which extends it self to three days Journey are on each side wharf'd and wall'd in with Stone of the Quarre at the end of which appears a great Dam that receives and keeps the Waters which swelling to a convenient heighth Vessels that come thither are with little help floated over into another Stream This Current serves onely to bring small Vessels up to the City Ningpo for the great ones go about by Sea Near this City are also many Triumphal Arches for building of which they have ready accommodation because the Quarres that serve all China are close by their Doors The ninth Division call'd Ningpofu borders in the East with the Sea in the West with Xaochingfu South upon a River flowing between this and the County Tancheufu The Kings Iue gave this and its Metropolis the Name of Iungtung the Family of Yang Nungcheu those of Sung Kingchyven but at last by the Taimingian Ningpo that is Reconciler of Strife The Kings of Han brought this Countrey under the Territory of Huiki Ningpofu hath five Cities viz Ningpo Cuki Funghoa Finghai and Siangxan Not far from Ningpo lies a Promontory which the Portuguese formerly very much frequented who corrupted the Name to Liampo Some say that from this Point in serene Weather they can discern the Mountains of Iapan whereas the most exact Chinese Cards or Maps make the Sea much broader than to discover any such Prospect The Metropolis Ningpo situated close by the River In boasts store of handsom Buildings On whose Eastern Shore stand several Triumphal Arches and two Steeples with seven Galleries one over another The Banks of the said River are all rais'd of Free-Stone at the end the Water is also stopp'd with a Stone Dam over which they hale the Vessels into a larger Channel In the little City Cuky are two Bridges one with Stone Supporters and great Pieces of Timber three hundred Rods long another which is very high and all of Stone stands on three Arches The tenth County call'd Taicheufu being a great Tract of Land verges Eastward with the Sea Southward with Vencheufu Westward with Kinhoafâ—… Northward with Xaohingfu and Ningpofu In the time of the Kings this Countrey belong'd to V. afterwards to Iue but was at last by the Family Cyn brought under the Territory of Minching The Family Han gave it the Name of Changan Tang of Haicheu and soon after that of Taicheu which it retains to this day This Countrey comprehends six Cities viz. Taicheu Hoanguien Tientai Cienkiu Ninghai Taiping This City Taicheu is situate on a Hill lying on the East side of the River San. The eleventh call'd Veucheufu conterminates in the East at the Sea in the South with the Territory of Fokien in the West at Cucheufu in the North at Taicheufu This Countrey is for the most part very mountainous but hath in the South before you approach the Hills of Fokien a large and spacious Plain Formerly this Countrey belong'd to the Kings of Iue afterwards to those of V. King Loang gave it the Name of Iungkia and was by the House of Tang first call'd Tunkia and soon after Voucheu by Sung Xuigan and lastly by the Taimingian Veucheu This Province Veucheu possesses six Cities viz. Veucheu Xuigan Locing Ping Yang and Taixium The City of Veucheu seated on the River Iungkia because it is also like the Metropolis Hangcheu standing on a Morass Soil and adorn'd with many fair Edifices is by the Inhabitants call'd Little Hancheu The City is very populous and a Residence for many Merchants whose Ships find good and safe Harbors in the great River Iungkia the Sea ebbing and flowing up to the City Walls Near the Sea-shore in this Territory are fifteen Garisons built against the Incursions of the Iapanners and safeguard of the Sea viz. in Veucheufu Nan Ningtung Sining Huigan Tunchi Cumen Puohin Xetic in Taicheufu Sinho Cioki Ninghai in Ningpofu onely Tinghai in Kiahinfu Hiacing Kinexan and Chincam Several Isles neighbor this Countrey inhabited by Husband-men and Fisher-men of which Cheuxan is the greatest the next are Chanque Chaopao besides several other lesser Cheuxan lies directly East from the Metropolis Hancheu opposite to the River Cientang in thirty one and thirty two Degrees Northern Latitude thirteen Leagues from the Main Land and hath in length from North to South sixteen and in breadth eight Leagues When antiently the Chinese King Lui worsted by the Tartars and flying with his scatter'd Forces to this Isle from all Parts many of the Chineses flock'd thither so that ever since what was before inconsiderable hath been a populous and well planted Isle for they number in this small Isle above seventy Towns and Villages most of them verging the Sea in such Places where Inlets and Bays make convenient Harbors neither wants their King a considerable Fleet which keep his Coast safe from the Incursions and Landing of the Tartars Horse wherein they are most formidable And the Tartars as much in awe of the Islanders keep continual Guard in the Fort of Tinghay rais'd on the Main Land with a Fleet of Crusing Chineses Before the Province Taicheufu near the Garison Cioki lies an Island call'd Ychoan which is Precious Circle so call'd for its convenient Havens the whole being in a manner so surrounded with Mountains it breaks off all Winds leaving onely a Gap or Entrance for Ships to come in at The whole Province of Chekiang is every where cut through with Rivers Rivulets and murmuring Streams some brought in by Art others of their own accord Most of the Channels of those Rivers which run Southward fall in such order as if Nature on purpose had contriv'd their Course so that the Traveller may pass through the whole Territory either by Land or Water which way he will still supply'd with all conveniencies The River Che from whence this Countrey hath its Name runs from the South to the North and divides it exactly in the middle in an Eastern and Western Canton but it changeth its Name at Hangcheu and there is call'd Cientang and again where it takes its original out of the Mountains in the Province Hoeicheufu they name it Singan The eighteenth day of the eighth Moon which is our October a prodigigious Spring-tyde happens worthy of admiration for it is onely on that day and begins to flow exactly at four a Clock in the Afternoon and comes with a Head at the first appearance high and strangely mounted above the Waters and suddenly turns Topsi-turvy what ever either by neglect or carelesness lies in the Way roaring extremely in his ascent beyond the loud murmur of Cataracts or Water-breaches to which as a wonderful spectacle where they have secure places the Magistrates Strangers and a great number of People resort to see though horrid the annual Spectacle The River Ho takes its Original near Cinijuw the third substitute City to the seventh Province Chucheufu and from thence follows by the Metropolis Kuihoa
in their manner of Arms of all the Formosans This King look'd upon as a brave Person keeps a constant Guard and is always quarrelling and making War with his Neighbors He was formerly in Friendship with the Hollanders and proud to serve under them as Serjeant of a Company The fifth is Sapat lying quite on the other side of Formosa and commands over ten Towns the Governor whereof is in League with Pimaba The sixth Dominion is call'd Takabolder and hath eight Towns besides several Villages under its Jurisdiction In Takabolder appears an exceeding high Mountain which may be seen from Tayowan The seventh Lordship is that of Cardeman govern'd by a Woman who for her kind reception of the Christians was by the Hollanders call'd The Good Woman She commands over five Villages When the Hollanders march'd into the Field she sent them Provisions had a great Authority over her Subjects and being a Widow married to one of the Princes of the Countrey The eighth Territory hath twelve Villages of which the chiefest are Deredou Orrazo Porraven Barraba Warrawarra Tannatanna and Cubeca The ninth is call'd Tokodekal and hath seven Towns and seven Villages the chief whereof is Tokodekal where the Governor hath his Residence The tenth nam'd Pukkal consists onely of one handsom City and maintains a continual War against the seven Villages of Tokodekal and likewise against Percuzi and Pergunu two Towns which make the eleventh Dominion Besides all these foremention'd Places there are abundance of Lordships in the Mountains but we will not trouble the Reader with naming them because they are so numerous and for that every one is for it self and continually make War one against another But those Places which formerly the Hollanders had reduc'd they kept in good order and quiet These Islands of Formosa and Tayowan especially the Coasts suffer much 〈◊〉 Storms and Tempests for oftentimes the Wind blows down whole Trees and Houses rending both Walls and Roofs from top to bottom Besides by these Huricanes yearly many Ships are lost that approach near the Coasts Both these Isles also endure terrible Earthquakes Anno 1654. hapned a mighty Earthquake on the fourteenth of December which continu'd with short intermissions almost seven Weeks together It also rains here very much wherefore none can travel above two Months being December and Ianuary for then is generally the fairest Weather but their greatest and perpetual Rains happen onely in Iuly and August There are two Mousons oâ—… Stormy Seasons the one the Northern and the other the Southern Mouson The first begins in October and continues till March the second begins in May and holds till September which the Hollanders call'd The unconstant Month because of its often change of Weather The circumjacent Sea that washes the Skirts of these Isles abounds with Fish especially the Harder or Shepherd-Fish and another call'd the Kings-Fish The Chineses come yearly towards February from the Main-Land with thousands of Jonks to take these Shepherds some of the Jonks being able to carry five or six hundred Tun. There sail also another sort of Vessels amongst these Jonks which they call Koiaes or Wankans somewhat smaller than our Cock-boats This Harder or Shepherd is a Fish about the bigness of a Whiting which when taken is slit to the Back like Habberdine then salted and pack'd up in Barrels is sent in Pickle all over China as we and the Hollanders send our Herrings through Europe The Rows of these Fishes are also salted and put into Pots which remaining very red are accounted for a great Dainty amongst the Chineses For the Priviledge of Fishing under this Island the Chineses us'd to pay the Tithes of all Fish for Custom to the Hollanders there resident The Soil hath in it a natural Fertility yet lies most part waste through the ignorance and sloth of the Inhabitants The fruitfullest Tract the King of Middag possesses which produces abundance of Rice Wheat Barley Rye Kayjang Ginger Sugar several sorts of Trees and great variety of Fruits as Lemmons Oranges Citrons Pumpeons Water-Melons Cucumers Ananasses China-Roots Kadjang Fokkafoka Potatoes Ubes Sweet-Herbs Cabbage Carrots and abundance of Physical Herbs and Cane-wood Kadjang is a certain small Seed green and about the bigness of Coriander which boyl'd with salt and fresh Fish gives a more pleasant taste Fokkafokas is a Fruit like a Pear but thrice as big as one of our greatest white on the shady side and on the other in stead of Red of a Purple Colour and shines on the top like Glass It is first cut into four Quarters then boyld with Flesh or Bacon like Turneps Carrots or Coleworts Of the Broth sweetned with Sugar they make good Drink They also have some few Sheep and store of Harts Goats stags Conies Hares tame and wild Swine Tygers Bears Apes and the like But they have there also another kind of Creature by the Hollanders call'd Tayowans Devil about an Ell long and five Inches broad it is full of Scales both under his Belly and on his Back hath four Feet a long sharp Head very sharp Claws and a Tail thin at the end his Food nothing but Pismires for being hungry they put forth their Tongues which when they perceive creep upon it they draw in again and so swallow their Prey It is an Enemy only to the Ants and is very fearful of Men from whom it flies upon the first sight into any hole or else winds it self together but if taken by the Tail and shaken opens again so that the Hollanders have by an Irony nam'd it the Tayowans Devil being so harmless that it will neither offend another nor defend it self None of these are found in all Asia but on this Isle where they have all manner of Fowl else except Parrots There are also Serpents Millepedes Scorpions Hedgehogs and many other monstrous Creatures They likewise oftentimes see great Swarms of Locusts Anno 1655. abundance of Locusts spread themselves over these Islands of Formosa and Tayowan At their first appearance in Tayowan they fell down from the Sky like a great Snow here with us and cover'd the whole Ground After two days they directed their way to Sakkam multiplying in such manner that no place was free of them The People endeavoring to destroy the young Locusts in Sakkam in four or five days got thirty thousand Picol weight But all prov'd in vain and they were forc'd to give over when they saw their prodigious increase utterly destroying their Sugar and Rice Fields every where Against the North-East part of Formosa lies a great and rich Golden Mine surrounded by many other Marble Quarries At the Foot thereof runs a River with many winding Reaches so that any one which intends to go in quest of the Gold must cross this Stream above twenty times and not without great danger because of the Stones which frequently tumble from the Rocks In August the great Rains sweep down an incredible Store of this rich Metal which
