GEOGRAPHIA 1 GEographie is an Imitation of the picture Definition of the whole earth with those thinges which are annexed therevnto Ptolm Lib. 1. Cap. 1. Therefore it comprehendeth vnder it Chorographie the description of a Region Hydrographie the discription of waters Topographie the description of a place and the like 2 The Subiect of Geographie is this Terrestriall Subiect Globe composed of earth and water so far forth as the parts of it haue a diuerse scituation as well in respect of the heauens as one towards another Maginus pag. 3. 3 Concerning the Terrestriall Globe in respect of the Heauens two things are dilligently to be obserued Longitude and Latitude of places 4 The Longitude of a place is a distance intercepted betweene the first Meridian which passeth Longitude through the Canarie Ilands and the Meridian of the place which Longitude is alwayes to be measured from West vnto East in the degrees of the Aequator The reason is because all Meridiās cut the Aequator 5 The Latitude of a place is a distance intercepted Latitude betweene the Aequator and any place North or South from it which to finde out turne the place in the Globe vntill it come directly vnder the brazen Meridian then numbring in the brazen Meridian how many degrees be betwixt the Aequator and the place it shewes the Latitude directly Therefore the Longitude and Latitude beeing knowne of a place it is easie to finde it in any globe and on the contrarie if you see the place first in the globe by turning it vnder the brazen meridian both the Longitude and Latitude is knowne 6 Concerning the Terrestriall Globe in regard of his partes one vnto the other it is diuided into Sea and Land 7 The Sea or Ocean is a huge water compassing about this whole Vniuerse whose partes passing by Sea many particular places are called by sundrie particular names as Mare Britanicum à Britania Mare Mediterraneum quia mediūinter duas terras africae Europae Mare Atlanticum of the great moūtain Atlas 8 In the Sea are to bee considered three things Creekes Straights and Hauens 9 A Creeke is a place where the Sea doth runne Sinus any where into the bosome of the earth And such are Sinus Arabicus or the redde Sea Sinus Persicus or Mare Balserum Sinus Adriaticus or the Gulfe of Venice 10 Fretum is a narrowe straight or Arme of the Sea passing betwixt two Lands so called a Fremitu Fretum Whereof the chiefe are Fretum Gaditaneum or the straights of Gibraltar Fretum Magellanicum or the straights of Magellane Fretum Nassouicum or the North Straights 11 A Hauen is a litle Creeke or entrance into the Portes maine Ocean where shippes are alwayes rested and harbored 12 The Earth as may be seene in all Geographicall Earth Maps and tables is described and paynted forth with huge Mountaines great Woods faire Riuers and many famous Cities the circuit of it is 21600. miles and as some write if a footman had a path-way round about the World hee might goe it in 900. dayes Magiuus 13 In the Earth are to be considered obserued two things the Ilands and the Continent 14 An Iland quasi eye of land is compast round Iland about with the Sea as Britania Hybernia Sardinia c Of the Latins it is called Insula quasi in Salo. 15 A Continent is a great quantitie of land not diuided Continent by waters where many Kingdomes and Empires are lincked and ioyned together As Spaine France Germany c. 16 In both Ilands and Continent three things are to be noted Istmus Peninsula Promontorium 17 An Istmus or Chersonesus is a narrow or straight Istmus land between two Seas Of which the most famous are Istmus Corinthiacus and Istmus Cymbricus both in Europe 18 Peninsula quasi pene Insula is a part of the continent euery where inuironed with the Sea vnlesse Peninsula it be where it is tyed vnto the firme land with a little Istmus The most farre fam'de of which are whole Africa Scandia Taurica Chersonesus Pelloponesus or Morea and Peruana in America 19 A Promontorie is a high Mountaine which Promōtory bendeth it selfe into the Sea the extreame or end of which is called a Cape Of which the most known are the Cape of good Hope in Africa the Cape of Saint Vincent in Portugall the Cape Comari in Asia and the Cape de la Victoria in America CHAP. II. Of the vnknowne parts of the Earth 1 HEtherto haue I set downe the generall affections of the Terrestriall globe Now therefore will I descend vnto particulars and onely particularly speake of the earth because Hydrographie doth rather belong vnto the art of Nauigation 2 The partes of the Earth are either vnknowne or knowne 3 The vnknowne partes which lye in obscuritie are eyther in the North vnder the Articke Pole or in the South vnder the Antarticke Pole 4 The vnknowne Land which lyeth vnder the Artick Pole is separated euery where as it is thought from the other partes of the World with the North Sea which breaking in by 19. Inletts 4. Staights is supped vp ingulft into the bowells of the earth vnder the blacke Rocke which lyeth directly vnder the Pole being in compasse 33. Leucars Iames Cnoyen in the booke of his trauells maketh mention of a certaine Priest of Noruegia which had by tradition from a Frier of Oxford that by the help of his magicke and taking the fittest opportunitie of time hee vndertooke to trauell into those parts and was directly vnder the Pole where he descryed all these things Mercator 5 Not far distant from the blacke Rocke are scituated foure Ilands of reasonable bignesse the Sea running betweene euerie one of them and making them equall in quantitie one vnto the other In one of the which Ilands beeing opposite vnto Biarmia are found Pigmies or little men not aboue 4. foote in height Magin 6 The vnknowne Land which lyeth vnder the Antarticke Pole is thought to be greater then all the earth besides 7 In it are descried some fewe Prouinces as Nona Guynea Terra del Fuego Psittacorum Regio Lucach Reach and Maletur All which together are called Magelane Of these Countryes nothing can be certainely spoken only that in the land del Fuego there is much smoke in Psittacorum regione there are great Parrets in Beach Golde in Maletur Spices 8 The Inhabitants of these Regions which haue bene seene beeing very fewe goe naked and are most barbarous people Mercator CHAP. III. Of the knowne parts of the Earth THe vnknowne parts of the World haue beene obscurely spoken of Now followeth the description of the knowne parts which are soure in number Europe Asia Africa and America OF EVROPE 1 EVrope called by Plinie the fairest of all other Nations is on the South separated from Africa Boundes with the Straights of Gibraltar and the Mediterr anean Sea on the West
Liuie affirmes are verie Inhabitants proude and outragious 3 The chiefe Prouinces are three whereof the first is Prouinces Zara or Sebenine whose chiefest citie is Zara where as Cornelius Sheppers doth report is a Church called S. Iohn de Maluatia which was built by a companie of Mariners that were in a dangerous tempest and made a vowe that if they escaped they would build a church vnto the honour of S. Ihon de Maluatia whose morter should be tempered with Malmesie 4 The next prouince is Dalmatia in which the chiefe citie is Ragusus or Epidaura where S. Ierosme was borne 5 The third and last is Histria which is vnder the Venetians Many other Prouines there are whereof some Gouernment are subiect vnto the Turke others vnder the Dominion of Hungarie OF HVNGARIE HVngarie is bounded on the South with the riuer Sauus Limites on the East with the riuer Tibiscus on the north with Polonia and Russia and on the west with Austria 2 This country doth exceede any other for plenty of Qualitie corne which thrice in a yeare is there reapt the ground being so fertill that it doth almost growe without tilling There are also such infinit store of Oxen that there doth yearely passe through Vienna into other cuntries 80000. besides there are such a great number of Deere Phesant and Partridge that it is lawfull for any man to hauke and hunt at his pleasure There is great plentie of gold and wines which will suddenly make a man drunke by reason of the Sulpherie waters neere vnto which the grape is gathered 3 The people inhabitants of this Nation are generally Inhabitants very strong warlike vnkinde and of rude behauiour giuen little vnto the knowledge of Mechanick arts They haue an order in their Countrie that no man may weare a Feather vnlesse he hath killed a Turke and they neuer reuenge particular iniuries one against the other any more then with words vnles the disgracefull tear me of cowardise be obiected vnto them whereof the charged is neuer freed vntill he hath proued himselfe in single combate with a Turke The Sonnes inherit equally after their Fathers death In marrying their daughters they giue them onely a new garment and nothing else 4 The chiefe citie of this kingdome is Buda possessed Citie now by the Turke neere vnto which is the fielde Zebuliensis wherein is a riuer that conuerts wood into a stone the water it selfe being taken out turneth into a stone 5 The Prouinces which are most mentioned in this realme are onely two the one is the countie of Zoliense Prouinces wherein there is a certaine gaping of the earth the stinking vapors of which doth kill all the birdes that flie ouer it The other is the Iland Komora in Danubius the land of which is so fertill that the grasse of it doth exceede in length the height of a man Magin 7 The chiefe Riuers are Danubius Tibiscus Drauus and Sauus all which haue great plentie of fish especially Riuers of Salmon and Sturgeon 7 This Kingdome of Hungarie was once gouerned by Gouernment Spirituall men but now it is vnder the Emperor of Germanie and the Turke who haue it betwixt them OF POLONIA 1 POlonia is limited on the West with Germanie on the Limits East with the riuer Boristines or Neiper on the north with Mare Balticum and parte of Moscouia and on the South with Hungarie 2 This kingdome chiefly abound in Hunnie Waxe Qualitie Fish Mines of Copper Iron Brimstone and in such great store of Horse that it is thought the Polanders are able vppon any necessitie to raise 100. thousand In this countrie there is no wine but in steede thereof they haue an excellent kinde of Methegline 3 The Inhabitants are generally braue souldiers excellently well furnished with weapons and most impatient Inhabitants if iniuries be offered them they are very proude thinking exceeding well of their owne worth making great account of anie one that will flatter them louing braue attire and delicious meates 4 In this Kingdome are tollerated all sorts of Religions Religion and Colledges of all sectes and factions which causeth this saying that if any one hath lost his religion let him goe into Poland and hee shall finde it 5 The Kings seate and Metrapolitane Citie is Cracouia Citie in which is an Vniuersitie seated vpon the banke of the riuer Vistula 6 The most noted Prouinces are first Podolia the land of which is so fertill that of one Sowing they haue Prouinces three Haruests and in their meadowes