues until we come to the gulf of Uraba, into which falleth the great River Darion; we read only of some small Islands as (Caramari, Bara & Tortaga) to be observed to avoid for the dangerous access unto them, rather than for any good to be gained from them; yet there are two safe and convenient Haven● between them.  
Hitherto of the sea coast of Terra Firma to the said gulf, where on the West si●e the Islands of Panima, a narrow neck of the Land continueth and yet seperateth it from Nova Hispania, where the North continent beginneth to arise some degrees to the North. Let us now pierce into the continent of Terra Firma, and view it according to its several governments, with as near a relation as we may to the foresaid Ports, whether more near adjoining or further remote.  
The f●●st government taketh its name from Rio de Hacha, (the first Port town to us-ward) it is but of small extent, for it reacheth not above eight leagues into the continent; but stored with Spanish fruits, golden mines and precious stones of divers sorts; and were it not withal over-stored with wild beasts in the field and crocodiles in the Rivers it might well be reckoned one of the best habitations of Terra Firma: Besides, Rancheria and Ramada, which as Haven towns I mentioned before, we read of one Spanish town called Tappia, well furnished with cattle. This Province is separated by the mountains of Buritaca from the government of Martha, of far greater extent somewhat more than 110 leagues in length from East to West, and not few less in breadth from North to south: The particular Provinces belonging to this spacious government do much differ in divers respe●ts. The Valley of Tayrona seven leagues distant to the East of Martha, and the Province of Buritaca ●ight mo●e, are fertile and very rich in gold and precious stones, neither are they ●●oubled with overmuch heat or cold: But the Valley of Upar wherein standeth Cuidad, at the head of the River Pomp●tao, remote from Martha fifty leagues, separated from Burita●a though it be somewhat fertile yet is it over cold. The Land for three leagues compass, adjoining to the town of Martha (from which the whole government taketh denomination) is very healthful and pleasant but withal very ill provided with victual (Unless Oranges and Lemons and such like Spanish fruits, or that the native fruits which the Pine and Guiavah trees there plentifully affo●d) may suffice. The Provinces to the West of Martha toward Carthagena, namely Bonda and Poziguica are much of the same condition, healthful but not fruitful.  
The rest of this government down to the South is environed with two great Rivers (with Martha to the West, and Pompatao to the southeast) which being remote the one from the other more than forty leagues, for the space of two degrees of latitude North and South, until the River ●ompatao turning directly to the West, at length falleth into the greater River Madalena (for so it is here styled) though itself also be but an arm of Martha. Now for that in so large a tract of ground (which the long continued distance of the foresaid Rivers sufficiently prove) no mention is made of any other Spanish town but only of Tenerifae, which is within forty leagues of Martha where Madalena falleth into it and Tamalameque fifteen leagues below more to the South, bordering near thereunto, it may and is probably conjectured that here may be found ●ood habitation.  
A third government adjoining to the sea-coast is Cartag●na, so called from the chief Port town of all Terra Firma. This government is more spacious and populous then either of the former, but withal it is in the general less healthful and less profitable, as being for the most part either taken up with waste unuseful mountains, or being pestered with many fens and bogs, by reason of the continual overflowing of Martha and and other smaller Rivers of their Valleys, that otherwise might be much more beneficial for the grazing of cattle; From the falling of that great River into the sea where this government beginneth to the East, no mention is made of any Spanish town toward the sea-coast until we come to ●artagena itself, which City is inferior to very few or none in all America. It is reported not only by Spanish Authors Herea, Bap●ista and others, but also by the Dutch, who have lately more exactly viewed the situation of it to be very strong; it standeth in a kind of Peninsula two miles from the main sea which upon that coast (Unless in some ●ew channels 〈◊〉) dangerous by reason of many shallows, sands and shelves; the coming up to it (though no farther remote) is likewise difficult both by water and land.  
The water passages are three, all narrow and shallow, serving only for small Vessels, and withal strongly fortified. The land passages that are as many are very narrow made caw●y-wise so as but few can go a breast to force their way, being opposed by several strong Forts, and ●o make their way on either side the cawceys is impossible, being all of them so compassed with deep ditches and unpassable bogs: And yet for want of fresh water, they continually fetch from Galeera where the great ships ride, a great Navy may easily keep them from thence, and so enforce them in a short time to yield for want of water. Nor is it impossible but that this City may be taken by the water passages, if good store of small Vessels well manned and otherwise provided shall be employed therein.  
The next town distant from Cartagena to the south-west is Toku, where great store of precious balsam (either by distilling of itself, or by incision of certain trees) is yearly gathered and conveyed into Europe. It is confident●y reported by Monardes' to be no way inferior, but rather more sovereign, for the curing of many diseases, then was the balsam of Egypt and the East countries, in all Authors so highly commended. The Climate is much more healthful, the soil more fertile and useful to feed cattle, as being six leagues from sea, not mountainous, and yet not taken up with flags and bulrushes, and other such like increase of Marish grounds, as are Carthagena and the more near confines thereof.  
Now to look yet further into the continent, just opposite to the government of Martha directly to the South, from the eighth degree of the North latitude, beginneth the kingdom of new Granada, which extendeth itself unto the second degree upon both sides of Madalena, more especially from the rising of the said River to the midway before it cometh into Martha, it is said to be 130 leagues ●ong, and between thirty and twenty broad. The Land is not only pleasant and healthfu●l but generaly very rich, abounding with much treasure and ample provision for livelihood. The most unuseful parts of this great kingdom, is the next adjoining to the government of Martha that is taken up with the waste opinion mountains, that permit not (without great difficulty and many day's travail) entrance to Merida, Pamplona, Saint christophers and other the Nort●erne parts thereof no less wealthy than pleasant.  
But then this difficult passage may be avoided▪ by making use of the constant flowing of Sea into the wide mouth of Martha, which conveniently conveyeth ships of great bulk for forty leagu●s unto Tenerif●, where Magdalena falleth into Martha, and then in small Vessels of fifty or sixty foot long and four or five foot broad, they may with ample provision of men, victual and ammunition, pass up the River Magdalena until they come to the rich inhabited places of Granada: Of which the Provinces of Mus●● and ●olyma on the East side, the Province of Arbi on the West side of Magdalena are nearest to the Opi●n mountains.  
The Provinces to the Easterfide, in which stand four Spanish towns, Placentta, Trinidad, Tudela and Palma▪ are somewhat too hot, by reason that the sunbeams do very strongly reflect upon them by a continuation of exceeding high mountains yet more to the East. And yet withal they are over moisty, the water falling for six months in the year ●oo fiercely from those mountains and the River Magdalena to which they border being so subject to overflowing: The soil nevertheless doth aff●r● two plettifull Crops and feedeth much cattle.  
Neither are the mountains adjoining to these Provinces thought to be utterly desti●ute of treasure; but certain it is, they abound with Emme●ald and Berril stones.  
In the Province of Arbi on the West side of Magdalena, over against ●lacentia, in the sixth degree of latitude lieth Senora, constantly reported to be richly furnished with golden Mines as is Maraquita with silver Mines, standing in the fifth degree over against Trinidad.  
near upon the same d●gree of latitude fifteen leagues to the East of Trinidad is Tunia, a healthy, wealthy, and well provided Province for all kind of sustentation, necessary ●ot only for life, but even for the abundance of many delights; in which respect it is so well inhabited by the Spanish, as that it is able to bring 200 horse into the field. And in no respect is the Province of Bogota inferior, in which Saint faith the Metropolis of all Granad● is situated 22 leagues directly to the South, inhabited with 600 Spanish Families being the usual residing place of the Deputy, Bishop, and all their Officers.  