Jurisdiction they made a new Gate to the Castle between the Amsterdam and Guelderland Points and near the new Point a Moat of a Fathom wide Wall'd in on both sides and joyning to the Wall strengthned with Iron Rails through which the Water and Fish passing rendezvouz in the Castle before the Governors House in a Pond on which a Banquetting-house being built which the old Koxin oft frequented taking his Pleasure in Fishing there Anno 1664. according to the Information of the Netherlanders which then lay with a Fleet before Tayowan under Command of the Admiral Balthasar Bort sent thither to obtain the Netherland Prisoners from the Enemy and likewise to conclude a Peace with him the Castle was every where well fortified with Guns and the Breast-works strengthned with new Canes besides the Platform before the Haven which was planted with twenty four Pieces of Cannon In the Castle dwell onely the old Koxins Wives with a Guard of Soldiers On the other side in the Main of Formosa stand the Fort and Village of Sakkam well planted with Cannon The Village near it was inlarg'd with Houses to the number of five hundred but not all of Stone The way towards the South was also more built and inhabited than formerly but they could see but twenty four small Vessels which were most Koyaes that lay within the Haven under the Forts Most of the Inhabitants of Tayowan are at present Out-law'd Chineses which first rebell'd against their Native Emperor and since will not acknowledge the Tartar who taking both Tayowan and Formosa Anno 1661. from the Hollander brought all under the Subjection of their General Coxinga The Chineses on both these Isles and those that live in China differ onely in the wearing of their Hair long and braided after the old Chinese manner which following the Tartars they now wear short in China And as the Formosans have several Gods which they worship so have likewise the Chineses inhabiting these Islands Our Author David Wright reckons seventy two in the following Discourse They acknowledge one Almighty God Governor of Heaven Earth Sea Sun Moon and Stars whom they call Ty and look upon him as the Supream and first Deity They make Offerings to this great God yet but once a year at which time they sacrifice a Wild Boar burning alive with Sandal-wood for to offer this their Almighty any thing but Swines Flesh they account Abomination The next whom they worship is call'd Tien Sho and Ioch Koung Shang Tee who is the second Person or Governor of Heaven wherefore he is nam'd Tien Sho that is The second Person of Heaven and Ioch Koung Shang Tee that is Governor of the Earth He commands three ministerial Spirits more The first is Heuoung that is The Ruler of Rain The second Aerial Spirit Teoung hath Power over all Living Creatures whether Rational Sensitive or Vegetative The third Spirit and eighth Deity call'd Tsuy Zyen Tei Oung that is Commander of the Sea and of all that is therein or upon The third Person in Heaven the Chineses call Iok Tie who was formerly a Prince on Earth but so righteous that he was taken up to Heaven for his Piety and Justice The fourth God they stile Quanoung who also was formerly a Prince and likewise the fifth whom they call Iamoung but both of them were afterwards for their meritorious Actions taken up to Heaven To these five Gods being as Chief in the Government of Heaven belongs the three foremention'd ministring aerial Spirits and are indeed though Deities themselves subservient to the first five making up eight Gods Besides these eight Gods there are twenty eight Councellors or Ministers of State which have formerly been Learned Philosophers and now preferr'd to the Government of the Stars Moreover the Chineses have many Demy-gods or terrestrial Deities which ascend every year to Heaven there to intercede and gain Indulgence for the sins committed by Mankind all the year past The first of these is rather a Nymph or Demy-goddess and being the thirty seventh goes by the Name of Potsou and is represented in the shape of a Woman with a Child in her Arms and was as the Chineses believe a Kings Daughter a great Prophetess and a Virgin that bore a Child and not impregnated which Fatherless Child they nam'd Bachu who coming to years of perfection was also a great Exemplar of Prudence and Magnanimity yet not so much look'd upon or worshipp'd as the Mother They make her also to have a Servant call'd Pausat a very antient Man There are some Traditions amongst them that this Heroine is not a Native of China but born in a foreign Countrey Others again conjecture that she is the same with the Virgin Mary and the old Man her reputed Servant is indeed her Husband Ioseph but the vicissitudes of affairs and time have left us nothing of the truth of this fabulous Tradition The thirty eighth terrestrial Numen they instile Quanien but Paulus Venetus Quamina and Iohannes Gonsales Quianira who said that she was the Daughter of the Chinese Emperor Tzonton which built the Wall between China and Tartary But this Opinion David Wright explodes making her the Daughter of the Emperor Biou Tsongong which Reigned many years before the first Emperor Quantekong presently after the Deluge which he thus endeavors to prove This Biou Tsongong says he had three Daughters two of which he had bestowed on Husbands but the third Quanien he could not prevail with to enter into that Estate although her Father had selected for her a Companion worthy her Love and Esteem but seeing her no ways inclin'd to it he resolv'd to put her into a Cloister where to humble her he commanded the Overseers to put her to do the Drudgery of the House viz. fetch in Water and Wood and make it clean But the Swans as the Chronicles of China relate came from the Mountains and the Angels from Heaven to help her to carry Water and the Beasts out of the Forrests brought Wood for her Her Father inform'd thereof judging she did those things by Magick was very much enraged and commanded the Cloister to be set on fire The Daughter observing that she onely was the occasion thereof thought to make her self away But the Heavens pittying her innocency commanded Hevong the God of Rain to send down such an impetuous Shower as might quench the Fire now beginning to rage in the Cloister as bad as her Father in his frantick fury which was accordingly perform'd Nevertheless Quanien sled to the Mountains where she continued a great while Her Father in the interim by Divine Providence was struck with Leprosie and almost devour'd alive by Worms no Physitians or Medicines being able to cure him Of which his Daughter having at last some knowledge touch'd with a natural affection and feeling as it were in her self her Fathers misery came and cur'd him which so wrought upon the old Man that through an excess of joy
the Invasion of the Enemy have listed him in special rank amongst the number of their Gods The four and fortieth Schercong next takes place adored for the invention of Tragedies and Comedies and other Enterludes Acted on the Stage The five and fortieth God nam'd Amkong hath obtain'd the like honor meerly for his great Merits and Vertues The six and fortieth Tswajong was in his life-time a mighty Man of a Gigantick Stature his Club which he could flourish with one Hand weighed ninety two pounds so that for his strength and valour he was very famous in China and therefore worshipp'd as a God The seven and fortieth Hangoe another Giant whose Helmet weighed one hundred twenty five pound whose strength and valour made him living a Vice-Roy and after death a Deity The eight and fortieth Hanzing with whom none could stand in competition either for Prudence or Science except Quantecong and Sodejong who perform'd with a few Men greater Acts by his subtile Stratagems and politick Conduct than others with vast Armies and therefore the Chineses worship and hold him for a God The nine and fortieth Sodejong a wise and politick Prince yet meek and loving to his Subjects look'd upon as superior in his Character to Hanzing but much inferior to Quantecong The fiftieth Sjengoesoeng also a very strong Giant and much reputed for serving his Countrey against the common Enemy The one and fiftieth Goumatzintzing signifies Pastor Gregis The Shepherd of the People and a Servant to God He had if you will believe the Chineses five Eyes two in the right places and two above them and the fifth in the middle of his Forehead like the Cinque upon a Dye two of these were alway sawake or open whilst the other three were shut for which they implore him as their Watch in Heaven The two and fiftieth Soumanoaom had four Eyes two in his Neck and two in his Forehead when those two in his Forehead closing slept the other two kept open watchful wherefore he being General was never defeated whom for his never-sleeping Care and Conduct they worship as a God The three and fiftieth Zjenzucung a Lord of small Stature wearing short Hair but of an acute Wit and profound Understanding and abominator of Gaming and Drink The four and fiftieth Quantecong though by Iohannes Gonsales and others call'd Vitie whom the Chineses honor'd more than any of their Gods being reckon'd the first Emperor in China for Valour Subtilty and Science unparalell'd and not to be match'd such was his wonderful and Gigantick Stature being as they fable twelve Foot and eight Inches high and his Shoulders four Foot broad his Sword weighed ninety two pound which he us'd with one Hand In the beginning of his Reign he possessed onely one Province but by his Conquests and Atchievements became Master of the fifteen which now make the Empire He established many Laws and Ordinances especially one against Idleness He first invented Clothing and Dying of Stuffs which they use to this day for before they went naked like the Indians He also modell'd and invented Ships made Saw-Mills Gun-powder and Guns and improved Architecture Some Buildings and Edifices are yet to be seen whereof as they say he was the Contriver He made a Law That all Mechanicks should continue their Parents Trades from Generation to Generation He erected Cities Towns and Villages and commanded the People to inhabit them And as their Chronicles relate this Quantecong with his own Hand slew in one Battle three thousand some say four thousand Men. He had a Negro for his Squire or Armor-bearer who was no less valiant than himself for he accompanied him in all dangers whatsoever and was called Tzicutzong he perform'd great Exploits in his Masters Service by conquering many People and several Countreys but besides Quantecong had another Servant a White call'd Quanpiong yet no Martialist In every City is also a Temple erected to the honor of Quantecong in which stands his Image On one side of him stands his black Squire with a Sword by his Side and a large Knife like a Mowers Scythe four Paces from him on the other Side his white Page Quanpiong Nor was he invocated onely by his Countrey-men but also by the Tungkins their Enemies for as soon as any War broke out they set a Guard before his Temple that none might hurt him for they believe he would punish their neglect with the loss of their Army Nay farther they say That mounting his red Horse Angbea for he onely us'd a red Steed there being none of that kind else in China he Rid against their Enemies and destroy'd their whole Army in revenge of the damage done to his Temple The six and fiftieth Kongsou is held for the first inventer of Printing which the Chineses have us'd eight hundred years and upwards insomuch that they say the Christians learn'd that art from them because at that time they Traded with Christian Merchants This Kongsou stands on a Throne environ'd with People of several Nations every one holding a Book of all which the Germans stand nearest to him because they according to the testimony of the Chineses have greater Judgment and Print better than any other Nation The seven and fiftieth Tegoe that is Transitory Bull. The eight and fiftieth they nominate Kjenke that is Crow or Chicken-Thief A strange fancy and belief possesses the Chineses about these their two Deities for say they when Tegoe hath the Earth on his Shoulders then Kjenke comes from Heaven and pecks Tegoe on his Body whereby necessitated to shake himself the Earth trembles and shakes with him and as soon as any such trepidation begins they fall a laughing saying Now is Tegoe peck'd by Kjenke Father Martinius in his Chinese History saith That the Soil of China is very little subject to Earthquakes yet the Chronicles of that Countrey mention That the Year before the Birth of our Saviour 73. hapned such a great Earthquake that several Mountains were swallow'd up from whence the Chineses a People much inclin'd to Superstition prognosticated the destruction of their Empire such things say they proceeding from an angry and threatning Heaven The nine and fiftieth Luikong or The God of Thunder for Lui is Thunder and Kong a Governor They represent him with a Head like a Crane Feet and Hands like an Eagles Claws and large Wings wherewith he seems to flye through the Clouds When this Luikong say they intends to Thunder he stands between four Clouds with a Drum on every one on which he beats continually with two great Iron Pestles And when any one is struck by a Thunder-bolt they say that Luikong is much enraged against that Person and therefore struck him with the foremention'd Pestles so that they are very fearful of him and when it Thunders creep on their Hands and Feet under Benches and Tables The sixtieth is the Ruler of Lightning and represented by the Chineses with a Straw Wisp in her Hand which when it Lightens
The thirteenth the Fleet being in seven Degrees and six Minutes had twenty nine thirty and thirty one Fathom Water But the Naerden sailing with his Squadron about the East had almost lost sight of the Zierikzee The fourteenth about Noon the Fleet was in eight Degrees and sixteen Minutes and had twenty two and twenty three Fathom Water fine sandy Ground mix'd with white Gravel At Night about the latter end of the first Watch appear'd the two Isles lying to the West of the Island Poele or Candor a League from the Fleet which had eighteen Fathom Water This Poele or Candor lies in the Bay of Siam near the Coast of Vancinaer Cambodia uninhabited and about three or four Leagues in Circumference surrounded with high Rocks and Mountains crown'd with shady Trees and abounding with good Provision to the great refreshment of those Ships that put in there The fifteenth in the Morning the Fleet came up with the North-East Point of Candor which bore South-East and by East about three or four Leagues distance from them in the depth of seventeen and eighteen Fathom Water white Sand mix'd with small Pebbles The sixteenth in the Morning they sail'd in fifteen and sixteen Fathom Water the Table-Mount being North-East about three Leagues from the Shore About Noon they found themselves by observation in ten Degrees and thirty one Minutes Northern Latitude and had fifteen Fathom Water about three Leagues from the Coast of Champa Champa so call'd according to Texeira from the Portuguese Pronunciation Champa by Martinius Changpa and by others Ciampa is a Kingdom which hath the Principality of Camboya on the West and according to Father Lerin that of Laos from which it is separated by the vast Desarts and Mountains of Samao the East respects Cochinchina and Tunking and reaches with its Coasts to the main Continent of China before you come to the Shore against the Island of Makou The chief City which lies up in the Countrey hath its denomination from the Kingdom The other Towns are Varella Penaria and Tauchonarella This Countrey abounds in all sorts of Provisions and the Hills with Elephants which are transported from thence to several Places There is also store of the best Calamback-Wood by some call'd Calampart by Linschot Calambu and Calambes or Lignum-Aloes by the Arabians Agalugen and Haut and by the Inhabitants of Zaratte and Dekan Ud which hath a most sweet and odoriferous smell said to proceed from its rotting under Ground for the sound Wood hath no smell at all The Tree saith Garzias resembles that of an Olive but somewhat bigger and the firm and sound Wood hath no kind of smell but with the putrifying of the Bark and Wood the fat and Oily Moisture may also communicate of its Sweetness to that likewise This Wood they prize so highly that they equally value it with Gold yet much us'd by the Chineses in their Offerings to their Gods The Countrey though badly stor'd with Gold and Silver yet is enrich'd with excellent Drugs costly Woods as the Sampan and Ebon-Wood Rice Lint and Cotton There is also plenty of a Fruit call'd Oaby which is very great weighing ten or twelve Pounds apiece and by the Chineses us'd for Bread and sometimes mingled with Meat like the Bottoms of Artichokes They also have a very large Fruit by the Inhabitants and other Indians call'd Nankussen and by some according to Garzias and Acosta Iaka The Countrey is Govern'd by a King that Rules neither acknowledging Subjection to the Emperor of China the Cham of Tartary or any other Superior The Vice-Admiral Van Campen spoke with the King