and Poola {Aij} are fertile to a degree, and
also that of Amboyna. Earth quakes, Hurri-
-canes, and the dangerous Navigation of
these seas have been also exaggerated.
These reports must have been circulated
with a view to deter other Nations from
approaching these Islands.
      In April 98 I resolved to
quit the Moluccas. particularly, as there
was a good opportunity of taking a large
collection of plants under my own
care; on the 12 I sailed from Amboyna
on board the Triton, under {convoy} of
the Bombay Frigate, we touch at
Bathu-cade a Portuagese [sic] Settlement
on the Island of Timor, this is a
better place to get refreshment than
Cou-