JUAN Fernandez, an island in the great South Sea,
in S. Lat. 33. 40. and W. Long. 78. 30. from Lon-
don. It was formerly a place of resort for the bucca-
niers who annoyed the western coast of the Spanish
continent. They were led to resort hither from the
multitude of goats which it nourished; to deprive their
enemies of which advantage, the Spaniards transported
a considerable number of dogs, which increasing great-
ly, have almost extirpated the goats, who now only
find security among the steep mountains in the northern
parts, which are inaccessible to their pursuers. There
are instances of two men living, at different times,
alone on this island for many years; the one a Mus-
quito Indian; the other Alexander Selkirk, a Scotch-
man, who was, after five years, taken on board an
English ship, which touched here in about 1710, and
brought back to Europe. From the history of this
recluse, Daniel de Foe is said to have conceived the
idea of writing the adventures of Robinson Crusoe.
This island was very propitious to the remains of com-
modore Anson's squadron in 1741, after having been
buffeted with tempests, and debilitated by an inveter-
ate scurvy, during a three months passage round Cape
Horn: they continued here three months; during
which time the dying crews, who on their arrival could
scarcely with one united effort heave the anchor, were
restored to perfect health. Captain Carteret, in the
Swallow, in 1767, having met with many difficulties
and impediments in his passage into the South Sea,
by the Straits of Magelhaens, attempted to make this
island in order to recruit the health of his men; but
he found it fortified by the Spaniards, and therefore
chose rather to proceed to the island of Masafuero.
But M. de Bougainville, that same year, is said to
have touched here for refreshments, although in the
narrative of the voyage the fact is cautiously suppressed.
This island is not quite 15 miles long, and about six
broad; its only safe harbour is on the north side. It
is said to have plenty of excellent water, and to abound
with a great variety of esculent vegetables highly anti-
scorbutic; besides which, commodore Anson sowed a
variety of garden-seeds, and planted the stones of
plums, apricots, and peaches, which he was many
years afterwards informed had thriven greatly; and
now doubtless furnish a very valuable addition to the
natural productions of this spot. Vast shoals of fish
of various kinds frequent this coast, particularly cod of
a prodigious size; and, it is said, in not less abundance
than on the banks of Newfoundland. There are but
few birds here, and those few are of species well known
and common.