be little
concerned; and, generally speaking the Malayan language, are very
sociable and easily induced to trade with those that speak that language;
which the Dutch here always learn; besides, being well acquainted with
the treachery of these people, they go well armed among them, and are
very vigilant never to give them an opportunity to hurt them; and it is
very probable that they supply them with such goods as the Portuguese
cannot.

LORANTUCA ON THE ISLAND ENDE.

The Malayan language, as I have before said, is generally spoken amongst
all the islands hereabouts. The greater the trade is the more this
language is spoken: in some it is become their only language; in others
it is but little spoken, and that by the seaside only. With this language
the Mahomedan religion did spread itself, and was got hither before any
European Christians came: but now, though the language is still used, the
Mahomedan religion falls, wherever the Portuguese or Dutch are settled;
unless they be very weak, as at Solor and Ende, where the chief language
is Malayan, and the religion Mahomedanism; though the Dutch are settled
at Solor, and the Portuguese at the east end of the island Ende, at a
place called Lorantuca; which, as I was informed, is a large town, has a
pretty strong fort and safe harbour. The chief man there (as at Timor) is
called Captain More, and is as absolute as the other. These 2 principal
men are enemies to each other; and by their letters and messages to Goa
inveigh bitterly against each other; and are ready to do all the ill
offices they can; yet neither of them much regards the viceroy of Goa, as
I was informed.

Lorantuca is said to be more populous than any town on Timor; the island
Ende affording greater plenty of all manner of fruit, and being much
better supplied with all necessaries than Laphao; especially with sheep,
goats, hogs, poultry, etc. But it is very dangerous getting into this
harbour because of the violent tides between the islands Ende and Solor.
In the middle channel between Timor and the range of islands to the
northward of it, whereof Ende and Solor are 2, there runs a constant
current all the year to the westward; though near either shore there are
tides indeed; but the tide of flood, which sets west, running 8 or 9
hours, and the ebb not exceeding 3 or 4 hours, the tide in some places
rises 9 or 10 foot on a spring.

THE SEASONS, WINDS, AND WEATHER AT TIMOR.

The seasons of the year here a