INTRODUCTION. XVII 



any in America. As for pitch and tar, none of 

 the plantations are comparable for affording the 

 vast quantities of Naval stores, as this place does. 

 There have been, heretofore, some discoveries of 

 rich mines in the mountainous part of this coun- 

 try: but being remote from the present settle- 

 ment, and the inhabitants not well versed in or- 

 dering minerals, they have been laid aside till a 

 more fit opportunity happens. There are several 

 noble rivers, and spacious tracts of rich land in 

 their lordships dominions, lying to the southward, 

 which are yet uninhabited, besides -Port Royal, a 

 rare harbour and inlet, having many inhabitants 

 thereon, which their lordships have now made a 

 port for trade. This will be a most advantageous 

 settlement, lying so commodiously for ships com- 

 ing from the Gulf, and the richness of the land, 

 which is reported to be there. These more south- 

 erly parts will aiibrd oranges, lemons, limes, and 

 many other fruits, which the northerly plantations 

 yield not. The merchants of Carolina are fair, 

 frank traders. The gentlemen seated in the coun- 

 try, are very courteous, live very noble in their 

 houses, and give very genteel entertainment 

 to all strangers and others that come to visit 

 them.. And since the produce of South and Xorth 

 Carolina is the same, unless silk, which tins place 

 produces great qaii titles of, and very good. Xorth 

 Carolina having never made any trial thereof as 

 yet, therefore I shall refer the natural produce 

 of this country, to that part which treats of Xortli 