himself who sate in a great Court in a very large Hall hung with rich Tapestry but was not permitted to enter the Presence till he pull'd off his Shoes and Stockings because none may appear before the King unless bare-footed such was their Custom of due Reverence The Grandees or Persons of Quality there are mounted on Steeds with Bells in their Ears like our Cart-Horses The seventeenth in the Night the Fleet doubled the South Point of the Bay of Pangerang which bore West and by South about three Leagues from them In the bottom of this Bay being a most convenient Harbor for Ships stands a great City whose Jurisdiction extends a vast way into the Countrey and Govern'd by a peculiar King The Vice-Admiral going ashore spake with him with his Shoes and Stockins on and was presented by the King with soms Fans and Stuffs The Countrey thereabouts abounds with Calamback-Wood The Fleet steering North and by East found her self about Noon to be in eleven Degrees and thirty five Minutes about three Leagues from the Champan Shore In the Morning they plied about the five Islands close by the foremention'd Coast the Southermost part of which appears like a round Hay-stack The eighteenth at Noon by Observation they found themselves in twelve Degrees and thirteen Minutes two Leagues from the Shore in seventy Fathom Water On Wednesday about Sun-rising the Fleet made St. Iohn de Fyks on the Coast of Champan North-East and by North about three Leagues from them and at Noon were in thirteen Degrees and five Minutes Northern Latitude and Coasted about Sun-set Cabo Avarelles which lay Northerly from them steering North and by East Cabo Avarelles being a very high Mountain appears a great distance off like a Man on Horse-back and serves for a Beacon The twentieth they found themselves in thirteen Degrees and forty nine Minutes and saw the Point of Poele Candor North and by East a good distance from them The one and twentieth in the Day-watch the Vice-Admiral Van Campen for the Admiral Bort going that Night with seven Ships about the East was by break of day gotten quite out of sight with the Ships belonging to his Squadron came opposite to the Northermost of the Box-Islands and spied four Sail bearing North-East and by East near the Coast of Champan or Quinan whether he and those that belong'd to the Ter-Boede row'd with their Sloops well Mann'd and Arm'd but three of them escaping they took only one which they carried aboard the Vice-Admiral and found him to be laden with Rice Honey and strong Arak Mann'd with seven Men and having also five proper Women aboard that coming from Poeyan intended to sail from Taywan not far from thence They judg'd it convenient to let them pass with their Vessel but the Women would rather have staid with the Netherlanders if they might have had their desires yet at their departure they were presented with three Pieces of course white Linnen which they receiv'd with great thankfulness The City Poeyan lying on the Coast of Quinan at the foot of a Mountain between two Rivers is surrounded with high thick Walls of Stone fit to plant Guns upon Their Fortresses are not fortified with Towers but here and there with some Galleries eighteen Foot high to which they ascend by a Ladder and from thence assail their
to the City Lanki where it disembogues in the Stream Che. The Rivulet Lung begins Westward of the City Seuchang from whence it flows to Chucheu where it cometh with its Waters near the River Tung and there is call'd Vonxa In the Prime County Hancheufu near the City Changhoa on the Mountain Cienking is a Lake though not very great yet famous for the Golden-colour'd Fishes taken there which the Chineses from their colour call Kinyu In the same Shire Eastward from the Metropolis lies the famous Lake Sikin between which and the City Walls is a fair Street Pav'd with Stone and almost a Mile long where they divertise themselves in stead of Walks of Pleasure The whole Lake Wall'd in comprises about five English Miles in compass and upon the adjacent Hills supply'd with various Rivulets and Fountains appear several Temples Palaces Cloysters Colledges and the like The Banks of the Lake which is the Foot of the Mountain are Pav'd on the top with Free-Stone and at h wart the Lake lie several Bridges so that they may walk over it and see the Lake in all places The foremention'd Ways are all Planted with divers shading Trees and accommodated with Benches Arbors and the like for the conveniency of such as walk there when they are weary to sit down and repose The Water in the Lake being so translucent and clear that they may see the smallest Stone in the bottom This Lake hath no Out or In-let for Vessels to pass but only a Sluce by which the Water swoln too high by assiduous Showres is discharg'd Yet nevertheless it bears many Pleasure-Boats built on purpose which may rather be call'd Golden floating Palaces being so richly Gilt and also curiously Painted in which they accustom to keep their great Feasts Revels and other delightful Pastimes These Vessels thus furnish'd Sail about the Lake without fear of Wrack or Tempest so that it is no wonder why the Chineses call this place and City A Delightful Garden or Earthly Paradise In the County of Kincheufu near the City Kaihoa is a little Lake call'd Pehiai from the white Crabs which it produceth for Pehiai signifies White Crabs In the Territory of Ningpofu near the City of Tunghoa appears Yapou a small Pool but very deep whose Water if the Chinese Writers may be believ'd has this quality that when they have a mild and prudent Governor it becomes much clearer than Christal but if a Tyrant or an Oppressor of the People dark and Cloudy In the County of Kiahingfu the Chineses catch a Bird in Harvest which they call Hoangcio that is Yellow Bird which being kill'd they steep in Wine made of Rice and is sold as a Dainty all the Year The Territory of Ningpofu hath by reason of its nearness to the Sea great plenty of Fish which they dry in the Sun without Salting They also have abundance of Oysters Crabs and Lobsters with which they supply the whole Empire of China The Shepherd Fish they catch all the year and in the beginning of the Spring another Fish call'd Hoang that is yellow which will not keep an hour out of the Water without tainting But because the Chineses account them a great Dainty and an excellent Fish they preserve them with Ice and so bring them to the Market The Countrey of Chekiang abounds with Tygers those on the Mountains near Kutien do no hurt to Humane Creatures whereas on the contrary those that frequent the Neighboring Woods are very Ravenous and Wild which taken and brought to the foremention'd Mountains become tame and innocent as the former In a Pond of about two hundred Paces in Circumference lying on Mount Sienking in the County of Hiangchefue the Chineses catch Fish of a Gold Colour wherefore they call them Kinyu for Kin signifies Gold and Yu Fish with a bright and glistering Skin but chiefly their Backs are speckled as with Gold they are never bigger than a Mans Finger and have a three forked Tail but not dangerous the Chineses account them as a great rarity preserving them in their Houses and Gardens in several Vessels made for that purpose The Grandees often take these Fishes with their own Hands which in their presence as if they knew who was their Lord and what a pleasure they did to their owners by sometimes shewing themselves often play and leap up and down above the Water One of them though so small costs commonly three or four Crowns In the eleventh County Veucheufu are a strange kind of small Oysters which are sow'd there in Marshy Grounds for taking the Oysters they first dry then stamp them small which Powder they cast up and down the Fields like Seed from whence grow other Oysters of a most delicious taste Through all the Countrey are plenty of Swine Sheep Poultry and Fowl both tame and wild In the County of Kiahing belonging to the Province Chekiang grows in standing Waters a round Fruit call'd Peu which is not much bigger than a Chestnut the Kernel lies cover'd with a grey Skin but appears very White in the middle full of Juyce and of a pleasing taste somewhat harder than an ordinary Apple and tartish If you put a piece of Copper with this in your Mouth it will so mollifie the Mettal that you may chew it with the Fruit as we do Bread with our Meat In the County of Kinhaofu grows a small Tree with a Flower which the Portuguese in India call Mogorin it is very white not unlike the Iasmyn though much fuller of Leaves and of a more pleasing scent so that a few of these Flowers perfume a whole House wherefore it is not undeservedly held in great esteem by the Chineses who in the Winter preserve the Tree in Pots fill'd with Earth In the same Countrey grows another Plant call'd Kieuyen which produces a kind of Fat of which like Tallow very good and white Candles are made not Greasing the Hands when touch'd like the ordinary Tallow Candles This Tree is of a pretty bigness and in Leaves and shape not much unlike a Pear-Tree it bears white Blossoms which when fallen off a round Cod succeeds as big as a Cherry cover'd with a blackish thin Skin under which is a white Pulp which when grown Ripe and the Skin breaks appears these being pull'd off are boyl'd in Water which melting the Body turns to Fat and when grown cold becomes hard like perfect Tallow From the remaining Kernels they Extract very good Lamp-Oyl so that this Plant supplies them both with Lamps and Candle light In the Winter the Leaves become red which looks very pleasant because many of them growing together shew like a blushing Wood. Lastly the Leaves falling off are a most excellent Food because of their fatness for Sheep and Cows which by Eating them thrive in an extraordinary manner In the County of Chucheufu near the City Kingning grow great Thickets of Canes and Rushes in the River Lupeu by
the Morning the Cape Avarelles Valze The Wind being at North-East and their Course along the shore South and by West and South-South-West they came in the Evening up with the Point of Holland from whence they Steer'd South-West and by South to raise Paul Candor which Isle they saw in the West on the six and twentieth in the Afternoon and the next Evening Anchor'd behind the Goats Horns where the Crane also arriv'd the following day The last of October the Batavia Frigat arriv'd at the South-East side of Paulo Timaon but the Wind shrinking she was forc'd to drop Anchor half a League from that wherein the Ambassador was aboard Here the Ambassador gave Order to take the Silver out of the Victoria and Crane and put it into the Bleiswyk again and likewise sent his Sloops to the Batavia to fetch the Silver out of her Whereupon the Bleiswyk was according to their Excellencies Order in Batavia sent with all the Silver Gold and other Commodities to Malakka to the Governor Balthazar Bort to be sent from thence to Bengale The Ambassador inform'd him by Letters that he was receiv'd with all kindness at the Court in Peking and left the same with much Honor and Friendship but could not inform him what was obtain'd by this Embassy because the Emperor had sent his Letters Seal'd to the Lord General but that it was certain that for the future they should Trade in Canton and not in Hoksieu in the removal of which if all things else were well he found little trouble The first of Ianuary the Fleet left Paulo Timaon and in the Afternoon the Bleiswyk taking leave of the Fleet steer'd her Course to the Streights of Sinkkapura In the Evening the Ambassador saw Pulo Aura a League and a half North-East from him The second in the Morning he stemm'd the Mountain Monapyn and on the third had Pulo Lingen on his Stern The fourth entring the Streights of Banka he arriv'd on the seventh before Batavia where the Ambassador deliver'd the Emperor 's Seal'd Letter to the Lord General and gave him an account of all his Adventures Thus having brought the Embassy out of China to Batavia we will return thither again and declare what properly concerns the Chineses and their Countrey and first begin with their Entertainments and Diet. Feasts or Entertainments THe Chineses according to Alvarez Semedo spend most of their time in Feasting with extraordinary Costs and Charges On the meeting of Friends and good success in any Business they prepare a Feast and sometimes also in Troubles and Adversities in which they come to comfort each other nay at Entertainments are the Consultations of the Chineses advising with one another at Meals what they shall take in Hand This is the usual life of the Common People and especially of Handicrafts-men which are divided into Companies which they call Mane because in every Company are thirty Masters as many as there are days in a Month which make a Feast every day by turns If they have not Conveniencies in their own Houses they may hire publick Halls in which are all manner of Necessaries being built for that purpose or if they will keep their Feasts in their own Houses without any further trouble then they only set down the number of the Persons Guests and Retinue and what Dishes they will please to order which are punctually serv'd in according to the Bill of Fare The Northern Chineses differ much in their Customs from the Southern who are in general more civiliz'd than the other The Southern Chineses in their Feasts esteem of a Quelque-chose or of Minc'd Meats and Hashes more than great Joynts and standing Dishes entertaining more upon the score of good Society than Debauches yet they will do their parts well at their Trencher and as sufficiently at the turning off their Glasses They are entertain'd with Wine before Dinner of which they take and taste till they refuse then they fall to their Rice and neither speak nor Drink till pretty well satisfi'd The manner of the Northern Chineses is quite otherwise for they are not Ceremonious nor Complemental but delight in well-fill'd Tables with great and full Dishes After the usual Ceremony which is observ'd through all China they begin first with Eating every one taking as much as he can on his Trencher of what he likes best which they eat without Drinking Rice is their Banquet After Meals they spend an hour in talking which ended they seat themselves again at Tables fill'd with Potation-Dishes and Salt-Meats as Gammons of Bacon dry'd Tongues and the like which they do not without cause call Ushers or Vehiculums preparers of the way that the Tope may the better go down for they no sooner take a Relishing Bit but a lusty Go-down follows They keep their Breakfasts at seven a Clock in the Morning and their Dinners at five in the Afternoon but drink no Wine at either Only at Night at a light Supper of relishing Meat they give themselves full liberty and fresh scope of good Fellowship therefore their Feasts are Nocturnal spending the Day upon their serious either Business Exercise or Studies In the Winter Nights they use Candles made of Oyl mix'd with Wax but their Summer Lights are of three sorts of Wax one of Bees another of certain Snakes which is very white and the third comes from a Tree call'd Kieujeu but that is not so good as our European yet much better than our Tallow and their Candles likewise exceed ours Persons of Quality make great Preparations for their Feasts Erecting Banqueting Houses for that purpose both in the Cities and at their Countrey Houses furnish'd with Pictures and other Rarities And though the use of Hangings be very rare yet if those that are invited to a Feast be Officers or Noblemen they furnish their Houses with Tapestry from the top to the bottom The number of Tables is a testimony of the greatness of their Entertainment They generally place no more than four Persons at a Table but at very grand Meetings every Guest hath a peculiar and sometimes two Tables one to sit at and the other to set away his empty Dishes The Tables are neither cover'd with Clothes nor Napkins but Varnish'd with the Wax of the Gum call'd Cie They use no Knives for all their Meat except Eggs Fish and the like is brought before them ready Hash'd Neither use they Forks nor Spoons but two small Sticks two handfuls long with which they very dexterously and neatly take up their Meat nay put a single Corn of Rice either raw or boyl'd to their Mouth without letting it fall They never put Salt Pepper nor Vinegar or Verjuice amongst their Meat but Mustard and the like Ingredients which they Compound with extraordinary Art having several of them of a curious relish Their common Dishes are Flesh and Fish boyl'd or broyl'd on Grid-Irons and fry'd in Pans with variety of Sauces not unpleasing to the Palate Their Pottages of which
