The Portuguese have here a fortress, as at Mozambique, and there is no fortress in all the Indies, after those of Mozambique and Ormuz, where the captains perform their duty better than in this one.

This place is the market of all India, of China, of the Moluccas, and of other islands around about--from all which places, as well as from Banda, Java, Sumatra, Siam, Pegu, Bengal, Coromandel, and India--arrive ships which come and go incessantly, charged with an infinity of merchandises.

There would be in this place a much greater number of Portuguese if it were not for the inconvenience, and unhealthiness of the air, which is hurtful not only to strangers, but also to natives of the country.

Thence it is that all who live in the country pay tribute of their health, suffering from a certain disease, which makes them lose either their skin or their hair.

And those who escape consider it a miracle, which occasions many to leave the country, while the ardent desire of gain induces others to risk their health, and endeavour to endure such an atmosphere.