They are said to have
great heads and strong teeth about 6 inches long. I was told by an
Irishman who lived here that his wife's father was very near being taken
by one of them, about this time of my first arrival here, when his father
was with him up in the country: for the beast flourished his tail for
him, but came not nigh enough by a yard or two; however it scared him
sufficiently.
The amphibious creatures here which I said are called by the Portuguese
cachoras-de-agua or water-dogs, are said to be as big as small mastiffs,
and are all hairy and shaggy from head to tail. They have 4 short legs, a
pretty long head and short tail; and are of a blackish colour. They live
in fresh-water ponds and oftentimes come ashore and sun themselves; but
retire to the water if assaulted. They are eaten and said to be good
food. Several of these creatures which I have now spoken of I have not
seen, but informed myself about them while I was here at Bahia, from
sober and sensible persons among the inhabitants, among whom I met with
some that could speak English.
OF THEIR SEA-FISH AND TURTLE; AND OF ST.
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