the grasse doeth growe so much in three dayes that if an Oxe goe in it his hornes cannot be seene 7 The next is Sammagitia in which the people liue in cottages with their cattell and labouring Beasts some of them sacrificing vnto a certaine Diuell called by them Siemiennicke 8 The next is Nigra Russia in which there is great plentie of Waxe and Hunnie 9 The last is Massouia in which the chiefe citie is Massouia wherein is made the best Methegline 10 The chiefe and onely Riuer of this Countrey is Riuers Vistula 11 This kingdome of Poland is gouerned by one sole Gouernment King who doth not succeed but is alwayes elected by the Nobilitie of the Land OF PRVSSIA 1 PRussia is compassed on the West with the riuer Vistula on the East with Lituania on the South with Polonia Limits and on the North with Mare Balticum Liuonia 2 This countrie is most famous for Amber which is found on their Sea shore scarce any where else to be Qualitie seene It is also well stored with a kinde of leather which wee call Spruce leather 3 The Inhabitants of this place are much of the same Nature as the Polonians are Inhabitants 4 The chiefe Citie is Dantzike seated vpon the riuer Vistula Citie 5 The Gouernment of this countie is vnder a Duke who doth subiect his power and himselfe vnto the King Gouernment of Poland Of the Turks kingdome in Europe VNder the Turcian Empire in Europe is comprehended all that lyeth between the borders of Epidaurus Limites and Tanais betweene Buda and Constantinople and betweene the Euxine Sea the bankes of Sauus in which territory are comprehended many puissant kingdomes 2 The Turkes are great Souldiers patient in labour sparing in their foode slaues vnto their Lord great obseruers Inhabitāts of their lawes and for the rest very inconstant In the Lent they abstaine frō meat in the day times but take it out freely in the night They acknowledge Christ not as the Sonne of God but as a great Prophet They detest Images wil not be called Turks but Musulmani which is as much as beleeuers of the truth Their priuate houses are most base vile whereas their publike places are stately They vse no tables but eate their meate on the ground sitting after the fashion of Tailors vpon a stall when
they pisse they doe it with bended knees Magi. 3 There are comprehended vnder this vaste gouernment such an infinit companie of people and so well ordered broght vp that one noteth these three things of them which breed a terror vnto the whole world The first is their multitudes of men vnconquerable the next their Millitarie discipline vncorrupted the last Corne and prouision for store infinite 4 The Prouinces or rather Kingdomes of this great Prouinces Empire are diuided into two parts Into Dacia vetus vnder which is comprehended Bosnia Seruia Bulgaria Valachia and Moldauia and into Grecia contained in which are Epirus Macedonia Thracia Achaia and Peloponesus 5 In Dacia vetus little is extraordinarie notable and Dacia therefore I omit the description 6 Grecia is limited on the West with the Adriaticke Grecia Sea on the South with the Mediterranean on the East with the Archipelago and Thracian Sea 7 The Inhabitants of it are now very base altogether Inhabitanit ignorant of artes liuing and going in their apparell after the Turkish manner 8 The Prouinces as are before set down are first Epirus Epirus in which Scanderbege liued made famous by his worthy acts hee being called the scourge of the Turkes 9 The next is Macedonia for euer famosed by the Macedonia means of him neuer to be forgotten Alexander the great who raigned there being conquerour of the world In this Prouince is Stagira the countrie of Aristotle and Olympus that high topt Mountaine aspiring aboue the middle region of the aire 10 The next is Romania or Thracia a verie barren Thracia place in which stands the great Cittie of Constantinople wherein the Turke doth alwayes keepe his Court this Citie is very populous containing in it as some write 700000. soules 11 The fourth prouince is Achaia famous for the Achaia most learned Vniuersitie which was in it called Athens once the nurse of all the wittie and best Poets the Mother and bringer vp of all eloquent and heart-winning Rhetoricians and in generall it was the very heart and soule of humane Artes and learning In this Prouince is also Pernassus and Hellicon consecrated to the Muses by all ancient Poets 12 The fist and last is Peloponesus or Morea in whose Peloponesus Istmus or entrance stands that once goodly city Corinth which many bookes doe much mention Further in the prouince stands Lacedemon not inferior vnto any of the rest in antiquitie 13 This Grecia as is before saide is vnder the Turke Gouernment who for money suffers all religions there OF TRANSILVANIA TRansiluania so called by reason of the great Woods Limits which compasse it is limited on the west with Hungarie and part of the Riuer Tibiscus on the North with Poland and the great mountaine Carpothus on the East with Moldauia on the South with Valachia Cisalpina 2 The fruitfulnes of this kingdome is very much hauing Qualitie horses whose manes sweepe the earth Falchons two of which will kill an Eagle or Swanne There is also great store of Mines and in some riuers are found lumps of Gold which weigh a pound weight 3 The Inhabitants of this country are very stubborn slothfull and vntractable following the religion of the Inhabitants Greek church reading from the right hand vnto the left and swearing alwayes by Iupiter and Venus according vnto the olde manner of the Ethnicks 4 The chiefe citie where the King holdeth his residence is Alha Guilia 5 In this Kingdome is the Prouince of Zeckland gouerned Prouinces after the order of the Heluetians 6 The chiefe riuers are Saluata and Rockle both which Riuers are disburdened into Danubins 7 This Transiluania is gouerned by a Christian Gouernment Prince who once paid tribute vnto the Turke but now doth warre against him OF LITVANIA 1 LItuania is bounded on the West with Polonia on Limits the South with Podolia on the East with Muscouia and on the North with Liuonia 2 There is little to be spoken of this Countrey onely Qualitie that in it there is great store of Pitch and Timber planks whereof they build many Ships 3 The inhabitants of it liue after the maner of the Polonians Inhabitants 4 The Metropolitan Citie where the Prince doth Cities keepe his Court is Vilna 5 This Kingdome is gouerned by a Duke but subiect Gouernment vnto the king of Poland OF LIVONIA 1 LIuonia is limited on the West with Mare Balticum Limits or Sinus Venedicus on the East with the riuer Narua the lake Bribas part of Moscouia on the South with Lituania Prussia and on the North with Sinus Finicus 2 The inhabitants of this country are for the most part Inhabitants al Christians and the women do think so wel of themselues that in comparison of their owne beauties they discommend all others 3 The riches of it are chiefly corne horses they haue Qualitie also in their woods wilde beastes of an extraordinarie strength 4 The chiefe cities are first Riga seated vpon the riuer Duina the next is Riualia neare vnto the Baltick Sea the last is Derpt 5 The notedst riuers are two the one is the riuer Einbecke which at the very mouth where it doth disburden Riuers it selfe into the Sea doth fall such a heigth that it roareth making the horriblest horridest noise that it deafeneth the eares of the inhabitants neare adioyning like to those which dwell neare vnto the Cataracts of Nile the other riuer is Duina 6 This Kingdome is a distract gouernement subiect vnto many Princes as the King of Poland Denmark Swecia Gouernment and the Emperour of Moscouia OF SCANDIA 1 SCandia is a Peninsula that is almost an Iland inuironned Limites on the North with the frozen Ocean on the East with Mare Balticum Sinus Finicus and Sinus Bodicus on the South with Sinus Codanus and on the West with the vast Ocean 2 This great coūtry in the North part is very barren but towards the South there is great store of corne Salt Qualitie Horses and Mines both of Siluer Iron and Lead 3 The inhabitants of it are very strong peruerse vnlearned Inhabitants much addicted vnto Sorceries witchcrafts 4 This Scandia is diuided into two great Kingdoms Diuision Noruegia and Swetia OF NORVEGIA OR NORWAY 5 NOruegia is bounded on the West North South Limits with the maine Ocean and on the East with the Dofrine mountaines 6 The Inhabitants of this Kingdom are simple men Inhabitants giuen much vnto Hospitalitie and abhorring Theeuerie or any such courses 7 The chief riches of this coūtrie are Cables Mastes Qualitie and such like furniture for Shipping there is also great store of dried fish which they eate in steede of bread 8 The Metropolitane Citie is Nidrosio there is another Citie Citie called Bergen one of the great Marte Townes of Christendome 9 This
kingdom is subiect vnto the crowne of Denmarke Gouernment OF SWEVIA OR SWEDEN 10 SWeuia is limited on the West with the Dofrine Mountaines Limites and on the other parts with the Sea vnles it be where it is ioyned vnto Moscouia by a little Istmus 11 This Kingdome is so fertill and fruitefull that it is Qualitie by some tearmed a most heauenly Land abounding in so much prouision that it is a hard thing to see a begger amongst them They digge pure Siluer out of the earth they haue great store of Wolues which passing ouer a straite in the Sea are with the extremity of cold blinded 12 The Inhabitants of this Region are agreeable Inhabitāts much in disposition quality vnto the Noruegians they liue very long for it is no maruel with them to see one an hundred and fortie yeares of age 13 The chiefe Citie is Stockholme or Holoia in which Citie the King doth alwayes keepe his Court. 