fertile as that of Pequin neither is it so large so populous nor so pleasant yet with the industry of the Inhabitants it produceth Corn Rice and Mayz but in recompence it breeds great quantity of Cattle and hath so many Vines that it furnishes the whole Kingdom with Pickled Grapes and Raisins It hath likewise two sorts of Mines the one of Brimstone the other of Stones which burn and may be called Coals In the Sulphur Mines they make little holes to draw out heat enough to boyl any thing they need The Mines of Coals are inexhaustible encreasing from time to time and these Coals well prepared will keep fire day and night without being touched In this Province are about 90 Cities and great Towns six of which are of considerable note as 1 Sciansi 2 Taven 3 Lugan 4 Talong 5 Pingans 6 Suchio all which are well built and very populous The Province of Sciensi described The Province of SCIENSI or XEMSI which Purchas calls Soyohin Mendoza Sinsay is the most Westward of all the Six Northern Provinces and the greatest of all the 16 Provinces Siganfu is esteemed its chief City the great Mountain and Wall doth bound it from the Tartars the Soyl is dry yet yields good store of Wheat Mayz and Barley but little Rice it feeds much Cattle and the Sheep are sheared thrice a year in Spring Summer and Autumn their first shearing is the best It yields Musk which is the Navel of a Beast of the bigness of a Hinde They have Gold which they gather amongst the Sand of the Rivers for the Mines though it hath some yet they are not open It produceth divers Perfumes and Rhubarb which they carry into Persia and other places And it is through this Province that the Caravans come from the West This Province is very populous and is well stored with great Towns and Cities having 8 great Cities as 1 Siganfu its Metropolis afore spoken of 2 Jengun 3 Pingleang 4 Pichin 5 Lynyao with a great many of less note The Province of Honan and its chief places The Province of HONAN which Purchas calls Oyman is very fertile and the Climate very temperate the freest from Mountains and the farthest from the Sea It produceth the best Fruits in the World as well those known to us in Europe as others and that in so great quantity that they are scarce valued The River of Caramoran after having divided the Provinces of Sciansi and Sciensi takes its course through the middle of Honan and discharges it self into the Sea by the Province of Nanquin It comprehendeth 7 great Cities the chief of which bears the name of the Province it s other chief places are 1 Temâ—chio 2 Caifung 3 Nanyang and 4 Chinchio besides about One hundred less ones all well inhabited Hitherto we have surveyed the six Northern Provinces of China we come now to the 10 more to the South The Province of Nanquin its Cities The Province of NANQVIN is the fairest and richest and its Inhabitants the most civilised of all the Kingdom and the Kings of China did alwaies make their residence at Nanquin till of late they have made it at Pequin It comprehends 14 great and fair Cities viz. 1 Vmthienfu or Nanquin which is the Metropolis of the Province 2 Chicheu 3 Lucheu 4 Funiam and 5 Zanuchi all which are very populous some of which have about 200000 people which only work in making of Calicoes All which are commodiously seated on arms of the Sea which make several Isles And beside these Cities there are about 100 small ones of less note I shall only speak something of Nanquin The City of Nanquin described Vmthienfu or Nanquin as we call it yet ceases not to be the greatest fairest and richest City of the whole Kingdom next to Pequin The form and Symmetry of its Buildings in its Palace in its Temples in its Gates in its Towers and in its Bridges as likewise in its publick and particular Houses and their Ornaments are wonderful It is situate upon the River of Batampina and upon an indifferent high Hill so that it commands all the Plains there adjacent The circumference is 8 Leagues 3 long and 1 broad all encompassed with a strong Wall of hewed Stone about which there are 130 Gates at each of which there is kept a Porter with two Halberdiers whose Office is to take the names of every one that passes every day in and out and besides the strong Wall there are for further defence 12 Forts or Cittadels In this City there are accounted above 800000 Houses besides 80000 Mandarins Houses 60 great Market places 130 Butchers Shambles each containing about 80 Shops 8000 Streets whereof 600 are fairer and larger then the rest all which are broad straight and well disposed and are compassed about with Ballisters of Copper The Houses are about two stories high and built of Wood except those of the Mandarins which are composed of Hewed Stone and encompassed with Walls and Ditches over which they have Stone Bridges with rich Gates and Arches The Houses or rather Palaces of the Chaems Auchacys Aytans Tutons and Chumbims which are Governors of the Kingdoms or Provinces of the Empire of China under the Emperor are stately Structures of about 6 or 7 stories high and richly adorned with Gold in which are kept their Magazins for Arms Ammunition as also their Treasuries their Wardrops and their Fine Porcelain which by them is so highly esteemed Here are about 2300 Pagodes a thousand of which were Monasteries for Religious Persons which are exceeding rich Here are also about thirty great Prisons which will contain about two or three thousand Prisoners a-piece Also a great Hospital for the relief of the Poor At the entrace of every principal Street for the security of the Inhabitants there are Arches and Gates which are kept shut every hight and in most of the chief Streets are pleasant Fountains In this City there is accounted about ten thousand Trades for the working of Silks which from thence are sent all over the Kingdom which at every New and Full Moon amongst divers other Commodities are vended at Fairs in several places of the City It s Traffick and Commerce bring thither so great a multitude of People that its Streets are scarce able to be passed for the throng Its Commodities and Manufactures are in so great esteem that they utter better then others and all the neighbouring Countries make a great number of Manufactures The Revenue which the King receives from this Province is exceeding vast the Inhabitants paying into his Exchequer Sixty Millions of Crowns yearly besides great Excises upon all Commodities if Mandelsloe may be believed and if he receiveth so much out of one Province judge what a vast Revenue he hath from all the Provinces many of which are no ways inferior to this The Province of Chequian The Province of CHEQVIAN which Purchas calls Essiram passes likewise for one of the
Children only leaving a small vent for the issuing forth of their Urine And thus sowed they keep them carefully at home until they be married and those that are by their Husbands found not to have this sign of their perpetual Virginity are sent to their Parents with all kind of ignominy and by their Parents are as disgracefully received The Country though unhealthful to the Europeans ought to be esteemed good since the Inhabitants are rich the Soil fruitful in Grains and Fruits feeding many Beasts and Fowl Its Forests full of Game and its Neighbouring Sea full of excellent Fish The Isle and City of Mombaze MOMZAMBE is 150 Leagues from Quiloa seated on a little Hill and an in Island at the bottom of a Gulph where great Ships may ride safe at Anchor This City was formerly great being about a League in circuit encompassed with a strong Wall and fortifled with a good Castle well Peopled of a good Trade its Streets in good order and its Houses high and well built with Stone and Chalk appearing almost all towards the Sea It was found out when Vasco de Gama was in the Indies and afterwards taken and retaken divers times by the Portugals who keep a Fort by reason of the goodness of the Haven and to maintain their trade The Isle of Mombaze is but small The Kingdom of Melinda described MELINDA is another Kingdom but of a small extent yet made considerable by the good intelligence it hath always preserved with the Portugals Since Vasco de Gama passed there the first time in 1489 until this present which hath stood it in good stead the Neighbouring States having been taken pillaged and burned divers times This kept entire maintaiming its Trade with the Portugals and with the East It s chief City bears the name of the Kingdom seated in a fruitful and delightful Soil yielding great plenty of Rice Millet Flesh good store of Fruits as Lemmons Citrons Oranges c. But not well furnished with Corn the greatest part whereof is broughtout of Cambaya a Province in India This City is fair well Walled and the Houses built after the Moorish manner with many Windows and Terrasses It s People The Inhabitants on the Sea Coasts are of the Arabian breed and of the same Religion Those of the Inlands which are the Original Natives are for the most part Heathens and of an Olive colour but inclining to white and their Women of a very white Complexion as in other places They are said to be more civil in their Habit Course of life and entertainment in their Houses than the rest of this Country and great Friends to the Portugals who return the like kind usage to them This Kingdom of Melinda is not distant from Mombaza above 30 Leagues by Land and 60 by Sea whose People are of the same nature and disposition with those of Melinda Estates of Lamon Pate and Chilicia The Estates of LAMON PATE and CHELICIA and likewise some others are under the Government of Melinda Panebaxira King of Lamon and Brother to the King of Chelicia surprized in 1589 Rock Brito Governour of Melinda and some other Portugals whom they sold to the Turks The Admiral Thomas Sousa Cotinho assaulted them took and cut off the Head of the King of Lamon quartered the others and hung them up in divers places to serve for example These Kings are almost all Mahometans yet here are found some few Christians which inhabit among them We have observed on the Coast of Zanguebar but five or six different Estates or Kingdoms there are some others but of lesser note and all Tributary or in good Intelligence and trading with the Portugals The Coast of Ajan described Thee Coast of AJAN contains the Republick of BRAVA which Sanutus calls Barraboa then the Kingdoms of MAGADOXA ADEA and ADELL some of their People on the Coast are White BRAVA is well built an indifferent Mart rich and pays Tribute to the Portugals It is the only Republick at present in Africa being governed by 12 Councellors or Statesmen MAGADOXA is its chief City and hath sometimes been so powerful that it ruled over all this Coast it is scituate in a delightful and fruitful Soil and neighboured by a safe and large Haven which is much frequented by the Portugals and is very rich affording Gold Hony Wax and above all Abyssin Slaves which by the Portugals are held in great value for which they bring them in exchange the Silks Spices Drugs c. of India ADEA extends it self but little towards the Sea The Country is fertil in Grains as Wheat Barley Rice c. It is well shaded with Woods and large Forrests which are plentifully furnished both with Fruits and Cattle besides a greatincrease of Horses The Inhabitants are of the Mahometan Religion It s People and follow the Arabians in many of their Customs from whom they were descended keeping much of their Language and in their Habit naked save only from the middle downwards Of Complexion for the most part of an Olive colour and well proportioned not very expert in Arms except in poysoned Arrows It s other chief places are Barraboa and Quilmanca seated on the Sea which is called the Coast of Ajan as is Magadoxa ADELL within these few years is become the most powerful of all these Kingdoms Its Estates extending both on the Arabian Gulph or Red Sea and on the Great Ocean stretching 200 Leagues on each side Cape Guardafuy ending both the one and the other towards the East regards in the Sea the Isle of Zocotora famous for the quantity and goodness of the Aloes here gathered which they call Zocotorin about which are several other Isles but not so considerable being small and many not inhabited The Arab of Nubia would make us believe that Alexander the Great was in this Island drove thence the Inhabitants and planted Greeks the better to manage the Aloes which Aristotle had so much prized to him It s chief City takes its name from the Kingdom its others places of most note are 1. Zeila of old Avalis and its Gulph Avalatis Sinus is one of the best places of the Kingdom of Adell though about the City there wants Water yet the Country farther off furnishes Wheat Barley Millet Oil of Sesamum Honey Wax Fruits Gold Ivory and Incense They fell to the Turks and Arabs abundance of Abyssin Slaves which they take in War and in exchange receive Arms Horses c. This Zeila is a noted Port Town well frequented with Merchants by reason of the variety of good Commodities that it yields Once of great beauty and esteem till in the year 1516 it was sacked and burned by the Portugals before which it was esteemed the most remarkable Empire of all AEthiopia for the Indian Trade 2. Barbora and 3. Meta are two of the most noted Sea-Port Towns in all Adell both under the Turks Jurisdiction The first is seated on the same Sea Coast as
Parish Churches and is traded unto by 12 Market Towns Leicester delightfully seated in a healthful Air rich Soil Leicester and on the Banks of the Stour over which it hath two Bridges It is a place of more antiquity than beauty being said to be built by King Leir and called Caer-Lerion wherein Authors say he placed a High-Priest to serve in the Temple of Janus which he caused to be built and wherein he was buried This Town was also had in great request in the time of the Romans also Ethelred King of the Mercians erected here an Episcopal See which he soon translated elsewhere to its great impoverishment but the noble Lady Edelfled not only repaired it but also encompassed it with a strong Wall and much added to its Riches so that it soon became a place of a great Trade which glory and riches it lost by the Spoils it sustained by Rob. Bossu the Crouch-back Earl of this Shire As to its present state it is a Borough and Town Corporate governed by a Major Aldermen and sub-Officers is dignified with the title of an Earldom is well inhabited hath indifferent good Buildings sendeth two Representatives to Parliament containeth 3 Parish Churches and its Market on Saturdays is well served with Corn Provisions and Country commodities From this Town Crouch-back Richard set forth with great strength and pomp to Redmore near Bosworth where on the 22 of August 1485 in a bloody Battle there fought for the deciding the differences betwixt the Houses of York and Lancaster he was slain yielding both himself and the victory to Henry of Richmond who was proclaimed King in the field and the next day the body of the said Richard was disgracefully brought back torn and naked and as meanly buried in the Gray-Friars of Leicester in a Stone-chest which now is made use of in an Inn for a Drinking-trough for Horses Loughborough Loughborough delightfully seated on the banks of the Sour over which it hath a Bridge amongst fertil Meadows and near Charwood Forrest It is a handsom Town beautified with fair Buildings and a large Church and hath a very considerable Market for Corn Cattle Sheep and Provisions on Thursdays Melton-Mowbray Melton-Mowbray well seated in a fertil Soil and on the banks of the Eye which almost encircleth it over which are two fair Stone-bridges It is an indifferent large and well built Town and hath a very considerable Market on Tuesdays for Corn Cattle Hogs Sheep Provisions c. Lutterworth Lutterworth seated on the Swift and in a good Soil an indifferent Country Town beautified with a large and fair Church which hath a lofty spired Steeple and its Market on Thursdays is well served with Corn and Country commodities Near this Town is a Spring so cold that in a short time it turns Straws and small Sticks into Stone LINCOLNSHIRE County of Lincoln described a County of a large extent and doth divide its form bounds and division into Hundreds The Soil is of a different temperature the Western and Northern parts being very pleasant and grateful to the Husbandman both for Corn and rich Pastures which feed great store of Cattle and the Eastern and Southern parts are fenny barren and unfit for Corn but in recompence hath great plenty of Fish and Fowl The Air upon the South and East parts is thick and foggy occasioned through the Fenny grounds but the other parts good and healthful It is well watered with Rivers as the Humber Trent Idell Dane Wash Witham Welland c. which lose themselves in the Sea The chief Commodities that this County produceth are Corn Cattle Fish Fowl Flax Wool Alablaster c. This County is severed into 3 principal Divisions or Parts viz Lindsey Holland and Kesteven which are divided into 30 Hundreds in which are numbred 631 Parish Churches and is traded unto by 31 Market Towns Lincoln Lincoln a City of great antiquity and hath been far more magnificent and spacious than now it is whose ruinous places doth witness the same being said to have had 50 Churches which now are reduced to 15 besides its Cathedral or Minster said to be one of the finest loftiest and stateliest structures in England This City in the time of the Britains was of great strength and fame containing 1070 Mansions and 900 Burgesses with 12 Lage-men having Sac and Soc and in the time of the Normans it was esteemed one of the best peopled Cities in the Isle and enjoyed a great Trade both by Sea and Land insomuch that King Edward the Third ordained here his Staple for the Mart of Wools Leather and Lead But it s pristine glory has been much eclipsed by the several shocks of ill Fortune it hath met with nevertheless it is a place well inhabited and frequented enjoyeth a good Trade and its Markets on Fridays is well served with Provisions and its Shops furnished with Commodities It is pleasantly seated on the side of a Hill and on the River Witham which divideth it self into several streams and waters in the lower part of the City over which are divers Bridges for the accommodation of the Inhabitants in their passage to and sro It is dignified with an Episcopai See where the Bishop hath his Palace and whose Diocess is the greatest of any in England numbring within its Jurisdiction 1255 Parishes of which 577 are Impropriations The civil Government of this City is committed to the care of a Major 2 Sheriffs 12 Aldermen who are clothed in Scarlet besides a Recorder Town Clerk 4 Chamberlains a Sword-bearer 4 Serjeants at Mace c. It enjoyeth ample Immunities sendeth two Representatives to Parliament and is a County within it self whose Liberties extends about 20 miles in compass and is called the County and City of Lincoln The Isle of Axholme made so by the Rivers Trent Dun Idel Isle of Axholms and others It is a large tract of ground in which are seated several Towns the flat and lower part of the Isle towards the Rivers is Moorish and yieldeth a sweet Shrub called by the Inhabitants Gall. In this part have been great and tall Fir-trees digged up And the middle part which is a rising ground is fertil and produceth great store of Flax. Barton seated on the Humber Barton where there is a considerable Ferry into Yorkshire which doth much advantage the Town which is large and stragling yet hath but an indifferent Market on Saturdays Grimsby Magna seated near the Humber or rather the Sea Grimsby Magna and in a flat and Marshy rich ground This Town was formerly very large having two Parish Churches enjoyed a good Trade but its Harbour which was then commodious being choaked up hath much eclipsed its trade and grandure having now but one Church which for largeness giveth place to few Cathedrals Here was formerly a Castle an Abby a Nunnery 2 Priories and 2 Chantries which time hath reduced to ruins and in their places are erected Houses It
of the Caspian Sea which is often called TABARESTAN from the name of this Province It stretches 100 Leagues up the Land containing in its Territory 12 fair Cities of which Asterabad or Starabat which hath something of common with the name of the Province is the principal then Maglasen Zariach and others this Country affords quantity of Silk Province of Gorgian The Province of GORGIAN touches not the Sea the chief City is of the same name then Obscoen Damegan and Semnan Gorgian answers to the ancient Hircania Metropolis Province of Rhoemus The Province of RHOEMVS is in the East of TABARESTAN and GORGIAN It s chief Cities are 1. Bestan then 2. Beyad 3. Zabâ—awer and 4. Thous higher in the Land 5. Feraway 6. Masinon and others toward the Sea and Mouth of the River Gehon Nassir Eddin that excellent Mathematician was a Native of Thous who drove Mustalzin from his Caliphat or dignity of Babylon because Mulstalzin had demanded of him Where were his Horns So dangerous it is to mock a man of Spirit and Courage The City of Thous is esteemed very considerable being large and encompassed with a noble Wall adorned with stately Structures and among others with about 200 or 300 Towers distant from one another a Musquetsâ—ot It is famous for the stately Sepulchre of Iman Risa of the Family of Ali one of the Twelve Persian Saints where great Devotions and Ceremoâ—ies are performed by them which brings in a great Revenue to this City Province of Churdistan The Province of CHVRDISTAN is divided into three Parts or Provinces of which Salmas is the chief City of the first Maraga of the second â—nd Cormaba of the third Besides which there are a great number of fair Cities as 1. Nakziovan 2. Choy 3. Guienche c. Salmas is near the Salt-Lake of Kannudhan which yields Fish only at a certain time of the year This City hath under its Jurisdiction 20 other strong and fair ones yet is not without those wandring People which live under their Tents Maraga is 〈◊〉 or 4 days Journey from Tauris 5 or 6 from Salmas Near Maraga the Perâ—ans were defeated by the Sarazens about the year 650 and their Monarchy â—ell into the hands of the Califfs Cormaba is on the East of Tigris and not â—at from Bagdad and Mosul Its Inhabitants are esteemed the true Curdes as good at incursions as the Arabs who lose nothing they can catch Near Choy are the Calderonian Champains of Chelder renowned for the Battle between Selim Emperour of the Turks and Ismael Sophy of the Persians where this last who had till then almost always been Victor was defeated and lost a great Battel and after it Tauris where was his wife Tallucanum and his Treasures but whilst he prepared new Forces the Turks retired to Amasia At Guienche formerly a City and a Kingdom contains likewise 7 or 〈◊〉 fair Cities the Can Caidogli caused to be builded one of the fairest and strongest Towers that is in Persia besides the Stone making use of the Heads of 540000 Turks which he had defeated in those quarters and which he caused to be bruised among the Morter Province of Ayrack its Commodities c. The Province of AYRACK is the fairest and richest of Persia The Sophies have for sometime past made here their residence formerly at 1. Casbin at present at 2. Hispahan which are two great Cities 3. Cassian 4. Hamadan 5. Dankana 6. Sauwa 7. Com 8. Yesd 9. Soltania 10. Hrey 11. Cochera 12. Kargh with several others are likewise very fair Near Hrey is gathered excellent Manna Soltan hath great quantity of the fairest Fountains and takes its name from the Soltans which sometimes resided here Yesd yields the richest and fairest Tapestries in the World Near this City and on the Mountain Albors there are yet some worshippers of Fire which have used it above 3000 years Hamadan hath born the title of a Kingdom and had 15 Cities under it Casian produceth many Silk and Cotton Manufactures and hath drawn to it all the Traffick that was at Com not suffering any Vagabonds or Beggars Com hath been as great as Constantinople but Tamerlain having ruin'd it it could never regain its splendor The Inhabitants addict themselves to labour in their Vineyards and Gardens It s Bridge is of Stone and the fairest in all Persia Casbin was the residence of Xa-Thamas when the Turks had taken Tauris Some esteem it the ancient Arsacia others Ecbatana It is not well built but great and filled with no less than 100000 Souls its fair Palace it s many Bazars and its Atmaiden are remarkable Bazars are places or great Streets where there are but one sort of Merchants the Atmaiden or greater Market which is about a mile in Circuit Hispahan the chief City of Persia Hispahan the Metropolitan City of the Persian Monarchy seated in the Parthian Territory which in its scituation is pleasant and delightful in its Soil fruitful and well watered by the River Sindery in its Air serene and healthful and for bigness is now become the greatest City in all Persia whose Walls are in circumference a reasonable days Journey Its buildings which are many scarce containing less than 75000 Houses are proud and elegant and was said to be once so populous that it gave entertainment to 500000 Inhabitants But after a certain Revolt for which they were severely chastised by the command of the Prince it hath not had so great a quantity of People yet it is exceeding populous and much frequented by Strangers rich in Trade eminent for all sorts of Exercise and more magnificent as being the residence of the Sophy of the Persians who had here built divers Palaces which are inhabited by his Nobles so rich and stately with Gardens so delightful and magnificent that not the industry of man nay scarce his thought can comprehend or imagine any thing more beautiful This City besides its Walls is fenced about with a Ditch and defended by a strong Castle The chief buildings are the Palaces the Mosques the Hummums or Hot-houses and the Mydan or Market-place which without dispute is the fairest richest and noblest Building in the World being about 1000 Places in length and 200 in breadth The inside resembles our Exchange being filled with Shops where all sorts of rich Commodities are vended and sustained by Arches and below furnished with such things both for Food and Rayment as the Country affordeth Its Palaces and Seraglio's exceeding stately and delightful On the West-side are seated two stately Palaces or Seraglio's for the King and his Ladies far exceeding in state and magnificence all other the proud Buildings in this City the Walls being of Red Marble and pargetted with divers colours and the whole Palace paved with fretted and Checkered work over which it is spread with stately Carpets the Windows are made of Alablaster and white and spotted Marble and the Posts and Wickets of massy Ivory checkered with glittering
Ebony so curiously wrought in winding knots that it may sooner stay than satisfie the eyes of the Beholder To which stately Structure there is joyned a no less pleasant and delightful Garden wherein are no less then 1000 several Fountains Brooks and Rivolets furnished with store and variety of curious Fruits together with what else may make a place delightful The great place of the City is before the Palace where the Sophy ordinarily resides The Fruits in and about this City are the best in the World their Vines yield in nothing to those of the Canaries Their Horses and Mules are fair and good their Camels so strong that they carry almost twice as much as those of other places They have permitted in this City some Monasteries of Christians as of Carmelites Augustine Fryars Capuchins and others The Inhabitants of this City negotiate their affairs on Horse-back Hispahan and its Commodities The Inhabitants do all their affairs on Hors-back as well publick as private in the buying and vending of their Commodities But the Slaves never ride which makes the difference betwixt them This City being the residence of the Sophy and being inhabited by so many eminent persons which always attend this Monarch makes it to have a great Trade and be much frequented by Merchants almost from all places as English Dutch Portugals Arabians Indians Turks Jews Armenians c. whereby it is furnished not only with all the Native Commodities of Persia as Gold and Silver Raw Silk in such great quantity that they furnish most part of the East as also other places some Drugs and Spices Wine Fruits c. Also sundry curious Manufactures as Carpets Arras-work Hangings c. Cloth of Gold and Silver Fine Cotton Cloths with several other Commodities which are here made but also with those of Arabia India China and Turky which hither are brought in exchange for theirs by Caravans or Camels Dromedaries and Mules by reason they want the benefit of the Sea They had formerly the benefit of several good Ports as Tauris and Balsora but now in the custody of the Grand Seignior together with some others The Ports that they now enjoy and make use of are Ormus and Jasques In this City is erected a Column or Pillar composed of the Heads or Skulls of Men and Beasts being about twenty foot in circumference at the Basis and exalting it self near sixty foot in height Now the reason of erecting of this terrible and horrid Column and Monument was this The People surfeiting with Luxury through their Pride and Impudence denied their duty to their Soveraign not only in refusing to contribute a small sum of money being towards the extirpation of the Turks and Tartars who did much annoy the Kingdom but also audaciously opposed his entrance whereupon he vowed revenge And having made a forcible entrance in his rage fired a great part of the City pillaged each House and in two days he put to the Sword near 30000 and to terrifie others erected a Column or Pillar of their Heads Province of Chorazan its chief Cities Commodities c. The Province of CHORAZAN is the greatest of all Persia some divide it into Cohazan Chorazan and Chowarazan which others esteem to be the same It hath every where a great number of brave Cities as Kahen on Kayem which yields great store of Saffron 2. Thou abounds in Silk Manufactures 3. Mesched or Mexat is the chief of Chorazan and shews the Tombs of many Persian Kings It is about twelve miles in compass and hath about 100000 Inhabitants It s Territory is fertile its Inhabitants well made strong and warlike 4. Herat is likewise called Salgultzar that is The City of Roses it producing greater quantities then any City in the World besides It yields likewise Rhubarbe and Vines which last a long time and so much Silk that there are sometimes 3 or 4000 Camels loaden in one day 5. Nichabour so near to Rhoemus that some conceive it belonging to it others make it a particular Province The City hath been much better peopled then now it is Tamerlane here and hereabouts put to death in one day about 400000 persons 6. Bouregian is near a great Lake of the same name This Lake receives many Rivers but like the Caspian Sea sends not one to the Ocean But let us return to the more Southerly parts of Persia we will say nothing here of Yerack since the Turk at present holds it with several others Province of chusistan it s chief places c. The Province of CHVSISTAN answers to the Ancient Susiana the Soyl is so fruitful that it often yields 100 or 200 for one Its Cities are Souster Ardgan Hawecz Asker-Moukeran and others 1. Souster is the Ancient Susa Here the Prophet Daniel had the Vision concerning the determination of the Persinn Monarchy and the beginning of the Grecian and where Ahasuerus kept his great Feast which continued 183 days for his Princes and Lords imitated to this day by the Sultans of Persia who do annually entertain their Nobles where Ahasuerus kept his Court when Esther demanded grace in favour of the Jews an dt here where Mordecai was exalted to the place and charge of Haman who was hanged on the same Gibbet which he prepared for Mordecai The Persians observe great Feasts It is held that the ancient Palace was built by Memnon Son of Tithonus who in the Trojan Wars was slain by the Thessalans of the spoyls of the Great Thebes in Egypt and that with such expence and magnificence that the stones were bound together with Gold but whether this be true or false without doubt it was very rich for it is said that Alexander found here 50000 Talents of uncoyned Gold besides Silver Wedges and Jewels of an inestimable value This City is of about 25000 paces in circumference and is the residence of the Sophy in the Winter season 2. Ardgan a fair City on the borders of this Province and not far from Hispahan 3. Hawecz called by the Arabian of Nubia Ahuaz and made chief of the Cities of Chusistan which he calls Churdistan He places next to it Askar-Mocran alias Askar-Moukeran on the River Mesercan where there was a Bridge supported by twenty Boats 4. Tostar with a River of the same name And 5. Saurac with some other The heats in these parts in the Summer season are so great especially towards the South part of the Mountain that the Inhabitans are forced to forsake the Cities and retire themselves into the Mountains for coolness Province of Fars its chief places fertility c. The Province of FARS or FARC formerly Persia now a particular Province hath a great number of large rich and beautiful Cities As 1. Chirdef which is said to be about 20000 paces in circumference where sometimes the Sophy hath made his residence scituate in a large and pleasant Plain well built and beautified with fair Gardens and magnificent Mosques Two of which are larger than
