The Three Voyages of Captain Cook Round the World. Vol. V. Being the First of the Third VoyageCook, James
History
The Three Voyages of Captain Cook Round the World. Vol. V. Being the First of the Third Voyage
Cook, James
Cook, James, 1728-1779 -- Travel; Explorers -- Great Britain -- Biography; Voyages around the world -- History -- 18th century
“Although some smoke constantly issues from near the top of the Pic,
they have had no earthquake or eruption of a volcano since 1704, when
the port of Garrachica, where much of their trade was formerly carried
on, was destroyed.[87]
“Their trade, indeed, must be considered as very considerable; for they
reckon that forty thousand pipes of wine are annually made; the greatest
part of which is either consumed in the island, or made into brandy, and
sent to the Spanish West Indies.[88] About six thousand pipes were
exported every year to North America, while the trade with it was
uninterrupted; at present, they think not above half the quantity. The
corn they raise is, in general, insufficient to maintain the
inhabitants; but the deficiency used to be supplied by importation from
the North Americans, who took their wines in return.
“They make a little silk; but unless we reckon the filtering-stones,
brought in great numbers from Grand Canary, the wine is the only
considerable article of the foreign commerce of Teneriffe.
“None of the race of inhabitants found here when the Spaniards
discovered the Canaries now remain a distinct people[89], having
intermarried with the Spanish settlers; but their descendants are known,
from their being remarkably tall, large-boned, and strong. The men are,
in general, of a tawny colour, and the women have a pale complexion,
entirely destitute of that bloom which distinguishes our northern
beauties. The Spanish custom of wearing black clothes continues amongst
_them_; but the men seem more indifferent about this, and, in some
measure, dress like the French. In other respects, we found the
inhabitants of Teneriffe to be a decent and very civil people, retaining
that grave cast which distinguishes those of their country from other
European nations. Although we do not think that there is a great
similarity between our manners and those of the Spaniards, it is worth
observing, that Omai did not think there was much difference. He only
said, that they seemed not so friendly as the English; and that, in
their persons, they approached those of his countrymen.”
CHAP. III.
DEPARTURE FROM TENERIFFE.—DANGER OF THE SHIP NEAR BONAVISTA.—ISLE OF
MAYO.—PORT PRAYA.—PRECAUTIONS AGAINST THE RAIN AND SULTRY WEATHER IN
THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF THE EQUATOR.—POSITION OF THE COAST OF BRAZIL.—
ARRIVAL AT THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE.—TRANSACTIONS THERE.—JUNCTION OF THE
DISCOVERY.—MR. ANDERSON’S JOURNEY UP THE COUNTRY.—ASTRONOMICAL
OBSERVATIONS.—NAUTICAL REMARKS ON THE PASSAGE FROM ENGLAND TO THE
CAPE, WITH REGARD TO THE CURRENTS AND THE VARIATION.
Having completed our water, and got on board every other thing we wanted
at Teneriffe, we weighed anchor on the 4th of August, and proceeded on
our voyage, with a fine gale at north-east.
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