14 The Prouinces of most note are first Goteland quasi Prouinces Good land the next is Finneland quasi Fineland in both which is plenty almost of all things the other prouinces are Bodia Scrikfinnia Biarmia the inhabitants of which are much addicted vnto withcraft 15 This Kingdome of Sweuia is subiect onely vnto one Gouernment King whom they call the Duke of Sweuia OF RVSSIA OR MOSCOVIA 1 RVssia is part in Europe and part in Asia limited on Limits the West with Liuonia and Scandia on the North with Mare Glaciale or the Frozen Ocean on the east with the Riuer Oby the Lake of Kataio and Tartarie and on the South with Lituania 2 The riches of this Empire wherein it chiefly excels Qualitie are most rich Furres as Sables Martins white Foxe such like It hath also in it much corne fruits and cattel The ayre in these parts is so cold in the Winter and the frosts so great that if a man cast vp water into the ayre it wil freeze before it fall downe many times it is so vehement that if any man go abroad he shal be almost stifled through the condensating of his breath 3 The inhabitants of this Countrey are very barborous Inhabitants perfidious contentious and most prone vnto any contumelious behauiour They are altogether ignorant and vnlearned which is the occasion that they say God and their Emperour knoweth all things The baser sort of people do alwayes breake the Sabboth saying that it is onely for Gentlemen to celebrate that day They are also very superstitious hauing many foolish ceremonies absurd solemnities as the consecrating of riuers once in a yere the burying of their dead with a paire of shooes on their feet and a staffe in one hand signifying a great iourney which they haue to goe a letter in the other vnto S. Nicholas for their readier admission into heauē 4 The chiefe and most noted places of this mightie Region are first Mosco the Metropolitan citie in which the Emperour doth continually keep his Court The next is Pernia in which they eate the flesh of Stagges in stead of bread And the last is Rhezan in which there is such plenty of graine that the eares of corne do grow so thicke together that no horse can beate it downe nor Larke or Quaile passe through it 5 The most famous riuers are first Duina quasi twagna Riuers called so of two riuers which meet together The next is Boristines or Neiper and the last is Tanais 6 This large Empire is onely subiect to the Emperor Gouernment of it CHAP. IIII. Of the European Ilands 1 HItherto haue I wandred al about the great continent of Europe now folthe Ilands belonging thereunto 2 The European Ilands are diuided into three parts into those which are in the Westerne Ocean into those which are in the Mediterranean Sea and into those which are contained within the Archipellago or Mare Aegaeum 3 The chiefe Ilands which are contained in the west Ocean are seuen Grocland Groinland Island Freesland Ireland Great Britaine and the Azores 4 Grocland is an Iland which few Geographers mention Grocland and therfore no certaintie can be spoken of it 5 Groinland quasi Greeneland is a Country wherein Groinland there are great store of Cattell which causeth Butter and Cheese to be very plentifull in it the inhabitants are for the most part witches dwelling in Caues and Dennes OF ISLAND 6 ISland is an Iland very barrē of graine hauing no Trees Island in it vnlesse it be Byrch and Iuniper From this Iland commeth the best Ling called of vs Island Ling. In this countrie is also a mountaine called Heckleforte alwayes vomiting forth flames of fire the inhabitants of which doe conceit thereof a most peeuish and erroneous opinion that it is Purgatorie This Iland as Ortelius affirms is vnder the king of Denmarke but others make it subiect vnto the Swedian Crowne OF FRISLAND 7 FRislande doth abound with very great store of fish and Frisland was wont by reason of the oftē sayling thither of English to be called the westerne England this Iland is vnder the crowne of Denmarke OF IRELAND 8 IReland is a verie watrish countrey and full of boggs yet Ireland seated in a most temperate and pleasant ayre admitting no venemous thing in it it doth most abounde in horses and cattell The inhabitants of this Kingdome are for the most part very beautifull actiue somewhat superstitious affecting nothing so much as slothfulnes Magi. The chiefe citie is Dubline wherin there is an vniuersity The most noted things of this I le are first the Lake Erno now famous for her past infamie in which you may see the toppes of houses and churches The next is the Lake of Armach into which if a long Staffe be thrust downe vnto the bottome that parte which is in the water will turne into a whetstone and that part which is in the mudde into Iron Magin The Hybrides belong vnto this Iland beeing in number 44. the inhabitants of which are called Redshankes This Region belongeth vnto the Crowne of England by whom it is kept in good subiection OF GREAT BRITTANIE 9 BRIttaine is diuided into 2. partes England Scotland Brittaine England is separated from Scotland by the Riuer Tweede and the Riuer Solway This rich Diamond set in the ring of the world nurce of the most valiant wise and victorious men doth almost with all things flourish But especiallie with such things as this verse that followeth sheweth Anglia Mons Pons Fons Ecclesia Foemina Laua This part of the I le was cōmonly in the time of King HENRY the third Puteus inexhaustus a well that neuer would be drawne drie is now tearmed by the French a Paradise for wiues a Purgatorie for Seruants and a Hell for Horses Scotland lyeth in the North part of this Iland the Inhabitants of which are very warlike The chiefe Citie is
Edenbourge neere vnto which is a fountaine that carieth an oyle which being not takē off doth not increase being taken off doth not diminish Many other strange things there are in this place as in Lenox there is a Lake called Loumond wherein fishes liue without finnes and in which the waues are sometimes most boistrous in the calmest weather most milde in the most tempestuous weather In this Lake there is also a fruitfull Iland which floteth vp and downe vpon the water In the Prouince of Coile there is a stone not aboue 13. foot in height which if a Canon be shot off on the one side he which is on the other cannot heare it The Apendices which belong vnto both England Scotland are first the Orcades being in number 30. the inhabitants of which are great drinkers but no drunkards The next is the I le of Man wherein is the mountaine Schesil vpon whose top if any one stand he may discerne both England Scotland and Ireland Many other little Ilands there are all which with the rest are subiect vnto the most mightie and puissant King of Great Brittainie INSVLAE AZORES 10 THe Azores or Canary Ilands are seuen frō whence Azores commeth great store of Woade and Canarie Wines 1 The chiefe and most renowned Ilands in all olde writers of the Medeterranean Sea are nine Insulae Baliares Corsica Sardinia Scicilie Malta Corsyra Ischia Zazinthus and Candia INSVLAE BALIORES 2 INsulae Baliores are diuided into Maiorica in which Raimundus Insula Baliores Lullius that excellent Scholler liued and into Minorica The inhabitants of both which are very strong and expert slingers CORSICA 3 COrsica is an Iland which doth produce Horses of a Corsica fierce nature and Hounds of a wonderfull bignes The Inhabitants of this I le are verie rude and vnciuill SARDINIA 4 SArdinia famous for the occasion of that great warre Sardinia betwixt Carthage and Rome is now subiected vnto the King of Spaine The chiefe and Metropolitane citie is Cagliarie seated vpon a high mountaine In this Countrey there is a beast called Mufiono of whose skinne is made a Leather called Cordiuan or as we tearme it Spanish Leather There is also an hearbe which if any one eate it will enforce him to laugh till hee dye from whence commeth the Prouerbe Risus Sardonichus DE SCICILIA 5 SCicilie is a land whose inhabitants are very good soldiers Scicilie desirous much of honour and wherein is and haue beene many excellent Schollers such as were Euclide Archimedes Diodorus Siculus and many others This Countrey is very fertill and fruitfull abounding so much in corne that it was once called Horeum Romarorum the Store-house of the Romans In this I le is also the Mountaine Aetna at whose top there are as it were two furnaces with tunnels out of which ascend continually flames of fire throwing out sometimes such store of ashes and peeces of stones that it doth greatly indaunger the Townes for many myles there about This is the mountaine where the Poet faineth to bee the shop of Vulcan where the Cyclops did frame Thunder-boults for Iupiter This is the mountain into whose vast gaping mouth Empedocles did cast himselfe And this is the mountaine where some of the irreligious Hereticall and besotted Papists imagine to be Purgatorie The chiefe citie of this I le is now Palermo before time Siracusa in which liued Archimedes that famous Engine maker of the world who as it is written of him would by burning Glasses set Shippes on fire sayling in the Sea Belonging to this are other called the Vulcanian Ilands This Scicilie is now subiect vnto the King of Spayne MALTA 6 MAlta is most famous for the farre-famed order of Malta the Knights of Ierusalem who haue oftentimes repelled and put to flight great armies of the Turkes which haue besieged it This is the Countrey where Saint Paule beeing cast vp after his shipwracke had a Viper hanging on his hand and did him no hurt The chiefe Citie is Malta wherein the Women are beautifull but hate company neuer going abroad vnlesse they be couered CORCYCA 7 COrcyca is an Iland flourishing with Wine and Oyle In it is also great store of Wilde fowle Corcyca and Beastes wherewith the inhabitants doe very much with pleasure and pastime in chasing them recreate themselues The chiefe Citie in it is called Corfu wherein both men and women are excellent Swimmers This I le is subiect vnto the Seigniorie of Venice who doth defend it very well from the Turke ISCHIA 8 ISchia the chiefe of 18. Ilands lying in the Gulfe of Ischia Naples begirt round with rockes and high mountaines hath in it great store of Hares Conies and other wilde beasts The chiefe Citie is Ischia which in the yeare 1301. was like to be burned with a fire that did runne along in the earth by reason of the vaines of Brimstone In this Ile it is also reported that there is a Fountaine neere vnto the Promontory of Saint Angel which is so hotte that it will in a short time boyle any flesh or fish that is put into it ZAZINTHVS 9 ZAzinthus is a land where English Merchants doe Zazinthus very much trafficke for the extraordinary store of Currants which are there In this I le the inhabitants do speake Greeke and are subiect vnto the Venetians CANDIA 10 CAndie is an Iland famosed by the intricate Laboborinth Creete which was in it built by Dedalus and which Theseus entred and killed the Minataurs which were kept in it by the helpe of Ariadne who gaue him a bottome of threed to guide him In this I le there is very much Suger-Candie Muscadine in such plentie that there is yearely transported into other countries 12000. Buts The Inhabitants of this place doe not affect labour neuer vsing any manfull exercise but giuen vnto many vices especially lying of which the Prouerbe Cretense Mendarium Cretisandum est cum Cretensibus And Epiminides the heathen Poet noteth of them that they are alwayes great lyers dull beasts and slow bellies The chiefe citie of it is Candie inhabited much with the Venetians Of the Ilands in the Aegean Sea 1 THe Ilands in the Aegean Sea are all subiect vnto the tyrannicall Turke and are diuided either into the Cyclades which are fiftie in number lying towards the South or into the Sporades which are very many lying towards the North. 2 Of the Cyclades little can be spoken only that in the Cyclades Iland Delos stood the famous Oracle of Apollo by so many writers made mention of And that in Ithaca valiant Vlisses was borne SPORADES 3 THe Sporades are many whereof the chiefe are first Sporades Euboia at whose bankes the Sea doth ebbe flow seuen times in a day which Aristotle on a time viewing and being not able to giue a naturall reason for it desperately threw himself into it The next is Sciros the countrey of Achilles Then Chios the
