Page:Philosophical Transactions - Volume 003.djvu/171

 they call it) lies all over the Body of those Whales. These have divers Teeth, which may be about as big as a Mans wrist; and I hope by the next opportunity to send you one of them. I have been at the Bahama-Islands, and there have been found of this same sort of Whales dead on the Shore, with Sperma all over their Bodies. My self with about 20 more have agreed to try, whether we can master and kill them, for I could never hear of any of that sort, that were kill'd by any man; such is their fierceness and swiftness. One such Whale would be worth many hundred pounds, They are very strong, and inlay'd with sinews all over their Body, which may be drawn out thirty fathom long.

There is an Island among the Bahama's, which some of our People are setled upon, and more are going thither. 'Tis called New-Providence; where many rare things might be discover'd, if the People were but encouraged: And I am of opinion, there is not a more healthful place in the World, 'Tis stored with variety of Fish and Fowl, and with divers sorts of Trees and other Plants, whose qualities are not yet known.

As to the Age of our Inhabitants here, some do live to an hundred years and something upwards; many live till they are nigh a hundred, but few above: And when they dye, 'tis age and weakness, that is the cause, and not any disease that attends them. The general distemper that is yearly amongst us, is a Cold; and that is most gotten in the hottest weather. The Air here is very sweet and pleasant. Our Diet is but ordinary, and the People generally poor; and I observe, that poor People are most healthful.

You shall receive of Captain Thomas Morly, the Commander of our Magazeen-Ship, such things, as I could at present procure.*Among which you shall find of the Leaves and Berries of that Weed you inquire after, which we call Poyson-weed, growing like your Ivy, I have seen a Man, who was so poyson'd with it, that the skin peel'd off his Face, and yet the Man never touch'd it, onely look'd on it as he pass'd by: but I have chaw'd it in my mouth, and it did me no harm. It is not hurtful to all. Rh