or otherwise Secondly by reason that the King of Portugal having discovered the East-Indies in Anno 1500 and diverted the course of Trade driven by the Venetians from Alexandria and the Red-Sea to his Port of Lisbon kept here his Factors and sent hither those Indian Commodities to seek their vent and this first drew the English Merchant-Adventurers from Bruges hither to reside The third was the Wars that fell between the French and Charles the Fifth which brought hither many Gentlemen from Villages and petty Towns for safety sake here to reside and build Now as the causes of her rising have been noted to be three so the causes of the loss of that Trade may be reduced also to three First the Wars here and in general in these Provinces between the Spaniards and the Dutch Nation wherein this City suffered pillaging and indured the command of new Laws Secondly the abrogation of part of those Privileges that were granted here to the English Merchant-Adventurers and others that the new and great Customs imposed upon their Goods and Merchandize Thirdly the Navigation of the English and Dutch to the East-Indies whereby the Portugal Factors decreasing thereby and the City of London in England and Amsterdam in Holland increasing thereby were also sharers in the India Trade and Commodities leaving by this means this City bare and to subsist upon the Traffick of her own Inhabitants in that nature as now the same is found to be Accounts in Antwerp Their Accounts are here kept by Livers Sol and Deniers which they term Pounds Shillings and Pence of grosses 12 grosses making a Sol and 20 Sol a Liver or Pound Flemish which may be accounted 12 Shillings Sterling or by their computation 240 grosses by which Species they do make their Exchanges with all other Cities Coins in Antwerp The Current Moneys here and in general through all the Arch-Duke's Countries are besides the Spanish and Imperial these current are Doits four makes a Stiver and ten Stivers a Shillings Sterling two Blanks makes a Stiver and half Stivers 6 makes a Shilling Flemish Stivers 28 makes a Guilder which is three Shillings four Pence Flemish Shillings 20 makes a Pound which is 6 Guilders Pounds 100 Flemish makes 60 Pound English so that 20 Stivers is or may be computed for two Shillings Sterling and one Pound Flemish for 12 Shillings Sterling and then 20 Shillings Sterling is 33 Shillings 4 Pence Flemish Weights in Antwerp The Weight of this Country is the Pound of 16 Ounces and the 100 l. of that Pound which is their Quintar which rendereth in London 104 l. The conceived original of our Tret in London and thereupon it comes as some imagine that upon Spices the tret of 4 l. upon 104 l. was allowed here to the Buyer for the English being supplyed hence in those days with their Spices found the 100 l. there to give here in the City of London 104 l. and made that allowance here willingly as desiring the 100 l. there would yield them a neat 100 l. here and take the same by the Factory without further allowance or garble which was not then in use Many observations have been made upon the weight and measure of this City which being reduced into a general Table by Mr. Malines and the same being there accorded with all the principal Cities in the World I will refer you thereunto for larger satisfaction and content my self according to my method to insert the same as I find it with some other particular places because I have found some errors in the said Concordance Weights of Antwerp compared with that of other places The Weights then in use in Antwerp being the 160 l. neat have been observed to have rendred thus In London 104 l. Marselia 115¾  Venice sotile 155  Ditto gross 97¾  Sicilia 68  Lisbon 84½  Florence 132½  Lions 110  Sevil 101â…ž  Dantzick 120  Ormus 108 Rot. Aleppo common 228 R. Ditto silk weight 240 R. Tripoly Soria 272 R. Tripoly Barbaria 97 R. Baruti 219 R. Alexandria Zeroi 519 R. Alexandria Forsia 1165 R. Constantinople 92 R. Rhodes 201 R. Acria 181 R. Babylon 156 R. And what other inlargements are here wanting I willingly omit and refer the same to Lex Mercatoria Measures of Antwerp compared with those of other Countries Now in the same manner it will be needful I do calculate the Measures of Antwerp which is the Ell which also by observation hath made in these places Acria 115 pico Aleppo 108 pico Argier 136 covad Alexandria 124 pico Amsterdam 101 ells Barcelona 43 canes Bruges 98â…” ells Candia 108 pico Castile 78 vares Constantinople 113 pico Corfu 116 braces Damasco 111 pico Dantzick 122 ells Florence Cloth 116 ells Ditto for Silk 102½ braces Genoa 122 braces Hamburgh 122 ells Holland 103½ ells Lisbon long 63 vares London for Linnen 60 ells Ditto for Wollen 75 yards Ditto for Frises 59 goads Lucca 120 braces Millan for Silk 141 braces Naples for Silk 33½ can Paris 59 aulns Rouen 58 aulns Sevil 83½ vares Venice for Woollen 101â…” braces Ditto for Silk 108 Valentia 73 canes Urbin 101 braces Note that this is for the common Measure of Antwerp besides which they use another El for Silk and these Ells make of that but 98½ Ells. The other Measure of sundry Commodities here in use are these Of Beer Beer is sold in Antwerp by the Barrel which is accounted throughout Flanders and Brabant to be 54 Stoops the 81 whereof is in Dantzick a Fat and contains there 180 Stoops but 50 Stoops of Antwerp make the Barrel of Lubeck and the English Gallon of Beer is 2 Stoops of Flanders and 1â…” Stoops of Amsterdam Of Corn. Corn is here sold by a Measure called the Vertule and 37½ Vertules is a Last of Corn in Ansterdam and 10¼ Quarters in London vide there further Of Wine Wine is sold by the Ame the Stoop and the But and is found thus to accord together 1 Aâ—… is 50 Stoops and one Stoop is six Pound and a But is 152 Stoops so that by this Rule 6 Ame which is 300 Stoops or 1800 l. is in London 252 Gallons so that the Ame is by this Calculation found to be 42 Gallons and the Stoop is about 3â…“ quarters of London Wine-measure or as some account it about 7 Pints vide London for more certainty Exchanges of Antwerp The Exchanges practised in this place are great and for very great sums of Money especially when as the King of Spain hath any general disbursements in this Country by reason of his continual Armies here in Action maintained against the Dutch the particulars whereof I have inserted in the end of this Tract in the Chapter 289 and in the Chapter 435 and some others following where I have at large declared the Practice and Use among the Machants of that place in the Calculation thereof whereto I refer
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
confer and treat together concerning Merchandizing Shipping Buying or Selling and the like as is seen to be the Royal Exchange of LONDON the Burse in Antwerp the Piazze in Venetia and the like in other places The Custom-house The second place is it where the Princes Customs and Duties upon all Wares either Imported or Exported by way of Merchandize is seen to be paid and collected where Officers are appointed to attend the same and where all Writs as Cockets Bills of Entry Cetificates and the like are granted both to load and land Goods either going out or coming in and these are called by several names as in most places Custom-houses Dattio Commercios and the like Magazines for Commodities The third place is it where Merchants do keep their Goods and Wares in where Weighers Porters Carmen and Labourers do hourly attend to be set on work where Brokers and Contracters are daily imployed in making of Bargains shewing of Wares transporting of Bills of Debt and such like as is seen in the Besistons and Basars in Turkey Alfondoces in Barbary Pack houses in the Netherlands and as was accustomed to be done in the Stillard in London Kings-Beam The next place is it where the Publick Beam is set up by the Authority of the Magistrate to weigh all ponderous Commodities bought or sold to decide Differences and Controversies arising by Weights and Weighing and where a sworn Weigher with labourers at all hours attendeth upon Merchants occasions and who by his place is to keep a Register of all Commodities weighed to serve if need shall so require and in this nature is the Weight house called The Kings-Beam in London the Domme at Amsterdam the Vicont in Rouen the Romano in Marsilia and such like in other places of Trade Met-house The next and last place is it where the Publick Measures both of length of dry and of liquid Commodities in every City are kept and set up by the Authority of the Magistrate to measure all measurable Commodities bought or sold to decide all Differences and Controversies arising thereabouts and where a sworn Measurer is to give attendance with other necessary helpers at all hours to dispatch Merchants occasions of which he is to keep a Register to serve in time of need as was seen of old to be the Standard of Cheap in London and as is found the like in other places And thus much shall serve to have said of Cities and Towns in general of Trade and of the principal places found therein which have a dependence thereupon which few Cities in the World of Traffick do want or are found to be defective in CHAP. IV. Of Customs Impositions and other Duties in general paid by Merchants upon Commodities in all Cities of Trade Customs payable to Princes TRADE in it self hath ever been found to be not only beneficial to the City and Country where the same is exercised and preserved but also to the Princes and Sovereigns who command the same and though the commodities and benefits that it brings with it be many and great yet the principal are such as accruing to the Princes Coffers come to them by the payments of certain Customs Imposts and Duties that are by them imposed upon all Commodities and Wares which by the way of Merchandize are either Imported out or Exported into their Dominions and for the better raising and collecting of which there is seated as is before remembred by the said Princes and their Authority in every such City and Town where any Trade and concourse of Merchants is found to be certain publick Houses Custom-houses as Offices by the name of Custom-houses where these Duties are collected and where the Traders and Merchants do accordingly pay and satisfie the same Customs not always alike in all places The Duty then of Custom though in all Countries it be generally paid yet it is not always found to be paid alike in all places for it is sometimes found to be more and sometimes less and oft-times in some Countries it is paid according to the will of the Prince who imposeth the same as being partly a Prerogative inherent to their Scepters and partly as they are absolute Commanders in those Cities Ports and Havens where this Traffick is so exercis'd Custom due upon all Commodities and is found to be payable as I said before upon all manner of Commodities used by way of Merchandize either Imported or Exported out or into their Dominions Countries and Cities The original of Customs This Duty then thus called Custom is conceived by some to have its first Original from a safeguard given by those Princes at Sea to their Subjects and Merchants from all Rovers Pirats and Enemies and a Protection for free trading from all such dangers from one Port or City of Trade to another but we see that in these days the payment of the Duty is still continued and is daily paid by all Merchants but the first institution and ground thereof if so it was is by many Princes either totally omitted or at least wise forgotten and therefore it may now be more properly called a Custom than heretofore and the places where the same is paid and collected called thence Custom-houses The Merchant must learn what the Customs are and duly pay them The Merchant then that intendeth to Negociate and Traffick into any City or Kingdom seeing there is a necessity in the payment and discharge thereof ought first diligently and carefully learn and observe the sum and quantity payable upon all Commodities whatsoever and then truly and honestly satisfie the same according to the Ordinances and Proceedings used respectively in those Countries partly to avoid the danger of the loss of the Commodity the non-payment being in many places the forfeiture and partly the better thereby to make his Calculation either to buy or sell or profit and that before he make Entry of any Goods in the said Custom houses or Office thus appointed for the collecting of this Duty he take notice what the true and right custom in it self is Book of Rates to further which knowledge it is often seen that a settled Rate by Book or particular Teriffe either in Print or Writing may easily in every such City of Trade be had and obtained But if as it is sometimes seen in some places that the same cannot be had then the Trader must learn in this case from others what the Duty and Custom of the place is wherein much care and circumspection is to be used for the fraud and poling deceit that is practised in sundry Custom-houses by many Officers where no such Books are publick is excessive when either they collect the same to the immediate use of the Prince or when they collect the same to their own use being let out to farm by contract and yearly Rent unto them by his Authority many Merchants being deceived by their devices and slights many Under-Officers and
