Island for the Reformed _Jacobines_, or _White-Fryers_, and since the
present Governor Monsieur _De Howell_ sent also for the _Jesuits_ and
_Carmelites_, to build Cloysters in a new City, which lies in
_Basse-Terre_, and which is also built full of Store-houses and
Dwelling-houses two Stories high.
The Castle, which lies near the City, hath four Bulwarks, with great
Guns.
The next neighboring Mountain is also crown’d with a Garrison’d Fort.
[Sidenote: The _Moubane_-Tree.]
The Countrey hereabouts bears _Moubane_-Trees, which produce yellow oval
Plumbs with great Stones, wherewith the Hogs are exceedingly fatned.
[Sidenote: The _Corbary_.]
The _Corbary_, which grows higher than the _Moubane_, hath a hard shelly
Fruit, in which lies a douny Pulp of a Saffron colour: The Gum which
drops out of the Tree is hardned by the Sun, and becomes very clear,
wherefore the _Caribbeeans_ make use of it for Arm-rings, and other
Ornaments.
SECT. XVI.
Deseado.
[Sidenote: Situation of _Deseado_.]
Ten Leagues to the North-West of _Guadalupe_, and at sixteen Degrees and
ten Minutes, appears _Deseado_, or _Desirado_, like a Galley, of which
the North-East end hath a low Point; to the Northward lie Sand-Hills
full of red Veins: It was so call’d by _Christopher Columbus_ in his
second Voyage, from obtaining of his Desire, it being the first of the
_Caribbees_ which he discover’d, as _St. Salvador_ the first Land in all
_America_.
[Sidenote: The _Guano_.]
The Soil is wholly barren, and destitute of Trees, and breeds the
amphibious Creatures call’d _Guano_’s, which in stead of Fins to swim
withal, have four Feet; the biggest of them are fifteen Inches long;
their Skin full of little Scales shines like Silver, and in the Night
they make a loud and shrill noise from the Holes in the Rocks.
[Sidenote: The _Frigates_.]
On this desolate Island are an innumerable company of Fowls, call’d
_Frigates_, which have a Body like a Duck, but larger Wings, and flye
swifter; so soon as they perceive a Fish in the Water, they falling upon
the same, catch them in their Claws, and especially devour abundance of
flying Fish.
[Sidenote: The _Fauves_.]
But the _Fauves_, which are much leaner, are no way so swift; they
resemble a Moor-Hen, have Feet like Ducks, Bills like a Snipe, and in
rainy Nights rest on the Ships in stead of Rocks, so that many times
they become an easie prey to the Mariners.
SECT. XVII.
Marigalante.
[Sidenote: Situation of _Marigalante_.]
Not far from hence, at fifteen Degrees and forty Minutes, appears
_Marigalante_, like a Wood in the Water.
On the South-East side, about half a League from the Shore, lie black
full of white Specks. Westerly the Shore is very plain, whither the
Governor Monsieur _De Howell_ sent some People from that Island, of
which twenty were kill’d by the _Caribbeeans_, who had Gardens and
Fish-ponds thereon: Not long after which _Howell_ built a Fort here, and
Garrison’d the same with _French_-men.
The Woods afford a delightful sight to the Eye, as also the
Cinamon-Trees, whose Leaves never wither, a sweet smell to the Nose.
[Sidenote: The Fish _Lamantin_.]
The Ocean hereabouts produces plenty of _Lamantins_, which are dry’d
like Haberdine. This Fish grows eighteen Foot long and seven thick; the
Head thereof is like a Cows, with little Eyes, and a thick brown Skin,
rough and speckled in some places, and hath two little Feet in stead of
Fins; it feeds on Weeds, which grow on the Rocks and Banks; the Females
bring two young ones at a time, which suck for some days; their Flesh
palatable and wholsom, is streak’d with Fat, which when melted never
putrifies; they are oftner taken in the Mouthes of Rivers than in the
Ocean.