the sound of the Drums and Trumpets all the other Vessels give them the way unless it be a Mandarin of greater Quality then the inferior gives way to the superior without any the least disturbance or dispute all which Cases being order'd by the Law according to which every one must govern himself wherefore on the Head of every Ship stands written in great Golden Letters of a Foot and a half long the Quality of every Governor from both the sides flie divers colour'd Silk Flags and Penons In calm Weather there are People which in stead of Horses Tow the Vessels by a Line or Row them They also use their Oars just as the Fishes their Fins or Tails with very great dexterity and swiftness to the no little manifestation of their Ingenuity They also Steer a Ship with a single Oar after the same manner as we our Boats Exceeding stately are those Ships which every three Moneths to the number of five come with Silk-Stuffs and Garments from the Metropolis of Nanking to the Court of Peking and are by the Chineses call'd Lungchychuen as if they would say Ships of Dragons Clothes because they are sent to the Emperor whose Arms and Marks are Dragons they are Gilt all over and colour'd Red. To these all the Governors Vessels are inferior and must give them the Way wheresoe're they meet them Swift Streams which between the Hills and Valleys have great Falls are Row'd up by the Chineses with a sort of little Boats with two Oars or Steerers one before at the Head and the other at the Stern by means of which they guide their Boats between the Rocks with great dexterity and ease as if they had a Horse by the Reins though sometimes the Channel is so narrow that the Vessels can scarce pass through the same but are forc'd to go round about the Stones which lie scatter'd and cumber the Channel every where This troublesom Rowing though an ingenious Invention of the Chineses hath rais'd this Proverb amongst them That their Boats are Paper and their Watermen Iron because they are made of very thin Boards like our slit Deal which are not nail'd but fastned together with Wit hs in the Chinese Tongue call'd Rotang by which means the Boats though often beaten by the strong Current against the Rocks split not but bend and give way In the third County Sucheufu of the Province of Nanking the Inhabitants keep many Pleasure-Boats onely for their Recreation all of them being richly gilded and painted with several colours to the Life so that we may rather call them stately Houses than Ships Many oftentimes spend their whole Estates in these Vessels being too indulgent to Wine and Women In a delightful Lake call'd Si near the chief City Hangcheu in the Province of Chekiang are also very gallant Vessels which Row up and down in the same in fair Weather for their pleasure All things about these Vessels are either gilded or painted with various colours where they always highly Treat and are presented with Stage-Plays and other such like Divertisements The Ships in the interim furnish'd with all manner of Necessaries Sail without fear of Shipwrack cross the Lake notwithstanding many by sudden Storms or Tempests are in the middle of their Mirth cast away They have also a kind of Gundelo's in the Chinese Tongue call'd Lungschen that is Serpent-Boats from their resembling of Water-Snakes and their being Painted and Carv'd all over with various Serpents some over-grown with Hair and hoop'd in with broad Iron Rings are also joyn'd together with Ribbons of divers colours very neatly and with great art interwoven together The Masts which are generally three and hung with Silk Penons and Flags have an Idol upon the top of them as also one on the Prow of the Ship on the Stern are many Ensigns hung full of Tufts of Hair Silk Flags and long Feathers the whole Vessel is hung round about with Gold and Silk Fringe under the Deck sit the Rowers generally to the number of ten or twelve richly Cloth'd in Silk and Gilded Crowns on their Heads at the sound of a Drum they strike their Oars which are made like a Spoon into the Water and make such quick way that they seem to go as swift as Lightning in a Gap in the Stern oftentimes hangs a Boy a Jugler who leaping into the Water makes pleasant sport for the Passengers In the Yellow River are a kind of Carriages or rather floating Villages consisting in great thick Reeds by the Indians call'd Bambu or Bambo's which are so closely ty'd together with Wit hs by them nam'd Rotang that the least drop of Water cannot get through them On these Floats are Huts and little Houses of Boards and other sleight Materials cover'd with Roofs made of Mats in which the Chineses dwell with their Wives and Children in someto the number of two hundred as on the Main Land and never inhabit on the Shore They drive along with the Stream down the Rivers or else are Tow'd against the Current with a Line for Sails they use none Those that reside in these floating Villages drive a Trade with all sorts of Merchandise and carry them from one place to another on the River at the Towns before which they stop they run Stakes into the Ground to which they make fast their floating Isle There are also some in China which with their whole Families reside in ordinary Vessels and Sail in Fleets of four or five hundred together Trading through the whole Empire so that from whence these Fleets remove it seems as if a Forrest moved They keep likewise all manner of tame Cattel in those Vessels especially Swine and wheresoever they arrive they generally stay several Moneths Father Martin doubts not but that the Chinese Merchants have anciently as at this day furrow'd the Seas as far as the Red Lake for in these modern Times they build great Ships call'd Pancum da China which in the Chinese Tongue signifies A Wooden Palace neither have we small testimonies of it through all India That the Chineses saith he have antiently frequented the Seas and Sail'd with their Ships to remote Countreys doth not darkly appear by the Voyage of one Luseng sent out by the Emperor Ching or Xi Anno 214. before the Nativity of Christ to discover the Northern Countreys for he amongst others proffer'd the Emperor some Geographical Descriptions of several Countreys in the World and especially of China and the Islands lying in the East Sea otherwise call'd Mare Eoum from whence some will conclude that the Name Cingala which signifies Sand-plats of the Chineses on which a Fleet of Ships suffer'd Shipwrack hath its original From hence is also deriv'd Ceilon or Sinlan that is Inhabitants of China or Chineses Moreover that the Chineses of the Island St. Laurence or Madagaskar is affirmed by the Chineses that reside on this Island especially at the Bay of St. Clare where Men of white Complexions speak the Chinese
Mountain is call'd Tienmuen that is Heaven Gate then running by Chinkiang at last disembogues it self through a great Bay into the Ocean wherein lies in a small Isle the City Cinkiang Garrison'd with Soldiers and Fortifi'd with Ships on both sides the Shores are for the most part built with great and small Cities Villages and Hamlets Before its fall from the City Kieukiam into the Sea a Tract of above a hundred Leagues the Kiang glides so gently that the Ships may Sail up the same with or against the Wind and some Tides especially Spring-Tides a strange thing to relate the Water running up so far in the Countrey that Sea-Fish are there taken In this Stream lie several Isles as Pequey that is of the white Tortel in the third County Hoangcheufu of the Province of Huquang In this County Kincheufu of the Province of Huquang a little Island call'd Peli which signifies An hundred Furlongs lies near the City Chikiang in the River Kiang In ancient times as the Chineses write it was nine small Isles which afterwards by the falling of the Waters and increase of Sands became one intire Island On the South-side of the City Kiangning lies an Island call'd Pelu famous because not far from it the Armies of the Southern Provinces were in the time of the Family Sung beaten and utterly routed Near the City Kiang lieth the Isle Chancung and on the South-West side another call'd Tengxu The Yellow River the second in Magnitude and most famous in all China and by them nam'd Hoang is so call'd from the colour of the Water occasion'd by the Yellow Mud or Clay Earth which from the Spring to the Sea it glides over It is always disturb'd and made thick by a Yellow Soil which it carries along because this Mud which gives the denomination and doth not as in other clear Waters shine from the Ground but discolours being rais'd by the swift and strong Current of the Water after the manner of Rivulets which swell by Rains the whole River as hath often been found by experience for when its Water is for a little while put into a Vessel or Glass the sediment sinks so fast down to the bottom that it makes almost a third part and indeed this River at the first sight seems to be a Pool or flowing Mud but the swift Current of its Waters manifests the contrary Those that frequent this River make the Water clear by casting in Allom which drives the Lees to the Ground and fills the fourth part of the Vessel It is a great wonder from whence such abundance of Clay or Mud proceeds considering it hath never been seen clear or bright nay the Chineses say That its Water cannot be clear in the time of a thousand Years insomuch that they have a Proverb from thence amongst them viz. when they speak of things that are never like to happen as altogether impossible they say When the Yellow River shall be bright Moreover the Hoang as a Foraigner entering from without into China takes Original out of the Southern Amasian Mountains otherwise call'd Quonlun and by the Inhabitants Otunlao which lie not far from the great Mogul's second Court nam'd Laor or from the Kingdom of Tibet Nay the situation of the places shew that the River Ganges in Bengale the Meson in Laor and other famous Rivers which moisten the Countries of Siam and Pegu have their Originals from these Mountains before-mention'd for the Chineses also manifest that many great Rivers have their head Springs and Fountains there leaving these Mountains it runs by Sifan and Tanyu a Tract of above 300 Leagues with abundance of Water to the North-East from whence descending to the East it approaches China near the County of Linyaofu in the Province of Xensi at the West end of the Great Wall along which it rushes and passes on through a part of the Kingdom of Tanyu between the Desart Karacatay otherwise Samo afterwards through the Desart it self with a swift Course and several Branches to the East and North a Tract of two thousand Furlongs from whence it turns South-West to China and in forty Degrees and eighteen Minutes Northern-Latitude runs through the Gate Se in the Great Wall of China and shoots along between the Province of Xansi and that of Xensi and in the Latitude of thirty six Degrees enters into the Province of Honan and out of that into the Province of Xantung near the City Cao from whence it runs towards the South-East and passes on through the Northern part of the Province of Nanking and discharges it self at last with great violence into the Sea in thirty two Degrees and a half Northern-Latitude The Hoang generally falls with such an incredible swiftness that no Boats can Row against it but are forc'd up with a far greater number of Toers than in the River Kiang In some places it is above half a League and others more and extending it self in length above eight hundred Leagues oftentimes rises above its Banks and covers all the neighboring Countreys with Water and Mud. The Chineses describe the Hoang in these or the like words The original of the River Hoang is between the Southern Mountains of Quonlun or Amasian Hills by the Inhabitants call'd Otunlao The Water which makes this River springs from above a hundred Fountains which makes the Lake call'd Singcieu which is forty Furlongs wide the Water running out of it along a Channel makes another lesser Lake from whence the Hoang runs Northward through a little towards the East and soon after washes the Province of Xensi and runs direct East then passing on Northward by the Sandy Fields or Wildernesses from whence it streams Southward into China and through the Province of Xantung discharges it self into the Sea Thus far the Chinese Writer In former times this River us'd also to run through the Province of Peking and Xantung but its Course is since by the art and labor of the Chineses led another way thereby to prevent the overflowing the fore-mention'd Countreys which by reason of their Champain Lands that extend themselves a great way in breadth and length should not be subject to its often inundating Streams yet nevertheless the Chineses have left a little Branch thereof as a testimony of its ancient Course thither After having given you an account of the two famous Rivers the Kiang and Hoang take a brief Relation of all the particular Streams both small and great which distinctly water every Province in the Empire of China THe River Io takes its original out of the Lake Si lying Westward of the Mountain Iociven in the County of Pekingfu from whence it passes through the Emperor's Palace and gliding through it with many artificial Trenches and meandring Inlets waters the Gardens and also makes several Lakes The Stream Lukeu which is call'd Sangean takes its beginning in the County of Taitungfu in the Province of Xansi out of the Mountain Iueny from whence it runs North-East and