Beyond this City to the southeast, I find mention only of one more called Saint John's, remote near fifty leagues; for nothing much commended but for the store of gold it affordeth. To the North-east fifteen leagues from Saint faith lieth the town Tocaymai, near adjoining upon the River Paty, where it falleth into Magdalena equal to the foresaid Provinces Tunia & Bogota in regard of all provision necessary and delighful, but much to be preferred in respect of the wholesome, well-pleasing temperature of the Climate, beside some baths which by long experience have been proved right good, for the curing of many dangerous diseases.  
Having thus briefly discovered Granada, I conceive it most convenient, for the more clear description of the next adjacent government, which is Popaian; to begin with it as it lieth on the South-west of Tocayma and Saint Fe, and as it bordereth near upon the rising of the River Magdalena and so falleth for two degrees directly South to the equi●octiall, where it is devid●d from Peru, and then returneth back to the West rising of the great River Martha, distant from that of Magdalena full forty leagues.  
Hereby having continual reference to the chief City 〈◊〉 itself, seated not far from the head of the said West 〈◊〉, we shall the better understand and the situation of the whole government.  
The first town of Popaian nearest ●djoyning to Granada is Saint Sebactian, standing within three leagues from Onda the highest Inland Port belonging to Magdalena, much frequented by the Merchants of Cartagena and Martha, in respect of the exceeding profitable importation of the necessary Commodities of Europe into these parts, and the transporting of abundant treasure from hence. This town standeth from Saint Fe of Bogota in Granada thirty leagues, from the City Popaian 35; the fields about it are fruitful, and have many silver Mines in them.  
Above the rising of Magdalena in the Valley of Ney●●, the Natives are so numerous, as that they hitherto have stoutly defended themselves against the Spanish, and enforced them to retire from some towns they had built there: Timana in the most South-west part of the said Valley of Neyva (forty leagues from Popaian) the Spanish as yet with much ado hold; but thrive very well, by reason of the richness of the soil to fe●d Cattell, and the abundance of sugar and honey which it affordeth.  
To the northwest of Timana, and as many short of Popaian, upon the rising of the West arm of Martha here called Cauca standeth Almager, in a hilly Country, yet fertile and very rich in golden Mines. Hence the government of Pop●●an extendeth itself either directly to the West or to the North. It is convenient I first finish the Western part, as being in this book to fall no farther to the South, which will bring us by the confines of ●eru to the South sea of America, the knowledge whereof may much further us in the better understanding, not only of the situation of its governments, but also of the other parts of the North America, that yet remain to be described.  
To the West of Almager about twelve leagues, beginneth the Valley of Mastel, whereunto bending somewhat to the South are the Valleys of Abades and Madrigal adjoining. Of which this only can be certainly affirmed, that they are of great extent, full of many little Villages, and those well peopled with the Natives, a good sign, they are not unfruitful.  
Beyond these Valleys standeth Pasto in the ri●h Vale of Atris remote from Popaian fifty leagues. The rest of the Province of Pasto reaching yet fifty leagues more to the West▪ even to the South sea of America is very mountainous, in which there be many rich mines, but it is well known to be very barren either for grain or cattle.  
The promontories Rivers and Havens of this large Province of Pasto, upon which the South sea beateth are Saint Matthew's Bay, Cape Fr●ncis and Los Quiximires nearer bordering to Peru.  
Higher to the North where the Sea gaineth greatly upon the Land Eastward, are Port Manglares, the River Nicardo and Saint John.  
To return where we left to the the rising of the River Ca●ca, fifty leagues before it cometh to the North sea▪ where it is called Martha, upon both sides whereof lie the better part of Popaian. From Almaguer where this great River first springeth on the East side thereof lieth the Province of G●anaca, on the West the Valley of 〈◊〉, both rich in treasure and exceeding fit for the feeding of cattle. Between these, with the falling of the River for the space of ten leagues before we come to the City of Popaian. on either side do intervene two other Va●●eys Cocomici to the East and Barauca to the West, much of the same condition with the two former.  
The Metropolis of Popaian itself, standeth from the Equino●tiall two degrees and a half to the North▪ from the Meridian of Toledo in S●aine towards the West seventy degrees and thirty scruples; it standeth in a very healthful Climate and fruitful soil it hath two Winters and Summer, and both so t●mperate as it enjoyeth a kind of perpetual Spring and ev●ry year affordeth two plentiful Crops; the fields on both sides the River Cauca are very large, affording ample maintenance for innumerable cattle, and incredible variety and store of most delicate fruits, besides the first risings of the Andion mountains to the East, and the Tamban mountains to the West, yield abundance of cour●e gold.  
Abo●t 22 leagues from Popaian do●ne the said River Cauca one leag●e on the West side of the River l●eth Cak●▪ a Spanish town of great trade, in a large fruitful Valley in some places twelve leagues wide, known by the same name, whether great store of treasure and other ●ich Commod●ies are continually brought from rich Peru and C●y●y, out of the south sea especially by the Bay of Bonaventure, remote 28 leagues, which great distance of place is a great part of it taken up with the wide rough and little inhabited mountains of Timba, and by many boggy places, caused by a frequent fall of many waters, which make the passage very difficult with horse; but this defect the Spanish supplieth by the help of poor Indians, whom they cruelly enforce for five days hard travail to bear upon their shoulders through thick and thin, through shar●e cutting stones and piercing thorns near upon a hundred weight, and yet affordeth those miserable creatures not necessary sustentation.  
Between the te●i●ories of Cali and the south sea mountain, more to the North-●est mountains is the Province Conchi, inhabited by a giantlike people in regard of stature, but otherwise as little to be fe●red as the rest whom the Spaniard hath driven higher into the mountains on both sides the River Cauca or hath brought into miserable slavery.  
Twelve leagues on the West of Cauca from Cali lieth Carapa a hilly Province, but every way convenient for habitation.  
As many more down the said River on the East side beginneth a far greater Province, fifteen leagues in length and ten in breadth, in which standeth Cartago▪ between two very pleasant Rivers w●erein are found many small pieces of gold continually washed from the mountain●s adjo●ning. Those parts of this Pr●vince near bordering upon the lo●est banks of Cauca are very fenny▪ o●ergrowne with reeds and bulrushes; and yet Cartago seven leagues remote from that River and many other places, are constantly reported to be exceeding rich and healthful▪ though yet for the greater part of the year they are usually subject to extraordinary rain and thundering.  
Between Carthago and Ancerma twenty leagues, distant almost 〈◊〉 North upon Cauca▪ beginning here to be better known by the name of the great River Martha, do intervene three other Provinces on the West Copia, in which sta●deth Acerma of greatest note next to Popaian, distant to the North 50 leagues.  
This Province in general is mountainous (except the Valley of Ancerma pleasant and fruitful) and the adjoining Rivers falling f●om the mountains afford much gold in little grains mingled with the sand thereof: Picera, Pozo and Pancura, Provinces on the East of Martha, are of less extent, but more level and more inhabited, and no less pleasant or profitable.  