of the enjoyment of Men and they so much of them In their Apparel as also in the furniture of their Houses they are very costly The Women are here delivered without pain and not having the use of a Midwife or any one but her self and no sooner is she delivered but she is about her occasions not observing the custom among us in keeping their Chamber a month together Most of them live to the age of 100 years and that in perfect health but these are not the Portugals but are the Natives which are Pagans and Benjans To this City do resort Merchants from Arabia Persia Armenia Cambaya Bengala Siam Pegu China Java Malacca and from several other Countries it being the Staple of all Indian Commodities In the heart of the City is a Street where every morning from seven to nine not only the Merchants meet for the vending and buying of Commodities which are here set forth for sale like our Fairs but also the Gentry of the City meet as well to hear news as to satisfie their fancies in the sight of the Commodities And besides this Street every Trade hath its particular Street one Trade not intermixing with another Besides Goa the Land of the Bardes the Islles of Salsette of Coran of Divar and some other Lands about Goa are the Portugals As likewise the City of Chaul on the Coast where they have a great Trade of Silk and from these places they have their provision brought them and that at very easie rates for the Island of it self is so barren that it will scarce produce any thing Decan taken altogether hath one King alone which they call Idolcan or Dialcan The Great Mogoll hath taken from him some places in the particular Decan and the Portugals Goa Chaul and some other places on the Coast This Prince is yet powerful at least in regard of the Indians He hath taken Dabul from the Portugals and ruined it He once besieged Chaul and divers times Goa leading in his Armies near 200000 men In fine he made Peace with the Portugals the Vice-Roy of the East-Indies for the Crown of Portugal having always an Ambassador at the Idolcans Court and the Idolcan having one at Goa with the Vice-Roy And though this Prince is so powerful in men and so well provided with Ammunition and his Artillery greater and better then any Prince about him yet is he become Tributary to the Great Mogoll Its Commodities All the Country is good fruitful watered with several Rivers hath store of precious Stones of Cotton and Silk of which they make divers Manufactures of Pepper of Fruits and other Commodities The Inhabitants or Natives of the Country are Pagans and for the most part Benjans but eat any kind of Flesh except that of an Ox Cow Buffe Swine or Wild-Bore A Swine they abhor but have a great veneration for a Cow or an Ox. But as to the manner of their life as in their Marrriages Interments Purifications and other Ceremonies in their Religion as also in their Habits and Houses which are very mean their Houses being made of Straw and withal small and low having no light but what enters in at the door which is not so high as a mans Waist In which their chiefest furniture and houshold-stuffs are Mats to lie upon in the night on which they also eat their Meat their Dishes Drinking-cups c. are made of Fig-leaves which they daub and plaister together In these and the like Ceremonies and Customs they imitate the Benjans aforementioned The rest of the people which here inhabit are Mahometans and Jews which here enjoy the freedom of their Religion but the Subjects of the King of Portugal are Catholicks those of the English Protestants GOLCONDA The Kingdom of Golconda its bounds and extent THe name of GOLCONDA hath been known but for few years nevertheless this is a powerful and rich Kingdom but which hath been confounded with the name of Orixa It is upon the Gulph of Bengala which it regards towards the East and South neighbouring on the Mogolls and the Kingdom of Bengala towards the North. It stretches 200 Leagues on the Coast in length and near 100 up in the Land in breadth It yields 20 Millions of yearly Revenue is very well peopled and its People addicted to all sorts of Manufactures They make Cotton Pintado's so artificially and with such lively colours that it is esteemed better than Silk They build great Ships trade to Mecca Aquem Bengala Pegu and throughout all the Indies It s chief places or Fortresses There are in this Estate 66 Castles and Fortresses where the ordinary Garrisons are kept and these Castles are on inaccessible Rocks which they call Conda Golconda which the Persians call Hidrabrand is the chief and residence of the King it is distant from the Port of Musulipatan about 60 Leagues which is a fair City seated on an Arm of the Sea adjoyning to the Kingdom of Bisnagar and not far from Cape Guadavari Hath its Air pleasant its Soil fruitful of about 5 or 6 Leagues circuit nor doth its King yield much to the Great Mogoll in Riches precious Stones in store of Elephants or all sorts of magnificence But his Estates being much less and his People less warlike constraineth him to send him every year 400000 Pagodes in form of Tribute The Country rich in Diamonds and Precious Stones This Country moreover hath no Mines of Gold Silver or Copper some it hath of Iron and Steel but many of Diamonds and other precious Stones so rich and abundant that in 1622 the King caused it to be shut up and the labour to cease fearing lest the too great quantity should make them neglected Others say for fear it should draw the Great Mogoll into his Estates Condapoli its chief Fortress is so great that in circumference it contains six others and these six are one above the other each having Wood Fruits and Land sufficient to maintain the Garrisons destined for their defence which amount to 12000 Men. Candavara is another Fortress 15 or 16 Leagues from Condapoli and thence at certain intervals there are Towers on which with certain Lights they give signal of all that passes in the Country On the Sea-Coast or Gulph of Bengala are seated several Towns some of which are well known by Merchants as Guadavari which gives name to a Cape on which it is seated Vixaopatan Narsingapatan Pulacate Palhor Manicapatan Calecote Caregara on the Cape Segogora or Das Palmas Polarin Contiripatan and others The Portugals have a Fortress at Masulipatan which is one of the best Ports of the Country the City is not walled and belong to the Prince The Air and fertility of the Country The Air is every where healthful the Soil fertil producing twice or thrice a year Grains Fruits c. almost all different from ours Their Seasons are distinguished in three manners they have very great heats in March April May and June and that is
they cross out It s other chief places are 1 Xauquin a Maritime City 2 Luicheu also seated on the Sea very commodious for Traffick and opposite to the Isle of Aynan from which it is distant about 5 Leagues 3 Lampaca also seated upon the Sea and 4 Nanhium seated far within Land and among the Mountains which parts this Province from Chiamsi The Isle of Aynan its commodities The Isle of AYNAN is also comprehended under this Province and is the greatest of all the Islands that belong to China It is distant from Amacao on the South 50 or 60 Leagues it is almost as long as broad having 50 Leagues from South to North where it almost joyns upon the Southern Coast of China and on the other side regards Cochinchina It abounds in Grains Fruits Tame and Wild Beasts The Sea hath Pearls Lignum Aquilae and Calamba Their Craw-fish taken out of the Water die and grow hard like a Stone which being reduced to Powder serves for a remedy against many diseases The Earth hath Mines of Gold and Silver for which the Inhabitants care little In the midst of the Island the People are likewise half Savages The chief City is Kincenfen seated on the Sea-shore and regarding the Province of Canton The Province of Quancy and its chief Cities The Province of QVANCY which Purchas calls Guansa enjoys the same temperament with Canton yields the same Commodities and with the same plenty but is not so much frequented by Mexchants nor hath scarce any confluence of Strangers the reason is because its Rivers loose and discharge themselves all in the Province and at the City of Canton which forces them to pass through the hands of those of Canton to utter their Merchandizes and receive those of others In this Province there are Ten large Cities of which Quancy is chief all well built and very populous besides about one hundred small ones The Province of Zunnan and its chief places The Province of ZVNNAN which Purchas calls Vanam is the last on the South Coast where it is washed by the Gulf of Cochinchina and on the West where it touches on the Kingdom of Tunquin and on divers People beyond those Mountains which inclose the West of China The Women have here the liverty to go in publick to buy and sell which those of other parts of China do not It hath Mines which yield a kind of Amber redder and less pure then ours but which hath some particular vertue against Fluxes Besides this it transports few Merchandizes into other places This Province hath likewise good store of small and great Cities the chief of which bears the name of the Province and Hilan seated on a Lake so called which is inform of a Crescent The Province of Chiamsi its Trade chief places The Province of CHIAMSI which Purchas calls Lansay is inclosed with Mountains which have their passages open to the Neighbouring Provinces and particularly on the Coast of Canton On the Mountain of Muilin there is a great concourse for the carriages of Merchandizes which are transported from Canton to Nanquin which is done by mounting the River of Canton unto the foot of the Mountain From whence the carriages being taken out of the Vessels are loaden and born upon Mens backs to the other side of the Mountain where there is found another navigable River which crosses the Province Kiamsi till it falls into the famous Jamchuquiam which leads to Nanquin and the Sea This Province is so peopled that a part of its Inhabitants are constrained to spread themselves through all other Provinces of China to seek their fortune It is in one of the Cities of this Province that they make Porcelain the Water here being fit to give it perfection The Earth is fetched from other places beaten and fashioned at the same time the tincture they most commonly apply is Azure some lay on Vermilion others Yellow In this Province are 12 great Cities besides about sixty small ones its chief City being called Nanciam seated on a Lake as is Quianhanfu and others It s other chief places are 1 Kienchan 2 Linbiang 3 Juencheu 4 Nangam The Province of Huquam and its Commodities The Province of HVQVAM is so abundant in Rice that it is able to furnish a good part of China It is likewise rich in Oyls and Fish The Jamchuquian and many other Rivers and Lakes cross it on all sides and carry its Commodities towards Nanquin and to Quincheu It is very populous containing 15 great Cities and about 100 small ones the chief of which are 1 Chingiang 2 Huchang 3 Suchang 4 Yocheu c. The Povince of Suchuen described The Province of SVCHVEN which Mendoza calls Susuan Purchas Soin is one of the lesser Provinces of the Kingdom it is high scituated and pours down its Rivers into the Neighbouring Provinces Here is found good store of yellow Amber and excellent Rhubarb It s chief Cities are in number 8 together with about 120 lesser ones all which are exceeding populous the chief bearing the name of the Province The Province of Quicheu and its chief places The last of the Provinces I have to treat of is QVICHEV or likewise CVTCHEV according to Purchas It borders on the People Timocoves Gueyes the Kingdom of Ciocangue and the People called Layes Here is that famous Lake Câ—ncui-Hai from whence comes divers Rivers which water China They make here quantity of Arms of all sorts to serve against those People which border upon them which once belonged to China but which now for the most part are Enemies to it This Province is Hilly and unever which makes it not very fertil in Corn Fruits c. but it hath abundance of Quicksilver and also it breeds the best Horses of any Province in all China Cities in this Province are very few there being not above 15 both small and great the chief of which are 1. Quicheo seated on the River Yanchuquianâ— 2. Rueyang 3. Hianchoau 4. Liping 5. Cipan c. All these Provinces or rather all these Kingdoms of China are governed by divers Magistrates which those of Europe call in general Mandarins These are persons that have Patents whom the King or chief Officer of State doth chuse after knowledge of their capacity and honesty the degrees given to Students the general and particular Governments the charges of the Militia the receipt of and management of Revenues the building and repairing of Publick Buildings the Civil and Criminal Justice are in their hands And there are Appeals from one to the other according to the order and nature of Affairs The Council of Estate always resides near the person of the King and hath a general eye over the Kingdom But it shall suffice what we have said of China let us finish by saying That we have described it as it was before the Tartars made an irruption in â—618 These Tartars kept it wholly for some years since which
Quarters of which Ydausquerit Extuca and Nun are on the Sea Tesset Guadenum Ifrena or Vfaran and Archa within the Land Each of these parts have many Cities It s chief places and its fertility Castles and Villages and the most part of its People are Bereberes Africans or Arabs 1. Ydausquerit is the best Quarter and the most fruitful yields Fruits sweet and sowr as Oranges Citrons c. Also Wheat Barley c. Feeds much Cattle among others multitudes of Horses can raise 5000 Horse and 30000 Foot They are held the best Souldiers in all Billedulgerid and almost of all Africa 2. Extuca is proper only for Pastures abounds in Goats 3. Nun hath but little Barley and few Dates 4. Tesset is a Town of about 400 Houses hath some trade with the Negroes The Inhabitants of Guadenum live of Goats Milk by Hunting and of Dates and the Country hath Ostriches Those of Ifrena trade with the Portugals at Guarguessen and those of Archa hath only Dates And in these seven Quarters there are several other Towns and Cities as Buzedora Vtemila Albene Ausulima Buleza and Suana all Maritim places opposite and not far from the Canary Isles The Kingdom of Darha and its chief places DARHA is on the East of Tesset and Morocco It is divided commonly into three parts of which the chief retains the name of Dara the other are Taffilet and Ytata which pass likewise under the name of Taffilet All these parts have been divers times under the Dominion of the Xeriffs of Fez and Morocco Darha is about a River of the same name and where the River doth overflow it it is indifferent fruitful Among its chief Cities are 1. Bemsabih 2. Quitera Tagumadert from whence came the Xeriffs of Fez and Morocco 3. Taragalel of 4000 Houses and a Jewry of 400. 4. Tinzulin the most spacious of all 5. Timesguit of 2000 Families And 6. Tesuf once the Royal City of all these Quarters now in Ruins The Kingdom of Taffilet with its chief places TAFFILET hath born the Title of a Kingdom as well as Dara and its chief City of the same name hath more than 2000 Families of Bereberes To this place as Heylin observeth did Mahomet the Second Son of Mahomet Ben Amet and second King of Morocco of this Family confine his eldest Brother Amet having took him Prisoner in Anno Dom. 1544. Ytata is for the most part esteemed under Taffilet though near upon as great The Land belonging to the one and the other are harsh and Mountainous and scituated between Dara and Segelomessa Taffilet toward Morocco from whence it is separated from Mount Atlas Ytata towards the Saara or Desart where is that of Zuenziga The Kingdom of Segelomessa described SEGELOMESSA is one of the greatest and best Provinces or Kingdoms of all Billedulgerid It s chief City bears the same name is made famous by the Arab of Nubia It hath been ruined and rebuilded within 100 and odd years it is seated in a Plain and on the River Ziz Where and on those of Ghir Tagda and Farcala are likewise some other Cities more than 300 walled Boroughs and a great number of Villages The Rivers overflow and make fertil the Country as doth the Nile in Egypt The Inhabitants may raise about 120000 Men to bear Arms they have sometimes been subject to their Lords sometimes to the Kings of Fez and Morocco now are partly divided into Lines and Communalties and partly subject to the Arabs Several small Estates in and about Segelomessa Under the name of Segelomessa we will pass with Sanutus 12 or 15 little Estates which have but few Cities or walled Towns and some Villages Poor and almost all subject to the Arabs QVENEG hath 3 Cities of which Zebbellinum the chief is on a very high Rock and holds the passage of Segelomessa to Fez by Mount Atlas Gastrirum another City is on the side of a Mountain Tamaracostum is on a Plain Besides these Cities there are about 12 Towns and twice as many Villages They have sometimes aided the Xeriffs of Fez and Morocco with 8000 Men. Helel is the principal of its quarter and the residence of the Lord of Malgara Manunna the chief of Rheteb is peopled with Moors and Jews all Merchants and Artizans These places are on the Ziz descending from the Atlas towards Segelomessa Suhail Humeledegi and Vmmelhefen make each their Estate apart The last is on the way from Segelomessa to Dara The Land is quite Desart covered with Sand and black Stones TEBELBETTA hath 3 Cities 12 Villages FARCALA 3 Cities 5 Villages TEZERIN 5 Cities 15 Villages BENIGOMIA 8 Cities 15 Villages the Cities Mazalig Abuhinanum and Chasaira make each their Estate BENIBESSERI GVACHDA and FEGHIGA have each 3 Cities and some Villages Those of Feghiga addict themselves to Traffick and Letters gather quantity of Dates as doth likewise Guachda An excellent Mine of Iron employs those of BENIBESSERI in carrying it to Segelomessa A rich Mine of Lead and another of Antimony yields profit to those of Chasair who carry them to Fez the others bear only Dates and their Inhabitants are oppressed by the Arabs who rule over them Togda besides its Labourers of the Land hath some Tanners of Leather and the Soil yields Grains and Fuits I have made Tegorarin and Zeb the 4th and 5th Parts of Billedulgerid taken in general Under the name of Tegorarin I shall comprehend Tesebit and Benigorait under that of Zeb I comprehend Mezzab Techort or Techortina and Guergela Quarter of Tegorarin described TEGORARIN hath more than 50 Cities or walled Towns and 100 or 150 Villages the chief of which are Tegorarin Tuat and Tegdeat The Country is abundant in Dates yields Corn when watered feeds no Cattle except it be a few Goats for their Milk Its People addict themselves to Trade fetch Gold from the Negroes which they carry into Barbary and bring from thence several Commodities to carry to the Negroes Receiving Strangers with delight and letting nothing be lost that they can leave with them to enrich their Country Tesebit or Tesevin hath 4 Cities 28 Villages the most part of the Men are black the Women only brown and comly All poor as likewise in the Desart of Benigorait Province of Zeb and its chief places The Province of ZEB is more to the East than Tegorarin it touches the Kingdom and Province of Algier and Bugia near Mesila on the North is divided from the Regions of Mezzab Techort and Guergela towards the South by divers Mountains It s principal Cities are five Pescara Borgium Dusena Nesta Teolacha and Macaxa One part of these Cities were ruined when the Arabs entred into Africa a part by Barbarossa the most part afterwards resloted At present the Turks the Kings of Couco and Labes and the Arabs receive some Tribute from them The Inhabitants of Pescara live in the Fields in the Summer being constrained to
Country which are not wrought good Salt-pits out of which they draw the greatest profit c. The Province of Mechoacan and chief places described The Province and Bishoprick of MECHOACAN between those of Mexico and New Gallicia stretches on the Coast of Mer del Sud near 100 Leagues advances within Land from that Coast to the Zacatecas near 150 Leagues Places of most note are 1. Colina seated ten Leagues from the Sea built by Gonsalvo de Sandoval in the year 1522. 2. Zacatula on the Mer del Sud and at the Mouth of a River of the same name 3. Mechoacan the Metropolis which takes its name from the Province so called now the Seat of the Archbishop 4. Zinzouza once the Seat of the Kings of Mechoacan 5. Pazcuaro once the Seat of the Bishop 6. Valladolid seated near a Lake as large as that of Mexico once the Seat of the Archbishop till removed to Mechoachan 7. La Conception de Salaga 8. St. Michael built by Lewis de Velasco then Vice-Roy of Mexico 9. St. Philip built by the said Velasco at the same time to assure the way going from Mechoacan or Mexico to the Silver Mines of Zacatecas this way being often pestered and frequented by the Chichimeques Otomites Tarasques and other barbarous and as yet unconquered People who greatly perplex and annoy the People that border upon them Some place likewise in this Province the Cities of Leon of Zamora of Villa de Lagos and about 100 Towns of which many have their Schools The Soil of this Province and its Commodities The Soil of this Province is very different but every where fertil and in most places yields such great increase of all sorts of Grains Fruits c. that it hardly hath its fellow in the whole World It produceth likewise Cotton Ambergreese Gold Silver Coppers soft and hard of the soft they make Vessels of the hard Instruments instead of Iron They have black Stones so shining that they serve them instead of Looking-Glasses They have store of Plants Medicinal Herbs Mulberry-trees Silk Hony Wax c. The Country is said to be so healthful and of so sweet an Air It s Air. that Sick people come hither to recover their health It is well stored with Rivers and Springs of fresh Water which makes their Pastures exceeding rich and fat Cattle and Fowl are here found in great plenty and their Rivers and Lakes afford store of Fish The vertue of the Plant Gozometcath Between COLIMA and ACATLAN is found the Plant Gozometcath or Olcacazan which takes Blood-shot from the Eyes preserves the strength of the Body or restores it to the Weak cures the Tooth and Head-ach resists all Poysons and in fine is most excellent against all Diseases Those of the Country will judge of the event of any Sickness whatsoever it be when they apply the Leaf on the party If they fasten easily they soon hope a cure but if they resist or fall off they expect nothing but a great and long sickness or death The Province of Thascala with is Cities described THASCALA or LOS ANGELOS is between Mexico and the Gulph of Mexico from whence it advances unto the Mer del Sud stretching it self on the Coast of this Sea 25 Leagues on the other 75 or 80. Places of most note are 1. Thascala which gives name to this Province once the Seat of a Bishop and once governed in form of a Common-wealth and exceeding populous It had four principal Streets or Quarters which in time of War were each of them governed by a Captain and in the midst of these Streets it had a most spacious Market-place which was always thronged with People for the negotiating of their Affairs It is scituate on an easie ascent betwixt two Rivers encompassed with a large pleasant and fruitful Plain about 20 Leagues in compass 2. Los Angelos or the City of Angles a fair City built by Sebastian Ramirez Anno 1531 now the Bishops Seat 3. Vera Crux built by the said Cortez being a place of great concourse by reason of its near scituation unto the Gulph from whence it is a thorough-fare to the City of Mexico which is distant from it 60 Leagues It s Port of St. Joan de Vlva though but bad is in some esteem being the best on the Mer del Nort and held more commodious than that of Mexico 4. Zempoallan seated on a River of the same name the Inhabitants whereof did Ferdinando Cortez good service in his conquest of Mexico Beside those Towns or Cities they count in this Bishoprick or Province 200 Towns 1000 Villages and 250000 Indians under its Jurisdiction which are exempted from all extraordinary charge and imposition because of their assisting the said Cortez in his conquest of Mexico The Country is more hot than cold fruitful in Corn Mayz Sugar Wine The fertility of the Province Fruits feeds much Cattle full of rich Pastures well watered with fresh Streams In the Valley of St. Paul was a Country man possest of 40000 Sheep which were the product of only two which were brought him from Spain The Inhabitants are much of the same nature and condition with those of Mexico aforesaid The Province of Guaxaca with its chief places described GVAXACA is between the Mer del Nort and Sud The Plain of the Province makes a Lozenge whose 4 sides are each 75 Leagues or little more Its Cities are 1. Antequera a Bishprick and which sometime communicated its name to the Province It is seated in the Valley of Guaxaca and adorned with stately Buildings and beautified with a magnificent Cathedral Church whose Columns are of Marble and of a prodigious height and thickness 2. St. Jago seated in the Valley of Nexapa but upon a lofty Hill 3. St. Ilefonso on a Mountain in the Province of Zapoteca 4. Spiritu Sancto in the Quarter and on the River of Guaxacoalco near the Mer del Nort. 5. Cuertlavaca of note for a Labyrinth not far distant hewed out of a Rock 6. Aquatulco a noted Port on the Mer del Sud well frequented by those who transport the Merchandizes of Europe and Mexico to Peru a place of great Riches till plundered by those two eminent Travellers Drake and Cavendish both Englishmen besides those places there is said to be 300 Towns and as many Estancia's or Hamlets which are inhabited by the Natives of the Country which pay Tribute to the Spaniards The divers Quarters of this Province are all fertil not only in Grains The fertility and commodities of this Province but also in Fruits Cocheneil Silk Cassia and the Earth well stored with Mines of Gold Silver and other Metals and almost all the Rivers stream down sand-Gold Here is also a kind of Almond which they call Cacao which they make use of instead of Mony The Province of Tavasco described TAVASCO is only a Coast of an 100 leagues long between Guaxaco and Jucatan scarce 25
Barrs and Ingots 4. Carlos seated on the Mer del Sud And 5. Parita seated on the said Sea The Country both of the one and the other Province is rude mountainous and little fertil only for Mayze and Pot-herbs In supply thereof they have exceeding rich Mines of Gold and Silver in their Mountains and Sand-gold in their Rivers but there remain yet some Natives in these quarters who still molest and annoy the Spaniards killing and eating them when they can catch them The Isles ANTILLES or CAMERCANES BEtween the two America's Septentrionalis and Meridionalis and before the Gulph of Mexico are abundance of Islands of different greatness HISPANIOLA and Cuba are the greatest Jamaica Boriquen and others of the middle sort the rest much less Hispaniola Christopher Columbus the first discoverer of this Islâ—â— Its Coloâ—â— HISPANIOLA is in the middle of these Isles near 200 Leagues from West to East and 50 or 60 from South to North. Christopher Columbus was the first that made discovery of this Isle in his first Voyage that the made in 1492. being conducted thither by some of the Inhabitants of Cuba There remain 10 Colonies of Spaniards of which 1. St. Domingo built by Bartholomew Brother to Christopher Columbus is the chief pleasantly seated its houses well built which for the most part are of Stone its Haven is large and safe for Ships to ride in it is enriched by the Residence of the Governour the Court of Audience the See of an Arch Bishop the Chamber of Accounts the Treasury Court and besides many Convents of Religious Houses and Hospital endowed with a large yearly Revenue a place of great Trade till the taking of Mexico and the discovery of Peru since which time it hath much decayed nor hath it yet recovered it self of the great loss and damage it sustained by Sir Francis Drake in 1586. It now being Inhabited by not above 2000 Families of which about 600 are Natural Spaniards the rest Mestiz Mulatts Negroes and Canaries Porto de la Plata holds the second place by reason of its Commerce and is well seated on a commodious Bay Then 3. St. Jago de los Cavallieros for the beauty of its scituation 4. El Cotuy for its Gold Mines 5. Salvaleon de Yquey for its Sugars and Pastures 6. Azua likewise for its Sugars being a noted Haven 7. St. Maria del puerto for its Cassia 8. Monte Christo for its Salt 9. La Conception de la Vega the foundation of Christopher Columbus for whose fake it was made an Episcopal See which at present is united to St. Domingo and the last of the ten Colonies is El Zeybo seated on the Sea shore but of small account This Isle stocked by the Spaniards So soon as the Spaniards were Masters of this Island they caused to be brought from Spain Grains Fruits and Beasts of all sorts The Grains would not thrive in the Plains by reason of the richness of the soil the stalks taking away all the force of the seed but when they found out the reason they sowed them on hills and there where the land was lean so that then they yielded a great increase The Fruits became excellent and the Beasts multiplied in such manner that they grew wild for want of proper owners being hunted to death by any one only for their skins The Sugar Canes brought from the Canaries yielded exceeding great profit The Country for the most part flourishing and beautiful the Trees and Meadows being alwaies in their Summer livery and the soyl so fertil that in the space of sixteen or eighteen daies herbs and roots will come to their perfection and ripeness but the Mines of Gold Copper and other Metals which remained are no longer wrought the Spaniards having consumed and perished in them not only the most part of the antient Inhabitants of this Country but likewise of the Neighbouring Isles The Isle of Cuba described The Isle of CVBA is longer and streighter than Hispaniola near 300 Leagues from West to East and from South to North only twenty five or thirty almost every where so that in Continent these two Isles are almost equal their qualities are likewise in many things correspondent as in their Grains Cattle and Fruits The Air of Cuba is healthful and its Forrests furnished with the best Wood Its Fowls for building of Ships It feeds store of Pullein Pigeons Tortells Partridges Flamengo's Whose feathers are white when little and of many colours when grown great It s Rivers stream down more Gold than those of Hispaniola Its Ports likewise greater and more safe but yet there are more Rocks and Banks about Cuba than Hispaniola It s chief places described with some of their rarities For the greatness of the Isle it hath but few Cities the chief of which are St. Jago seated in the bottom of a capacious Bay about two Leagues from the Sea whose Port is esteemed one of the best of all America being the seat of a Bishop who holds from the Arch Bishop of St. Domingo and beautified with a Cathedral Church and some Religious houses near the City and from the Sierra de Cobre they fetch Copper yet the City is much ruined and hath little trade Towards Baracoa its Mountains yield Ebony and Brasile it hath this inconveniency that its Port cannot receive great Vessels The goodness of the Air the fertility of the Soil and a pleasant Plain hath made St. Salvador the best place of the Island where they have a great trade though off from the Coast Near Porto del Precipe a Haven-Town in the North parts of the Isle there are Fountains of Bitumen which they make use of instead of Pitch to caulk their Ships and the Indians for divers Medicines The Port of Havana having its entrance streight and deep receives the Ocean in form of a Gulph capable to receive a thousand Vessels and secure them from the fury of the Sea or Winds The two Capes which inclose it have their Castles to defend the entrance and a third joyning to the City regards the opening of the Port the Ships which return from New Spain into Europe assemble together at Havana where they are furnished with all things necessary either for Food or War and dispose themselves to depart by the month of September passing by the Channel of Bahame which carries them into the Ocean Twenty five Leagues from Havana towards the East is the Port of Matanca's that is Massacres for that once those of the Country here slew some Spaniards A Vast Prize taken by Pieters Heyn In 1628 Pieters Heyn General for the West India Company surprized the Fleet returning to Spain and carried it in to the West India Company It was loaden with Silver Silk Cocheneil Hides Cassonade or powder Sugar and divers other Merchandizes all of great value This Prize was esteemed worth near seven Millions of crowns yet this great service was but very ill recompensed by the Governours
that del Nort may be judged by the eye the Lake of Nicaragua the Rivers of Paria or Orinoque of the Amazones together with abundance of others having their springs near Mer del Sud and discharging themselves into that del Nort after a long course which could not be but with a great declension The Isles of Pearls At the opening of the Gulf of Panama are the Isles of Pearls once famous the Pearls of Gubagua and de la Margarita being at most not above eight or ten Carrats there was found in these Isles from 25 to 30 both round oval and in pairs all excellent whereas among the others few were found well formed or without spot Carthagena described CARTHAGENA is a Peninsula joyning to the firm Land by a Causway of 250 Paces all Sandy It is a place of great strength especially since the damage it received by Sir Francis Drake in 1585. It s Port is one of the most famous of America where the Spanish Fleet that goes to the West Indies by Order puts in here which makes it be of a great resort and is become very rich Its Houses are well built and beautified with a Cathedral Church and 3 Monasteries The other Cities of this Government are St. Jago de los Cavalleros of old Tolu worthy of note for the most Sovereign Balsom of all these parts little Inferiour to that of Egypt Mopoz near the confluences of the Rivers of Martha and Magdalens Sancta Maria and la Conception The Air of this Government is moist scarce healthful the best is near Tolu there is brought from these quarters Gold Long-Pepper Dragons-Blood Its Commodities and Trade excellent Balm Emeralds and Slaves St. Martha described with its Fruits Commodities c. SANCTA MARTHA so called from its chief City is a Country unfit for tillage being Mountainous and barren yet some they have it yields good Fruits and hath Gold Saphirs Emeralds Jaspar Cassidoins Brazil-wood and the Sea yields Pearls The Air in the Mid-land parts by reason of the vicinity of Mountains which are always covered with Snow is very cold and on the Sea-Coasts as hot and scorching It s chief places are It s chief places 1. St. Martha scituate on the Sea-shoar neighboured by a convenient and safe Haven which is defended from the fury of the Winds by an high Mountain near unto it it is honoured with an Episcopal See but still laments the Ruins it suffered from the English by Sir Francis Drake and Sir Anthony Shirley in Anno 1595 and 96. 2. Teneriff seated on the Banks of the River Magdalen 3. Tamalameque by the Spaniards called Villa de los Palmas 4. Los Reyes scituate in the Vale of Vpar on the Banks of a rapid and deep River called Guatapori 5. La Ramada or Salamanca seated in the same Vale of Vpar about which are several Veins of Brass And 6. Ocanna or St. Anna seated on the River Cesar Among the Governments of America Meridionalis those of Rio de la Hacha of Venezuela and of Paria are of the Audience of St. Domingo in the Isle of Hispaniola which is of America Septentrionalis yet their scituation makes us describe them here Rio de la Hacha described with its Commodities RIO DE LA HACHA is East of St. Martha of whose Bishoprick it depends This Government hath only the City of Nuestra Sennora de la Nieves or de los Remedios and sometimes also Rio de la Hacha It yields Gold precious Stones Salt and its Soil is fertil Venezuela described VENEZVELA had its name so given for its being built on many little Isles and in a Lake as Venice is It s Air is sweet and healthful and the Soil so fertil in all sorts of Grain and Fruits and so well stocked with Cattle that it is termed by other Countries a Granary as indeed they find it so it supplying their wants It is well watered with Rivers here is also wild Beasts for hunting and in the bowels of its Earth are rich Mines of Gold and other Metals The other Cities are Nuestra Sennora de Carvalleda seated upon the Sea but its Haven is very unsafe nigh to this City there are Hills whose tops are said for height to equalize those of Teneriff St. Jago de Leon Valenza la Nueva Xeres la Nueva Segovia la Nueva Tucuyo and Nuestra Sennora della Pax. Segovia la Nueva is more advanced towards the Barbarian people of any its Soil is lean but in recompence feeds many Cattle and Venison The Lake of Maraycabo near 100 Leagues circuit is esteemed in this Province Paria described PARIA or New Andalusia is on the River Paria or Orinoque and is likewise called Serpa and Comana from the name of its principal City which they call Nueva Cordova They fish many Pearls along this Coast before which are the Isles of Cubago Margarita and the Trinity or Trinidado formerly so famous for this fishing These Isles are very barren scarce affording sustenance for its Inhabitants which defect is supplied from the adjacent Countries which made the Spaniards abandon them so soon as the said Fishing left them The Governments of POPAYAN Popayan desâ—ribed and the New Kingdom of Granada are towards Peru that of Popayan is divided into two parts the one answering to the Chamber of the new Kingdom of Granada the other to that of Quito or Peru. The Air of all Popayan is generally healthful and very fresh by reason of the Mountains The Land is more proper for Fruits and Pasture than for Grains and as in all the neighbouring Countries here are likewise many Mines of Gold and other Metals The Cities of Popayan which answer to the new Kingdom of Granada Its Cities are five but have formerly been ten Sancta Fe de Antequera Calamanta Arma Sancta Anna de Anzerma and Cartago all upon or near the River of Sancta Martha the other five were Antioquia St. Sebastian de la Plata St. Vincent de los Payezes Neyva and Villa de los Angelos The first was transported to Sancta Fe de Antequera the others abandoned by reason of the continual Wars made upon them by the Paezes Pixos and Manipa's who could not be tamed The Cities of the Government of Popayan Other Cities in Popayan which answer to the Chamber of Quito are nine Popayan which hath its name common with the name of the Country seated on a pleasant River in the midst of a rich Plain being the residence of the Governour as also the See of a Bishop and adorned with a Cathedral and a Monastery of Fryars Cali seated at the Foot of a high Mountain on the Banks of a River and Almanguer on the sides of a plain but barren Mountain Timana St. Juan de Truxillo and Guadalajara of Buga advance towards the East Madrigal otherwise Chapanchica St. Juan de Pasto and Agreda or Malaga towards the West and approaching near the
