(794)
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 Morlv, the Commander of our Magazeen-Ship, such things, as I could at present procure.* But these particulars could not be found in the Ship.*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.
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