Lancerota is most famed for horses, and Grand Canary, Tenerife, and Palma
for wines, Tenerife especially for the best malmsey (for which reason
these 3 islands have the chief trade) so is Forteventura for
dunghill-fowls, and Gomera for deer. Fowls and other eatables are dear on
the trading islands; but very plentiful and cheap on the other; and
therefore it is best for such ships that are going out on long voyages,
and who design to take in but little wine, to touch rather at these last;
where also they may be supplied with wine enough, good and cheap: and,
for my own part, if I had known before I came hither, I should have gone
rather to one of those islands than to Tenerife: but enough of this.

AND THE GOVERNORS AT LAGUNA AND SANTA CRUZ.

It is reported they can raise 12,000 armed men on this island. The
governor or general (as he is called) of all the Canary Islands lives at
Laguna: his name is Don Pedro de Ponto. He is a native of this island,
and was not long since President of Panama in the South Seas: who
bringing some very rich pearls from thence, which he presented to the
Queen of Spain, was therefore, as it is said, made general of the Canary
Islands. The Grand Canary is an island much superior to Tenerife both in
bulk and value; but this gentleman chooses rather to reside in this his
native island. He has the character of a very worthy person; and governs
with moderation and justice, being very well beloved.

One of his deputies was the governor of Santa Cruz, with whom I was to
have dined; but staying so long at Laguna, I came but time enough to sup
with him. He is a civil, discreet man. He resides in the main fort close
by the sea. There is a sentinel stands at his door; and he has a few
servants to wait on him. I was treated in a large dark lower room, which
has but one small window. There were about 200 muskets hung up against