[Sidenote: The _Sea-Devils_.]
About this Isle, as well as the rest of the _Caribbees_, are Fishes
call’d _Sea-Devils_, four Foot long, and proportionably thick, their
Skins rough, their Heads flat, their Backs arm’d with Prickles, little
black Eyes, wide Mouthes full of Teeth, and two Tusks that slick out of
the same, four Fins, a long slit Tail, with which they swim exceeding
swift, above their Eyes slick broad sharp Horns turn’d towards the Back;
the Flesh is deadly poyson.
[Sidenote: The _Becune_.]
The _Becune_, which is eight Foot long, falls upon a Fish like a mad
Dog, biting great pieces of the Flesh out of the Body, which occasions
present Death; its Flesh is likewise poyson.
SECT. XVIII.
Todos Sanctos.
[Sidenote: Situation of _Todos Sanctos_.]
[Sidenote: Curious sorts of Shells.]
Southward from _Guadalupe_, and at the same Latitude with _Marigalante_,
lie four desolate Isles, call’d _Todos Sanctos_, and on their Shores a
sort of Shell-fish call’d _Lambis_, from the resemblance of a Tongue;
the Shells whereof the _Indians_ Sound in stead of Horns when they give
an Alarm; as also another sort call’d _Porcelenes_, of which the most
esteem’d are without of a Carnation, and within of a Silver, or
Skye-colour mix’d with Golden Beams. The next are the Black, mix’d with
a pale Blue, and little Veins. But the most remarkable Shells are those,
whose Back Nature hath mark’d in such a manner with Musical Notes, that
one might almost express a Tune by them.
[Sidenote: Mother-of-Pearl Oysters.]
Moreover, it would amaze the Beholder, to see the Mother-of-Pearl Oyster
moving at the Foot of a Rock; for at the Rising of the Sun they appear
above the Water, and gape for the Dew, of which they have no sooner
receiv’d a Drop, but they close their Shells, and fall to the Ground
again.
SECT. XIX.
De Aves.
[Sidenote: Situation of _De Aves_.]
Westward from _Todos Sanctos_, at fifteen Degrees and forty five
Minutes, lies the Isle _De Aves_.
[Sidenote: _Aigrettos._]
Besides Ducks, Pluvers, Moor-hens, Geese, and the like Fowls (that
suffer themselves to be catch’d by the Hands of Men, which are very
strange to them) there are here also many rare sorts of Birds, as the
white Birds call’d _Aigrettos_, which are somewhat bigger than Crows,
with red Bills and Feet, and curious Plumes on their Heads; they often
flye a great way off at Sea.
[Sidenote: _Craw-fowl._]
The large Bird call’d _The Craw-fowl_, which feeds on Fish, hath a thick
Head, a long flat Bill, hollow Eyes, and a short Neck, under which hangs
the Maw, big enough to contain a Pail full of Water: On the Trees along
the Sea-side they watch for Fish which swim near the top of the Water,
and by their attentiveness on their Prey, are easily shot themselves.
[Sidenote: _Arras._]
Here is likewise the Bird _Arras_, of the bigness of a Pheasant, but
more resembling a Parraquito: their long Tail consists of divers
colour’d Feathers, some have shining skye-colour’d Heads, Backs, and
Necks, their Bellies and Wings of a pale Yellow; they are so stout, or
rather so simple, that if they are not hit with the first Shot, they
will stay for a second: They also learn to talk, but not so distinctly
as the _Canides_, which are no way inferior in beauty to the _Arras_,
nay exceed them very much: Monsieur _du Montell_ above mention’d, seeing
one at _Corassao_, describes it after this manner:
[Sidenote: Description of the _Canides_.]