out of which they dig Iron In the County Yencheufu near the City Kioheu is the Mountain Fang famous for the Tombs of the Ancient Philosopher Kungfuti's Parents Hing is a Hill near the City Nungyang so call'd from the abundance of Armenian Plums which grow on the same By the City Cou is the Mountain Chaugping on which some say Kungni was Born in a City of the same name whereof the Ruins are yet to be seen By the City Ie is the Mountain Ie Crown'd with divers Villages Near the City Tunping a Mountain nam'd Fung is so interlac'd with Woods and Fields that it makes a most delightful Landskip The Chineses compare it to Damask Silk In the County Tungchangfu not far from the City Kaotang lies a Mountain call'd Minxe which signifies A Sounding Stone for that on the top of this Mountain stands a very high Pillar which on the least touch with the Finger makes a noise like a Drum In the County Chingcheufu near the City Chusing lies a great Mountain call'd Langsie which extends East from thence to the Sea On it are many Villages built the first when the Emperor Xi Encamp'd thereabout with thirty thousand Men. By the City Yxui is the Mountain Tapien having a flat top of ninety Furlongs In the Territory Tencheufu Northward from the chief City Tengcheu lies the Mountain Tengheng noted for the Defeat which Hansiu gave to King Si. By the City Foxan is the Mountain Chifeu which with a Promontory runs into the Sea There is also another Mountain call'd Cheuy from whence a round Stone runs into the Sea which by the Chineses is call'd Cheu that signifies Pearls In the County Laicheufu lies the Mountain Hoang so call'd from a certain Virgin who had here a Temple Consecrated to Her On the Shore near the City Siene is the Mountain Lao. WIthin the Walls of the City Kaifung is a Hill call'd Y full of Gardens and stately Palaces Near the City Siangching is the Mountain Xeu being in great Veneration among the Chineses for its Fortunate shape and position and is the first mention'd in the Books of Tiungxu which Treats of that kind of Divination which they deduce from the observation of the Mountains By the City Siuching is the Mountain Kicu in which is a stately Grotto made by the Emperor Hoangti for his Summers Recess North-West from the City Cu is the Mountain Cu on which King Si having hid much Treasure afterwards put to Death all those that were privy to the burying thereof that so he might keep it secret Nevertheless his Son though then very young taking notice of the Action when he came to the Crown caus'd all the Gold to be taken up In the County Gueichoeifu near the City Ki lies the Mountain Cinivien out of which runs a Brook whose Water both washes and shaves at once that is when apply'd makes bare all Hairy parts of the Body In the Territory Hoaikingfu Northward from the chief City Hoaiking is the Mountain Tai which in former Ages Vomiting Fire rent asunder making a Gap of thirty Rods from whence flows now a slimy unctious Water serving for many uses in stead of Oil and being not unpleasing to the Taste Towards the South-West is a double Mountain call'd Iquan between which as through a Gate the River In hath its Course About the City Hiang towards the South lies the Mountain King out of which the Emperor Hoangti is Recorded to have all the Copper which he us'd both for his Weapons of War and his Houshold Utensils In the County Nanyangfu on the North side of the chief City Nanyang is the Mountain Yu on which thirty six Pearls are constantly found never either more or less About the City Niuhang towards the North-East begins the Mountain Taipe and extends South-East to the City Chechuen There lies also the Mountain Tienchi and upon it a Lake whose Water is held for a great Cordial In the County Iunningfu is the Mountain Tienchung which they call The Center of the World By the City Simang is a very high and pleasant Mountain whose top if cover'd with a Cloud the Chineses immediately after expect Rain like the Table-Mountain at the Cape of Good Hope and the Wrekin in Shropshire The other Mountains of this Province are in the County of Changtifu by Tangin the Hill Simeu out of which runs the River Tang West of the City Lin the steep Mountain Yang In the Territory Hoaikinfu North of the City Liyven the Wooddy Mountain Voangae In the County Hananfu near the City Hanan the great Mountain Pemang In the County Nanyangfu South of the City Quanxan the Mountain Huy In the County of In near the City Luxa a Mountain of the same name IN the Province of Suchuen Westward from the City Quan begins the Mountain Cinching spreading above a thousand Furlongs and hath the fifth place of Esteem among the Chineses who hold that those which they call Xensiens or Immortal People meet often there By the City Gan towards the East lies the Mountain Lunggan Crown'd with pleasant Woods and Fountains There are also the Ruins of a Palace built by the Kings of Cho. Near the City Chungking is the Mountain call'd Toyung swarming with Apes and Monkies Not far from the City Xefang towards the North is a Mountain call'd Tafung whose Head pierces the Clouds and sends forth from the top a River which running down very steep makes a great noise in the fall from the top of this being reckon'd sixty Furlongs Perpendicular you may take a Prospect over all the other Mountains and see the City Chingtu it extends from the utmost Western Borders of the Province of Suchuen to Prester Iohn's Countrey or Sifan and in a continu'd Ridge reaches to the City Guei Out of these Mountains the great River Kiang takes its first Original By the City Cangki towards the North is the Mountain Iuntai which for its heighth is call'd The Throne of Clouds Near the City Pa lies to the North-East the Mountain Iu out of which though craggy and difficult to ascend Precious Stones are digg'd Not far from thence towards the West lies the Mountain Pingleang on whose top is a delightful Plain surrounded with other higher Mountains of the County By the City Sike lies the great Mountain Nannim which rises aloft with twelve high Spiring Heads upon nine whereof are Salt-pits In the County Chungkingfu Northward from the chief City Chungking on the Shore of the River Feu is a Mountain which for its shape is much Idoliz'd by the Chineses by reason it represents at least they imagine so the Idol call'd Fe who is Figur'd sitting with his Legs a cross and his Hands on his Bosom a cross This Mountain-Image which whether Natural or made by Art the Chineses themselves have not under Record may be judg'd by his Eyes Nose Mouth and Ears which are seen at half a Mile distance A more particular Description is given by Athanasius
others are very high and extend a vast way this stands alone like a Pyramid and therefore eminent amongst the Chineses In the County Pinglofu at the South-West side of the City Pinglo begins the Mountain Kai and extends to the City Lipu on the East side is the steep and great Mountain Iung which hath nine craggy Hills on the West side lies the Hill Monica that is to say The Crown of Eyes because it hath two great Stones which appear like two Eyes on its top so exactly form'd by Nature that scarce any Artist could match them the Ball of the Eye may easily be distinguish'd for round about are two Streaks one white and another black as in our Eyes By the City Fuchuen appears the Mountain Sin on which by a flash of Lightning eight great Holes were made Not far from the City Ho lies the Mountain Kiue so call'd from the abundance of Golden-colour'd Apples that grow thereon Southward from the City Sieugin lies a pretty high Hill nam'd To which is inaccessible one way but towards the City ascended by Stairs made by Nature In the County Guchenfu Northward from the City Gucheu the Mountain Tayun begins near the Metropolis of the County By the City Teng lies a very pleasant Mountain nam'd Nan from which the Chineses make many strange Observations By the City Yung begins the Mountain Tayung which reaches to the Jurisdiction of the Cities Pelieu Hinge Yolin and Cin. Near the same place is the Mountain Tukiâ—…o the twenty second in the Book of Tausu it hath eight steep Spires and twenty Caverns By the City Yolin lies the Mountain Han that is Cold because it is so exceeding cold that no Man can live on the same notwithstanding it lies under a very hot Clymate Soutward from the City Pope lies the Mountain Fiyun remarkable because in the Rocks thereof appear Prints of Mens Feet some four Spans long The whole Mountain is barren and full of Caverns Northward from the City Pelieu lies the great Mountain Kilieu which hath many Precipices and is the twenty second in the Book of Tausu Westward from the City Yung lies the Mountain Ho that is Fiery so call'd because every Night appears a Fire like a lighted Torch on the same They say that these Lights are little Insects which we call Glow-worms and that they run out of the River upon the Mountain from whence they give that Light The great Mountain Xepao lies also in this County hath great Woods of Trees and Indian Canes and nourishes a multitude of Tygers In the County Chincheufu at the South side of the City Sincheu lies the Mountain Pexe the one and twentieth in the Book of Tausu and advances its Top call'd Toucu above the Clouds on the North side is the Mountain Lungxe the largest in the whole County overspread with many pleasant Groves and Corn-Fields By the City Quei lies the great Mountain Nan which thrusts up twenty four Spiry Hillocks In the County Nanningfu on the East side of the City Nanning rises the the Mountain Heng so call'd because in the middle of the River Yeu or Puon it receives the Water which with great force is driven by the Stream The Family Sung caus'd a Fort to be built on the same for a Defence of the Countrey There are besides in this Province North-East of the River Hung the Mountain Hocio North of the City Heng the Florid Mountain Sieulia East of the City Yunghung the Mountain Suchung having Iron Mines West of the City Naning the Mountain Moye in the Territory Taipingfu near the City Lung the very high Mountain Cieuling East of the City Taiping the Mountain Peyun not far from thence the Mountain Gomui and near it the Mountain Kin by the City Co in the County Sumingfu near the Rity Hiaxe the wooddy Mountain Pelo in the Territory Chinyanfu the high and pleasant Mountain Iun in the Garrison'd County Sugenfu East of the City Sugen the Mountain Tosieu by the City Vuyuen the Mountain Kifung and a little farther the Moye in the Territory Suchingfu near the City Suching the high craggy Mountain Lengyum by the Cities Fulo Tukang and Suling the Mountains Tanping Siecung and Lyfang and not far thence the Mountain Xipi IN the Territory Queiyangfu on the East side of the City Queiyang in the Province of Queicheu lies the Mountain Tengen signifying Copper Drum from the sound of a Drum as the Chineses affirm that is heard upon it against Rain In the Territory Sunangfu on the South side of the City Sunang rises the Vancing to which there being no Ascent but onely one way the Inhabitants find it a safe place of refuge in time of War On the South-West side lies the Mountain Lungmuen by the City Vuchuen the great Mountain Tanien on which reside many People unknown to the Chineses In the County Sinyven near the Moat of the City Ciniven rises the Mountain Xeping which signifies Stone Pillar because an entire Stone is erected there which as they say is a hundred Rods high On the North-West side of the City Sinyven lies the Mountain Sikiung on which anciently stood a City whereof the Ruines yet remain In the Territory Tuchofu near the City Pinglang lies the Mountain Kaiyang fortifi'd with a Castle On the North side of the City Hokiang is the Mountain Ching to whose top leads onely a narrow Foot-path which is guarded by a strong Fort. About the City Fuiugning lies the Mountain Hinglang ascended by Stone Stairs which are guarded by the Inhabitants to secure the Passage By the City Pincheu lies the Mountain Lotung which extends twelve hundred Rods and near the City Cinping piercing the Clouds with its Spiry Top is call'd Hianglu In the little County of the City Pugan on the North-East side thereof appears the Mountain Puonkiang which extends to the Kingdom of Gannan and the Fort Ganchoang On the South-West side is the Mountain Tangpi out of which they dig Quicksilver and the Mineral Hiunghoang In the little County Iunningfu near the City Muy rises the Hungyai a very high Mountain terrible to behold There is also a Hill nam'd Lincing overgrown with Indian Canes By the City Tinging lies the Mountain Quangso which extending a hundred Furlongs hath a Fort for the safeguard of the Way In the little County of the City Chinning near the City Xenk appears the Mountain Magan so nam'd from its resembling a Saddle The small Territory of the City Ganxun hath but one Mountain which lies on the East side thereof and is call'd Niencung which though very high is not above ten Furlongs in compass In the Garrison'd County Sintienfu on the North side of the chief City Sintien is a very high Mountain call'd Pie which pierces the Clouds and runs up like a Pyramid for which reason it is nam'd Pie which signifies A Pencil with which the Chineses Write On the North side lies the Mountain Yangpo which for its pleasantness and variety of colours may
though small yet abounds with all manner of Provision The fifth County Fuencheufu though Hilly yet on the Hills themselves hath some places capable of Tillage and beneath divers thick Woods and Forests stor'd with Venison fruitful Corn-fields and Meadows for Pasture The Province of Xensi is more subject to Drought than any other Province and very often infinitely endamag'd by swarms of Locusts which like a vast Army devour the Fruits of the Earth and lay waste all before them This Province particularly produces the Physical Plant Rhubarb The first County Siganfu of the Province of Xensi hath both Pleasant Mountains and Fruitful Plains producing all store of Fruits and other Provision The second likewise is both Manur'd and not behind in natural Fertility The third Territory Hanchungfu hath many rank Pastures and rich Fields The fourth Pingleangfu hath many pleasant Mountains which are not altogether barren The Soil of the whole Province of Xantung is inrich'd by the many Rivers Lakes and Brooks that are in the same and hath plenty of all kind of Necessaries as well Rice Barley and other sorts of Corn as of Beans Hau and divers sorts of excellent Fruit but Drought and Locust do often great hurt Nevertheless the Countrey is naturally so exceeding Fertile that they say the Harvest of one Fruitful Year stor'd them for ten Years in such plenty as to spare great quantities to other Countries Particularly it yields large Pears and Apples of several sorts Chest-nuts Small-nuts and great abundance of Plums which are dry'd and sent to other Countries The first County Cinunfu yields not for pleasure to any other of the Northern Provinces for all manner of Grain or Fruits especially Wheat and Rice which grow there in great abundance In like manner the second County Yeucheufu hath many delightful Fields Wooddy Mountains and in most places is well Cultivated The third County Tungchangfu hath a Plain and Rich Soil produces great store of Grain and wants in a manner nothing of what is requisite for the sustaining of Mans Life The Province of Honan is in some parts Champain and in others Mountainous especially Westward yet the Soil being every where Fruitful no place lies Untill'd except towards the West where several craggy Mountains obstruct the Husbandmans Labor The Fields produce Rice and all other sorts of Grain They have all manner of European Fruits and that in such abundance that they are bought at very cheap Rates so that it is no wonder this Province is by the Chineses call'd A Paradice of Delight for the Eastern part thereof is so pleasant and every where so improv'd by Tillage that those who shall for several days Travel through the same may fancy they