To these Provinces yet more North, towards the City of A●tioch (the most noble part of all Popaian and nearest to us-ward, towards the mouth of Martha) on either side the River do intervene to the West Cartamma, and the spa●ious Valley of Nore, wherein standeth the City Antiochia, environed with high hills, but withal sweetly watered, with many little Rivers falling f●om them: To the East are Arma and Cartamma, of which four last recited Provinces, it may suffice briefly to know that they on either side the River are of at least thirty leagues in length, and in most places ten in breadth, no way inferior if not exceeding the forenamed Provinces of Popaian, either for their temperature of air, or fertility of soil, or the store of treasure that their m●untaines and Rivers afford.   

Panima.  
THus have we passed over all Terra Firma both by sea and land except Panima the most Western part, which is very narrow▪ in every place, and serveth as a neck to continue the continent of America between the North and South sea; I shall briefly finish it having but few places or things of any great consideration to write of it.  
The length of this last government of Panima, may be taken either according to the North Sea-coast, from the aforementioned gulf of Uraba to the closing of it with the River Viragua, (from which the most Eastern Province of Nova Hispania taketh denomination) or else Southward, as it is extended from the River Dari●n, that falleth into the said gulf and the South sea: the length in either respect is upon due computation found not to exceed ninety leagues; the breadth where it is widest doth not exceed thirty, where narrowest, as from Port Bel● to Panima (would mou●taines and Rivers and overgrown Woods permit the shortest cut) it would be found fully 8. leagues from sea to sea.  
My greatest care in perusing this government is to take special notice of the seacoasts, for besides the famous Ports, Rivers, Islands, Promontories both on the North and South side of this neck of ground, nothing is much worth the noting; for three parts of it lying between the River Darien and the South-sea, are taken up with exceeding high mountains and those unfruitful and unfit for habitation (being overrun with wild beasts) besides the plains and Valleys adjoining to either, though they be more fruitful yet very unhealthful, insomuch as though formerly they were well inhabited by Spaniards, yet now they are for the most part deserted.  
On the North from the gulf of Uraba (where I left my description of that Sea-coast) unto the River Chagre, the most Western belonging to Panima government (not above forty leagues distant the one from the other) there are found many safe and convenient Ports, beside other places worthy consideration.  
Within the narrow Uraban sea, five leagues to the South-west of it standeth Darien, a town after it was first raised in the year 1510. well inhabited, but it continued not so above ten years; for the Inhabitants in regard of the unhealthfulness thereof, betook themselves to Panima, the chief town of all the government upon the mouth of the gulf.  
Where the sea beginneth to turn again to the North lieth Port My; and then ten leagues further Port Acla, both convenient Havens within, but somewhat dangerous to put into, by reason of the small Islands Gorde de Pinas, and others near adjoining. From Acla to number de Dios, sometime a famous Port town (still a safe Haven) are reckoned twelve leagues; between which fall the Ports of Comagra and Cativa, the Rivers Sanquo, Mays, Sardina and Sardinula.  
But of all the Ports Port Belo (which is by the procurement Baptista Antonellus, was raised out of the ruins and dispeopling of Nombre de Dios, five leagues distant from thence) is the greatest, safest and every way most convenient for the mutual trading of the North and South Sea, by the River Chagre, many rich and necessary commodities of Europe being from hence continually transported to Panima whence the gold and silver of Peru and Chily are returned hither twice every year.  
It was taken by Sir Francis Drake before the town and Fortifications thereunto belonging were one quarter finished: And since in the year 1601 when it was fully finished, it was surprised with two ships and a pinnace by captain Parker (who found there in respect of the place) but a very small booty not above 10000 dollars; for that within a few days before 120000 were from thence conveyed to Carthagena.  
The passage from this port town to Panima upon the South sea is not above eighteen leagues (and in summer time not hindered by creeks of sea) not eight, so that as there is no great difficulty with a considerable Navy to take Porto Belo, and to secure the Navy there: so would it prove no long march nor any hard enterprise to take Panima (consisting but of 600 Families, little experienced in martial affairs and with it if the attempt be seasonably made) five or six millions of money, if we may give credit to the foresaid Antonellus, the Spanish King's Geographer, or to our own Countryman Master Harcourt.  
This City (for so it is usually styled) being the seat of a Bishop and the common residing place of the governor and his chief Officers, standeth in a very unhealthful air, and no less barren soil▪ being almost destitute of corn grass, and other provisions necessary for life, unless it be with Oranges and lemons and divers other wholesome and well pleasing Indian Fruit. And yet for all this it wanteth not store of all kind of victual, continually supplied from other places, by reason it so aboundeth with treasure, in hope whereof the Spanish Merchants make that the chief place of trading by the River Chagre out of the North▪ and by the River Chepo out of the south sea: Both which though they come short of the City, yet are they of very great use, to bring the merchant's Commodities so near which are afterwards much more easily conveyed thither by land.  
Conce●ning the land passage from one sea to the other▪ a most remarkable attempt of captain Oxenhaw (a countryman of ours) Anno 1573. must not be forgotten▪ for though in the conclusion it proved not successful, yet it may be a great encouragement of singular concernment to those who with greater strength shall make the like enterprise. It was briefly thus; captain Oxenham (induced by the fame of the vast treasure, which fortunate Drake obtained in those parts) provided a ship of a 120 Tun; in which having with him near a hundred men, (the winds favouring him, he came sooner than he could well expect on the North Sea-coast of Panima) where getting as near as he could conveniently, for the shortest cut over to the North sea; he landed his men, drew up his ship into a cranny, where he left her and his great Ordnance, covered all over with bows. Then he and his men taking sufficient victual, with two field pieces, and other necessary arms, after twelve leagues march, they came to a River which falleth into the South sea, where he built a barge 45 foot long; in which he conveyed his men into an Island called the Isle of pearls (close by the side whereof, they who come our of the South sea to Panima, must needs pass.) Here they closely concealed themselves for ten days; at the end whereof they seized upon two Pinnaces coming from Peru, wherein was little less than 200000 li of gold and silver, besides great store of rich pearls they took from the Islanders; both which they might certainly have conveyed to their ship (and so into England) had not both Captain & soldiers in their coming back in three particulars dealt very foolishly. First, in too sudden discharging the two Pinnaces they had taken by whom the governor of Panima being much sooner informed of the exploit then, otherwise he could have been, made the more quick pursuit after them, with twice as many forces as they had, Secondly, in casting the feathers of hens they had pillaged over board, whereby they gave perfect notice to the pursuers.  
Of the particular River they returned by, of which before they were very much to seek. But most of all did they forget themselves in an unseasonable contention concerning the dividing of the prize; the soldiers refusing to bear it upon their shoulders over the land, unless the might know how much should come to every man's particular share; which demand of theirs being as undiscreetly denied, the convention lasted so long▪ as the forces from Panima came upon them▪ recovered the treasure▪ and cut them all off, or took them prisoners, whom they forthwith brought to Panima and there cruelly executed, some few escaped, whom by reason of their youth they spared. Beyond Panima to the South-sea, are some but not many Ports and Rivers.  
To the southeast is the River Chiepo, the River de Labalsa, Saint Miguels gulf, Port de Pinas, and the River Balsas; near about which, groweth great store of timber fit for shipping, whereof singular use may be made in the South sea.  
