Page 88
An. 1683
Goats at J. Fernando's.
Water in every Valley, nevertheless they thrive not so well here as on the West end, where there is less food ; and yet there are found greater Flocks, and those too fatter and sweeter.
That Westend of the Island is all high Champi- on ground without any Vally, and but one place to land ; there is neither Wood, nor any fresh Water, and the Grass short and dry.
Goats were first put on the Island by John Fer- nando, who first discovered it in his Voyage from Lima to Baldivia : (and discovered also another Island about the same bigness, $20$ leagues to the Westward of this.) From those Goats these were propogated, and the Island hath taken its name, from this its first Discoverer, who when he returned to Lima, de- sired a Patent for it, designing to settle here ; and it was in his second Voyage hither that he fet ashore $3$ or $4$ Goats; which have since by their increase, so well stocked the whole Island. But he could never get a Patent for it, therefore it lies still de- stitute of Inhabitants, though doubtless capable of maintaining $4$ or $500$ Families, by what may be produced off the Land only. I speak much within compass ; for the Savanahs would at present feed $1000$ head of Cattle besides Goats, and the Land being cultivated would probably bear Corn, or Wheat, and good Pease, Yams, or Potatoes ; for the Land in their Valleys and sides of the Mountains is of a good black fruitful mould. The Sea about it is likewise very productive of its Inhabitants. Seals swarm as thick about this Island, as if they had no other place in the World to live in; for there is not a Bay nor Rock that one can get a- shore on, but is full of them. Sea Lions are here in great Companys, and Fish, particularly Snappers and Rock-fish, are so plentiful, that a such in-dan hours time will take with Hook and Line, as many as will serve five men.
The