irectly beyond this is another and
smaller island, called Cayoa; and that of Bachan, with several others
of little importance, lies near. To the east of all these islands
is one called Vatachina, or Gilolo, lying two or three leguas from
these--a very large island, where your Majesty has two forts. This
island extends so far that it makes a strait with the island of Nueva
Guinea on the eastern end, according to the relation of Fray Diego
de Prado, of the Order of St. Basil, who, while he was a layman,
coasted along this island on the southern side, of which nothing
was then known. This is the largest island in the world, and was
discovered from the northern side. It extends from the equinoctial
line. No one has thus far examined what is in the interior, although
it is known that it is well peopled, some of the natives being black,
and some of the ordinary color of Indians. There are indications of
much wealth. More to the east, there are the islands of Salamon near
by. The blacks are sold among the Indians, as in Guinea, and they have
fairs at set times. The Indians buy these people to cultivate their
lands. Beyond these Malucas Islands there are some to the southward,
of little importance, as far as that of Ambueno, which is seventy
leguas distant from them. The Dutch have a fort there, which they
took from the Portuguese, and a port where abundance of cloves are
gathered--which, transplanted from the Malucas, have grown in this
island alone and in no other. Eighteen leguas farther east lies the
island of Banda, where nutmeg is gathered; and the Dutch have another
fortress there.

Westward from the Malucas Islands, about twenty leguas distant,
is an island called Macasar. It is more than two hundred and fifty
leguas around, and is very fertile and rich, being inhabited by the
best people in those islands; their king is friendly, very peaceful,
and glad to trade with the Spaniards. He used to receive the Dutch,
and let them provide themselves from his country with provisions
for all their forts. He does not now admit them, and has sent to ask
for religious to preach the gospel; and two of the Society and two
Dominicans have been sent to him. The friendship of this king is very
important for the preservation of Maluco.

Next, farther to the west, lies the island of Borney. It is 400 leguas
in circumference. On the side which faces the south the Dutch maintain
trade, and through it they obtain the finest diamonds.

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