On the South-west are two Ports, Perico and Nata, whereof the first is not far remote, the other twelve leagues distant from Panima; from whence as being the most Western parts of all Panima governments: I am now to proceed with the Province of Veragua, as nearest adjoining to the West, formerly belonging to the government of Nova Hispania, but now in the jurisdiction of the governor of Guatemala; since, that Province and many more thereunto belonging, are upon the matter, exempted from the Viceroy of Nova Hispania. I might here (following H●rea and others) fall upon the general description of the government, in respect of the Climate, soil and of the several commodities, and discommodities of the same, but to what purpose, seeing it is evident, and all Authors agree, that in particular they differ extremely; I shall therefore in my particular descriptions of them, taking them according to my constant method as they lie by the North Sea-coast, pass through them fro● sea to sea▪ where it can be done conveniently and as I proceed▪ I shall endeavou● in all respects to give you such account of their several qualities and conditions as is requisite.  
To begin therefore with Veragua, as it hath Panima government to the East, so Costo Rica to the West, fi●ty leagues in length▪ and where it is narrowest 25 in breadth, from the North sea to the South▪ which on both sides it is bounded.  
The Soyl● for the most part is barren, as being mountainous and full of briers, unfit for grain and pastoring, yet very rich in all kind of metals, especially with gold. The inhabitants are many, very stout men, and great opposers of the the Spaniard, The first who found out Veragua was Christopher Columbus, who at his first ariva●l found some opposition by the Nati●es, but he soon pacified them with toys; (and as Her●a reporteth) for 36 brass bells he gained 80. li. whereby we may easily guess ●hat an a●ple return he there made for things of very small worth.  
The north Sea-coast belonging to this Province affordeth but few good harbours; the nearest from the coast of Panima is the River ●elen, distant from Port B●lo 2● leagues; near which it built the town la Conception, where the governor resideth. A second is a little within the River Veragua; from which the Province is denominated. The last a pretty large gulf called Caravaro. Between which and Belen lieth an Island ten mile● from the continent called Escudo, an Island carefully to be observed, in regard of the many rocks and shelves that are about it. The Spanish inland Towns, to omit all the poor hamlets, possessed by the Natives are only Trinidad and Saint faith, the one three, the other twelve leagues remote.  
From lafoy Conception close to the South sea is Carlos, another Spanish town five leag●es from Saint faith; over against which and to the East and West of it are 20 small Islands, or rather rocks, which go by the name of Zebaco; so as in the South sea of Veragua we read of no good Haven, but only Port G●era near cape Maria, in the southeast corner thereof. The next adjoining Province lying as Veragua, between both seas 40 leagues in breadth, and (if Herea reckon right) 90 leagues to the West in length, up to the continent of Nicaragua is Costarica, much of the same condition of the former, mountainous and barren, but full of rich mines. To the North sea it hath only Saint Hieromes' Port, to the south it hath four convenient Havens, Borica, Saint Lazaro, Para, Nicora. The inland Spanish towns of this Province are Carthago, standing much about the middle of it, ●0 leagues from either sea. Arames i● within five leagues Eastward to the South sea, and Nicora one of the aforesaid Havens.  
A third Province belonging to Guatimala is Nicuragua, this as the two former taketh its breadth from sea to sea, but in a double p●oportion▪ in some places eighty leagues over, though in length Westward to Gua●●mala Province it exceedeth not fifty.  
The Climate in summer is ●ver hot, in winter over cold▪ the soil is level, fit to feed Catte●l but not to bear Corn, Hogs, Fish, Cotten, Salt, and goodly timber it yields great store. Herea maketh mention here of a kind of Trees called Zeybis, so mighty big about, that five men joining hand in hand can hardly fathom one of them. The Inhabitants of this Province are much civilised by the Spaniard, can speak their language, have learned their trades, and are very subject unto them, the Contalles only accepted, who keep themselves in Woods and mountains.  
The most observable thing here is the lake Nicuragua, whence the Province taketh name, both in regard of its large circumference, being (as it is reported) no less than 130 miles, it hath a constant ebbing and flowing, and though the head of it be not above four leagues from the South sea, yet in hath intercourse only with the North sea, that is in distance fifteen times further, the falling of this great lake in no small streams, is in the midst between the eleventh and twelfth degree of the North latitude, where the continent again beginneth to extend itself for five degrees at least more to the North, not without some turnings and returnings from East to West, from whence taking in again with as many windings and turnings for 120 leagues to the northwest, the Sea breaks in again between the Province of Honduras and Yucatan; another part of the continent, which inlet of sea is called the gulf of Honduras.  
Now then (keeping myself to my proposed method) I am first to piscover the Ports, Rivers and Islands of this North Sea-coast, before I come to speak of this or any other of the Provinces contained in the circumference of the many long and large reaches thereof.  
The first sea Port to the North of Nicuragua is called S. John's Port, the middle stream where the said lake venteth itself. A second is called Yaropo, between which and Saint John's p●r●▪ being somewhat more than 20. leagues distant, many little Islands do intervene; in which distance there is no safe putting in to land. Upon the 13. degree of latitude falleth the river Yare, affording a convenient haven; and a little above that latitude, though many leagues short of it in respect of longitude, is Saint Catalina, better known to us by the name of the Isle of Providence, appearing in the map no more than a small spot▪ not above two miles broad nor five long; yet so fertile and so well accommodated with all provision▪ as for these many years last ●ast, it liberally sustained more than 1000 English men, until the Spaniard fearing their over near approaching to these parts, where the usual passage and constant receipts of all their treasure was (I mean Cartagena, Panima, and Porto Belo in Terrafirma, and Havana in Cuba) after many assaults displanted them; which seemeth to me, (all things considered) a great wonder, they did not long before put their full strength upon it; and it is no less to be wondered at, that they should offer, and perform such reasonable quarter, not only as is constantly reported, of permitting them, but also in supplying them with shipping, to transport them into Virginia, New England, and other English plantations they neither fear, nor regard as being far remote. Above youare half a degree is the gulf of Ni●uesa, a good harbour for shipping▪ and ten leagues further, somewhat about the 14. degree is the promontory of Gracias a Dios bending to the East, from whence the Continent winding in again to the West for near 50. leagves, many pernicious Isl●nds, very remarkable for the shipwreck of many, do intervene the Islands called Viciosas lying upon the 15, the Isle of Baxos upon the 16, and Milan upon the 17 degree of the north latitude; and that which maketh the passages to these parts more dangerous, is that to the East and North-East, they are beset with Roncador, Serrana, Seranilla, Sancanilla and some other rocks, besides many shallows and sands that require expert Pi●ots to avoid them▪ yet by God's providence and their care they may be safely passed. Between the Islands Viciosas and Baxos are two bays▪ Honda and Cartago, to both which the coming up is sandy and shallow. near adjoining to Boxos is Cape Camoron, then 20. leagues further to the west is Cape Honduras, between which (the land bending like a bow to South and then to north again) falleth the goodly river Guiapa, whose streams by the small pieces of gold they bring with them, evidently declare the mountains adjoining to have store of such treasure.  
To the North of Honduras, where that gulf beginneth, begin many Islands known by the name of the first and chief 〈…〉 harbours, and worse coming in unto them, they are in most places ten leagues from the continent, and follow one upon another for at least 30. leagues to the south-west.  
