The Iland of Canaria .

THE Iland of Canaria is almost comparable in length to breadth , conteyning 12. leagues in length , touching the which as principall & the residue , the Spaniards hold opinion , that they discouered it in their nauigation toward America , but the Portingals say , that their nation first found the said Ilandes , in their Nauigation toward Aethiopia and East India .

But truth it is that the Spaniards first conquered these Ilands , with diuers English Gentlemen in their companie , whose descendents this present daie inioyeth them . Some write that this Iland was named Canaria by meane of the number of dogs which there were found . As for example , Andrew Theuet saith , the one Iuba carryed two dogges from thence : but that opinion could I neuer learne by anie of the naturall people of the Countrie , although I haue talked with many in my time , & with many of their children . For truth it is , that there were dogges , but such as are in all the Norwest lands , and some parte of the West India , which serued the people in stéed of shéepe for victuall . But of some of the conquerours of those Ilandes I haue heard say , that the reason why they were called Canaria Ilands , is , there groweth generally in them all , a foure square cane in great multitude together , which in touching them wil cast out a liquor as white as milke , which liquor is ranke poyson , and at the first entrie into these Ilandes , some of the discouerers were therewith poysoned : for many yeares after that conquest , the inhabitants began to plant both wine and Sugar , so that Canaria was not so called by Sugar canes .

The people which first inhabited this lande were called Canaries by the conquerours , they were clothed in goate skinnes made like vnto a loose cassocke , they dwelt in caues in the Rockes , in great amitie & brotherly loue . They spake all one language , their chiefe féeding was gelt dogs , goates , and goates milke , their bread was made of Barlie meale and Goats milke , called Gofia , which they vse at this daie , and thereof I haue eaten diuerse times , for it is accounted excéeding wholesome .

Touching the originall of these people , some holde opinion , that the Romanes which dwelt in Africa exiled them thether , as well men as women , their tongues béeing cutte out of their heades , for blasphemie against the Romane Gods . But howsoeuer it were , their language was speciall , and not mixed with Romane spéech or Arabian .

This Iland is now the principallest of all the rest , not in fertilitie , but by reason it is the seate of Iustice and gouernment of all the residue . This Ilande hath a speciall Gouernor for the Iland onely , yet notwithstanding there are thrée Iudges called Auditours , who are superiour Iudges , and all in one iointly procéede as the Lord Chanceller of anie realme .

To this Citie from all the other Ilands come al such by appeale , as haue sustained any wrong , and these good Iudges doo remedie the same . The Citie is called Ciuitas Palmarum , it hath a beautifull Cathedrall Church , with all dignities therevnto pertaining . For the publike weale of the Iland ther are sundrie Aldermen of great authoritie , who haue a counsell house by themselues . The Citie is not onely beautifull , but the citizens curious and gallant in apparell . And after anie raine or foule weather a man maye goe cleane in Veluet slippers , because the ground is sandie , the aire verie temperate , without extreame heat or colde .

They reape wheate in Februarie , and againe in Maie , which is excellent good , & maketh bread as white as snow . This Iland hath in it other thrée faire townes , the one called Telde , and the second Galder the third Guia. It hath also 12. Sugar houses called Iugenios , in which they make great quantitie of good sugar .

The manner of the growth of Sugar is in this sort , a good ground giueth soorth fruit nine times in 18. yéere . That is to saie , the first is called Planta which is laid a long in a vorrowe , so that the water of a sluce may come ouer euerie roote being couered with earth : this roote bringeth forth sundrie canes , and so consequently all the rest . It groweth two yeares before the yéelding of profit , and not sixe monethes , as Andrew Theuet the French man writeth .

Then are they cut euen with the ground , and the tops and leaues called Coholia cut off , and the canes bound into bundels like faggets , & so are carried to the sugar house called Iugenio , where they are ground in a mill , and the iuyce thereof conuayed by conduct to a great vessell made for the purpose , where it is boyled till it waxe thicke , and then is it put into a fornaice or earthen pots of the moulde of a Sugar loafe , & then is it carryed to another house , called a purging house , where it is placed to purge the blacknes with a certain clay that is laid thereon . Of the remainder in the cauldron is made a second sort called Escumas , and of the purging liquor that droppeth from the white Sugar is made a third sort , and the remainder is called Panela or Netas , the refuse of all the purging is called Remiel or Mallasses : and therof is made another sort called Refinnado .