“It deserves to be numbred (saith he) amongst the most beautiful Birds
in the World: I took so particular notice of it, having had of them in
my Hands many times, that I have the Idea’s of it still fresh in my
Memory. Under the Belly, Wings, and Neck, it was of a waving
_Aurora_-colour, the Back, and one half of the Wings, of a very bright
Skye-colour, the Tail and greater Feathers of the Wings were mix’d with
a sparkling Carnation, diversifi’d with a Skye-colour, as upon the Back
a Grass-green and shining Black, which very much added to the Gold and
Azure of the other Plumage: But the most beautiful part was the Head,
cover’d with a Murrey Doun, checquer’d with Green, Yellow, and a pale
Blue, which reach’d down wavingly to the Back: The Eye-lids were white,
and the Apple of the Eye yellow and red as a Ruby Set in Gold: It had
upon the Head a certain Tuft or Cap of Feathers of a Vermilion Red,
sparkling like a lighted Coal, which was encompass’d by several other
lesser Feathers of a Pearl-colour.
“If it were recommendable for all these extraordinary Ornaments, it was
much more for its Familiarity and Innocency; for though it had a crooked
Beak, and that the Claws with which it held its Meat and brought it to
its Beak, were so sharp as to take away whatsoever it fastned upon, yet
was it so tame as to play with little Children and never hurt them; and
when one took him into his Hand, he so contracted his Claws, that the
sharpness of them could not be felt: He had this Quality of a Dog, That
he would Lick with his short and thick Tongue those who made much of him
and gave him something he lik’d, put his Head to their Cheeks to Kiss
and Caress them, and expressing his Acknowledgments by a thousand pretty
Insinuations, he would suffer himself to be put into what posture one
would, and took a certain pleasure in diverting those he thought his
Friends: But as he was mild and tractable to those who were kind to him,
so was he mischievous and irreconcileable to such as had injur’d him,
and he could distinguish them from others, and make them feel the
sharpness of his Beak and Claws.
“He pratled in the _Dutch_, _Spanish_, and _Indian_ Languages, and in
the last he sung Airs as a natural _Indian_: He also imitated the Cries
of all sorts of Poultrey and other Creatures about the House; he call’d
all his Friends by their Names and Sirnames, flew to them as soon as he
saw them, especially when he was hungry; if they had been absent, and
that he had not seen them a long time, he express’d his joy at their
return by certain merry Notes; when he had sported himself till they
were weary of him, he went away, and perch’d himself on the top of the
House, and there he talk’d, sung, and play’d a thousand tricks, laying
his Feathers in order, and dressing and cleaning himself with his Beak.
He was easily kept; for not onely the Bread commonly us’d in that
Island, but all the Fruits and Roots growing there, were his ordinary
Food; and when he had more given him than he needed, he carefully laid
up the remainder under the Leaves wherewith the House was cover’d, and
took it when he had need. In a word, I never saw a more loving or more
amiable Bird; ’twas a Present for any Prince, if he could have been
brought over the Sea. This Bird had been brought from the _Caribbee_
Islands to Monsieur _Rodenborck_, then Governor of the Fort and _Dutch_
Colony, which is in the Island of _Corassao_.”
SECT. XX.
Dominico.
[Sidenote: Situation of _Dominico_.]
At fifteen Degrees and thirteen Minutes, lies the Island _Dominico_, so
call’d because it was discover’d on a _Sunday_, about thirty Leagues
long, and not much less in breadth, and diversifi’d with high Mountains,
and exceeding deep Valleys; of which the _Caribbeeans_ that dwell there
relate, That formerly in one of the deepest of them, a huge and
monstrous Serpent had an Army of Serpents to defend an invaluable
Carbuncle which he had in his Head; which being cover’d with a thin
Skin, was onely discernable when he drank or play’d, for then the lustre
thereof lightned the whole Valley.
When first the _French_ approach’d this Coast with their Ships, the
Islanders going Aboard in their _Canoos_, barter’d Provisions for Coral,
Crystal, and other Trifles.
[Sidenote: The _Manchenile_ Tree.]