considerable though not the biggest being not above six or seven miles long lying in 15 Degrees Latitude it had once a fair Town called Riblera but sackt and burnt by Sir Francis Drake Anno 1585. and afterwards in Anno 1596. by Sir Anthony Sherley it run the same fate it is at present pretty well Inhabited and hath a convenient Harbour called the Pry secured by a Castle where Ships may ride with its leave in safety they have some quantity of Sugar Sweet-meats and Coco-nuts being their chief Commodities which they exchange for such Commodities as they want for Cloathing as Cloth Stuffs of several sorts Linnens Hats and the like They have very large and good Cattel which they sell at easy rates about 25 s. aplece also Horses of excellent shape and metal but they are Contrabando Goods and not to be dealt in without leave from the Governour under no less penalty than forfeiture of Ship and Goods if he get you in his Command but by Graruities and a particular Trade with him small numbers are sometimes admitted to be carried from thence Ocknam's brave attempt If I should silently pass over the attempt of one John Ocknam a follower of Sir Francis Drake in his Worlds Incompassment in this place I should much wrong the honour due to so much worth This Man as Mr. Hackluit hath it with 70 Companions in a Creek a little above these Towns drew on shore his Bark covered the same with boughs and leaves and so leaving it marched over with his Company guided by some Negroes until he came to a River which ran into the South-Sea which by relation and Mercator's Maps may be Tomobonda or the Creek of Ventura where he cut down Timber built him a Frigat entred the South-Seas went to the Isle of Pearls lay there 10 days and there inteicepted in two Spanish Ships 60000 pound weight of Gold and 200000 pound weight of Silver in Ingots with divers other rich Commodities and after that returned safely again to the Main Land where rowing up the same Stream where his Frigat was built he was discovered by some feathers pluckt from certain Fowl they had kill'd for their Provision which swam upon the River down the Current and though by this means he was taken and returned not into his Countrey nor yet his hidden Vessel yet it is an Adventure that deserves a Remembrance from all such as are Lovers of their Countreys Honour and it is held in admiration by the Spanish Writers that have made mention thereof Andalusia Nova Andalusia Nova is the second the chief Cities are Santa Margarita and Santa Sperita Nova Granada Nova Granada is the third the chief City is Jungia a pleasant and strong Town directly seated under the Aequator the next is St. Foy an Archbishops See and a Court of Justice Cartagena Cartagena is the fourth accounted a fruitful Soil but therein is found a Tree that whosoever toucheth doth hardly escape poysoning the chief City is Cartagena which our Country-man Sir Frances Drake in Anno 1585 surprized where besides inestimable sums of Moneys he took with him from hence 240 pieces of Ordnance Guiana second Province Guiana is the second Province directly situated under the Equinoctial Line and is the fruitfullest part of Peruana The Inhabitants in Winter-time dwelling in Trees for fear of Inundations on which they built many pretty Villages and artificial Mansions it is watered with two goodly Rivers the one hath the name of Orinoque or rather Raliana borrowing the same from Sir Walter Rawleigh who first of all to any purpose made a plenary Survey of this Countrey with the Commodities and situation thereof in An. 1595. and found this River navigable for great Ships of burthen 1000 miles and for Boats and Pinnaces 2000 miles The other River is called Orellana or the Amazons discovered 1543. the which is found navigable 6000 miles and 200 miles broad at the entrance into the Sea Manoa the golden City The chief City of this Country and if Spanish Writers may herein be believed the chiefest City of the World is here found and called Manoa or as Diego Ordas the Discoverer called it el Dorado or the golden from the abundance of Gold both in Coin Plate Armour and other Furniture which he there saw This Discoverer or Traveller for by that name the truth of his wondrous Relation may be the better considered is said to have entred into the City at Noon and to have travelled all that day and the next also until night through the Streets hereof before he came to the Kings Palace which peradventure was the policy of those people as I have seen it to be in Constantinople in Anno 1621. when as the Duke of Avarascah coming with a great Train in Embassie from the King of Poland to Sultan Osman the then Great Turk after his unfortunate Expedition to Poland caused him and his whole Train to be led a whole afternoon through the most eminent Streets of that City when he first entred the same and so to his appointed Lodging whereas an hours easie walk to him that bad known the direct way would easily have served the turn perchance imagining this a fit way to demonstrate to the Embassadour the beauty and vastness of that City together with his own Greatness in ostentation and to recover that Honour and Repute which he had a little before lost by the Insolencie and Cowardise of his Souldiers in his said Expedition thither Peru the third Province The third Province is Peru which above all others in America abounds in Gold and Silver the Mine whereof in divers places is better stored with Metals than with Earth the chief City whereof is St. Michael the first Colony the Spaniards placed there and fortified by Piscaro a famous Spanish Captain who subdued the Countrey took the King thereof prisoner and had for a ransom for his Liberty and Life a house piled up on all sides with refined Gold and Silver in estimation about ten millions which when he had received most perfidiously contrary to his Oath and Promise slew him by which appears the wonderful Riches of this Countrey Besides which the Soil is luxuriant in all manner of Grain fortunate in the Civility of her Inhabitants frequency of Cities and salubrity of Air and abundantly stored with that Herb Tobacco from hence brought first into England by Sir Francis Drake's Marriners in Anno 1585. Râ—…la Plâ—ta In this Countrey is also now found that famous River called of Plate being 150 Miles broad at the Embesheur and above 2000 Miles long and on this Stream is found certain Fig-trees the part towards the River bearing Fruit in Winter and the other part thereof towards the Land bearing fruit in Summer Brasilia the 4 Province Brasilia is the fourth affording a Soil fat by nature and always flourishing yielding great store of Sugars and wonderful rich in Mines and hence our Red-wood which
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
Persia but also of those of Arabia Turky India and China hither brought in great abundance to be exchanged for the native Commodities of this place and though it want the commodiousness of the Sea yet by Caravans it is supplied with all those things that are conducible either to beauty necessity or ornament The Caspian Sea afford it the Commodities of Turky Russia and Moscovia and Jasques with Ormus his two Sea-Ports in India afford it the Commodities of India and Arabia all other Commodities from either the Turk or Mogul is supplied by Caravans Dromedaries and Camels which hath cost by late observations in portage and carriage of Commodities thus Carriage of Commodities by Caravans The carriage of 100 Maunds of wares from Sciras to Hispahan costeth 70 Sâ—hids and from Spahan to Casan 60 Sehids from Hispahan to Ormus by Sciras 120 Sehids and from Hispahan to Tauris 40 Sehids Prices common of Commodities in Spahan The common Commodities of Hispahan I have already nominated and though all Commodities in general are subject to rise and fall in price amongst Merchants yet the Maund of Cotton is here at 12 Sehids the Maund of Rice 7 Beste the Maund of Dragant 2 Beste of Enap 2 Beste of Non 3 Beste of Laghem 4 Beste of Anil 40 Mambodies and the Catree of Sugar is worth 400 Tomans which is pound English Coins current in Persia Their Coins current in Hispahan and generally throughout all the Kingdom of the Sophie are of several sorts partly of Brass partly of Silver and partly of Gold The principal whereof is the Toman which formerly hath been accounted to be worth 6 l. Sterling since 4 l. and by reason of the late wars imbased and worth now only 3 l. 6 s. 8 d. at Sea-side Sterling and by some accounted 3 l. 12 s. 6 d. This Toman is worth 200 Shaheds or Shahees 14½ or 15 â„ž â— â— Span. or 10 Asures which have been accounted 4 l. ster a piece a Mamothy of silver is 2½ Bestees of Copper The Rial of 〈◊〉 Span. is here accounted for 12 Shahees and 1 Cosbeg or 5¼ Lorins The Lion Dollar current in these parts to 10 Shahees every Shahee is 4 d. sterling or 50 Deniers here in account A Rupias which is the Coin of the Mogul is Abashees 4¼ which is 2 s. 3 d sterling A Mamothy is 9 Cosbegs or 32 Dores or 100 Deniers A Bestee of Copper is 4 Cosbegs or 20 Deniers An Abaisee of Silver is 2 Mamothies or 20 Shahees or 200 Deniers A Chequin of Gold Xeriff or Solton is 18½ Shahees yet in some places of Persia they pass for 20 Shahees and in some for 24 Shahees An Asure of Gold is 20 Shahees and 10 Asures is a Tomano 3 l 6 s. 8 d. sterling A Larin is 5½ Shahees and in some places only 5 about 10 d. or 10½ d. sterling here 25 Cosbegs A Fonan is 9 Cupans A Mitigal is 32½ or 34 Shahees A Sadee is 40 Flosses A Shahee is 10 Cosbegs A Mitigal is 33½ and in some places 34 Shahees A Tanger is 12 Pulls which is Shahees Accounts kept in Persia They here keep their Accounts in sundry Species and denominations some in Xeriff some in Spanish Rials and some in Tomans and some in Shahees The common Account is thus distinguished The Abashee is 200 Deniers or 20 Shahees Mamothy is 100 Deniers or 10 Shahees Sadon is 50 Deniers or 5 Shahees Viste is 20 Deniers or 2 Shahees Cosbeg is 5 Deniers And those that keep their Accounts in Shahees only they reckon them to hundred thousands and hundred thousands as the proper known Coin of the Country and this manner hath seemed the best to our English there resident which they account 60 Shahees for 20 s. sterling Weights current in Persia The weights of Persia are consistent of three sorts of the Dram the Mitigal and the Mand or Mandshow The Dram is the least 100 whereof makes 66â…” Mitigals The Mitigal is the next 100 whereof makes 150â…” Drams The Mand or Mandeshaw is the greatest and makes 1200 Mitigals or else 1800 Drams which hath made by the observation of some Factors that have resided there 14 l. 9 ounces Averdupois The sum or Cargo of Silk is accounted here 36 Mandshaws which accounted as above makes English 524 l Averdupois and is great pounds of 24 ounces incirca 350 l. But the East-India Company find it to be 300 great silk pounds and no more by often trial But it is to be noted that these Mandeshaws are found to differ in many Provinces and Cities in Persia and the bordering Countreys and doth differ in many Commodities but the Mandeshaw common of Persia is 1200 drams for silk The Mandeshaw of Tauris is but 600 drams The Mandeshaw of Syrrat is 5 Maunds of Tauris above-named The Maund of Hispahan is accounted one and half Mand of Siras besides which they have these weights in some places 1 Dubba is counted 5 Maunds 1 Sherway is counted 50 Maunds 1 Rellaii is counted 7 Maunds 1 Maund is counted by observation pounds English In Tauris also before-named a City in times past of great Trade in this Country they have 〈◊〉 Maunds the one of silk which hath made by a Florentines observation 5â— l. Florence and another for all other Commodities the 100 whereof hath made there by the said observation 264 l. Florence Measures used in Persia The Measures of length used in Persia is of two sorts and both of them called a Covedo a long and a short The long accounted to be 37½ inches English measure The Short accounted to be 27 inches English measure agreeable to the Pico of Turkey This is what I find observable in the particular Trade of Persia I will now view it as it stands in the general parts thereof CHAP. LXXXII Of the Trade in general of Persia The Trade in general of Persia THE Trade of Persia as it is found subsistent in these days consisteth more by an In-land than a Maritime Traffick for if the large extent of the Sophie's Dominions be well considered and the neighbouring Regions whereon it bordereth it will be found that it wanteth many things to make it eminent It is plentifully supplied of Commodities and those also of excellency as of Silver in great quantity raw Silk in abundance and of some Drugs naturally grown but when the industry of the Natives is surveyed it will be soon discerned that the costly rare and rich Carpets here made the curious and fine Cotton Cloths here wrought for their Turbants Girdles Shashes Shireing and the like interwoven with Silk and not seldom with Silver and Gold and the daily use thereof not only in Persia it self but throughout India Arabia and Turkey witness to the World the ingeniousness of this Nation The greatest want and impediment of Trade that they have here is of Sea-Ports and Havens of which they are much scanted They enjoyed once a large tract of