When this first fruit is in this sorte gathered called Planta , then the Cane field where it grew , is burned ouer with Sugar straw to the stumps of the first canes , and being husbanded , watred & trimmed , at the end of other two yeres , it yéeldeth the second fruite called Zoca . The third fruite is called Tercia Zoca , the fourth Quarta Zoca , and so orderly the rest till age causeth the olde Canes to be planted againe .

This Iland hath singular good wine , especially in the towne of Telde , and sundrie sortes of good frutes , as Batata , Mellons , peares , Apples , Orenges , Lemmons . Pomegranads , Figs , Peaches of diuerse sortes , and many other fruites : but especiallye the Plantano which groweth néere brooke sides , it is a trée that hath no Timber in it , but groweth directly vpward with the bodie hauing maruailous thick leaues , & euery leafe at the toppe of two yeardes long and almost halfe a yearde broade .

The Trée neuer yéeldeth fruite but once , and then is cut down , in whose place springeth another , and so still continueth . The fruit groweth on a braunch , and euerie trée yéeldeth two or thrée of those branches , which beareth some more and some lesse , as some 40. and some 30. the fruit is like a Cowcumber , and when it is ripe it is blacke , and in eating more delicate then anye conserue . This Ilande is sufficientlye prouided of Oxen Kine , Camelles , Goates , shéepe , Capons , Hens , Ducks , and Pidgeons , and great Partridges . Woode is the thing that most wanteth : and because I haue perticularly to deale of the other sixe Ilands , I leaue further inlarging of Canaria , which standeth in 27. degrées distant from the Aequator .

The I le of Tenerif .

THE Iland of Tenerif standeth in 27. degrées & a halfe , from the equator , & is distant from Canaria 12. leagues , Northward . This Ilande conteineth 17. leagues in length , and the land lyeth high in forme of a ridge of sowen lande in some parte of England , and in the middest of the sayde place standeth a round hill called Pico Deteythe , scituated of this sort . The toppe of this pike conteineth of height directly vpward 15. leagues and more , which is 45. English miles , out of the which oftentimes procéedeth fire and brimstone , & may be about halfe a mile compasse : the sayde toppe is in forme or likenesse of a caldron . But within two miles of the top is nothing but ashes and pomish stones : yet beneath that two miles , is the colde region couered all the yeare with Snowe , and somewhat lower are mightie huge trées growing called Vinatico which is excéeding heauie , and will not rot in anie water , although it lye a thousand yéeres therein . Also there is a wood called Barbusano , of like vertue , with many Sauine trées and Pine trées . And beneath this sorts of trées are woods of Baie trées , of x. & 12. miles long , which is a pleasant thing to trauaile through , among the which are great numbers of small birdes , which sing excéeding swéete : but especially one sort that are verie little , and of coulour in all respects like a Swallow , sauing he hath a little blacke spot on his breast as broade as a pennie . He singeth more swéeter then all the rest , but if he be taken and imprisoned in a cage , he liueth but a small while . This Iland bringeth forth all sortes of fruites as Canaria doth , and also all the other Ilands in generall , bringeth forth shrubbes or brushes , out of the which issueth a iuyce as white as milke , which after a while that it hath come out waxeth thicke , and is excéeding good Birdlime , the bush is called Taybayba . This Iland also bringeth forth another trée called Drago , which groweth on high among rockes , and by incission at the foote of the trée issueth out a liquor like bloud , & is a common drugge among Apothecaries . Of the wood of this trée are made targets greatly estéemed , because if anie sword or dagger hit thereon , they sticke so fast that it is hard plucking them out .

This is the most fruitfullest Iland of all the rest for corne , and in that respect is a mother or nurse to al the others in time of néed . There groweth also a certaine mosse vpon the high rockes called Orchel , which is bought for Diars to die withall . There are 12. Ingenios called sugar houses , which make great quantitie of Sugar .

There is also one league of grounde which standeth betwéene two towns , the one called Larotaua , & the other Rialeio , which is thought that the like plot of ground is not in all the world . The reason is , that this one league of ground produceth swéet water out of the cliffes or rockie mountaines , corne of all sortes , fruites of all sortes , and excellent good silke , flaxe , waxe , and honnie , and verie good wines in abundance , with great store of Sugar and fire woode . Out of this Iland is laden greate quantitie of wines for the west India , and other Countries . The best groweth on a hill side called the Ramble .