Maffaeus relateth there is a Mountain which continually vomiteth Flames on the top of which the Evil Spirit sheweth himself to certain Persons after that they have macerated themselves for a Vow sake 10. Many Vulcanelloes are found in the Isles of Japan distant 70 miles from Ferando Also in a certain small Isle which lieth between Tanaxuma and the Isles called the Sisters a burning Mountain is discovered at other times smoaking Certain Vulcanes in the Isle Tendai 11. In Tendai one of the Philippine Isles where the Promontory of the Holy Spirit is certain Vulcans are found One also in the Isle Marindique another of the Philippine Isles 12. In Nicaragna a Province in America a lofty Mountain casteth forth flames in such great abundance that they may be seen 10 miles distant Vulcan Mountains in Cordillera 13. In the Ridge of Peru called Cordillera here and there are certain Rocks and Vulcan Mountains partly smoaking and partly burning and they are said to cast out fire Especially in the Province of Carrapa there is a Mountain from whose top when the Heaven is serene much smoak is discovered to be elevated Others in Peru 14. Near to Arequipa a City of Peru 90 miles distant from Lima a certain Sulphureous Mountain continually ejaculateth fire which is found dangerous to the City 15. In Peru near the Valley Mulahallow about 50 Leagues from Quito there is a Vulcan which once rending cast forth great Stones and terrified also the remote places with the huge noise Other Vulcans 16. In one of the Islands which they call Papoys which Le Maire discovered except peradventure it may adhere to the South Continent on the Oriental Coast of New Guiney is a Vulcan which at that time burned 17. Certain Mountains lying on the Oriental Shore of the River Jeniscea in the Country of the Tingesi beyond Ob towards the East by a journey of some weeks there are Vulcans as the Muscovites do report 18. Certain Mountains at the River Pesida beyond the Region of the Tingaesi A Vulcan in Liburnia 19. In Liburnia near the City Apollonia is a rocky Mountain from the top of which continually issueth smoak and flame In the Land adjoyning there are hot Fountains there are also certain Mountains which have now ceased to burn So the Isle Queimoda on the Coast of Brasil not far from the mouth of the Silver River in time past did burn so the Mountains in Congo or Angola which they term Vesbrande Bergen In the Isles of the Azores especially Tercera and St. Michael formerly the Earth burned in many places but now the smoak in some places is sometimes expelled hence also they have often Earthquakes The Isles of St. Helena and of the Ascension have also its Earth like unto these viz. a Dust Embers and Ashes so that in times past it is probably the Mountains of these Isles burned which is also manifest from the Sulphureous Earth and Coals which they call Smitskolen Now the cause of these Vulcans or burning Mountains is a Sulphureous bituminous Substance which is contained in such like Mountains Proposition VI. The Tanges of the Mountains some admit of no passage or opening some of many other some of one or another only Of the Tanges of the Mountains They are called Portae and also Thermopylae Of which the more noted are 1. The Thermopylae in Phocis from which this name was communicated to the rest 2. The Caspian Portae which as through a narrow passage are admitted into the Caspian Mountains 3. The Port of the Mountain Cordillera in Peru. 4. The Port of the Mountain which is extended between Abyssiue and Arabia Troglodytica through which they carry Provision and Grain from that Region unto this 5. In Caucasus the Sarmatick and Albanian Ports Proposition VII That Mountain is termed a Promontory which runneth forth in a certain Tract to the Sea or on the Shore is elevated above the adjacent places Of Promontories or Capes In Mapps they are called Capes or Heads among which the more noted are Cape of Good-hope 1. The Cape of Good-hope in Africa which must be passed by those that sail into India Cape Victoria 2. Cape Victoria in the end of the Streights of Magellan Cape Verd. 3. Cape Verd in the Angle or Point of Africa where the Shore windeth from West to East Cape Vincent 4. Cape Vincent in Spain Promontory or Cape of Atlas 5. The Promontory of Atlas so anciently called not a Cape because that Mariners some Ages past supposed that it could not be passable or that if any one had sailed beyond it yet he could not return back safe therefore this was the bound of their Navigation on the Coast of Africa Other Promontories may be seen in the Mapps Proposition VIII Vnto Mountains are opposed Caves and deep Abysses which are found in few places of the Earth Of Caves or deep Abysses In times past that Mephitick Cave in Island called the Cave of St. Patrick and that Cave in Italy called Grotta del Cane was famous In the Mountain of Fessano Beni Guazeval is a Cave that vomiteth forth fire In the Island Baruch adjoynig to Wales in England near the Sea is a Rock in which there is a Cave unto which if you apply your ear a noise like stroaks of Hammers upon Iron as in a Smith's shop may be heard Not far from the City Bessa in Aquitain is a Cave vulgarly called Du Souley in which in the Summer season a noise is heard like unto Thunder In many places betwixt the midst of the Mountains there are found Valleys so profound that they strike the Beholders with horrour and cause a giddiness CHAP. XI Of Mines Woods and Desarts MInes Woods and Desarts do ennoble certain Parts or Tracts of the Earth Of Mines Woods and Desarts concerning which although little can be proposed yet for an exact knowledge of the Terrestrial Superficies it will not be unnecessary to consider those Places and to design the Tracts and Limits of them which we shall briefly perform in this Chapter Proposition I. A Mine is a place in the Earth from which Metals Minerals or other sorts of Earth are dugg But because what is dugg up out of the Earth is various therefore all these Mines receive various denominations Of Mines as Mines of Gold Silver Copper Iron Marble Mines of precious Stones and the like The most famous of the Gold and Silver Mines are those of Peru and Castella Aurea Peru and Castella Aurea and Potosi rich in Mines the richest in the world for throughout all the Provinces of Peru are found Mines abounding with Gold and Silver yet not excluding the other Metals so that the Natives of Peru and the Spaniards in times past did boast that the Ground or Soyl of this Kingdom was Gold and Silver Girava a Spanish Writer testifieth at the City Quito are Mines which yield more Gold than Earth
serious to their King are very obedient true and loving in Adversity patient they are much addicted to Women are great braggers and exceeding proud though scarce Masters of a single Ryal In matters of Religion they are Roman Catholicks in which they are very devout not admitting the publick exercise of any other Religion throughout the Kingdom Spain is divided into fourteen Kingdoms or Principalities which are set down in the Geographical Table of the said Kingdom and to these fourteen Principalities we may add the Isles of Baleares seated in the Mediterranean Sea which comprehendeth Majorca Minorca and Yvisa and all these Kingdoms have formerly been reduced into three Estates which they call Castile Arragon and Portugal But to proceed to its several parts Kingdom of Leon. LEON called by some the Kingdom of Leon and Oviedo hath for its chief places 1. Leon by some called Legio as supposed that the eleventh Legion quartered here which was called Legio Germanica 2. Avilez seated on the Sea-shoar 3. Salamanca of note for having the most famous Academy or all Spain 4. Astorga and 5. Placentia Kingdom of Castile CASTILE severed into the Old and the New or first and last gained or conquered from the Moors The Old Castile is seated Northwards of the New and hath for its chief places 1. Burgos famous as contending with Toledo for the primacy of all Spain 2. Validolid a neat and fair City and a University honoured with the Birth-place of King Philip the Second who erected a Colledge for the English Papistical Fugitives 3. Numatia famous for defending it self against the Romans for fourteen years and at last left Scipio nothing else but a pile of Ashes for his Triumph and 4. Segovia a place of note for Clothing here made The New Castile boasts of Madrid for its chief place though but a Village but is the greatest in all the World and may compare with many Cities in Europe and its Territory although neither pleasant nor abundant yet is made both by the residence of the Kings of Spain 2. Yoledo seated on the Tagus and almost in the heart of all Spain a fair City beautified with stately Edifices its Walls are strong whereon are placed about fifty Towrs of Stone It is honoured with a University famous for the study of the Civil and Canon Laws 3. Alcantara of note for its Order of Knights so called 4. Alcala de Henares dignified with an University And 5. Cuenca seated at the Spring-head of the Xucar nigh to which is the stately Palace of the Escurial or St. Lawrence built by King Philip the Second a place of such magnificence that neither times past came near it nor present doth equal it In this large and stately structure are Eleven several Quadrangles every one incloistred all expressing a Peruvian Treasure to have been spent in the building them and is of such beauty and magnificence that a voyage to Spain were not lost to see it Kingdom of Navar. NAVAR for Antiquity may claim the second place of all the fourteen Kingdom It hath for its Eastern bounds the Pyrenean Mountains It s chief places are 1. Pamplona a place more famous for her Fortification than her Negotiation 2. Viana once the Title of the Prince of Navar near which Caesar Borgio was slain by an Ambush 3. Estella 4. Tudela 5. Olite and 6. Sanguessa all good Cities This Country was one of the first that with success opposed the Moors Seigniory of Biscay BISCAY by reason of its Mountainous and Woody scituation is the only Countrey of all Spain that remained unconquered by the Moors and for its many Iron-Mines is called the Armory of Spain The chief places are 1. Bilboa a Town of grat Trade Riches and much frequented by Merchants seated two miles distant from the Ocean and aboundeth in Wines Cattle and the best Blades known by the name of Bilboa-Blades 2. St. Sebastian another noted Town for Traffick 3. Andero all Sea-port Towns 4. Victoria and is Tolosetta Cities of some account Kingdom of Asturie ASTVRIE or Oviedo hath for its chief place Oviedo which gave name to the Territory which conjoyns with that of Leon. Kingdom of Gallicia GALLICIA a Mountainous Countrey like Asturie hath for its chief places 1. St. Jago de Compostella or St. Jago in honour of St. James who here lieth interr'd it is honoured with the See of an Archbishoprick and an Vniversity and in one of the Churches are kept the Relicks of St. James which are much reverenced 2. Bajona seated at the Mouth of the River Minius 3. Coronna not far from the Promontory of Nerius 4. Mondonnedo 5. Luge and 6. Tuy seated on the River Minho The Kingdom of PORTVGAL This Kingdom of Portugal as united with that of Algarve and divided from the Dominions of Castile contains the Kingdoms of Portugal and Algarve It enjoyeth a sweet and healthful Air for most part is hilly and not very grateful to the Husbandman but that defect is recompenced by their abundance of Wine Oil Fruits Hony Fish White Marble Salt Its Commodities Allom c. which are the product of the Country This Kingdom is about 320 Miles in length and about 120 in breadth Extent Number of Parishes in which compass are said to be about 1460 Parishes and many Nunneries and Religious Houses Its Fruits are excellent by reason of which here are abundance of Confectioners It is well watered with Rivers having near 200 great and small the chief of which is the Tagus The People are esteemed more honest plain It s People and of a simpler behaviour than the rest of Spain and more devout in matters of Religion The chief Places in thir Kingdom are 1. Lisbona said to be built by Vlysses in his ten years Travels seated on the Tagus convenient for Navigation and of a great resort and trade it is in compass about seven miles in which may be numbred about twenty thousand well built Houses and hath thirty and odd Parish Churches and on its Walls are about sixty Turrets and Towers which renders a pleasing shew to the Beholders towards the Continent it is seated on five small Hills betwixt which is a Valley which runs down to the River Duero whose entrance is defended by a Castle and this City being the Metropolis of the Kingdom is the residence of the Kings of Portugal and the See of an Archbishop 2. Braga once the chief of the Kingdom now dignified with the See of an Archbishop 3. Miranda seated on the Duero an Episcopal See 4. Santaren seated on the Tagus 5. Sintra upon the main Atlantick at the end of high Mountains which for the pleasure of the Woods here adjacent as also for the refreshings which come from the Sea is the usual retirement of the Kings of Portugal in the heat of Summer 6. Coimbra seated on the River Mondego of a pleasant scituation being amongst Vineyards and Woods of Olives dignified with an Episcopal
the Danube Northward about 2000 which large extent was the cause of its ruine and declension The Ancient Romans The Ancient Romans were a gallant People of a sound Judgment and a ready Wit well skilled in Arts and Sciences very covetous of glory of great Valour as by their subduing the chief part of the World who contrary to the custom of Invaders to sack and ruine Countries they taught the People Manners Literature c. The Romans were the first that wore the Purple Robe and the beginners of Triumphs they had excellent and stately Theaters and it was hold no disreputation to be an Actor It s fertility and Commodities This Country is so exceedingly furnished with whatsoever may be found useful for Man and the Soil so rich and fer tile in Grains Fruits Rice c. in some places having threo Harvests in one year that it is esteemed the Garden of the World The chief Commodities for Merchandize that this Country yieldeth are Silks both raw and wrought into several fabricks as Sattins Taffities Plushes Velvets Cloth of Gold and Silver Damasks Grograms Rashes Fustians Glasses Alom Armour excellent Wines Oils Saffron Anni seeds Argal Brinistone several Metals Olives Almonds Galls Kids-skins Lute strings Quicksilver Aloes Gold Thread Anchoves several Drugs c. The People of Italy The Italians are very ingenious respective and grave exceeding malicious if affronted much addicted to Women which are here allowed the liberty to make use of their own They are generally very jealous of their Wives so that they are denied the liberty of the Streets or the common view or society of men The Women are generally handsom witty and of a seeming modest behaviour it is observed of them that they are Saints in the Church Angels in the Streets Magpies at the Door Syrens in the Windows and Goats in the Gardens Their Language is very eloquent It s chief parts Italy may be considered in three principal Parts viz. Lombardy Italy particularly so called and Naples to which for a fourth may be added the neighbouring Isles in which said parts are divers Estates and Dukedoms all which are at large set down in the Geographical Tables and of these parts in order LOMBARDY Parts of Lombardy Lombardy is divided into the Higher and Lower in the Higher are the Estates of Piedmont which belongs to the Duke of Savoy of Millan which belongs to the Catholick King of the Commonwealth of Genes or Genoa and of Montferrat which belongs to the Duke of Mantoua yet the Duke of Savoy hath some part thereof And in the Lower Lombardy are the Estates of Venice of Mantoua Parma and Modena which have their Dukes and of Trent which hath its Bishop And in the one and the other Lombardy are several small Estates amongst which is that of Mirandola The Estates of PIEDMONT washed by the Mediterranean Sea is exceeding fertil though inferiour to other parts of Lombardy It is divided betwixt the Dukes of Savoy and Mantoua the River Tener separating their possessions It is very populous numbring about 160 walled Cities and Towns of which the chief is Turin Chief places which is the Palace and Court of the Duke of Savoy it is also dignified with the See of an Archbishop and an Vniversity where the famous Erasmus proceeded Dr. of Divinity 2. Aoste or Avost seated on the Northern limits of the Country 3. Verceili a Town of great strength bordering on Millan to which it did once belong 4. Saluzzo a Marquisate and Bishops See 5. Nizza or Nice a Sea-port Town and serveth for Turin and 6. Asti. And since we have before omitted it before we pass further let us repass the Alpes and speak of the Territories of this Duke on this side which is the Country of Savoy from whence he bears his Title Country of Savoy SAVOY adjoyning to Piedmont is a Country very Mountainous and full of narrow passages and consequently not very fertil It s chief City is Chambery or Cambreria the residence of the Duke when he is in these parts seated in a pleasant Valley amongst Mountains which are well stored with beautiful Houses belonging to the Gentry of these parts and next Turante which commands the passage into Italy It s other places of account are Thonon Cluse Beaufort Vgine Montiers Yenne Modane c. The Dutchy of MILLAN is rich in Natures gifts being seated in the best part of Lombardy affording great plenty of Grains Wines Oils and Silks and is said to have the best Rice in the World It hath for its chief places Chief places 1. Millan which notwithstanding its often spoils is said to be the greatest City of all Lombardy It is seated in a wide Plain wherein are no less pleasant than profitable Meadows and Rivers it is strongly fortified with a Wall and a spacious and almost impregnable Castle besides its Fortifications it is beautified with many splendid Ornaments the chief of which are its Vniversity its Hospital liberally endowed seated in an Isle almost two miles in compass and capable to give entertainment to about 4000 Sick persons Its Schools Nunneries and Churches which amount in all to 238 most of which are stately structures and beautified with curious Paintings Images of the Saints Sepulchres and several Religious Antiquities The whole City is about seven miles in circuit is exceeding populous very rich and of a great Commerce affording sundry good Commodities 2. Pavia seated on the River Tacinus honoured with a famous Vniversity of note for the Battel in which Francis the first of France was taken Prisoner by the Emperour Charles the Fifth who for his ransom was forced to release all his Title and interest to the Kingdom of Naples and this Dutchy of Millan 3. Cremona seated on the banks of the Poe first built in the beginning of the Punick War It is a place of good account hath a considerable Trade beautified with well built Houses with the conveniency of curious Gardens and hath large and well ordered Streets It is of most note for its high Tower and Cathedral Church where are to be seen many Relicks of Saints and curious Pictures 4. Como seated on a Lake so called which is about fifty miles in circuit on which the Citizens use to recreate themselves in Boats It is a City of good Antiquity and here it was that both the Plinys were born 5. Alexandria which from a poor Village through the often ruins of Millan is now become a fair strong and flourishing Town 6. Lodi 7. Tortona 8. Valenca and 9. Novara State of Genoua The State of GENES or GENOVA once very large but at present possesseth only Liguria in the Continent and the Isle of Corsica of which we shall speak in place more convenient The People are much addicted to Traffick and Vsury and here the Women are allowed the liberty of the Streets as also to accompany or discourse with Men which is forbidden them in other parts
value erected by the Senators which for their Grandure are fit to lodge and entertain any Prince in Christendom most of which are seated on the Grand Canal Also the Royal and proud Palace of the Duke deserves a particular description which for its largness beauty and riches as well in its fabrick without as in its Pictures and Statues within exceeds all others then the Tribunals or Courts of Justice the Senate-house or great Hall Its Arsenal or Magazine of War being about two miles in circuit encompassed with high Walls and the Sea having but one place or Gate for entrance and only one Channel for Ships to pass in and out at and here is kept always in readiness about two hundred Gallies with all things fit for a Voyage or fight also here are kept a thousand Coats of Plate garnished with Gold and covered with Velvet but above all its Church of St. Mark which for its exteriour and interiour beauty and richness of its Ornaments have deservedly made this City famous and in this Church according to report lyeth the body of St. Mark the Patron of this City which was brought hither from Alexandria In this City are seventeen rich Hospitals 56 Tribunals 67 Parish Churches 26 Monasteries of Nuns 54 Convents of Fryars 18 Chappels and six Free-Schools for the increase of Learning It s Piazza or broad place of St. Mark adorned with sumptuous Fabricks Statues c. is a place much frequented by the Gentry This City is the only place where Policy Warfare and Merchandize have embraced one another the Gentry are here held in such esteem that it is held for the greatest honour they can bestow upon the best deserver to make him a Gentleman of this City and from them the Sonatours are chosen and out of them the Duke who in a manner is only titular not having the Regal power his Salary which is paid him out of the Common Treasury is forty thousand Duccals yearly In this Estate are two Patriarchs and 34 Bishops Dukedom of Mantoua The Dukedom of MANTOVA seated Northwards of the Estates of Venice It s chief City is so called a place of good strength encompassed on the sides with Water about a quarter of a mile broad and on the other side with a Wall it is seated on a River which emptieth it self into the Po. In this City Virgil that famous Poet was born Dukedom of Modena The Dukedom of MODENA formerly joyned to that of Mantoua hath for its chief City Modena famous for the Battle between Anthony and Augustus where Hirtius and Pansa the two Consults were slain and Anthony lost the day This place is the residence of its Dukes as Mantoua is of hers Dukedoms of Parma and Placentia The Dukedom of PARMA and PLACENTIA Northwards of Mantoua hath for its chief place Parma seated in a fruitful Plain five miles from the Appenuines It is about four miles in circuit adorned with many rich and stately Structures is very populous and well inhabited by Gentry who are much addicted to Learning and Arms it hath a fair and spacious Campagnia which feeds abundance of Sheep and here the Duke hath his Palace which is a place of great delight and state This Country boasts of its Parmasan-Cheese so much esteemed by some The chief place of Placenza is so called it is seated on the Po comodious for Traffick and famous for its Fairs in Exchanges here quarterly kept which are much resorted unto it is about five miles in compass a place of good strength and beauty being adorned with many fair and rich Structures and Churches Bishoprick of Trent The Bishoprick of TRENT whose chief City bears its names it is seated in a Plain and surrounded with Mountains of an excessive height being always covered with Snow by reason of which it is more fit for Wines than Corn. The City is not large but indifferent strong its Houses are fair and stately its Streets large its Churches beautiful and richly adorned and its Royal Palace sumptuous and stately This City is famous for the general Council there held for the establishment of the Roman Catholick Religion ITALY particularly so called The second part of Italy according to our method will contain the Estates of the CHVRCH and TOSCANE which may again be subdivided into others which are taken notice of in the Geographical Tables of which in order Territory of Ferraresse The Territory of FERRARESSE about 160 miles in length and 50 in breadth had once Dukes of its own but now belongs to the Pope its chief place is Ferrara so called from the Iron-Mines about it it is seated on the Po which serves as a Rampire to defend it on the one side as doth a strong Wall well fortified with a spacious Mote on the other side it is about five miles in compass beautifully built and adorned with superb Edifices and is accounted one of the pleasantest Cities in Italy having in the midst thereof a spacious Green into which doth open about 20 Streets most of which are about half a mile in length and so even and uniform that from thence the utmost ends of each may be easily discovered It is well inhabited rich and dignified with an Vniversity Province of Bolognois The Province of BOLOGNOIS Eastwards of Modena hath for its chief place Bologna once the head of 12 Cities it is seated on the River Aposa and in a large and fertil Territory for Corn Wine Fruits and Olives it is about five miles in circuit and begirt with a Wall This City is adorned with many fair and proud Buildings in which they observe a uniformity amongst which is the Pope's Palace for his retirement which for grandure and statelyness is fit to give entertainment to any Prince in Christendom It is dignified with the chief Vniversity of Italy famous for the study of the Civil Law it is proudly built having spacious Courts Province of Romandiola ROMANDIOLA or ROMAGNE Eastwards of Bolognese hath for its chief places 1. Ravenna seated on the Adriatick and once a place of good account having one of the fairest Havens in the World which is now choaked up This City was the seat of the Emperour Honorius and his Successors then of the Gothish Kings and lastly of its Patriarch but now as its Haven is choaked up so is the Land covered with water which makes it become useless 2. Rimini seated on the mouth of the River Rubicon 3. Cervia seated on the Adriatick Sea a place where so great quantity of Salt is made that the Popes part is valued yearly at 60000 Crowns and 4. Faenza Dukedom of urbin The Dutchy or Dukedom of VRBIN not long since fallen to the Holy Seat it lying in the midst of his Territories It s chief places are 1. Vrbin seated at the bottom of the Appennine formed like a Miter 2. Belfort seated in the Midland 3. Fano a Sea-port Town to Vrbin where the English do
enjoy many Immunities and 4. Pisaro a Maritim Town enjoying a good Haven Province of Marca Ancona The Province of MARCA ANCONA bounded with the Adriatick Naples the Appennine and Romagne it takes its name from Ancona its chief City seated on the Hill Cimmerius which likes a Promontory shoots it self into the Sea having the best Haven in Italy towards the Adriatick Sea the entrance into which is shut up by two Chains the better to secure the Port. It is a City of good strength being encompassed with Walls and Bulwarks its Houses are fair and its Inhabitants rich 2. Loretto famous for the Church of the Virgin Mary which as 't is said was brought from Palestine in the Air by Angels for the Sins of the People and is now a stately Structure and richly adorned with the Presents dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is much resorted unto by Pilgrims 3. Marcerata the Seat of the Governours of this Province and here is a Colledge of Lawyers for the hearing and determining of causes 4. Adria which gave name to the adjoyning Sea 5. Ascoli the Fair and 6. Fermo the Strong Province of Perusin The Province or part of PERVSIN is Westwards of Ombriae its chief place is Perugia where Augustus besieged L. Antonius the Brother and Fulvia the wife of Anthony the Triumvir which said place at the Siege became also obedient unto him and nigh to this City is Lago de Perugia of about thirty miles in circuit near whose Banks Hannibal slew Flaminius 15000 of his Romans here is also Lacus Vademonius where Dolabella vanquished such of the Gauls as had escaped the Sword of Camillus Dutchy of Spoleto The Dutchy of SPOLETO anciently called Ombria as scituate under the Appennine Hills hath for its chief places 1. Spoleto of great antiquity where are yet remaining stately Aqueducts the Temple of Concord c. 2. Assisto famous for little but being the Birth-place of St. Francis 3. Fuligne 4. Todi 5. Amelia and 6. Rieti Land of Sabine The Land of SABINE Southwards of Spoleto hath for its chief place Narvy which is of some Account Province of Orietin The Province of ORIETIN Westwards of Spoleto hath for its chief places 1. Orvieto seated on so high a Rock that it amazes those that look into the adjacent Valleys and 2. Aquapendente St. Peters Patrimony The part or Province called St. PETERS Patrimony contains also all Latium or Campagna di Roma and part of Ituria it is washed with the Tyrrhenian Sea and in this part are the Mountains called Gallicanum in which Hannibal frighted that noble Captain Fab. Maximus with a Stratagem which was by having 2000 Oxen which carried fire on their Hoâ—ns by which means he passed over the Mountains It s chief places are 1. Ostria seated at the Mouth of the Tiber but its Haven is stopped up it is honoured with the See of a Bishop whose place is to consecrate the Popes 2. Adrea to which the Romans fled after the Gauls had taken Rome 3. Veij a City of good antiquity wealth and largeness 4. Alba once the Seat of the Silvian Kings and of good fame and beauty but suffered much in the Wars by the hand of Tullus Hostilius 5. Antium a place of great delight to which the Roman Emperours used to retire for recreation 6. Civita Vechia a Maritim Town abounding in great plenty of Alom 7. Viterbo 8. Porto 9. Corneto 10. Veroli 11. Palestrina and 12. Trivoli all places of some account but above all Rome The City of Rome seated in the Territory of Campagna di Roma once the Mistress of the World famous for her noble Warriers who were so exact in their Martial Discipline for their Triumphs and Antiquities and for being the place where the Spoyls and Trophies of all Europe and a great part of Asia were laid up in brief it was a place sufficiently memorized by the ancient and renowned Historians This City when in its pristine splendor was said to be 50 miles in compass whose Walls were beautified with about 750 Towrs and said to contain about 463000 fighting men that is free Citizens such as were inrolled besides Servants Women and Children but this City hath several times felt the jostlings of ill fortune so that as to its present state it hath not the moiety of its pristine beauty and splendour scarce containing 11 miles in circuit being almost Orbicular in which space there is about one third part wast ground yet it is a place of great splendor beautified with many Princely Palaces and sufficiently famous for being the Seat of the Pope which makes it to be exceeding populous being thought to contain about 200000 Inhabitants besides an exceeding great confluence of Strangers which hither come some for devotion and others to please their fancies with its Antiquities and Curiosities and of the Inhabitants two thirds may be reckoned for Clergy-men and Curtesans the later of which is esteemed to amount to about 40000 who pay 30000 Duccats yearly Tribute to the Pope for which two Gallies are maintained and furnished for the service in Civita Vechia This City is seated on the Banks of the Tiber upon Campus Marâ—â—us it is Built upon ten Hills on which are fair Structures as on the top of the Vatican Hill is seated the proud Palace of the Popes large enough to give entertainment to three Princes at one time It is beautified and enriched with excellent payntings and curiosities and here are the Gardens called Belvidere famous for its rare Plants delightful Walks curious Statues c. and on this Hill is the Church of St. Peter being the most splendid and famous in all Rome being adorned with rich Payntings Tombs c. with divers choice Curiosities as the Spear that pierced our Saviours side and the head of St. Andrew In this City are about 300 Churches Monasteries for Nuns Religious Houses and Convents here are many Hospitals for the relief of the Distressed likewise several gallant Libraries as the Vatican the Jesuits Colledge c. And here the Pope liveth in more grandure than any Prince in Christendom and the Cardinals have their Palaces richly adorned and dwell in good state TOSCANY Dukedom of Toscany The Dukedom of FLORENCE containeth the greatest part of Toscany to which doth belong those of Sanese and Pisan and which I shall include under the Dukedom of Florence It is separated from Genoa by the River Magra and the strong Town of Sarazana belonging to the Genouese It s People even the Duke himself are generally addicted to Traffick by reason of which it is a Country very rich Florence Amongst the Cities in this Territory is Florence seated in a no less fruitful than pleasant Plain near the confluence of the Rivers Arne and Chiane about six miles in compass and by reason of being the residence of the Duke is very populous and rich where he hath a stately and magnificent Palace richly aâ—â—rned and