In the middle space whereof Xagua a good haven falleth into the sea from the continent: from whence for full 30. leagues unto port Cavallos, on the West of the pleasant River de Sal is found no safe harbour, b●t Cavallos is an exceeding convenient and safe harbour against wind and tempest, yet not so well fortified, but that it was twice taken easily by our countryman Master Newport Anno 1591. and by Sir Anthony Shirley 1616. This gulf de Honduras or Guanios, (for it is known by both names) doth yet run for forty leagues further, though still narrowed more and more, by reason that Yucatan another part of the continent being a very long and large Peninsula, falleth in and joineth with the Province of Honduras; in the narrowing whereof lie the River Vlva, Cape de Puntas, and Port de Higueras; just in the breaking off another smaller gulf called Dulce. I shall now from the discovery of the Sea-coast fall to describe so much of the continent as lieth between Sea and Sea.  
Upon the North sea for 150. leagues doth the Provice of Honduras extend itself, in breadth here and there more or less than 80. leagues, in the general a very rich and goodly Country; for the valleys thereof afford three crops of their Indian grain, and two of our wheat, besides a continual supply of grass, so as it is ever green, flourishing, and affordeth great store of provision for man and beast.  
The Spanish towns belonging to this Province, taking them as I proceed in my description from East to West; are first Trugillo, a league remote from sea, standing between two Rivers, whereunto belongeth a port strongly fortified by nature and art; which though it was taken by our English Anno 1576. yet was it in vain attempted by them, under the command of Sir Anthony Shirley, in the year 1596. the region about is temperate both in winter and summer, the soil exceeding fertile, maintaining great store of cattle, grain and great variety of excellent fruit: The Vines here in great abundance bring forth Grapes in wonderful plenty twice a year. The town lieth to the North-east of port Cavallos forty, of Validolid the chief City fifty leagues. A second Town thirty leagues to the south of Trugillo is Saint George, in the rich Valley of Olancho, whereunto the hills adjoining are lately found so full of gold mines as that the governor of Honduras and Nicuragua have often drawn their Forces into the field and fought for it, until the King of Spain was pleased to decide it, by adjudging it a parcel of this Province.  
The chief City forty leagues to the south within the Land is Valadolid, where the governor and his Officers, a Bishop and his cathedral men reside, very amply provided for with all kind of provision that the goodly valleys near adjoining afford, and greatly enriched by the gold and silver mines there lately discovered.  
Upon the North sea in the Valley de Naco, every way comparable with Valadolid but for unhealthfulness; four leagues severed lieth the Haven town de Cavallos in the fifteenth degree of latitude, and between them somewhat more to the West are two other Spanish towns that yield many mules and great horses, as doth also the Country about Cavallos (whence the name is taken.)  
The government of Guatimala and two other small Provinces▪ Saint Salvator and Gulpho Dolce, lie one after another to the south of Honduras towards the south sea, in few places less than thirty leagues in breadth, in respect of fertility, ●●ore of cattle and grain, they come not far short of it▪ but much in regard of healthfulness and the temperature of air and season; they being in some months over hot, in most infested with too much rain, and which is the usual consequence thereof with incredible multitudes of pestilent flies, Bees, Horners, scorpions, and other though small yet deadly venomous serpents.  
Besides these provinces, especially Guatimala so properly called, is extraordinary subject to continual Earthquakes, horrible thundering and lightning and which is much worse, to usual breaking out of flames of fire, from the sulphurous mountains▪ which sometime cast them down in huge lumps to the overwhelming of the towns and Villages adjoining; but never are these strange breakings out of fire, but to the great annoyance of man and beast, by the loathsome smoke and vapours that necessarily issue upon them, not without much spoil of corn and fruits, by reason of many thousand quarters of ashes which at those times are thickly dispersed round about.  
The chief City in these parts is Saint Jago de Guatimala, fourteen degrees in la●●tude, 93 in longitude: From the Meridian of Toledo in Spain, to East whereof stand Trinidad and Saint Salvador two other Spa●i●h Towns; the first 36. the second forty leagues remote, both very convenient for trading out of the South-sea.  
From Nova Hispania and Peru, by the port Acaxulta in a very safe channel, and not above five or six leagues from sea, the two most Eastern towns of Guatimala are Saint Miguel, 22. leagues from Saint Salvador, within two leagues of Fonseca Bay. Then Xeres eighteen leagues farther, near to the lake of Nicoagua; which having a short recourse to the sea, affordeth a good Haven called Port poss●ssion; between which and port Guatimala, that goeth up to Saint Jago for the space of eighty one leagues; there are no other considerable Havens than have been mentioned.  
The Havens and Rivers about Guatimala to the West, that we may here make an end with the South sea coast belonging to this government, are ●oatlam, Govetlan, Colate Haziaclan, belonging to Soconusco, a Province extended upon the south-sea, westward thirty leagues in length, and as many in breadth towards Verapaz and Chiapa, two midland Provinces to the North: The Inhabitants thereof not being very many, and having few Spaniards among them; live plentifully▪ by reason of the great store of Cacao, a fruit like Almonds, which the Merchants of Nova Hispania fetch from thence at good rates▪ as being of great use and high esteem as well with the Spaniards as Natives inhabiting those parts, both to eat and drink, but especially to drink, it yielding a liquour exceeding wholesome and pleasant, with some composition t●ey use maketh it no way inferior to high-country white-wine or sherry-sack. Out of this Cacao commodity in this little Province▪ the King of Spain hath for tribute every year at least 400 frails of them, every frail being worth thirty silver Royals.  
The next Province to the North of Soconusco, and the South of Yucatan, having Chiapa Province, to the West is Verapaz, so called, for that the Natives came freely in upon the preaching of the gospel, but having so little profited therein▪ under such covetous corrupt Tutors, as they know scarce any thing aright of Christrianity, and would be very glad they could be freed from such tyrannical Lords. The middle part of it is somewhat temperate, the residue is extreme hot and extremely perplexed with Mosquitos▪ usually swarming in other parts of the Indies which are hot and over moist as these are. Neither doth the soil (by reason of eight months' rain, which most an end happeneth continually) yield any store of Indian wheat, but little or none of ours; and yet it bringeth forth abundance of medicinal herbs, beautiful flowers▪ and trees most useful and profitable both for nourishment and building▪ but withal it harbours many wild beasts; as lions, tigers, bears, but very few for the use of man. Nor yet (so far as I hear) have gold or silver mines been here discovered by the Spaniard.  
The most Western Province of all Guatimala, bordering upon the East of Nova Hispania is Chiapa, full forty leagues long, and almost as broad every place from South to North, in regard of over great heat and moisture▪ of great store of wild beasts and dangerous serpents much like Verapaz; as also in respect of the innumerable profitable Trees there, the fruit whereof affordeth toothsome and wholesome nourishment, the bodies special timber, the gum (which in great quantities come from them) precious balsam and sweet odours, the bark, gum and fruit very rich materials to die colours of the best esteem with us. But herein it far exceedeth all the Provinces of Guatimala, in that being competently provided with grain, it doth breed and maintain great store of excellent Horses, Kine, Sheep and Swine, besides incredible variety of the best Fish and fowl, only for Mines it must give place to Honduras Province.  