the Indies and the Wall of China and on the West with Moscouia and Sarmatia 2 The inhabitants of this Countrey are of a meane Inuentions stature large in the shoulders broad in the face hauing flat Noses and long Beardes They marrie as many wiues as they will liuing abroad in Tents made of the skinnes of Beastes thinking it a great vnhappinesse if they remaine in one place longer then the pastures haue meate for their Cattell They eate the raw flesh of Horses onely a little scorcht in the Sunne not respecting how they were killed or what diseases they died of When they thirst they let their Horses blood and then sucke till they bee satisfied They cannot abide Hogges flesh And for their Religion they are both Pagans and Saracens 3 The chiefe Prouinces of Tartarie are fiue Tartaria Prouinces minor Tartaria Asiatica Tartaria Antiqua Zagathay or Scithia intra Imaum montem Cathaia or Scithia extra Imaum montem 4 In Tartarie the lesse is Horda Precopensium which liue in the fieldes about Pontus Euxinus Meotis Palus and about Taurica Chersonesus These are all subiect vnto the Turke 5 In Tartaria Asiatica lying betweene the Riuer Tanays and the Caspian Sea are many Hordes amongst the which the cheife are Horda Astinchanensis and Casanensis both beeing subiect vnto the Moscouite 6 In Tartaria Antiqua are the Kingdomes of Gogge and Magogge from whence the Tartares first had their beginning and from whence came King Tabor 7 In Zargathay or Scithia intra Imaum montem is Samarchand lying betweene the Riuer Iaxartes and Oxus where Tamburline liued that went into the field against Baiazeth the Turke with seuen hundred thousand Tartares The chiefe and Metropolitane Citie of it is Richend a place of great Trafficke 8 In Cathayo or Scithia extra Imaum montem is the Citie of Cambalowe the chiefe seate of the Great Cham beeing in compasse twenty foure miles In this part also is the mountaine Altay where they intombe alwayes the bodie of their Great Cham which whyle they carrie the dead corpes vnto the Mountayne they kill all they meete and bid them goe and serue their Maister in another world 9 This part of Tartarie or Carthayo extra Imaum montem Gouernment is gouerned onely by one who is called the Great Cham whose word stands for a lawe and is titled of his subiects Filius Dei Vmbra Dei Anima Dei. OF PERSIA 1 PErsia is limited on the West with Sinus Persicus on Limits the North with Mare Caspium and the riuer Oxus on the South with the maine Ocean and on the East with Indus Fluius 2 This mightie Region hath in it great store of mettals Qualitie and pretious stones as much flourishing in faire Riuers and Lakes as poore in fruits hauing no trees but onely Palmes 3 The inhabitants of this Kingdome are very courteous Inhabitants affecting hospitalitie addicted much vnto Poetry and Physicke and among whom Nobilitie is highly esteemed They are of Religion for the most part Mahumetans Religion but such as the Turkes call Scismatickes 4 The Prouinces of this great Gouernement are sixteene Prouinces Mesopotamia Assiria Chaldaea Susiana Farsus Germania Parthia Hyrcania Gedrosia Drangiana Aria Margiana Aracosia Parapomissus and Brachana 5 Mesopotamia quasi mesos potamos lieth betweene the Mesopotam riuer Tigris and Euphrates in which some thinke stood the terrestiall Paradise and that from hence came the wise men which brought presents vnto Christ beeing guided by a starre This countrey is now subiect vnto the Turke 6 Assiria is very famous for the great Citie Niniuie Assiria which stood in it vnto which Ionas was commanded by God to go and preach This is also subiect vnto the Turk 7 Chaldaea is renowned for that great citie of Babylon Chaldaea one of the seuen wonders of the world from whence came the confusion of tongues Here was that famous Erithea the fift Sybil that prophesied of the comming of Christ 8 Of the other Prouinces nothing I finde worth the noting and the refore omit them 9 The chiefe and Metropolitane Citie is Persepolis seated vpon the Riuer Bindimire 10 This Kingdome of Persia is gouerned by one Gouernment whom they call the Sophy Of the East Indies 1 INdia Orientalis or the East Indies is bounded on the Limits West with the riuer Indus on the North with the Mountaine Taurus on the East with China and on the South with the maine Ocean 2 This country doth exceed any other in fruit which is Qualitie gathered there twise in a yere There are also such a huge kind of Mastiffe Dogges that for strength they are able to contend with Lions There are great store of Elephants white Apes Camels Dragons and an innumerable company of Serpents which are as big as any man the inhabitants eating them as commonly as we do any meate 3 The inhabitants are a mixt sort of people beeing Inhabitāti Persians Scithians Arabians Hebrewes some Christians They are commonly ingenious much inclined vnto all Sciences They adore one sole God which they paint with three heads but cannot giue a reason for it 4 India is diuided into two parts India infra Gangem and India extra Gangem De India within Ganges 5 INdia intra Gangem is inuironed on the West with the Limits riuer Indus on the South with the maine Ocean on East with Sinus Bengala and the Riuer Ganges and on the North with part of the Mountaine Taurus 6 This part is diuided into fortie seuen Kingdoms Prouinces among which there are onely fiue of any note Cambaia Decan Malabar Narsinga and Delly 7 In the Kingdome of Cambaia the people are so Cambaia ceremonious and superstitious that they will not eate any thing that hath had life in it They are great Idolaters liuing in due obseruance of their King who is a most valiant Prince The chiefe Citie is Cambaia wherein if any one dye they presently burne his body that it may dissolue into his proper elements Hondius in tabulis 8 Decan is a Kingdome made famous by the Portugalls Decan which lye continually in the great Citie of Goa Not farre from this citie is a place which if the hornes of any Beast bee cast they will take roote and grow vp out of the ground Hugo a Linschotten in cap. 61. of the description of the Indies 9 In Malabar stands the Citie Calicute the inhabitants Malabar of which doe worshippe the Diuell the King of it is titled by his subiects Samori which signifieth God on earth They are very skilfull Souldiours vsing when they goe vnto Warre to tye vnto the hilts of their Swordes Shingles of Copper or Siluer the sound whereof in steed of Trumpets and Drummes encourageth them vnto fight By the lawe of their Countrey they may not marry but are allowed women in common 10 Narsinga is a land fruitfull in euery thing vnlesse Narsinga
siluer 5 This Peruana is diuided into foure great Prouinces Diuision or Kingdomes Castella Aurea Peru Chile and Brasile In each of which the King of Spaine hath his Agents 6 Castella Aurea doth comprehend in it the whole Istmus Castella Aurea which doth linke and tye the two parts of America together In it are the two famous Ports or Hauens in which the Spanish Ships are either laden for Spaine or disburdened for America The one called Theomina or Nombre de Dios the other Panamais 7 Peru is limited on the North with Castella Aurea on Peru. the West with Mare Pacificum or the calme Sea on the South with Chile and on the East with a Mediterranean vnknowne This place was found out by Frauncis Pizarus in the yeare 1525. 8 The inhabitants of this Region are great Idolaters Inhabitants worshipping in some places blacke filthy sheepe in other places Serpents They are also such great men of person that the Spaniards haue found teeth of them that were three fingers in breadth and foure in length 9 The fruitfulnesse of this countrey doth chiefly excell Qualitie in the hearbe Tobaco and Cocam which if it be put into any mans mouth it quencheth his thirst And there is a certaine Beast that when hee runneth away hath a bag hanging downe vnder his belly into which his young ones conuey themselues There is also such plenty of Gold that the inhabitants care not for it and when the Spaniards came thither first they shooed their Horses with it In this Prouince are the three riuers before mentioned in the generall description of Peruana 10 The chiefe citie of this Kingdome is Michaelia Citie in which lyeth a Protex for Spaine 11 Chile doth flourish in many things but that which Chile is of greatest note there is a Riuer which in the day time doth runne and in the night standeth still the reason is because this riuer lyeth vnder Mountaines on which snow falling in the day is dissolued in the night congealed The chiefe and Metropolitan City of this Prouince is the citie of Saint Iames in which lyeth another Protex for Spaine 12 Brasile is extended from the riuer Maragon vnto Brasile the straights of Mageian 13 The inhabitants of this large Prouince are sine Fide Inhabitants Lege Rege that is without faith law or King They are also such excellēt swimmers that they can tary vnder water for the space of an houre They are very great dissemblers shedding teares which they haue alwayes in readinesse when any of their friends come vnto them 14 The fruitfulnesse of this Countrey lyeth much in Qualitie Sugar and a wood called Brasile which is transported from thence into many parts of Europe In this Country is also that Beast called Pigritia which in fifteene dayes will be going as farre as one can throw a stone Here are also many strange Hearbes whereof two are of most note The first is the hearbe Copaibas of which the excellent Balsomum is made that cureth all greene wounds The other is an hearbe which of the Portugals is called Sentida of Lincotanus Sentiens and of others Viua whose qualitie is that if any one throw any thing vnto it or touch it it will shut his leaues and will not open them vntill the partie which did displease it be departed Here are also neere vnto the Sea-shore Fishes which will flye like vnto birds And to conclude here are trees of that bignesse that there are as many families dwelling in one of the limbs of them as are in some Parishes of England Magin CAP. X. De America Insulis THus farre of the continent and Kings contained in America Now onely remaines the description of some few and particu-Ilands and then I haue finished what in fine I wished 1 The Ilands of America are diuided into those which Diuision are in Mari Del Nort and those in Mari del Zur 2 The knowne Ilands in Mari Del Nort are fiue Hispaniola Iamaica Cuba Caribum and Cimbubon 3 In the Iland Hispaniola there are many mynes of Hispaniola Golde The chiefe Citie in it is Saint Dominicke in which the Archbishop therof doth continually lye This was the Iland which Columbus did first finde out 4 In Iamaica or the Iland of Saint Iames little is to be Iamaica obserued onely that in it there is a Citie called Siuill in which there is a faire Abby 5 In the Iland Cuba the Metropolitan Citie is Hauana Cuba so called because it is the Hauen where all the Ships doe succour themselues which come from Spaine vnto Peru or the contrary 6 In the Iland Caribum the inhabitants are all Anthropophagi Caribum And from hence is brought that woade which is called Guaicum or Lignum Sanctum 7 In the Iland Cimbubon there is a Tree very famous Cimbubon for his leaues which when they fall vnto the earth doe creepe hauing on either side thinges like vnto two feete besides if one offer to touch or come neere vnto them they will moue and offer to run away Guilandinus reporteth it and Scaliger in his 112. exercise against Cardanus De Insulis in Mari Del Zur 1 IN Mari Del Zur there are onely three Ilands which Haccari are knowne called Hacari in which are great store of Golde Quem nos depictum vix recte aspeximus orbem Solius verbi fabrica sola fuit Illi igitur terrae qui fundamenta locauit Sit soli nostro gloria sola Deo FINIS THE TABLE A 1 AFrica 2 America 3 Asia 4 Arabia 5 Abissinorum Regio 6 Armenia 7 Azores Insulae B 1 Barbaria 2 Brasilia 3 Baliares Insulae 4 Belgia 5 Britania Magna C 1 China 2 Corsica 3 Candia 4 Cyprus 5 Chile D 1 Dania 2 Dacia Vetus E 1 Europea 2 Egypt 3 Ethiopia Inferior 4 Estotilandia F 1 Frislandia Insulae 2 Florida G 1 Gallia 2 Germania Grecia Groinlandia Groclandia H 1 Hispania 2 Hungaria 3 Hibernia I 1 Italia 2 Illiria 3 India 4 Islandia 5 Insulae in Mari Atlant. 