walk through a most delightful Garden But above all for richness of Soil are the Counties Queitefu and Changtefu as being for the most part Plain without any Mountains The third Territory on the contrary is very barren and Sandy yet that defect is much supply'd by the conveniency of its Rivers The fifth County Hoaikingfu again is exceeding Fertile as also the sixth and seventh being Honanfu and Nanyangfu the last well Water'd with Rivers and surrounded with Mountains so abounds with Provision that it is able to furnish whole Armies therewith In like manner the little County in which stands the City Iu is very Fruitful The Province of Suchuen hath many pleasant Pastures and rich Corn-fields yet is Mountainous in several places The Physical Drugs which this Countrey produces as well Herbs as Minerals are much esteem'd and from thence Transported to Europe among others the true China-Root and best Rhubarb The whole Territory Chingtufu is partly Champain and in some parts with Mountains the Plains are inrich'd by Natures Hand and the very Mountainous parts by good Tillage are made Fruitful all the Fields are Water'd by Rivulets either Natural or Cut insomuch that whoe're Travels through them hath for three days an exceeding pleasant Journey In the County Paoningfu of the Province of Suchuen in a Pagod-Temple in the great City Kien grows an Indian Fig-tree in the Portuguese Tongue call'd Arvor de Rayes In the Country Xunkingfu grow great store of Gold-colour'd Apples a Root call'd Soozanem and Chest-nuts which melt in the Mouth like Sugar The Territory Siucheufu though craggy and Mountainous produces among many other things requisite abundance of Indian Sugar-canes and an excellent Fruit call'd Lichi The County Chunkingfu hath store of Meutang-Flowers and the Fruit Licheu The Territory Queicheufu Fruitful of its self is also by the Inhabitants very much improv'd by Tillage no spot of Ground being left Unmanur'd except some Sandy and Stony Mountains which lie especially towards the North Among other excellent Fruits this Countrey abounds in Oranges and Lemons The first little County wherein stands the City Tungchun is exceedingly inrich'd by the abundance of Rivers which Water the same The small Territory belonging to the City Kiating is a pleasant place and yields plenty of Rice and other Grains By the fourth Garrison'd City Chinhiung grow a sort of Beans which the Chineses for their hardness call The Stone-Beans they grow on Shrubs and are exceeding good against Heart-burning The County of Huquang for its Fruitfulness is call'd Iumichity that is The Countrey of Fish and Rice it is also call'd The Corn-store-house of the Chineses as Sicilie was anciently call'd The Store-house of Italy from its abundance of all things especially Corn and all manner of Grain which it not onely yields to its Inhabitants but in a plentiful manner furnishes all the neighboring Countries The County Vuchangfu is advantag'd by the many Streams and Channels that run through the same and along whose Banks grow abundance of Reeds of which they make Paper The second Honia among other things produces in particular great plenty of Lemons Oranges and Cytrons Nor are the fifth and sixth Territories inferior which last yields all manner of Provisions The seventh County Iocheufu is very much inrich'd by three Rivers viz. the Kiang Siang and Fungi and brings forth incomparable Fruits especially Oranges and Lemons The eighth County Changxafu generally Champain but in some places Mountainous hath a fat and fertile Soil and plenty of all things Rice growing there in abundance without danger of withering in the dryest Seasons because there seldom wants Rain which if there should the Husband-man supplies it sufficiently with Water which by an Engine is drawn out of the Lakes and Streams over their Fields so to moisten the Roots of their Plants The County Hengcheufu is a delightful and well Till'd Countrey yielding all manner of Provisions and among the rest Paper-canes Much of the same Nature are the tenth and fourteenth Counties In the Territory Chingyangfu grows a Plant which like our Ivy runs up in height bears Yellow Flowers and some White The utmost end of the Sprigs are very thin like Silken Threds they say that a small Branch thereof being laid to the Naked Body occasions Sleep and therefore
Men of good Quality and well esteem'd at home upon such Foreign Negotiations The Mandarins further inquisitive came at last to ask What Offices they bore in their Princes Court What their Names and Titles of Honor were How many Men they had under their Command All which the Embassadors answer'd very punctually Then they inquir'd again If they came directly from Holland or Batavia If from Batavia What kind of Place it was and what manner of Person the General Which being resolv'd the Mandarins went away satisfied The next day the Embassadors with the Presents appear'd by order of the Chancellor before the Council without which they were not to be admitted where the Chancellor sate uppermost on a high Bed cross-legg'd Next him on the right Hand sate two Tartar Lords and on the left a Iesuit call'd Adam Schal an ancient and venerable Person and being close shaven look'd like a Tartar he had dwelt above forty six years in the several Reigns of Chinesy Princes in the Court at Peking The rest of the Council sate promiscuously without any Order or State one among another upon Benches onely cover'd with old white Linnen The Chancellor welcoming the Ambassadors in few words Commanded them to sit then laying the Presents on a Table he ask'd upon the matter all the Questions which the Mandarines had formerly whereto the Ambassadors by the help of Father Adam their Interpreter there gave ready Answers Mean while Order came from the Emperor to the Council wherein the Jesuit was desir'd to write down and to deliver to his Imperial Majesty that night if the Hollanders possess'd any Land and also where and how far it lay distant from his and also how their Prince was call'd and what kind of Government they maintain'd All which Schal deliver'd in Writing to the Chancellor Adding that their Countrey did formerly belong to the King of Spain from whom they keep it unjustly c. But the Chancellor perceiving that the Jesuit had no kindness for them scrupling made him put in and put out and write the whole matter twice over then ordering him to Transcribe it fair he refus'd excusing himself by age and weakness of sight Upon which he commanded one of his Under-Clerks to write it over which done it was immediately with some small Presents carry'd to the Emperor Who soon after having receiv'd this advice sent a Mandatory Letter to the Council signifying That he receiv'd the Hollanders as Ambassadors and permitted that they might be brought into his presence so soon as he should sit upon the Throne in his new Court The Letter to the Council was written in these words Most Honorable and our great Lords the Holland Ambassadors are come hither with their Presents to Complement the Emperor and shew their obedience to Us which no Record shews nor any remembers that they ever did to this Crown in thousands of years before Therefore since this is their first Address We receive them as Ambassadors and permit that they when We shall sit on Our Imperial Throne in Our New Palace may be brought into Our presence to shew their obedience to Us that afterwards they may be well entertain'd and dealt withal according to their own requests and also be speedily dispatch'd for their better departure and the rather because out of respect to Our Fame they are come an unimaginable vast way by Sea and also by Land nay as if they came out of a shadow from high Mountains to rest their Feet at Peking there with open Eyes to behold the clear Sun in the Firmament therefore how can We withstand and deny the Requests of such Persons after their long and tedious Voyages But after when the Ambassadors Letters of Credence Translated by Schal were read to the Emperor he sent to the Chancellor a second Order in these words Having on the sixteenth day of the sixth Moon read over the Hollanders Letters a second time and gotten a right understanding thereof We find that their Embassy which they have undertaken is freely out of their own kindness and inclination towards Us and that from a Countrey lying beyond the great Sea just like a Bird that takes a voluntary flight through the Air and cannot be forc'd to come down And since We esteem this Embassy higher than ought else and would befriend as Our self therefore We charge you Our Chancellor and the rest of Our Council of State upon their Requests which they shall make by way of this Embassy to permit them egress and regress through Our Empire and what other Agreements you drive with them you acquaint Us therewith This Letter being read the Chancellor ask'd the Ambassadors if they could in like manner make annual Addresses if not every three year whereupon the Ambassadors answer'd That they could with more certainty and Ceremony wait on the Emperor with their due obeisance in Peking every fifth year so that they might be Licens'd yearly with four Ships to come and Traffique at Canton Which Proposal the Chancellor put to the Vote and the Tartars with one voice judg'd their Designs were fit just and reasonable But the Chineses thought it sufficient if they made their Addresses to the Emperor but every ninth year to save the trouble and danger of so long a Journey supposing what the Tartarians did not observe that it was not fit the Hollanders should Trade all that while at Canton Moreover they urg'd that these that call'd themselves Hollanders might be English neither they nor their Shipping being much unlike which would be a high scandal upon their Government to suffer that Nation that had done them such prejudice within memory when they came but with four Ships into the Haven Heytamon and ruffled their Fleet there sinking some and taking others and so batter'd the Castle that they took the Mandarine himself Prisoner fighting more like Furies than Men for which they were ever since declar'd Enemies nay according to an Edict made at that time never after to be permitted to Trade in China so that they ought to have greater proofs whether the Hollanders were not English before they should be suffer'd to Traffique upon their Coasts And also besides that it was contrary to their ancient Laws and Customs to grant to any Nation a free Trade in the Empire they could not perceive any thing concerning this Request in their Lettrrs of Credence therefore according to their opinion the Ambassadors went beyond their Orders This stop of the Council so unexpected seem'd very strange to the Ambassadors who thought of nothing more but that all things had been done and a free Trade granted and that they were onely to return him their humble Thanks All which was brought thus about by the influence of Father Adam Schall and some other Portuguese at Peking foreseeing the undoing of their Factory at Macao if the Dutch set up at Canton and also there wanted not a less Sum than 300 Tail of Silver which was to be dispos'd to Bribe
likewise be to your satisfaction This is that which we intended to advise you In the thirteenth Year the eighth Moneth the nine and twentieth Day of the Reign Xunchi Somewhat lower stood Hongtee Thoepe The Hollanders thus frustrated of their expectation having obtain'd nothing else than to come every eighth year once with Merchandize to Trade in the Countrey left off prosecuting the Design with so much eagerness for a considerable time But since the loss of the Islands Tayowan and Formosa taken from the Hollanders by Koxinga or Iquon and his Associates Anno 1661. they renew'd their Suit to the Tartar for a free Trade on promise and assurance that if they should meet with Coxinga either at Sea or Land they would endeavor to destroy him as a common Enemy both to the Tartars and Hollanders Therefore since the Isles of Tayowan Formosa and Coxinga will be often made mention of in this our Relation and that from the loss of those places the Hollanders renew'd their old Request under pretence of help to ruine the enemy it will be necessary and this our Business seems indeed to require a brief Description of them in the first and withal a Relation how Coxinga took them from the Hollanders Of Formosa THe Formosan Isle formerly call'd by the Chineses Paccande extends it self in length from the South to the North and in breadth East and West being an hundred and thirty Leagues in Circuit the Prospect shews you much rising Ground and a Hilly Countrey which abounds with Deer great store of Wild Goats Hares Coneys Swine Tygers and the Luvasey whose flesh hath a delightful and excellent relish The Woods also have no want of Pheasants and Pigeons The Ground being fruitful produceth store of Sugar Ginger Cinamon Coco-Nuts and several other Necessaries fit for humane sustenance besides full of populous Villages They are Govern'd by several Lords not depending on nor acknowledging any Superior so that each Town being a Republick they still have Wars and are at difference one with another Town against Town Village against Village insomuch that Peace never set Foot in that Isle Of their many Villages the prime and of chiefest note are Sinkan Mandauw Soulang Backeloang Taffacan Tifulucan Teopan and Tefurang the last in a Valley near the High-lands where Fort Zelandia stands formerly call'd Tayovan The Inhabitants of this Village are rude and salvage robust and almost of a Gigantick size not black like the Caffers and count it no immodesty to go stark naked Their Women well built for Stowage short and inclining to grossness wearing Apparel yet twice a day they strip themselves and are not asham'd to bathe and wash in publick These though a barbarous People are kind to the Netherlanders heartily entertaining them with their own though mean yet wholsome Fare Soulang breeds a needy spiteful inhospitable and bloody People Notwithstanding the fruitfulness of the Soil they commonly live in want being extreme lazy Tilling no more than they suppose will supply their necessity which often falling short they are so hardly put to it that when they perceive Provision growing scant they live sparingly many days or else they might be utterly famish'd for in such exigencies they never help one another nay they are so supinely slothful that the Women do all the business of the Field Plough Sow and Reap having neither Horses nor any other Cattel to help them the Drudgery being the more because they make it Gardners work for onely with Spades they dig and turn the Glebe and where their Corn grows thickest especially Rice they pluck it out with their Hands and set it where they find the Blades come up thinner and in Harvest knowing neither Scythe nor Sickle which tries their patience crop with a Tool like a Pruning Knife Stalk by Stalk a Span below the Ear which without Threshing they store up in their Houses hanging it in the Evening in small Bundles over the Fire and early in the Morning the Women rise and Pound so much as will serve them that day for their lazy Lord and Family Besides Rice and other Grain they Sow Carrots Set Water-Melons Pinang Quach Taraum and Pting This Isle is not stor'd with such Wines as other places in India have which their Trees produce but they have another sort of Liquor that inebriates no