20 



harbour idle, as much to his vexation as to our own, the 

 renowned pilot Frans Visscher, whom we intend to employ for 

 the discovery of the South Land ; however, this shall, as we 

 hope, be yet effected once for all." 



This same Frans Jacobszoon, alias Visscher, took an im- 

 portant part as the adviser of Governor-General Van Diemen 

 in his plans for the projected voyage of discovery. Visscher 

 was a native of Flushing, and had been for many years in the 

 service of the Company. He had repeatedly made the out- 

 ward and homeward voyages. In 1623, as mate of the ship 

 Hope, he had sailed round the world in the celebrated Nassau 

 fleet, under the command of L'Hermitc and Schanenham. 

 He had traded in the East for many years, chiefly in the 

 Japan trade, and was thoroughly acquainted with the coasts 

 of Tonquin, China, and Formosa. In those days, when navi- 

 gation bad not been reduced to a science, and. charts were 

 either wanting or not to be depended on, the Dutch captains 

 in the uncharted eastern seas had to place their chief reliance 

 for safe and prosperous voyages on the personal experience 

 of those officers and seamen who in former voyages had gained 

 a knowledge of the coasts and rocks, the currents, and the 

 winds of the seas they were traversing. These pilots, for the 

 most part, were jealous of their knowledge, and indisposed to 

 make it public, notwithstanding the repeated complaints and 

 injunctions of the Company. Amongst these pilots, Visscher, 

 from his long and varied experience, and from his skill and 

 capacity, was one of the most renowned. His knowledge and 

 experience were freely placed at the disposal of the Company, 

 as is often made matter of honorable mention in the despatches 

 of the Governor-General. He had made charts of the coasts 

 and islands of the China Seas, of Formosa, the Piscadores, 

 and Japan, and is continually referred to as one of the best 

 chart-makers of his time. It was this man that Van Diemen 

 consulted on the projected expedition, and, as we have seen, 

 for this purpose he detained him — very much to Visscher's 

 chagrin in those stirring times — for nine months in idleness at 

 Batavia, for the benefit of his advice. 



In January, 1642, Visscher wrote a report to the Governor- 

 General on the proposed discovery of the Unknown South 

 Land. This report is a masterly document, and gives us a 

 high idea not only of Visscher's practical ability and knowledge 

 as a seaman, but also of his sagacity and sound judgment. 

 The old pilot wastes no words on fanciful speculations about 

 the mysterious South Land. He goes straight to the point, 

 states the conditions necessary for success, discusses possible 

 difficulties, and, in short and concise terms, lays down a clearly 

 defined and carefully thought-out scheme — or rather choice 