6 Insulae in Mar. Egeo 7 Insulae in Mar. Ethiopico 8 Insulae in Mar. Indico 9 Insulae in Mar. Del Nort. 10 Insulae in Mar. Del Zur 11 Ischia L 1 Lituania 2 Liuonia 3 Libia M 1 Moscouia 2 Mexicana 3 Malta N 1 Nigretarum Regio 2 Numidia 3 Noruegia 4 Natolia O 1 Ormus P 1 Polonia 2 Prussia 3 Persia 4 Peruana 5 Peru. 6 Palestina R 1 Rodes S 1 Scandia 2 Scicilia 3 Sardinia 4 Sweuia T 1 Tartaria 2 Transiluania 3 Turcicurh Imperium Europeum 4 Turcia Asiana 5 Terra Borealis Incognita 6 Terra Australis Incognita V 1 Virginia 2 Venice Z 1 Zazinthus 2 Zeilan FINIS A Table of the chiefe Cities contained in the whole world with their Longitudes and Latitudes annexed thereunto A   lōg lōg lat lat   D. M. D. M. 1 ALexandria in Egypt 60 30 30 0 2 Amsterdam in Belgia 27 34 52 40 3 Antuerpe in Belgia 24 30 51 48 4 Angiers in Fraunce 18 10 47 25 5 Argentine in Germany 27 50 48 44 6 Athens in Greece 52 45 37 15 B 1 Belgia in Chaldea 83 10 33 50 2 Bethlem in Iudea 65 45 31 50 3 Bengala in Indies 0 0 23 0 4 Bisancon in Fraunce 20 30 46 30 5 Bourges in Fraunce 22 10 46 20 6 Buda in Hugarie 42 0 47 0 C 1 Caliz in Spaine 5 10 37 0 2 Calicute in Indies 112 0 17 0 3 Coimbra in Portugall 11 25 40 0 4 Constantinople in Greece 56 0 43 5 5 Colen in Germany 30 30 51 0 6 Copenhagen in Denmarke 34 30 56 50 7 Compostella in Spaine 6 0 20 0 8 Corinth in Greece 51 15 36 55 9 Cracouia in Polonia 42 40 50 12 D 1 Damascus in Iudea 69 0 33 0 2 Doway in Belgia 25 0 50 30 E 1 Edenburge in Scotland 19 0 58 0 2 Ephesus in Natolia 57 40 37 40 F. 1 Florence in Italy 34 0 43 40 2 Frankfort ad Maenū in Germany 30 0 50 30 3 Frankfort ad oder Germany 34 0 52 30 G 1 Geneua in Sauoy 28 0 45 45 2 Goa in Indies 0 0 17 0 3 Granado in Spaine 17 15 37 30 I 1 Ierusalem in Iudea 66 0 31 40 2 Ingolstad 32 10 48 40 L 1 Lacedemon in Natolia 50 15 35 30 2 Leiden in Belgia 27 20 52 10 3 Lisbon in Portugal 21 20 38 50 4 Louaine in stelgia 23 0 51 0 5 London in England 20 0 52 30 6 Lutesia in Fraunce 23 20 48 0 7 Lions in Fraunce 25 40 44 30 M 1 Ments in Germany 27 30 50 30 2 Mexico in America 0 0 20 0 3 Millaine in Italy 33 0 44 20 4 Moscouia in Russia 0 0 61 0 N 1 Naples in Italy 39 30 41 0 Nice in Natolia 57 0 41 40 3 Niniuie in Asiria 38 0 36 4 4 Nidrosia in Noruegia 89 45 60 50 O 1 Orleance in Fraunce 22 0 47 10 2 Ormus in the I le Ormus 92 0 19 0 3 Oxford in England 15 0 51 30 P 1 Paris in Fraunce 32 0 48 10 2 Padua in Italy 36 10 44 45 3 Pauia in Italy 33 5 44 0 4 Poicters in Fraunce 39 15 50 10 5 Prage in Bohemia 19 10 46 10 R 1 Rome in Italy 38 0 41 20 2 Rodes in the I le Rodes 58 0 35 0 3 Riga in Lyuonia 53 45 59 0 S 1 Siuill in Spaine 14 20 37 30 2 Siracusa in Scicilie 40 30 37 30 3 Sienna in Italy 36 15 42 20 4 Stockholme in Sweuia 47 0 60 30 5 Saint Iago in Spaine 10 50 43 5 T 1 Tarsus in Natolia 66 14 38 56 2 Tolledo in Spaine 16 40 40 10 3 Tollouse in Fraunce 20 30 43 5 4 Triers in Germany 0 0 49 50 V 1 Valentia in Spaine 21 10 39 55 2 Venice in Italy 37 0 44 50 3 Vienna in Austria 31 45 48 20 W 1 Witteberge in Germany 0 0 51 20 2 Witsberge in Germany 0 0 50 0 FINIS
from America with the rowling waues of the Atlanticke Ocean and on the East from Asia with the Egaean Sea Hellespont Propontus Thracius Bospherus Pontus Euxinus Bospherus Cimirius Maeotis Palus Tanais fluuium so drawing vp a line vnto the riuer Duina which runneth along vnto the Port of Saint Nicholas disburdning it selfe into Sinus Granuicus or the North Sea 2 The forme of Europe is like vnto a Dragon the Simititude head being Spaine the wings Denmarke and Italy 3 In Longitude it is 3800. miles reaching from Longitude the Cape of Saint Vincent in Portugal vnto Constantinople in Thracia Magin Orteli 4 In Latitude it cōtaineth 1200. miles stretching Latitude it selfe from the Archipelago or Egaean Sea vnto Mare Congelatum or the Frozen Ocean 5 The people or inhabitants of it doth farre surpasse Inhabitāts the residue of the other parts in Religiō Learning Artes valor and ciuilitie And are all Christians vnles it be towards the northeren part of Scandia or those which are vnder the Tyrannicall gouernment of the Turke Magin 6. In Europe are to be considered two thinges First the Kingdomes and Empires which are contained within the Continent and then the Ilands 7 First therefore of the Continent in which are Diuision contained 16. Kingdomes Spaine France Germanie Belgia Dania Italie Illyria Hungarie Polonia Prussia the Turkish Empire in Europe Transiluania Lituania Liuonia Scandia Moscouia or Russia OF SPAINE 1 SPaine is in euery place enuironed with the Sea Boundes vnles it be towards the north-east part where it is ioyned vnto France distinguished only by the high Pyrinean mountains It cōtaines in circuit 1890. miles 2 This land is very fertill enricht with all kindes Qualitie of wine Sugar all sortes of fruites graines oyles mettalls especially of Golde and Siluer 3 The inhabitants of it are verie ceremonious superstitious Inhabitāts proude hypocrites laborious addicted more then any other Nation vnto Melancholy and descended of the Gothes Saracens and Iewes 4 This kingdome is diuided into many Prouinces whereof the chiefe are first Portugal famous for Prouinces Nauigation in which the chiefe citie is Lisbone the second is Granado or Andalucia in which are the best horses the chiefe citie in it is Siuill from whence come our excellent ciuill Oranges in this Prouince is also Cadiz or Cales that was once surprised by Englishmen the third Prouince is Casteile in which is that great citie Tolledo the Byshoprick wherof commeth neere in reuenues vnto the Popedome the fourth is Nauarre in which stands the city Bilbao frō whence we haue so many excellent tride blades the fift last is Galicia in which standeth S. Iago where Saint Iames is much reuerenced Ortel 5 The chiefe riuers of these prouinces are foure Riuers Tagus in which is found much golden Sande Guadiana or Ana which runneth into a Cauerne or hole of the earth for a great space and riseth vp againe Guadalquiuir vppon whose bancks stand Siuill And the last is Duerus Merula 6 In times past this was diuided into 12. Kingdomes Gouernement but nowe it is onely one entire Gouernement subiected vnto one King who is called King of Spaine OF FRANCE 1 FRance is limited on the West with Mare Aquitanicum Boundes the Pyrineā Mountains on the North with the English Sea on the South with Mare Mediterraneum on the East with Germanie on the Southeast with the Alpes Magin 2 This country is extraordinary fruitfull abounding Qualitie almost in euery thing especially in Corne Wine and Salt which causeth that saying that France hath three Loadstones to draw riches from forraine Nations Corne caried into Spaine Wines trāsported into England Flanders and Salte wherewith the whole kingdom bordering Nations are plētifully stored 3 The Inhabitants of this Land are in the first onset Inhabitāts of any thing very vehement but at the length as slowe and dull In their words only verball in their deeds cautelous from whence it is said that the Frenchman sings not as hee prickes pronounceth not as he writes speakes not as hee thinkes 4 The Prouinces of this Region are manie among which three of them haue free Princes The first is Lorreine Prouinces in which the chiefe cittie is Nancie the second is Burgundie whose Metrapollitane and chiefe cittie is Bisançon lying vpon the riuer Doux the third is Subaudia or Sauoye whose chiefest citie is Geneua scituated vpon a faire pleasant Lake and in which they haue a law that if any offender flie for refuge thither the law doth as wel take holde on him there as in the place where hee committed the crime 5 The other prouinces are many among which the chief are eight First the Prouince of Normandie whose Metrapolitane citie is Roan famous for trafficke in manie forraine countries the second is Britanie whose chiefe citie is Brest the third is Burges or Berrie whose chiefe citie is called Burges which as Iohn Calmenus affirmes hath an Vniuersitie in it worthy to be intituled The Honour of all learning store house of learned men The fourth is Aquitanie in which stands Tolouse that beautifull best peopled and most ancientest citie of France next vnto Paris the fift is Picardie in which the chiefe citie is Amiens the sixt is Poictou in which is the citie Poictiers the seuenth is Languedocke and the eight is Aniou Many others there are which to rehearse would be too tedious and therefore I omit them 6 The Riuers of note in these Prouinces are foure Riuers The first is Sequana or Seine which runneth through the fairest and Metrapolitane Citie of France called Paris or Lutetia quasi in luto sita The secōd is Loyre vpon whose shores stand Angiers Orleance two famous cities The 3. is Rhodanus or Rhosne the 4. last of any note is Garōne 7 Two things are reported of this Countrey very strāge The one is that the King cureth a certain wenne Wonders which riseth in a mans neck with the touch of his hand saying these words Sanet te Deus tangit te Rex The other is that ther is a certain oyle in the church of Rheims which as they report was sent from Heauen and the Kings being annointed with it euery Coronation day it doth neuer decrease Hondius in Tabulis 8 This Kindome is gouerned by a Monarchicall gouernement subiected vnto one sole King who is called Gouernment the king of France and his eldest sonne is tituled the Dolphine of France From this countrie is excluded by the Salick lawe any woman that shee cannot raigne and be Queene OF GERMANIE 1 GErmany is distinguished on the west from France by Boundes part of the riuer Rheine and a line which is drawen vp directly frō Strasburg vnto Cales on the South from Italie with the Alpes on the South-east with Istria and Illyrica and on the East with Hungarie Polonia and the riuer Vistula Magin 2 This countrie