Oyls that a Milroe of Oyl shall cost the first penny so much will the Tun of Oyl stand in clear aboard of all accustomed charges But for as much as this Rule holds only in Thollon I will insert the particulars thereof how it is found to accord with our Measure and Weight in England because it is a Staple and most requested Commodity and the principal Commodity that this Countrey doth afford The common measure then is a Scandal and of which it is found that 4 Scandals make 1 Milroe every Scandal being 4¼ Gallons English and 31½ l. Averdupois 1 Milroe is 17 Gallons English and is 126 l. English 2 Milroes is a Charge which is 34 Gallons or 252 l. English 4 Charges makes a Butt which is ½ a Tun or 126 Gallons English and hath been found to make 1008 l. Averdupois The Custom hereof is a Crown of 3 l. Tur upon every 100 Milroes and every Crown is accounted 5 Florius or 60 Sols For Wine Wine is here sold by the same Milroe as above is said Almonds are sold by the Cargo of 300 l. Marselia Weight For Corn. Corn is sold by the Muyd and Mynots 24 Mynots make a Muyd and 1 Muyd is about 8½ quarters English Commodities of Provence Provence doth afford many Commodities for Merchandising which hence is transported into several Countries as first Oyl as above made and gathered in November and December shipt for England Spain and Italy Also great quantity of Wools for Clothing bought up in May June and July by Milanois Ginoese Piedmontois and Montpelerians which commonly bears 14 in 16 the 100 foul and being washed and cleansed there is lost in the cleansing and clearing sometimes the one half thereof Also great quantity of Scarlet-grain and powder of Grain gathered in the Heaths and Fields by the poor people and brought by them to the Lords of their Territories from the month of May to the month of August and is worth green about 5 in 6 l. tur per l but being dried diminisheth at least â…” thereof Also Almonds are here in great abundance found growing gathered in September and October called as is before noted Provence Almonds for distinction sake and are commonly worth from 12 to 15 Crowns the Cargo Also here is yellow Wax in good quantity bought in October and November worth commonly from 40 to 50 l. per cent Also here is Honey bought in November and December worth commonly about 22 in 23 Cro the Cantar besides which here are many Bed-Coverlets and Wastcoats made and quilted of Sattin Taffeta and Callico and hence dispersed into several Countries To conclude there may be laden in Thollon Marsclia and generally throughout all Provence from 1500 to 2000 Tuns of Oyl yearly about 400 Quintals of Almonds about 1800 to 2000 Quintals of Wooll about 200 Quintals of Honey and but little Wax as being for the most part spent in their own Countrey principally in their Churches Customs paid in Provence The Customs upon all Commodities of the growth of France pay in the Exportation but a small acknowledgement but all other Commodities pay 5 per cent but for Spices and all other Commodities that are brought in from the Levant there is lately placed thereon throughout all Provence a Custom of ten per cent and thus much for Thollon CHAP. CXXXI Of Marselia and the Trade thereof Marselia and the Trade thereof THE principal seat of Trade in Provence is Marselia famous for the great concourse of Merchants and for the Commerce that it maintaineth with Turkie Barbary Spain France Italy Flanders and England it is commodiously situated on the Mediterranean Sea enjoying an excellent Haven and a reasonable Road for Shipping of all sorts it wanteth to make it a perfect course for Exchanges which here is supplied by the current of Lions and governed only thereby to which place each Fair some Partidoes are made not by the rules of other places but by the rule of interest from the date of the Bill to the time of the next succeding Fair there It vents from England some Baies Clothes Lead and Tin Pilchars Herring white and red and yearly about 2000 in 3000 Tuns of Newland-fish which the English bring thither and they also supply it with Muscovia Commodities as African Hides above ten thousand pair yearly Tallow 2000 Quintals Wax 1000 Quintals besides other Commodities of England as Calve-skins Hides Salmon and some fish It affordeth not any Commodity to be sent abroad save some Oyls Wines Woolls Almonds and Verdigreece and all others are hither imported from other Countries as such as Alexandria Aleppo Acria Constantinople Naples â—…gorn or the Coasts of Spain do yield the main support of their Trade is the plenty of Spanish Rials and the licence here for Exportation which is the only means whereby the Trade of Turkie is preserved to them for from hence I have seen 100 thousand Rials of â— shipâ— publickly upon a small Vessel of 160 Tuns for Scanderoone which hath been thence returned in rich Silks Drugs and Spices But of late days their success in Trade hath proved so bad and their losses by Pirats so great and so many that the Town and Merchants have lost much of their former splendour and same their great Vessels are now become small Barks and the great Merchants of Lions Paris Limoges Taures and other parts of France who had here their Factors for to continue this Trade have recalled them after the sustentation of great losseâ— the payment of great Sums for the maintenance of their Ambassadour in Constantinople and especially the late inhansement of their Moneys which is the ruine and overthrow of all Câ—…merce whatsoever In this place I resided for some years and therefore will note briefly what I observed needful to my present subject Coins in Marselia The Moneys current and the Accounts kept accord in all particulars with Paris sometimâ— alteration is found in Coins by means of the great Trade and that because both Italian and Spanish Coins are here current these become sometimes a Merchandize and are requested and inhansed according as occasion for Transportation doth require which is more in Winter that in Summer by reason of their general voyages made into Turkie from September to Match and commonly not after Weights in Marselia The Pound of Marselia is 16 ounces and 100 l. is the Quintal 300 l. or three Quintals make with them a Cargo The 100 l. in Marselia hath been found to produce in these Cities following In London 88½ l. Venetia sotile 134 l. Venetia gro 84¾  Sicilia 50 l. Lisbon 79 l. Florence 114 l. Anvers 86 l. Lions 95 l. Sevil 88 l. Malaga 24 Roves Dantzick 104 l. Aleppo 18½ R. Ditto Silk 19¾  Tripoli 211  Ditto Barbar 762  Baruti 175  Alex. Zera 416  Scio 1110  Constantinople 745  Acria 146½  Babylonia 125½ M. Balsara 36  Weights agreed with other
Genoua Their Measure of length is the Cane containing 9 Palms which 9 Palms have made 4 Braces of Florence and the Measure is for Silks and Stuffs but 10 Palms in Linen makes a Cane and is in Florence 4 Braces and the said Cane by observation hath made in Venice 3½ Braces of Cloth and 3 11 16 of Silk Braces and upon the 100 Palms have been made these observations and to have rendred In London 27 Yards Anvers 34 Ells. Frankford 43  Dantzick 23¾  Vienna 30½  Lions 21 Aulns Paris 19  Rouen 18  Lisbon 20¾ Vares Sevil 28  Madera 21  Venice 37 Braces Lucca 41 1 20  Florence 42  Millan 47  1 Cane is in Barcelona 1⅗ Canes 9 Palms in Genoua is in Florence 1 1 16 Canes 1 Cane in Genoua is in London 2⅞ Yards Note that it hath been observed that five Palms hath made almost an Ell English or 25 Palms 6 Ells and ½ and 100 Palms thus is 26¼ Ells and 50 Yards have made here 17 Canes Of Corn. Corn is here sold by the Mine whereof 64 make the 100 Saches at Pisa and 100 Mines make 137½ Staios in Venetia and the Mine pays 6½ Sols for Custom in Genoua and weighs 170 l. and half a Mine is called a Corno the quarter of Harwich measure hath made here 2½ Mines but the London quarter not so much Of Oil. Oil is sold by the Barrel 7½ Barrels making a Neapolitan But called here Botta dimena Of Wine Wine is sold by the Meserole and 5 Meseroles is a Botta dimena and 2 barr make 1 Meserole which is also 100 Pints so that 500 Pints of Wine make a Botta dimena All Goods entring into Genoua pays for Consolato of the River 6 Deniers per Livre and is by the Buyer according to the price bought if a Contract be not made with the Seller for discharging of it And he that Lands Commodities here in his own name and cannot make sale thereof hath had formerly leave to carry the same out again without paying any Charges but this Privilege is now disannulled Many Silk Fabricks are here made common with all Italy the principal being Velvets watred Chamlets c. sold by the Pound weight as is usual through Italy Exchanges This City is famous for the Exchanges here practised as doth more fully appear in the Chapter of the Exchanges here in use vide Chapter 279 and so forward where all Circumstances are inserted And now to Lucca CHAP. CLXXV Of Lucca and the Trade thereof Lucca and the Trade thereof LUcca is the principal City of this Republick and is pleasantly seated on the River Serchio in compass about three Miles in a Plain the Walls being adorned with Trees make the City appear to the Travellers to be in a Wood till approaching near the Bulwarks give testimony of her strength and that these Trees are planted on the Walls where the Citizens in Summer walk for shade It doth wholly consist upon the Fabricks here made of Silk such as is Damasks Satins Tassaties c. which hence is vended in Forein Countries which are all sold by the Pound weight according as it is accustomed in Italy and as for other matters in Trade what I observed in 1619. is thus Accompts in Lucca Their Accompts are kept divers ways some in Livres Sols and Deniers of Picoli as in Florence 12 Deniers to a Sol and 20 Sols to a Livre some again in Crowns Sols and Deniers of Gold of Livres 7½ per Crown accounted by 12 and 20 as is abovesaid but Silks are sold by so many Ducates the Pound so that to reduce Ducates into Crowns the number of Ducates is to be multiplied by four and divide the Product by 71 adding what may rest with the Ducates and they shall be Crowns of 7½ Livres Note that to bring Ducates of Florence or as they term them Piastres of seven Livres the Ducate into Crowns of Gold of Florence of 7½ per Crown divide by 15 and subtract the Quotient from the sum divided and the remainder is the demand Again to bring Crowns of Gold of Florence of 7½ into Ducates of 7 Livres divide by 14 and the Quotient added to the sum divided will answer your desire Again to bring Livres of Lucca into Crowns of Lucca or Ducates of Florence take the sum of Livres and add as many more unto them the Product being divided by 15 then the same are Crowns of Lucca of 7½ Livres I say Livres for Crowns and Ducates of Florence of 7 Livres per Ducate for that the Crown of Lucca and Ducate of Florence are all one in value but in the Livre of Lucca and in that of Florence is some difference because the Livre of Florence is 7½ per cent greater than that of Lucca Note also that 75 Bolonins make a Florence Ducate of 7 Livres and 79 Bolonins make a Lucca Ducate by which they account in sale of Silk The Crown is commonly thus charactered C. The Piastre or Ducate is thus D. The Livre is thus L. The Sol is thus and the Denier d. Monies in Lucca Their Monies common is that of Florence Current called Bolonini the Crown of Gold is 7 Livres 10 Sol in Picoli as at Florence The Ducatoon is worth 7 Livres and is called the Crown of Silver but the Exchanges are made by Ducatoons Sols Deniers as more fully doth appear in the 283 Chapter of Exchanges practised in this City to which in that particular I refer you Weights in Lucca They have in Lucca two weights one of the Ballance weight whereby all Goods are bought and sold and the other whereby Merchants do pay the Customs wherein is about 12 per cent difference The Ballance pound is 12 ounces 100 l. whereof hath made in Lins 72½ l. The Customers pound is also 12 ounces 100 l. thereof hath rendred in Lions by tryal 81 l. The Ballance 100 hath made in Florence 97 l. Measures in Lucca The Measure of Lucca is a Brace which is 23 Inches of London and two Braces hath made an Auln of Lions and upon this 100 Braces have been made these Observations that it rendreth In London 50 Ells. Antwerp 83⅓  Frankford 104⅙  Dantzick 69⅙  Vienna 72½  Lions 50⅚ Aulns Paris 47½  Rouen 43½  Lisbon 50 Vare Sevil 67½ Vare Madera 51½ Vare Venetia 90 Braces Florence 102 Braces Millan 115 Braces Genoua 240⅓ Palms Accompts of Sale of Silks in Lucca Silks have been thus sold in Lucca Damasks were sold at 4 Ducates and 18 Sold the Pound Sattins were sold at 4 Ducates and 14 Sold the Pound Rich Taffeta sold at 4 Ducates 16 Sols the Pound It is here to be noted That in Lucca there is paid ¼ more for the colours than for Blacks therefore the Custom is to add for the colours that are in the parcel ¼ to the Weight reducing them all