Wax Commodities and excellent Warlike Horses whose Manes are said to hang down to their feet their Fruits are good and in great plenty and the Earth is inriched with Mines of several Metals It is seated in the Northern Temperate Zone between the 7th and 10th Climates which makes the longest day to be 17 hours It s People The People are well made and proportionate they are head-strong resolute in their Opinions and of no ready wit they use the Sclavonian Language they are Christians and follow the Greek Church The Kingdom at present is divided into several Provinces as in the Geographical Table of Turkey in Europe is set down all which are subject to the Grand Signior Province of Transilvania The Province of TRANSILVANIA hath for its chief places 1. Waranine far engaged towards the West and it is a frontier Town to Hungaria and of some account and strength 2. Hermensted more towards Moldavia 3. Weisenburg 4. Burges 5. and Hanyad Province of Bosnia The Province of BOSNIA hath for its chief place 1. Saraih the Metropolitan City seated in a fruitful Valley which on the North and South sides are immured with ridges of pleasant Hills of an easie ascent This City is said to contain about 80 Mescheetoes and about 20000 Houses which for the most part are but meanly built 2. Bagnialuch once the residence of the Bosnian Kings and 3. Jayeza the usual Sepulchre of those Kings Province of Servia The Province of SERVIA whose chief Cities are 1. Belgrade once the Bulwark of Christendom valiantly resisting the power of Amurath the 6th and Mahomet the Great but yielded to Solyman Anno 1520 when this whole Country became a Turkish Province 2. Stonebourgh once the Seat of its Despot and 3. Samandria Province of Bulgaria The Province of BVLGARIA hath for its chief places 1. Sofia the Seat of the Beglerbeg of Greece under whom are 21 Sangiacs seated almost in the midst of a long and fruitful Valley beautified with many fair Hanes and Baths the chief of which hath hot Fountains It s Colledge is magnificent and its Mescheetoes are many and beautiful especially that in the midst of the City which is the largest and here the doors of the houses of the Christians and Jews are not above 3 foot high which is so made to keep out the Turkish Horses who would else in their Travels make them serve instead of Stables so great is the slavery that they live under 2. Oesco 3. Novi 4. Durostoro and 5. Destor all which are seated on the Danube 6. Proslavia seated at the mouth of one of the branches of the Danube at its fall into the Euxine Sea 7. Calutra and 8. Varna both seated on the Euxine or Black Sea Province of Moldavia The Province of MOLDAVIA whose chief places are 1. Zuccania once the Seat of the Vaivod 2. Sotzowa and 3. Lazy both good Cities Country of Bessarabia To the Province of Moldavia doth belong the small Country of BESSARABIA which lieth between Podolia and Bulgaria and is commodiously seated on the Black Sea It s chief places are Kherman or Moncastro the Seat of the Turkish Sargiack seated on the River Tyras not far from its influx into the Sea and 2. Kilia also seated on the Euxine Sea Province of Walachia The Province of WALACHIA being divided from Bulgaria by the Danube and is esteemed the richest Province in all Dacia It s chief places are 1. Targovisco the Seat of the Vajuods 2. Domboviza and 3. Brailonum GREECE The Parts of Greece The rest of Turkey in Europe may be comprehended under the name of GREECE which is divided into several parts to wit Romania which answers to the ancient Thrace Macedonia whose divers parts have received divers names as that of Jamboli of Camenolitaria of Migdonia or particular Macedonia Albania and Thessaly which is now called Junna Epirus now Canina Achaia and Aetolla now Livadia and Peloponnesus now the Morea Its Bounds GREECE esteemed the Mother of Arts and Sciences hath for its Eastern bounds the Egean Sea the Hellespont Propontis and Thracian Bosphorus and for its Western the Adriatick Sea and Italy It is seated in the Northern Temperate Zone under the 5th and 6th Climates the longest day being 15 hours It s sertllity and Commoties The Soil without doubt is very rich and fruitful and would be very prositable to the Husbandman if pains were taken in tilling it but the Great Turk seizing on their Estates when and as often as he pleaseth makes them careless to cultivate it yet here are found several good Commodities which are transported to other places as Wines Oils Silk both raw and wrought into severai Manufactures as Velvets Damasks c. also Gragrams Brimstone Copper Vitriol Cottons Sopes Carpets Cute Currants Cuminseed Anniseeds c. The Ancient and present Greeks The Grecians though a scattered People since the Turks became Masters of their Country vet still retain their Name Religion Customs and Language as indeed they do in all other places where they live They were once a Nation so excellent that their Precepts and Examples do yet remain as approved Canons to direct the mind to Vertue they were Lovers of freedom every way noble in matters of Government famous in Arms glorious in Arts admirable and to whom the rest of the World were held Barbarians but since they became under the Turkish yoke for the generaliay their Spirits are so low that their knowledge is turned into ignorance their liberty into contented slavery their Vertues into Vices and their industry in Arts and Sciences into idleness They are much addicted to drink and dancing for which they had the name of Merry Greeks they are of a good proportion and of a swarthy complexion their Women are well favoured brown and excessively amorous in matters of Habit they differ little from those amongst whom they live The Christian Faith was here established by Timothy to whom St. Paul wrote two Epistles The Fathers which this Church most adhereth unto are Chrysostom Basil and the two Gregories and the Church is governed by Patriarchs one of Constantinople another of Alexandria another of Jerusalem and another of Antioch freely exercising their Religion which differeth much from the Church of Rome as I shall in place elsewhere take notice oâ— and have every where their Temples and Monasteries If a Patriarch die another is elected by the Synod of Bishops Famous Men here bred This Country hath bred several famous Men as Alexander the Subverter of the Persian Monarchy Xenophon Plutarch Herodotus and Thucydides famous Historiographers Epaminondas Pyrrhus Miltiades and Aristides Captains Plato Aristotle Socrates and Theophrastus Divine Philosophers Demosthenes Aeschines and Isocrates eloquent Oratours with several others too tedious to name but to proceed to the Provinces Province of Romania ROMANIA particularly so called a Country of it self neither of a rich Soyl nor pleasant Air more
for Woolen-Cloth In this City there hath been observed to be 777 Brewers 40 Bakers one Lawyer and one Physitian the reason of this great disproportion as one wittily observed was that a Cup of Nimis is the best Vomiting potion and their Controversies were sooner composed over a Pot of Drink than by order of Law 3. Stoad commodiously seated for Traffick on the Elve about five miles distance from Hambourg once a place of a better Trade than now it is These Cities are called Free from their great Prerogatives in coyning Money and ruling by their own Laws and Imperial as knowing no Lord or Protector but the Emperour to whom they pay two Thirds of such Contributions as are assessed in the Assemblies Germany is a spacious Country and very populous the People are of a strong Constitution and good Complexion are very ingenious and stout much given to drink but of a generous disposition the Poorer sort great Pains-takers and the Nobles which are many for the Title of the Father descends to all their Children are either good Scholars or stout Souldiers so that a Son of a Duke is a Duke a thing which the Italians hold so vain and foolish that in derision they say That the Dukes and Earls of Germany the Dons of Spain the Nobility of Hungaria the Bishops of Italy the Lairds of Scotland the Monsieurs of France and the younger Brethren of England make a poor Company There are so many inferiour yet free Princes in this Country that in a days Journey a Traveller may meet with many Laws and as many sorts of Coin every Prince making use of his own Laws and Coins whose Laws the Emperours are sworn to keep which made one say that the Emperour is King of Kings the King of Spain King of Men and the King of France King of Asses as bearing his heavy Taxes The fertility and Commoditles of Germany The Country is generally fertil and temperate being scituate under the Temperate Zone Here are many Mines of Silver and other Inferiour Mettals it hath store of Corn and Wine which they transport to forreign Countries as likewise Linnen Laces Woollen and divers Manufactures also Quicksilver Alom Arms of all sorts and other Iron-works and its Ponds Lakes and Rivers are well stored with Fish It s chief Rivers The chief Rivers of Germany are the Rhine the Weser the Elbe and the Oder for the Danube having but a small course in this Country shall be elsewhere spoken of The Commodities and Trade of Belgium That part which we call BELGIVM or the Low Countries is of a large extent seated in the North Temperate Zone under the 8 and 9th Climates the longest day being 17 hours the Air by reason of the industry of the Inhabitants in draining the Marishes and turning the standing-Waters into running-Streams is now very healthful as being purged from those gross Vapours which did thence arise the Country lieth exceeding low and therefore subject to Inundations The Commodities that these Countries yield are Linnens Yarn Thread Sayes Silks Velvets Tapestries Pictures Prints Blades Sope Butter Cheese Fish Pots Bottles Ropes Cables Armour several Manufactures c. besides the Commodities of India Persia China Turkey and other parts which are here had in great plenty by reason of the vast Trade they drive in all parts The Estates of the Crown of POLAND are POLAND under the name of which is comprized The Kingdom of POLAND as it is divided into the Higher or Little POLAND where are the Palatinates of Cracou with its Castlewicks of Cracou Vounicz Sandecz Biecz Sandomirie with its Castlewicks of Sandomitz Vislicz Radom Zawichost Zaroâ—w Malogocz Czeschow Lublin with its Castle Lublin Lower or Great POLAND where are the Palatinates of Posna where are the Castlewicks of Posna Meseritz Ragozno Sremck Brzesti Crimn Sandock Kalisch with its Castlewicks of Kalisch Kamin Gnesna Landa Nackel Biechow Sirad with its Castlewicks of Sirad Wielâ—n Rozpirz Lencini with its Castlewicks of Lencici Bressini Inowlocz Dobrzin with its Castlewicks of Dobizin Rippin Stouck Ploczk with its Castlewicks of Ploczk Rasuntz Sceps Rava with its Castlewicks of Rava Sochaczow Gostiny Cowal Divers Dutchies with their Castlewicks to wit RUSSIA NOIRE which is esteemed in the Higher Poland where are the Palatinates of Leowenborg or Leopolis with its Castlewicks of Leowenborg Halicz Drzemist Zamoscie Belz with its Castlewicks of Beln Chelm CUJAVIA which is esteemed in the Lower Poland where are the Palatinates of Brzesti with its Castlewicks of Brzesti Krusnick Cowal Uladislau with its Castlewicks of Uladislau Bidgost MAZOVIA also esteemed in the Lower Poland where are the Palatinates of Czersk with its Castlewicks of Warzaw Liw Czersk Wissegrod Zakrotzim Ciechanow Wilna PRUSSIA or PRUSSE as it is divided in POLAQUIE PRUSSIA ROYALE where are the Palatinates of Dantzick with its Castlewicks of Dantzick Elbing with its Castlewicks of Elbing Marienburg with its Castlewicks of Marienburg Culm with its Castlewicks of Culm PRUSSIA DUCALE with its Palatinate and Castlewick of Koningsberg with its Palatinate of Bielsk with its Castlewick of Bielsk And divers other Estates Dutchies c. united or subject to the Crown of POLAND viz. Dutchy of LITHUANIA under the name of which are comprised LITHUANIA where are the Palatinates of Wilna with its Castlewicks of Wilna Osmiana Wilkomirs Braslaw with its Castlewicks Braslaw Misdzial Troki with its Castlewicks Troki Kowno Grodno Lida Minsk with its Castlewicks of Minsk Borissow Robaczow Rzeczica Mary Minsk with its Castlewicks of Mscislnw Mohilow Orssa Novogrodeck with its Castlewicks of Novogrodeck Slonim Woskowiska Polosczk with its Castlew of Polosczk Vitepsk with its Castlew of Vitepsk POLESIE where is Breâ—siici with its Castlew of Bressici SAMOGITIE with its Palatinate and Castlewick of Rosienie Dutchy of VOLHYNIE as it is divided in the Higher VOLHYNIE with its Palarinate of Lusuc with its Castlewicks of Lusuc Wolodomiers Krzemienec Lower VOLHYNIE with its Palatinate of Kiovia with its Castlewicks of Kiovia Owrucze Zitomirz PODOLIE with its Palat. of the Higher PODOLIE as Kamieniec with its Castlew of Kamieniec Lower PODOLIE as Braclaw with its Castlewick of Braclaw Part of MOSCOVIA where are The Dutchies of Smolensko with its Castlew of Smolensko Novogrodeck with its Cast of Novogrodeck POLAND Poland and its parts THE Estates of the Crown of Poland ought to be considered in two sorts the one called the Estates of POLAND and the other of LITHVANIA these two having heretofore had their Kings and Dukes apart and not having been united till within about 270 years The Estates of Poland shall be Poland which we will divide into the Higher and Lower or Lesser and Greater and into the Dutchies of Russia Noire Cajavia Mazovia and Prussia The Estates of Lithuania may be divided into Lithuania Volhinia Podolia c. all Dutchies but Lithuania much the greater wherefore he who possesseth them is entituled the Great Duke of Lithuania It s extent All these Estates of Poland and Lithuania taken
together extend from about the 48th degree of Latitude unto the 57th which are about 225 French Leagues and from the 38th of Longitude unto the 61 and have near as much Continent again as France They are bounded on the East for the most part by Moscovy Bounds and part of the Petit Tartars on the South the Mountains oâ— Caprack and the River Neister divide them from Hungaria Transilvania and Moldavia on the West by Germany and toucht in part on the Balticâ— Sea and on the North they are bounded part by Livonia and Moscovy Ancient Inhabitants The Ancient name of Poland was Sauromatia from its Inhabitants the Sauromatae afterwards by Lechius the first Duke hereof in Anno 550 it was called Poland which signifies a plain Country as generally it is It was made a Kingdom by the Emperour Otho the Third Anno 1000 Boleslaus being Duke and hath ever had its Dukes and Kings elected by the States who by reason of their vicinity to the Turks generally chuse a Warriour Fertility Commodities c. The Country is plain well clothed with Firs and other Timber-Trees the Air is so cold that they have neither Wine nor Grapes instead of which having store of Barly they make use of the Old drink of England viz. Ale The Country is well furnished with Grains and Fruits but they are but lean their chief Commodities are rich Furs Horses Hony Wax Bow-staves Buff-hides Ambergreese Flax Linnen-cloth Masts Cordage Boards Wainscot Timber Rozin Tar and Pith of both kinds Match Iron Stock-fish Salt digged out of the Earth Pot-ashes Rye in great plenty for which it hath made Dantzick famous It is well furnished with Flesh Fowl and Fish and to waâ—ds the Carpatian Mountains of Hungaria are found Mines of Gold and Silver as also Iron and Brimstone To the R t Worship Full Sr Robert Clayton of the Citty of London Kt and Alderman and Lord Mayr thee of Anno 1680 This Mapp is D D by R B P of the ESTATES of the CROWNE of POLAND where are the KINGDOM of POLAND withits Palatinates the DUTCHES of RUSSIA-NOIRE CUJAVIA MOZOVIA PRUSSIA â—IA VOLHYNIA PODOLIA c Designed by Monsieur Sanson Geographer to the French King The Revenue of the King The Revenue of the King is not great for so large a Country and that which is he receiveth from them quarterly the Kingdom being divided into four Parts every one of which keepeth the King and Court a quarter which Revenue is not certain but more or less according to his occasions by War Marriage of his Daughters or the like Poland with its parts and chief places The Kingdom is divided throughout into Palatinates and Castlewicks Poland taken particularly is divided into the Higher and Lower in the Higher are the Palatinates of Cracou Sandomirz and Lublin Places of most note in these parts are 1. Cracou or Cracovia seated in a Plain and on the Banks of the Vistula dignified with the residence of the King It is in form round the Houses fair and lofty and built of Freestone in the midst of the City is a large Quadrangle Market-house where is seated the Cathedral Church and the Senate-house for the Citizens about which are several Shops for Merchants The City is encompassed with two strong Stone Walls and a dry Ditch on the East-side of the City is the Kings Castle being fair well built and pleasantly seated on a Hill as also the Kings and Queens Lodgings on the West is a Chappel where the Kings are interr'd and on the North-side Lodgings for Entertainment and Feasting the South-side being without Buildings but as to matters of Trade this City is of small account Also Sandomirz and Lublin both chief Cities of their Palatinates are in the higher Polonia or Poland Lower Poland In the Lower Poland are the Palatinates of Posna Kalisch Sirad Lencinâ— Dobrzin Ploczk and Rava whose chief Cities or places bear the same name and are the residence of their Palatines Besides which there are several other Towns of good note which are taken notice of in the Geographical Table of the Kingdom and in chief Posna and Gnesna dignified with the See of an Archbishop who during the Interregnum of the King holdeth the Supream Authority in the Kingdom and summoneth the Diets To Poland doth also belong the Dutchies of Russia Noire Cujavia Mazovia Prussia and Polaquie Russia Noire RVSSIA NOIRE hath for its chief places Loewenberg and Belz both chief of their Palatinates OVJAVIA hath for its principal places Brzesti and Vladislau Cujavia both chief of their Castelwicks Mazovia with its places MAZOVIA hath only one Palatinate viz. Czersk under which is comprised several Cities and Castlewicks the chief of which is Warzaw one of the fairest in the Kingdom it oft-times being the residence of the Kings of Poland a place noted for its excellent Metheglin here made PRVSSIA is considered in two parts Prussia which are called Royale and Ducale Prussia Royale is immediately subject to the Crown of Poland and hath its Palatinates in the Cities of 1. Dantzick seated on the Vistula at its influx into the Baltick Sea and at the foot of a great Mountain which hangs over it it is the fairest best and of the greatest Trade of any in Prussia Through this City runs a River very commodious to the Inhabitants whereon are many Mills for the grinding of Corn which is here found in great plenty as also a Water-Mill for the conveyance of water in Pipes to their Houses and by reason of its great Trade for Corn with England and other parts they have a great many Granaries or Store-houses for the same which is hither brought them from Poland 2. Elbin though but small yet a fair City and indifferently well frequented by the English Merchants 3. Marienburg the Seat of the Masters of the Dutch Knights 4. Culne and 5. Thorn which though it hath no Palatinate is esteemed by many next to Dantzick Prussia Ducale belongs to the Marquess of Brandenbourg who holds it from the Crown of Poland It hath only one Palatinate at Koningsberg seated on an Inlet of the Baltick Sea and washed with the River Pegel it is a fair City a famous Mart and a good University and before its Coast is gathered great quantity of Ambergriece This Ambergriece is the juyce of a Stone growing like Coral on a Rock in the North-Sea continually covered with Water and in the Months of September and December by the violence of the Sea is rent from the Rocks and cast into the Havens of the Neighbouring Countries POLAQVIE is a small Province between the Estates of Poland and Lithuania Polaquie and seems to have belonged to Mozavia Bielsk is the Seat of its Palatinate And hitherto we have treated of the Estates of Poland almost all on the Vistula or the Rivers that fall into it on which are seated the three fairest Cities of these Quarters viz. Cracow towards its Spring
him to instruct the Child to have a devotion to his Saint Ecclesiastical Government Their Ecclesiastical Government consists of a Patriarch which is the Head of the Church and as it were Pope who hath under him several Metropolitans Archbishops Bishops Arch-Deacons Proto-Popes and Priests The Grand Duke of Moscovy is absolute Lord both of the Lives and Estates of his Subjects whom he treats little better than Slaves his chiefest aim being for what he can get more than the good and welfare of his People being not subject to Laws but makes what seemeth good unto him which though never so tyrannical are strictly obeyed yet he will seem to take advice of his Knez and Bojares who are as his Privy Council His Revenues and Riches cannot but be great from the several ways from which he raiseth it as by Illegal Taxes Customes his Lands and what he taketh from his Subjects at pleasure He is apparelled like a King and a Bishop wearing with the Royal Robes a Miter and a Crosiers-Staff and observeth a great deal of state and grandure The Estates of MOSCOVY comprehend 3 Kingdoms about 30 Dutchies or Provinces and about 20 People or Nations who live by hoords or Communalties all which I have taken notice of in the Geographical Table of Moscovy The Country is not so populous as spacious nor very well frequented by Strangers so that I cannot give so good account thereof as otherwise I would of which in order Province of Dwina DWINA a Province of a large extent but very barren hath for its chief places Dwina seated on the River so called which falls into the Northern Ocean and on the Mouth of the said River on the Sea-shoar is seated the City of St. Michael commonly called Arch-Angel a place of note for its great Trade and much resorted unto by the English PLESKOW Pleskow a large Province whose chief place is so called being large and fain and the only walled City in the Empire a place of great strength very populous and dignified with an Episcopal See NOVOGRODECK Novogrodeck very Northernly seated a Province also of a large extent whose chief place is so called seated on the River Naf dignified with and Episcopal See a City which for fairness and largness might once compare with any in Russia being formerly one of the Mart-Towns of Europe which is now removed to St. Nicholas a Port-Town more convenient for the Moscovian Trade CARGAPOL WOLOGDA and BIELEZERO whose chief places bear their names are Provinces of this Dukedom Province of Moscovia MOSCOVIA is one of the largest Provinces in all Russia and seated in the midst of this large Estate so called from Mosco its Metropolitan City seated on a River so called dignified with the Imperial Seat as also with the See of the Patriarch This City before its firing by the Tartars was 9 or 10 miles in circuit but now not above half the compass it is very populous and hath for Divine worship 16 Churches of which about half are made of Wood and Dirt as are most of the Houses The Palace of the Great Duke is seated in the heart of the City a large Structure well fortified with 17 Turrets and 3 great Bulwarks which are always guarded with about 25000 Souldiers which with two Castles seated in the outward parts of this City is its only defence being without a Wall or Ditch WOLODOMIRE is a Dutchy very fertil in Corn Wolodimire its chief City being so called once dignified with the residence of the Great Duke till removed to Mosco from which it is distant 36 Leagues now dignified with an Episcopal See T WER is a fair T wer fertil and populous Province washed by the Volga its chief place is so called dignified with the See of a Bishop which for beauty and largness may compare with Mosco from which it is distant about 140 miles RESCHOWA Reschowa a Dutchy Bielski which takes its name from its chief City as doth the Dutchy of BIELSKI from Biela REZAN is a Dutchy so fertil that its fellow cannot be found in all these parts yielding Corn to admiration Rezan it s chief City also hears the same name which is seated on the River Occa dignified with an Episcopal See WOROTIN Worotin a Province also so called from its chief City seated on the said River Occa and defended by a strong Castle PERMSKI Permski a Province of a large extent its chief City is so called seated on the River Vischora WIATKA Wiatka a barren and woody Country and much pester'd with the Incursions of the Crim Tartars its chief place being so called PETZORA is a Province fenced on all sides by losty Mountains and Rocks Petzora its chief place takes the name of the Province seated on a River so called near its fall into the Sea and on these Mountains are found excellent Hawks and Sables which bring some profit to the Inhabitants Other Provinces INHORSKI CONDORA OVSTIOVGA SVSDAL ROSTHOW and JAROSLAV are Provinces of this Dukedom Towards the South Cason and about the Don and the Volga are several Cities People and Fortresses as are mentioned in the Geographical Table as are several Provinces or Estates upon and beyond the River Oby Besides these Provinces the Grand Duke holds at present towards Asia the Kingdoms of Casan Bulgaria and Astracan CASAN is a Kingdom in Tartaria Deserta Bulgaria whose chief place is so called seated on the Volga now dignified with the See of a Bishop is in the Kingdom of BVLGARIA whose chief place is so called ASTRACAN lieth on the Volga Astracan whose chief place is so called enjoyeth a good Trade especially by the Armenians by reason of its commodious scituation on the branches of the Volga about 20 Italian miles from the Caspian Sea The ISLES of GREAT BRITAIN with the Territorles thereto belonging are those of GREAT BRITAIN where are at this day two Kingdoms and one Principallty to wit The Kingdom of ENGLAND which according to the SAXON HEPTARCHY hath had Seven Kingdoms viz. Kingdom of KENT Canterbury Rochester Kingdom of SOUTH SAXONS Southwards Chichester Winchelsey Kingdom of EAST ANGLES Norwich Ipswich Cambridge Ely Kingdom of EAST SAXONS Colchester London Kingdom of WEST SAXONS Exeter Bristol Rath Salisbury Southampton Dorchester Kingdom of NORTHUMDERS York Lancaster Durham Carlifle Barwick Kingdom of MERCIA Leicester Lincoin Nortingham Darby Oxford Gloucester Worcester Leichfield Chester Hereford The Principallty of WALES as it was divided into SOUTH WALES Brecknock Cardigan Cardiff Monmouth NORTH WALES Flint Denbigh Carnarvan Mongomary The Kingdom of SCOTLAND which hath once had the Kingdoms of the SCOTS beyond the Tay Cromartly Eigin Aberdone Perch Dunkeldon PICTS on this side the Tay Dunslafag Dunkirton St. Andrews Dunblain Sterling Edinburgh Glasco IRELAND or The Kingdom of IRELAND with its Provinces which were formerly so many Kingdoms viz. ULSTER Donegal Dungannon Armagh Tredagh MUNSTER Cassile Lymerick Kinsale Corke
of 8 Market Towns Cardiff the fairest Town in all South Wales well seated on the River Tave Cardiff or Taff over which it hath a fair Bridge to which Vessels of small burthen do come to lade or unlade their goods and in a rich and fertil Soil both for Tillage and Pasturage It is a large and well built Town with good ordered and clean Streets containing within its Walls two Parishes but hath but one Church without the East-Gate is a large Suburb called Crockerton without the North-Gate stands the White-Friers and without the West-Gate a small Suburb adjoyning to the Black-Friers and in this part is seated the Castle which is a strong spacious and stately Building It is a Town Corporate governed by a Constable 12 Aldermen as many Capital Burgeffes a Steward Town-Clerk with sub-Officers enjoyeth several Immunities electeth a Parliament man is the place where the Assizes are kept is well frequented and traded unto its Inhabitants having a great intercourse of Traffick with Bristol and its Markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays are very good especially that on Saturdays which is the best in the County and very considerable for Gattle Corn Swine Sheep and all sorts of Provisions in great plenty and at easie rates Llandaff a City seated on the Taff but of a small extent Llandaff scarce comparable to an indifferent Town having not so much as a Market kept which is occasioned by its vicinity to Cardiff It s Cathedral is a spacious and superb Structure and near adjoyning are the Ruins of an Old Castle which was the ancient Palace of the Bishops Neath seated on a River so called over which it hath a Bridge Neath to which small Vessels come for the lading of Coals here had in great plenty to the profit of its Inhabitants It is a Town of great antiquity and of a good extent yet is it indifferent large is governed by a Port-Reve and hath a good Market for Provisions Swansey commodiously seated on the Sea-shoar Swansey an ancient Port-Reve Town which is large and well built which for Riches and Trade is esteemed the chief in the County and that by reason of their Coal-Pits and the great industry of its Inhabitants It hath weekly two Markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays which are very well frequented and traded unto affording great plenty of Commodities and Provisions County of Pembroke described PEMBROKE-SHIRE is of fertil Soil both for Tillage and Pasturage is well stored with Cattle and replenished with Rivers which with the Sea plentifully serveth the Inhabitants with Fish and Fowl and in the bowels of the Earth are plenty of Pit-Coal It is well inhabited and garnished with Towns numbring 145 Parish Churches and is traded unto by 8 Market Towns Pembrook Pembrook the chief Shire-Town seated on the Eastern and innermost Creek of Milford-Haven over which it hath two fair Bridges for the conveniency of passage It is a place of good account well frequented and inhabited by Gentlemen and Tradesmen is much resorted unto by Shipping by reason of which they have a Custom-house It is a place of good strength being fortified with a Wall on which are several Towers having three Gates for entrance and also with a strong Castle seated on a Rock It is a large Town Corporate containing two Parish Churches is graced with well built Houses is governed by a Major with other sub-Officers enjoyeth several Immunities sendeth a Burgess to Parliament and its Market which is on Saturdays is very good and well served with Provisions c. This Milford-Haven is esteemed the best in all England Milford-Haven not only for its largeness being capacious enough to give entertainment to about 1000 Sail of Ships at one time and to ride secure at a good distance one from the other but also for its variety of deep and safe Creeks and nooked Bays for Ships to harbour in having within it 13 Roads 16 Creeks and 5 Bays all which are known by their several names St. Davids St. Davids seated within a mile of the Sea in a barren Soil and very destitute of Wood. It was once a City of good account but at present is very small but thinly inhabited and its Market disused yet is it the See of a Bishop and its Cathedral kept in good order but the Bishops Palace is much ruinated Near unto St. Davids is a Promontory called St. Davids Land or Head from whence in a clear day Ireland may be seen and on the Rocks in these parts the Falcons have their Airies and breed Also here is Whitesand-Bay and at the extream point of the Promontory Ramsey Isle sheweth it self nigh to which are several small ones which together bear the name of the Bishop and his Clerks Haverford-West Haverford-West a Town and County of it self commodiously seated on the side of a Hill and on a Creek of Milford-Haven over which it hath a good Stone-Bridge which leadeth to Prendergast where there is a Church It is a very large and fair Town Corporate containing three Parish Churches is beautified with good Houses is well inhabited enjoyeth a good Trade having several Vessels belonging to the Town is the place where the Assizes are held and the County Gaol kept and hath weekly two Markets on Tuesdays and Saturdays which are very great for Cattle and Provisions It is governed by a Major a Sheriff and Common Council with Justices of the Peace it enjoyeth several Immunities keeping Courts and sending a Burgess to Parliament and near to this Town divers Gentlemen have their Seats Tenby Tenby seated on the Sea-shoar where it hath a commodious Haven or Road for Ships being formerly much frequented especially by Fishermen having a good Key enjoyeth a considerable Trade and its Inhabitants were wealthy but the Spoils it suffered in the late Wars hath much impoverished it notwithstanding it keeps its two Markets weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays which are very well resorted unto for Corn Provisions and Fish Newport Newport seated near the Sea-shoar and on the foot of a high Hill a large but ill built and inhabited Town governed by a Port-Reeve and a Bailiff and hath a good Market for Corn Cattle and Provisions and here is a Wear for Fishing County of Radnor described RADNOR-SHIRE This County is of a sharp and piercing Air and very ungraceful to the Husbandman as being so Mountainous and Rocky yet is it well watered with Rivers It hath but 52 Parish Churches and is traded unto with three Market Towns New Radnor New Radnor well seated near the Spring-head of the Somergil and in a pleasant Valley at the foot of a profitable Hill for the feeding of Sheep and Cattle called the Forrest of Radnor It is a very ancient Town Corporate whose Jurisdiction reacheth 10 or 12 miles in compass is governed by a Bailiff and 25 Burgesses enjoyeth large Immunities and hath the election of a Parliament man It had formerly a Market