is inricht with all sortes of Mines as Qualitie well of Salt as of Mettalls It hath also great abundance of corne wine saffron fruits hote bathes sweete fountaines 3 The Inhabitants of this Empire are generallie very tall goodly warlike and faithfull men little addicted vnto Inhabitants venerie but much affecting drunkēnes that welspring of Impietie from whence bubbleth out this saying of them that Germanus potat quantum potest Germanorum viuere est bibere They are also for their inuentions in Inuentions arts Mechanicall most excellent and farre surpassing anie other Nation for from them came the inuention of Gunnes inuented of one Bertholdus Swart in the yeare 1378. by them was also inuented Printing in the yeare of our Lord 1440. by one Ihon Gutemberg but as Ramus affirmes by one Iohn Fust who printed Tullies Offices which was the first booke that euer was printed 4 In the middle of Germany is scituated Bohemia a very Bohemia pleasant kingdom compast about with a wood called Sylua Hyrcinia the chiefe citie of it is Prage in which the Emperour doth keepe his Court. 5 There are also in this great large Dominion many Prouinces Prouinces among which the especiall first Saxonie whose Metrapolitane citie is Witteberg lying vppon the Riuer Albis the second is Brandēbourg in which stands Franckford scituated vppon the Riuer Odera in which there is an Vniuersitie erected by Marques Ioachim in the yeare 1506. The third is Pomerania the chiefe Citie of which is Stetim The fourth is Bauaria whose best cittie is Munchen The fift is Slesia in which is scituated the city Bressel The sixt is Franconia whose most noted Citie is Franckford founded vppon the riuer Moenum in which Martes place is alwayes the Election of the Emperour and the famous Martes for bookes The seuenth is Austria the Metrapolitan of which is that famous Vienna seated vpon the riuer Danubius esteemed to be one one of the fairest Citties in Germanie The eight and last worthy to Heluetia be preferred before all the rest is Switzerland or Heluetia which is diuided into 13. Cantones or chiefe cities with their Apendices the gouernment of them beeing onely popular for although the members seeme to be separated yet liue they as one bodie firmly knit vnited euerie one hauing his particular Magistrate and Councell 6 The most famous Riuers of these Prouinces are sixe First is the great Danubius which doth receiue into Riuers it 60. Nauigable Riuers before it is disburdened into Pontus Euxinus the second is Rhene from whence commeth the best Rhenish wine vpon whose banke is scituated the citie Strasburge or Argentine in which ther is a towre of 578. Geometricall paces high counted the eight Miracle of the world the third is Amasus the fourth is Moenus the fift is Odera and the sixt is Albis 7 The Emperours do not succeed but are alwaies chosen by these 6. Electors the Arch-byshops of Ments Triers Colen the Countie Palatine of Rhene the Duke of Saxonie the Marquesse of Brandeburge If these cānot agree then doth the King of Bohemia decide the controuersie 8 Concerning the Gouernment of this Empire it hath manie free Princes which is the reason that the Emperour by some is called a King of Kings Gouernment OF BELGIA 1 BElgia or the Lowe Countreyes is limited on the Boundes East with Germanie on the South with France on the West with the mayne Ocean on the North with Denmarke and part of the great Sea It contayneth in circuit 1000. Italian miles 2 This Countrie doeth most excell in all manner of Linnen and fine Stuffes and about Frisea Gelderland Qualitie and Holland they haue Oxen of such an incredible bignesse which if they were ballanced would weigh aboue 2000. poundes for there was seene in Antwerpe a Bull whose bodie did exceede 3200. weight Magin Ortel In this Countrie there is also great abundance of Butter Cheese Herring and Salmon and especially in Holland 3 The Inhabitāts are very goodly propermen hauing Inhabitants generally well proportionated legs They are great drinkers not proud nor enuious but vnmindfull both of benefits done vnto them of iniuries offered They are excellent Musitians in Mechanicall arts most expert Prouinces 4 The prouinces of Belgia are 17. in which are cōtained 4. Dukedomes 7. Earldomes 5. Barondries 1. Marqueship 5 The 4. Dukedomes are first Brabant in which the 1. Brabant chiefe citie is Antwerp fortified with 10. royall Bulwarks and hauing within it a Towne-house whose circuite is 4812. paces There is also in this Prouince an Vniuersitie called Louaine Ortel 6 The second Dukedom is Liege or Luicke called by 2. Liege some the Paradise of Priests the chiefe city is Liege from whence the Dukedome taketh his name 7 The third is Lutzenburge in which is the great Forest 3. Lutzenburge of Ardenna which was in the time of Caesar 500. miles in lēgth at this day only 90. the chief city is Lutzēburg or 8 The 4. and last Dukedome is Gelderland noted 4. Gelderlād chiefly for the excellent pasture groundes which are in it the chiefe citie is Nimmegen Ortel 9 The 7. Earledoms or Counties are first Flanders in 1. Flandres which the chiefe city is Gaunt there are also many strong Port towns in it as Newport Dūkerk Ostend Slewis Ort. 10 The second is Artois the chiefe citie of which is 2. Artois Arras from whence commeth the best cloth of Arras 11 The third is Hainolt whose fairest city is Mons in which there is a Capitall of Religious women that was 3. Hainolt erected by Vadruda Dutches of Lorraine 12 The 4. is Holland very poore of it self vnles it be in pasture grounds in which they nourish so many Cattell 4. Holland that it doth excell other parts in Butter and cheese They are also so strong at Sea that they are able to make 800. great ships and twice so many small The chiefe citie is Amsterdam so famous for Trafficke that there may be seen in her Port somtimes 500. great ships at once Ortel 13 The fift is Zealand quasi Sea and Land in which 5. Zealand countrie or Countie there is found no fresh water In it is also very little wood The chiefe citie is Middelborough in the Iland of Walcheren 14 The sixt is Zutphen of which very little or nothing 6. Zutphen can be spoken 15 The 7. and last Countie is Namur verie plentifull 7. Namur of Woods and Deare the chiefe citie is Namur 16 The 5. Barondries or Lordships are first Friezland Vltrect the noted cities whereof are Leuorden and Embden 17 The secōd is Vltrect whose chiefest city is Vtreck 17 The third is Mechlin the fourth is Ouerissel the fift and last Lordship is Groining 18 The 17. Prouince is the Marquiset of the holie Empire in which nothing is famous 19 The most noted
Riuers of these Prouinces are three the first of which is Rhene mentioned before in Riuers Germanie the next it Schald which washeth the bancks of Antwerpe the last is Meuse vpon whose shore is scituated Luicke 20 This Country famous for wars is in part gouerned Gouernmēt by manie whom they call States of the lowe Countries But the Arche-duke of Austria wageth warre continuallie with them to bring it vnder his Dominion claiming and laying Title vnto it OF DENMARKE DEnmarke is enuironed round with the maine Ocean Limites vnlesse it be on the South where it is ioyned vnto Germanie 2 This Kingdome doth abound in goodly Horses Qualitie and in such store of cattell that there are yearely carried into Germanie 50000. Oxen. There is also such infinite abundance of herring neare vnto the I le Scania that the ships are scarce able by maine strength of Owers to rowe out of the Harbour the fish lying so thicke that their quantitie is supposed to surpasse the water it selfe Ortel Inhabitāts 3 The Inhabitāts of this country are very valiāt both at land and Sea in their Religion they are all Lutherans 4 The Prouinces of this Kingdome are almost all Prouinces Ilands amōg which the chiefe are first Sealand in which is Coppenhagen the chiefe seate of the King and an Vniuersitie in it is also Roschilt where the Kings are still intoombed The second is Loilant in which there growe so many Hazell-nuts that shippes are loaded there with them The third is Fimera in which Ticho Brahe built a Castle by Arte to the wonder of euery body that hath euer seene it In the Continent are containd two other Prouinces Iugtland and Holsten in which is Meldrope the inhabitants of which are so riche that they couer their houses with copper Magin 5 In this Countrie is also a straight Sea passing betweene some of the Ilands called the Sound which by Sound reason of the Imposts and Customs of the Ships which passe that way yeeldeth great gaine and profite vnto the King 6 The Gouernment of this Kingdome is vnder one Gouernmēt sole Prince who is called the King of Denmarke OF ITALIE ITalie called by Merula a Terrestriall Paradice The Boundes Phoenix of this Massie round the earths riche Ornament the Garden of the Muses is garded on the East with the Adriaticke Seas on the South with Mare Mediterraneum on the West with the Terrhene or Ocean and on the North with the Alpes which separateth it from Germanie it is like vnto a mans legge reaching in length from Augusta Pretoria vnto Otranto which is 1010. miles and is in breadth in the brodest place 420. miles 2 To set downe the fruitfulnes of this riche Region it may be as well declared in a line as in a leafe for there Qualitie is of all things such plentie as there is not of any thing any scarcitie 3 The people of this Nation are verie graue frugall wittie excelling both in vertue and vices which are in Inhabitants lust monstrous in hate implacable in their conuersation most deceitfull which had rather bestowe any thing vpon others then vpon themselues do more oftener blaspheme then sweare And will rather kill a man then giue him a disgracefull tearme or word 4 This Kingdome is diuided into many Prouinces whereof the chiefe and most famous are fiue Prouinces 5 The first is the Kingdome of Naples which is greater then any of the rest full of Nobilitie and abounding Naples with all things necessary for mans vse The chiefe citie of it is Naples lying vpon the Terrhenean Sea 6 The second is the Romane Territorie a Prouince richly furnished with all prouisions in which is scituated Roma the Cittie of Rome once called the Empresse of the world as well for the beautie and Magnificence of the Citie as for the Learning and fortitude of the Citizens but now it is much ruinated true Religion and vertue cleane decayed The Gouernour of it beeing the Pope that proud prelate persecutor of all true pietie and zealous professours 7 The third Prouince is Lumbardie comprehending Lumbardie vnder it is the Dukedom of Millaine which doth excell for beautie all the rest hauing in it many faire Riuers pleasant Lakes the chiefe Citie of which is Millaine whose buildings are to be admired for their extraordinarie sumptuousnes In this Prouince is also the great Lake de Como which is 60. miles in lēgth vpon whose bankes stands the citie Como in fashion like vnto a Crab whose two feete couet the