Cleveland The third Province is Cleveland containing the Earldom of Cleve the Dutchies of Gulick and Berge wherein are found the fair Cities of Cleve Calker Wesel Emrick Aken Gulick Dulkins and others which I omit for Brevity Alsatia The fourth Province is Alsatia wherein are found the Towns of Psaltberg Wesenberg Colmar and principally the famous City of Strasburg of which a Word CHAP. CLXXXVI Of Strasburg and the Trade thereof Strasburg and the Trade thereof STraâ—burg is one of the Imperial Cities before-mentioned seated a Musket-shot from the Rhine whereto there is a Channel cut for conveyance of all Commodities There is here also a wooden Bridge over the Rhine but of no great Strength The Circuit of the City may be aboâ—t 8 miles well fortified and is famous for many Rarities the principal being their Clock which cost so many years Labour to perfect and the Steeple of the Cathedral Church is numbred amongst the Seven Miracles of the World for its excellent Structure and Beauty The Courtesie of the Inhabitants to Strangers is not to be forgotten And here they are accustomed at the City's cost to give all Handicrafts entertainment that they may either teach if expert or learn if ignorant by which means they are found to have confluence of Artisans which doth both much further their City's Stock and inrich the Inhabitants Weights of Strasburg In Strasburg are found two Weights gross and suttle and by observation it hath been found that the 100 l. suttle of London hath made here incirca 70 in 71 l. of the gross weight for gross Goods of 16 ounces the Pound and 107 l. suttle weight of 12 ounces the Pound by which they use to weigh all fine Commodities as Drugs and Spices as Sugars Pepper Cloves Mace Cinnamon Almonds Dates and the like Measures of Strasburg The Measure of Length of Strasburg is the Ell which is in London inches The Coins current are the Bohemico gross or Blaphace whichis three Crusters one Cruster is two Pence and one Penny is two Hellers and one Heller is two Orchins by which Coins they keep their Account Vide further Chap. 206. Franconia The fifth Province is Franconia divided into eight Parts the lower Palatine is the first part wherein are found Worms Spiers and Heidelberg the chief City belonging to those Princes Bacarac Bacarac famous for the excellent Rhenish Wines here growing Coub Openham Frankendak and others Wittenberg The second part is Wittenberg the chief Towns are Toubing Stutgard 2 Stutgard the Duke's Seat 3 Marlach and others Auspach The third part is Auspach Haibram and others Baden The fourth is Baden wherein the City Baden Durlach and others Ments The fifth is Mentz wherein Lantsem Beinge and others Bainberg The sixth is Bainberg a fair City and some others Westberg The seventh is Westberg a City Arustine and some others The eighth part belongs to the Emperour Noremberg wherein is found Noremberg the fairest and richest City of Germany and seated in the Centre thereof Frankfort and also here is Frankfort seated on the River Menus famous for the two Book-marts here kept annually in Mid-lent and Mid-September A word of the most eminent of these before I proceed to the next Province CHAP. CLXXXVII Of Worms and the Trade thereof VVorms and the Trade thereof WOrms is a Town of great antiquity and yet wanteth not Magnificence in her Buildings On the West-side thereof grow in great abundance those Wines known to us by the name of Rhenish It is more famous for the many Imperial Parliaments held here of old than it is for Trade therefore I shall not have cause to insist much thereupon Near to this City stands the City of Frankendale a new modern strong fair and beautiful Piece which has made it self famous in the late Wars of these parts these Coasts affording the most excellent Wines above-mentioned here in great plenty abounding and are sound to grow especially on the West-side of the River which is the prime Commodity of the Inhabitants both of the City and Province The Weights and Measures here are found to accord with Spiers to which I refer the Inquirer CHAP. CLXXXVIII Of Spiers and the Trade thereof Spiers and the Trade thereof SPiers is half a mile from the Rhyne seated in a Plain on the west-side of the said River having more Antiquity than Beauty and yet more Beauty than Trade Here the Imperial Chamber is held in which Court the Differences of the Empire are judged and the Electâ—…s themselves may be called hither to Trial of Law The Weights and Measures are these Weights of Spiers First for the Weights of this place the common is the Pound of 16 ounces or 32 loots of which are made two several Quintals one of 100 l. another of 120 l. and the 100 l. here is in London 111 l. and the 100 l. of London is about 88 l. here of 32 loots per pound Measures of Spiers The Measure of Length used is the Ell which is in London inches CHAP. CLXXXIX Of Heidelberg and the Trade thereof Heidelberg and the Trade thereof THE City of Heidelberg is seated in a Plain invironed on three parts with high Mountains the fourth part open and beholding the River from which it is a mile distant and to which it conveyeth all Commodities by a small River that runs by the Walls thereof This is an University and the Seat of the Palsgraves and hath not been much famoused for the Trade thereof The Weights and Measures here in use are these Weights of Heidelberg The Weight common in use here is the Pound of 16 ounces of which are made three several Hundreds or Quintars the first of 100 l. for fine Goods the second of 120 l. for gross Goods and the third of 132 l. for Provision of Food as Butter Flesh c. The 100 l. hath been found to make in London 108 l. and the 100 l. suttle makes then here about 92 or 93 l. Measures of Heidelberg The Measure of Length is an Ell which makes in London inches CHAP. CXC Of Noremberg and the Trade thereof Noremberg and the Trade thereof NOremberg is seated in a barren Soil yet this Defect is supplied by the Industry of the Inhabitants It is absolute and of it self and accounted one of the Imperial Cities of the Empire and the richest of all the rest the Inhabitants by their subtle Inventions in manual Works and cunning Arts with the Encouragement they daily give to Artificers draw thereby the Riches of other Countries to them Every Child tho but seven or eight years old is here put to work and enabled thereby to get his own Livelihood and by this means is all Europe filled with the trivial Commodities of this Town known by the Name of Noremberg Ware which makes this City rich strong and powerful their Trade is not
great otherwise and the Weights and Measures in use are these Weights of Noremberg There is here but one Pound in use as in Spiers of which are also composed two several Quintars agreeing with it and as there I mentioned with London Measures of Noremberg Their Measure of Length is the Ell both for Linen and Woollen contrary to the Custom of most Cities of Germany the 100 Ells whereof have been found to make in London 63. Ells and the 100 Yards of London to have made here 138 Ells. Exchanges of Noremberg The Place is famous also for the great Exchanges practised therein which I have at large handled in Chapter 298 with all Circumstances thereto belonging CHAP. CXCI. Of Frankfort and the Trade thereof Frankfort and the Trade thereof FRankfort is a Free City of the Empire famous for the common Assemblies here of the Electors for the choice of the Emperour and for their two annual Fairs as also for many Parliaments of the Empire held here It is seated upon the Maene which runneth through the same dividing the City into two parts which are united by a goodly Bridge It is strongly incompassed with a double Wall and is seated in a large Plain the Streets narrow and the Houses built of Timber and Clay here is in this Town Sanctuary for Bankrupts for the space of 14 days which is never without some Guests and Company from some one adjoining City or other and if in those 14 days they cannot compound or escape then by all wiles they will get out of the Privileges thereof and entring in again begin their 14 days over again and thus are found to do for six Months or a Year together There is found in their Marts or Fairs a great Trade and Concourse of Merchants but it is principally famous for Books which from all parts of Europe are brought hither printed and dispersed hence the Town consisting much upon Printing and other manual Arts. The VVeights and Measures in use are Weights of Frankfort The VVeight of this Place is the Pound of 16 ounces of which are made 3 several Hundreds or Quintals which agree with that of Heidelberg before-mentioned and as that also with London Lipsick Friburg Ulm Iffan Isuff Basle Costute and Domstetter holding also in each of the said Towns the same Concordancy therefore here needs no further Repetition Measures of Frankfort Frankfort is found to have two several Measures of Length the Woollen and Linen Ell differing about 2 per cent so that the 100 Ells for Linen here gives in London 48 Ells and the 100 Ells in Woollen gives about 49 Ells London and the 100 Yards of London renders here of Lineâ— 169 Ells and of Wollen 168¼ incirca Exchanges of Frankfort The Exchanges here practised are great which I have handled in Chapter 298. at large with all due Circumstances Helvetia The sixth Province is Helvetia wherein are contained the 13 Cantons of the warlike Switsers preserving their Liberties by their Valour notwithstanding their potent Neighbours The chief of their Cities are Zurick 2 Basil an University 3 Constance famous for the Council here held Anno 1414. 4 Berne 5 Upbaden the ordinary place for the common Assembly of the said Cantons 6 Lucern and others and of the Trade of the principal of these a word in passing CHAP. CXCII Of Zurick and the Trade thereof Zurick and the Trade thereof ZUrick is seated on the Lake Zeurisca which divideth the same into two parts which again is united by three fair Bridges the middlemost serving as a Meeting-place for Merchants which Lake runneth into the Brook Limachus which passeth to Baden and so into the Rhine carrying Boats by which Commodities are transportable the Weights and Measâ—… in use are Weights of Zurick The Moneys currant in the Swiss Cantons I shall note in the place of the Coins of the Empire the Weight then here is the Pound of 17 ounces of which is made the 100 l. and the 120 l. and it is found that the 100 l. suttle of London turns here 93¼ l. Measures of Zurick The Measure of Length is here an Ell the 100 whereof renders in London 52 Ells or there abouts CHAP. CXCIII Of Basil and the Trade thereof Basil and the Trade thereof BAsil lieth upon the River of Rhyne which divideth it into the lesser and the greater Basâ—… it was once an Imperial City but now is joined to the Cantons of Switserland It is a famous University and much frequented by Students the Benefit of the Rhyne running hence through Germany communicates the Commodities of this City to all others seated thereupon Weights of Basil Basil is found in Weights to have but one Pound equal with Frankfort and Heidelburg of which is composed three several Quintars one of 100 l. another of 120 l. and the third of 132 l. and agrees with London as you shall find in Heidelburg and Frankfort aforementioned Measures of Basil The Measure of Length of Basil is the Ell for Linen and Woollen the 100 Ells whereof render in London 48 Ells and the 100 Yards of London hath been observed to give here 167¼ Ells. Valesia The seventh Province is Valesia seated wholly amongst the Alps. Sittin is the only walled Town of this Province Boetia Boetia is the eighth in which is Chur the Metropolis of the Grisons and here is the Valtoliâ—… taken by the Spaniards 1622. Suevia Suevia is the ninth wherein are found the Cities of Ulm 2 Ausbourg 3 Norlinghen 4 Ravensperg and others of some of which as most notable a word CHAP. CXCIV Of Ausburg and the Trade thereof Ausburg and the Trade thereof AUsburg is a Free City of the Empire governed by a Senate of Citizens it is seated upon the Northern Mouth of the Alps in a fruitful Plain of Corn and Pastures it is strong and well fortified and beautified with many Houses of Free-stone of six or seven stories high In this City lived those famous Merchants of the Family of the Fuggers who have built here many publick Buildings and many private which at a reasonable rate are let to the poorer Inhabitants Here is also a magnificent Building for the meeting of Merchants in manner of our Royal Exchange called commonly the Berl There are two small Rivers which run through the Suburbs and are commodious for Transportation of Corn and VVines which this Countrey of Schwaben or Suevia yieldeth in great Quantity This City is also Famous for the Confession here made of their Faith by the Protestant Princes and delivered the Emperour Anno Weights of Ausburg The VVeight of Ausburg is the Pound of 16 ounces the 100 l. being the Quintar makes in London 109 l. and this agrees with Munchen VVesel Norlinghen and some other places of Germany Measures of Ausburg The Measure of Length is here the Ell found twofold the one for VVoollen the other for Linen and