On this Isle also grows the famous _Manchenile_-Tree, which bears long
Leaves, and sweet smelling Fruit, streak’d red, and tasting like a
Hazle-Nut, but bringing a deadly Sleep upon those that eat of it; it
seldom rots though it fall into the Sea, or any fresh Rivers, but is
crusted over with a Shell resembling Salt-petre, and poysons the Water
in such a manner, that all the Fish dying, are seen floating upon it; in
the Trunk and Boughs thereof is a milky Juice, which dropping upon the
Body, causes it to break out in Scabs, and if it chances to touch the
Eyes, it takes away the Sight for nine days: and not less hurtful is the
Moisture which drops from the Tree.
The _Caribbeeans_ dip their Arrows in this poysonous Juice, against
which Nature hath provided an excellent Medicine, being as followeth:
[Sidenote: A Medicine against the poison of the _Manchenile_.]
There are amongst the other Reptiles of _America_ a sort of Snails,
which creep into the Legs of dead Crabs, to keep themselves from the
Weather; when taken they make a noise, and being laid before the Fire
they come forth; the Water squeez’d out of them, or the Oyl drawn from
them by the Sun, cures the Parts poyson’d by the _Manchenile_-Tree.
SECT. XXI.
Martinico.
[Sidenote: Situation of _Martinico_.]
Opposite to _Dominico_ lies _Martinico_, by the _Indians_ nam’d
_Matunina_, which lying at fourteen Degrees and thirty Scruples, is
forty five Leagues in circumference; It appears at a distance like three
Mountains, the highest whereof resembles a Hat, and is seen in all parts
of the Island, which, on the North where three Rocks deny access for
Landing, seems to be divided into three Isles.
The _Caribbeeans_ have been forc’d, after many bloody Battels, to
surrender up this Island to the _French_: But before they were well
setled, the _Caribbeeans_ marching over exceeding high Mountains, deep
Concavities, and thick Woods, fell upon them with all the Rage
imaginable: the Reasons of which some attribute to _Du Parquet_, who in
prejudice of the _Martinican Caribbeeans_, sent _French_-men over to
_Granada_ and _Alouzia_: others suppose, that they took up Arms to
revenge the Death of their Countrey-men on _St. Vincent_, who were
destroy’d by the _French_ with poyson’d Brandy. But the _French_
furnish’d with new Supplies, took sufficient Revenge; for they drove the
_Caribbeeans_ out of their Houses, and chac’d them into Woods and
Deserts.
The Hills that are over-grown with Trees, are Receptacles for wild
Beasts, especially Hogs and Serpents. The other Hills are Till’d and
Sow’n, though not without great trouble.
The Tobacco which grows on the steep Ascents much exceeds that which
grows in the Valleys, or in the Tracts of Land shaded with Trees.
[Sidenote: The Island divided into five Wards.]
Since the _French_, _Anno 1635._ (being sent from _St. Christophers_ by
the Lord _Desnambuc_) Setled themselves on this Island, under the
Command of his Deputy _Du Pont_, they divided it into five Wards,
separated from that part of the Isle which was inhabited by the antient
Natives: Each Ward hath a Church, or at least a Chappel, Armory,
Store-houses, and Dwelling-houses, like an intire Village.
The first Ward is call’d _Pyloot_, from a _Caribbeean_ Captain, who was
very familiar with _Du Parquet_, and inform’d him of his Peoples
Designs.
The second, nam’d _Capot_, is wash’d by a River of the same
Denomination, and hath many fruitful Plains.
The third retains the _Caribbeean_ Name, being _Carbet_, signifying a
Publick Structure, to which they us’d to resort to Feast, or hold
Councils of War; not far from which the Governor dwelt in a Stone House:
Near the Harbor stood also an Armory in a Valley, water’d by a fresh
River which falls out of the Mountains, shaded with Trees and Gardens
full of Rarities: But since the Governor gave this and many other fair
Buildings to the _Jesuits_, he remov’d to the fourth Ward, call’d _St.