water In this Citie the two Plinies had their beginning whose Fame by reason of their great learning shall neuer haue ending Ortelius 8 The fourth Prouince is Tuscanie little inferior vnto Tuscanie the rest in any thing the chiefe Citie of which is Florence whose inhabitants since the time of Macheuill which was their Recorder are most politicke and subtill amounting vnto the number of 80. thousand persons 9 The fift and last is the Signorie of Venice a free Venice State and the most famous of any in Christendome gouerned by a Prince of great Maiestie yet both hee and his authorite subiected vnto the Lawes This Citie with the Apendices vnto it is the richest best prouided with munition of any Citie in Italie as is confest in this particular cēsure of each Prouince before spoken that Naples excells for Nobilite Rome for Clergie Millaine for beautie Florence for policie but Venice for riches 10 There is is another prouince somewhat famous called Verona in which is the mountaine Baldo where all professors of Phisicke doe resort to gather diuerse sortes of pretious Hearbes And in which there is a citie called Negarino wherin is a stone in forme like vnto a womans dugge which doth continually distill a water whose vertuous operation causeth a womans Milke to returne into her brests when she hath lost it 11 The chiefest riuers of these prouinces are first Padus neer vnto which stands Patauine that noble Vniuersitie Riuers the next is Athesis adioyning vnto which is Trent where a Councell was helde vnder Paul the third in the yeare 1546. the next is Tiber that runneth through the Citie of Rome which when it doth ouerflowe the banks doth betoken some ill fortune which shall befall the Citie the last is the riuer Poe neere vnto which stands Cremona a Citie of great note 12 In this Italie which was in time past one intier Gouernement Gouernment are nowe many absolute States and Princedomes by the great Pollicie of the Pope who thought it the best way to make himselfe great by weakening the Empire OF ILLIRIA ILliria is limited on the West with the Adriaticke Sea on the North with the riuer Sauus on the East with Limits the riuer Drinus No certaine limits can be giuen of this countrie For all Geographers that write doe disagree about it 2 The people of this land as
neuer baptise their children before the fortieth day and also circumcise both men and women 4 This great Kingdome is gouerned by Prester Iohn Gouernment who hath vnder him 70. Kings and whose colour is white his subiects being all blacke He draweth his pedigree from Melecke the sonne of Salamon and Queene of the South Of Ethiopia inferiour 1 EThiopia inferior is euery where begirt with the Sea Bounds vnlesse it be towards the North where it is bounded from Ethiopia superior with the Mountaines of the Moone 2 The inhabitants of this Country are very Sauage Inhabitāts cruell and for the most part great Idolaters so much cōtemning Christianitie that in the Prouince of Douos no man can marry vntill he hath killed twelue Christians 3 The Prouinces of this Region are vnder fiue free Prouinces Gouernment Kngs The king of Zanzibar Monomotapa Manicongo Aiana and Carfraria of all which little can be spoken only that in the Monomotapa there are Amozons which are more valiant then the men and that the King thereof doth keepe for his guard 200. Mastiffe dogges OF AEGYPT 1 EGypt is limited on the West with Barbarie on the Bounds South with Aethiopia superior on the East with the Red Sea or Sinus Arabicus and on the North with Mare Mediterraneum 2 As concerning the fruitfulnesse of this Countrey Qualitie these two verses which follow shall and doe sufficiently make it knowne Terra suis contenta bonis non Indiga Mercis aut Iouis In solo tanta est fiducia Nilo Lucan 3 The inhabitants of this Kingdome are very actiue Inhabitants liberall giuen vnto feasting somewhat superstitious many of them Christians but the greater part Mahumetās 4 The chiefe cities are two the first is Caire once called Cities Memphis neere vnto which stands the Piramides of Aegypt one of the seuen wonders of the worlde The other is Alexandria which was built by Alexander the Great and wherein was the most famous Library of the world This was the place also where Ptolomie tooke all his obseruations 5 In this Kingdome was inuented Astronomie Physicke Inuentions and writing on paper It was called Papirus of the thing which it was made of and in Latine Charta of the place where it was inuented Hond 6 The gouernment of this once famous Region was heretofore vnder Kings whom they commonly called Gouernment Pharoes but now belongeth to the trueth abhorring Turke CHAP. VI. Of the chiefe Ilands in Africa THus much of the continent of Africa now will I knit vnto it the description of the Ilands 1 The Ilands of Africa are diuided into Diuision two parts into those which are in the Atlanticke Sea and into those which are in the Aethiopicke Ocean 2 Those Ilands which are in the Atlantick Sea of note are onely the Canarie Ilands the Gorgades and the Iland of S. Thomas 3 The Canarie or Fortunate Ilands are 7. of which the Canarie chiefe is Madera wherein there is great store of Suger and Canary Wine There is another which is called Tanariffa wherein is a mountaine so high that the inhabitants haue all their fresh water from a cloude that droppeth there very fast hanging about a tree 4 The Gorgades are nine all which are full of Goates Gorgades and subiect vnto the King of Spaine 5 The Iland of Saint Thomas lyeth directly vnder the Aequator it is very plentifull of Suger and a place vnto which the Portugals do much resort Of the Ilands in the Aethiopicke Sea 1 THe Ilands of the Aethiopicke Ocean are but two of Diuision any fame Magdagascar and Zocotara 2 Magdagascar or the Iland of S. Iames is a countrey Magdagascar whose inhabitants are very cruell and barbarous and in which there are great store of Elephants 3 Zocotara is an Iland in which the people are all Zocotara Christians and dwell in Caues and great holes CHAP. VII Of Asia HItherto haue I scorcht my selfe in the heate of Africa now therefore of the temperate Continent of Asia 1 Asia is in euery place begirt with the Sea vnlesse it be towards the Westerne Limits parts where it is limited from Europe with the Riuer Tanais and a line directly drawne vp vnto the Port of Saint Nicholas And from Africa with that Istmus betwixt the Arabick Gulfe and the Mediterranean Sea 2 This part of the world is farre more famous then any other For here was the place where the Monarkes of the Medes Persians Babilonians Assirians flourished Here was the place in which all the actes and monuments of the olde Testament and almost in the new were accomplished And here was and is the place where the Myracles of our Sauiour were done for euer to be celebrated 3 The fruitfulnesse of this great Continent is very Qualitie much for it doth containe within it almost plentie of euery thing 4 The inhabitants of it are generally very wittie for Inhabitants from hence sprang all the Sciences which the Greekes haue learned of the Hebrewes 5 The chiefe Riuers of Asia are Iaxartes Euphrates Tigris Riuers Indus and Ganges 6 Two other things there are in this part worthy to be noted First is the Mountaine Taurus which diuides whole Asia into two parts being in length 5625. miles in breadth 375. Next is Mare Caspium a Sea which hath no entercourse with any part of the Ocean 7 This Asia is diuided into sixe great Gouernements Diuision into that of Moscouia in Asia which I haue before described Into Turcia Asiana Tartarie Persia India China OF TVRCIA ASIANA 1 VNder the Turkes Empire in Asia are comprehended Diuision Natolia or Asia minor Turcomania Syria or Palestina and Arabia OF NATOLIA 2 NAtolia or Asia minor is limited on the West with Limits the Archipelago on the South with the Mediterranean Sea on the East with the Riuer Euphrates and on the North with Pontus Euxinus 3 This Countrey is very fruitfull and temperat but Qualitie by reason of the Turkes tyranny it lyeth very waste and not inhabited For in it may be seene the ruines of 4000. Townes and Cities 4 The inhabitants are most idle lazy and in religion Inhabitants Mahumetans Once they were all Christians for with them were the seuen churches which S. Iohn in his Apochalips did write vnto 5 The chiefe Prouinces of Natolia are 8 Pontus Bithinia Asia propria or Sarrum Licia Pamphilia Galatia Prouinces Cappadocia and Cylicia 6 In Pontus and Bithinia there are two famous cities Pontus Bithinia the one called Nice where the first generall Councell was held the other Chalcedō where the fourth was held These Prouinces were once gouerned by Mithridates who was the first finder out of Metridate 7 In Asia Propria or Sarcum there are many things Asia propria worthy the obseruation as first Phrigia maior of which Midas was King next Phrigia minor
wherein are to be seene the ruines of olde Troy and in which stands Pergamus where Gallen that famous Physitian was borne In this country also liued Gordius who knit the knot which for the intricatenesse therof was called Nodus Gordianus The next is Lidia in which liued rich King Craessus The next is Ionia wherein stands that famous citie Ephesus most renowned for the great Temple of Diana which was in it accounted to bee one of the wonders of the world This is also one of the seuen Cities which Saint Iohn in the Reuelation wrote vnto and vnto which Saint Paule did direct one of his Epistles In this Prouince is also Smirna an other of the seuen Cities and in which Policarpus that was Bishoppe there liued who sometimes had beene Scholler vnto Saint Iohn the Euangelist The next is Halicarnassus wherein Dionisius and Heroditus those famous Historiographers liued The last of any fame is the riuer Meandrus which hath 600. turnings 8 In Licia little is to be noted onely that there stand Licia some ruines of the Temple of Apollo and that S. Nicholas liued there 9 In Pamphilia stands the Citie of Seleucia built Pamphilia by Seleucus one of the foure great successours of Alexander 10 In Galatia were the people vnto whome Saint Galatia Paule writ one of his Epistles And this also is one of the Prouinces where the Iewes were dispersed 11 In Capadocia is that flourishing Citie of Trepizond Capadocia which in times past was a Citie Imperiall 12 In Cilicia is the Citie Tarsus where S. Paule was Cilicia borne vnto which Ionas fled when hee was commanded to goe vnto Niniuie 13 The last Prouince is Armenia minor in which there Armenia the lesse is great store of Oyle and excellent Wine OF TVRCOMANIA 14 TVrcomania or Armenia maior is bounded on the Limites West with the Riuer Euphrates and Pontus Euxinus on the South with Mesopotamia on the East with Media and Mare Caspium and on the North with part of Tartaria 15 The inhabitants of this Region are great robbers Inhabitants liuing after the manner of the basest sort of Tartars that is vnder tents going from one place vnto another in companies 16 The chiefe Prouinces are two