9. Episcopia where Apollo had both a Temple and a Grove This Temple was held so Sacred that those which touched it were thrown into the Sea The scituation fertility and Commodities of Cyprus This Island is seated under the Fourth Climate which makes the longest day to be but 14 hours and a half It is exceeding rich and fertil abounding in Corn Wine Oil Silks Cotton Turpentine Wool Hony Salt Verdigreace Alum Storax Colloquintida Laudanum All sorts of Metals c. To this Isle as to all other parts of Turky no English are suffered to Trade except those of the Company of Levant Merchants where they have a Factory and a Consul who is generally elected by the said Levant Company and established by the Ambassador The People are very civil to Strangers The People of Cyprus delighting in Hospitality also addicting themselves to War being strong and active and the Women were in former times given to unchastity by reason of their so great adoration of their goddess Venus it being the custom of these Women to prostitute themselves on the Shoars to Passers by where their Virgins would do the same But upon their receiving of Christianity by the Preachings of St. Paul and Barnabas being the Birth-place of the latter this with other of their uncivil and barbarous Customs were laid aside This ANATOLIA or ASIA MINOR which I have hitherto treated of is seated for the most part all in a healthful and temperate Air the Soil being generally fruitful once very populous and replenished with many fair and goodly Cities now lamenting the loss of about 4000 some of which by Earthquakes but most by the Wars the Turks brought against them The Commodities or Merchandizes which it abounds with Commodities in Asia Minor and communicates to other Nations are chiefly excellent Wines Goats-hair Camels-hair Grograin Yarn Silk Cotton Wool Cotton Yarn Cloth of a course make Coral Gauls though not so good as those of Syria Grograins Chamlets Mohairs Turky-Carpets Spunges Turpentine the best in the World Mastick with some other Commodities of less note which the English French Venetians and Dutch fetch from hence but chiefly from Smyrna it being the chief Town of Trade being a flourishing Factory where those Nations as hath been said before keep their Consuls SOVRIA or SYRIA Its Bounds SOVRIA formerly SYRIA the Great and at present Soristan with the Eastern People is near hand that which the Romans called their Diocess of the East as may seem by our now calling it the Levant It extends from the Mediterranean Sea which washes its Western Coast to the Euphrates which on the East divides it from Diarbeck and from Mount Aman or Monte-Negro which bounds it on the North and separates it from Cilicia unto Arabia and Egypt which border on its Southern parts The Ancients have divided it into three principal Parts the particular Syria called Syria Propria which as the greatest and best held the name of all Phoenicia and Judaea or Palestine This last stretcheth more towards the South Its Parts or Division by the Turks Syria towards the North and Phoenicia remaineth in the middle and all are along the Mediterranean Sea from Anatolia into Egypt the particular Syria alone touches the Euphrates the rest upon Arabia At present the Turks divide all Syria into two Beglerbeglies Aleppo and Damascus some make a third of Tripoli of Syria and give to this last five Sangiacats nine or ten to Damascus and seven to Aleppo which in all are 16 or 20 Sangiacats whose Names and Scituations are for the most part unknown we will content our selves to speak something of the Cities which have been or which yet are the principal of all these Quarters beginning with those of Syria SYRIA PROPRIA Syria Propria its bounds fertility and people SYRIA PROPRIA is bounded on the East with the River Euphrates and on the West with the Mediterranean Sea It is very fertil affording plenty of excellent Fruits Cotton-Wool Sheep which have Tails that weigh about 30 pounds with several other good Commodities The People were formerly very industrious but much addicted to Gluttony as did appear by their often and great Feasting they were subtle in their dealings much given to Superstition being worshippers of the goddess Fortune and other of their Syrian goddesses much addicted to Plays and Pastimes and given to Scoffing and Laughter It s chief places The chief Places in this Country are 1. Antioch or Antiochia once the Metropolis of Syria once so fair that it held the third or fourth degree amongst the best Cities of the Roman Empire Its Walls are yet standing and the most beautiful that Eye ever beheld within it is nothing but Ruins It s scituation is on the River Orontes so called at present Assi or Haser four Leagues from the Mediterranean shoar a place of great strength having for its Fortification an enchosure of two strong Walls on which for their further defence were erected about 460 Towers together with a strong Castle The City before its Ruins being adorned with stately Palaces Temples c. fit for so great a City being formerly the Seat of some of the Roman Emperours and of the chief Officers of their Empire in the Orient It was the first Seat of a Patriarch that St. Peter established and which held in the Infancy of the Church 1. The Diocesses of Thrace Asia Pontus and the East 2. Daphne about five miles from Antioch so named from Daphne one of the Mistresses of Apollo who was here worshipped famous for having here his Oracle and Grove which was about 10 miles in compass all encompassed with Cypresses and other Trees so tall and close together that the Beams of the Sun could not dart through though in his greatest power watered with pleasant Streams beautified with Fountains and enriched with abundance of Trees which yield variety of excellent Fruits as well for tast as tincture for its Temples dedicated to Apollo for its Sanctuary or Asyle and for the place where Daphne was changed into a Laurel that it hath been compared with the Valley of Tempe in Thessaly 3. Aleppo built upon four Hills at present is the greatest and principal Town of all Syria and one of the most famous of the East being the ancient Hierapolis having large Suburbs which are for the most part taken up by Christians It is seated between the Euphrates and the Mediterranean Sea and in that place where that Sea and the Euphrates make the nearest conjunction which makes it capable of the best and greatest commerce of the World to wit of all the Levant with the West by the passage of the Gulph of Ormus and Balsora which brings Commodities up the Euphrates just against the City of Aleppo from whence the Caravans bring them by Land to Aleppo and carry them from thence to Alexandretta or Scanderoon scituate on the Mediterranean Sea and thence into the parts of Asia Africa and Europe which
Monastery of Bethlem the Monastery of the Holy Cross And at Bethlehem over the place where Christ was born the vertuous Helena erected also another fair and goodly Temple which is possest by the Franciscans of Jerusalem being called by the name of St. Maries of Bethlehem Nigh to Jerusalem is the Desart of St. John Baptist where is yet the Ruins of a Monastery over his Cave and the Fountain as also the Mountains of Judah where is the Church of St. John Baptist the Fountain and the House of Elizabeth also the Sepulchre of Zachary a part of the Pillar of Absalon and the Cave of St. James At Bethania two miles from Jerusalem is the House of Simon the Leper the House of Lazarus as also his Sepulchre where is the Mount of Olives where is the Sepulchre of the Virgin Mary where Christ was often and from whence he ascended up into Heaven Joppa or Jaffa serves for a Port to Jerusalem from which it is 10 miles distant and it was thither that the Wood and Stones taken from Mount Libanus and destined to the building of the Temple of Solomon were brought by Water and from thence by Land to Jerusalem This is the Port where Jonah embarked to flie from the face of the Lord. From this History the Heathens made the Fable of Andromeda and pretended to shew in the Rock which is before the Port the marks of the Irons to which Andromeda was chained and exposed to the Sea-Monster After Jerusalem there rests yet Gaza now Gazere greater and better inhabited than Jerusalem 1. Jericho seated on the River Jordan about 30 miles distant from Jerusalem a City once of great fame being in the time of Christianity an Episcopal See also noted for her beautiful Palms but especially for her Balsâ—mum but now turned to Ruins in the place whereof stands a few poor Cottages inhabited by the Arabians 2. Samaria once the Seat of the Kings of Israel hath now nothing left but the Ruins of some proud Buildings And 3. Sichem now Naplouse hath some Samaritans and remains the Capital of that Quarter and the best inhabited but with many Ruins and to speak truth there is now scarce any place of mark in all the Holy Land whereas under the Cananites under the Hebrews under the Jews there were so many People so many Kings so many Cities so rich and so powerful that throughout the whole Continent of the Earth there was no Country might compare with it Jerusalem is at present governed by a Bassa and Naplouse by another which obey the Beglerby of Damascus DIARBECK Diarbeck and its Parts DIARBECK taken particularly answers only to Mesopotamia which is but part of the ancient Assyria taken in general it answers to the three parts of that Assyria of which the particular Assyria is now called Arzerum Mesopotamia Diarbeck and Chaldea or Babylonia or Yerack The first is the most Oriental and almost all beyond the Tygris the second the most Occidental and is between the Euphrates and the Tygris the third the most Meridional and lies on both sides the Tygris It s fertility and People This Country of Chaldea now Yerack is for the most part exceeding fruitful yielding ordinarily 200 fold the blades of their Wheat and Barly being about four fingers broad having yearly two Harvests The People anciently were much given to Divinations South-sayings and Idolatry Places of most note are 1. Babylon formerly Babel the ancientest City in the World seated on the Bank of the Euphrates It s chief places first built by Nimrod and much enlarged and beautified by Nebuchadnezzar so that it was accounted one of the nine Wonders of the World This City was so vast that its Walls stretcht in circumference 365 Furlongs in height 66 Yards and in breadth 25 scituate on both sides of the Euphrates which also ran through the City emptying it self into divers Rivolets over this River Euphrates there was a stately Bridge at each end of which there was a sumptuous Palace beautified also with the Temple of the Idol Bell the whole City being adorned with fair Buildings stately Palaces and Temples with a number of fair and large Streets famous for its Tower of Babelâ— which exalted it selt 5164 Paces in height which is something above 5 miles having its basis or circumference equal to its height A City once esteemed the Mistress of the World and so rich that it is said that Alexander at his taking it found treasured up 200000 Talents of Gold a Talent of our Money being esteemed at 4500 Pounds a vast Treasure but the sins of the People drew the wrath of God upon it and by reason of its Invasions by the Medes Persians and Macedonians who subdued it so ruâ—ned that it soon lost its pristine glory and magnificence being reduced to Ruins out of which was raised a new City called Bagdad Babylon now called Bagdad so named from its many Gardens therein contained but not to compare to the old Babylon neither in largeness nor glory being not above 7 miles in compass but yet remains to this day a place of great Trade between which and Aleppo are found many Caravans to travel with many thousand Camels laden with rich Commodities brought from India and elsewhere abounding with the same Commodities as Aleppo doth At this place they make use also of Pigeons as they do at Alexandretta and Aleppo which serve instead of Posts which when occasion serveth as upon the arrival of Ships Caravans or the like they take these Pigeons and tie an Advertisement which they write in a little piece of Paper about their Necks which done they carry the Pigeon to a high place and toss it up and immediately it flieth to the other place to which it is designed which gives notice to them The Palaces in this City most worthy of note are the Mosque a large and rich Structure built of Free-stone resembling Marble in form orbicular then the Sultans Palace adjoyning to the Buzzar or great Market-place is a rich large but low Fabrick next the Bridge whose passage is over Boats which are chained together which upon occasion may be separated having resemblance to that of Roan in Normandy and lastly its Coho-houses which are Houses of Good-fellowship being in the nature of Coffee-houses with us which in this place are many to which a great resort of People cometh to sip Coffee which by them is highly esteemed as indeed by most People in these Regions 3. Balsera the Port-Town to Bagdad seated near the place where Tygris loses it self in the Persian Gulph which is likewise called the Gulph of Balsora and Ormus This City is said to have 10000 Houses and answers to the ancient Teredon 4. Coufa was sometime the Seaâ— of the Califfs and near it was Ali interr'd whence it hath likewise been called Masad-Ali or Merat-Ali the House of Ali and there is always a Horse kept ready to mount Mahomet Mahadin the Son of Almansor the Son of
the fourth which are in all 4 Parts 20 Regions or Provinces and 87 Cities Pliny accounts 120 Strategies in Armenia which are the Governments or particular Jurisdictions of every Province six for each and one as much as the other Armenia is not only known in prophane History but likewise in Holy Writ After the Deluge the Holy Scripture makes mention that the Ark of Noah rested upon the Mountains of Armenia to say precisely at present which they were there being so many in Armenia Authors cannot agree We only conjecture that they must be either Abus which ends the Anti-Taurus or the Pariardes or the Gordons which are the highest in all Armenia and from whence the Euphrates the Tigris the Phazza or Phasis and Araxes descend Now Euphrates is called Frat or Forat the Tigris Diglath or Digelath these two names Frat and Diglath are found among the four Rivers which Moses saith came forth from the Terrestrial Paradise We must therefore seek this Paradise not far from hence the difficulty is to find the other two Rivers Phison and Gihou The Terrestrial Paradise in Armenia Almost all Authors conclude the Nile for Gehon and the Ganges for Phison but as the Bible describes these Rivers no us they must descend from the same place which the Tigris the Euphrates the Nile and the Ganges cannot do The Tigris and the Euphrates have some Springs which are not far distant the one from the other but those of Ganges are more than 200 Leagues and those of the Nile more than 1500 Leagues from those of the Tigris or Euphrates and moreover those of Nile and of Ganges are more than 2000 Leagues one from the other Phasis hath its heads in the same Mountain with the Euphrates and may therefore better answer to Phison then can the Ganges The Araxes hath its Springs in the same Mountains with the Phasis and Euphrates and so may better answer to the Gehon than the Nile for as for the Gehon or Jehun which we now know it answers to the Oxus of the Ancients which runs between Bactriana and Sogdiana and discharges itself into the Caspian Sea but it hath its Springs in Mount Caucasus in India a little on this side the Springs of the Indus which are likewise 8 or 900 Leagues from those of Tigris and Euphrates Since then the Tigris Euphrates Phazza and Araxes have here their Springs we may judge that the Terrestrial Paradise was in these Mountains The Holy Scripture saith that it had in the midst of it a Fountain from whence issued a River alone which divides itself into four others which it names Phison Gehon Diglath and Fratt It is to be believed that this Fountain was in the midst of the World to the end the Rivers might have a course almost equal to water all parts of the World It must likewise be concluded that this Fountain must be in some high part of the World to the end that Rivers might have an equal fall The Mountains of Armenia are directly in the middle of our Continent which may easily be proved by casting the eye upon the whole Continent they are likewise the highest in the World since they were first discovered after the Deluge and those on which the Ark of Noah rested and the modern names of the Rivers not being very different from the ancients at least the three or four I am bold to say that if there yet remains any marks by which we may discover the place where the Terrestrial Paradise hath been it is rather in these quarters than any other GEORGIA Georgia and its parts A Bove Turcomania and between the Black Sea and the Caspian as far as Mount Caucasus lies GEORGIA which is divided into three or four parts Mingrelia Avogasia Gurgiston and Quiria Avogasia is sometimes comprehended under the name of Mingrelia and on the other side a part of the ancient Armenia passeth likewise under the general name of Georgia Mingrelia and Avogasia together are the same with Colchis of the Ancients or little more Gurgiston to the ancient Iberia and sometimes likewise to that part of Armenia which falls under the general name of Georgia Quiria answers to the ancient Albania The Georgians are docil peaceable lovers of Christianity much addicted to drinking and the stronger the Drink the better acceptable At Feasts the Women never eat with the Men. They are great lovers of Onions and Herbs are much addicted to Trade are great Travellers are very expert at the Bow and Arrow and are esteemed the best Souldiers in all Asia It s chief places The Cities of Phans or Phazza and Savatopoli are the most famous of Mingrelia and formerly of Colchis Savatopoli once Sebastopolis and before that Dioscurias had the confluence of 300 different Nations and different Tongues which came hither from the North in way of Traffick Phazza anciently Phasis on the River of the same name was the abode of Aeetes who kept the Golden Fleece which the Argonauts took away after having vanquished all those difficulties which presented themselves to their hindrance Of the Golden Fleece I believe that this Golden Fleece was no other thing than a Trade of Wool Skins and Furrs which all the Northern People brought to Phasis which Jason and the Greeks among all the People of Europe were the first Discoverers of And because there was great profit and many hazards and dangers in the first Navigations it was feigned that the Fleece was of Gold and that it was guarded by furious Bulls Men well armed and a horrible and affrightful Dragon It may be added That Jason with the Golden Fleece brought Medea with him which after caused so many displeasures in his Family that is that Riches having introduced some Luxury among the Greeks their Women became more proud and troublesom Places in Georgia Cori and Bassachiuch are the best Cities of Gurgistan Tefflis and Derbent the fairest of that part of Armenia which passes under the name of Georgia Bassachiuch may answer to the ancient Artamista Cori to Harmastis or Armactia Tefflis to Artaxata and Derbent to Caspiae Portae Bassachiuch and Cori with some other places of Gurgistan have their Princes of which there are many throughout Georgia Cori is most advanced towards the Sea and Bassachiuch more engaged with the Mountains Tefflis and Derbent are in the hands of the Turks as we have said in Turcomania Country of Quiria its Provinces and the chief Places QVIRIA extends it self from the particular Georgia which lies on the West and South unto Mount Caucasus which bounds it on the North side Some Authors divide it into two others into three Provinces of which the chief Cities are Stranu Zitrach and Chipicha instead of Stranu others put Zambanach and instead of Zitrach Gorgora possibly these names are not different but to divers People though they be the same places However it be Stranu or Zambanach answer to the ancient Albana Metropolis of Albania Zitrach
is scituate without the Red Sea at the beginning of the great Ocean and by the industry of the Inhabitants is made an Island fortified with a strong Castle which commands the Road. This City or Island is now become the Magazine for the Commodities of India Persia and Arabia Other Cities in Arabia Above Aden and farther in the main Land are many fair Cities as Laghi Agiaz Almachazane Sanaa and others subject to the Xecque of Mecca Laghi is not far from the Sea Agiaz or Hagias sometime gave its name to these quarters Almachazane is seated on the top of a very high Mountain and of a difficult access it hath a Cistern capable to hold Water to furnish a 100000 Men The Xecque ofttimes keeps Court here Sane or Sanaa stands at the foot of a Mountain and is one of the greatest fairest and strongest of Arabia having many Vineyards Meadows and Gardens within its Circuit Its Houses are well built its Vineyards and Gardens well cultivated its Walls 10 Cubits high and its Ramparts 20 Cubits thick It s Territory is watered with many Fountains produceth excellent Fruits and feeds the best Horses of Arabia Kingdom and City of Fartach its People and Trade Towards the East and almost 150 Leagues from Aden is Fartach a Kingdom and City near the Sea and having a Cape of the same name The Tarquins are valiant and their King defends himself couragiously against the Turks having seen their treatment to his Neighbours of Aden and Zibit The Ports of Dolfar which is the Turks and Pescher are the most renowned of this Coast and send forth the best Frankinsence of Arabia in great quantity Higher on the Coast and farther on the Land are the Cities and Kingdoms or as they call them the Sultanies of Gubel haman Alibmahi Amazirifden and others Other Cities and Kingdoms The rest of the Coast unto Cape de Raz-al-gate is very barren from Cape de Raz-al-gate unto that of Moccandon the Soil is the best of all Arabia and some would here alone confine the name of Hyaman which signifies Happy There are here many fair Cities both on the Sea-coast and higher in the Land one of chief Traffick between the East and Arabia the Happy was formerly called Sohar but this Trade was after transported to Ormus on the Persian side In our time it was restored to the Arabian side to wit at Mascates held by the Portugals Sohar and Mascates are between the Capes of Raz-al-gate and Moccandon and are not above 20 Leagues distant from each other Within the Land are Masfa a City and Kingdom Mirabat Sour or Lyr and others Beyond the Cape Moccandon and advancing towards the Mouths of the Tigris and Euphrates among many other places we have Elcatif or El-Catif a famous Port and which communicates its name to the adjacent Gulph which the ancients called Sinus Bersicus and we at present the Gulph of Balsora and Ormus Near Elcatif is Bahar whose Territory is called Bahareim or Baharem and the Isle and City before Baharem farther in the land is Mascalat a City and Kingdom Jemen likewise a Kingdom and City according to some Lazach or Lassach likewise a Kingdom and City where are of the best Horses of Arabia as at Sanaa Lassach Elcatif and some other are the Turks Elcatif is the ancient Gerra and that part of the Gulph nearest the City called Gerraticus Sinus and the Isle of Barem is the ancient Tylos There yet remains some Cities of which some have their Kings or Sultans others live in Republick which is very rare in Asia The Arabs Bengebres a free People Towards the middle of Arabia are the Arabs Bengebres a free People and which live only of the Prey and Tribute they force from their Neighbours yet possess they 200 or 250 Leagues of Country and are for the most part in the Mountains The Beduins towards Mecca are of the same nature bound about Arabia are a great number of Isles which belong unto it which are dispersed either in the Southern Ocean Red Sea or the Persian Gulph Arabian Isles in the Southern Ocean In the Southern Ocean are found three Isles which bear the name of COCCONATI seven by the name of ZENOBII and two by the name of Insulae AGATHOCLIS and lastly CVRIA and MVRIA where there is found white Tortoises whose Shells are great curiosities In the Red Sea In the Red Sea these Islands 1. CANARAN very hot but fruitful 2. DALAQVA being the largest of all in length 125 miles and not above 12 broad having a City of the same name where they gather Pearls And 3. and lastly the Samaritan Islands In the Persian Gulph In the Persian Gulph these Islands are found BAHAREM the most famous because it hath the Pearl-fishing the best in the Oriental parts This Isle is between Balsora and Ormus about a 100 or 120 Leagues from Balsora and 150 from Ormus It is near the Coast of Arabia and directly opposite to the Coast of Elcatif which is the Turks but the Isle of Baharem which is still the Persians once belonged to the Kingdom of Ormus The Waters here are almost all salt but near Manama the Capital City of the Island there are Springs of Fresh-water at the bottom of the Sea which the Divers go and fetch gathering it into Borracho's or Goats-skins with much cunning and bringing it forth of the Sea do afterwards sell it The Pearls of this Isle are very much esteemed both for their largeness and roundness and this fishing is yearly worth 500000 Ducats besides the value of 100000 and more which is diverted Those of the Isle of GIONFA are of no great value those of the other neighbouring Isles are less except it be at MASCATES 60 Leagues from Ormus They fish here all June July and August if they begin sooner the Pearls are unripe and not hard enough The Air of all Arabia is very healthful but not nor Rains it in some places above twice or thrice in 3 or 4 years but the abundance of the Dew makes their Fruits excellent The People of Arabia their Manners c. The People for the most part are of a mean stature lean swarthy complexioned effeminate voices very swift of foot and expert in the Bow and Dart. They first exercise themselves in Manufactures using all sort of Trade and Traffick far off and some addict themselves to Learning particularly to Philosophy Physick the Mathematicks and to Astrology there have been amongst them many Grammarians Rhetoricians Historians and Interpreters of the Alcoran which is in their Tongue and which hath made the Arabick Language spread itself through all the East at least in the most Southerly parts of Asia and part of Africa but little in Europe Those which range the Country are great Wanderers and greater Thieves they are divided into many Families which know each other and how to distinguish the one from the other Every Family how numerous soever it be hath a
the rest and beautified with two Spires or Steeples covered with a painting of Gold and Azure These Mosques by reason of 1000 Lamps which are kept burning are as light by night as by day This City for its good Wine pleafant Fruits gallant People and above all for its pritty Women may compare with the best in all Persia The Ladies here are so fair and pleasant that Mahomet passing through these quarters would not enter this City for fear lest he should lose himself in its delights The Soyl is very good and Mastick is gathered in its Forests The Arms they make here are excellent 2. Astachar was one of the greatest of these quarters as likewise in the time of the Arabian of Nubia The ruines of its Castle Chilminare shew the remains of the ancient Palace that Alexander the Great burned at the solicitation of the Curtisan Thais At the taking of which City Alexander for his share found 120000 Talents of ready money besides the Plate Images of Gold and Silver and Jewels of a vast value But its beauty did surpass it riches having its Royal Palace built on a Hill environed with a treble Wall the first in height sixteen cubits the second 30 and the third 60 All of them of Black polished Marble with stately Battlements on which were 100 Turrets Nor was the outside more stately than the inside which was built with Cyprus Wood and beautified with Gold Silver Ivory Amber and such like 3. Lar or Laar hath been the chief of a Kingdom and giveth name to the Larins Pieces of very good Silver which they coyn 4. Near Stahabonon a pritty Town the Momnaki-Koni that is the precious Momy is drawn out of a Rock but it is onely gathered for the Sophy who carefully keeps it Being a most assured counter-Poyson or Antidote and an excellent Salve against all Cuts or Ruptures even within the body Bezar comes likewise from this quarter 5. Chabonkera 6. Darabegerd and 7. Baesd are on the confines of Fars and Kerman Some esteem them under the Province of Fars others under that of Kerman others make that a particular Province which takes its name from the first of them and which certainly is the greatest and the fairest Darabegerd as I believe is the Valasegerd of the Arab and the ancient Pasagardae there where sometime resided and where was the Tomb of Cyrus who here by this place defeated Astyages the last King of the Medes And 8. Gombrone seated on the Gulph of Persia a fair Town well frequented and where the English Dutch and Portugals keep their Factories for the benefit and support of the Trade this place being now the Scale of Trade for all Persia as was formerly Ormus and Jasques being at present of little use Province of Kherman its Commodities chief places c. The Province of KHERMAN of old Caramania is one of the greatest but not one of the best of Persia yet they send forth several Commodities as Steel Tarquesses Rose-water Tutty Bourbatan Hebe or Kilworm of which they make the Confection Alkermes Sarmack which are black and shining Stones which cures sore eyes and paints black Carpets the best in Persia after those of Yesed those of Chorazan hold the third degree Arms which the Turks buy at any rates and Scimitars which will cut a Head-peece without blunting the edge The Country is somewhat uneven and Mountainous which causeth barrenness but the Vallies are very fertil and delightful every where adorned with Flowers and especially Roses of which they make a great Revenue Amongst its Cities which are many 1. Cherman which communicates its name to the Province makes a great quantity of Cloth of Gold and Silver As also those Scimitars aforementioned 2. Zirgian 3. Nahyan and others are likewise in some reputation but the Coast of Ormus is of great esteem after it Mochestan The Isle and City of Ormus with its Trade and Commodities 4. The City of Ormus is seated in an Isle at the Mouth of the Gulph of Persia being in compass about 20 miles the City well built and strongly fortified seated at one end of the Isle being in compass about two miles adorned with a fair Market place and some Churches famous throughout the World for the great Trade there negotiated but of itself exceeding barren and only composed of Salt Rocks of which their Houses and Walls are made and in the Summer is found so excessive hot that the Inhabitants are forced to ly and sleep in Wooden Cisterns made for the purpose and filled with Water where both the Men and Women ly naked up to their Chins In this Island there is no fresh Water but what they fetch from other places there adjoyning which they keep in Cisterns from whence they likewise get other Provision for their Food being seated not above 12 miles from the Continent The Commodities that are here found are the rich Gems and Spices of India The Tapistries Carpets c. of Persia the Grograms Mohairs and Chamblets of Turky the Drugs of Arabia c. The People hereof in their Religion The People of Ormus in their persons and habit have something of the Arabians in them but more of the Persians 5. Mochestan is the ordinary residence of the Kings of Ormus because it is cool its Waters excellent to drink and its Land fruitful in Corn and Fruits which is not found in the Island 6. Guadell and 7. Patanis are the most famous Ports of the Coast Province of Sablestan The Province of SABLESTAN inclosed with Mountains between Chorazan and Khermon it answers to Caramania Deserta yet it hath many Cities and inhabited places amongst others Zarany towards Khermon 2. Bost 3. Nechesaet and 4. Gisna-Cassaby towards Chorazan Some place here Balasan from whence come the Balais Rubies Province of Sigistan Sistan Candahar and Mackeran The Province of SIGISTAN SISTAN or SAGESTAN PATANES CANDAHAR and MACKERAN are the most Easterly Provinces of all Persia and nearest the mouth of the Indus Sistan is the chief City of Sigistan Mackeran of Mackeran which is seated on the Sea and also Basir which seems to keep its ancient name Parsis The River Ilmenel waters all these Provinces and falls into the Indian Ocean not far from the Gulph of Indin Also Grees is the chief of Patanes and Candahar of Candahar The Neighbors of the Persians These are the Estates of the Persians and we are to observe that his principal neighbours are the Turks on the West the Tartars on the North the Mogols on the East and the Portugals on the South in and about the Gulf of Ormus These last cannot deprive him of any great part their design being only to maintain their commerce in the Indies yet they cease not to perplex him on the Sea and have divers times taken and retaken Ormus from him The Mogols the Tartars and the Turks are troublesom neighbours unto him and oft times his Enemies because they are powerful and
