s island,
and was not long since President of Panama in the South Seas: who
bringing some very rich pearls from thence, which he presented to the
Queen of Spain, was therefore, as it is said, made general of the Canary
Islands. The Grand Canary is an island much superior to Tenerife both in
bulk and value; but this gentleman chooses rather to reside in this his
native island. He has the character of a very worthy person; and governs
with moderation and justice, being very well beloved.

One of his deputies was the governor of Santa Cruz, with whom I was to
have dined; but staying so long at Laguna, I came but time enough to sup
with him. He is a civil, discreet man. He resides in the main fort close
by the sea. There is a sentinel stands at his door; and he has a few
servants to wait on him. I was treated in a large dark lower room, which
has but one small window. There were about 200 muskets hung up against
the walls, and some pikes; no wainscot, hangings, nor much furniture.
There was only a small old table, a few old chairs, and 2 or 3 pretty
long forms to sit on. Having supped with him I invited him on board, and
went off in my boat. The next morning he came aboard with another
gentleman in his company, attended by 2 servants: but he was presently
seasick and so much out of order that he could scarce eat or drink
anything, but went quickly ashore again.

OF THE WINDS IN THESE SEAS.

Having refreshed my men ashore, and taken in what we had occasion for, I
sailed away from Santa Cruz on February 4 in the afternoon; hastening out
all I could, because the north-east winds growing stormy made so great
sea that the ship was scarce safe in the road; and I was glad to get out,
though we left behind several goods we had bought and paid for: for a
boat could not go ashore; and the stress was so great in weighing anchor
that the cable broke. I designed next for the Island of Mayo, one of the
Cape Verde Islands; and ran away with a strong north-east wind right
before it all that night and the next day, at the rate of 10 or 11 miles
an hour; when it slackened to a more moderate gale. The Canary Islands
are, for their latitude, within the usual verge of the true or general
tradewind; which I have observed to be, on this side the equator,
north-easterly: but then, lying not far from the African shore, they are
most subject to a north wind, which is the coasting and constant trade,
sweeping that coast down as low as to Cape Verde