There is in that Iland a faire Citie , standing thrée leagues from the sea , néere vnto a lake called Laguna , wherin are two faire Parish Churches , there dwelleth the gouernour who ruleth al that Iland with iustice . There are also Aldermen for the publike weale , who buy their offices of the king : the most of the whole inhabitants of this Citie are Gentlemen , Merchants , and husband men .

There are other foure Townes called Sancta Crux , Larotaua , Rialeio , and Gara-chico ?

In this Iland before the conquest dwelt seauen kinges , who with all their people dwelt in caues , and were cloathed in goat skinnes , as the Canaria people were , and with such like order of dyet as they had . Their order of buriall was , that when anie died , he was carried naked to a greate caue , where he was propped vp against the wall standing on his féete . But if he were of anie authoritie among them , then had hée a staffe in his hand , & a vessell of milke standing by him . I haue séene caues of 300. of these corps together , the flesh béeing dryed vp , the bodie remained as light as parchment . These people were called Guanches , by naturall name they spake another language cleane contrarie to the Canarians , and so consequently euerie Iland spake a seuerall language . Note gentle Reader that the Ilande of Canaria , the Ile of Tenerif , and the Ile of Palme appertaine to the King of Spaine , vnto whome they rent fiftie thousand Duckets yéerely for custome & other profits . All these Ilandes ioyntly are one Bishoprick , which rent to the Bishop is 12. thousand duckets yéerly , and this I conclude of the Ile of Tenerif , which standeth 27. degrées and a halfe , as I haue before declared .

Gomera .

THe Iland of Gomera standeth Westward from Tenerif , in distaunce sixe leagues : this is but a smal Iland containing 8. leagues in length . It is an Earledome , and the Lord thereof is called , the Earle of Gomera . But in case of anie controuersie the vassalls may appeale to the kings superiour Iudges which reside in Canaria .

This Iland hath one proper towne , called Gomera , which hath an excellent good port or harbor for ships , where oftentimes the India Fléete , take refreshing for their voyage .

There is also sufficient graine and fruit for the maintenaunce of themselues .

There is one Iugenio or Sugar house , with great plentie of wine and other sorts of fruits , as Canaria and Tenerif hath .

This Iland yéeldeth no other commoditie but onely Orchell , it standeth in 27. degrées distant from the Equator toward the pole Articke .

The I le of Palma .

THe I le of Palma standeth . 12. leagues , distaunt from thy Ile Gomera Norwestward . This Iland is fruitfull of wine and Sugar : it hath a proper Citie , called the Citie of Palma , where is great contraction for wines , which are laden for the West India & other places . This citie hath one faire Church , and a gouernour , & Aldermen to mainetaine and execute iustice . It hath also another pretie Towne , called S. Andrewes . It hath also foure Ingenios which make excellent sugar , two of the which are called Zauzes , and the other two , Tassacort .

This Iland gathereth but little bread corne : but rather is thereof prouided from Tenerif and other places .

Their best wines grow in a soile called the Brenia , where yéerely is gathered 12. thousand Buts of wine like vnto maulmsies . This Iland standeth round , and containeth in circuit néere 25. leagues . It hath plentie of all sorts of fruits , as Canaria & Tenerif hath , it standeth in twentie seauen degrées and a halfe .

The Iland of Yron , called Hierro .

THis Iland standeth 10. leagues distant from the Iland of Palma Weastward : it is but a little Ilande , which containeth sixe leagues in circuite , and hath but small peroblation . It appertayneth to the Earle of Gomera . The chiefest commoditie of this Ilande is Goates flesh and Orchell . There is no Wine in all that Iland , but onely one vineard that an English man of Taunton in the West Countrie planted among rockes , his name was Iohn Hill .

This Iland hath no kinde of fresh water but onely in the middle of the Ilande groweth a great trée with leaues lyke an Oliue trée , which hath a great sesterne at the foote of the said trée . This Trée continually is couered with clowdes , and by meane thereof , the leaues of the sayde Trée dooeth still droppe Water , verye swéete into the sayd Sesterne , which commeth to the sayd trée from the clowdes by attraction . And this water sufficeth the Iland for all necessitie , as well the Cattell , as for the inhabitants . It standeth in 27. degrées .

