their worth would hinder the sale and exportation of theirs of that growth do therefore prohibit the same to be landed or sold in their Town till Christmas day in the morning and then these High Countrey Merchants are more busie in landing their Wines than they are in attending their Mass that Gabor or Lighter being ever accounted free of Tax and Custom that first setteth her head aground when their Mass Bell ringeth and then it is lawful for any man for that day to come aboard her and be drunk gratis Here our English have had many priviledges and been esteemed as fellow Citizens before all other strangers but our last Wars to the Isle of Rhee have made them here inferiour to all others and now pay double their former Customs upon Wines which in courtesie to the Dutch is abated them and laid on the English shoulders which may be remedied if his Majesty please it is otherwise then for Prunes and Wines a Town of no great Trade for little Traffick is here else driven Moneys only are hither remitted to provide the same but no Commodities else vendible of import In Anno 1611. I here learned the French Tongue after I had been for a while in Rochel so I will note in brief what I observed thereupon in those my younger days Monies and Accounts The Moneys current and Accounts kept are in Livers Sold. Deniers as throughout all the Dominions of the French King Weights of Burdeaux Their Weights and Measures are as followeth The Weight of Burdeaux is the Pound 100 whereof is the Quintar which hath been found to be 110 l. English and the 100 l. in London is 90¾ l. here Measures of Burdeaux Their common Measure is an Auln which is about English English subjection at Blay upon the River Geron. From Burdeaux I will pass by Blay where I will onely note a subjection of our English Ships which here at their going up to Burdeaux unlade all their Artillery and Arms which by many treaties between the Kings of England and France hath been covenanted to be disused yet the insolency of the Captain of Blay scorning the commandments of his Soveraign and his treaties holds still the same in use to the great prejudice of our Merchants trading to Burdeaux And now to Rochel the place of my first Education beyond Seas CHAP. CXXV Of Rochel and the Trade thereof Rochel and the Trade thereof ROchel hath been long time accounted the strongest and best fortified City in France and was till of late years in possession of the Protestants and was ever found as a Sanctuary for them in their greatest dangers it is commodiously seated for Trade on the Aquitain Ocean the Sea every tide flowing into the City and carrying thereinto Ships of a reasonable burthen within these late years the French King hath besieged it and after a long Siege starved the Inhabitants and by that means enforced the reduction therefore what Trade it now hath I am ignorant of but Anno 1611. there was a great concourse of Merchants as being the staple for all English Commodities for these parts of France Their Coins current and form of Accounts are the same as throughout all France and their Weights are these Weights of Rochel The 100 l. of Rochel hath made in London 96 l. English and by observation in Lions of poids de la ville 94 l. Measure of Rochel The Measure is the Auln common in name with all France but in many places is found to differ roaking here 44 inches English From England is sent hither Butter Calves-skins Herrings New-found land-fish and some English Manufactures of Cloth c. and hence is returned a small Wine called a Rochel Wine but more properly Cogniacke also Salt from the Isle of Rhee Oleron c. and some Prunes and other Commodities Poictu Poictou is the next Province the principal City hereof is Poictiers famous for the study of the Civil Law and next to Paris for greatness in all France but of no note in matter of Trade Anjou Anjou is the next yielding the best Wines in France the principal Town is Angiers and Saumar the only Protestant University in France Main Main is the next the principal Town is Mans. Tourain Tourain is the next the principal Cities are Blois Ambois and Tours famous for giving a beginning to the Protestants of France and which is noted for many excellent Fabricks and Manufactures of Silks here daily made known to us by the names of Taffaties Plushes and Tabies of Tours Britany Britany is the next wherein is found Nants for the situation pleasant Rhemes a Parliament Seat and lastly St. Malo seated commodiously for Trade upon the British Ocean Locrams Giberoy a great Fair for these Countries and Morlais affording that Linnen in great quantity known to us by the name of Locrams St. Maloes and Morlais St. Maloes and Morlais comprehending these three known sorts of Dowlas Tregar and Grasscloth also Noials for Sail-cloth and some of other sorts here daily bought up for ready moneys and hence dispersed into Spain England Scotland and Ireland Normandy The next is Normandy in which are found many principal Towns of Trade as being commodiously seated by the neighbourhood of the British Ocean the chief is Caen Diep Newhaven Constance and lastly Rouen under the Title whereof I shall comprehend the Trade of the rest CHAP. CXXVI Of Rouen and the Trade thereof Rouen and the Trade of Normandy ROuen seated on the Banks of the River Sein and the Seat of the Parliament of Normandy is one of the principal Cities of Traffick and Commerce in France having a great concourse of Merchants of all these Northern Kingdoms and is one of the three principal in France when Exchanges are used Commodities of Rouen The Commodities that are hence and out of Normandy exported are Linnens course and fine Buckrams Paper Cards some Wines and other petty Manufactures The Commodities sent thither from England principally Cloaths of sundry Countries a Kerseys of Devonshire and Yorkshire Bayes of Coxal Cotton of Wales and Yorkshire and of late Pepper Galls Cotton Yarn and other Turkey Commodities also Lead Tin Fish and some India Commodities The Notes of Trade observed there at my residence therein 1614. I shall briefly touch as then noted the same Moneys and Acounts in Rouen The Monyes current and Accounts kept are the same as in general used throughout France see farther in Paris Weights in Rouen The Kings Beam is here called the Viconte which is 14 per Cent. greater than our English 112 l. and some have found it to be 10 or 12 l. by which is weighed all Commodities whatsoever but I have often found that the 112 l. English hath made by Viconte 98 l. and by commce beam 101 l. Measures in Rouen The Measure is here an Auln by which all Commodities of Woollen and
by the neighbouring Shires Mam Cimbri the Mother of Wales as having of all food and other provision necessary to preserve the life of man out of which is yearly sent 3000 head of Cattel to supply the wants of other Countries adjoyning together with a good quantity of Corn Butter Cheese c. the same had in times past 300 Towns and Villages Beaumares now it hath but one of consequence remaining called Beaumares commodious for Trade as commanding a fair safe and capacious Haven and Road to which as being the place of my birth I owe this grateful remembrance Jarsey Jarsey is the next in compass 20 miles the chief Towns are St. Hillary and S. Mollo abounding in sheep c. Garnsey Then Garnsey 20 miles distant from Jarsey rich in good Harbours the chief Town is St. Peters Wight The last is the Isle of Wight being 20 miles long and 12 broad the principal Towns being Yarmouth Newport and Bradring it is well fortified and strengthned against all foreign attempts whatsoever There be also some other petty Islands round about this Shore but I will pass them to come to those of greater note and consequence which are Ireland and Great Britain the last Isle and place both of this my Travel and Traffick CHAP. CCLXIII Of Ireland and the Provinces thereof Ireland and the Provinces thereof IReland standeth West of Britain containing in length 400 miles and in breadth 200 miles enjoying this prerogative by nature That no venomous Serpent will either live here if brought from other Regions nor yet doth naturally breed here It is divided into 5 Provinces which according to my former method I will in order touch and see what Towns of Note they contain Munster 1. Munster is the first wherin is found the Cities of Limrick seated on the banks of Shanâ—… 2 Cork 3. Kingsale and 4. Waterford the first ground that ever I trod on out of my native soyl being about 13 or 14 years old and then began to be employed by my Parents in trade of Merchandising Connaught 2. Connaught is the second Province the chief Cities are Dunratty and Galloway the third City in Ireland both for fairness largeness and for pleasant dwellings and situation Vlster 3. Ulster is the third Province the chief Towns are Dundale 2. Dungannon 3. Armagh an Archbishoprick 4. Dongal and 5. London-Derry lately built and peopled by the City and Citizens of London Meth 4. Meth is the fourth the chief Towns are Kelly 2. Thim and lastly Tredagh a fine Town where also I resided in these my younger years of Travel and first employment in Traffick Lempster 5. Lempster is