A.I have seen a Shell Fish, but nothing like an Oyster, of such a Bigness, the Fish being salted, and kept in pickle, afterwards boiled, tasteth like Brawn in England, and is of an horny Substance.
Q. 31.Whether near Malacca, there be found in the Gall of certain Swine, a Stone esteemed incomparably above Bezoar?
A.In that Country, but very seldom, there grows a Stone in the Stomach of a Porkapine called Pedro Porco; of whose Virtue there are large Descriptions; and the Hollanders are now so fond, that I have seen 400 Dollars of 68 given for one no bigger than a Pigeon's Egg. There is Sophistication as well in that as Bezoar, Musk, &c. and every Day new Falshood, so that I cannot well set down here any Rules, but must be judged by Experience. A false one I send you, which doth imitate very near in Virtue the true one, but is a great deal bigger, and of another Colour.
As for the Observations desired of the Islands St. Helena, and Ascension, they may be better made by the English East-India Men, who commonly touch at both Places; but the Hollanders never, or very seldom.
Q. 32.Whether it be Winter at the East-side of the Mountain Gates, which come from the North to Cape Comoryn, whilst it is Summer on the West-side? and Vice versa.
A.Not only there, but likewise on the Island of Zeylon.
Q. 33.In what Country Lignum Aloes is found, whether it be the Wood of a Tree? or the Root of a Tree? How to know the best of the Kind?
A.Lignum Aloes, Lignum Paradisi, Calamba, are Synonyma, the same: and the same Wood comes most