many times relieve fruitful Provinces in time of casual Dearth into which Granaries under a great Penalty no Man may carry either Fire or Candle lighted by a Law enacted amongst them The City is compassed with one Wall yet contains three several Cities governed by three distinct Senates out of which one chief Senate is chosen to govern the whole City and according to the Roman Superstition they have St. George for their Protector whose Red Cross they carry in their Flags as doth also England Genoua in Italy and the Island Saio in the Arches the City is seated about one English mile from the Baltick Shore the Port being call'd Dermind where the Ships of Burthen do ride to lade and unlade their Commodities and the City being acknowledged a Free Town is permitted to coin Moneys which as I find observ'd I shall note here together with the Weights and Measures here in use Accounts in Dantzick Their Accounts are kept here in sundry manners the common being by Polish Guilders of 30 Gross and 12 d. to a Grosh But Merchants buy Commodities here by the great Mark of 60 Gross and by the lesser of 15 and also by the Dollar of 35 Gross of 3 Stivers the Grosh Coins current in Dantzick Their Moneys current being thus accounted 1 great Mark is 2 Polish Guilders 1 Polish Guilder is worth 2 lesser Marks 1 lesser Mark worth 15 Grosh and the Grosh 18 d. Besides which they coin Hungarian Ducats of Gold as they do in Poland and they have 2 Coins in Gold called a Milres and half a Milres each Milres is 3 Dollars and 2 Soslins 36 Polish Grosh are here a Dollar Weights of Dantzick The Weight in use here is the Pound for fine Goods the 100 l. in London making here 116 l. Besides which they have a Skip pound and a Lis-pound thus distinguished 16 Mark pound are a Lis-pound and 20 Lis-pound make a Skip-pound by the small Stone of 24 l. for Spices c. But they have also a great Stone to weigh gross Wares as Flax Wax and the like of 34 l. whereof 10 l. to the skip-Skip-pound of 340 l. Measures of Dantzick The Measure for Length of this City is the Ell the 100 whereof makes in London about 49 Ells and the 100 yards of London do here make 162 or 163 Ells incirca The Measure of Beer is the Fat which contains 180 Stoops and is accounted 81 Stoops of Antwerp The Measure of Corn here is the Last which contains 61 shepels 56 whereof make a Last in Amsterdam or 10¼ Quarters of London 4 shepels make a Mud which is the Ship-pound before-mentioned of 34 l. Accounts in Estland Merchants for the most part throughout all Estland are found to keep their Accounts in Floriâ—… or Guilders and in Groshes and Deniers accounting 12 Deniers to the Grosh and 20 Grosh to the Guilder or Florin CHAP. CCXXV. Of Elbin and the Trade thereof Elbin and the Trade thereof ELbin a small yet a fair City and of late days compassed with Walls grown great and large by the Trade and Residence of the English Merchants who since upon some Grievance and Discontentment are hence removed In this City lies the Gross of the Trade of Prussen especially for all the gruff Goods of that Dukedom it once appertained to the Testonick Knights but now to the Kings of Poland and whom for the present the Citizens acknowledge for their Protector and otherwise it yields him but little Obedience being of it self a Free City from this City towards the North-east is a Channel that runneth up to Conixburg the Seat of the Dukes of Prusland by which all Commodities are transported and conveyed from one to the other Weights of Elbin The Coins current and the manner of their Accounts here kept I have touch'd before and the Weight in use here is the Pound 40 whereof make a stone and 10 stone of 40 l. make the Ship pound which is 400 l. and is 350 l. of their great Weight and the 100 l. of London hath been found to make here 120 l. The Last of Wheat is here accounted for 5200. Measures of Elbin The Measure of Length in use here is the Ell and the 100 yards of London are found to make here 163 Ells. There are also in this Tract found for eminent Cities of Trade Conixburg Stetin Straelsond Reuel Riga of which a word or two and first of Conixburg CHAP. CCXXVI Of Conixburg and the Trade thereof Conixburg and the Trade thereof COnixburg vulgarly called Queensburg and in Italian Mount Royal is the Metropolis of this Dutchy seated upon an Inlet of the Baltick Sea and washed with the pleasant River Fiegol it is found to have an Academy for Sciences and well stored with Merchants from all the Northern parts of the World and here the Merchants of Prusen keep their Factors for the vending of their inland Commodities Upon this shore is also found in some quantity that excellent Amber which the Inhabitants call Berstein which in English may be translated the Burning Stone of which some Writers make three sorts the first coming from certain Gummy Trees the second made by Art of Gold and Silver and other ingredients and the third this sort coming naturally from the bottom of these Seas which for six Months are frozen up and deny the Sea-man and Merchant the use of Navigation Weights of Conixburg The Monies and Accounts here in use are mentioned before and the common Weight used amongst Merchants is the Stone containing 40 pound and 10 Stone makes a Ship pound of 400 pound and the 100 l. Averdupois of London doth yield here about 120 l. or 112 l. besides which they have also the Ship pound of Dantzick in use for some Commodities of 350 l. but this Weight is to be avoided by the Strangers as being ever accounted too favourable to the Citizens Measures of Conixburg The common Measure of length is the Ell here for all Commodities measureable the 100 Yards of London hath made here by Observation 166½ incirca And thus much shall suffice to have said of this City from whence proceeding I come next to Rhiga and Revel two eminent Cities in this Tract CHAP. CCXXVII Of Rhiga and the Trade thereof Rhiga and the Trade thereof RHiga is the principal City of Livonia or Lissland seated near the Embosure of the River Dunia strengthened with an exceeding strong Wall many Ordnance to desend it against all Enemies and bordering upon the Lissland Sea it was formerly the chief residence of the Teutonick Knights and then and now reinforced by the Garrison of Dâ—…mund accounted one of the impregnable Forts of this Northern Climate where all Ships entring are searched and pay a certain Toll or Duty the Inhabitants curious for the preservation of their Liberty acknowledge the King of Poland for their Protector to whom they pay a yearly Contribution but else are governed by their
own ancient Laws and Privileges which they enjoyed from the Knights their old Masters at the resignation of this Country to that King Commodities of Rhiga The Commodities of this Country for Merchandizing and Exportation is Corn and Grain of all sorts Hemp Flax Honey Wax Rosin Tar Horses and all sorts of rich Furs as Martins Ermins Sables Bevers and the like not wanting any necessary for nourishment save Wine and Oyl which foreign Nations do bring them Weights of Rhiga The Weight in use is the Pound 20 pound whereof makes a Lis-pound and 20 Lis-pound makes a Ship-pound and 12 Ship pound being 4000 pound is accounted a Last of Rie both here and at Narva and the 100 pound of London hath been observed to make here 116 pound Measures of Rhiga The Measure is the Ell agreeing with the Ell in use in Kevel Conixburg and Narva 100 yards London making 160½ incirca Coins in Rhiga The Coins and Accounts differ not much here in value from the others before-mentioned yet found to differ in appellation for the Rix-Dollar and the Mark-Lups is here all one which makes two Swedens or common Marks and one Sweden is eight Lups-shillings one Lups is two Shillings one Shilling is twelve Pence and one Peny is two Hellers CHAP. CCXXVIII Of Revel and the Trade thereof Revel and the Trade thereof REvel is nothing inferiour for Trade to Rhiga situated on the North of the Balâ—… Seas famoused in these Northern Countries for the safety and commodiousness of the Haven it is well stored of Merchants that frequent the place for the Traffick of the Commodities thereof nominated in the aforegoing Chapter The Inhabitants stand much upon theâ— antient Privileges granted them by their old Masters the Teutonick Knights and acknowledging the King of Swedeland for Protector to whom they yield obedience the keeping of which cost him 100000 Crowns yearly as naturally defending his own and offending his Neighbours Territories This City in one thing hath a larger freedom than Rhiga and is the same as in Lubeck for coining of Moneys which they do four square yet are bound to stamp the same of the same worth and value as the current Coins of Poland therefore I shall not need further to insist thereupon Weights of Revel Their common Weight is a pound their Ship-pound is 400 l. and the 100 l. of London make here 116 l. Exchanges of Revel There is found some Exchanges practised in these parts by the Mark Swedens of 16 s. and by the Mark-Lups of 32 s. c. Measures of Revel Their common Measure of length is the Ell agreeing with that of Conixburg and Râ—… the 100 Yards London making by computation incirca 166½ Ells here Narva also seated 〈◊〉 this Tract agreeth in Weight and Measures with Revel therefore I shall not need to inâ—… further thereupon CHAP. CCXXIX Of Stralsont and the Trade thereof Stralsont and the Trade thereof STralsont lies also in this Tract and is found seated on the Baltick Sea opposite to the Island of Raugi where the late King of Sweden first landed in his Invasion of the Empire it is now subject to the Duke of Pomeran and in whose cause it hath endured long and streight Siege but being well and strongly fortified by suffering it overcame and 〈◊〉 now accounted a famous Mart in these Northern parts for Grain Pitch Tar Rosin Honey Wax Hides Tallow and the like Here passeth in Merchandize the Moneys of Norâ—… Denmark Sweden and Germany of all which I have spoken and the Duke hath also a pecular Coin which is stamped in equal value to the Imperial Dollar as above is said Weights of Stralsont The Weight of Stralsont is the Pound 10 whereof is accounted for a Stone and 16 for a Lis-pound and the 100 l. in London hath produced here about 88 in 89 pound Measures of Stralsont The Measure of length is the Ell and is found to agree with the Ell of Statin as is shewed hereafter Julin I must not here omit a word in memory of the antient City of Julin seated in the Dutchy and which once was the principal City of Trade in all this Sea for here the Vandâ—… Saxons Muscovites Polonians Swedes English Danes and Germans had their several Quartes of residency for Commerce and all the Commodities of these Countries were brought â—ither by these Nations It is noted that the Inhabitants were the last of all these Northern People that imbraced the Christian Religion by reason that being in the height of their prosperity perceiving the Gospel of Christ to thrive and increase in all their Neighbouring Territories strictly prohibited that no Stranger whatsoever here resident should embrace the same nor that any should as much as mention any new Religion unto them but in these latter days their great Traffick is lost and they are become Religious according to the Superstition of that Religion they use and since have suffered much by the vexation of the continual Waâ— of the Danes and appears now for the most part ruined where I leave it and pass thence to the next Town of Pomeran CHAP. CCXXX Of Stetin and the Trade thereof Stetin and the Trade thereof THIS Stetin is the capital City of Pomerania situate upon the River of Oder in a pleasant and delightsome Soil and carrieth in these Northern Regions that Renown that from hence the Dukes of Stetin in Pomerland have their appellations The City abounds in all Commodities for Merchandize that the Neighbouring Countries afford and of it self it yieldeth to Merehants the Commodities common to Prusen Sweden and Polonia For its defence it is strengthned on all sides with Ramparts Ditches and good Artillery the River of Oder is beaâ—tified with many useful and necessary Bridges the one whereof is purposely made to lead to the Granaries and Store-houses where the Corn and Grain either for Store or Exportation is laid up and where their Arsenals are seated in which their warlike Provision is kept and where Vessels of all sorts both for Sea and River is seen daily to be fabricated beside the several Churches and Colleges that adorn this City the Duke's Palace must be accounted as the principal Ornament built of that Art and Sumptuousness that it gives not place to the most excellent in Italy in fine Stetin is not to be accounted the least of the Hans-Towns and tho' the Prince be daily there Resident yet it proveth no way prejudicial to the Privileges thereof Commodities of Stetin The Commodities of this City are for Merchandizing such as all the East Country affordeth viz. Tar Pitch Rosin Honey Wax Hides Grain and all kind of Furs Weights of Stetin The Weight of this City is divided into two kinds derived from the Pound weight here in use the Quintar is accounted 112 l. of this place and that is the first and the second is the Stone which is also of two sorts as a