the last Province wherein is found the Cities of Mareaburg Philips-Town Kildare and Dublin of the Trade whereof a word CHAP. CCLXIV Of Dublin and the Trade thereof Of Dublin and the Trade thereof DUblin is seated on the Liffe being the Metropolis of Ireland and the residence of the Lord Deputy for the King of England who is Sovereign here it being also an Archbishoprick and an University Commodities of Ireland The Commodities the Country doth afford for Merchandise are these first the Country abounds in Cattle each affords Tallow and Hides in great abundance which is hence exported to Spain France and Italy also Salmon is here caught good store in July August and September which is salted and exported and in Summer the quantity is so great in some parts of this Island that the Servants do covenant with their Masters they must not feed thereon but certain days in the week Herrings are here also caught and accounted the best as also Pilchards in August September and October and thence vented to Spain France and into the Streights of Gibraltar here is also some Butter Cheese Pipe-staves Calves-skins and other Commodities of late days prohibited to be exported by the Laws of the Kingdom Coins of Ireland The Coins of this Kingdom in the standard carrieth a concurrence with those of England which also here are current for the value as being subject to one and the same Scepter yet in distinction of the true and real worth are found thus entitled The pound of Ireland consisteth of 20 shillings Irish yet in sterling is accounted but 15 shillings The shillings by this account is but 9 d. sterling and the 6 d. Irish is 4½ d. sterling Exchanges of Ireland Here is also an Exchange found and practised but not for any foreign part saving England and principally London and Bristol commonly running at 8 d. upon the pound and when most at 12 d. per l. which is 5 per cent Weights and Measures as in England Dublin and in general all Ireland hath the Measures and Weights of England in use in their Traffick and agreeing therewith in all particulars I need not insist further therein Now a word of the Trade in general of Ireland as it is found observable in these days Of the Trade in general of Ireland The daily conversation of the English Nation and the late impartial and found administration of justice in this Country hath redeemed this Island from the jaws of Barbarism wherein it was ready to fall and suffer a ruin and since by little and little peace being firmly established hath brought the Inhabitants to a desire of inriching themselves and this desire hath so well been seconded by their industry that I may say it hath brought store and plenty into their dwellings which hath hitherto met with so good a success that whereas few years past this Country was with all necessaries supplied out of Englands and Scotlands abundance it now returneth that courtesie and contributeth some years not only to the wants of both but to the wants of Spain France and some other adjoyning Countries for now it is found that the Earth and Seas add to the Inhabitants labour and pains as first the Seas and Rivers in their season afford them great plenty of Cod-fish Hake fish Pitchards Herrings and these of both the largest best and in abundance which they take kill and salt and so disperse as a Merchandise into France Spain England Scotland and other Countries Then the Earth yeilds them a good breed of Cattel especially Sheep and Oxen in such store that they have thereof in great abundance as also of Hides Woolls Tallow Butter Cheese and Beef and the Wool they by Manufactures convert into Cloth Mantles Ruggs Frises and Yarn whereof it is reported that there cometh yearly to the Town of Manchester in Lancashire to be there woven into Stuffs at least two hundred thousand weight fine and coarse besides which the bowels of the Earth yeild them Lead Iron and Tin and by their own industry they have many other Manufactures as also Pipe-staves Wax Honey Furs Hemp Linen Cloth Salt and some others all this considered what should want here to make them eminent Merchants but shipping and skill in the Art of Navigation and
virtue taste seeing or feeling and what he hath thus learned and gained to take order never to forget by committing the same to writing and therewith to note the signs and marks of the goodness and badness of all those Commodities that a man doth either deal in or would learn to know and to make this knowledge the more compleat to note down therewith all manner of charges incident thereto and that grow in that place upon the same with the ordinary price which there it doth commonly bear and hold and though these notes should either by haste or mis-information be at the first rude and undigested or though many should prove frivolous and to little purpose it matters not much the one sort may soon be better ordered and the other may as easily be rejected his better knowledge and a little consideration may amend both these defects my reason for the same is that the use and custom of noting in this manner will make a man especially young beginners more skilful and ready in this knowledge in a year than he that taketh only a bare idle and superficial view shall be in his whole life-time for it must needs be granted that it both perfecteth skill and helpeth memory which is the only means hereto and by graving deeper impressions in a man's mind inforce him will he nill he to a more considerate and judicious observation and marking thereof whenas he hath thus absolutely tied himself to a necessity of setting down every Commodity and each particular circumstance in this manner thereto belonging And this being as much as I think needful to insert concerning this point in general I will proceed to the next and last which is of Exchanges practised amongst Merchants in the Art of Merchandizing CAAP. X. Of Exchanges in general used by Merchants in this MAP of COMMERCE Exchanges in general practised by Merchants in the Map of Commerce THe next and last general point handled in this Map of Commerce is Exchanges which is observed to be the most mysterious part of the Art of Merchandizing and Traffique being not only necessary for the knowledge of all Merchants but also fit and useful for such as negotiate the publick affairs of Princes and for such as sit at the Stern and Government of the Common-wealth The necessity and commodiousness of Exchanges The necessity and commodiousness of these Exchanges in all Traffick is doubtless very great it having found in all Countreys hitherto such a general allowance and approbation and having for so many years stood uncontrouled and is still preserved in its pristine splendor and integrity shews evidently that at first the same was invented and devised to a most excellent use and end it being observed that as Money was devised and first invented of the best and purest Metals to avoid the chargeable and troublesome carriage of Commodities in Trade from one place to another so was Exchange of Moneys first also devised and found out to avoid the danger and adventure thereof and the chargeable and troublesome carriage of the same from one City or Countrey to another The excellency c. of a Bill of Exchange I conceive it will not be material for me in this place to reckon up the divers manner of Exchanges that have been of old in use and as yet are practised amongst Traders and Merchants throughout the World nor yet here insert the form of a Bill of Exchange which in it self is accounted so noble and excellent a specialty that it carries with it not only a kind of commanding power to pay but is accordingly observed satisfied and discharged though directed from the Servant to the Master Such a high esteem being ever had to the quality thereof that the proceedings and ceremonies used therein are both singular and extraordinary and are not subject to any prescription by Law or otherwise but subsisting meerly of a reverend custom used and solemnized in and about the same Neither yet will I here mention the formalities and peculiar rites and customs that are only found to appertain thereunto either in the punctual Presentment Intimation Acceptation Protest and Return that is requisite and necessary and thereto belonging for it is to be understood that he that doth take upon him the Title of a Merchant and intendeth to make use of this Map ought not to be ignorant in all the particular circumstances of place and time either of Presentment of Payment of due Protests in Default and therewith know the common Rules governing the Causes of rising the Signs of falling of the said Prices which I here willingly omit reserving the same to a more fit occasion in the end of this Tract The mystery of Exchanges reduced to prufitable principles I have noted then the first use of this Exchanging and the excellency thereof being preserved in times past in its true integrity and reality but those honest and innocent ends are vanished with those innocent and honest days of our fore-fathers for since Trade by a more general and universal Commerce and concurrency of Nations being grown to that height and perfection that now it is