Page:Philosophical Transactions - Volume 002.djvu/102

 Most Creatures drink little or nothing there, as Hogs; nay, Horses in Guanaboa never drink, nor Cows in some places of the Island for six months; Goats drink but once perhaps in a week, Parrots never drink, nor Parrokets; nor Civet-Cats but once a month.

The hottest time of the day to us, is Eight in the Morning, when there is no Brise. I set a weather-glass in the window, to observe the weather, and I found it not to rise considerably at that time, but by two of the clock it rose two inches.

Venice-Treacle did so dry in a Gally-pot, as to be friable; and then it produced a Fly, called a Weavil, and a sort of white-worm. So did the Pilulæ de Tribus produce a Weavil.

I shall conclude with an Observation of a strange Quality of a piece of Land: There is in the midst of the Island a Plain, called Magotti Savanna, in which whensoever it rains (and the rain passes along the Island before it falls there) the rain, as it settles upon the seams of any garment turns in half an hour to Magots; yet is that plain healthful to dwell in; and an hundred, that have seen the thing, assured me of it.

Infinite might the observations be, if I had alwaies enjoyed my health, for the speculative Philosophers; almost every thing there being new, and Nature being luxuriant in her Productions in those parts: But I shall not trouble you with imperfect Memorials, &c.

So far this curious observer; whose laudable Example may both quicken and direct other Travellers in the Particulars, to be taken notice of in their Voyages.

Presuming, what e're tends to the farther discovery of the, Magnetick vertue, will not be unwelcome to you, encouraged by a hint, given in pag. 423. of your ''Phil. Transact''. I shall not scruple to relate to you two or three Experiments of mine own, performed in the presence of Sir William Strode.

1. I took at Loadstone unpolish'd, which attracted but meanly; and I heated a Lath-nail glowing hot, nimbly applying the North-pole of the said Magnet to it, which quickly took it up, and held it suspended a great while, till I put down both the Magnet and Nail.

2. I took the same stone, and cast it into the Fire, letting it remain there, till it was thorow hot, altering its colour from black to red; and being