sold by a measure called the Liver and weigheth 7½ l 20 whereof is found to make a Candy Barrel which must hold 15 Gallons English which should be 112½ l. Averdupois Of Corn. Corn is here sold by the Bachel whereof 9 and ⅖ hath been noted to make in England 8 Bushels Winchester measure From Petras it will not be improper that I trace the Dalmatian shore and survey the Cities seated on the Maritime Coast and found in the Gulph of Venice purposely omitted in the Chapter of Dalmatia as more proper to this place and then proceed to the rest of the Grecian Provinces CHAP. CCXL Of Catarro and the Trade thereof Catarro and the Trade thereof THough in this Tract Rhagusa and Spalato be the principal Cities of Trade known to our Merchants of London yet now coasting this Dalmatian shore it will not be improper that I take a general view of such eminent Cities of note as are observable in this Tract the next of consequence being Catarro seated in a Gulph bearing the name of the City enjoying a commodious Harbour and safe from all Winds but not enjoying any great Trade by reason of the too near neighbourhood of Rhagusa yet the place doth afford for Merchandise which is Exported to Venetia and to other places in that Gulph Wax Honey Tar and Pitch or Rosin some Minerals or colours for Painters Tallow and Candles Cordovants and Sheep-skins Figs Almonds Nuts and some other Commodities for Victual Moneys in Catarro The Moneys here and generally throughout all this Coast are those current in the State of Venetia and the Dominion of the great Turk of which more is said in its due place Weights in Catarro The Weight here used is the Pound and the 100 l. here is in Venetia suttle 133 l. as hath been observed and may be about 90 l. English and the said Pound is 16 Ounces And the said 100 Pound of Catarro hath made in Sicilia 127 Pound and the 100 Pound of Sicilia hath made here 78 Pound and the gross Salmo of Sicilia hath made here 4 Stares the 100 Pound of Catarro hath been also observed to yield in Linsano and other parts of Pulia 117 Pound Measures of Catarro The Measures of Catarro are From Catarro I will take my passage to the next City neighbouring the most important being Sebenico CHAP. CCXLI. Of Sebenico and the Trade thereof Sebenico and the Trade thereof SEbenico is also found on this Shore and seated upon the River of Cherca abutting on the Gulph of Venetia and having a commodious Harbour lockt from all dangers of Winds by sundry small Islands Caprano and Standica being the principal Tina a fair City lies upon this River more into the Land which adds to the Trade of this place and were it not for the continual Piracy of Rovers upon this Coast and especially amongst these Islands the Trade thereof would doubtless increase daily and grow by reason of its commodious sicuation to a great height yet notwithstanding this difficulty it affordeth for Merchandise exportable Was Honey in great plenty Tallow Hides and Cheese excellent Oil of Olives and strong Waes Figs and some other Fruit. Weights of Sebenico The City of Sebenico is found to have two several weights commonly in use the one for the weighing of fine Goods and the other for gross Goods The first being called the suttle Hundred consisting of 100 Pound is in England 80 Pound Averdupois The second called the gross Quintar of 100 Pound doth also produce in London 128 Pound Averdupois Measures of Sebenico The measure of length in use is the Pico which is accounted to be about 23 Inches English and is about 10 per cent less than the Cloth Brace of Venice This Note hath been made between the weight of Venice and Sebenico 100 Pound suttle Sebenico is suttle in Venetia 120 Pound 100 Pound gross Sebenico is gross in Venetia 120 Pound 100 Pound suttle Venice is suttle in Sebenico 83 Pound 100 Pound gross Venice is gross in Sebenico 83 Pound 1 Pound suttle in Venice is in Sebenico 10 Ounces 1 Pound suttle Sebenico is in Venetia suttle 14 Ounces 2⅖ Sases And so leaving Sebenico I come to Scutary CHAP. CCXLII. Of Scutary and the Trade thereof Scutary and the Trade thereof SCutary is accounted the Metropolis of Albania and situated upon a Lake called the Lake of Scutary or Scodra through which the River of Boiano runneth and so to the Sea near the Gulph of Lodrin and includeth in the Gulph of Venetia but being now as the other Cities of this Tract in subjection to the Grand Seignior the Trade thereof is much decayed and City ruin'd from its ancient splendour and beauty yet the Industry of the Inhabitants doth afford some Silk also Wax Honey Hides Cordovants and some other Skins for Merchandise Weights of Scutary In Scutary is used two sorts of Weights a gross and a suttle the gross hundred of 100 l. is in England 108 l. incirca Averdupois by which all the gross Commodities are weighed and the suttle hundred by which all fine Commodities are weighed is English 64 l. and it hath been observed the 1000 l. suttle Venice hath made here gross 664 l. and the 1000 l. gross here in Scutary hath made in Venice 1600 l. Measures of Scutary The measure of length here in use is the Pico observed to accord with Venice thus The 100 Braces of Cloth hath made here 112 Pico and the 100 Braces of Silk in Venice hath made 106 Pico which in England must be accounted for 27 Inches Of Grain All sort of Grain is sold by the Stare not only in Scutary but also in Boiano seated on the mouth of this River and the 100 Stares make in Venice 66⅜ Stares which is in England accounting by this Computation every three Stares of Scutary to make two Stares in Venice And thus leaving Scodra with this short Survey with the applause due to it for its excellent situation and strength I hence pass to Valona or Avalona CHAP. CCXLIII Of Valona and the Trade thereof Valona and the Trade thereof VAlona is also a fair commodious City seated on the Shore between the Cape of Languetta and the Cape of Caurion and is opposite to the Cape of Otranto and accounted the entrance into the Gulph of Venice and though it be in subjection to the Turks who are not always found Friends to Traffick yet by the Industry of the Inhabitants it affords for Merchandise to be Exported Raw Silk Powder of Berry or Grain for dying of rich colours Wax Honey Rosin Cottons Carpets Cordovants some Salt fish which they call Sarrache and other such Commodies in good quantity Weight of Valona The Weight here is the Pound of which the Quintar is composed being 100 l. which hath been found to produce in England 88 in 90 l. Averdupois and hath made in Venice from whence I gather my
weight and how they agree together and having calculated most of the Weights of this Book to the hundred suttle I will also shew here how the 112 l. is found to respound with some other Countries as being the weight common in use amongst Merchants and in notes of Commodities observed abroad Europa The 112 l. London Marselia 125 l. Venetia suttle 164 l. Venetia gross 104 l. Sicilia 62 l. Lisbon 100 l. Florence 143 l. Anvers 106 l. Lions 118 l. Sevil 110 l. Dantzick 129 l. Bruges 112 l. Asia Africa The 112 l. London Aleppo 22⅛ Rot. Aleppo Silk 24 Rot. Tripoli Suria 27½ Rot. Tripoli Barbaria 97 Rot. Alexandria Zata 519 Rot. Alexandria Forfar 116 Rot. Scio and Constantinople 101 Rot. Rhodes 20. 4 Rot. Acria 18. 1 Rot. Babylonia 15. 6 M. Balsola   Ormus 108. 7 l. I need not further inlarge my self herein by reason of the many Tables found in this Book whereby the said weight of 112 l. may easily be reduced to any eminent place of the World and forasmuch as our English Gold and Silver is weighed and valued by the pound Troy I shall here following insert how the same concurs and agrees with most of the eminent Cities in the World in their Coins both of Silver and Gold Troy weight for Gold and Silver compared with other Countries It is observed then in most Countries abroad as with us in England that Gold and Silver is coined and minted by a peculiar weight only proper thereunto which in many great Cities and Countries of Trade I have purposely omitted that I might both facilitate this my labour and in one place reduce them together to the Pound Troy used especially to that purpose in England therefore if I prove here somewhat the larger it is but what the seriousness and due circumstances of the matter requireth The Weight then used in this case in England is the pound Troy and that which is in use in most other Countries is the Mark which as well as I can I will here abbreviate now this pound Troy consisting of 12 ounces and the ounce of 20 peny weights and the peny weight of 24 grains the 100 l. of these abovesaid pounds being used for the Standard of Gold and Silver in this Kingdom hath been observed to make in Antwerp 112 Marks each Mark being 8 Ounces 1 Ounce being 20 Peny weight 1 Peny weight 32 Grains Alder 86 l.  Caire 105⅓ Besses  Ancona 116 Marks  Aquila 79½ l.  Ausburg 118 marks  Bavaria 116 marks  Bohemia 99 marks  Catalonia 112½ marks  Colen 118 marks  Constantinople 99 marks  Crema 116 marks 1 mark is 8 ounces 1 ounce is 8 grosses 1 gross is 3 Deniers 1 Denier is 24 grains Dantzick 118½ marks Florence 158½ marks Frankford 118 marks Friburg 116 marks  Genoa for Gold 130 marks 1 mark is 8 ounces 1 ounce 24 Deniers 1 Denier is 24 grains Genoa for Silver 86½ pounds 1 pound is 12 ounces 1 ounce is 24 Deniers 1 Denier is 24 grains Hungary 99 marks  Lipsick 118 marks  Lions 126 marks 1 mark in France is 8 ounces 1 ounce is 8 grosses 1 gross is 3 Deniers 1 Denier is 24 grains Paris idem 126 marks Millan 118 marks  Narsigna 97 marks  Naples 86½ pounds 1 pound Naples is 12 ounces 1 ounce is 8 Octavos Persia 98 Mains  Peris 99½ Cillats  Piemont 111 marks  Mosen 118 marks A mark of Mesen is 8 ounces 1 ounce is 24 Deniers 1 Denier or peny is found to be 24 Momenta or Grains Saxony idem 118 marks Burgas 120 marks  Franconia 116 marks  Norimberg 116 marks 1 mark Norimberg is 16 Loots 1 Loot is 4 Quints 1 Quint is 4 pence primes or numulies 1 peny is 4 Sesterties Turkey 98 marks  Turin 111 marks  Vicentia 116 marks  Vienna 98 marks  New Spain America 98½ marks  Spain in general 121 marks 1 mark Spanish is 50 Castilianos 1 Castiliano is 8 Tomines 1 Tominos is 8 grains and this mark is 29700 marks or 873½ Rials or 792 Ducates Treviso 117 marks  Ulme 116 marks  Weselburg 115  Venice 116½ marks 1 mark Venice is 8 ounces 1 ounce is 4 quarts or Silices 1 quarta 36 Carrats or Siliquas 1 Carrat is 4 grains Verona Rome 116½ marks 1 mark Roman is 8 ounces 1 ounce is 8 drams 1 dram is 3 scruples 1 scruple is a obolos 1 obolo is 3 Siliquas 1 Siliqua is 4 grains or Primi Lisbon 121 Mark 1 Mark Portugal is 8 Ounces 1 Ounce is 8 Octavos 1 Octavo is 4½ Grains These are all the Standards of the Coins both of Gold and Silver that I have met withal and the particulars whereto the said Weights are distinguished which may be so far needful to the Traffick of Countries that thereby every Merchant Stranger may know of what goodness and real value those Coins are stamped and coined for and what the same will yield and afford him in his own City or place of residence Weights used in Physick and their parts Upon this Troy-weight doth also depend in Physick all Drugs and Simples administred by way of Potions which according to the custom practised amongst Physicians is thus distinguished into parts One Sesquilibra is 1½ pound or 18 ounces One pound is 2 Selibra or 12 ounces One Selibra is 2 Quadrans or 6 ounces One Quadran is a ¼ of a l. or 3 ounces One Sescuntia is 1½ ounce or 12 drams One ounce is 8 drams One dram is 3 scruples or 60 grains One scruple is 20 grains One Obolus is ⅛ of a scruple or 10 grains The reduction of some foreign current Coins to the Engl. sterling Now according to this agreement of the weights of Silver and Gold I will here reduce the ralue of some foreign Coins to the English sterling The Crown of Camera of Rome is sterling 00 l. 07 s. 0 d. The Sols of Genoa is sterling 00 01 6. The Ducate of Venice of 6 l. 4 Sols is sterling  04 6. The Ducate of Naples is sterling  04 9. The Crown of Gold of Florence is sterling  06 0 The 20 Sols of Millan is sterling  01 0. The Carlin of Cicilia is sterling  00 3. The Sol of gross of Antwerp is sterling  00 7¼ The Lire of Valentia Barselona and Saragosa is  05 6. The Lire or Frank of France is sterling  02 0. The Florin of Turin and Savoy is sterling  00 3⅜ The 34 Marvedes or single Royal of Spain is sterling  06 0. The 40 Res of Lisbon in Portugal is sterling  00 6. The Lire of Bollonia is sterling  01 3½ The Crown of Lucca is sterling  05 9. The Florin of Noremberg and Frankford sterling  3 4. The Chequin of Turkey is sterling  7 10. Where note That in Europe the Exchange ever maketh the