this fair and candid manner and use of Exchanging and the most excellent Commodities thereof is in part given over for the subtilty of these times hath made an Art and Mystery thereof which being reduced into heads and principles hath proved in many places so profitable and beneficial to the studious therein that it is now a received opinion that the excellency thereof exceeds the Art of Merchandizing it self and what inventions and sleights to inrich themselves their policies have brought to the view of the World I leave to the censure of Malines and others that have at large discoursed thereof and described the same But where the ancient custom of Exchanges is still preserved and maintained in its true and moderate use and the crafts and abuses thereof taken away and purged it then appears to be most excellent useful commodious and beneficial as well to Kingdoms and Cities in general as to private Traders and Merchants in particular All Coins brought into one by Exchanges I have observed before that all weights and measures should be to the Merchant as one and the self same weight and measure abating or allowing as the difference of the place requireth So by this knowledge of Exchanging should all Princes Coins be brought into one and the self-same quality and parity and be to him as one and the self same Coin for if the allay or Standard of one Prince's Moneys be finer or better than the Coins and Moneys used in that place where the Merchant resideth and his consequently coarser or baser the allowance given by exchange either in time in price or in both makes up that disparity and settles thus a parity between them in drawing down the one which is the finer or raising up the other which is the baser to an even scantling time and price giving the
of the place What Observations therein I have learned I must acknowledge due to the endeavours of a Venetian Merchant who much frequented these parts which is Commodities of Gasa the Commodities of this City are those proper of the Countrey and as the place partaketh as a confine Town of Aegypt and Judea so it must be understood that it doth participate of the Commodities for Merchandize proper to both of them as Cottons Cotton Yarn Silks some Drugs some Spices and the like Coins of Gasa The Coins here current I need not nominate neither yet the manner of keeping of Merchants Accounts here for as seated in the Dominions of the Grand Signior the Coins and Accounts are the same common with Constantinople and other parts of Turkey Weights of Gasa The Weight of Gasa is found to be only one composed of the Rotolo and 100 Rotolo's making their Cantar which Cantar by the said Observations make in Venetia 800 l. sotile and the 1000 l. gross in Venetia hath made here 191 Rot. and the 1000 l. sotile Venetia hath made here 125 Rotolo's But because I find a Countrey-man of our own to have made a differing Observation from this in the point of Weight which is that the Cantar of Gasa will make in London 536 l. Averdupois I will leave the Experiment to that hand that shall have cause to make a further trial CHAP. LXVI Of Tyrus and the ancient Trade thereof Of Tyrus and the ancient Trade thereof TYrus lieth also in this Tract or to say more properly and more truly did once lie in this Tract which for its great splendor in Traffick in times past deserveth here the commemoration thereof which I will insert as I find it noted by the Prophet Ezekiel in chap. 26. and 27. the greatness and amplitude of which Trade now ruin'd and altogether desolate serving for example to all eminent Cities of Traffick that the Merchants Inhabitants of those places forget not God the giver of that plenty and abundance nor yet abuse the same to their own destruction as is shewed there it was to the Tyrians Tyrus then in the height of its greatness is recorded â—o have a very great Trade and so large that it served for a general Mart to all the World and that all Nations were furnished with their Merchandize and Commodities thence which wonderfully inriched the City and increased the power of the Citizens so that she is there termed the strong and renowned City of the Sea and which was mightily inhabited by Sea-men and Merchants whose power and greatness in Navigation and Trade is described by many particulars in that Chapter as First That her Ship-Timber was of the Fir trees of Hermon-hill and the Masts thereof were of Cedar and brought from Lebanon and the Oars thereof were of the Oaks of Bashan the Sails thereof were fine imbroidered Linnen brought from Aegypt and the coverings or as Sea-men term it their awnings were of blew Silk and Purple brought from the Isles of Elishah their Mariners were the Inhabitants of Sidon and Arvad and their Ship-Masters and Pilots were the wisest of the City and their Carâ—enters Shipwrights and Calkers were the ancients of Gebal and the wise men thereof and all the Ships of the Sea with their Mâ—…iners negotiated in her in the Traffick of Merchandize Now those that traded hither and were the Merchants thereof and the Commodities for which they traded is also recorâ—ed there for the Merchants of Tarshish brought hither to the Fairs all rich Commodities as Siâ—ver Iron Tin Lead The Merchants of Graecia Italy and Cappadocia furâ—ished it with Slaves for labour and with all manner of vessels of Brass The Merchants of Togarmah brought hither to her Marts Horses and Mules for carriage The Merchants of Dedan brought Unicorns Horns and Elephants Teeth The Merchants of Aram brought to her Fairs Emerald Coral Pearls fine Linnen and Purple imbroidered Works The Merchants of Israel brought Honey Balm Oyl and Wheat The Merchants of Damasco brought Wines Woolls and multitude of other rich Wares The Merchants of Dan and Javan brought Iron-work Cassia Calamus The Merchants of Arabia furnished it with Cattel Of Sheba and Ramah with Spices and precious Stones and Gold And to conclude all the Nations of those Regions were accounted the Merchants that did traffick thither with all the riches of their several Countries and furnished the same with the best of their Sea-men and the principal of their Ships for Navigation but the Holy Prophet in lieu of their then greatness prophesied their future misery instead of their then riches prophesied their future poverty which is there recorded to have fallen deservedly upon this City and their Inhabitants for glorying in their own strength and opulence and for deriding of the holy City of Jerusalem by rejoycing at the visitation and fall which God had been pleased to afflict her withal so that many years past the said Prophesie hath been in her fulfilled as now we see it in these days to be for many Nations have risen up against it and the waves of the Seâ— have devoured it the riches thereof are robbed and the Merchandize thereof are spoiled the Nations that have known the splendor of it are risen up in astonishment at it the waten have covered it and in fine the same is brought to nothing and shall never hereafter have a being which is fully accomplished in every particular Therefore let each flourishing City of Trade and every Merchant exercising traffick take warning by their ruin and desolation and by their just and faithful dealing and upright conversation endeavour to divert the wrath of God from the Cities of their Habitations and having the sin of the Tyrians ever in remembrance they may thereby hope to avoid their Punishment Now as for the Country of Judea I find not that it affords any eminent City of Trade in these our days though otherwise it be famous in Scripture in times past both for the City of Bethleem where our Saviour Christ was born and where it was found the Innocents did suffe for him ere he suffered for them Jericho and also for the City of Jericho destroyed by the sounding of Rams horns Jerusalem and lastly for Jerusalem the City of the Lord built by Melchisedeck Prince and Priest of Salem in the Country of the Jebusites but since that time having been laid waste divers times and having again found new re-edifiers is now of little consequence Here wâ—… that most magnificent Temple built by Solomon and the famous Temple of the Sepulchre 〈◊〉 by Helena Daughter to Coilus a British King and Mother to Constantine the Great the ruines thereof is yet much resorted unto both by Protestants and Papists though for sundry ends which place affordeth now not any Trade to any Nation save to the Jews who farm of the Grand Signior this abovesaid Temple at 80000 Sultanies yearly and every Pilgrim or other Christian entring must pay 9