The Iland of Lanzerot .

THe Ilande of Lanzerot standeth xviij . leagues distaunt from Gran Canaria Southeastward , the onely commoditie of this Iland , is Goats flesh and Orchell . It is an Earldome , & doth appertaine to Don Augustine de Herrera , with title of Earle of Fortauentura & Lanzerot . But the vassalls of these Earledomes , may in any cause of wrong , appeale to the Kings Iudges , which reside in Canaria , as I haue sayd before : because although the King hath reserued to himselfe but onely the thrée fruitfull Ilands , called Canaria , Tenerif , & Palma , yet hée also reserued the rod of iustice to himselfe , because otherwise the vassals might bée euill intreated of their Lords .

From this Iland is wéekly brought to Canaria , Tenerif , & Palma , boates laden with dried Goates flesh , called Tussinetta , which serueth in stéed of bacon , and is very good meate . This Iland standeth in 26. degrées and is in length 12. leagues .

The I le of Fortauentura .

THE I le of Fortauentura standeth 50. leagues distant from the Promontorie of Cabo de Guer , in the firme land of Affrica , and 24. leagues distant from Canana Eastward . This Iland doth appertaine to the Senior of Lanzerot . It is reasonable fruitfull of Wheate and Barly , and also of Kine , Goats , and Orchell : this Ile is 15. leagues long and 10. leagues broad on the North side . It hath a little Ilande about one league distant from the maine Iland betwéene both of the which it is nauegable for anie ships , and is called Graciosa .

Both Fortauentura and Lanzerot haue verie little wine of the growth of those Ilands . It standeth in 27. degrées .

Thus much haue I written of these 7. Ilands by experience , because I was a dweller there as I haue sayd before , the space of seauen yeares , in the affaires of Master Thomas Lock , Master Anthonie Hikman , and Master Casthin , who in those dayes were worthie Merchants , and of great credit in the citie of London .

A description of the Iland of Madera .

THE Iland of Madera standeth in 33. degrées distant from the equinoctinall line , and 70. leagues from the Ile of Tenerif Northeastward , & Southwest from Hercules pillers . This Iland was discouered , conquered , & inhabited by the Portingall nation : it was first called the Iland of Madera , by reason of the great wildernesse of sundrie sorts of trées that there did grow , and yet dooth , as Ceder , Cipers , Vinatico , Barbuzano , Pine trées , and diuers others , and therefore the sayd Iland continueth still with the same name . Howbeit they hold opinion that betwéene the said Iland and the Ile of Palma is an Iland not yet discouered , which is the true Iland Madera called S. Brandon . This Iland renteth a great sum of money to the king of Portingal yéerely : it hath one faire citie called Fouchall , which hath a faire port or harbour for ships , and a strong Bulwarke , & a faire Cathedrall Church , with a Bishop & other dignities therevnto appertaining . There is also iustice and gouernment according to the Portingal vse . But causes of appellation are remitted to the citie of Lisborne in Portingal , to the kings superiour Iudges there . This Iland hath another towne called Machico , which hath likewise a good rode for ships . There is also . 16 Sugar houses called Ingenios , which make excellent good Sugar .

There is besides the gooly timber before declared , greate store of diuers sortes of fruites , as peares , apples , plummes , wilde dates , peaches of diuerse sortes , Mellons , Batatas , Oringes , Lemons , pomgranads , Cidrons , Figs , and all manner of garden hearbs . Ther are many Dragon trees , such as grow in the Canaria Ilands . But chiefly this land produceth great quantitie of singular good wines which are laden for manie places . On the North side of this land thrée leagues distant from the maine Iland standeth another little Iland , called Porto santo : the people therof liueth by husbandrie , for the Iland of Madera gathereth but little corne : but rather is thereof prouided out of Fraunce and from the Iland of Tenerif . On the East side of the Ile of Madera sixe leagues distant standeth another little Iland called the Desart , which produceth onely Orchell , and nourisheth a great number of Goates . For the prouision of the maine Iland , which may be 30. leagues in circuit , and the land is of great height where those trées grow . It is wonder to sée the conueiance of the water to the Ingenios by mines through the mountaines .

In the midde waie betwéene Tenerif , and the Iland of Madera standeth a little solitarie Iland called the Saluages , which may be about one league in compasse , which hath neither trée nor fruit , but onely foode for Goates .