Thus I have passed through the government of Guatimala; I am now come to make entry upon those Provinces that appertain to the royalty of Nova Hispania: For the right surveighing whereof, I must of necessity again fall to describe the Sea-coast▪ so by surrounding in Yucatan, a long and wide Peninsula, save only in the neck of it where the gulss of Honduras and Mexico come nearest together (of no less than 25. leagues compass) the sailing on either side of it is dangerous, by reason of many scattering Islands, rocks shelves, and sands. From the coming up again of Honduras gulf on the southeast of Yucatan to the North-east, these are very carefully to be avoided, as most pernicious, Elbob, Lamanary, Zaratan, Pantoia, Quitazuwenho, which last signifieth as much as, now take heed; It lieth in the eighteenth degree of latitude, a full degree more to the North then Guanima Isle, just opposite to cape Honduras, but much of the same longitude with them; so as though the gulf on either side towards Yucatan, or Honduras be not safe to sail in; yet by the channel thereof more than twenty leagues broad in most places is safe and navigable. From Quitazuwenho to Cape Conche, the most north-east of this Peninsula, and nearest to the Island Cuba are near seventy leagues, between which comes the Island Coznmel and many petty Islands called Mucheres.  
The North and northwest Sea-coast of Yucatan are no less dangerous than the North-east; as being also full of sands shallows and rocky Islands, known by the name of Alcranes and Negrillos': which though they be far remote from land, yet they make the passage dangerous to come into the best ports of Comill on the river Ligartes on that side, being themselves not very good.  
From hence to the west, the continent falling down again more and more to the South for three degrees, viz. from above 21. to 28. all this coast (as the other) by reason of the Isle of Sands Desconsidla and Triangulo and some others no less sandy, but much more rocky, is hazardous and make Cical and Telichaque (the best Havens hereabouts) to be less frequented. Neither yet is the Sea channel here adjoining so deep and free from sands, as is safe for ships of any great burden to fail in. The land within this long and wide Peninsula, is for the most part neither temperate nor healthful, save only in the mountainous places, nor so much inhabited but only to the North end of it, where standeth Merida the chief Town about twelve leagues from sea, the governor & Bishop's abode, accompanied with 100 Spanish Families. Another is Vallidolid, 31. leagues to the East of Merida, where a great monastery of Franciscans standeth, and where the Natives of the region adjoining are said far to exceed all others, being at least 50000.  
A third town fifty leagues to the West of Merida is Campeche, where captain Parker our countryman, Anno 1596. with some hazard but greater honour seized (in sight of all the Inhabitants) upon a ship laden with gold & silver and other rich commodities, and brought her away, though they made all the resistance possibly they could.  
A fourth town is Salamanea, in the neck of this Peninsula, not much differing in respect of longitude, though nearer a degree in latitude from port Real; it belongeth to the Province of Tabasco, of which I will say no more, but that it is very slenderly inhabited though yet it be of large extent, no less than forty leagues, bordering upon the North-sea called the gulf of Mexico, as many in breath toward the South adjoining to the province Verapaz and Chiapa. The reasons whereof given by Authors are, that this Country is as intemperate and unwholesome as any other thereabouts, and affordeth but slender sustentation, and but few Merchantable Commodities. The only Spanish town in this Province is called Senora Victoria, in remembrance of the great Victory here obtained by Cortesius, the over prosperious, because the over cruel subduer of this and all the Country hereabout.  
The next Province to the South is Chiapa, much upon the same breadth and length; whereof also little is to be said, but that it is a more pleasant and healthful, more abounding with the rare, though usual fruit of Nova Hispania; and which is Neat, Sheep and Swine the horses are of such an excellent breed as they are sent for as far as Mexico, the Metropolis of Nova Hispania, no less than 200. leagues distant. Here are likewise many Eagles and other fowls of prey, that now live upon such wholesome and toothsome fowl as may be better employed for man's sustentation, and by their means more easily taken. Ximenes maketh mention of one monstrous Bird, having one foot like a Goose, and the other like a falcon, that liveth by prey taken both in the water and air. There are in Chiapa many Natives distinguished by the names of Zeques, Zeltales, Quelcnes and Secaulands, and among either of these there are many Villages well inhabited. The only Spanish town of note is Cuidad real, seventy leagues to the North-east of Guatimala, and as many from Senora in Tabasco.  
From Chiapa westward followeth the bishopric of Guaxaca whereunto the Provinces Misceca, Tucepeque, Zapoteca and Guazacoalco are annexed, which take up all the continent between both seas. From the great River Guazacoalco unto the River Alvarde on the North side, distant the one from the other fifty leagues.  
As much more from Tecoantepeque a small port, to Tequanapa a safe Haven in the wide and deep River Onatepec, between which lieth the famous port of Agutulco, taken with much treasure by Sir Francis Drake, Anno 1578. and by Captains Candish 1586. This bishopric with the Provinces annexed are in the general (though mountainous) very fertile and healthful, but the Valley of Guaxaca (that Crotesius the conqueror of this Country and the regions thereabout chose for his inheritance) doth exceed imagination in regard of fertility both of grass and cattle, corn and pleasant fruits, Fish and fowl. Besides that it containeth in it many gold and silver mines, much Chochaneel & Silk, strong incitements to make it so fully inhabited as it is, both with Spaniards and Natives; the Natives being reported to exceed 150000. And though Mistica and the other annexed Provinces, be not every way so beneficially accommodated, yet are they so well provided with necessaries, streams abounding with golden oar, small pieces of gold washed from the mountains, and other Merchantable Commodities, that they also are well stored with Inhabitants; of whom this is very remarkable, that they use the Jewish Ceremonies in particular, circumcision, which they▪ affirm to have received from their Ancestors.  
The chief Spanish town there is Auteguera standing in the heart of the aforesaid incompararable Valley Zapoteca▪ (and Nixapa two other Towns, fall short of it full twenty leagues, the one to the North-east the other southeast:) Agaculco a great Haven town upon the South sea standeth directly to the South somewhat more than thirty leagues. The bishopric of Tlascula is next to Guaxaca more to the northwest, though extended also through the whole continent from sea to sea, no less than 100 leagues in length▪ in breadth to the South-sea but 18. where we read of no Haven of note but to the North-sea, here called the gulf of Mexico, being full 80 leagues; there fall many Rivers convenient for ships to harbour, lade and unlade; as namely, the Rivers De Banderas and Zempoal, Almeria, Saint Peter's, Saint Paul's and de los Cazon. The first Banderas, being within five leagues of the famous River Alucrado in Guanaca: The last not above three leagues from the River Panuco in the Province of Panuco; which two differ full sour degrees in latitude; but the only ports of note & now of use with the Spaniard are Vera. Cruz and Saint Juan-uullua, both very convenient and strongly defended, but the latter as being somewhat more healthful, and coming up to the town with sufficient water to bear ships of greatest burden, is at this perfect of greatest employment; and therefore every day more and more fortified by the Spaniard. Sir John Hawkins in the year 1568. came into this Haven, where he found 22. Spanish ships richly laden, which though he might have certainly seized upon, yet he condiscendered to mean conditions, whereof the chief was the victualling of his ships; yet neither that nor any of the other were performed, but they with a new Navy from Spain falling upon him unexpectedly after agreement made, put him so to it, as he had much ado unvictualled, with two ships only to escape, and for want of provision was enforced to set 100 of his men on land who all perished, either by the inhumanity of the Savages who killed and eat them, or through the cruelty of the Spaniard, who to revenge themselves under the prentence of Religion put them to death.  
This large bishopric of 〈◊〉 with the Provinces annexed do (as others) differ much in respect of temperature and fertility, the temperature and fertility arising not so much from the farther or nearer approach to the Zod●acke as from the mountains and valleys, the mountainous parts in many places, eight leagues over being temperately cold and less fertile; the valleys (whereof here are many) Achisco and Saint Paul's being chief, exceedingly fruitful but over hot: I make no question but that here also are some rich mines, though as yet few have been discovered. But of this I am well assured, that the Native Inhabitants are here more then usually to be found in any place, whose conversion to the true knowledge of Christ, ought in the first place to be considered by us.  
