Page 471
An.1688
C H A P. XVII.
Leaving New-Holland they pass by the Island Cocos, and touch at another Woody Island near it. A Land Animal like large Craw- fish. Coco-Nuts floating in the Sea. The Island Triste, bearing Coco's, yet over-flown every Spring-tide. They anchor at a small Island near that of Nassaw. Hog Island, and others. A Proe taken, belonging to Achin. Nicobar Island, and the rest called by that Name. Ambergrease, good and bad. The manners of the Inhabitants of these Islands. They anchor at Nicobar Isle. Its Situation, Soil, and pleasant Mixture of its Bays, Trees, &c. The Melory-tree and Fruit, used for bread. The Natives of Nicobar Island, their Form, Habit, Language, Habitations; no form of Religion or Government: Their Food and Canoas. They clean the Ship. The Au- thor projects and gets leave to stay ashore here, and with him two Englishmen more, the Por- tuguese, and 4 Malayans of Achin. Their first Rencountres with the Natives. Of the common Traditions concerning Cannibals, or Man-Eaters. Their Entertainment ashore. They buy a Canoa, to transport them over to Achin; but overset her at first going cut. Having recruited and improved her, they set out again for the East side of the Island. They have