Sultanies to the said Farmers for admittance so that the posterity of those Jews make an an unrighteous gain and traffick by his death whom unrighteoush their Fore-fathers occasioned to die CHAP. LXVII Of Armenia and the Provinces and Cities thereof Armenia ARmenia hath on the East Media and the Caspian Sea on the West Euphrates and the Euxine Sea on the North Tartary on the South Mesopotamia the whâ—… Countrey is divided into three Provinces First Colchis Secondly Georgia Thirdly Tâ—comania Colchis Colchis lieth on the Euaeine Sea the Inhabitants thereof being Christians hence did Jason in the days of old steal the Golden Fleece Dioscuria and here is also seen the ruines of that famous City Dioscuria where by reason of the many Foreign Merchants from all Coâ—treys that here frequented three hundred Languages were commonly spoken and practised Georgia Neither can I find in Georgia earst called Iberia any City of Note for Trading Turcomania Tucomania being also as barren in this kind It is observed by sundry Authors that out of this Province is derived the Name and Original of the Turks who here had their off-spring and who within these three hundred years last past have made themselves potent by their Armies The Kingdoms under the Turk and to the ruine of many Kingdoms the present Grand Signior Sultan Amurath who in Anno 1623 at my being at Constantionople was proclaimed Emperour of that Natâ—… hath under his Dominions and Commands in chief as Sovereign of all these Countries First in Europe he hath Dacia Grecia all the Aegean Islands and Taurica Chersonesus in Asia he hath the Provinces before already described also Arabia Syria Media Mesopotamia Rhodes Cyprus and other Islands and Iastly in Africa he hath Aegypt and the Kingdom of Tâ—… and Argier and many others of lesser consequence And thus leaving Armenia my nert step is to Arabia which cometh now to be handled CHAP. LXVIII Of Arabia and the Provinces thereof Arabia ARabia is bounded on the East with the Persian Gulph on the West with the Red-Sea on the North with Mesopotamia and Palestina on the South with the Ocean the Inhabitahts are extreamly addicted to Thest this Trade being found to be the best part of their maintenance the Countrey is divided into three parts Arabia Deserta Peâ—…osa and Felix Deserta Arabia Deserta is the place where the people of Israel wandred for forty â—ears under the command of Moses Bolsora the most eminent City of this Province is Bolsora hereto by reason that it serveth for a through-fare from Arabia to Aleppo and Damascus sound a City of great concourse of many Merchants and which doth principally consist â—re upon the Commodities brought hither from other Countries as of India and other parts Arabia than of any found here to be transported into other Countries the further Trade treof by reason of my ignorance I omit This Country by reason of the thievish lives of the Inhabitants and the general barrenness at infertility thereof some Authors have observed in the course of their Trade and Merchdizing that the sandy Desarts are the Seas of the Arabian Merchants the wild Arabs the Pirates and their Camels their Ships usually carrying 600 pound for an ordinary burthe and so we find them do in the carriage of our Goods and Wares from Scanderone to Alâ—o and so back again a Camel's load being accounted ten Cloths Suffolk which by Statute wâ—h 640 l. which with the packing may be 700 l. or else two barrels or Chests of Tin found to incirca 600 l. and so in other commodities Petrosa Arabia Petrosa I find not any City of Trading Ezion Geber on the Coast of the Reâ—ea where Solomon's Navy kept station before the setting out and at their return from Oph was once a famous place and of great Traffick though now it lies buried in its own ruiâ—s Felix Avabia Felix Merchants should be better welcome were the Inhabitants so beneficial to â—eiâ— Traffick as their Commodities might be made for it is esteemed the richest and pleasantâ— part of all Arabia and indeed of all Asia abounding with Gold Pearls Balsam Myrrh Frarincense and many other precious Drugs Medina Talnabi and Mecha Hâ—… are those two notably noted Towns of Medina and Mecha the one the birth-place the other he burying place of Mahomet who in his younger years was a Merchant and in his elder a cunning Sophister where Christians are forbidden to enter lest they should â—ee as some Authors alledge the absurdities of the Mahometan Adoration of their great Prophet's Sepulore whose Body inclosed in an Iron Chest is said by an Adamant to be drawn up to the roof the Temple where it hangeth but herein many of them are and have been for a long time â—eceived for my self and other Merchants that have for some term of time resided in Turkâ— and specially in Constantinople know by experience that the Grand Signior doth yearly send Carpet or rather Tomb-cloth of green Velvet to cover the said Sepulchre the old being then taken away and accounted the Fees and vails of their Priests and Clergy-men that atten thereon who cut the same into several pieces and sell it to the Supersticious at extrem rates for precious reliques the Tomb it self being seated in a Temple built in Mecha of nogreat magnificence or beauty save the cost daily bestowed thereupon in Lamps of Silver and Gold wherein there is Balsam and other such rich Odours Ointments and Oils contiâ—ually burned and is seated on the firm ground and not in the Air as above is said and inclosod within an Iron-grate wherein some by favour are permitted to enter from some of whom I have had this relation as is by divers Turks that I have known and that have seen it and reported it to be so and no otherwise this large circuit of ground hath not afforded me muda matter of Trade worthy observation that hitherto hath come to my hands the most pertinent and eminent places are Mocha the Sea-Port of the said Mecha above-named and Aden both on the Red-Sea of the Trade whereof a word so far forth as I have gathered and then I will conclude CHAP. LXIX Of Mocha and the Trade thereof Mocha and the Trade thereof MOcha or Muchi as some name it is seated in the Red-Sea almost opposite to Zuachen that famous City of Trade on the African shore and serveth as the Port and Scale to Meâ—ha the birth-place of Mahomet the famous Prophet of these Country-men much here resâ—rted unto by Turks Moors Arabians and other Nations professing this superstitious Religion it is frequented by divers Merchants especially Arabians and Egyptians that take it in their way to Aden Ormus India or the like and also much frequented by Mahoâ—etan Pilgrims who in blind devotion come this way to Mecha to pay their Vows to their ungodly Patron Coins in Mocha It is subject to the Grand
set at liberty and he straight flieth home to his mate when by degrees they are thus perfectly taught the Carriers and Merchants on any accident fasten a Letter about one of their Necks and they being freed without any stay hasten to the place from whence they were brought and such as at home do watch their return climb their hole and take away their Letter are certified of the mind of their friends or any other tydings after a very speedy manner Commodities of Babylon The Commodities of this place are the common Commodities before nominated in Aleppo Coins of Babylon and their Coins current are the same that are found throughout Turkey as subject to one and the same Soveraign but the Coins of Persia are found here likewise to pass current for their value and so doth also their Gold without exception it being a received custom in Trade That frontier Towns of Trade admit the Coins of the bordering Inhabitants and Regions Weights of Babylon The weights of Babylon known amongst us is the Dram Mitigal Rotolo and Cantar Their Rotolo hath been observed to make 1 l. 10 ounces English and our 112 l. English hath made here 68 Rotolo's Their measure in length common in this place is the Pico found to be by trial about 27 inches English To conclude this Countreys Relation from hence came the three Wise men called of the East who worshipped Christ and presented him with gifts and the Inhabitants hereof are said to be the first inventers of Astronomy and Astrology and therefore hence have all such the title of Childeans and for other matter of Trade here is only found the famous Town of Mosull situated on the River Euphrates abounding with the Forests of Galls so much required and requested by divers throughout the World and now to MEDIA CHAP. LXXIII Of Media and the Provinces thereof Media and the Cities thereof MEdia is limited on the East with Parthia on the West with Armenia on the South with Persia on the North with the Caspian Sea being absolutely the greatest Sea of all others that hath no Commerce with the Ocean by some called the Hircanian Sea and by some the Sea Bacchu of a Town of that name thereon bordering Sultania The chief Cities of this Countrey are Sultania famous for the fair Mosque in the East Sumachia the strongest of all the rest taken by the Turks in Anno 1578 and now the seat of 2 Turkish Bashaw Ere 's Ardovile Shervan Bacchu and some others Tauris and lastly the most eminent Tauris of the trade hereof see hereafter Likewise in this Tract is comprehended the Province of Albania now Zairia little beholding to the industry or labour of the Husbandman yet of its own accord yielding for once sowing most times two and sometimes there reapings Derbent the chief City is Caucasiae Portae built hard upon the Hill Caucasus one of the best fortified Towns of the East now called Derbent a strong City invironed with two walls and fortified with Iron Gates yet nevertheless taken it was by the Grand Signior in his last wars against the Persians under whose command