Page:A History of the Pacific Northwest.djvu/27

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A History of the Pacific Northwest

the country about this time. In its original use it signified a fabulous island, situated "not far from the terrestrial paradise," and inhabited by a gigantic race of women.

Voyage of Cabrillo and Ferelo. In 1542 Mendoza sent out Cabrillo and Ferelo to explore the coast northward along the peninsula. The result of Cabrillo's voyage was the discovery of the excellent harbour which he named San Miguel but which was later called San Diego, and the partial exploration of the California coast line above San Diego possibly to the forty-second parallel. An outline map of the west coast of America from Panama to Oregon will thus summarize fairly the Spanish explorations during the thirty years following Balboa's discovery of the Pacific.

Drake's voyage. The story of Sir Francis Drake's incursion into the Pacific, his capture of Spanish treasure ships, his landing in California and subsequent circumnavigation of the globe is full of dramatic interest. But, despite oft repeated claims that he made new discoveries to the northward of 42°, there is no convincing evidence to prove that he did so. It is not probable that he saw any part of the Oregon coast, although he may have sailed the high sea as far to the north as the forty-third parallel.

Its influence upon Spain. Nevertheless, by showing them how insecure were their western coasts and how unprotected their rich trade between the Philippine Islands and Mexico Drake's voyage incited the Spaniards to undertake explorations having a de-