[1] Torres calls it a very high volcano. Torquemada gives the name of “Nuestra Señora de la Luz.” The Memorial has “San Marcos.” It is the Pic de l’Etoile of Bougainville. The volcano is now extinct. Latitude, 14° 25′ S. “Merlav,” or “Star Peak,” on modern charts.
Chapter XIX.
Tells how a great land was sighted, and other islands.
From this Island of San Marcos we went on a S.W. course, with men at the mast-head; and at 10 in the forenoon, at a distance of 12 leagues to the S.E., a land of many mountains and plains was sighted, the end of which could not be seen throughout the day. The Captain gave it the name of “Margaritana.”
About 20 leagues to the west, an island was seen that looked so beautiful that it was determined to go to it. About a third of the way we saw another island, 3 leagues off. It is flat, with a hill that looks like a rock in the distance. Two canoes under sail came from it, from which we knew that it was inhabited. On account of its thick woods and pleasant appearance, the name of “Verjel” was given to it. There was little wind, and, on account of the necessary caution in navigating among unknown islands, we hove to during the night.
The other day, being the 27th, we saw to the N. of where we were a large island running N.E. and S.W., and the peaks of its numerous mountains gave the Captain a strong desire to go and see it; but he gave it up, owing to other things that occurred. Its latitude is 13°, and it was named “Las Lagrimas da San Pedro.”
To the N.W. another island was seen, with a circumference of 60 leagues. It has two high and sloping hills, one at each end. The rest is flat and of very pleasant appearance, alike from its shape and its numerous trees. Its latitude is less than 14°. It was named “Portales de Belen.”