it now remaineth being now accounted one of the Keys of this Kingdom and the common entrance into Persia and lastly in this Countrey Phidon an Argive in Anno Mundi 3146. is said to find out the use of weights and measures which knowledge and concordance by this Tract I covet to obtain The weights of Derbent is the Moâ—e which is 3 l. 11 ounces Venice sotile And to conclude a word of the Trade of this Countrey in the general I find that the Moscovia Company were the first that sought the knowledge thereof in these parts for upon their discovery of Moscovia they traded down the River Volga to Astracan and thence in Barks sailed with their English Commodities to Bacchu Derbent and other places on the Caspian Sea and since some of the East-India Company have more narrowly traced it and have observed the same more particularly the principal Commodities proceeding hence is the raw Silk made at Gilan Zahaspa Rastiguan Chiulfal and others now known unto us by the name of Persia Ardasse and Lege Silks and from this last the dealers in Silk here are throughout Asia commonly termed Chiulfallins CHAP. LXXIV Of Tauris and the Trade thereof Tauris and the Trade thereof TAuris is the Metropolis of Media and the Summer seat of the Persian Sophies containing 16 miles in compass and including 100 thousand Inhabitants it hath within late years been three times conquered by the Turks and hath as often again returned to the Persians under whom now it resteth first by Selimus then by Solyman the Magnificent and lastly by Osman General to Amurath the third it is now in the possession of the Persian and strongly fortified and seated in a cold yet wholsome Countrey the Inhabitants more addicted to making of Silk than to the Sword distant six days journey from the Caspian Sea and indeed incompassed by several great Towns of note whose manual labours are famoused over the World as first Ere 's whence came the fine Silk called the Mamodean now out of use Gilan and Bilan the Gilan abounding with Lege Silk Sumachia Sumachia abounding in excellent Carpets whereto the people wholly addict themselves Arasse then Arasse the most eminent and opulent City in the Trade of Merchandize throughout all Servania partly by the abundant growth of Silk there nourished and hence called Arasse vulgarly Ardasse 2000 sums yearly going hence to Aleppo in Syria and partly by the growth thereof Galls Cottons Wooll Allom some Spices Drugs and sundry other Commodities so that to make this place the happy Scale of Merchandize Nature having plaid heâ— part there wanteth only peace between the Kings of Persia and Turkie which at present is denied them the further manner of Trade of that place I am constrained for want of due information to omit and refer what I have thereof collected to Persia CHAP. LXXV Of Persia and the Provinces thereof Persia and the Provinces thereof PErsia is bounded on the East with the River Indus on the West with Tygris and the Persian Gulph on the North with the Caspian Sea and the River Oxus and on the South with the main Ocean the People are much addicted to Hospitality and Poetry in their Complements Lordly in their Apparel phantastical in their Expences magnificent and in their Lives lovers of Learning Nobility and Peace This Empire containeth these several Provinces 1 Persis 2 Susiana 3 Caramania 4 Gedrosia 5 Drangiania 6 Arica 7 Arachosia 8 Parapomisus 9 Saccha 10 Hircania 11 Ormus Of all which in brief and no further than may concern my present purpose Persis Far. In Persis now called Far having the Gulph of Persia to the South limit Caramania for the East Susiana for the West and Media for the North was seated Persepolis the ancient Seat of this Empire
indeed the worst sort they call Aia of Cambaia and thus the price being by the men set thereon according to their sorts goodness and greatness there are Merchants of every Countrey which are ready with their Moneys in their hands to buy them so that in few days all the said parcels are bought up according to the said prices set upon them altering according to the carract beauty and shape thereof And this is the manner of the fishing and dispersing of the Pearls throughout India and thence through the World so far forth as I thought good to insert the same in this place CHAP. XCII Of the Trade in general practised alongst the Coast of India The general Trade of the Coast of India THE Coast of India known in these Regions is only so accounted from the Islands called las Vachas or from the Town of Daman to the Cape of Comarin not above 200 miles in length wherein besides the Metropolis Goa are found sundry others in subjection to the Crown of Portugal as first Daman to the North of Goa then Basain then Chaul Dabul and then Goa and to the South-ward which some call the Coast of Malabar they hold Romes Onor Barselor Mangalor Cananor Calicut Craganor Cochin Coulon and Cape de Comeri which is accounted the last end of the Coast of Malabar and India For the better understanding the Trade of these Sea ports it will be needful I should somewhat more particularly survey the same Daman Basasen Chaul First then It is to be understood that the Northern part of this Coast is held the wholesome and purest Air for habitation the principal places being Daman Basasen and Chaul which are found in themselves to have good Havens whereto great Traffick is maintained throughout India the Countrey hereabouts abounding in Rice Pease and other grains Butter and Oyl of Nuts also Cotton Cloth great quantity especially Baroches taking the name from a City of this Coast and in Chaul is found very great concourse of Merchants and Traffick to Ormus Cambaia Sinde Masquate Bengala having therein many rich Merchants and Ships of great burthen and here is also made divers kinds of Silk Stuffs as Grograms Sattim Taffata's and such like in such abundance that India and all other places bordering are served therewith and beholding thereto which brings a great Trade to the said City of Chaul for they bring in the raw Silk of China and being here spun woven and wrought carry it out again and distribute it throughout India and the neighbouring Countries here also they make fair and excellent wrought Bedsteds Boxes Desks Stools and other wooden Arts which bring them great profit and make this place famous throughout these parts Coast of Malabar and the Trade thereof As for the Coast of Malabar Onor is of good esteem where there is a great quantity of Pepper yearly laden by the Portugal's Factors accounted the best and fullest Berry in all India the Countrey hereabouts belonging to a Queen rich in Pepper who selleth the said Commodity only to the Portugals but receiveth her money six months beforehand and at the season delivereth the said contracted Pepper which by the Portugals is housed in their Fort which by her leave they have here built till their shipping come to fetch it away which is commonly but once a year Cananor Cananor is held the best Fort they have upon all this Coast and doth abound with Rice and Pepper and near the Fort is a fair Town which is plentifully stored with all the Commodities of this Coast and Shore especially abounding in all manner of Victuals and provision and Masts for Ships of all sizes and sorts Calicut Calicut was once the most famous Town of Trade of all this shore and gave name not only to the sorts of Pepper that here grow but also to that sort or Cotton Cloth that was first hence transported for Europe but the Emperour the then Sovereign Cochin being Enemy to the King of Cochin with whom the Portugals at their first arrival here sided and prospered by that means overthrew the great Traffick of Calicut and advanced the Traffick of Cochin whose Sovereign by means of the Trade is now become a mighty and rich Prince in this Countrey the City of Cochin it self thereby so inlarged inriched and so well inhabited by Portugals who are in part the new Masters by native Malabars and other Nations and seated upon a pleasant River and enjoying the commodity of a good Channel and Haven that it is accounted in these parts for Trade and concourse of Merchants the only second to Goa here is laden yearly great quantity of Pepper and a course sort of Cinnamon vulgarly called de Matte nothing comparable to Cinnamon of Zelan accounted the best and hither come all the Portugal Ships to lade homewards after that they have unladen their European Commodities in Goa which adds much to the Trade of this City Two Commodities hither imported do much inrich this place 1. The great store of Silk that cometh hither raw from China to be wrought and next the great store of Sugar that cometh from Bengala to be spent for which the married Citizens are found to pay no custom to the King of Cochin though for all others they pay 4 per cent but the stranger and unmarried pay at Cochin nothing to the King but to the Portugal 8 per cent The manner of the farming the Pepper in India by the Portugals And because this great Traffick for Pepper is only peculiar to some private Merchants or Farmers authorised by the Kings of Spain it will not be unproper I should here relate the manner thereof It is to be understood then that the Kings of Portugal the first European Traders into these parts in all their Navigations and Discoveries ever added the benefit of Commerce towards the supportation of the expences of their Conquests and having here built for conveniency of Trade and protection of their Merchants and Subjects many Fortresses and Castles they ever so settled them that the commodiousness of the Haven Port or Harbour joyned to the native Commodities of the place might add means and fair inducements to make by Traffick their conquests profitable This Coast then being found to abound with Pepper a principal Commodity then requested in Europe designed it to be converted to his peculiar profit by all the provident ways of a circumspect Merchant Chi crâ—po abrazia poca stringe but Princes that will imbrace all sometimes grasp but a little for the same could not be so profitably contrived considering the distance of way length of time and trust to be committed to Factors Captains of Forts and others but he found himself to come far short of his expectation in this point whereupon he was advised to let out the same to Farm and contracted it at certain conditions to certain great and eminent Merchants who should stand in his place strongly and