The Spanish towns of note here (take them as we pass from East to West) are Sigura, and the two Haven towns (of which I spoke before) all three strongly and statety built, as also well provided with pleasant and profitable fields round about them. In the bishopric itself standeth Rubla los Angelos, the Valley of Altisco, inhabited with 1500. Spanish Families now the chief City where the Bishop resideth. 22. leagues from the Metropolis of Nova Hispana, and within a little of the twentieth degree of North latitude; between which Mexico more to the northwest intervene Guaxacing and old Clascala, from whence all the government hath its name.  
And now we are to come unto the heart of Nova Hispania, even to the great City Mexico, the centre of the archbishopric (from whence it is denominated) and upon which government (under the command of the Victory) all the rest depend. As it lieth to the West of Tlascula, so it hath to the North the wide Province of Panuco, to the West and northwest Mecoacan, of as large extent; the length of this Archgovernment is taken from the Inland confines of Panuco to the South-sea, where it is in breadth but eighteen leagues, though yet to the North it be reckoned at sixty: In which large tract of ground there are many petty Provinces, now known rather by their names then Dominions: It may therefore suffice only to name them with some small touch of what they have in peculiar.  
To the North of it are Lateotalpa, wherein lieth the rich silver mine of Puchuca, fourteen leagues from Mexico. Then Meslitlan, a Country abounding with alum and Iron: Then Tula, whereunto belongeth another silver mine called Guaxana●o, sixty leagues remote; all three well provided of all necessary provisions for life, and affording many Merchantable Commodities.  
To the North-east the Provinces of Panpautlat and Tup●dx, are neither healthful, by reason of the excessive heat, nor much inhabited in regard that lying so level with the sea, the many creeks which come from thence maketh the Country adjoining barren and unuseful, fit only to breed innumerable swa●●es of Musquitos, a kind of pestilent flies, which as they are rise in many other places of the West Indies, so are they here exceeding troublesome to the Inhabitants.  
The lake of Mexico in the surrounding bosom whereof the City standeth to the North, being more than eight leagues in length, and in most places five in breadth, is on every side well planted and well inhabited: Culuala as is reported consisting of 20000 Families▪ Yztacapalpa of 10000 some others 4 or 5000. A strong argument to believe the regions round about to be exceeding fertile. Eight leagues to the South of Mexico beyond the lake is Zalateco, where is a plantifull silver mine. As are also Tasco 22, and Zumpango 40. leagues to the South. Beyond which yet more to the South, eighty leagues, from the Metropolis somewhat above seventeen degrees of North latitude lieth Acapulco, the most famous port belonging to the South-sea.  
Of all America concerning the City Mexico itself, it may suffice to know that it is the greatest and richest of all this new World, standing as was formerly noted, upon the North side of the lake, about the twentieth degree of latitude, and according to Herrea 130. in longitude from the Miridian of Toledo, no less than 1740. leagues distant the one from the other, it consisteth (according to the relation of Cortesius) who first conquered it) of three streets, whereof the least to the West is a mile and half; a second to the North is three; the greatest to the South is full two leagues in length, it is credibly reported to be now inhabited with 4000 Spaniards, and 3000. Natives, a small proportion in respect of what was formerly related. But than it is now far better built and beautified, with a stately cathedral, many Churches, Monasteries and schools for learning.  
The temperature of this City differeth little from the regions adjacent, in the moist months annoyed with too much rain, in the dry (which are November, December, January, February and March) much more infested with dust, that being raised by sudden whirlwinds, getteth up into their nostrils and produceth many diseases, especially Fevers.  
There are yet two other things here very observable: First, that this great City, either through the negligence or avararice of the Viceroy and his Officers; in not dispending what was yearly allowed for repairing the mounds of the lake, was in the year 1629. miserably overflown, to the drowning of many thousand Inhabitants, and to the loss of the greatest and best part of their householdstuff and other goods, which were either driven away or corrupted by the waters.  
A second thing here to be noted, is that this▪ last year (as it was constantly reported in London) the Viceroy of Mexico and with him all Nova Hispania were revolted, and in open Rebellion against the King of Spain; which if it shall (as yet it is verily believed) prove true, it will be of high concernment to this Nation or any other, into whose hearts it shall please God to put an effectual desire of dispossesing the Spaniard of his usurped stewardship. so unfaithfully employed (in respect of the fincere promoting of the gospel in the purity thereof) and so tyrannically exercised, in regard of incredible oppressions, rapines and murders there (as their own Authors confess) inhumanly committed by them.  
Now for the two other greater Provinces under the command of Mexico government: Panaco to the North, the Mechoacan to the South-west: I will briefly set down so much as is of any concernment to be known.  
That part of Panuco which is said to be both in length and breadth fifty leagues; toward the archbishopric of Mexico is very habitable and fertile, and in times past of great note, for silver mines (that are now thought to be near exhausted.) But the other part which bendeth to the North-east for fifty leagues to Florida, so far as it is yet discovered, is found overgrown with woods, and barren. The Spanish towns here not greatly inhabited beside Panuco itself (by them called Saint Steven) are Saint Jago, 25. leagues to the West, and Lewis de Tampice, eight to the North, not far from the gulf of Mexico. The most Western Province belonging to the Mexico government is Mecoachan, lying between Mexico and the Provinces of Galaecia, bending into the continent towards the North sixty, and being bounded to the South, by the South-sea full 80. leagues: whereunto belong the Port town called Zacatulca, thirty leagues from Acapulco, than Saint Jago and Malaccan 50. more from thence to the northwest. There are belonging to this large Province two other little ones Taximaroa within 30. leagues of Mexico, and Colima to the South-west, upon the confines of Galaecia, 50. leagues from Valad●lid the chief City of Mecoachan.  
This Colima is constantly reported to be very healthful, apt for grain and cattle, but abounding with the choicest fish and fruit, and not without some gold mines, though it hath more brass (which is there so common) that since the Spaniards coming thither, they make all those instruments of brass that we usually make of iron. And though this South-west part be the best of all, yet is there none (Unless high to the North not yet so fully discovered) but is as rich, and every way as convenient to be inhabited.  
Besides Valadolid (which the Natives call Guagangareo, standing upon a great lake as big as that of Mexico) there are many other Spanish towns of note. First, Leon very famous for the golden mines that have been found about it. Then Salaya, St. Miguell and Saint Philippo, up to the North both of Mexico and Valadolid, though between them bending still Westward (all built by the Viceroyet, many league distant the one from the other) of great use to secure the vast treasute which is constantly conveyed from the most plentiful silver mines of Elerema and many other (of which hereafter) against the Pocacars, the most barbarous of all Savages, who live as wild men in Woods, and cannot as yet be brought under by the Spaniard, though yet in hath been long endeavoured, not without great loss on either side.   

Galaecia.  
I Am now come to Nova Galaecia to the West of Mecoacha● bounded to the West with the sea of California; but to the North and northwest, though large and spacious countries are discovered, yet it is concluded by the learned in this kind, that there resteth much more to be discovered.  
This government hath annexed unto it divers other Provinces, Guaidala●ara, Xal●sco, Zacatecas, Chiametla, Biscaia; as also California, C●bola, Quivira and Nova Mexico; of which when I have briefly spoken, you have all that I thought fit in so short a compendium to communicate touching the Northern America.  
