- '■ About this period, the Palroon commenced the compilation of his celebrated book, entitled " Beschyvinge van Nieuw Neder- }and," or a description of New Netherland, the copyright of which bears dale, 17th May, 1653.^

The work is dedicated " To the Illustrious, Most Wise and Prudent Lords, the Honorable Ruling Burgomasters of the far-famed commercial City of Amsterdam.

Why mourn about Brazil, full of base Portuguese ] When Van der Donck shows so far much better fare ; V Where wheat fills golden ears, and grapes abound in trees;

^ . Wliere fruit and kine are good with little care ;

Men may mourn a loss, when vain would be their voice, • ■ "^ But when their loss brings gain, they also may rejoice.

■*■ - , Then, reader, if you will, go freely there to live, \ :• '

■ ■'■ . We name it Netherland, though this excels it far ; , '■''■■', If you dislike the voyage, pray due attention give,

To Van der Donck, his book, which, as a leading star,

Directs toward the land where many people are, . .^ _,

'• ■ Where lowland Love and Laws all may freely share.

, • [^Evert Nieuwenhof.^''

24lh of July of the same year, we find him petitioning the Directors of the West India company, for permission to search the records of the colony, and also for leave to pursue the practice of his profession.

The following appears in answer to it :