having no places worthy of note SORET is seated between the Kingdoms of Tatta on the West Soret of Guzurate on the East It hath for its chief City Janagar the Province is but of little extent but very fruitful rich and well Peopled Cassimere Bankish Kakares Naugracut CASSIMERE or QVERIMVR BANKISH KAKARES and NAVGRACVT are between the River Indus and Ganges all encompassed with the Mountains of Bimber towards the Indus of Naugracut towards the Ganges of Caucasus towards Tartaria of Dalanguer which crosses them and separates the one from the other and they the Forests of these Mountains which yielded so much Wood for the Vessels which Alexander the Great caused to be builded to descend the Indus And these are at present those Forrests which give so much divertisement of chase to the Great Mogoll Sizinaket or Sirinakar though unwalled is the chief City of Cassimere Beishar of Bankish Dankalar and Purhola of Kakares and Naugracut of Naugracut In this last the Temple of the Idol Marta is paved Wanscotted and Seiled with Plates of Gold And in Callamacka there are Fountains very cold and near to Rocks from whence seem to flash out flames of fire The Province of SIBA hath for its chief City Hardware Siba which gives its rise to the River Ganges and Serenegar on the River Mansa The Province of JAMBA gives name to its chief City Jamba The Province of BAKAR lieth on the West of the Ganges Bakar and hath for its chief City Bikaner The Province of SAMBAL takes its name from its chief City so called Sambal This Province is likewise called Doab that is two Waters its scituation being between the Ganges and Semena which together with the three Provinces last mentioned are without or on this side the Ganges reaching almost from its Spring-head unto the River Semena or Gemeni The Province of GOR takes its name from its chief City Gor. and gives its rise to the River Perselis which falls into the Ganges the Province being very Mountainous The Province of KANDVANA hath for its chief City Karakantaka Kanduana This Province and that of Gor which is beyond the Ganges doth end the Estates of the Mogoll towards the North meeting with the Tartars of Turquestan The Province of MEVAT is very barren whose chief City is Narval Mevat which ends it towards the People called Maug and others which we esteem to be in the Peninsula of India which is in the Ganges The Province of VDESSA Udessa is the utmost of the Mogolls Territories towards the East which is also within the Ganges its chief place is Jebanac The Province of PITAN is on the West of Jamba Pitan being very Mountainous whose chief City gives name to the Province The River Randa runs through the City and Province and falls into the Ganges The Province of PATNA is fruitful whose chief City is so called Patna seated on the River Persely but we have a very feeble and incertain knowledge of all these Parts or Kingdoms but those which are towards the South and particularly Guzurate or Cambaya and Bengala are better known Gusurate or Cambaya exceeding rich and fertil The Province of GVSVRATE by the Portuguese called the Kingdom of CAMBAYA hath more than 30 great Trading Cities and is without doubt the noblest greatest richest and most powerful Province of all the Mogolls Country yielding a yearly Revenue of 15 or 20 Millions of Gold and its King hath brought into the Field 150000 Horse and 500000 Foot 1000 Camels c. The Country likewise is esteemed the most fertil of all India producing all sorts of Grains Fruits and living Creatures quantity of Drugs Its Commodities and Trade Spices and precious Stones not having any Mines of Gold or Silver but three Plants which bring it an inestimable quantity as well from the Gulph of Persia and the Red Sea as from all the Coasts of India and China These Plants are Cotton Anniseed and Opium besides which there are varieties of other rich Commodities as Oil Sugar Indico Ambergreece Soap Comfits Medicinal Drugs Paper Wax Hony Butter Salt-Peter Manufactures of Cotton Linnen-Cloth Carpets Cabinets Coffers Cases with a thousand other curiosities which its Inhabitants know how to make and sell being the ablest Merchants of India Its Inhabitants They are likewise of a good Spirit and addicted to Letters serve themselves of all sorts of Arms yet know nothing of Nobility but by abundance of Riches They are all Pagans or Mahometans The Pagans for the most part are Pythagoreans holding the immortality of the Soul Pythagoreans and that it passes from one body to another for which reason they so much honour Beasts that they eat them not but keep Hospitals to receive such as are sick and lame The Cows here are in such esteem with them that a Merchant Banian according to the report of Texera spent 10 or 12 thousand Ducats at a Nuptial marrying his Cow with his Friends Bull. This Kingdom is in part Peninsula between the Gulphs of the Indies and Cambaya and in part on the Main which stretches it self towards Decan It s extent by Sea This Province though of a large extent yet hath above 120 Leagues of Sea-Coast on which it hath several fair and rich Cities and of a good Trade As also great quantities of Inland Towns and Cities the chiefest whereof are viz. Surat Surat seated on the River Tapta which falls into the Sea 12 miles below the City It is a City no less great and rich than populous and famous and enjoyeth as great a Trade as any City in India being much frequented by the English and Dutch where they have their Presidents and Factories and where they have their Houses for the negotiation of their affairs which are spacious and well built This City is built four square its Houses flat after the Persian mode and reasonably beautiful having the benefit of pleasant Gardens It hath several Mosques but none deserves commendation it is defended by a strong Castle and hath a strong Wall on all sides except on that which is seated on the River and for its entrance hath three Gates Its Port is six miles from the City where the Ships are unladen and the Commodities brought to the City by Land The Inhabitants are either Benjans Bramans or Mogolls but there are several other Nations which here reside as Persians Turks Arabians Armenians Jews c. driving a Trade but none comparable to the English or Dutch It s other places of note are 1. Brodra Brodra seated on a sandy Plain upon a small River well fortified with Walls and Forts the Inhabitants being for the most part Dyers Weavers and other workers of Cottons for which it is the chiefest place in the whole Province The Governour of this City hath also under its Jurisdiction about 210 Towns and Villages Baroche 2. Baroche 12 Leagues from Surat and 8
Benjans there is another sort of Pagans whom they call the Parsis who for the most part reside by the Sea-coast addicting themselves to Trades and Commerce they believe that there is one God preserver of the Universe who acts alone and immediately in all things but he hath as they fancy about 30 several Servants to whom he giveth an absolute power over the things which he hath entrusted them with but withall they are obliged to give an account unto him and for these Servants they have a great veneration who have each their particular charge as one having the Government of the Earth another of Fruits another of Beasts another of Military affairs Others who have influences on men some giving understanding others wealth c. Another who takes the possession of the Souls departed which conducts them to the Judges where they are examined and according to their good or evil deeds receive their Sentence and are carried by the good or bad Angels who attend the Judges to Paradise or Hell where they think they shall abide until the end of the world which will be 1000 years after which time they shall enter into other Bodies and lead a better life then they did before Another hath the goverment of Waters another of Metals another of Fire which they hold Sacred c. They have no Mosques or publick places for their Devotion they have a very great esteem of their Teachers and Doctors allowing them a plentiful Estate Their Widows are suffered to marry a second time Adultery and Fornication they severely punish They are forbidden the eating of any thing that hath life Drunkenness they likewise strictly punish These People are much given to Avarice and circumventing those they deal withal The Mahomitans or Mogolls that here inhabit are of a good stature have their Hair black and flaggy but are of a clearer Complexion then the other sort of People aforementioned Their habit behaviour They habit themselves something like the Persians their Garments about their Waists are close to their Bodies but downwards wide they use Girdles and their Shoos and the Covering of their Head is much the same with those of the Turks And they are likewise distinguished by their Glothes which according to the degree and quality and the person doth exceed in richness They are very civil ingenious and reserved yet are expensive in their Appareb Feastings and great lovers of Women And so much for the Mogolls Countrey The Peninsula of INDIA without the Ganges Its bounds THe Peninsula without the Ganges is between the Mouths of Indus and Ganges and advances from the East of the Great Mogoll unto the eighth degree of Latitude on this side the Aequator The Ocean or Indian Sea washes it on three sides to wit the Gulf of Bengala once Gangeticus Sinus on the East the Gulph of Cambaya anciently Barigazenus Sinus and the Sea which regards Arabia on the West towards the South that which regards Cylan on one side and the Maldives on the other We will divide this Peninsula into four principal parts which shall be Decan Golconda Narsingue or Bisnagar and Malabar The three first Its parts and the greatest have each their King or if there be more they depend and hold of one alone The fourth and last part hath likewise formerly been a Kingdom alone at present is many but which hold one of another DECAN THe Kingdom of DECAN is washed on the West by the Indian Ocean the Gulf of Cambaya It is divided into three others Kingdom of Decan which they call Decan Cunkan and Balaguate the two first on the Coast Balaguate is Eastward of the other two up in the Land and composed of Vallies which are below and between the Mountains of Gate beyond which are the Kingdoms of Golconda and Narsingue or Bisnagar In the particular Decan are the Cities of Amedanagar Chaul Dabul c. In Cunkan are the Cities of Visapor Soliapor Goa Paranda Pagode It s chief places c. Likewise in Balaguate Lispor Beder Doltabad Hamedanager Visapor and Beder are the principal Cities and those where the Dealcan or Idalcan makes his residence but none more considerable then Goa though they are fair well built large and populous Goa is a City as fair rich and of as great Traffick as any in the East being situated in an Island of the same name which the Rivers of Mandova and Guari make at their falling into the Sea Alphonso Albuquerque took it in the year 1510. and since the Portugals have established themselves so powerfully that their Vice-Roy a Bishop and their Council for the East-Indies have here their Residence The Commodities found in this City being the Staple of the Commodities of this part of the Indies as also of Persia Arabia China Armenia c. are Precious Stones Gold Silver Pearls Silk raw and wrought Cotton of which they make several Manufactures also Spices Druggs Fruits Corn Iron Steel with divers others which the said Countreys afford but the Natural Commodities of Goa are not considerable Besides their great Traffick with several Nations their Riches and Policy which they observe Its riches beauty c. Vincent Blanc makes account that its Hospital is the fairest the best accommodated and served and the richest of any making it exceed that of the Holy Spirit at Rome and the Infermerica at Malta which are the best of all Christendom Their Streets large their Houses fair especially their Palaces and Publick Buildings which are very magnificent Their Churches are stately and richly adorned their Windows are beautified with Mother of Pearl and Shells of Tortoises of divers colours which are ingeniously cut in neat Works This City is in compass above 15 miles and though it is without Gates or Walls yet by reason of its Castle Forts and the strength it receiveth from the Island is a place of great strength and force It hath a great and good Haven It s strength which they make their Harbor for their Indian Fleet by which they command the Seas there abouts The Portugals here live in all manner of delight and pleasure and with a pride and presumption so great that the least and most beggerly among them take to themselves the titles of Gentlemen of the House and Chamber of the King Knights Esquires c. being very highly conceited of themselves and exceeding proud and stately but withal very civil and courteous no person of quality walks the Streets a-foot but are carried by their Slaves in a Palanquin or ride on Horses and the Women seldom go abroad publickly Both Sexes are extreamly given to Venery by reason of which the Pox is very frequent among them of which abundance dies Their Women have an excessive love to white Men and will use their uttermost endeavours to enjoy them The Men are so jealous of their Wives that they will scarce suffer their nearest Relations to see them by reason they are so much desirous
their Summer Much Rain in July August September and October and that is their Autumn Fresh Weather or little heat in November December January and February which is their Spring For Winter they have none One of their principal Revenues comes from Salt which alone yields 1800000 Pagodes or so many Crowns Their other Revenues are drawn from several Commodities amongst the rest Diamonds of which all above 5 Carats belong to the Prince nor dare any keep them on pain of death BISNAGAR or NARSINGVE The Estates of Bisnagar and its Parts SOuth of Decan and Golconda are the Estates of BISNAGAR otherwise NARSINGVE these two places being the principal ones of the Realm Narsingue not far from the Port of Paleacate about the midst of the Coast of Choromandel Bisnagar towards the Mountains of Gate and near Canara The whole Estate is divided into three principal quarters and these 3 quarters into 7 Kingdoms and extends it self on two different parts of the Indian Sea on the Gulph of Ganges or Bengala towards the East and on the Gulph of Indus or Cambaya towards the West On this side the Coast is 65 Leagues long in the other 250. The three principal quarters are called CANARA BISNAGAR and CHOROMANDEL Canarâ— occupies all the Western Coast between the Estates of Decan and Malabar Bisnagar and Choromandel hold all the Eastern Coast the last towards the Coast of the Peschery and Isle of Ceylan and the first towards Golconda Canara hath the Kingdoms of Onor and Baticala on the Sea and that of Borsopa farther in the Land which stretches to the Mountains of Gate Bisnagar hath the Kingdoms of Tienlique and Bisnagar Choromandel those of Choromandel and Tamul The chief Cities and Fortresses Onor Baticala and Gorcopa are the capital Cities each of their Kingdoms the two first to one the last subject to a particular King but all Tributaries to Bisnagar Those four on the East and Gulph of Bengala are immediately subject to the King of Bisnagar except that the Portugals hold Maliapur and Negapatan But moreover the Estates of the Naicques of Tanjaor of Gingi and of Madure are esteemed to be of Bisnagar because they make part of it and are likewise at present Vassals and Tributaries of the King of Bisnagar Formerly these Naicques were only Governours of the Quarters they at present possesse these Governours revolting and each seising his Government The Kings of Bisnagar having long made War upon them to reduce them to their duty They in the end remained Naicques that is Hereditary Lords and absolute over those Quarters paying some Tribute to the Kings of Bisnagar The City of Gingi is esteemed one of the greatest and fairest of India in the midst of which is a Fortress and in that Fortress a Rock almost inaccessible they give likewise to this Naicque the City of Cindambaram after it Chistapatama and on the Coast of Choromandel Coloran the Princes of Trinidi and Salavacca are subject to him The Naicque of Tanjaor hath his Estate between those of Gingi and Madure and near the Port of Negapatan which belongs to the Portugals Besides Tanjaor and Castan in the Upland the Cities of Triminapatan of Trangabar and of Triminavez belong unto him The Naicque of Madure besides Madure his capital City and a very fair one holds almost all the Coast of the Pesoheria and the little Isle of Manar near Ceylan This Coast extends from the Cape of Comori unto the Cape of Negapatan viewing in the Ocean the not far distant Isle of Ceylan And the name of the Pescheria hath been given it by reason of the Pearls which they yearly fish there for about the end of March and the beginning of April and this Fishing endures only 15 or 21 days there being then about 50 or 60000 Persons employed either to fish or to keep the Fishermens Vessels from trouble These Pearls are exposed to sale in July August and September Tutucori and Manancor are the best Cities of this Coast which is of 75 Leagues length where there is about 25 Cities The people of Paravas are mixed along the Coast and live in some form of a Republick paying some rights to the Naicque of Madure and these are they that fish or the Pearls this fishing being all the riches of the Country which of it self is neither fertil nor pleasant but dry and scorched The King of Bisnagar very powerful Yet is the King of Bisnagar very powerful formerly marching against the Idalcan it hath been accounted that he had in his Army 40000 Horse 700000 Foot and 700 Elephants His chief City is Bisnagar or Visnagar a City very beautiful seated in a temperate Air and by reason of the fertility of the Country about it which brings forth sundry Commodities naturally besides the industry and ingenuity of the Inhabitants in several Manufactures but especially in their fine Cotton-Linnen which they make of divers colours and interwoved with several sorts of Loom-works and flowers which are esteemed better than Silk Also the goodness of its Haven hath made it a place of as great Commerce as any City on the Coast of Choromandel An English Factory at Musulipatan though at Musulipatan the English have settled a Factory both for the providing and lading hence the Commodities of the Country more by reason of its scituation than for the goodness of place it being of no beauty nor grandure its Houses being low and ill built and its Streets not many and those that are narrow and ill contrived but above all it is seated in a barten Soil by reason of the extraordinary Heat which here rages from March to July them from July to November the great Rains and Winds which reign continually so that their Temperate weather is but from November to March Vincent le Blanc saith That the City of Bisnagar is able to set forth 100000 Horse next to it Narsingue on the side of a little Hill towards the Sea Tripity not far from Chandegry and Cangevaran not far from Maliapor or St. Thomas Trivalur is famous for the great number of its Idols Cirangapatan is between Chandegry and Mangalor which is on the Coast of Canara the Fortress of Vellur between Chandegry and Narsingue was the Kings Court in 1609. All the Country is healthful rich and fertil in Corn and Fruits The fertility temperature c. of the Country breeding store of Cattel and Fowl and Diamonds are found in the Mountains of Gate near Chandegry and in other places quantity of Amethysts and white Saphirs They have all sorts of Beasts both tame and wild their Elephants are docil their People healthful and well disposed but not couragious The Pepper of Onor is esteemed the most weighty and the best of all these quarters the Portugals lade from thence 7 or 8000 Quintals a year Baticala a Port of Rice of several sorts different both in price and goodness the black Rice is esteemed more healthful and better than the white
others call them Kingdoms under Sian the two first Kingdoms are tributary to Sian They have nothing particular above Patane to which they are all united The chief City of Patane takes its name from its Kingdom so called The City of Patane and its Trade seated on the Sea-side betwixt Malacca and Siam Its Houses are well and handsomly built either of Timber or Canes The Palace Royal is encompassed with a Pallisado and its Mosques are made of Brick This City as also the whole Kingdom is very populous and enjoying a good Trade It s People are inclined to a Swarthy brown complexion well proportioned ingenious using Arts especially Navigation but above all great lovers of Women The Country affordeth most of the Indian Commodities by reason of which it hath a good Trade The City of Malacca and its Trade Malacca a City and Kingdom is at present the most famous of all those which of the Peninsula we have comprehended under the name of Malacca It hath been subject to the King of Sian A particular King had made himself Master of it before that the Portugals entred the Indies the Country remaining still to the Kings of Sian That which hath made this City great rich and powerful though the Air be unhealthful and the Soil almost barren is the advantage of its scituation being seated on the River Gasa which is about 3 Leagues broad and in the center of the firm Land and of all the Islands of the East Indies commanding a Streight which is the Key which makes it the Staple of all the Indian and China Commodities by reason of which it is a place of great Traffick and very populous containing about 12000 Families besides Strangers Its Houses are low and not over curiously built and the Streets narrow the City is about 2 miles in length and of half the breadth being a place of good strength and defended by a strong Wall and Castle is watered by the River Gaza and the chiefest place of pleasure is the Buzzar Before and nigh to this City are the Islands by the Portugals called Ilha de Naos and Ilha de Pedra The usance of divers Nations of the Indies hath so fashioned the Malayois Language that it is the best and most elegant of all others Arbor tristis a great rarity Among the Rarities of Malacca or rather among the wonders of the World may be counted Arbortristis or the Sad Tree which bears Flowers only after Sun set and sheds them so soon as the Sun rises and this it doth every Night throughout the whole year These Flowers are almost like to but faireâ— and more odoriferous than Orange Flowers Some of these Trees have been transported and brought as far as Goa and some other places of the Indies but no care could ever preserve them unto Europe The Provinces of thin Kingdom of SIAN are very populous The People of Sian their habit disposition c. especially those which have the benefit of the Sea or navigable Rivers but inhabited by different People but for the most part well proportioned of a Swarthy complexion more addicted to Venus than Mars ingenious but lazy unconstant and deceivers Their habit is a painted Cloth which they wear about their middle and hangeth down to their knees besides which the Men wear short Shirts and the Women cover their Breasts with a piece of Linnen which they tie about their Necks all observing one fashion the Persons of Quality being only known by their attendance Their Marriages Burials and other Ceremonies are much the same as those aforesaid they bring up their Children very well instructing them in Arts by which according to their abilities they are advanced to preferment In their Punishments they are severs and different Their Arms. according to the nature of the crime His Army doth consist of his own Subjects in the nature of our Trained-Bands which are to be ready upon all occasions and not of a standing Army Their Arms are Bows and Arrows Swords Pikes and Bucklers they have no Fire-Arms their Horse is not good their chief strength consisting in their Elephants The Kings of Sian absolute Monarchs are rich powerful and live in great state The Kings of Sian are esteemed absolute Monarchs in their Dominions making and breaking Laws as they please imposing Taxes on their Subjects punishing condemning and seising the Estates of those who speak or act contrary to their minds make War and Peace as often as they please These and the like actions he doth of himself without consent of any yet he hath a Council which are his Nobles of whom he will hear their Opinions and Advice but act as best pleaseth him He hath but one Wife who bears the title of a Queen but hath many Concubines In his Apparel and Attendance he is very magnificent and stately not stirring abroad without great pomp by reason of which as also through his austerity he hath great veneration shewed him His Revenue is very great he bestoweth his Honour or Preferment on those who best please him not regarding Birth and Education it being not hereditary For the administration of Justice most Cities have their Jurisdictions and Judges This great Kingdom is not in all places alike for in some parts it is covered with Wood in others Mountainous and to the Sea-side Marshy Flat and Fertil affording divers and rich Commodities as aforementioned and being plentifully furnished with Rivers Bays and Harbours for the conveniency of Shipping COCHIN-CHINA TVNQIN c. Cochin-china its bounds and extent I Esteem under the Name of COCHIN-CHINA taken in general all that lies to the Eastward of the Kingdoms of Camboja Sian Pegu and Ava c. to the Westward of China and the Gulph of Cochin-china and which is washed on the South with the Oriental Ocean and bounded on the North by those high Mountains which limit Tartary extending it self from the 9th degree of Latitude on this side the Equator unto the 34th or 35th towards the North which make more than 6000 Leagues the breadth not being above the 8th or 10th part of its length It s Name why so called The name of Cochin-china according to some signifies West China so the Natives of the Country call it Onam or Anam that is the Occidental Quarter and this extends to the view of China of which it was once part and whose Language Manners Customs Government Religion and other Ceremonies they yet retain which having occasion to treat of in China as more convenient for brevities sake I omit them here referring the Reader to the description of China But these Quarters being retired from the subjection of the Chinois above 800 years ago were a little after as easily divided into divers Estates The name of Cochin-china being kept in the most Southern parts that of Tunquin having taken the middle and more Northernly parts passing under the name of the People called Lays the Kingdom of Ciocangue the People
Its parts chief places and fertility The Country is of a different Soil that of Zagathay is indifferent fertil which is much augmented by the industry of the Inhabitants who are likewise held the most ingenious being lovers of Arts and well skilled in Manufactures by reason of which they have a good trade with Merchants which come from several places Sacae is very barren and ill manured and full of wild Desarts Forrests and Uninhabited places by reason of which the Inhabitants remove their Herds of Cattle from place to place where they can find best food for them Sogdianâ— hath very rich Pastures and watered with many good Rivers which much conduces to its fertility in which as also in Zagathay are several Towns and Cities as 1. Jarchan 2. Sachi 3. Istigiaes 4. Busdaschan 5. Bachara and 6. Pogansa which last is seated on the Sea Turquestan its bounds and chief places TVRQVESTAN lies East from Vsbeck or Zagathay West from Cathay North from India and South from True Tartary It is subdivided into some Kingdoms of which the best known are Castar Cotam Chialis Ciartiam Thibet Chinchintalis c. A part of their chief Cities being of the same name Some name Hiarchan instead of Cascar and Turon or Turphan instead of Chialis for the chief Cities of the Kingdom That of Cascar is the richest most fertil and best cultivated of all That of Ciartiam is esteemed the least and all sandy having in recompence many Jaspars and Cassidoines but that of Cascar hath likewise excellent Rhubarb It s fertility and commodities c. and in great quantity Those of Cotam and Chialis have Corn Wine Flax Hemp Cotton c. Thibet is more advanced towards the Mogolls of India and the most engaged in the Mountains of Imaus Caucasus and Vssontes It hath many wild Beasts Musk and Cinnamon and they make use of Coral instead of Mony The Relations which have been given in 1624 and 1626 have made this Estate so great and rich that they would confound it with Cathay but those of 1651 make the Region very cold and always covered with Snow esteeming its King wholly barbarous and less powerful than him of Serenegar who is only a Rahia in the Estates of the Great Mogoll so little assurance is there in the most part of these Relations The other places of note in Turquestan are Camul Turfan Emil Sark Cassia Andegen Raofa Cotain Peim Finegle Lop Ciartiam Sazechiam and Vociam and in this part is the Lake of Kithay which is 65 Leagues in length and 40 in breadth CATHAY is the most Eastern part of all Tartaria Cathay its bounds and esteemed the richest and most powerful Estate It is contiguous to Turquestan on the West to China on the South to True Tartary on the North and on the East is watered by the Streight of Jessa Some esteem all Cathay under one only Monarch or Emperour whom they call Chan or Vlacan that is Great Cham and speak him one of the greatest and richest Princes in the World Others account divers Kings but all Subjects to the Great Cham. It s â—ertility and commodities The Country is much frequented well tilled and in most places very fertil abounding in Wheat Rice Wool Hemp Silk Musk Rhuburh great Herds of Camels of whose Hair they make Chamlets and abundance of Horses with which they furnish other Countries and especially China It s chief place Cambalu with what other things can be desired Cambalu is esteemed its Metropolitan City in which the Great Cham resides pleasantly seated in a fertil Soil and on the River Palysanga which hath its course through the City which is seated in the midst of the Country being as it were the center to others This City besides its Suburbs is esteemed to be 28 miles in circuit being as it were four square each Angle being 7 miles in length all encompassed with a strong Wall 10 paces thick to which for entrance into the City there is at each Angle 3 Gates to every one of which there is a Palace besides in every Angle a more sumptuous Palace in which the Armour of the Garrison Souldiers are kept which are accounted 1000 of each Gate The Buildings are for the most part of Free-stone and very proportionably built the chief Streets large and so strait that one may see from one Gate to the other which gives it a gallant prospect The Great Chams Palace In the midst of this City is a stately Palace where the Great Cham resides together with his Queens and Children This Royal Palace is four square and of a vast bigness having besides its Out-walls several other enclosures adorned with stately Structures beautified with pleasant Walks Gardens Orchards Fishponds with several other places for Recreation His Attendance State and Riches is great Without the Walls are 12 Suburbs each 3 or 4 miles in length It s Trade and Commodities adjoyning to each of the 12 Gates and in these Suburbs the Merchants and Strangers reside each Nation having a several Cane or Store-house where they both lodge and exercise their Trade bartering their Commodities for one anothers being of a great Trade and frequented by Merschants and Strangers of several Countries but more especially by the Persians Chinois Indians and the Tartars themselves which renders it very populous it being the chief place for Trade in all Tartary abounding not only in those Commodities aforesaid but also in the Spices of India the Gems of Pegu and Bengala the Drugs of Arabia also the Carpets Tapestries Silks and Manufactures of Persia c. Their Monies The Mony currant here and throughout this large Territory is very different neither is it made of Gold Silver or Copper as with us but of the middle Bark of the Mulberry Tree which being made smooth and firm they cut round into great and small pieces on which they imprint the Kings Mark as we do on our Mony and these pieces according to the bigness and thickness are valued at a certain rate and are passable for the buying of all Commodities and it is deemed death for any one to counterfeit or make any of this Mony But in some places under the Great Chams jurisdiction they use polished Coral instead of Mony and in other places they use twigs of Gold which is distinguished into several parcels by weight but without Stamp or Character and this is held in case of great importance they also use in some places Porcelain instead of Mony likewise they make a kind of Mony of Salt which they boil until it be congealed hard and then make it up into round lumps on which is put the Princes Stamp And these are the several sorts of Mony which passeth amongst them yet by reason of the Trade that this place hath with other Countries there adjacent their Coyns are here found currant as are those of the Grand Signior as also those of Moscovy Besides this Palace