Guadalaira the principal and most Southern Province of Galaecia, is bounded to the East, with some parts of the Provinces of Mexico and Mecoachan, to the West with Xalisco; to the North with Zacatecas, where the most plentiful silver mines are thought to begin; but of late it is found that about Guadaliarae the chief, and indeed the only town here, there are more plentiful silver mines, ●ere they as the other so well searched, which for want of men they have not as yet been discovered. And it is further to be observed that this inland Province is for temperature and fruitfulness in most respects second to none. Xalisco is to the West of Guadaliara, upon that Sea-cost called Mare Pacificum, that is, the still sea. The only thing of observation here is an herb, which the Native call Curcas, highly extolled by Monardes' the great Herbalist, to be of singular use against most diseases.  
Cametla likewise lieth upon the same sea-coast, but a degree or two higher to the North: The great store of Inhabitants which Herrea mentioneth to have been there, show it to be ferti●●. And Ybara, who in the year 1554. built Saint Sebastian the only Spanish town there, found many silver mines and of late more have been discovered.  
Culacan a degree more to the North, bending to the West and coasting upon the foresaid sea, was found out by Nonnius Gusmanus, who Anno 1531. did build a town there called Del Espar●u Sancto. This Province (as the former) is very fruitful and rich in silver mines; the women here are reported to be very comely and beautiful, and to go modestly attired, a thing not usual in these countries.  
Cinoloa yet four degrees further to the North, in the full extent of it towards the West was discovered by the same Gusmanus; but I do not read of any thing (which after his long travails and search) was worth his labour: The maritimate places belonging to these Provinces in North latitude, of no less extent then from the 19 to the 27. degrees, are Cape de Corientes at the turning of the continent, than Port de Singuiquipaque upon the 22. degree, than Saint Sebastian in Chametla, Saint Miguel in Culica, the Rivers de Pascua, and Petatlan in Cinaloa, still higher to the North.  
Calfornia, though it be esteemed to be of very large extent, yet hath it not been as yet discovered. Sir Francis Drake in his admirably happy voyage, compassing the World, fell upon it (and was from such Savages as there inhabiting more kindly entertained than he expected) he took possession thereof in the name of the Queen of England: A good presage, that the most remote parts being seized upon, the rest shall be possessed by us, in his good time who is the only disposer of the earth.  
The Inland Provinces Zacatacas, Topia and Nova Biscaya, lying between the Calfornian sea and the upper part of the gulf of Mexico: Between Cullacan and Panuco, of the same latitude upon the tropic of Cancer, and between Cinaloa and the River Escondido, four degrees higher to the North, near the 28. degree of the North latitude, contain much ground, more rich than any, in regard of the many silver mines; but yet poorer than any, in regard of the small sustentation they afford for the life of man. Ybara employed by Velascus, Anno 1554. discovered in the Province of Zacatecas, five exceeding rich silver Mines; one that is known by the name of the Province, forty leagues from Gua●dalaira; then those of Ellerena, Saint Martin, Avinno and Dios, which last being near to the rising of the River Panuco, at least 100 leagues from the North-sea is somewhat fertile. The abundant store of treasure taken forth of these rich mines may be guessed at by the 600. Spaniards, who are here continually employed in digging, and by the tax of the fifth part, amounting to 50000l. yearly. The other mines belonging to Topia and Biscaia, E●dehe, Barbara and Juan, afford as much treasure and better provision for life.  
Cibola, Quivira and Nova Mexico, three other Provinces, are yet much more to the North by many degrees. From the most Southern parts of Cibola to the most Northern of Nova Mexico not less than fifteen, so as they must needs be of a very large extent (the longitude being considered with the latitude.) But the relations of these most Western North parts of America are so variously reported and so contradicted, as little can here be set down for certain.  
A Fryar Mark de Niza, (in a relation to the Viceroy) telleth wonders concerning the riches, the stately buildings, the most pleasant inviting habitations in Cabola: But Vasquius de Cornado, who thereupon was presently sent away to make a further discovery with 150. horse and 200. foot, finding nothing worth his great travail and cost, certified so much to the Viceroy, with an ample expression of his, and his soldier's detestation of the friar's feigned relation.  
Quivira (which Gomara and Herrea likewise place in the 40. degree of the north latitue, is by both said to be barren, and not much inhabited. The greatest riches here that serve to feed, and cloth, and carry them, are infinite number of beasts, resembling in regard of their greatness, our greatest horse and Oxen, and their Pels (are said) to afford wool not inferior to some of ours.  
Nova Mexico is (as I said) placed yet many degrees more to the northwest; of which (Unless I would endeavour to delude the Reader) to write little or nothing, is to write best. Gonsalez de Mendoca in a little Narrative (Printed at Madrill, anno 1589.) maketh a strange relation of what had been lately performed by one Augustinus Ruyz (one of his own more hollow, then holy fraternity) how by his powerful Preaching to Savages (not much inferiors to his Founder Saint Francis, who is said to Preach to wild Beasts) converted instantly two great Provinces of Nova Mexico, Concht, and Tiguria. But withal he confesseth that for the killing of a zealous (it might more truly he said of a foolish over-venturous friar amongst men, who in regard of the knowledge of Christ are but beasts) one Antonius de Espiro, (I cannot think him to be inspired with any better spirit than that of The Antichrist of Rome) made slaughter of more than forty thousand poor, silly, ignorant Indians, who had never learned to distinguish what their hollow Fathers were better than other cruel, merciless, Spaniards.  
He telleth us of many thousands converted to the Christian faith by the Preaching of friars (no better inspired than was the foresaid Antonius.) A strange thing that a few ignorant friars should do more in a few days, than all their Spanish Clergy did in one hundred and seventy years in places far nearer.  
He telleth us also, as doth his brother de Benavides (in a more late Narrative) of the conquering of Peri, Tebe, Queres, Tompires, and many more sained Provinces of Nova Mexico, and of the exceeding progress of the Faith in those parts. All which▪ and many more, their incredible expressions are fit to be cast off, being in all probability but the subtle fictions of Spanish & Popish Factors, who (like travellers) take liberty to lie; and (like lapwings) to devert and carry us from those known places as are every way convenient for habitation and yield such increible yearly Revenue to the Spanish King, Monarch (who would be of Christendom) that all the reformed Churches of Christendom, for the present extreamlybleed for it; (Witness England and Ireland) which are now set on fire & ready to perish (Unless the great God of Heaven and earth be pleased to put in and redeem both, from the most detestable imaginations and most bloody contrivements of Spanish pensioners (the Pope's grand Engeneers) who have ca●tivated our King, and seek to undo the whole kingdom, that they may have their yearly 3 or 4000 li. Pensions continued.  
But he that dwelleth on high seeth and laugheth their wicked counsels to scorn. And I doubt not but the wisdom of this present Parliament (inspired and assisted from above, will find out these wicked men (the prime troublers of our Church and kingdom) and bring them here to condign punishment.  
Which I have good cause confidently to believe, because they are so forward and zealous (as appeareth by a late Ordinance) to propagate the gospel in America, the only best way to continve it here in the purity and power of it; which is and shall be my constant prayer to God for these so extremely distressed Churches and kingdoms.  
The Southern Description of America (God permitting) shall shortly be set forth in another book.  
FINIS.