Page 351
An.1686
The best way to the Philippine Islands.
either to the Spice Islands, or to the rest of the Philippine Islands; since as its Soil is much of the same nature with either of them, fo it lies as it were in the Center of the Gold and Spice Trade in these parts: the Islands North of Mindanao abounding most in Gold, and those South of Meangis in Spice.
As the Island Mindanao lies very convenient for Trade, fo considering its distance, the way thi- ther may not be over long and tiresome. The course that I would choose should be to set out of England about the latter end of August, and to pass round Terra del Fuego, and so stretching over to- wards New Holland, coast it along that shore till I came near to Mindanao; or first I would coast down near the American shore, as far as I found convenient, and then direct my course according- ly for the Island. By this I should avoid coming near any of the Dutch settlements, and be sure to meet always with a constant brisk Easterly Trade Wind, after I was once past Terra del Fuego. Whereas in passing about the Cape of Good Hope, after you are shot over the East Indian Ocean, and are come to the Islands, you must past thro the Streights of Malacca or Sundy, or else some other Streights East from Java, where you will be sure to meet with Counter-winds, go on which side of the Equator you please; and this would require ordinarily 7 or 8 months for the Voyage, but the other I should hope to perform in 6 or 7 at most. In your return from thence also you must observe the same Rule as the Spaniards do in going from Manila to Acapulco; only as they run towards the North Pole for variable Winds, so you must run to the South- ward, till you meet with a Wind that will carry you over to Terra del Fuego. There are places e- nough to touch at for Refreshments, either going or coming. You may touch going thither on ei- ther