Page:A general history of the pyrates, from their first rise and settlement in the Island of Providence, to the present time (1724).djvu/207

 Nor do I think he is battled for Prey, but to remove him from what is perhaps the Food of both. The Number of Whales here has put me ometimes on thinking an advantageous Fihery might be made of it, but I preume they (no more than thoe of Brail) are the Sort which yield the profitable Part, called Whale-Bone: All therefore that the Ilanders do, is now and then to go out with two or three Canoes, and et on one for Diverion.

The Rocks and outer Lines of the Iland, are the Haunts of variety of Sea-Birds, epecially Boobies and Noddies; the former are of the Big-Bigneſs [sic] of a Gull, and a dark Colour, named o from their Simplicity, becaue they often it till and let the Sailors take them up in their Hands; but I fancy this ucceeds more frequently from their Wearines, and the Largenes of their Wings, which, when they once have reted, cannot have the Scope neceary to raie and float them on the Air again. The Noddies are maller and flat footed alo.

What I would remark more of them, is, the admirable Intinct in thee Birds, for the proper Seaons, and the proper Places for Support. In the aforemention’d Months, when the large Fih were here, numerous Flocks of Fowl attend for the Spawn and Superfluity of their Nourihment; and in January few of either; for the ame Reaon, there are carce any Sea Fowl een on the African Coat; Rocks and Ilands being generally their bet Security and Subitance.

The Harbour of Princes is at the E. S. E. Point of the Iland; the North-Side has gradual Soundings, but here deep Water, having no Ground at a Mile off with 140 Fathom of Line. The Port (when in) is a mooth narrow Bay, afe from Winds, (unles a little Swell when Southerly) and draughted into other maller and andy Ones, convenient Rh