Francisco de Ivarra in the exploration of Nueva Viscaya. [44] The said Francisco de Ivarra intended to go to explore this strait, but there were difficulties in the way, and they, did not accomplish it.  This Vizcayan and the Portuguese became friendly and told to each other what each one had seen and knew.  They said that from the cape of Breton they go to the northwest until they reach the mainland and afterwards coast down toward the southwest, as the coast runs in this direction, and they come upon the entrance which, although it seems very small, yet is large and deep.  Then sailing to this sea of China to the west-southwest, they said that at the mouth of the strait, toward the South Sea as toward the North Sea, there are many small islands, although more ... in the direction of the north, coming from China outside of ... which to Manil ....  The country of China is very high, and wooded with pine trees and ... partly lower, also with forests.  He said that in the strait they use no wind at all, but that the currents take them in and float them through.  They said that those who consider that the island of Bacallao is all one are wrong; for it consists of several small islands in a chain, reaching to Cape Gata, which is in sixty-two degrees, and where there is a deep channel which enters into the great bay.  They say that the point of Vacallaos is in fifty degrees, and they run along the coast of this island as far as Cape Breton, about eighty leguas.  Those who place Cape Breton on the maps should put it on the same large island, and it lies nearer to the point of Vacallaos than to Cape Gata. [45]

It may also be inferred that these seas communicate with each other, because on the coast of Nueva Espana those who are coming from these islands in forty-two degrees latitude see a great number of whales, who must enter by that strait to winter in a warm climate.  Accordingly your Majesty can send as many troops as you wish in this way with ease, and become lord of these parts.  Although this voyage being in so high a latitude appears to entail some difficulty, there will be none, in view of the fact that by leaving Espana at the end of March, when they arrive in the high latitudes it is the hot season, and the days are long and the weather is fair; and the winds are brisas, as is necessary.  Thus they will come here very easily, and in the island of Hermosa, in this port of Kielang, your Majesty may send and have stationed a considerable fleet, safe and well provisioned; for the country is fertile, and productive of food stuffs, rice, meat, and so much fish that they load every year two hundred ships for China—­especially as the coast of China is so near, where for money ... what they wish in abundance; and also from Japon they can ... examine.