Tongue which extends it self into two parts 1. An Exchanging of one sort of Moneys for another and 2. An Exchanging from one City or Country to another Rates Terms Fairs and Usances of Exchange in which is also considerable both a Rate and Term wherein and whereby this is brought to perfection which are principally performed by certain Fairs or Usances accustomed in the Art of Exchanging and which are set down by Merchants Bankers and Exchangers at their Assemblies and Meetings in a fair and regular Order by a certain Course of Justice and by peculiar Laws and Ordinances amongst themselves both which Fairs and the Rates and Terms thereof have a constant expiration within certain months as the Usances have that are likewise included within the Rules of the said Fairs which are found to end within certain prefixt days according to the received Custom of those two Cities wherein the said Exchanges are found mutually and respectively to be setled and placed What is observed in Exchanging in the usual manner thereof Moreover in the Practice of Exchanging Bankers and Exchangers are found to observe this Custom amongst themselves in the usual manner of Exchanging from one place to another that is One propounds his Money in a whole Number or Denomination and the Other consequently and necessarily in a Fraction broken Number or lesser Denomination in which Contract or Bargain it is imagined that these two either Persons or Places would negotiate one and the self same thing so that the one would be the Seller and the other the Buyer thereof to perform which it is questionless needful that he that hath the thing makes the Rate and Price the which shall happen without any Contract or difference of much or little and as it chanceth in the sale of any Commodity so falleth it out by the Exchanges of Moneys for of the two places that would exchange the one propounds a gross Sum and the other the Condition and Price in a lesser Sum which may admit either an increase or decrease in estimation or value according as they fall to agreement upon the lesser or greater esteem of the said Sum propounded the use of which is exemplified thus Example If Placmtia would exchange with any other place the said Placentia or as Exchangers term it the said Fair or Fiera propounds and gives always the entire Sum or greater denomination and by consequence the other that would exchange therewith gives the other which is the lesser denomination This Sum which I thus term an entire or whole Denomination falls in some places to be sometimes one Crown and in other places sometimes 100 Crowns Florins or Ducats the same is likewise found to be practised between any two places Exchanging for each place giveth either a Denomination entire of one to another or of one Hundred to another Hundred or else of a lesser Divident than one or than one Hundred which I here term the Fraction broken Number or smallest Denomination as shall be more plainly expressed in the calculated Table following What an Entire Sum in Exchanges is and what a broken Number or Fraction Now as touching the Moneys which are thus given as entire or whole Sums viz. One or one hundred these are either found to be Crowns Ducats Pounds Florins c. according to the received quality of the gross and whole Moneys which that place is found to have current that would give so in like manner it falleth out in the smaller or lesser Denomination in the places that would take which in themselves is also various and consequently of divers sorts as Pence Sols Deniers c as shall also appear by the said Table Liberty of Exchanging to the judicious And though it fall out to be the Custom that one place giveth an Exchange in gross Moneys and another place in small as is before related and that this gross and small Moneys must be of such or such a quality and kind this Observation and Rule prescribed notwithstanding is not always necessary but that Exchangers may though I confess it is seldom seen at their pleasure propound the one or the other differing or contrary hereunto and that the wise and judicious Exchanger may for his Profit Ease or Commodity propound his own intentions and thereby if he can obtain a beneficial Bargain or Issue according to his Design and Plot. As for Example Ignorant Exchangers consure the judicious of varying from the Custom of Exchanging If it should be said that Exchanges may be made in a method differing from this or the common Rule or contrary to that way that hath been received and taken some would soon censure him of folly that should be of that Opinion and conceive such a one to be little versed in exchanging Affairs that should either propound or seek to perform such a thing but yet no great heed is to be taken to the raw Conceits and childish Opinions of such self-will'd Merâ—…nts which may for the most part be said to be either drench'd in ignorance or drown'd in cary because that a skilful Merchant may as I have alledged frame his Exchanges as he sees good and to his own Commodity the which very oftentimes is observed to be done by others and practised daily by those of this City of excellent judgments Example In Example whereof posito I would exchange Genoua with Naples between which two places the use and custom is that Genoua giveth the entire Sum or greater denomination which is the Crown of Gold for the which Naples gives the Grain 135 a little more or less I demand why may not Genoua give that whole Sum which is the Crown of 4 Livres as it is accustomed to give with other places and estimating the same by 120 Grains Naples and thereby the Exchange will prove to be equal with the first manner before mentioned And further why may not the contrary be practised Naples giving the whole Denomination which may be Decats one for Sold. 66 8 d. and so vary in as many forms as they please wherein I confess I never yet found any Exchanges made neither do know any true reason that the common Cuâ—…oms should be altered tho' I have thought good to note the same here that each knowing Merchant may boldly use which he please for to him that truly understands the value and course of both the places Exchanging there will appear no difficulty therein and I wish that those which know no other ways but their own content themselves within the limits of their own manner and understanding and suffer others of better Judgments without their censure to follow their own when it is to their Benefit or Commodity CHAP. CCLXXV The Declaration of the Table of Exchanges following Declaration of the Tables of Exchanges THE Table of Exchanges of the Cities here following are formed and disposed in this nature first in the front thereof there is placed the Name of the Town or
Rates of Interest in many other places Rates of Exchange in Lions and may serve for Rates of Interest in many other Cities FIrst at ½ per Cent. take 1 10 of a 1 10 and the ½ of the last 1 10 shall be the Rate and Sum of the Exchange propounded and demanded At ⅓ per Cent. take a 1 10 of a 1 10 and a ⅓ of the last 1 10 is the Exchange At ⅔ per Cent. take a 1 10 of a 1 10 and ⅔ of the last 1 10 is the Exchange At ¼ per Cent. take a 1 10 of a 1 10 and ¼ of the last 1 10 is the Exchange At ¾ per Cent. take ¾ of a 1 10 and the 1 10 shall be the Exchange At ⅕ per Cent. take a ⅕ of the 1 10 of a 1 10 shall be the Exchange At ⅖ per Cent. take a ⅖ of the 1 10 of a 1 10 shall be the Exchange At 1 per Cent. take a 1 10 of a 1 10 shall be the Exchange At 1½ per Cent. take a 1 10 of a 1 10 and ½ of the last 1 10 adding the two last At 1½ per Cent. take a 1 10 of a 1 10 and ⅓ of the last 1 10 adding the ⅓ and 1 10. At 1⅔ per Cent. take a ½ of a 1 10 shall be the Exchange At 1¼ per Cent. take a ⅛ of a 1 10 shall be the Exchange At 1¾ per Cent. take ½ and ¼ of the 1 10 of a 1 10 shall be the Exchange At 1⅜ per Cent. take a 1 10 of a 1 10 and ⅜ of the last 1 10. At 2 per Cent. take a ⅕ of a 1 10 shall be the Exchange At 2⅛ per Cent. take a ⅕ of a 1 10 and ⅙ of the said ⅕ adding the ⅓ and ⅕ At 2⅔ per Cent. take a ⅕ of a 1 10 and ½ of the said ⅕ At 2½ per Cent. take a ¼ of a 1 10 shall be the Exchange At 2¼ per Cent. take a ⅕ of a 1 10 and ⅛ of the said ⅕ adding the ⅕ and ⅛ At 2¾ per Cent. take a ¼ of a 1 10 and the 1 10 of the said ¼ At 3 per Cent. take a ¼ of a 1 10 and ⅓ of the said ¼ adding the ¼ and the ⅕ At 3⅓ per Cent. take a ⅓ of a 1 10. At 3½ per Cent. take a ¼ of a 1 10 and ⅔ of the said ¼ adding the ¼ and ⅖ At 3¾ per Cent. take a ¼ of a 1 10 and ⅓ of the said ¼ adding the ¼ and the ½ At 4 per Cent. take a ⅕ of a ⅕ At 4½ per Cent. take ¼ and ⅕ of At 5 per Cent. take a ½ of a 1 10. At 5½ per Cent. take a ½ of a 1 10 and 1 10 of the said ½ adding the ½ and the 1 10. At 6 per Cent. take a ½ of a 1 10 and ⅕ of the said ½ shall be the Exchange At 6¼ per Cent. take a 1 10 of a ¼ of a ¼ shall be the Exchange At 6⅔ per Cent. take a 1 10 of a ⅓ of one ⅓ At 7⅕ per Cent. take a ½ of 1 10 and ½ of the said ½ At 8⅓ per Cent. take a 1 11. At 10 per Cent. take a 1 10. At 12½ per Cent. take a ⅛ At 15 per Cent. take a 1 10 and ½ of the said 1 10 adding the whole At 16⅔ per Cent. take a 1 10. At 17½ per Cent. 1 10 and twice the ½ the one of the other of the said 1 10. At 20 per Cent. ⅕ At 22½ per Cent. ⅕ and of ⅛ the said ⅕ adding giveth the Exchange At 25 per Cent. taking the ¼ The reason and benefit of these Rules as well in Lions as elsewhere The reason why I have been induced to set down the brief method of calculating the Exchanges here is that as it is to be understood that the rate of the Exchange at the payment is regulated for the next ensuing payment for that day so must it also be understood that the nearer the time is to the day of the next ensuing the lesser consequently is the rate of the Exchange for that payment to be accounted and because in many Contracts that are made there in private Bargains between Merchant and Merchant it is oftentimes found that the time of payment prefixed by agreement is sometimes 2 3 or 4 or more Fairs or Payments to come and succeed and thereto is oftentimes to be considered the remaining time running to the first payment ensuing Therefore in this case I have for the easier and better reckoning of him that sells a Commodity and of him that doth buy the same set down the easiest and briefest way how to make his Account of the time to run which here I have set down to the common term of ten payments which at 2½ per Cent. makes 25 per Cent. CHAP. CCCV Examples of the Exchanges of Lions with the Profit of the Profits thereof Example of Exchange with the Profit of the Profit thereof in the nature of Interest upon Interest THE declaration of these Rules is best demonstrated by Examples which here following my intended method for the better understanding thereof I here purpose to insert the Question being That if a Creditor receiveth not each payment the Exchange that is due to him the Debtor ought to make him good the same as if it were the principal For Example I would know what shall l. 1560. 15 Ounces give for profit at the rate of two ½ per Cent. for three payments valuing the said Exchange with the Principal at the price above-named First it is to be noted That if by the Rules above mentioned the Profits of the said Sum at 2½ per Cent. for one payment comes to l. 39. 0. 4 d. that Sum is to be added to the Principal and then it doth amount unto l. 1599. 15 s. 4 d. out of which must be drawn the Exchange of the second payment and add that likewise to the principal and out of that the Exchange of the third and adding that in the same manner and it giveth 1680. l. 15 s. As by Example following doth appear And in this manner the account of the Profits of the Exchange of Lions may be made for any time whatsoever and forasmuch as the rate of the Exchange for a payment in a continued Sum may alter therefore I will lay down one Example more which pesus may be 7450 put out by the Exchange of Lions for a year or four payments The first payment falling to be at 2¼ the second at 2⅓ the third at 2½ and the fourth payment at ⅜ which accordingly cast up and continued with the Profit of the Profit added to the principal it will amount to 8203 l. 6 s. 6 d. as following shall appear by the Example Interest paid upon Rebate Now forasmuch as these Rules have affinity with the interest used in many Countries continued by the year from one to another
