CANARIES.
From Madeira we sailed by the Canary Islands, belonging to the Spaniards, and taken by them in 1418.
Palma, remarkable for rich Wines, making 12000 Pipes per Annum.
Ferro, or Ferrara, for our Navigators taking their first Meridian from thence, there being none, or the least Variation; and for a Volcano that now and then breaks out upon it. One in November 1677, seen five Days; and in 1692 broke out again with Earthquakes, and seen six Weeks together: There is also, our Voyages say, a wonderful Tree on it, forty Foot high, that condenses the Clouds in such quantity, as to supply the want of Springs.
Grand Canary, the chief Residence for Governours and Consuls; and Teneriff, for its noted Pike, thought from the shewing it self singly, to be the highest Land in the World. It is a Pyramidal Heap of rough Rocks piled thus (it’s thought by Naturalists) from some subterraneous Conflagration that burst out heretofore.
The Ancients called them Insulæ fortunatæ; it’s likely from the Interception they may have given to the Destruction of Coasters blown off, before the use of the Compass: Cape Non on the Continent being the utmost of their Navigation.