less than the Indian or Juyce of the Spanish Grape which they prepare in this manner They take a quantity of Rice which they put in a Vessel made for that purpose and boyl it which turning out they knead into little Balls or Pellets when they are well chew'd they put them into another Pot there letting it stand till grown sowre to this they pour a good quantity of Spring-Water which being so put together works a Moneth or two for so long it will ferment then it becomes a clear pleasant wholsom and strong Liquor which the longer kept the better grows for it will hold good thirty years The top of this Drink is thin and clear the bottom or sediment thick like our Pap the thin makes their Drink with which they often Fuddle the thick makes their Cawdle to recover them which Crop-sick they eat with Spoons This they carry with them to the Field and take a Dose thereof when they think fit and thus yearly they spend most part of their Rice The Women when their Cultivation or Land-work is done then they betake themselves to the Sea and Launch out their Boats which they call Champans and fall to Fishing where they catch great store of Crabs Oysters and Gurnets which they Salt without Gutting and therefore though Pickled keep not long but are apt to putrifie and breed Worms yet they like it never the worse but look upon their Dish as the greater Dainty the rancker the Hogooe Their Youths though strong and of able Bodies spend their time in idleness and sloth and when forty years old then they settle themselves to Laziness as if it were a Trade or Handicraft spending twenty years in a methodical doing of nothing in a small Hut or Hovel dandling their Children or Dalliance with their Wives seldom or never stirring out of their own Limits or Patch of Ground unless invited either to a private or publick Feast or Hunting-Matches in which pleasure they take some pains using several and indeed ingenious ways to catch the Game sometimes practising deceit laying Snares and Traps of complicated Rushes and Reeds so artificially that they look fresh as if growing and ungather'd setting them in the Haunts of wild Boars Lays of Deers and the like and so catch them wondring who made their new Lodges and Beds so soft and lay Meshes in other inviting places which if they take not willingly nor observe such Allurements they drive them in where they also make them their Prey and they trapan them into Pits digg'd and spread over with a light Swarth or Turf of Grass supported with brittle
and also to advise us to send another Embassy from Batavia which you may assure them shall be done the next year Yet nevertheless if you cannot attain to our Desires leave off further Suit that so we may avoid such vast Expence and Charge but if they be inclin'd to send to Batavia you may seem to be very well pleas'd at it and promise to Transport them thither in our Ships except they will send one or two of their Jonks which would be the better for us Concerning the possessing and fortifying of a peculiar Place you may also desist from if you see them not to favor the Request but to be satisfi'd that our Ships may lie in the Haven of Hoksieu and there drive a Trade provided they can be assur'd to lie safe and without danger there When you come to Agree with them concerning the War with Coxinga and his Party with our joynt Forces take care that they oblige themselves thereto by Writing and with us declare themselves Enemies to the same Coxinga and his Adherents and that they shall not without our knowledge much less to our prejudice agree with the Enemy which we will do also on our part Moreover make a strict enquiry whether or no they have not already Treated and are inclin'd to be reconcil'd to him if he should submit himself to the Emperor this may be suspected because they say Coxinga is dead and his Son in Ayanny not concern'd at it Which if you observe let them by no means detain you but hasten your self from thence and come to us for the Vice-Admiral ought on all occasions to be in the Fleet because his Presence is continually requir'd there wherefore if he can come away before let Nobel tarry there so long till he thinks he can effect no more by staying If they desire us with them to agree with the Enemy you may easily understand on what Articles and with what advantage and satisfaction it may be done though you conclude noton any thing If you can find out any means for the delivery of our Prisoners in Eymuy let nothing be wanting to procure their liberty because the General and Council in Batavia have highly recommended their Release to us but that we should do nothing without acquainting them with it and their consent The Hostage with his Retinue shall be kept so long in the Domburgh till perhaps by the advice of his Friends he may do something that may be requisite for that Business because he also longs for his Liberty The Vice-Roy Singlamong and General Taysong Lipovy have every one sent us a Letter by the Interpreter Melman we now therefore send an Answer to every one of them to the same effect and purpose as theirs were with some small Presents as appears by the Copies which you have to which I refer my self desiring you to deliver them at a convenient time either with their Excellencies Letters or afterwards The Presents which belong to them and are signifi'd in their Excellencies Letters I have caus'd to be taken out of the Naerden and put into the Domburgh By the same Copies you may see how they are Pack'd and wherein they consist which at all times shall be ready upon your Order whose Acceptation you must in a manner press although hitherto they have not been willing to receive Of the Merchandise which are onely aboard the Domburgh I also give you Patterns if they should chance to fancy any of them and likewise of the Goods sent along with you that thereby you may see what Presents to give to one or other as you shall think fit Lastly I desire you to promote and advance His Excellency's and Councels Desires which at present so highly concerns the Publick with all care and diligence imaginable and think that if all things fall out successfully you will get no small honor and advancement by it which God grant into whose Protection I commit you Aboard the Naerden Frigat lying with the Fleet before the River of Hoksieu the 19th of Septemb. 1662. Balthasar Bort The next day after having Shipp'd all their Necessaries for the Journey and put the Presents into the Jonks they took their leave of the Fleet and Sail'd South and by West up the River of Hoksieu Presently after Noon they pass'd by a Town call'd Quanto lying on the North-west Shore about a Musquet-shot up in the Countrey This Quanto is Wall'd being about half an hours Walk in circumference fortifi'd with Bulwarks and Watch-Towers and strengthned with a great Garrison Here as in most Towns in China are several Parades for the Meeting and Exercising of Foot and Horse and to Train them up in all sorts of Martial Discipline There are also Exchanges or Burses for the Sale of Merchandise besides Markets where the Countrey People bring their Fruits and Provisions to sell. A little farther the Agents pass'd by a populous Village call'd Sanwan near the Shore The Inhabitants of Sanwan are ingenious Artificers viz. Weavers Smiths Coopers and other Labouring Trades who live in peculiar Places of the Village apart one from another and every Precinct under a particular Governor who gives an account of all Differences and Misdemeanors to the chief Magistrate All the Villages through which they pass'd in the Territory of Fokien are wild and have daily Markets of Herbs Fish and Oysters After they pass'd on Southerly with their Retinue to the River which flows East and by South into the Sea and hath a small Island in its Mouth with a Sandy Shelf in the Channel where they found on the North-west Shore the Village Sayon and came after a little Sailing to the strong Fort Benantien or Minjazen which is fortifi'd with Towers Walls Bulwarks and a broad Mole it lieth three Leagues from Hoksieu hath the bigness of a small Town with several Streets and fair Houses set forth with divers Tradesmens Shops and in the middle a very large open Court where on one side stands the Governors House and on the other a Pagode Here Van Campen and Nobel went ashore with their whole Retinue to Complement the Governor and were receiv'd into the Fort by three Mandarins with the usual Ceremonies who conducted them into a great Temple but they could not speak with him by reason of his indisposition After they had presented them Bean-broth mix'd with Milk which is accounted the greatest honor they can shew to any Person they return'd with their Train into the Jonks and after many Complements took their Leave Being got about half a League high there appear'd a most delightful and pleasant Place on the South-east side call'd Plethoeu or Pethou and opposite to it on the Northwest Shore a large Pagode nam'd Possang by them held for one of their Wonders On the other side of the River appears a spacious Area built about with fair Edifices and planted with Gardens and Banquetting-houses in them About four a Clock in the Evening they came to the South-east side
belong to the Emperor of China but to certain Free Lords which they call'd the Min. The first that joyn'd it to the Empire of China was the chief of the Family Cheu yet the Inhabitants soon shook off that Yoke and kept themselves free till the fortunate and valiant Emperor Hiaou of the Family of Han reduced and added it to China with all the Southern Territories setling them in Peace and placed a Vice-Roy over it call'd Veuching who kept his Court in the Metropolis thereof Cyn the first King thereof call'd the chief City and the Tract of Land thereto belonging Cyngan the next King Sui nam'd the Countrey Mencheu but the Tangs of another Line Kiencheu and not long after Focheu which Name the Taimingian Race kept ever since This Countrey Focheufu contains eight Cities Focheu the Metropolis and chief of all the Countrey otherwise call'd Hoksieu or Hokzieuw Cutien Mincing Changlo Lienkiang Loquen Iangfo Focing The City Focheu by Paulus Venetus call'd Fugui lieth about fifteen Leagues Westerly from the Sea on the Southern Shore of the River Min which with a wide Mouth falls Easterly into the Sea and brings both great and small Vessels up to the City Walls The convenience of this River makes the Town very populous and of great Trade It is adorn'd with fair Buildings and hath large Suburbs call'd Nantai otherwise according to the pronunciation of the Inhabitants Lamthay for those in Fokien use in stead of N the Letter L. and often say Lamking in stead of Nanking There are also many Idol Temples Cross the Bay near Nantai lies a Stone Bridge a hundred and fifty Rods long and one and a half broad built all of white Free-stone resting on a hundred very high Arches on the top of each side are Rails and Benches adorn'd at an equal distance with Lyons neatly cut of Stone Next this Bridge at the South end stands a fair and large Pagode or Temple Another Bridge not unlike this being a hundred Rods long may be seen at the City Focing And many more are without and within the Walls of the chiefest Cities Three Leagues from Focheu stands a Temple call'd Kouzan the largest of all in the Nether Provinces The second Division Civencheufu borders from the East to the South-east and so to the South upon the Sea and from the South-west to the West touches Chancheufu and on the North verges with Ienpingfu This Countrey formerly belong'd to the Princes Min and hath seven Cities Civencheu the chief Nangan Hocigan Tehoa Ganki Tunygan and Iungehung The City Civencheu lies near the Sea in a delightful Plain and admits by a large Bay the greatest Ships to Ride close under the Walls not onely on one but both sides of the City for it is built on a Promontory encompass'd with Water except on the North and South-east sides On the opposite Shore are many populous and Trading Towns and chiefly on a Place towards the North-west call'd Loyang which may rather be look'd upon as great Cities There also is a Bridge which hath the same denomination with the Town the whole World not shewing the like for it consists of a black Stone like Touch-stone not supported with Arches but above three hundred square Columns sharp above Bridge and below the better to break the impetuous egress and regress of the Current These Pillars are Capp'd to walk upon with five Stones of an exact breadth each eighteen Paces long and two broad which successively touch one another at either Foot of the Bridge of which there are to the number of a hundred and forty it is certainly a Miracle of Workmanship not onely for its great number of Stones of such a bigness that rest on those Columns but most of all where so many large and equal Stones could be had on each side to make the Passage the safer are Rails of the same Stones adorn'd with Lyons standing on Pedestals and other Imagery It is worth our observation what is written of one part of this Bridge that is between a Village call'd Loyan and a Castle built on the Bridge for beyond the Village reaches another part not much less than the former and of one make A Chinese Writer saith thus concerning it This part of the Bridge Loyang and also call'd Vangan lying on the North-west side of the City cross the River Loyang was built by a Governor call'd Cayang it extends in length to about three hundred and sixty Rods and in breadth one and a half Before this Bridge was built they cross'd the River in Boats but because every year many Vessels were by Storm cast away Cayang resolv'd for the safety of Passengers to build a Bridge but seeing such a great piece of Work to be too much for Mankind to undertake and also the Water too deep to lay a Foundation in it he invok'd the Gods of the Sea as he says for some time to stop the Current of the Water which if you will believe he obtain'd After the Essluxes were stay'd and no Tydes swelling the River in one and twenty days the Foundation was laid and forty hundred thousand Tail spent in the building of it The third Province call'd Chancheufu being the most Southern of all this Territory borders in the North-East and East with Civenchufu on the East South-East and South with the Sea on the South-West touches the Countrey of Quantung on the West and North-West and North at Tingcheufu It contains ten Cities of which Chancheu is the chiefest the rest are Changpu Lugnien Nancing Changtai Changping Pingho Chaogang Huicing and Ningyang The Name of Chancheu was first given to this Metropolis and Countrey by the Family of the Tang from the River Chang on whose Western Shore situate and was then allow'd the priviledge of a small City but the Iuem made her afterwards a Metropolis and at the same time built the small City Nancing from whence Father Martin concludes that then all these Places were much frequented by Navigators and that Paulus Venetus his Zerte must needs be thereabouts On the South-side where the River also washes the City is a large Bridge of Hew'n-stone with thirty six high Arches and so broad that on each side are divers Tradesmen and Artificers Shops in which they sell every day all manner of rich and foreign Commodities which are brought thither from Hiamuen The fourth call'd Kienningfu a very wide and spacious piece of Land borders on the North and North-East upon Chekiang on the East with Foningfu on the South at Focheufu and Ienpingfu on the West at Xaonufu on the North West and North upon Kiangsi This Division belong'd antiently to the Princes Min after which the Family Tang gave it the Name of Kiencheu and Sung another Race that which it hath at present Here are seven Towns whereof Kienning is the chiefest the rest are Cungan Puchiang Chingo Sunghi and Xeuning The City Kienning lying on the Eastern Shore of the