whatsoever Accounts kept in Lions and there likewise it is observed how the Merchants Exchangers do keep their accounts which for the most part is in Livers Tournois Sols and Deniers 12 Deniers making a Sol and 20 Sols a Liver and yet some there be that keep their accounts in Crowns of Exchange called Crowns of the Sun and is as the Liver distinguished into Sols and Deniers of Gold accounted by 12 and 20 as the former this Crown being accounted worth 3 Livers upon which the Exchange of the place is made and marked with Crowns Livers Sols and Deniers the question then upon the Exchange of Lions with Rome is thus 100 Crowns of Gold of 3 l. is given in Lions to have in Rome 85 Crowns of Gold Estampe or de Camera more or less as the Exchange passeth I demand for Crowns 4520. 12. 6 d. of Gold of the Sun how many Crowns of Estampe shall Lions have at Rome To know which you must multiply the said Crowns of the Sun by 85 and from the Product cut the two last figures the which must multiply by 20 to make them Sols and then by 12 to make them Deniers which will come to be 3842. 10. 7 of Gold of Estampe which Lions ought to have in Rome for the said sum of Crowns of Gold which this calculation following maketh more apparent Example Proof The proof of the said account will appear in the same question propounded where Rome Exchangeth at the same terms with Lions CHAP. CCCIX Of the Exchanges of Lions with Florence Exchanges of Lions with Florence LIms Exchangeth with Florence and giveth 100 Crowns to have in the said place 954 Crowns of Gold more or less I demand for Crowns 1324. 15. 0 of Gold of the Sun how many Crowns of Gold I shall have in Florence to know which I multiply the said Crowns of Gold by 95¾ in cutting the two last figures of the Product as I did in the precedent account the which are to be multiplied by 20 and 12 to make the same Sols and Deniers and I find I must have in Florence Crowns 1268. 8. 11 of Gold for the said Crowns of the Sun as in the following Example Proof Facit Crowns 1268 8 11 which shall appear when Florence Exchangeth with Lions CHAP. CCCX Of the Exchange of Lions with Lucca Exchanges of Lions with Lucca LIons Exchangeth with Lucca and taketh Crowns 100 to pay in Lucca posito 103â…™ of Livers 7½ the Crown I demand for Crowns 1234 5 6 of Gold of the Sun how much must I pay in the said City of Lucca To know which I multiply the said sum of Crowns of the Sun by Crowns 103â…™ and from its Product cut off the two last figures the which I multiply by 20 to come to Sols and then by 12 to come to Deniers and it will make Crowns 1273 7 2 which I must pay in the said place of Lucca Example Payment made in Mony Note that if in Lions it be paid in mony there is one per cent given more so that receiving in the said place of Lucca the said Crowns 1273 7 2 in mony of the said place the Debtâ—… shall be bound to pay more Crowns 12. 14 8 which is in all Crowns 1286 1 10 as for Example thus cast up The proof of the said Exchange you shall find in the account when Lucca doth Exchange with Lions made by the Rule of Three saying If Crowns 103â…™ give 100 how many shall the abovesaid 1273 7 2 d. give which will be Crowns 1234 5 6. of Gold of the Sun CHAP. CCCXI. Of the Exchanges of Lions with Naples Exchanges of Lions with Naples LIons Exchanges with Naples and giveth Crowns 100 of the Sun to have in that place Duc. 127½ more or less of Taries 5 per Ducate I would know for Crowns 2584. 9. 6. of Gold of the Sun how much Lions shall have credit for in Naples The which to do you must multiply the said sum of Crowns by the said 127½ Duc. cutting the two last figures of the Product the which must be multiplied by 5 to make them Taries and then by 20 to make them Grains because that the Ducate is worth 5 Taries and the Tarie 20 Grains so that it will give in Naples Duc 3295 Tarie 1. The proof of the said Rule shall appear in the Exchange of Naples with Lions CHAP. CCCXII Of the Exchanges of Lions with Palermo or Mesina Exchanges of Lions with Palermo and Mesina LIons exchangeth for Palermo or Messina and giveth 1 Crown of Gold of the Sun to have in the said place posito 38 Carlins I would know for Crowns 4692. 11. 3. of the Sun how many Ounces shall Lions have credit in Palermo or Messina first multiply the said Crown of the Sun by the said 38 Carlins the value of the Crown and taking the rest of the multiplication for parts of 10 because the Carlin is worth 10 Grains and the product shall be Carlins and Grains to make the which Ounces you must take â…™ in cutting the last figure because that 60 Carlins make an Ounce and of that which resteth cut off add with the last figure you must take ½ to make Taries one whereof being 2 Carlins and 30 worth one Ounce and if you find a rest of the said Taries you must take ½ which is 10 Grains because that one Tary is worth 10 Grains and ½ of 20 which is 10 to the which must be added the resting Grains if any be so that the said sum of Carlins will make Ounces 2189 Tar. 25 Grains 17 and so many Ounces will Palermo or Messina give and over and above the said sum of Ounces one Carlin per Ounce is given for to make it good mony and to add the said Carlin per Ounce in the shortest way it is to be considered that for the said Ounces 2189 is given the same sum of Carlins for the Laggio of the monies as they term it which reduced into Ounces cutting the last figure and taking â…™ of the rest as hath been said before will give Ounces 36. resting two 〈◊〉 of Carlins which is twenty to which must be added the last figure cut off and it will be 29 Carlins which is 14 Taries and there will rest 1 Carlin which is 10 Grains to which must be added 8 Grains for 25 Taries which are with the Ounces seeing that for 3 Taries cometh one Grain for Laggio of the said mony and they will be Ounces 2226. 10. 15. and so much will the credit of Lions be in Palermo and because that the said Carlin per Ounce comes to 1â…“ per cent the account may be made in taking 〈◊〉 per cent of the said sum of Ounces and it will make the same sum as Example Proof The proof of the said account shall appear in the Exchange of Palermo and Mesina back to Lions CHAP. CCCXIII. Of the Exchanges of Lions with Genoa Exchanges
the Crown of Mark there will remain Sol. 134â…” and at that price should Placentia Exchange with or for Millan Question for Genoa Again at Millan is Exchange made for Placentia in expedition of a Fair there at Sol 133½ and for Genoa at Sol 118â…” I demand by the said Exchanges at what price should Placentia Exchange for Genoa I say by the Rule of Three If Sols 118â…” of Millan the price of the Crown of 4 l. of Genoa give Sols 80 what will Sols 133½ give the price of the Crown of Mark in money of Millan and it will be 90 Sols of current money the which without making the reduction into money of Gold seeing it hath been already said that 90 Sols of current money is worth 68 Sol. of Gold and at this price should Placentia exchange with and for Genoa Question for Lions Again at Venice is Exchange made for Placentia in expedition of a Fair there at Duc. 141. and for Lions at 116½ I demand by the said Exchanges at what price should Placentia exchange for Lions I say by the Rule of Three If Duc. 141. of l. 6. â…“ of Venice give in Placentia Crow 100. how many will Duc. 116½ give the value of the Crow 100 of Gold of the Sun of Lions and it will be Crow 82â… or circa and at that price should Placcntia exchange with Lions Another At Placentia there is Exchange made for Lions at Crow 83½ and for Florence at Crow 113 and from that place we have advice that they exchange for Lions at Crow 95â…“ I would know by the said Exchanges if it be beneficial to remit from Placentia to Lions and to draw from Florence by inordering my Factors at Florence to prevail upon Lions at the said price of Crow 95â…“ To know which you must multiply the said Crow 83½ of Mark being the price of Crow 100 of the Sun of Gold by Crow 113. of Gold per cent seeing that the said Crowns of Gold are the value of 100 Crowns of Mark and from the product cut off the two last figures and there will remain Crow 94. 7. 1. to which adding â…– per cent for the provisions which are paid the one at Florence the other at Lions and they will be Crow 94. 19. 8. so that it will be profitable to draw and to remit according to the abovesaid order and manner because that at Florence may be taken by Exchange for Lions at Crow 95 or circa and finding Crow 95½ upon which consideration is to be had what the moneys of Florence may do by Exchange for Lions which thus I work by Example Now for the terms of payments of Bills of Exchanges in Placentia it is expressed in the Trade of that City in Chapter 383. And this shall suffice to have said of the Exchanges practised at Placentia where by reason of the great and continued practises here daily made for vast sums I have somewhat more than ordinarily inlarged my self and so I proceed to the next place of Exchanges which is Florence CHAP. CCCC Examples of Exchanges practised at Florence and how the same are to be calculated Exchanges practised in Florence I Have shewed in the general Exchanges of Florence with how many other places the said City is found to Exchange with and there also shewed the common rates how the same is observed to rule which every day is so subject to alter that no set price can be peremptorily set down for the same yet in it self it is so beneficial that thereby the ignorant may be furthered to make his Accounts either in Draughts or Remittances The way of making which Accounts upon this place now remaineth here to be handled observing the same with so many other places as may make a man capable to understand the same with any of the rest here omitted Accounts kept in Florence And by the way it is observable here That all Exchangers here do keep their Accounts in Crowns Sols and Deniers of Gold or Lire or Livers 7½ of that money per Crown the which are cast up by 20 and by 12 because that 20 Sols of Gold do make one Crown and 12 Den. one Sol. CHAP. CCCCI Of the Exchanges of Florence with Lions Exchanges of Florence with Lions FLorence then is found to Exchange with Lions and giveth posito Crow 95¾ of Gold to have in Lions 100 Crowns of the Sun of Gold I demand for Crow 1268. 9. of Gold how many Crowns of the Sun shall I have in Lions I say by the Rule of Three If Crow 95¾ give Crowns 100 what will Crowns 1268. 9. give And it comes to Crowns 1324 and the remainder of the division being multiplied by 20 and by 12 to bring them into Sols and Deniers of Gold they will make in all Crowns 1324. 15. of Gold of the Sun which I should have Credit in Lions for the said sum of Crowns of Florence The calculation thereof here followeth Proof The proof of this Rule is seen when Lions doth Exchange with Florence CHAP. CCCCII. Of the Exchanges of Florence with Placentia Exchanges of Florence with Placentia FLorence doth Exchange with Placentia and giveth posito 110½ Crowns of Gold to have there 100 Crowns of Mark I demand then for Crowns 4973. 1. 0. of Gold how many Crowns of Mark is due to me First reduce the said Crowns 110½ into Sols of Gold multiplying them by 20 adding to the multiplication 10 Sols for the half Crown and they make Sol. 2210 likewise reduce the said sum of Crowns of Gold into Sols and it will be 99461 Then say by the Rule of Three If Sols 2210 give Crow 100 of Mark what will Sol. 99461 give To which adding two cyphers for the 100 and then dividing it will come to Crowns of Mark and multiplying the rest of the division by 20 and then by 12 to make the same Sols and Deniers of Gold and they will make Crowns 4500. 9. 11. of Mark and so much must I have Credit in Placentia for the said Crow 4973. 1. 0. of Gold of Florence as by Example calculated Proof The proof of this Account is seen when the Exchange is made from Placentia to Florence c. CHAP. CCCCIII Of the Exchanges of Florence with Venetia Exchanges of Florence with Venice FLorence doth Exchange with Venice and giveth posito Crow 81½ of Gold to have Duc. in Banco 100 of Livers 6â…“ I demand then for Crow 2037. 10. of Gold how many Duc. shall Florence have credit in Venice To do which bring the Crow 81½ into half Crowns multiplying them by 2 and so in the same manner the said sum of Crow of Gold adding half a Crown for the 10 Sols then say by the Rule of Three If the half Crowns produced of the price of the Exchange give at Venice Duc. 100 what will the half Crowns give proceeding from the said sum of Crow of Gold and so by adding two cyphers for the