ALBION, the ancient name of Britain. See BRITAIN. ALBION, Nese, a name given by Sir Francis Drake to Cali-
formia on the north-west coast of America, which he discovered and took possession of in the year 1578. Captain Cook visited this coast in 1778, and landed in a place situate in Long. 235. 20. E. Lat. 44. 33. N. In the year 1792 it was again visited by Captain Vancouver, who was employed in surveying the western coast of North America. The name is now applied to that part of the coast which lies between 43° and 45° N. Lat.