POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES, 
47 
occur in the eastern^ western^ and intermediate or oceanic 
tribes^ among which might be mentioned the account 
given by Sir John Mandeville. He is stated to have 
commenced his travels early in the fourteenth century. 
In a country near the river Indus, he met with the foun¬ 
tain of youth, the water of which being odoriferous, tasted 
of all manner of spices; and of this, whoever drank for 
a few days upon a fasting stomach, was quickly cured of 
every internal disorder with which he might be afflicted. 
To this description he added, it was certain those who 
lived near, and drank frequently of it, had a wonderful 
appearance of youth through their whole lives, and that 
he himself drank of it three or four times, and imagined 
his health was better afterwards. The expedition 
which led to the discovery of Florida was undertaken 
not so much from a desire to explore unknown coun¬ 
tries, as to find an equally celebrated fountain, described 
in a tradition prevailing among the inhabitants of Puerto 
Rico, as existing in Binini, one of the Lucayo Islands, 
It was said to possess such restorative powers as to re¬ 
new the youth and vigour of every person who bathed 
in its waters. It was in search of this fountain, which 
was the chief object of their expedition, that Ponce de 
Leon ranged through the Lucayo Islands, and ultimately 
reached the shores of Florida*.* Although it may throw 
no light on the origin of the South Sea Islanders, nor 
furnish any evidence of their former connexion with 
the inhabitants either of India or America, the coinci- 
* In reference to this enterprise, Robertson remarks: “ That a tale so 
fabulous should gain credit among the uninstructed Indians, is not sur¬ 
prising that it should make any impression on an enlightened people, 
appears, in the present age, altogether incredible. The fact, however, is 
certain. 
