Page:A voyage to New Holland - Dampier.djvu/94

54 or 12 years before this time. Here was also a Dane, and a French Merchant or two; but all have their Effects transported to and from Europe in Portuguese Ships, none of any other Nation being admitted to Trade hither. There is a Custom-house by the Sea-side, where all Goods imported or exported are entered. And to prevent Abuses there are 5 or 6 Boats that take their turns to row about the Harbour, searching any Boats they suspect to be running of Goods.

The chief Commodities that the European ships bring hither are Linnen-cloaths, both course and fine; some Woollens, also as Bays, Searges, Perpetuana's, &c. Hats, Stockings, both of Silk and Thread, Bisket-bread, Wheat-flower, Wine (chiefly Port) Oil-Olive, Butter, Cheese, &c. and Salt-beef and Pork would there also be good Commodities. They bring hither also Iron, and all sorts of Iron-Tools; Pewter-Vessels of all sorts, as Dishes, Plates, Spoons, &c. Looking-glasses, Beads, and other Toys; and the Ships that touch at St. Jago bring thence, as I said, Cotton cloath, which is afterwards sent to Angola.

The European Ships carry from hence Sugar, Tobacco, either in Roll or Snuff, never in Leaf, that I know of: These are the Staple Commodities. Besides which,