Page 347
An.1686
The Bay of Deer.
days. In this time we first saw the Islands Meangis, which are about 16 leagues distant from the Min- danao, , bearing S. E. I shall have occasion to speak more of them hereafter.
The 4th day of July we got into a deep Bay, 4 leagues N. W. from the two small Islands before mentioned. But the night before, in a violent Tornado, our Bark being unable to beat any long- er, bore away, which put us in some pain for fear she was overset, as we had like to have been our selves. We anchored on the South West side of the Bay, in 15 fathom Water, about a Cables length from the shore. Here we were forced to shelter our selves from the violence of the Weather, which was so boisterous with Rains, and Tornadoes, and a strong Westerly Wind, that we were very glad to find this place to anchor in, being the only shelter on this side from the West Winds.
This Bay is not above two mile wide at the mouth, but farther in it is 3 leagues wide, and 7 leagues deep, running in N. N. W. There is a good depth of Water about 4 or 5 leagues in, but rocky foul ground for above 2 leagues in, from the mouth on both sides of the Bay, except only in that place where we lay. About 3 leagues in from the mouth, on the Eastern side, there are fair fan- dy Bays, and very good anchoring in 4, 5 and 6 fathom. The Land on the East side is high mountainous, and woody, yet very well watered with small Brooks, and there is one River large e- nough for Canoas to enter. On the West side of the Bay, the Land is of a mean heighth with a large Savannah, bordering on the Sea, and stretch- ing from the mouth of the Bay, a great way to the Westward.
This Savannah abounds with long Grass, and it is plentifully stock'd with Deer. The adjacent Woods are a covert for them in the heat of the day : but mornings