great Nations but my Ignorance herein doth silence me Therefore it shall content me to have surveyed it in the general and to have left behind me what Observations I have been able to collect of the Traffick and Traders of those vast and large Territories and Countries knowing that their strange Customs and the manner of their Laws and Government debar all easie access into their Dominions and what others must not dare to see I must not dare to offer to recount To conclude then having thus run over and surveyed the general Commerce and Traffick of ASIA I will now turn my self towards EUROPE the last division of the World and of this Work and as the best known to us and the best reputed of us OF EUROPE AND THE Provinces and Cities of Trade THEREOF CHAP. CX Of EUROPE the last Division of the World here handled and the Kingdoms thereof Europe 15 parts EUROPE which I have willingly omitted as last and principal cometh now to be surveyed that the Trade thereof may the better appear in her particular Provinces and Cities should be in prerogative of worth the chief and first but following the custom of Merchants I shew the best last and the worst first Europe then is divided into these Provinces and Islands 1 Spain 2 France 3 Italy 4 Belgia 5 Germany 6 Denmark 7 Norway 8 Sweden 9 Muscovia 10 Poland 11 Hungary 12 Dacia 13 Slavonia 14 Graecia The Islands of Europe are dispersed through these Seas 1 Greek Seas 2 Egean Seas 3 Cretan Seas 4 Ionian Seas 5 Adriatick Seas 6 Mediterranean Seas 7 British Seas 8 Northern Seas Of all which in order and of each of these Divisions in order CHAP. CXI Of SPAIN and the Cities thereof Spain SPAIN the most Western Continent of Europe is invironed on all sides with the Seas except towards France from which it is separated by the Pyrenaean Mountains and the Fortress of Pampelona on the North-west and Perpignan on the South-east Commodities of Spain The Commodities that this Countrey yields for Merchandise are Wines Sugars Oils Metals Liquorish Rice Silks Wooll Cork Rosin Steel Oranges Limons Raisins Almonds c. Anniseeds Anchoves Soda Barillia Figs Tunny-fish Iron Shumack Saffron Soap Coriander Hony Wax c. Spain is found at this day to be divided into twelve Provinces which formerly were petty Kingdoms viz. 1. Leon Oviedo 2. Navarre 3. Corduba 4. Gallicia 5. Biscay 6. Toledo 7. Murâ—ia 8. Castile 9. Portugal 10 Valentia 11. Catalonia 12. Aragon Of which in order with their Cities of note and traffick Leon 1. Oviedo 2. In Leon and Oviedo I find no City of Trade memorable the City of Leon being the principal and is the Principality belonging to the Princes of Spain under the name of Asturiaâ— Navarra 2. In Navarre is of note the City of Pampelona famous for her Fortification and not for her Negotiation Corduba 4. Corduba is accounted the most fertile soil of all Spain and hath Corduba for a principal City from whence cometh that excellent Cordovant Leather known to us 2. Marchena a principal breeder of the best Genets in Spain also 3. Medina Sidonia whose Duke was principal Commander of that pretended Invincible Armado 1588. Also Lucardi Barameda a great Haven-town Xeres which yields the Wines known Sherry Sacks because the Spaniards are found to pronounce x as sh in English and also Sevil which requireth according to my Method for her worth and eminency of Trade a Chapter by it self CHAP. XCIII Of SEVIL and the Trade thereof SEVIL is accounted the fairest City of all Spain in compass six miles invironed with beautiful Walls and adorned with many stately buildings as Palaces Churches and Monasteries one whereof is endowed with 25000 Crowns annual rent The River Baetis divides it into two parts yet joyned by a stately Bridge from hence the Spaniards set out towards the Western India and hither return again to unlade the riches of those Western parts of the World which principally are found to be Silver Tobacco Ginger Cottons Sugars Brasil and Ferinand Bucquewood and some Drugs Here is 30000 Geneâ—s maintained continually for the King of Spain his service and the Trade of this place is of that greatness that some are of opinion the Customs of this Town only is worth unto the King half a million of Gold yearly and the Archbishop of Sevil is held so rich that his rent amounts to 100000 Crowns yearly and hath under his Jurisdiction 2000 small Villages and consequently in his whole Diocese 2000 Benefices besides Frieries Nunneries and Hospitals and esteemed the next in degree to him of Toledo The rarities of this place I willingly omit as well known to out Nation Accounts kept in Sevil and Madera In Sevil Madera c. the Merchants keep their Accounts by Marvedies of which 375 are esteemed to make a Ducate of Exx o 11 Rials every Rial being 37 Mal. and so is but 374 Mal. But our English there resident keep their Accounts in Rials of 34. Mal. the Rial Coins of Sevil Their current monies are these A Ducate of Gold of Sevil is worth 375 Marvedies accounted 5 s. 6 d. sterl A Rial of Castile is worth in Sevil 34 Marvedies and is so worth throughout all Spain which is accounted 6 d. sterling money A Dobra current is worth of Carlin money â—1 â—7 Marvedies every 1000 Dobras are 80 V. 883 Marvedies and is accounted in Merchandise 71 Mar. and is worth in Valentia at even hand 4 Sold. 7. Den. 1 10 of Valentia money without charges of Exch. A Dobra of Castile is worth 375 Marvedies or is above a Ducate of Gold A Castilian of Merchandize is worth 485 Marvedies about 7 s. ster Vide monies in Castile current in all Spain Exchanges in Sevil. Their Exx o are made upon the imaginary Ducate of 375 Mar. payable in Banco with five per centum which is the Banco's salary or without the Banco to be paid without the same and this Ducate is commonly termed Ducato de Oro or de Peso and is worth as above 375 Marvedies In Sevil they make their payments as following if you say in Ducate di Oro oâ— de Castilia upon Banco those are then paid in Banco without loss at all but if you say to be paid in so many Ducates Doro in Pistolets forth of Banco they will pay in the said money but if it be said to pay in Carlins it will cost ½ and sometime ¾ per centum loss But because I have at large in the Tract of Exchanges in the Chapters 294 and 426 treated of the Exchange of this place therefore I will to avoid repetition refer the Reader thereunto for further and ampler satisfaction Weights of Sevil. There is used in Sevil three Weights or Kintars As first the smaller which comprehends 112 l. of four Roves of 28 pound a Rove The next is of 120 l. of four Roves of 30 l. to a Rove The