Cordovants and of their Hair plain and watered Chamlets also store of Cattle Grains excellent Fruit amongst others their Grapes as big as Pullets-eggs they have plenty of Fowl The fertility Commodities and their Rivers breed store of Fish Province of Ducala Ducala the most Northern part of Morocco and possesses that which is between the River Tensift and Ommiraby a Land fruitful for Grains It s best Cities are 1. Azamor where the Ommiraby enlarges and forms a Gulph to disburthen it self into the Sea which before the Portugals became masters of it had above 5000 Houses It sell again into the hands of the Moors and entirely restored having a strong Garrison 2. Elmadine towards the Sea and in a fair Plain hath been esteemed the Capital of the Country 3. Magrizena-Sanut which they have fortified and on the same Coast have dismantled Tite the easier to fetch in Tribute thence and from the Neighboring places 4. Asafi or Satfy not far from Tensift is strong and hath a good Trade where the French hath a Consul Kingdom of Morocco The Kingdom of Morocco hath suffered great changes within these few Centuries of years having been often united and as often separated from that of Fez. And sometimes likewise its South parts Sus and Gurula have made a Kingdom apart It s principal Ports are those of Messa Azafi It s chief Ports Promontories and Rivers Mazagan and Azamor Its Promontories those of Guer Ocem Cantin and Carvos Its Rivers the Sus which waters its Southern parts Tensift which divides the Estate in 2 equal parts and Ommiraby which separates it from the Kingdom of Fez. It s Air Fertility and Commodities The Air of the Plains and Fields of Morocco is much hotter then in Europe that of the Mountains according to their height is more or less cold In general this Kingdom is provided with all things necessary for mans life they have Grains and Pulse in abundance as also Fruits which are excellent especially their Grapes They have likewise Flax Hemp Honey Wax Sugar Gold Silver Iron Copper Marble Cordovants Amber Chamlets and many good Manufactures The Kingdom of FEZ Kingdom of Fez. THe Kingdom of FEZ lies between that of Morocco and the Mediterranean and between the Ocean and the Kingdom of Telensin or Argiers Its Provinces are Temesne Fez and Azgar on the Ocean Its Provinces Habat on the Streight Errife and Garret on the Mediterranean Sea and Chaus all up in the Land Province of Temesne Temesne extends its self from Mount Atlas unto the Ocean hath formerly been so flourishing that it numbred 40 Great Cities more then 100 middle sized and 300 little ones besides an infinite number of Villages Besides the Intestine Wars of the Country the Portugals have divers times level'd and ruined the fairest Cities of the Coast as Anfa and Al-Mansor in 1468. and afterwards Rabatt likewise suffered their Incursions and Plunders Rabatt and its Fortress are on a Rising ground between the River of Buragrag and the Seâ— King Mansor caused it to be built after the Modell of Morocco but much less and made it one of the most considerable places of all Barbary erecting many Palaces Temples Hospitals Colledges Baines Shops c. and without the South Gate a Tower as high as that of Morocco it was very populous and of a good Trade And because the Waters round about were salt he made an Aquaeduct as beautiful as those about Rome But at present these fair Edifices are almost ruined it being possessed with not above 500 families and much souldiery because of the Neighbourhood of the Portugals most of the ground within the Walls being turned into Gardens Vineyards and Meadows Anfa on the Coast and in a delightful Plain hath been one of the most famous Cities of Africa for its Trade with the English and Portugals but its being addicted to Pyracy was the cause of its ruine as of that of Al-mansor on the River Guir Within the Land Muchaila on the Guir and in the Road from Morocco to Rabat hath been rich well built with a great Territory and fruitful in Grain It was ruined by the Kings of Morocco and is not known at present but for the Tomb of one of their Morabuts whom they esteem a Saint and where the Country people lay in pledg their Ploughs and Instruments of labour which no persons dare touch They have another Morabut near Thagia whom they believe to work Miracles and to preserve them when they are met by Lions a place much frequented by those of Fez as being the Sepulcher of one of their Prophets to which they go in exceeding great numbers in Pilgrimage Adendum towards the Sea well walled and fenced on one side by a Lake or Pool Tegeget above the Ommiraby hath store of Grains where the Arabs have a Toll once of great note The Ornament of this Province and of the whole Kingdom nay we may say of all Barbary is Fez which the Mahometans call the Court of the West It is 100 Thousand paces from the Ocean and as much from the Mediterranean It s form is a long square of which the middle is in a Plain the two ends on Hills and without several Suburbs some of 500 some 1000 and others of 2000 Houses This City bears the name of Fez from the abundance of Gold which was found in the digging the Foundation thereof It hath 12 principal Quarters or Regions 62 great places for Trade and much frequented by Merchants of divers Nations who are allowed a publick meeting place for their Commerce and lodging for their residence and also Store-Houses for their Commodities this place may rather be called a Court than an Exchange it being inclosed within a strong Wall in which are 15 fair Streets for several Nations to meet and reside for the better negotiating of their affairs to this inclosure there are 12 Gates which every night are shut up and kept guarded at the Cities charge for the security of their Goods and Persons Its Houses are well built hath abundance of Temples amongst which about 50 are well built and beautiful The greatest and most sumptuous of all is seated in the heart of the City containing about a Mile in Circuit hath 31 great high Gates and round about are several Porches containing 40 yards in length and 30 in breadth under which are the publick Store-houses of the City The Tower is sustained by 35 Arches in length and by 20 in breadth All the Temple hath 900 and almost all these pieces enriced with Marble It s Revenue is 200 Duckats a day others say 400 which are either 75 or 150 thousand Duckats yearly Within and without the City there are above 200 Hospitals of which 25 are for the sick people of the Country among which one can daily provide for 2000 Persons others are for strangers but their Revenues are much squandred and they give nothing but the Bed and Coverlet but in some
broad Here is a fair Burse or Exchange for Merchants two great Prisons for their Slaves and some Bastions to defend the Port which is good and large This place is famous for the death of Cato sirnamed Vticensis who for fear of falling into the hands of Caesar here slew himself and is of note in the Carthaginian Wars The Government or City of Goletta The Government of GOLETTA is much esteemed because of the neighbouring Carthage or rather because of Tunis whose Key it is It is a Fortress built in the neck of the Gulph between Tunis and the Sea by which all must necessarily pass And it hath given occasion to build a Fort on the top of a Hill whose foot is washed by the Sea There was heretofore the old Fort and the now the Old was only an intrenched Bastion guarded by 30 or 40 Janizaries the New is great well fortified and furnished with all things necessary A Fountain of Running-water crosses the place so that it seems rather a City than a Fortress Charles the Fifth took this Fort in 1535 which the Turks retook in 1574. Under this Fort was it that General Blake with the English Fleet The City of Tunis fired the Pirate Ships of Tunis in 1654. Tunis at the bottom of this Gulph is at present one of the fairest Cities of Barbary it counts 8 Gates 8 chief Streets which are crossed by abundance of others 10 Places or Markets more than 300 Temples and Synagogues of the Jews and many Oratories some likewise for the Christians 150 Bania's or Hot-Houses 86 Schools 9 Colledges where Youth is nourished and instructed at the publick expence 64 Hospitals and a great number of Canes or Inus for Merchants and Christians c. The Buildings of the Royal Palace are magnificent it had long since 10000 Houses and is much increased since the Moors of Granada were driven out of Spain Among its Inhabitants are many Merchants Apothecaries Druggists Confectioners Cooks Bakers Butchers and above all Drapers and Weavers c. Their common Bread is kneaded with Oil of which they have abundance and utter quantity into Egypt Their Linnen and Manufactures have vent through all Africa It is a place of great Traffick It s Trade and Commodities and much frequented by Merchants of Foreign parts affording several other good Commodities as Gold Saffron Wax Oil raw and salted Hides variety of Fruits Wool Spunges Hard Soap they have also a great trade for Horses and Ostrich Feathers c. and above all for Christian Slaves Commodities most vendible here are English Cloths Perpetuanoes Iron Lead c. They have no Water either of Well or of Fountain except that which is reserved for the Bassa but make use of Cisterns and Rain-water They are fain to have their Mills turned by their Slaves or by Oxen. The Arab of Nubia Sanutus and some others esteem Tunis to answer to the Ancient Tarsis This place as Heylin noteth is observable in the History of the Holy Wars for the Sieges and Successes of two of our English Princes viz. Edward the First in his Fathers life time and Henry the Fourth then but Earl of Darby by both of which the City was forced to a composition But the Ruins of Carthage Tunis received its splendor from the ruins of Carthage from which Tunis had its increase are remarkable because of the Antiquity Scituation Greatness and Power of this City The beginning of it is given to Dido the Phoenician who inclosed with the Wall the Quarter or Castle of Byrsa which is two miles and a half in Circuit which in the Country they still call Bersac and Byrsa signifying a Hide to the Greeks and a Fortress to the Phoenicians the one agrees with the Fable that Dido had bought and builded the place on the greatness and extent of an Oxes Hide the other to the scituation and advantage of the place where this Fortress was built This Scituation and the goodness of the neighbouring Port drew so many People that it became one of the fairest Cities in the World Its circumference in its splendor was 360 Stadia like to that of Babylon and its Inhabitants have been so rich and powerful that they disputed with the Romans for the Empire of the World being once called the Lady and Mistress of Africa The particular power of this City was not known till the third and last Punick War when after having had to do with Massinissa to whom they yielded a good part of their Estates after having granted and put into the Romans hands their Ships of War their Elephants their Arms and their Hostages which were demanded when they commanded them to leave the City and to inhabit from the Sea-Coast despair made them resolve on the War They made other Arms built new Ships the Women and Virgins giving their Hair to make Cables and Cordage and defended themselves yet 3 or 4 years It was afterwards restored and at divers times but the Vandals and in the end the Arabs have wholly ruined it there not remaining above 7 or 800 Houses of Fishermen Gardiners c. The Government of Soussa its Cities People c. The Government of SOVSA contains the Cities of 1. Hammametha which communicates its name to the neighbouring Gulph at the bottom whereof it is scituated its Walls are strong and its Harbour safe 2. Susa is in a higher and lower City the former on a Rock and of difficult access the last on the Sea with a good Port where are laded great quantities of Oils both the one and the other well built The Duke of Savoy made an enterprize on them in 1619. 3. Monastero so called because there was once a famous Monastery of the Order of St. Augustine The Riches about Susa is in Olives Pears and other Fruits and Pastures for Cattle The ordinary Food for the Inhabitants is Barly-bread the Country affording no other Grain The Inhabitants of Susa and Hammametha addict themselves to Traffick others to Whitning of Cloth they make Charcoal and draw some profit from their Fishing The Government or City of Africa or El-Madia The Government of AFRICA or EL-MADIA hath nothing considerable but this place may be made far better than it is It s scituation is in a Peninsula which touches not the Main but by an Isthmus of 2 or 300 Paces where there is likewise some Marsh and on this side the City is invested with a double Wall and good Ditches It s Port within the City is capable to lodge 50 Gallies but its entrance is so narrow that a Galley is forced to lift up its Oars to pass The Coasts about Sousa and Elmedia and what Transactions hapned there The Coasts about Susa and Elmedia have been well known in the Roman History in the time of the Wars between Caesar and the Party of Pompey Caesar landed at Rhuspina now Susa Adrumetum now Hammametha being in the Enemies hands and in the beginning had divers
And 7. Sebeicum a City near the Sea-shoar nigh to which are three small Isles Along the Coast are some Isles among which that of Gerbes is well known The Isle of Gerbes described formerly it was joyned to the Firm Land by a Bridge It had two Cities now hath nothing but one Castle worth notice and many Hamlets which gather little Corn but much Fruits among the rest Lotos so sweet and pleasant that the Companions of Vlysses having tasted them sought no longer to go into their Country This Isle hath about 18000 Paces circuit yields one of the greatest Revenues to the King or Bassa of Tripoli by reason of the confluence of Merchants who fetch thence Cloth and divers Scuffs and carry them to Alexandria in Egypt c. one of the principal parts of the Revenue of the same Bassa is the Saffron of the Mountain of Garian which is on the South of Tripoli And this Saffron is found the fairest and the best of all others BARCA Barca on the Coasts of Barbary described THE rest of the Coast of Barbary is now known under the name of BARCA it is bounded on the East with Egypt on the South with the Desart of Nubia on the West with Tripoli and on the North with the Mediterranean Sea which is also some of its Western bounds The Ancients called it particularly Libya comprehending that which is farther in the Land and which we call the Desart of Barca and divided this Libya into the Cyrenaick the Marmarick and Libya Exteriour This last being the nearest to Egypt the Cyrenaick to Tripoli and the Marmarick resting for the middle Likewise the most Northern and Maritim part of the Cyrenaick hath passed under the name of Pentapolis because it had five fair Cities to wit 1. Bernichum 2. Torochara 3. Ptolemais now Ptolometa and 4. Boni-Andreas and these four are on the Sea the fifth Cayroan within Land This by much the most famous was a Colony of the Lacedemonians and hath yielded Learned Men Its scituation is on an eminence that discovers the Sea and its Campaign as of those other Cities is moistned by divers Waters and their Soil so fruitful that some have esteemed the Hesperian Gardens with their Golden Apples about Berenice It s other chief Towns and Cities are 1. Barca an Inland City of some account 2. Melela 3. Careora 4. Camera 5. Zunara 6. Avium and 7. Saline All Maritim Towns and Cities and of some account Battus gave the first beginning to Cyrene and he and his Successors reigned near 200 years after which the City was sometimes in Liberty and sometimes under Tyrannism Among which Nicocrates having put to death Phaedimus Husband of Aretaphila to espouse her she endured him sometime her Husband and that until she had occasion to gain the Brother of Nicocrates named Leander to whom she gave her Daughter in marriage and by his means rid her self of Nicocrates and soon after by the means of her Daughter of Leander also and so set the City at liberty which endured till the time of Alexander the Great when the Country fell to the Ptolomies Kings of Egypt afterwards to the Romans to the Soldans of Egypt and to the Turks having almost always followed the Fortune famous of this Quarter and hath given its name to the Kingdom The Arab of Nubia makes much account of it in his time and lays out divers ways and gives the distances from this place to others farther in the Desart Moreover this quarter of five Cities is called by some Mesrata and its Inhabitants esteemed rich The fertility of the Country its Trade and Commodities They trade both with the Europeans Negroes and Abissines fetch from them Gold Ivory Civet Musk and Slaves which they transport into Europe besides their Native Commodities and bringing from Europe Corn Linnen Woolen Cloth c. which they carry to the Negroes Abissines and elsewhere It s other chief places in the Kingdom of Barca are 1. Doera 2. Forcella 3. Salinae 4. Luchun 5. Solana 6. Musolomarus 7. Cartum 8. Albertonus 9. Roxa. 10. Raibba and 11. Ripaealba All Maritim Towns and Cities and most of which having good and commodious Roads Ports and Havens and well frequented and inhabited Between Cayroan and Alexandria there is on the Coast the Port of Alberton Paraetonium which is considerable both for its goodness and greatness And sometimes the Ancients have called it Ammonia because from hence was a way to the Temple of Jupiter Hammon This Temple hath been very famous among the Pagans Bacchus returning from Asia which he had overcome caused it to be built in honour of his Father who under the shape of a Ram had shewed him as he passed with his Army where to find Water in those Desarts and he first consulted the Oracle and put it in such repute that divers other Heroes afterwards consulted it Perseus when he was sent to fetch the Head of Medusa the Gorgon Hercules going from Mauritania where he had overcome Antaeus towards Egypt where he was to defeat Busiris Alexander the Great to make it believed he was likewise the Son of Jupiter and that the Empire of the World was destin'd to him But Cambyses the Son of Cyrus having a design to pillage this Temple beheld his Army perish in these Desarts and was saved himself only to see his own madness and to die unhappily by his own Weapon About this Temple there are some Springs of Running water and some Trees which makes this quarter pleasant Among these Waters that which they called the Fountain of the Sun had this particular quality that it was very hot at Midnight and very cold at Noon-day the cold increasing from Morning till Noon and diminishing until Evening and from thence the heat increasing till Midnight and diminishing until the Morning There were three several ways which they used ordinarily to go to this Oracle the shortest was by Alberton which as we have said was upon the Coast and from whence it was but 1300 Stadia which are about 162000 Paces Another way was from Cayroan from whence it was 3000 Stadia or 375000 Paces ' Pliny saith 400000 the difference is 25000 Paces The longest way was from Memphis from whence it was 3600 Stadia or 450000 Paces These are 180 Leagues for this last 150 or little more for the second and 65 for the first All these ways are very difficult the Country being only Desarts of Sands so dry that the Wind moves them like the dust of the High-way and that in so great a quantity that they are able to interr Carravans And if there be any Habitations in these Desarts and where there is any Springs of Water they are distant one from the other 40 50 60 sometimes a 100 Leagues and these Habitations have little or nothing since that of Hammon the most considerable is not above 80 Stadia or 4 Leagues circuit and yet it had a King a Great Priest c. The
that the people pass to and fro as it were in throngs near to this City are Josephs 7 Granaries now brought to ruines yet 4 of them are so repaired as they are made use of to keep the publick Corn. On the South end of this City he saith there yet remaineth a round Tower wherein Pharaohs daughter lived when she found Moses in the River which runs hard by it South West of Grand Cairo on the other side of the Nile about four Leagues distance stands the three oldest and greatest Pyramides the Jews affirming them to be built by Pharaoh who was drowned in the Red Sea the fairest for himself the next for his Wife and the least for his only Daughter The greatest of the three and chief of the Worlds Seven Wonders is made in form Quardangular lessening by equal degrees the Basis of every Square is 300 paces in length and so lessening by degrees ascending by 250 steps each being about 3 feet high the Stones are all of a bigness and hewed four square And in this as also in the others there are several Rooms There are also about 16 or 18 other Pyramides but of less note and not so ancient as these 3 aforesaid are which I shall pass by Nigh to this City in the Plain is the place where they did inter their dead in which they used such art that the bodies of their dead remain to this day perfect sound and these we call Mummies The places where these bodies ly are about ten fathom under ground in Vaults either in the Sand or upon an open stone The Earth is full of dry Sand wherein moisture never comes which together with their art of Embalming them doth thus preserve the bodies for some thousand years past In the brest of these Mummies is set a small Idol some of one shape some of another with Hieroglyphicks on the back side of them This City of Grand Cairo was formerly of a very great Trade but that which hath now ruined it as likewise that of Alexandria is the discovery of the East Indies by the Cape of Good Hope by which the English Portugals and Hollanders at present go to these Indies and bring into the West all those Drugs Spices Precious Stones Pearls and a thousand other Commodities which came before by Aleppo or by Egypt but passing by Cairo let us come to the other Cassilifs The Cassilifs in the lower Egypt In the lower Egypt are those of Garbia Menufia and Callioubech within the Delta and between the Branches of the Nile That of Mansaura without and Eastward towards the Holy Land and Arabia Likewise without and Westward of the Nile is the Cassilif of Bonhera or Baera which stretches it self from the Nile unto the Cape of Bonandrea This last Cassilif is almost quite out of Egypt though within its Government and the length of its Sea Coast not less then that of all Egypt along the Nile But that which is distant from the Nile is subject to the Arabs and very Desart that which is near it is better worth It s Governor is obliged to Mannel a Callech or Channel of 100000 paces in length to carry water from the Nile to Alexandria and when a new Bassa arrives in Egypt this Governor hath likewise to furnish him with Horses and Camels for himself his Train and Baggage and to defray his charges from Alexandria unto Cairo But since the Wars with the Venetians the Bassa's have generally come round by Land and not adventured by Sea to Alexandria Among the Desarts of this Cassilif those of St. Macaire have had 360 and odd Monasteries And here is likewise to be seen a Lake of Mineral Water which converts into Nitre the Wood Bones or Stones that are thrown into it The Cassilifs of Callioubech Menousia and Garbia being between the Branches of the Nile and out of the course of the Arabs ought to be esteemed the best in Egypt and particularly the last which yields more abundantly Sugar Rice Milk Grains Oyl Flax Herbs Honey Fruits c. And Maala one of its principal Cities which they call the Little Medina is a place of great devotion with them where they hold yearly a famous Fair which the Governor opens with great pomp observing many Ceremonies The Cassilif of Mansoura doth produce the same Commodities but not in so great a quantity though of a greater extent then Garbia but more over it yields Cassia These four or five Cassilifs take up the whole Coast of Egypt and of its Government and on this Coast are the Cities of Alexandria Rosetto Damiata and some others The City of Alexandria Alexandria among the Turks Scanderia was built by the command of Alexander the Great and by him peopled with Greeks immediately after the conquest of Egypt and the Moddel traced by the Architect Dinocrates who for want of other matter made use of Wheat-flower to mark out the circuit which was taken for a good Augury It was afterwards beautified by many but especially by Pompey It is scituated Westward of the Delta over against the Isle of Pharos and built upon a Promontory thrusting it self into the Sea with which on the one side and on the other the Lake Mareotis It is a place of good defence its circuit is about 12000 paces adorned with many stately Edifices among which the most famous was the Serapium or the Temple of their god Serapis Which for curious workmanship and the stateliness of the Building was inferior to none but the Roman Capitol then the Library erected by Ptolomy Philadelphus in which there were 200000 Volums which Demetrius promised to augment with 300000 more And this in the War against Julius Caesar was unfortunately burnt And this is that Philadelphus who caused the Bible to be translated into Greek by the 72 Interpreters which were sent him by the High Priest Eleazar In this City in Anno 180 Gantenus read Divinity and Philosophy who as it is thought was the first institutor of Vniversities This City hath been enriched with 400 high and strong Forts and Towers and the Ptolomies or Kings of Egypt having made here their residence after the death of Alexander the Great and caused many stately and magnificent Palaces to be built Under the Houses are Gisterns sustained with Pillars of Marble as also Pavements for their refreshment being their Summer habitation their ancient custom by reason of the heat being to build their Houses as much under ground as above the upper part serving for their Winter habitation It was their custom also to erect great Pillars of Marble or Porphyry among others that of Pompey which stands upon a four square Rocky Foundation without the Walls on the South side of the City It is round and of one intire piece of Marble and of an incredible bigness being above One hundred foot high not far from the place where he was slain in a Boat at Sea and where his ashes were laid In this City are also two
the Bell which being fed with Sugar-Canes after the Juyce is drawn out grow fat and become so excellent that their Pullain is accounted for no value to them even for sick people The middle of the Isle is filled with Mountains which are loaden with a great number of Trees which are always covered with Clouds which so moisten the Trees that from them â—alls so much fresh water as makes many little streams which waters all parts of the Island The Portugals have built the City Pavoasan containing about 〈◊〉 or 800 Houses and some Forts to defend the Port They have erected a Bishoprick and do allow of no Religion but the Christian This Town is vell frequented by Portugal Merchants who trade in the Commodities aforesaid The Inhabitants are Negroes and very black PRINCES ISLAND hath a little City and the Inhabitants live conveniently the Isle being fruitful Princes Island yielding Fruits Sugar some Ginger c. Once taken by the Hollanders who for some reasons soon abandoned it The Island of Annobon The Island of ANNOBON yields Sugars Cottons Cattle and excellent Fruits especially large Oranges In this Isle there is a Town of 100 or 120 Houses of Blacks who are governed by some few Portugals The Isle of St. Hellena The Island of St. HELLENA was first discovered by the Portugals upon the 21 of May on which day is celebrated the memory of St. Helena the Mother of Constantine the Great from whom it took its name This Isle is so fertile that it is observed no place in all Europe yields the like plenty for with manuring and cultivating the Earth it produceth excellent Fruits which are here found all the year It hath great store of Barbary Hens Feasants Partridges Pigeons Quails Peacocks with several sorts of small Birds in great plenty it hath also Goats Swine c. Yet this Isle is not inhabited but serves for the English Portugals Spaniards and Hollanders to refresh themselves in going but for the most part in returning from the Indies it being sufficient to furnish Ships with Provision for their Voyage here being Salt to preserve the Meat from stinking and besides the Air is so healthful that they often leave their sick people there who in a short time are restored to perfect health and by the next Ships that put in there are taken in again During which time they find wherewithal to feed them But some years ago the Hollanders ruined all that was good only to spite the Spaniards who afterwards did the same that the English Hollanders c. might have no profit by it This Island is well furnished with good Waters which alone is a great refreshment to Ships Other Isles not inhabited The Islands of FERNAND POO St. MATTHEWS and ASCENSION are also not inhabited and of no great account nor much known which we shall pass by saying only that they have some Fowls Wild Beasts and their Seas yield Fishes NVBIA Nubia and its bounds NVBIA is bounded on the North West and South almost every where with Mountains which separate it from the Desart of Barca and Egypt on the North from Saara and the Negroes on the West and from the Abyssins on the South the rest towards the East is hounded in part by the Nile which separates it from the Isle of Gueguere in part by an Imaginary Line which separates it from divers Provinces of which some belong to the Turks who hold all that is on the Red Sea which they have taken from the Abyssins It s length and breadth It s chief places NVBIA thus taken makes a long square whose length from South-West to North-East is about 400 Leagues and its breadth from South-East to North-West almost every where 200 Leagues The chief Cities of Nubia are Cusa Gualva Dancala Jalac and Sula according to the Arab of Nubia Moreover and in the same Author I find that Tamalma Zaghara Mathan Angimi Nuabia Tagua and some others fall likewise in Nubia and by some Authors Gorham which some would put among the Negroes should be likewise in Nubia because it is on the Nile There where it can have no communication with the Negroes who ought to be upon and about the Niger Likewise Damocla towards the Negroes and Bugia towards Egypt ought to be esteemed in Nubia The City of Gorham Gorham is on the Nile and on the Coast of the Isle Gueguere Sanutus make a Kingdom a Desart and a People of this name and extends them almost alâ— the length of the Isle Gueguere not making any mention of the City of this name nor John Leon of Africa nor the Arab of Nubia nor Vincent Blanck who saith he hath been in these quarters and speaks only of the Desart oâ— Gorham Other Authors make mention of this City and describe it on the Nile Sanutus saith that there are found Emeralds in those Mountains which bound Gorham on the South Except only Gorham the Arab of Nubia observes the distances between all the other Cities which we have taken notice of and saith that Tamalma hath many Inhabitants no Walls makes little account of Mathan and Angimi Moreover he esteems Mathan the Residence of the King of Canem who holds here many Cities makes Zaghara better and saith it hath some Trade Tagua and Nubia more from which last the Region and People took their names John Leon and Sanutus after him esteems Dancala or Dangala the chief of the Kingdom seated on the Nile and that it hath about 10000 Families And he saith its Houses are built with Chalk and covered with Laths or Boards The Inhabitants civil and rich driving a good Trade through all Egypt even to Cairo whither they carry Arms Cloths Civet Sanders and Ivory They have a certain Poyson worth 100 Ducats an Ounce which they sell only to strangers which promise not to use it in the Countrey And also Bugia seated on the Nile a City of some account and Trade as is Jalac Gualva and Cusa also seated on the Nile The Empire of the ABISSINES or the HIGHER AETHIOPIA wherein are comprehended divers Kingdoms Countreys Coasts Isles c. which may be considered as they lye Northernly and towards EGYPT as The Kingdom of NUBIA with its Estates and Cities of Gorham Jalac Mathan Gualva Dancala Cusa Zaghara Bugia Angimi Tamalma Sula Tagua North-Easternly and towards the Red Sea as The Coast of ADEX which comprehendeth the Kingdom of BARNAGASSO Suaquen Ercocco Carna Corberia Barva Zama ISLES of Bahia Suaquem Mire Macruma St. Peitre Easternly and towards the Sea of ZANGUEBAR as The Coast of AJAN which comprehendeth the Kingdom of ADEA Brava Magadoxa Barraboa Quilmanca Kingdom of ADEL Adel Zeila Barbora Meta. ISLE of Zocotora The Coast of ZANGUEBAR with its Estates and Cities of Mongale Chelicia Pate Lamon Angos Mongalo Melinda Mombaze Angos Quiloa Mozambique Darcelum ISLES about the Coast of ZANGUEBAR as Monfia Santus Rochus Zanzibara Penda Southernly Westernly and towards the Kingdom of CONGO
the Firmament Zaara King of Aethiopia led against Asa King of Judah 90000 Foot and 10000 Horse which are 100000 Men. Pliny esteems the Isle of Meroes alone have 250000 Men fit to bear Arms and 400000 Artisans At present the Grand Negus is held able to raise a Million of Men and Barnagas alone to furnish 200000 Foot and 20000 Horse The Prince is always in the Field and 5 or 6000 Tents attending on him where are are Churches Hospitals Shops Taverns c. which furnished with all things necessary for himself and his Train There are scarce any Fortresses in the Countrey except where Mountains of themselves make them The Neighbors to this Estate are the Turks who hold all the Coast of Haber on the Red Sea the King of Adel and some others on the Coasts of Ajan and Zanguebar the Monomotapa or the Monoemugi towards the Mountains of the Moon the Congo or some Estates neighboring on Congo and the Negroes towards the West some Kings of Nubia towards the North. Except the Turks the Abissins having no Civil War can easily reduce the greatest part of them to reason or at least hinder them from molesting him ZANGVEBAR Zangâ—â—bar its Coasts or Parts and their Situation UNder the name of ZANGVEBAR I comprehend all the Coasts of the Higher Aethiopia And these Coasts are on the Aethiopian Ocean and the Red Sea or Gulph of Arabia I subdivide them into three parts the Coast of Zanguebar the Coast of Ajan and the Coast of Abex The Coast of Zanguebar extends it self from the Cafres to under the Equator for the space of 5 or 600 Leagues That of Ajan is between the Equator and the Streight of Bab-el-Mandel likewise 600 Leagues The Coast of Abex advances from that Streight to Egypt and hath not above 4000 Leagues The first part was called by the Ancients Barbaria Regio the second Azania Regio and the last Trogloditica Regio The particular Coast of Zanguebar towards the East regards some Isles Zanguebar among which that of Zanguebar which hath communicated its name to the Coast and then those of Penda and Monfia are the best known Maffy makes mention here of the Isle and City of Querimba and Texera of Anisa the one and the other possibly answer to some of those which Sanutas calls St. Rocq and Monfia which he saith are four Islands two great and two small Penda and Zanguebar are the greatest Penda and according to the form Sanutus gives them are each of 100 Leagues circuit Monfia 50 and the others much less All and particularly Zanguebar produceth quantity of Grains as Rice Millet c. quantity of Fruits as Citrons Oranges c. and many Sugar Canes which they know not how to resine nor want they Fountains of fresh Water Aniza and Querimba hath Manna but not so much esteemed as that of other places On the Coast are the Estates or Kingdoms of Mongale on one of the branches of Cuama Angos or Angouche on another Branch or on another River of the same name Mozambique Isle and City on the Coast as likewise Quiloa and Mombaze Melinda is no Isle but on the Coast so are Lamon Pate c. Mongalo and Angos are little considerable their Inhabitants black Mahometans and Pagans they traffick in Gold Ivory Calicoes and Silk The Isle and City of Mozambique is on that Coast of Africa which regards the Isle of Madagascar towards the East Isle and City of Mosambique described and just between the Capes of Good Hope and Guardafuy near 1000 Leagues from the one and the other some account is made of this City and its Fort for the goodness and depth of its Port though small but of a very important retreat for the Vessels of Portugal after they have passed the Cape of Good Hope where oft-times the Heat or the working or motion of the Ship distempers many Men who refresh themselves here there being a very good Hospital and a Magazin always furnished with what ever is needful to finish their Voyage to the East Indies this Port serving them going to the Indies as the Isle oâ— Sancta Helena doth in their return The whole Isle is not above a League and half in circuit It s City is not so beautiful as many have believed it but of a good Trade wealthy and well frequented by the Portugals It s Castle is good since it hath sustained divers Assaults of the Hollanders The Soil is dry hath none or very little Fresh-water but the great number of Fruits as Cocos Oranges Citrons as others common to the Indies and the quantity of Cattle as Oxen Sheep Goats Hogs c. which are found here recompence these Inconveniences Their Figs are long and large being excellent and hâ—althful The Tree sprouts and dies every year it shoots forth but one Branch where many Figs ripen one after another so that they are found to continue almost all the year the Leaves are so great that two will cover a person of a moderate Stature dying it leaves a Root which shoots forth another Fig-Tree the year after Their Swines-flesh is so healthful that Physicians order it for Sick people Their Pullain are good and delicate though their Feathers Flesh Blood and Bones are very black and if boiled in Water as black as Ink. Here they are said to have Sheep whose Tails weigh about 25 pound weight Kingdom of Quiloa its chief places c. QVILOA is 150 Leagues or little more from Mozambique in a strait line and near 250 by Sea It hath two Cites the Old and the new the Old on the main Land the New in an Island divided from it by a small Channel This last is much the fairest its Houses high magnificent and well furnished accompunied with Gardens where they gather excellent Fruits throughout the whole year The Kings of Quiloa once commanded all the Coast into Mozambique and Sofala but this Estate hath received a great change since the coming of the Portugals into these quarters It s People Its Inhabitants are yet rich and have a great traffick for Gold which they bring from the Main Land where there is near as much as on the Coast of Sofala as also Silver Ambergreece Pearls and Musk They are part black part white these coming from Arabia and are Mahometans the others of the Natives are partly Idolaters both the one and the other go clad after the Arab or Turkish manner the richest wearing Cloaths of Gold and Silver Silks fine Calicoâ—s and Scarlet inriching the Guards of their Swords and Daggers with fair Pearls and Precious Stones as the Women do their Ear-Pendants and Bracelets They are very comly of a civil behaviour neat in their Houses and love to go in rich Apparel Here the People are observed to use a strange custom to those of the Female Sex which is not used by any other Nation or People save themselves which is that they sow up the Privy-parts of the Female
