MASAFUERO, an island of the South sea, ly-
ing in S. Lat. 33. 45. W. Long. 80. 46. It is very
high and mountainous, and at a distance seems to con-
sist of one hill or rock. It is of a triangular form,
and seven or eight leagues in circumference. There is
such plenty of fish, that a boat with a few hooks and
lines may very soon catch as many as will serve 100
people. Here are coal-fish, cavilliers, cod, halibut,
and cray-fish. Captain Carteret's crew caught a king-
fisher that weighed 87 pounds, and was five feet and
a half long. The sharks were here so ravenous, that,
in taking soundings, one of them swallowed the lead,
by which they hauled him above water; but he re-
gained his liberty by disgorging his prey. Seals are
so numerous here, that Captain Carteret says, if many
thousands were killed in a night, they would not be
missed next morning. These animals yield excellent
train oil; and their hearts and plucks are very good
food, having a taste something like those of a hog;
their skins are covered with a very fine fur. There are
many birds here, and some very large hawks. Of the
pintado bird one ship caught 700 in one night. Com-
modore Byron landed here with difficulty in 1765, in
order to take in wood and water, of both which he
found plenty. He found also great numbers of goats,
whose flesh tasted as well as venison in England.