and likewise a number of Fowls, and a large quantity of Syrup, I resolved to make no longer stay.
Friday, 21st.—We got under sail, and stood away to the Westward along the N. side of the Island, and another smaller Island, which lies farther to the Westward, which last bore from us at Noon S.S.E., distant 2 Leagues.
Before we proceed any further it will be proper in this place to say something of the Island we have been last at, which is called by the Natives Savu. The Middle of it lies in about the Latitude of 10° 35′ S., Long. 237° 30′ W. It may be about 8 Leagues in length from E. to W., but of what breadth I know not, because I only saw the N. side. There are, as I am told, 3 Bays where Ships can Anchor; the best is on the S.W. side of the S.E. point; the one we lay in, called Seba, lies on the N.W. side of the Island. This bay is very well sheltered from the S.E. Trade wind, but lays wholy open to the N.W. The Land of this Island which bounds the Sea is, in general, low, but in the Middle of the Island are Hills of a moderate height, and the whole is agreeably diversified with woods and Lawns, which afford a most pleasing prospect from the Sea. We were told that the Island is but indifferently water'd in the dry Season, especially towards the latter end of it, at which time there is no running Stream upon the whole Island, only small Springs, which are all at a distance from the Sea side. The dry seasons commences in March or April, and ends in November; the remaining 3 or 4 Months they have Westerly winds with rain, and this the time their Crops of Rice, Calivances, and Indian Corn are brought forth, which are Articles that this Island produceth.
They also breed a great Number of Cattle, viz. Buffaloes, Horses, Hogs, Sheep, and Goats. Many of the former are sent to Concordia, where they are kill'd and salted, in order to be sent to the more Northern Islands, which are under the Dominion of the Dutch. Sheep and Goats' flesh is dried upon this Island, packed up in Bales, and sent to Concordia for the same purpose. The Dutch resident, from whom we had this information, told us that the Dutch at Concordia had lately behaved so ill to the Natives of Timor that they were obliged to have recourse to this Island and others Adjacent for provisions for their own subsistance, and likewise Troops (Natives of this Island) to assist the Dutch against those of Timor. Besides the above productions, here are an Emmence Number of Palm Trees, from which is extracted the Palm Wine, as it is called, a very sweet, agreeable, cooling Liquor. What they do not immediately use they boil down and make Syrup or Sugar of, which they keep in Earthen Jarrs. Here are likewise Cocoa Nutts, Tamerind Trees, Limes