the Castle of St. Elmo doth merit fame not only for its buildings which are curious but for the entertainment there given to those that fall sick where the Knights themselves lodge when sick or wounded to receive cure where they are exceeding well attended have excellent good dyet served by the Junior Knights in silver and every friday visited by the Grand Master accompanied with the great Crosses a service which was from the first institution commanded and thereupon called Knights Hospitallers Here are as Sandys saith three Nunneries one for Virgins another for Bastards and the third for penitent Whores Castle of St. Elmo The Castle of St. Elmo is at the end of the City of Valetta towards the Sea and at the opening of two Ports During the siege of Malta it was taken and sackt by the Turks after having wasted 18000 Cannonshot given divers assaults and lost 4000 men of their best Militia among others Dragut one of their most famous Coursaiers The Christians lost 1300 men among whom many Knights But this Fort was restored to a far better Estate than before and is separated from the City only by a ditch cut likewise in the Rock on the other side and on the point of the Borgo is the Fort of St. Angelo and likewise above the Borgo and the Isle of Sengle have been made new works to hinder the Turks from lodging there Besides these three Cities and the Forts about them the ancient City of Malta Medina is in the middle of the Island on an easie ascending hill and in an advantagious scituation The Turks assaulted it in 1551 but soon retired The Bishop of the Isle hath here his residence and near the City is yet the Grotte and Chapel of St. Paul where they believe he preached and where he lay when he suffered shipwrack and this place is of great account among them All these Cities and Forts have 250 or 300 pieces of Cannon on their Rampart The Isle very strong and well provided for War and their Magazins are so well provided with Powder Shot Wood Bisket Salt-meats and all Provisions and Ammunition that they call it Malta Flor del Mondo Malta the Flower of the World being provided alwaies with Ammunitions and Provisions for a three years siege yet this is to be understood not only because of its Fortifications and Ammunitions but likewise because of its force and the resolution of its Knights The Order of Knighthood first instituted This order of Knighthood according to Sandys received their denomination from John the charitable Patriarch of Alexandria though vowed to St. John Baptist as their Patron Their first seat was the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem built by one Gerrard at the same time when the Europeans had something to do in the Holy-Land where they received such good success and became so famous that they drew divers worthy persons into this society which by Pope Gelasius the second was much approved of He saith that one Raymond was the first Master of this Order who did amplifie their Canons and entituled himself The poor servant of Christ and Guardian of the Hospital in Jerusalem and at the allowance of one Honorius the second were apparelled in black garments signed with a White-Cross this Order we have said began at Jerusalem and at first meddled not but with the Government of the Hospital of St. John and were called Fryers Hospitallers or simply Hospitallers as those of the Temple Templers but when these Hospitallers were constrained to make profession both of Hospitality and Arms they were called Knights Hospitallers or Knights of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem These Knights oft forced to remove their habitations after the loss of Jerusalem they held their Convent in the City and Fortress of Margatt then in Aicre or Ptolomaido and all the Latine Christians being driven from the Holy Land and from Souria they retired into Cyprus But during their stay in Cyprus they gained Rhodes and established themselves there so powerfully that they were called Knights of Rhodes Margaret was taken from them in 1285. Aicre in 1291 little less than 200 years after Godfrey of Bulloin had Conquered the Holy Land and this order began before after the loss of Aicre they lived in Cyprus from 1291 to 1309. in which year they took and settled in Rhodes and maintained it more than 100 years sustaining four sieges till in 1522 Sultan Solyman became Master of Rhodes they then retired into Europe now into one place and then into another and in fine to Malta which Charles the fifth gave them in 1530. with some little neighbouring Isles as likewise the City of Tripoly in Barbary which they could keep no longer then 1551. that place being too far engaged in the Enemies Country These Knights are of divers Nations and are divided into eight Tongues to wit of Province of Auvergne of France of Italy of Arragon of England of Germany and of Castile so that the three first are in France and the last in Castile each Tongue contains many Priories and each Priory many Commanderies these three Tongues which are in France have near 300 Commanderies The other five Tongues which are in Italy Arragon England Germany and Castile made near 400. but there are no more in England England the Kings of England when they confiscated the goods of the Church having likewise seized the goods and Commanderies of the Knights of Malta and in Germany a part of these Commanderies being fallen into the hands of Lutherans and Calvinists serve no longer so that at present France alone furnishes little less than half the Commanderies of Malta And it hath been observed that from the first establishment of this Order unto this very present of 57 great Masters there hath been 37 French only 4 or 5 Italians 7 or 8 Spaniards and 11 whose Nation and Tongue the History could not observe but apparently the most part were French since this Order began by the French of these 34 known 12 were in the Holy-Land and in Souria 13 in Rhodes and 〈◊〉 in Malta unto Father Paul of Lascaris of every one there is a Grand Prior who lives in great reputation in his Country who orders the affairs of their Order and for England St. Johns by Clarken-well in times past was a mansion of the Grand-Prior There are several Councels among these Knights Their Government as that for deciding of differences which may happen among them the Councel of War the General Chapter which may augment or moderate the Authority of the great Master renew the Ordinances and Government of the Religion or their Order and which is held every five years The Ceremonies performed in making these Knights The Ceremonies used in Knighting are these which follow first being cloathed in a long loose garment he goeth to the Altar with a Taper in his hand of White Wax where he kneeleth down and desires the Order of the Ordinary then
weather they make their Webs so strong that ofttimes Birds are entangled and catched in them Cocheneil and Tobacco with some Pearls and Amber It s chief Commodities are their principal Riches for which they have a good trade Their Governour is sent them by the King of England who governs them by our English Laws whom they also own as their Supream and it is observed that scarce any are found to die but with Old age MEXICANE with its several Audiences of MEXICO whose Provinces with their chief Places are those of FLORIDA St. Hellens Port Royal St. Matthews St. Augustin St. Jago Naguater MEXICO particularly so called Mexico Chulula Tezcuco Quitlavaca Queretaro Mestitlan Cuyocan Acapulco PANUCO St. Jago de los Valles Pabuco St. Lewis de Tempue MECHOACAN Mechoacan Colima St. Philip. THASCALA Thascala los Angelos GUAXACA Antequera Spiritu Sancto TABASCO Nos Sen. de la Victoria JUCATAN Merida Campeche GUADALAJABA whose Provinces with their chief Places are those of GUADALAJARA Guadalajara St. Maria de las lagos XALISCO Compostella la Purification Xalisco CHIAMETLAN St. Sebastian CULLACAN St. Michael Pâ—astâ—â— CINALOA St. John LOS ZACATECAS Zacatecas Nombre de Dios. NEW BISCAY St. John St. Barbara QUIVIRA St. Fee ANIAN CIBOLA Cibola CALIFORNIA Port de Montere Port de Roque GUATEMALA whose Provinces with their chief Places are those of GUATEMALA St. Jago the Guatemala St. Salvador la Trinidad St. Michael Xeres VERA PAX Vera Pax. SOCONUSCO Guevetlan CHIAPA Cuidad Real HONDURAS Valadolid Gratias di Dios Truxillo St. George de Olancho NICARAGUA Leon Granada Jaen COSTARICA Cartago Nicoya Castro de Austrio VERAGUA la Conception Trinadad Sancta Feo Parita St. DOMINGO In which are the Isles of ANTILLES or CAMERCANES otherwise called the Isles of LUCAYES and the CARIBE Isles the chief among which are those of CUBA St. Jago St. Spiritus Porto del Principe St. Christophoro JAMAICA St. Jago Port Royal Passage Melilla HISPANIOLA St. Domingo Porto del la Platâ— St. Jago Monto Christo SAONA St. Juan del puerto Rico St. Germain BOREQUEM St. Juan del Puerto Rico. St. CRUX St. CHRISTOPHERS Sandy point Basse terre NIEVES ANTEGO MONT SERRAT GUADELOUPE MARIGALANTE MARTINIQUE St. OLOUZIA BARBADOS St. Michaels Little Bristol St. James Charles Town St. VINCENT GRENADO BARBADA ANGUILLA DOMINICA MEXICO OR New Spain MEXICO or NEW SPAIN is the fairest and most famous part of America Septentrionalis and sometimes the Spaniards comprehended under this name all that America We may esteem that which belongs to the Catholick King for the greatest part in which we shall have several Provinces and all comprised under four Audiences or Courts of Parliament viz. that of St. Domingo of Mexico which bears the particular name of New Spain of Guadalajara or Nova Gallicia and of Guatimala The Audience of St. Domingo The Audience of St. DOMINGO hath under it all those Islands which are before the Gulph of Mexico then Florida which is North-West of them and in America Septentrionalis and Venezuela New Andalousia and Rio del Hacha which are towards the South of them and in America Meridionalis The Audience of Mexico and its Provinces The Audience of MEXICO hath the Provinces of Mexico Panuco Mechoacan Tlascala Guaxaca Tavasco and Jucatan That of Panuco is North of Mexico Meochan West Tlascala East Guaxaca Tavasco and Jucatan continuing likewise towards the East The two last lie wholly upon Mer del Nort Guaxaca and Tlascala on the two Seas of North and South Mexico and Mechoacan only on that of the South and Panuco on that of the North. The Audience of Guadalajara and its Provinces The Audience of GVADALAJARA contains the Provinces of Guadalajara Xalasco Los Zacatecas Chiametlan Cinaloa some add New Biscany and others likewise Cibola Quivira Anian California c. New Biscany and Los Zacatecas touch not the Sea Guadalajara little to wit between Xalisco and Chiametlan and these begin on Mer del Sud Others advance themselves far into that which they call Mer Vermejo or the Red Sea the Isle of California being on the other side The Audience of Guatimala and its Provinces The Audience of GVATIMALA South-East of that of Mexico continues between the Seas del Nort and del Sud advancing towards America Meridionalis There are under it the Provinces of Guatimala Soconusco Chiapia Vera Pax Honduras Nicaragua and Castorica and these two last lie on both Seas Honduras and Vera Pax on the Gulph of Honduras towards the Mer del North Chiapa within Land Guatimala and Soconusco on the Mer del Sud The Audience of MEXICO so called from its principal City now known by the name of Nova Hispania and by this City of Mexico the Spaniards began to make themselves absolute Lords of all these Quarters Which before their arrival was very populous but in the space of 16 or 17 years destroyed above six Millions of its Inhabitants by cruel and unchristian-like deaths as roasting some cutting off the Members of others putting out the Eyes of others casting others alive to be torn in pieces and devoured by wild Beasts and the like horrid deaths and only to act their Tyranny over them rather than to reduce them to obedience which might have been otherwise obtained without shedding so much Blood The City of Mexico described This City was called by its ancient Inhabitants Tonoxtitlan and was the residence of their Kings and is at present the fairest of all America seated in the midst of a Lake in some places 10 Leagues long and 7 or 8 broad having 25 or 30 Leagues circuit It is not joyned to the Main Land but by 3 Caus-waies of which that towards the West is but 3 quarters of a League long that towards the North a League and an a half and the last 3 Leagues It was by this last that Cortez and the Spaniards made their approaches and took the City All this Lake is salt but there falls into it another almost of the same bigness which is fresh and good to drink both together are 45 or 50 Leagues circuit in which are said to be about 50000 Wherries continually seen to row and carry Passengers they have about 50 Burgs or Towns on their Banks whereof some have once been esteemed great Cities The salt Lake yields quantity of Salt the other so much Fish that its Fishing hath been farmed for 100000 Crowns yearly In this City may be found 4000 Natural Spaniards 30000 Indians or Americans there having heen formerly 200000 20000 Negroes and its Jurisdiction contains 250 Towns of which some have their Schools more than 3000 some say 6000 Estancia's that is Farms and in all 500000 Americans Tributaries The residence of a Vice-Roy c. It is the residence of the Vice-Roy of America Septentrionalis as also of an Archbishop and many other Officers of Justice of the Mint and of the Inquisition It hath a famous Academy 150 Monasteries for the one and the
for their ordinary Guard and having been able to raise 2 or 300000 Foot among the 25 or 30 Kings which were his Tributaries some could arm 100000 Men their Revenues vast which they raised out all Commodities as well of Natural as Artificial which the King received in kind participating of the Fruits of all Mens labour and sharing with them in their Riches Their Palaces were magnificent both that within the City and those in divers parts of the Kingdom they kept great Attendance lived in great Pomp were much reverenced of their Subjects in their Vestments stately being adorned with Gold Pearl and Precious Stones wearing a rich Crown resembling that of a Duke their Coronations held with great pomp at which times they used bloody Sacrifices of Men and Children which for the most part were their Enemies but sometimes their own their Temples were stately with many Idols whom they worshipped which were attended with abundance of Sacrificers or Priests and to excite their Souldiers to valour they used three degrees of Honour or Orders of Knighthood which according to their merit were conferr'd upon them the first was distinguished by a red Ribband the second called the Tyger or Lion-Knight and the third the Gray-Knight which among other things were priviledged to apparel themselves in Cotton in a different habit and to adorn themselves with Gold and Silver which things are prohibited to others The descent of the Mexicans Moreover the present Mexicans descended not from the Ancient Inhabitants of the Country but from divers People which had their residence in the North and not unlikely from that which we call New Mexico The History they produce of the manner how they came from these quarters at divers times of the time which the one and the other and particularly of him whom they last employed in their Voyages those Ceremonies they observed and likewise the name of their chief Mexi seems to accord somewhat with the Voyage of Moses and the Hebrews when he led them to the Land of Promise These People becoming Masters of Mexico formed a considerable Government and gave it divers Kings Montezuma under whom Ferdinand Cortez entred the Country was but the ninth in number The story of the Ynca-Mango-Capac and his Wife Coya Mama-Oelho The Ynca-Mango-Capac and his Wife Coya Mama-Oelho were the first that led them to a human and civil life they made themselves be believed to be Brother and Sister Children of the Sun and Moon and that they had been sent here below for the good of Men. And with this belief they withdrew them from the Mountains Caves and Forrests and gave them the first knowledge of the Law of Nature Ynca-Mango-Capac taught Men how to till the Earth to graft Plants to feed Flocks to gather the best Fruits to build Houses and Cities c. Coya Mama-Oelho learnt Women how to Spin Weave Sow make Habits c. and above all instructed that their principal care ought to be to serve and obey their Husbands and feed and instruct their Children And these People finding themselves in a better and more reasonable way of living than before easily submitted themselves to the Government of these Ynca's addicted themselves to the Religion they taught them which was to adore the Sun as that Star which above all the rest did most visible good to Men Beasts Grains Fruits Plants c. and so soon as these Ynca's knew the affection of the People they raised Arms assembled Troops and reduced to the same Government and the same Religion many neighbouring People but still more by sweetness than force and in the end composed an Estate or Empire which for its greatness and riches and likewise for its Laws was one of the most considerable of the World And if we should put in parallel the Politicks of the Ynca's of Peru or of those of Mexico with them of the Greeks and Romans Acosta maintains that these would have the advantage and that the Ynca's had so great a care of the good and repose of their Subjects that there cannot be found in all History any King or Emperour that ever bore himself with so much sweetness freedom and liberality towards his People as did the Ynca's Kings of Peru and Mexico So soon as a Province entred under their Obedience they made Channels every where to water the Lands and that these Lands might be the more commodious for Tillage they caused to be laid level what was unequal evening by degrees what was too steep The Lands proper for Tillage were divided into three parts viz. for the Sun for the King and for the Inhabitants of the Country and if these were in so great number that the third part of the Land was not sufficient for their food so much taken from the Third of the Sun and of the King as was needful The Lands being equally parted according to the ability of every Family the labour began with those of the Orphans Widows the old and impotent and Souldiers when they were in War after these every one laboured and cultivated his own then those of the Curacca's or Governours which were to be after the Private persons those of the King and of the Sun were the last And this Order was so religiously observed that a Governour having caused the Field of a Kinsman of his to be tilled before that of a poor Widow was hanged in the Field he caused to be tilled before its degrees so careful were they of the Poor Besides this labour for the Tillage of the Lands of the Sun and the Ynca's Private persons were obliged to make Cloaths Hose Shoes and Arms for the Souldiers as also for those whom Age or Sickness made incapable of Travel or Labour The Wool or Cotton was taken from the Flocks and on the Lands belonging to the Sun and the Ynca's and each Province gave only what was easie and common and each Private person only his labour young Men under 25 years Men above 50 Women and Lame people were exempt from these Tributes They made no account of Gold Silver or precious Stones but for their adornment beauty and splendor nor needing wherewith to buy Victuals or Cloaths their Lands and ordinary Occupation yielding and furnishing them with what ever was necessary Yet if at their hours of leasure they could discover any they made a Present of it to their Curaca's these to the Ynca when they went to salute him at Cusco or when the Ynca visited his Estates and then it was employed either for the Ornaments of the Royal-house or the Temples of the Sun The Temple of the Sun at Cusco The Temple of the Sun at Cusco was so stately and enriched with so much Gold Silver and precious Stones that it is incredible In this Temple besides the principal Apartment which was for the Sun there was others for the Moon Stars Lightning Thunder Thunderbolt and Rainbow which was the device of the Ynca's They esteemed the Stars as waiting-Maids
Avila so called in reference to Rimerez de Avila and 4. Sevilla del Oro all Colonies of Spaiards The Country is Mountainous rude and unfertil yet produceth a Cinnamon-Tree which pruned the tree bark and leaves are Cinnamon but the Fruit is by much the best and most perfect The Province of Paramoros PAZAMOROS South of de la Canella hath three Cities or Colonies of Spaniards viz. 1. St. Juan de las Salinas or Valladolid 2. Loyola or Cambinama And 3. St. Jago de las Montannas The Air of the Country is said to be healthful the soil indifferent fruitful and feeds many Cattle and also abounds in Mines of Gold Los Quixos and Pazamoras depend as to their Spiritual Government on the Bishop of Quito The Audience of Lima. The Audience of LIMA is at present most famous of all by reason of the Cities of Lima and Cusco this having been formerly the Metropolis of the Empire of the Ynca's and the other being the present Residence of the Vice-Roy of Peru and this Audience comprehends the true Peru the chief depending Cities besides Lima and Cusco are 1. Arnedo seated in a Valley among Vineyards 2. La Santa or la Parsilla seated in a Valley nigh to which are rich Mines of Silver 3. Truxillo scituate on the Bank of a small but pleasant River about two Leagues from the Sea where it hath a large but unsafe Haven and in a pleasant Valley the Town indifferently well built and large and beautified with four Convents of several Orders 4. Miraflores about 5 Leagues from the Sea in the valley of Zanu of some note for the abundance of Sugar Ganes that grow there 5. Cachapoyas or St. Juan de la Frontiera of good account in former times for furnishing the Kings of Peru with handsom women 6. Leon du Guanuco rich and pleasantly seated and beautified with some Religious Houses a Colledge of Jesuits and in former time with a stately Palace of the Kings 7. Areguipa scituate at the foot of a flaming Mountain in the valley of Quilca made happy by a flourishing soil and temperate air 8 Valverde seated in a valley of the same name which yields plenty of Vines from which they make good Wine the Town is indifferent large being Inhabited by about 500 Spaniards besides Natives and beautified with a fair Church The City Lima pleasantly seated an Hospital and three Fryeries The City of Lima is two Leagues long and one broad seated in a pleasant valley being begirt with sweet Fields and delightful Gardens below which is its Port Collao The Houses in this City are well built Its Houses Streets c. its streets large and so ordered that most of the chief take their rise from the Market-place It is said to consist of 10000 ordinary Families besides Passengers and those that come hither for trade which are many by reason the riches of Peru that yearly pass through this City to go to Spain which hath not a little encreased its wealth The City encloses several fair Edifices and Churches Hath many stately Edifices among which these following may not be forgotten viz. The Palaces of the Vice-Roy and Archbishop then the Cathedral Church built after the Model of that of Sevil in Spain and endowed with an Annual Revenue of 30000 Ducats also the Courts of Judicature the Colledges and Monasteries also it s four Hospitals to wit one for the Clergy another for the Spaniards a third for the Indians and the fourth for the Widdows The air about this City is healthful temperate alwaies serene and the soil the most fertil of all Peru. The City of Cusco with its several magnificent Places and other Buildings Among the other Cities Cusco is the chief among those of the Provinces of the Hill-Countries and the Andes being by much the most famous having been the Residence of the Ynca's or Peruvian Kings who for the more beautifying this City ordered all their Nobility to build each of them a Palace for their Residence at present it is of the greatest account in all this Country as well for its beauty and greatness as for its populousness being said to be the habitation of about 3000 Spaniards and 10000 Natives besides Women and Children Besides these Palaces It is adorned with a Cathedral and 8 Parish Churches four Convents of Religious Orders a Colledge of Jesuits a stately Temple dedicated to the Sun also several Baths about the City and abundance of very fair Houses in the fields It s scituation is betwixt two pleasant and useful Rivers and begirt with Mountains It s Fertility The Country for the most part is fruitful they have good pastures which are well stocked with Cattle they gather abundance of Coca have excellent Venison and the Country generally well furnished with Rivers in which they take good Fish Hath Mines of Gold and Silver It yields many Mines of Gold and Silver about Cusco and particularly of Gold at St. Juan del oro at Oropesa Vermillion and Quicksilver between Arnedo and Port de Guajara and likewise at Barranca are rich salt pits The Inhabitants of Guanuco and of Chachapoyas are the most civilized of Peru. There are yet every where a great number of these Indians there being esteemed under the jurisdiction of Truxillo 50000 Tributaries 30000 in that of Guanuco as many in Guamanga 50000 in that of Arequipa and 100000 in the jurisdiction of Cusco c. There are likewise others who yield no obedience to the Spaniards among which are the Manatiens not far from Cusco who maintain themselves in their Mountains who often butcher and eat those Spaniards they can entrap The Province de la Plata with its Cities described The Province DE LA PLATA or de los Chaecas is South of Peru and under the Tropick of Capricorn It is divided into two or three other lesser parts to wit de los Charcas de la Sierra and of Tucuman This last is quite beyond the Tropick and we will describe it with Paraguay or Rio de la Plata with which it shall best agree The two others are for the most part on this side that Tropick The chief City is de la Plata that is of Silver and this City gives sometimes its name to the Province is the Residence of an Archbishop dignified with the seat of the Governour the Courts of Judicature and beautified with a fair Cathedral besides several Religious Houses The City is seated in a pleasant and fruitful soil Its Houses well built and so large that within its walls are the habitations of 800 natural Spaniards beside 60000 Natives Tributaries under its Jurisdiction Its Mines by reason of the incommodities of the waters were abandoned so soon as those of Potossi were discovered which since this discovery from a small Village is now become a very considerable and large Town of two Leagues Circuit being Inhabited by about 40 or 50000 Spaniards besides about 30000
the Residence of the Vice-Roy of Brazile for the Crown of Portugal as also with a Bishops See together with divers Officers It is beautified with many Churches and Religious Houses but above all the Colledge of the Jesuits is magnificent This Capitany is best peopled and the richest of all Brazile It hath 40 or 50 Sugar-Mills the most of which are about this Bay every where there is quantity of Cotton and on the coast is found Ambergneece Seregippe del Rey and its City The Capitany SEREGIPPE DEL REY hath only a little City and Olivera is that alone which gives it a degree amongst the Captains of Brazile and here is esteemed to be some Mines of Silver The Capitany of Fernambuck with its Colonies and Cities described The Capitany of FERNAMBVCK is one of the best of all Brazile possessed by the Albuquerques The Portugals have here established Thirteen Colonies among which Olinda is the chief being a fair and pleasant City seated near the Sea-shore but with no commodious Haven only its entrance is defended by a Castle which is well Fortified Account hath been made of two thousand Families of Portugals besides the Clergy and the slaves which were in great number which they imployed in their Sugar-mines and among the Portugals two hundred Families which possessed each twenty five thirty forty or fifty thousand Crusados and more the chiefest Ornament of this City is the Colledge of the Jesuits built very rich and magnificent and endowed with many Houses in the City many Sugar-Engines and much Cattle in the field also a Collegiate Church with six or seven others besides Chapels several Monasteries and Hospitals c. From the City a Tongue of Earth advances to the Sea at the end of which is Recif a well-peopled Town where the Ships load and unload their Merchandises This place is become Famous in our time having been for many years disputed between the Portugals and the Hollanders but these have in the end been driven out by the other It s Trade and Commodities Besides the Colonies there are abundance of Aldees for the Indians it is observed that every year there is laden from Fernambuck 80 90 and sometimes a hundred Ships the most part with Sugars and some with Brazile-wood and that only in the space of four years which were 1620 21 22 and 23 there was transported from Angola in Aethiopia unto this Capitany 15 or 16000 slaves to work in their Sugars and Brazile The Fertility of its soil The Soil is fat and fertil the Sugar Canes coming of themselves both on the Hills and in the Valleys and the Brazile-wood being brought in a prodigious quantity from the Forrest Gran Mato of Brazile 20 Leagues from Olinda All these conveniencies with the goodness of its pastures makes them call this Capitany the Paradise of Brazile But in 1630 31 32 the Dutch West-India Company took and ruined Olinda Olinda and St. Augustine ruined by the Dutch and after it St. Augustine and almost all the Fortresses which the Portugals held in this Capitany and were not driven out till within 9 or 10 years but from time to time molested The Capitany of Tamaraca with its chief places described TAMARACA is the most antient Capitany but the smallest of all Brazile that of Fernambuck enclosing it on one side and Parayba on the other It s Fertility is admirable the Port dos Francezes is a place of no great note but for its commodious haven which is well defended by an impregnable Castle which is seated on the top of an hill The Capitany of Parayba with its chief City The CARAYBA of Parayba had likewise beginning from the French in 1584 which soon after was seized by the Portugals and its principal City Parayba was called by them Philippine or Neustra Seignora da Nieves and by the Hollanders when they were Masters of it Frederickstad It is two or three Leagues from the Sea there where the River Parayba falls having two Castles on the two parts which end it and defend its entrances that on the right hand is Cape Delo where is the Fort St. Katherine the other Cape del Nort where is the Fort of St. Anthony This City is walled and is seated on the banks of the said River at the bottom of an Arm of the Sea not above three Leagues from the Ocean The bounds of this Capitany This Capitany on the North touches Rio Grande on the South Fernambuck enclosing that of Tamaraca on the West the River Parayba dividing it into two equal parts the Inhabitants addicting themselves to till the fields where they possess their Heritages Farm-houses and Ingenno's which are magnificently built These Ingenno's are the Mills which serve to bruise the Sugar Canes Its Inhabitants addicted to Tillage and making of Sugar they are built along the River where are the Fields and Closes in which lie the Canes and some Copses from whence they fetch wood to boil the Sugar And sometimes these Ingenno's are so great and so ample that they contain besides the house of the Master which is well built many others either for the Portugals which serve them or for those Negroes and Slaves which belong unto them and their number amounts to 50 60 80 and sometimes to a hundred Families There are a score of these Ingenno's in the Capitany of Parayba The nature and fertility of the land The Land is unequal being in Mountains Valleys and Plains The Plains are for the Sugar the Valleys for Tobacco Mandioche and Fruits and the Mountains for Wood. The lands which are tilled yield one hundred for one their pastures feed many Flocks of Beeves Sheep Their Cattle and Fowls The habitations of the Natives Goats Hoggs and Horses which are strong and laborious The Natives of the Country have some Aldees that is Villages built after their mode each Village having only four five or six houses but very long like Halls where are 4 or 5 or 600 sometimes 1000 1200 or 1500 Inhabitants their moveables being only their Hamacao's which are their Beds their Bow and Arrows and some Mandioche In each Aldee they have a Captain which they chuse among themselves and they give them a Portugal to see what passes there are of these Aldees in all the Capitanies of the Portugals six principal ones in that of Parayba as many in that of Rio Janerico three in Tamaraca three in Fernambuck and so in others The Capitany of Rio Grande described The Capitany of RIO GRANDE was once possessed by the French after they had quitted R. Ganabara and here they made alliance with the Petivares in the year 1597. Feliciano Ceca of Garovulasco Captain of Parayba came to assault them but without forcing them away that time in 1601 they were quite expelled The French had discovered an excellent Mine of Silver at Copooba and another of Emeralds near the Bay of Moncourou be-between Rio Grande and Siara and rich