Salm of Sicilia Sesterces 10½ of Arles is in Florence one Moggio And as for the Tomilo of Naples I find this Observation in the agreement thereof 36 Tomolos of Naples which is 1 Carr have made in Venice 22½ Stai Istria 22¾  Segnia 68¾ Quart In all Dalmatia 22¼ Stai Ragusa 19¼  Catarro 22½  Fermo Marca 9 â— 1 Somo Corfu 14¾ Mosa Candia 97 Mesn Canea 14¼ Moza Alexandria 7 Rob. Tripoli Barbaria 5  Cassise and 3 Jubes   Zerbe 5¼ Caf. Millan 3 Mos Parma 45½ Sta. Modena 26  Rimene 10â…™  Cesena 13  Ravenna 34  Forli 21½  Ferrara 62½  Mantua 56½  Bollonia 24¾ Corbe Florence 80 Stai Genoua 16½ Mine Padua 34â…œ Stai Treviso 20â…ž  Vicentia 34â…›  Verona 50 Min. Bressia 12½ Som. Bergamo 19 Stai Cremona 11â…œ Som. Mirandela 26 Stai For other particulars of these Measures I have observed the same in such other place as my Collections permitted As for the Exchanges of Florence which are here found daily practised for great Sums I refer the particulars thereof to the 282 and 400 Chapters of this Tract with all the Circumstances thereunto belonging and therefore hence come to Pisa the second City of Trade in Tuscany CHAP. CLXII Of Pisa and the Trade thereof THE Second Part of the Great Duke's Dominions is the City and Territory of Pisa bounded on the South by the Sea-Coast on the East by Siena and on the West by the Genoese The Pisans were in former times very considerable having under them the Islands of Corsica Sardinia and the Baleares and did at once War with the Venetians and Genoese they were at last conquered by the Duke of Millan and the Duke of Genoa the first taking the City of Pisa and sold it to the Florentines about the year 1410. and the latter seized upon the Town of Leghorn and sold it to the same Customers for 120000 Ducats about the same time These two being the only places of Trade within this Territory worthy taking notice of and chiefly the Town of Leghorn But first of the City of Pisa Pisa and the Trade thereof Pisa is the second City in the Dukedom of Tuscany seated in the entrance of the River Arâ—… into the Sea which cometh down from Florence and watereth the Walls thereof Here is the Custom-house placed by the Florentine for all Goods that are landed at Leghorn and enter into his Country or laden in Florence and going this way out of his Country so that though Leghorn be free of all Customs yet the Duke losing little thereby save what the Town it self can vent which is but small for it is but as a Scale and Port-Town to this City and the rest of his Territories Here is also kept his Principal Courts of Justice and the Knights of Saint Stephen have here their Alberge thereby keeping his Subjects from going to Malta to be there enrolled the Duke by these means using his best Art to make this City to have some splendour which by the strict subjection of the Inhabitants the City otherwise is wholly deprived of Those goodly Buildings which it yet sheweth testifies its ancient Magnificence and many things Anno 1619. I observed therein of Note though improper to the subject which bears in many places the Relicks of that Greatness it once had by its Command over divers Provinces and the Wars it maintained for a long time together against both the Venetians and Genoese but to my Business Weights The Moneys Weights and Measures and Accounts of Florence are here only in use and therefore I shall not need to reiterate Measures Only the Corn Measure is a Sacco which is 3 Staios of Florence The Wine Measure is a Barrel Cornuto which is 1½ Bar. Florence so that 7 Bar. Cornuto is 10½ Bar. in Florence which is in Candia 45 Mistate and makes in Naples Cogno 1 which 1 1½ But. For Custom of the place this hath been observed that a Bag of Pepper from landing at Leghorn to the dispatch in the Custom-House here is about a Crown of Gold per Bale and Herrings English have Charges from the arrival at Leghorn until dispatched in the Custom-House of Pisa 15 Sold of Gold the Bar. of 4000 Herrings and the like for other Commodities in general The Customs of this place is ordinarily 4 Cratches per Liver CHAP. CLXIII Of Siena and the Trade thereof THE third Part of the Great Duke's Dominions is the City and Territory of Siena sitâ—ated between the Lands of the Church and the Territory of Pisa They were sometimes under the Command of the Emperour then a free Commonwealth and after that under the Spaniards then in the hands of the French and again in possession of the Spaniards by whom it was made over unto Cosmi Duke of Florence all but the Port-Towns which he thought good to keep in his own possession about the year 1558. whose Successors have been since very careful in keeping thereof as a place of great Concernment beside they being a good addition to the Greatness and Strength of his Territories and once looked on a rival to Florence it self in the Government of Tuscany The chief and only place of Trade within that part of this Territory under the great Duke is the City of Siena of which briefly followeth Siena and the Trade thereof This City hath been of more note and greater consequence in times past but falling under the command of the Florentine they deprived them of all their Trade and ancient glory it is an Inland-Town adorned with beautiful both Publick and Private Buildings their great Church hath the Monuments reserved of all the Popes and of our famous Country-man Sir John Hawkwood who did the Florentine such good and valiant service that they have here honoured his memory with a stately Monument here is observed to be spoken the best Tuscan Language in Italy and further I could not note material Anno 1619. Accompts here and the Monies Current are the same as in Florence Weights in Siena In Siena they have two Quintals the one of 100 l. wherewith all fine Goods are weighed being incirca 3 per cent less than 100 l. of Florence The other is for Woolls and some gross Commodities which containeth 150 l. of the former 100. Measures in Siena The Braces and Measures agree with Florence formerly mentioned other Notes of Trade in this Dukedom I have not met withal therefore will pass hence to the Dukedom of Millan and will omit the rest to Legorn the only Sea-Port of note belonging hereunto The Port-Towns within the Territory of Siena are 1. Plombino 2. Port Tellamon 3. Orbitelo 4. Monte Argentoriana 5. Porta Herculis 6. Porta Longone These are only worth taking notice of for Trading The fourth and last part of the Great Duke's Dominions are the Islands in the Tuscan or Tyrrhenian Seas 1. Elba 2. Giglio 3. Capraria 4. Galienaria 5. Gorgona 6. Troja
Standard likewise is their Yard or Ell according to the Standard by Law Their Measure is a Bushel for all Grain and Salt to be measured imported containing 28 Gallons water-measure their ancient standing measure The places for venting these Commodities are in the Straights Spain France and other foreign parts beyond the Seas The prices are commonly on Pilchards 7 8 or 9 s. per thousand 30 35 or 45 s. per Hogshead The Measures used in the publick Market for Corn are a Bushel containing 20 Gallons the half Bushel 10 Gallons the Peek 5 Gallons the Gallon agrees with the Winchester Gallon Salt is sold in the publick Market by the Gallon and it is a good Country for victualling of Ships The quantity of Shipping or Barks belonging to the place are but few and in number seven they were many more but are taken and lost The Burthen of these are from 60 tuns to 20 Tuns divers other Vessels of forein parts do frequent the Road yearly and Port likewise The Trade they drive with forein Nations are the Commodities formerly expressed out of this Port exported with great quantities of Tin which this Country round about us affords and that the best in England which we usually export The Commodities imported or usually expended on the place or parts adjacent are great quantities of Salt at least 10000 bushels of Salt yearly with all other sorts of Commodities being small quantities The manner of taking Pilchards and Herrings is by Nets the other Fish by Hooks they likewise use great quantity of Netting and Rope yearly for their Fishing craft which cost them great Sums of Money The Season for taking of Pilchards is between the first day of July and the first of January following The Herrings they take from Michaelmas to Christmas following The other Fish are taken in the Summer The quantity of Boats belonging to the place are about 60 the Men a great number imployed to Sea in Ships and at least four hundred Men all the Fishing-season are imployed about the Pilchard-catching and Herring-fishing And for the better encouragement of Trade there might be a Mould erected from the Castle whereon the Colours stand in the Map towards the Church which hath been profer'd to be done for 3000 l. which if done would be the preservation of many thousand pounds per Annon and many Mens Lives who by extremity of Weather and contrary Wind are forced this side the Lands-end having no place else to preserve themselves unless they can get the Harbour of Milford which is 32 Leagues from this place being the only place on this North side for preservation of Ships General Blake when he beleaguer'd the Island of Scilly which lies 13 Leagues from this place was put off by a Storm from the Island of Scilly with his Fleet which came into this Road and here anchor'd with his Fleet till the Storm was over which continued five days in Safety it is a good Road and with good Ground-tackle a Ship may safely ride with all Weather This Bay is from the Lands-end 5 Leagues and from the Lands-end to Scilly is 8 Leagues The Inhabitants of this place are poor and have often made it their Request to have a Mould erected for the greater Safety of Ships that come here But by reason of the late Troubles and through the negligence of such as were intrusted for the prosecuting thereof it has been neglected which if erected Ships of 300 tuns might be secured within the Mould at any time and then it would be one of the best dry Peers in England Devon 2. The second is Devonshire no less rich in Veins of Tin and withal beautified with many more Towns and good Havens than the former Exon being the principal Town and an Inland City but Datmouth and Plimouth the best Havens this last being from a poor fishing Village become a fair Town by reason of the Castle and Commodiousness of the Haven and the rather it is to be mentioned as giving birth to Sir Fruncis Droke Kt. who in our Fathers days accomplished so many notable