Page 202
An.1685
Chepelio a pleasant Isle. Sapadillo-tree.
usual way to Panama, and hardly to be kept out of fight, as the Winds are thereabouts: yet to be avoid- ed by the Spanish Fleet at this time, because as they had twice before heard of the Privateers lying at Lobos de la Mar, they knew not but at that time we might be there in expectation of them.
The 10th day we sailed from Tabago towards the Kings Islands again, because our Pilots told us, that the Kings Ships did always come this way. The 11th day we anchored at the place where we ca- reen'd. Here we found Captain Harris, who had gone a second time into the River of Santa Maria, and fetched the body of Men that last came over land, as the Indians had informed us: but they fell short of the number they told us of. The 19th day we sent 250 Men in 15 Canoas to the River Cheapo, to take the Town of Cheapo. The 21st day all our Ships, but Captain Harris, who staid to clean his Ship, followed after. The 22d day we arrived at the Island Chepelio.
Chepelio is the pleasantest Island in the Bay of Pa- nama: It is but 7 leagues from the City of Panama, and a league from the Main. This Island is about 2 mile long, and almost so broad; it is low on the North side, and riseth by a small ascent towards the South side. The Soil is yellow, a kind of clay. The high side is stony; the low Land is planted with all sorts of delicate Fruits, viz. Sapadilloes, Avogato-pears, Mammees, Mammree-Sappota's, Star-apples, &c. The middle of the Island is plant- ed with Plantain Trees, which are not very large, but the Fruit extraordinary sweet.
The Sapadillo Tree is as big as a large Pear-tree. The Fruit much like a Bergamo-pear, both in co- lour, shape and size; but on some Trees the Fruit is a little longer. When it is green or first gathered, the juice is white and clammy, and it will stick like glew; then the Fruit is hard, but after it hath been gathered