Peter_, where he built a Castle, and furnish’d the same with Brass and
Iron Guns to defend the Harbor.
A Stones-throw from the Governor’s House lies the _Jesuits_ Cloyster, on
the Banks of a pleasant Stream, built very artificially of Marble and
Free-stone, and having a pleasant Prospect over the River, and adjacent
Gardens, beautifi’d with the choicest of Flowers, Fruits, and Trees; and
also a Vineyard, out of which they press a considerable quantity of
Wine.
The last Ward, call’d _Preacheur_, extends East and West, some parts
whereof swell into high Mountains, at the Feet whereof stand fair
Structures; others sink into low Valleys or _Savannas_.
[Illustration: BARBADOS]
[Sidenote: The _Mahot_-Tree.]
Between the _French_ Settlements and the _Caribbeeans_, runs an Arm of
the Sea, along whose Shores grows abundance of the _Mahot_-Tree, which
is full of Boughs from the top down to the Ground. The Bark of this Tree
serves in stead of Ropes, and is also us’d to tie up Tobacco; the Wood
it self is durable, and good for Building, wherefore most of the Houses
built on Hills are of this Timber.
The best Harbor for Ships is between the Wards _Carbet_ and _St. Peter_,
defended from the Winds by high Hills.
[Sidenote: The _Diamond_.]
Not far from the Inlet of the Salt-pits, appears about half a League off
at Sea, a Rock call’d _The Diamond_, being a Receptacle for an
innumerable multitude of Birds, and especially wild Pigeons.
Besides the Streams that in the rainy Seasons run through the Dales and
_Savana_’s, there are ten Rivers, which falling from the Mountains,
glide through the Valleys into the Sea. Sometimes they swell in such a
manner, that over-flowing their Banks, they wash down the Trees and
Houses; which Inconvenience hath taught the _French_ to build their
Houses on Hills or rising Grounds.
The good Situation of this Island hath invited many Families thither.
SECT. XXII.
St. Lucia.
[Sidenote: Situation of _St. Lucia_.]
_St. Lucia_ (by the _French_, _Alouzie_) is so call’d because it was
discover’d on the thirteenth of _December_, Dedicated in the Kalendar to
the Virgin Martyr _Lucia_, who was burnt at _Syracuse_: It lies
Southerly from _Dominico_ at thirteen Degrees and forty Minutes, and is
ken’d at a great distance by two fiery Mountains; the most Easterly of
which is higher than the other.
At the Feet of these two Mountains lie pleasant Valleys, shadow’d by
close Woods, and moistned by clear Springs; near which heretofore a
small number of _Caribbeeans_ dwelling, maintain’d themselves with
Fishing; they went stark naked, and painted their Bodies with red Oker,
and drew a Vermilion Stroke from their Ears to their Noses.
An _English_ Ship sent to _Guinee_ to supply the Plantations there,
Landed sixty six mutinous Persons here, who were all kill’d by the
Inhabitants; but when _Henry Jacobson Lucifer_ putting into the Bay of
_Lucia_ to Water there, _Anno 1627._ Landed to discover the Island, he
found neither Man nor House, nor any thing but a barren Soil; yet
notwithstanding _Du Parquet_ sent his Deputy _Rosselan_ with a Colony to
Plant in this Island.
SECT. XXIII.
Barbados.
[Sidenote: Situation of _Barbados_.]
The Island _Barbados_, which was Planted by the _English_, _Anno 1627._
lies between thirteen and fourteen Degrees, and hath twenty five Leagues
in circumference, and somewhat more in length than breadth, and is
supply’d with a fresh-Water River, and several Pools. The Ground being
fruitful in the producing of Tobacco, Cotton, Ginger, and especially
Sugar, invited many People to Settle there, insomuch that in a short
time it could shew twenty thousand Inhabitants besides _Negro_ Slaves.