the first is Georgia Prouinces seated on the bankes of the Caspian Sea wherein the inhabitants do chiefly worship Saint George The other is Colchus from whence Iason did setch the Golden Fleece 17 In this Turcomania the thing which is most famous is that the Arke of Noe did first rest it selfe vpon the Mountaines of Armenia now called Nohae montes Of Syria or Palestina 18 SYria Palestine or the Holy land is limited on the Limits West with Mare Mediterraneum on the South with Arabia on the East with Mesopotamia and on the North with the mountaine Libanus This countrey is in compasse 200. miles 19 The inhabitants of it were once so many that it did Inhabitants containe in it 30. Kings and when Dauid did command the people to be numbred there were found 1300000. fighting men But at this time there are very few those Christians of euery sect and Saracens 20 The fruitfulnesse of this Kingdome doth chiefly Qualitie consist of Wines whose Grapes do grow in such aboundance that they are gathered thrice in a yeare They haue also great store of Apples and Lemons 21 The Prouinces which this Region is diuided into Prouinces are foure Gallilie Samaria Iudaea and Idumea 22 Gallily is diuided into the higher and lower In the Gallilie higher is Phinicia vnder which is comprehended Tire Sidon In the lower is Nazareth where Christ was borne and in it is also the Mountaine Tabor where our Sauiour was transfigured 23 In the Prouince of Samaria stood that great city of Samaria Samaria the ruines of which are yet to be seene and not farre from thence the citie Sichar where Christ desired water of a certaine woman 24 In the Prouince of Iudaea stood the once famous Iudaea Citie of the world called Ierusalem where the Sepulchre of Christ is to be seene and not farre from thence stood Bethlaem where he was borne There is also in this Prouince an hearbe called Bachara whose colour is like vnto a flame and in the euening shineth like vnto a Sunne-beame which if any one come to plucke it vp it wil wag from him vntill the vrine of a woman bee sprinkled on it Iosephus de Bello Iudaico Lib. 7. 25 The chiefe Riuers and Lakes of these Prouinces Riue are foure The first is Iordan which springeth out of the Mountaine Libanus so called of Ior and Dan two riuers which meete together The second is the Lake of Gallilie The third is the Lake of Genazareth or Tiberia famous for our Sauiours sailing in it The fourth and last is Mare Mortuum or the Dead Sea into which Iordan is disburdened At the top of this Lake swimmeth Pitch and Brimstone from whence reaketh such a stinking mist that it killeth all the birds that flye ouer it and maketh the Apples that grow by it being faire in shew very rotten Moreouer the water is of that nature that if an Oxe were throwne in with his feete bound hee will not sinke Iosephus Solinus 48. Chap. OF ARABIA 26 ARabia is encompast on the West with the Red Sea Limites on the South with the maine Ocean on the East with Sinus Persicus and on the North with Syria and Mesopotamia 27 It is diuided into three parts into Arabia Deserta Diuision Petrosa and Foelix 28 In Arabia Deserta nothing is worth the obseruing but that it was the place where God did keepe the children of Israell for the space of 40. yeares feeding them with Manna from heauen 29 Of Arabia Petrosa little can be spoken onely that there stands the Mountaine Sinay where God gaue the Tables of the Law vnto Moses 30 Arabia Foelix is one of the most fruitfullest Countries in the world hauing in it Franchincense mirrhe most pretious Balmes which are in no other places to be found 31 The chiefe Citie is Mediua where Mahumet was intombed in an yron Coffin which being carried into a Temple the roofe whereof was made of Adamant is attracted vnto the toppe of the Vault and there hangeth being supported by nothing 32 The inhabitants of this Region are superstitious Inhabitants and in all their doings very vnconstant They are in their Religion Mahometans And as we reckon our time frō the yeare of our Lord so they from the time of Mahomet whose comming they haue long expected saying there were three great Prophets Moses Christ and Mahomet And as the Doctrine of Moses was bettered by Christ so was the Doctrine of Christ mended by Mahomet Thus much concerning the Turkes Dominions in Asia OF TARTARIA 1 TArtarie is limited on the North with the Scithian Limites Sea on the East with the East Ocean on the South with
in Riuers They will neuer also come into the roomes where they dine or eate any thing with their shooes on their feete but keepe the places as they tearme it hallowed This Iland hath very much golde in it insomuch that Paule Venetus doth affirme that in his time the Kings Palace was couered with gold 12 The Moluccoe Ilands are famous for the great Moluccoes plenty of spices which are in them There is also in these Isles a Bird called Monicodiata which hath no feete continually flying without intermission The female of this Bird doth lay her egges when shee breedes in a hole which is in the backe of the Male like vnto a nest these are neuer taken before they dye and fall vpon the earth The inhabitants of these Ilands go naked and are great Idolaters 13 The Philippian Ilands lye North of the Moluccoes Philippians the ayre being very temperate bringeth forth all kind of Spices CHAP. IX De America siue India Orientali HAuing discourst of three parts of the world Europe Africa and Asia I will now venter on the last greatest part which is America 1 America is inuironed on the East with the maine Ocean on the South Limits with the Straights of Magelane on the West with Mare Del Zur or Pacificum and on the north with the vnknowne Land 2 This part of the world was first discried by Christopher Columbus in the yeare 1492. and then after that made better knowne by Americus Vesputius of whome it is called vnto this day America 3 The fruitfulnesse of this soyle is to be admired for Qualitie in it are wonderfull store of Spices Birdes and Fishes There is also gold in such plenty that the Spaniards haue reported they haue digged in some places more Golde then earth The chiefest want in this part are Horses of which they haue few or none and which was the occasion that when the Spaniards brought Horses in the battell against them they fell down astonished thinking that when the horses neighed they had spoken vnto them 4 The inhabitants of this mighty Territory are most Inhabitants barbarous being in some places men eaters they are altogether ignorant and vnlearned which was the cheiefe cause that they conceited themselues when any one of the Spaniards did read a letter the Diuel told him the cōtents They are ignorant of the vse of yron and estimate glasse aboue gold To conclude they are excellent runners and swimmers 5 This fourth part of the world is chiefly vnder the Gouernment King of Spaine and is diuided first into two parts Mexicana and Peruana afterwards subdiuided as followeth DE MEXICANA 1 MExicana is limited on the east with Mare Del Norte Limits on the West with Mare Del Zur on the South with an Istmus betwixt Peruana and it and on the North with the vnknowne land 2 In this part of America are many Prouinces the Prouinces chief of which are Quiuira Mexicana Nicaragua Iucatan Florida Virginia Norumbega Noua Francia Terra Cortealis and Estotiland 3 The Prouince of Quiuira extendeth it selfe vnto Sinus Quiuira Califormia being a most dry and barren ground 4 The Prouince of Mexicana was first found out by Mexicana Ferdinando Cortesius in the yeare 1518. There are in this place many Riuers in which breede great store of Crocadiles whose bodies the inhabitants doe eate There are also many mines of golde And there is a mountaine called Popochampeche which doth continually vomit forth flames of fire The chiefe and Metropolitane citie of this Prouince or of whole America is Mexico in which the Prorex for Spaine doth lie and in which there is both money coyned and bookes printed 5 The next is Nicaragua wherin is a great lake which Nicaragua hath no entercourse with the Sea and yet doth ebbe flow as the Sea doth The people in this place are more manlike then others both in behauiour and shape 6 In Iucatan Chersonesus the chiefe citie is Guatimala Iucatan where another Vice-Roy for Spaine doth lye The inhabitants of this Countrey did adore the Crosse before Cortez comming 7 Terra Florida so called of the French who first Terra Florida founded it hath in it many Prouinces whereof Panuca is one in which the people are very warlike but butcherously minded killing all the captiues they take and eating them Furthermore they neuer marry vntil they be 40. yeares of age and liue most vpon Serpents worms There is another place in this Prouince called Alberdosia wherin the women let their children sucke vntil they be 12. yeares of age 8 Virginia so nominated of our late Queene was first Virginia found out by Sir Walter Rawleigh who gaue it that name Of this Countrey what may be spoken more at large see the discourse of Master Harriot and Master Hackant 9 Norumbega so called of certaine fishes which are Norumbega in it of that name The chiefe Citie of it is Norumbega 10 Noua Frauncia lyeth neere vnto that great Sinus of Noua Francia Saint Laurence It was discouered and taken first of the French men vnder Frauncis the first of France The inhabitants of this Prouince haue little boats made of leather which they vse to fish in when they haue done to take them vp at their backe and carry them away 11 Terra Cortealis is little famous vnlesse it be for a riuer Terra Cortealis there which is called the three brothers 12 Estotiland was first found out by Anthony Zenus a Estotiland Venetian neere vnto which lyeth Fretum Dauis where they haue sought oftentimes for a passage vnto the Moluccoes China but it could not be effected Not far from this lyeth Newfound-land frō whence commeth most of our fish And in the North part lyeth a land called by Sir Frauncis Drake Noua Albion of which nothing can bee certainely spoken 13 Thus farre of the Prouinces of Mexicana now followeth the description of Peruana De Peruana PEruana is in euery place inuironed with the Sea vnlesse Limits it be towards the North where it is ioyned vnto Mexicana by a little Istmus 2 This part of America doth chiefly flourish with gold Qualitie pretious stones Spices Suger strange hearbs among which is that hearbe Tobaco which is so much and idely vsed amongst vs. 3 The inhabitants of this place are generally cruell Inuentions rude barbarous and men eaters not vnlike vnto those of Mexicana They go naked and if they take any man captiue they slice his body out into collops and broile it vpon the coales making mery so long as that indures them They are towards the South part mighty great men being all Idolaters worshipping the Diuell or some monstrous mishapen Idole 4 The chiefe Riuer of this Southerne part of America Riuers are three the Riuer Amazon Maragon and the golden Riuer Rio or de la Plate in which there is found much gold and