Page 378
An.1687
Town of Chambongo, Islands, &c.
to decrease the difference of declination, whereas they ought still to have increased it, for it all the way increased upon us.
We had the Wind at N. N. E. fair clear Wea- ther, and a brisk gale. We coasted to the West- ward, on the South side of the Island Mindanao, keeping within 4 or 5 leagues of the shore. The Land from hence trends away W. by S. It is of a good heighth by the Sea, and very Woody, and in the Country we say high Hills.
The next day we were abreast off Chambongo; a Town in this Island, and 30 leagues from the Ri- ver of Mindanao. Here is said to be a good Har- bour, and a great settlement, with plenty of Beef and Buffaloe. It is reported that the Spaniards were formerly fortified here also: There are 2 shoals lie off this place, 2 or 3 leagues from the shore. From hence the Land is more low and even; yet there are some Hills in the Country.
About 6 leagues before we came to the West end of the Island Mindanao, we fell in with a great many small low Islands or Keys, and about 2 or 3 leagues to the Southward of these Keys, there is a long Island stretching N. E. and S. W. about 12 leagues. This Island is low by the Sea on the North side, and has a ridge of Hills in the middle running from one end to the other. Be- tween this Island and the small Keys, there is a good large Channel: Among the Keys also there is good depth of Water, and a violent Tide; but on what point of the compass it flows, I know not, nor how much it rifeth and falls.
The 17th day we anchored on the East side of all these Keys, in 8 fathom water, clean Sand. Here are plenty of green Turtle, whose flesh is as sweet as any in the West Indies: but they are very shy. A little to the Westward of these Keys, on the Island Mindanao, we saw abundance of Coco-nut Trees; Therefore