island in the great South Sea, in S. Lat. 33° 40', and W. Long. 78° 30', from London. It was formerly a place of resort for the buccaneers 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 greatly, 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 Muleteño Indian; the other Alexander Selkirk, a Scotchman, 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 Foy is said to have conceived the idea of writing the adventures of Robinson Crusoe. This island was very propitious to the remains of commodore Anson's squadron in 1741, after having been buffeted with tempests, and debilitated by an inveterate 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 Magellan, 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 Malafuero. 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 succulent vegetables highly anti-scorbutic; besides which, commodore Anson fowed 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.

Juan Blanco. See Platina.