The Trees which grow on this Island, are not onely delightful, but
profitable; amongst which the _Roucou_ is one, with sharp Leaves, white
Carnation Flowers like Stars, which hang by Clusters at the end of the
Boughs, and after a while turn to a Cod full of vermilion Kernels: The
Juice dry’d in the Sun and kneaded into Balls, is of a great value. Of
the Bark of this Tree they make strong Ropes; and the Root is very
wholsom, and of a pleasant taste.
[Sidenote: The Fly _Cayouyou_.]
Moreover, amongst the Insects that breed here, there are a sort of Flyes
worthy of a short Description; the _Caribbeeans_ call them _Cayouyou_,
being about the bigness of a Beetle; they have two strong Wings, and
under them thinner, which they never spread abroad but when they flye,
and then they carry such a lustre in them, that they give as much Light
in the Night as a lighted Candle, (their Eyes also at the same time
glittering like Fire) making no noise when they flye; they feed on the
Juice of Flowers, and are so smooth, that they are very apt to slip
through ones Fingers, and when they find themselves to be taken, they
hide their glittering Wings under the other.
The _Indians_ tie these Flies to their Hands and Feet, so to have the
benefit of their Light in the Night; and anoint their Bodies all over
(at certain Solemnities wherein Candles are forbidden) with the Juice
squeez’d out of them, which causes them to shine like a Flame of Fire:
They catch them with a piece of Wood which they move in the Air,
whereupon the Flyes going to sit, are taken with a Hat; but their Light
vanishes if they are kill’d.
But as to what may farther be added concerning this Island, being one of
the chief of our Plantations, we cannot better satisfie the curiosity of
those who desire a true Information of all things that concern that
Place, than by inserting _verbatim_ a Letter from an intelligent Person
who hath been long resident there, _viz._ Colonel _Robert Rich_, of no
older Date than _May 31. 1670._ by which the present State and Condition
of the Island, the Buildings and other Improvements made there by the
Planters since they first possess’d it, in what Commodities of the
Growth of the Countrey their chief Trade consists, their Strength,
_Militia_, Government, and flourishing Commerce, and what-ever else is
material to be imparted, may be clearly understood.
[Sidenote: Colonel _Rich_ his Description of the _Barbados_.]
SIR,
_I have lately seen your_ Proposal _concerning an_ English Atlas,
_and having read Dr._ Heylin_’s Book of the Chorography and History
of the whole World, his third Edition Corrected and Enlarged,
Printed_ Anno 1666. _I find him very short and erroneous in his
Description of the_ Caribbee _Islands, especially of this Island of_
Barbados, _wherein I have been an Inhabitant more than eleven years.
He saith_,
1. The Island is seventeen or eighteen Miles in compass.
2. On the South ’tis furnish’d with a large and commodious
Harbor.
3. The chief Commodities are Tobacco, and a kind of course
Sugar, call’d _Barbados Sugar_, which must be quickly spent,
or ’twill melt to nothing.
4. That this Island is worth all the Plantations made by the
_English_, and yet that we hold it at the Courtesie of the
_Spaniard_, without whose Leave and Liking, not of Force to
hold it.
_This Description of Dr._ Heylin_’s, in it self very false, is also
much to the Dishonor of the_ English _Nation, which makes me presume
to trouble you with my own Observations, wherein having onely aim’d
at the Truth, you shall not have cause to doubt of being misguided_.
_This Island of_ Barbados _is seated in thirteen Degrees and twenty
Minutes, length twenty two Miles, and in breadth fourteen and an
half; It is naturally fortifi’d with Rocks and Shoals on the North
and East side of it, where no Ship may safely Anchor, onely two or
three places small Boats may go out and in to Fish. On the
South-East and Westerly part, it is all along a Road when Ships may
Ride at Anchor, but more especially in four chief Places, Roads and
Bays thereof._