Exploits at Sea and was the chief Glory of that Age for Navigation Dorset 3. The third is Dorsetshire Dorchester being the chief Town and Weymouth the chief Haven Somerset 4. Somersetshire is the fourth happy in the fruitful Soil rich Pastures Multitude of Inhabitants and Commodiousness of Havens the chief Towns are Bridgwater next Bath famous for those medicinal Baths there found and lastly Bristol incompassed with a double Wall feateâ— on the River Severn beautified with many fair private and publick Buildings and next to London and York it is preferred to all other Cities of England but in Amplitude of Traffick Shipping and Eminence of Merchants next to London it self and else in my opinion second to none Of Taunton The Town of Taunton being a Corporation governed by a Mayor and 24 of the Society is situate in a very fruitful Valley between 2 Hills one of the Hills is 4 miles off the Town on the South the other 2 miles distant from the Town on the North. In the Town are 2 Parish Churches St Mary Magdalen and St. James and in these Parishes are 700 Dwelling-house and upward being fully inhabited and very populous through which Parishes runneth a great River of Fresh-water called Tone into which run divers small Rivulets before it comes to the Town this Town is incompassed round within 5 miles with 32 Parishes which are very populous Market-towns near it are Bridgwater a Haven Market-town 7 milâ—s off Chard a Market-town 8 miles Wellington a Market-town 5 miles Stoy a Market town 9 miles Wilvescome a Market-town 7 miles Ilminster a Market-town 8 miles from this Town In the Town there are 32 Mercers and Drapers also Smiths Shoe-makers Wool combers Weavers Fullers Goldsmiths and Taylors with others of manual Occupations of which there are a considerable Number the chiefest Commodities that it affords for Merchandize being at present mixt Serges and white Serges in the Town and places adjacent made of clean Wool out of which are sent to London and other places every week 700 pieces and upward the Town was furnish'd with Wool in former times from Ireland but now little comes from thence by reason of the Wars but at this instant what this fruitful Valley being full of Pasture doth not afford is supplied with Wool from the North viz. Buckingham Oxford Warwick and Leicester shires Besides here is made a sort of Bays called Taunton Bays for making of which Serges and Bays aforesaid are kept at work weekly 8500. The Yard Ell and Bushel are according to the Standard and Measure of Winchester The Measure in the Market for Corn is the Peck 4 Pecks to the Bushel which is 8 Gallons agreeing with Winchester In the Town is no Port but 17 miles from the Town North is a Port called Minhead with a sure Key where may ride 30 Ships of 60 Tuns and downward also another Port 12 miles
Exchanges of Rome with Genoa Exchanges of Rome with Genoa ROme exchangeth with Genoa and giveth posito Crowns 101 of Gold of Estampe to have iâ— the said place Crowns 100 of Gold of Italy I demand for Crowns 4000. 10. of Gold of Estampe what Credit shall Rome have at Genoa You must first reduce the said Crowns of Estampe into Crowns of Gold of Italy at the rate of Crowns 100 of Estampe for Crowns 102½ of Gold and therefore you must multiply by 102½ in cutting the two last figures the which you must multiply by 20 and by 12 and they will make Crowns 4100. 10. 3. of Gold of Italy then say by the Rule of Three If 101 Cro. give 100 Crowns what shall 4100 Crowns 10. 3 give And it will come to Crowns 4059. 18. 3 of Gold in Gold of Italy and for to reduce them into Livers you must multiply them by Livers 4 3 2 the value of a Crown of Gold and in so doing it will come to l. 18269. 12. 1 current money that Rome shall have Credit in Genoa for the said Crowes of Estampe as for Example Proof The proof of the said rule is more apparently demonstrated when Genoa doth Exchange this parcel back with Rome CHAP. CCCXXXIV Of the Exchanges of Rome with Palermo or Mesina Exchanges of Rome with Paelermo and Mesina ROme Exchangeth with Palermo or Mesina and giveth 1 Crown of Gold of Estampe to have in one of the two said places posito Carl. 29â…• I would know then for Crowns 4000. 10. 6 what Credit in Ounces shall Rome have in Palermo or Mesina To do which you must multiply the said Crowns by 29â…“ and the Product will be Carlins 117348. 7. 2. the which must be reduced into Ounces by cutting the last sigure and by taking the â…™ of the rest and the 48 remaining are Caâ—lins of which take the ½ and they shall be Taries and in this working it will make Ounces 1955 Taries 24 Grains 7 and Picolies 2 which Rome must have Credit for in one of the aforesaid places for the above-mentioned Crowns of Estempe as is apparent by the following Example Proof The proof of this account is seen when Palermo or Mesina shall exchange back with Rome CHAP. CCCXXXV Of the Exchanges of Rome with Antwerp Exchanges of Rome with Antwerp ROme Exchangeth with Antwerp and giveth one Crown to have in the said City of Antwerp posito 114 gross I demand then for Crowns 2000. 17. 8 how many pounds in gross or gresses shall Rome have Credit in Antwerp To do this you must multiply the said sum of Crowns by 114 and of the Product will come grosses 228100 the which reduced into Pounds Flemish will make l. 950. 8. 4. and for so much shall Rome have Credit in the said City of Antwerp as for Example Proof The Proof of this account is demonstrated when this parcel is Exchanged back from Antwerp to Rome And Note That when Rome shall Exchange with Frankfort Amsterdam or any other part of the Netherlands the account is made as in the abovesaid manner of Rome with Antwerp CHAP. CCCXXXVI Of the Exchanges of Rome with London Exchanges of Rome with London ROme Exchangeth with London and giveth one Crown there to have in the said City posito 65 pence sterling I demand then for Crowns 4000. 14. 8. of Estamp how many pouads sterling shall Rome have Credit in London which must be wrought as in the precedent account of Rome with Antwerp and it will be found that it will amount unto 1083. 10. 8. den which lought to have in the said City of London for the said sum of Crowns of Estamp as may appear by the Example following Proof The Proof of this Rule will more evidently appear when the sum of 1083 l. 10 s. 8¼ den Sterl is remitted from London to Rome which I hope is not in these days used in England CHAP. CCCXXXVII Of the Exchanges of Rome with the Cities of Valentia Saragosa or Barselona Exchanges of Rome with Valentia Saragosa and Barcelona ROme doth exchange with Valentia Saragosa and Barselona and giveth 1 Crown of Estamâ—… to have in one of the said places Sols posito 25. den 6. I demand then for Crowns 6000 14. 4. of Estampe what Credit shall Rome have in one of the said places To know which you must multiply the said sum of Crowns of Estampe by l. 1. 5. 6. and they will make l. 7650. 18. 3 d. which Rome shall have in Credit in one of the said places for the said sum of Crowns of Estampe as shall appear by this Example Proof The Proof this Rule is best seen when this sum shall be remitted back from these Cities to Rome and because that the Calculation to all these three places is made in one and the same manner I have put them thus together the price only giving the alteration in Exchange more or less in each City CHAP. CCCXXXVIII Of the Exchanges of Rome with Sevil. Exchanges of Rome with Sevil ROme Exchangeth with Sevil and giveth 1 Crown of Estampe to have in Sevil posito 456 Marvedes I demand then for 400 Crowns of Estampe how many Marvedes shall Roâ—… have in Sevil To do which you must multiply the said sum of Crowns of Estampe by 456 Mâ—…evedes and they make 182400 which Rome must have Credit in the said Place And it is hereto be noted That throughout all Castilia the Exchanges are made in the same manner as at Sevâ—l and they likewise keep their accounts in the denomination of Marvedes and when as they amount to a million they term it in Spanish a Quintos Proof At Alcala and other places in Spain the Account is as above made and the further Proof thereof is seen when that Sevil shall Exchange with Rome CHAP. CCCXXXIX Of the Exchanges of Rome with Lisbon Exchanges of Rome with Lisbon ROme doth Exchange with Lisbon and delivereth one Crown of Estampe to have in the said place posito 513 Raes I demand what Credit in Raes shall Rome have in Lisbon for 325 Crowns 9. 6. d. this question is to be wrought as in the precedent account is shewed and it 〈◊〉 appear that Rome shall have Credit in Lisbon for Raes 166968 as shall be seen by the worâ—ing thereof following Proof The proof of this Account is apparent when that Lisbon shall Exchange back Raes 166968 with Rome at 513 Raes per Ducat CHAP. CCCXL Of the Terms of Payment of Bills of Exchange in Rome Terms of payment of Bills of Exchange in Rome From Rome the Terms are To Naples at 8 days sight and from thence back at 10 days To Bruges and Antwerp at 8 days sight To Palermo at 15 days sight and from thence back at 10 days To Florence at 10 days sight and so back To Venice at 10 days sight and so back To Avignon at 45 days sight and thence at 10