River Min is no way inferior either in beauty or worth or bigness to the Metropolis Father Martin affirms this City to be Venetus his Quelingfu In this last Tartarick War this City suffer'd much damage for having revolted from the Tartars it was taken after a long Siege and laid in Ashes and all the Inhabitants put to the Sword The Fire consum'd here a Bridge over the swift River Min the Pillars whereof were of an exceeding heighth of Free-stone the other parts of Wood beautifi'd on the top with Houses and Shops on each side but since by re-building it hath re-gain'd somewhat of former lustre Beyond the Bridge on the opposite Shore stands a stately Pagode Most of the new Buildings fall short of their old beauty notwithstanding the Chinese Towns that are consum'd by Fire are much more easily re-built than those in Europe because most of them are nothing but Wood. Near the City Kienning is another fair Bridge with Shops and Houses on both sides This City Kienning is a Place of great Trade for all those Commodities that come either up or down the River must pass through it When they come to the City Pucing they are taken out of the Vessels and by Porters carry'd to a Village call'd Pinghu belonging to the City Kiangxan over high Mountains and deep Valleys four days Journey In like manner they are carry'd from Pinghu to Puching The whole Way as much as is possible to be done by the Art or Labor of Man is made even and Pav'd with square Stones along whose sides are built many Houses and Villages onely to entertain Travellers The Merchandises being first weighed are deliver'd to the Master of the Inn which send them for a certain Gratuity by Porters to other Places where the Merchant without any trouble receives them If any thing chance to be lost the Host is bound to make it good Here are always above ten thousand Porters ready which wait to receive the Goods and carry them over the Mountains Because of this Carriage of so many Goods a House stands erected for the receiving a small Custom or Duty towards the maintaining and reparation of the High-ways The fifth Tract of Land call'd Ienpingfu makes the Centre of this Territory and borders in the East at the chief County Focheufu in the South and South-West at Civencheufu and Kancheufu on the West and North at Tingcheufu Xaounfu and Kienningfu King Cyn was the first that call'd the chief City and the Countrey thereto belonging Ienping the Family Tang nam'd it Kiencheu that of Sung Nankien but Taiming restor'd its antient Name Ienping This Ienpingfu contains seven Towns and Cities of which Ienping is the chiefest next Cianglo Xa Yonki Xunchan Iungan and Tatien The City Ienping lieth on the Western Shore of the River Min from whence it rises with its Buildings up the Hills rendring a delightful Prospect to those that pass by and though none of the biggest yet it is beautifi'd with several fair Houses The Walls exceed in heighth the neighboring Ascents which on the out-sides are inaccessible making the City very strong and indeed the Key to the whole Territory On the East-side is a Lake made by the Rivers Min and Si. Almost every House is furnish'd with Water convey'd to them through Pipes from the Mountains which Convenience no other Place in China hath Not far distant lay over the Rivers Min and Si two fair Bridges near which are two Temples The Town of Xa lieth on the Northern Shore of the River Taisu though formerly on the Southern Shore but was by the Emperors Order pull'd down to the Ground and left desolate because in it a young Man had Murder'd his Father The sixth Division being Tingcheufu is the most Western of this Territory borders Easterly on Ienpingfu on the South-East at Quantung on the West at that of Kiangsi and on the North Xaounfu This Countrey belong'd also heretofore to the Princes Min King Cyn gave it the Name of Sinlo and the Tang Family that which it bears at present in which Tincheufu was only a small Town but the Taimingian Family made it a chief City This Countrey contains eight Towns and Cities viz. Tingcheu the chief Winghon Xanghang Vuping Cinglieu Lienching Queihon and Iungting The seventh County call'd Hinghaofu is a small yet fruitful Countrey and borders on the East and South-East with the Sea on the South at Civencheufu on the West at Ienpingfu on the North at the Tract of Land belonging to the Metropolis Focheu King Sui gave it first the Name of Putien the Family Sung that of Hinghoa which signifies A Budding Flower afterwards the same Family call'd it Hingan but by the Taimingian the antient Name of Hinghoa was restor'd This Shire hath onely two Cities whereof Hinghoa is the chief the other call'd Sienlieu is but small but the Countrey abounds with Villages and Hamlets All the Ways being sixty Stadia's long and a Rod in breadth are Pav'd with square Free-stone The City Hinghoa is very neatly built and adorn'd with many triumphal Arches and full of Colledges for the training up of Youth in Literature and encouragement of Learning At the Foot of the Mount Hocung South-Eastwards from Hinghoa lies a Village in splendor and bigness of Buildings like a great City but hath neither Walls nor any Priviledges belonging to it yet many rich Merchants reside there which Traffick through all China On the Shore of the Lake Ching lying at the Foot of the Mount Chiniven Northward from Hinghoa stands a great Palace with ten Gardens belonging to it in which before either Rain or tempestuous Weather happens as the Chineses say is a ringing noise heard like the sound of a Bell. The eighth County being Xaounfu borders Easterly at Kienningfu in the South at Ienpingfeu and Tingcheufeu in the West North-West and North at the Territory Kiangsia This Division reckons four Cities the chief of which is Xaouw the rest Quangce Taining and Kienning The City Xaouw the most Northern of this Territory was antiently a mean Place under the Princes of Mins Jurisdiction and was first fortifi'd with Walls and the Title of City given it by the Family call'd Tang yet hath ever preserv'd its Name of Xaouw It lies Westerly of the River Cu and is cut through by the River Ciao which poures its Streams into the Cu and from thence by several small Channels waters the City Because this County is a firm and profitable Soyl and on the Borders of Countreys whose Passage is troublesom it is fortifi'd with several Castles Garison'd with Soldiers The small Tract of Land belonging to the City Foning a Mountainous Countrey and the most Eastern of this Territory borders in the East and South-East at the Sea in the South and South-West at Fochenfu in the West at Kiennunfu in the North at the Territory of Chekiang It contains three Towns Foning Fogang and Mingte The Ways through the Mountains are very
other Silk which he much scrupled at fearing lest it might be discover'd yet if they would faithfully promise not to speak of any such thing or make mention thereof at Peking he would deliver them some which the Hollanders on the other side as much scrupling they broke off farther Discourse and so parted The next Morning they went again to the Factor about the same Business and told him That before their Journey to Peking the Hopou must make all things even that the Tyger being unladen must go again to Netherland Haven and the Alphen would also be suddenly deliver'd therefore they must now either receive Money or Silks to divide and lade into the Ships Moreover as they pass'd by they call'd at the Vice-Roy's and ask'd him when his Highness would be at leisure to permit the Ambassador to come and confer with him about his addressing himself to the Court. Whereupon the prime Factor seeming to be somewhat dissatisfi'd ask'd if ever they remain'd in their debt that the Hopou should so much press their setling and making even of Accounts before he went to Peking with many other Discourses to the like purpose yet at last promis'd they should have Money the next Morning it lying ready for them with this Answer the Netherlanders took their leave and as they pass'd by went to the Vice-Roy's Court who sent them word that the Ambassador might within two days come and speak with him about the Embassy Mean while two Mandarins came to the Lodge to tell the Ambassador from the General That he must make himself ready for his departure at farthest in seven days demanding a List of the Names of the Persons and number of the Packs Chests and other things that were to go with him which immediately was deliver'd to them In the Morning being the nineteenth four Mandarins came to the Lodge two sent from the General and two from the Vice-Roy to drink to the Ambassador's health and good success in their Journey and at Peking also informing them how they should carry themselves there and also two Interpreters Ienko and Liulako which came with the Mandarins being sent by their Highnesses to observe the Hollanders Transactions nay they were to do nothing without their advice because they knew the Custom of the Countrey and also what was best to be done or otherwise The Netherlanders willing to be led by them answer'd That they would endeavor in all things to give the Vice-Roy and General satisfaction Whereupon the Mandarins took their leave being Presented each of them with a Piece of Crown Serge. The Merchant Harthouwer had a written Order given him according to which he was to govern himself during the Ambassador's absence and likewise the Names and numbers of the Persons that were to stay with him in Hoksieu The twentieth in the Morning after all their Goods and Necessaries were Shipp'd in thirty eight Barques they went away with the Flood and came about Noon to Hoksantiouw Bridge two Leagues distant from Lamthay the Suburbs of Hoksieu where they found the Vessels with their Mandarin and Guides lying at Anchor Here the Netherlanders were forc'd to stay till all their Barques came thither Harthouwer and some other Persons which had accompanied the Ambassador to this Place return'd in the Evening They were no sooner gone but several Mandarins came to ask the Netherlanders how many their Train consisted of being two and thirty whereof five were Negro Boys To which they reply'd That neither the Vice-Roy nor General would suffer above twenty four Persons in all to go because it was written to the Emperor so many should come In the Afternoon about four a Clock the Hollanders being twenty four in number that belong'd to several Offices went at the Flood with about fifty Barques Westerly up the River Min and came in the Evening about seven a Clock to an Isle lying about a Cannon-shot from the Village call'd Unwono where they stay'd that Night being got a League to the Westward The two and twentieth at Day-break they set Sail again and about nine a Clock pass'd Howtong a Village lying on the right-side of the River In the Afternoon they Sail'd by Petjong Hongia and Tiksoya on the same Shore they came in the Dusk of the Evening before Congimon having that day by Rowing and Sailing gotten five Leagues more to the Westward All the fore-mention'd Villages were thick built with Houses that were little better than our Huts or Hovels but the adjacent Fields abounding with Rice and store of other Grain The three and twentieth in the Morning they proceeded the Wind still favoring them and about nine a Clock pass'd by Binkin a Village by some call'd Mincing three Leagues from Congimon standing behind a Hill a little up in the Countrey on the left-side of the River Min. This Town is adorn'd with fair Buildings and a high Steeple which appears with its Spiry top above the Mountain and seen by all those that pass by it In the Afternoon they had in view Anike Siaivang and Twavigh the first of which Towns lies on the right and the other two on the left Hand the last being about three Leagues from Binkin at four after Noon they arriv'd at Chukaw where they rested that Night to get Coelies to Tow their Boats because the Stream ran very slack having that day made six Leagues and a half more Westerly The Verges of the River here are nothing but hilly and barren Cliffs The twenty fourth in the Morning the Wind at North-East they got two Coelies for every Vessel and going on their Journey about eight a Clock pass'd by Caukawa a Village on the left side of the River a League from Chukaw and in the Evening Landed at Poutcham where they saw some decay'd Houses having that day gain'd though with no small danger of Rocks and strong Water-falls three Leagues The next Morning being the twenty fifth they left Poutcham and about two a Clock in the Afternoon pass'd by Tiongopan and Iunchiam both lying on the left side of the River the last being two Leagues distant from Poutcham and in the Evening they came over against Ukekaun near a Watch-house having not gotten above three Leagues all that day because of the Sholes and contrary Current The twenty sixth in the Morning putting forward they were drawn up over Sholes and Rocks which by the violent Precipes and fall of the Stream seem'd very dreadful and not without imminent danger as appear'd by the Barque in which the Comptroller Ruwenort was which Rowing about as they suppos'd for advantage ran on a Rock and sunk immediately yet most of the Goods were sav'd though weâ—… In the Afternoon they reach'd Kantang and Poinpang Villages standing on the right side going up and in the Evening Landed near a Watch-house call'd Bokkay where they reposed that Night having gone but two Leagues and a half that day and with great trouble The twenty seventh about Day-break they weigh'd and
else is permitted and the other stands empty for their Deity who they say sits therein and receives the Offering Without the Temple stand many Altars of Red Marble which represent the Moon Sun Hills and Floods and according to the Chineses Relations all these Altars are plac'd without the Temple that none might worship them but that every one should know they are of the same Structure which the Emperor worships in the Temple Round about are several Chambers or rather Cells which formerly as they say were us'd as Bannia's in which the Emperor when he went to Offer Bath'd himself with his Attendants To this Temple and to the Emperor's Tombs lead very broad Ways on each side planted with five Rows of Pine-trees at equal distance and in a direct Line from which none might break a Bough on pain of death All these Buildings were ruin'd in the late Tartar Wars the Trees pluck'd up the Tombs defac'd and the Temples and Palaces utterly laid waste The County of Fungiangfu a great Tract of Land gives Limits in the East and North-East to Hoaiganfu in the East to the Lake Piexe and Chucheufu in the South and South-West to Hocheufu and Lucheufu in the West to the Territory of Honan This pleasant and fruitful Countrey vein'd by several great Rivers is famous because two of her Natives of mean Extract were rais'd to the highest degree of Honor the first call'd Lieupang bred among the scum of the Commonalty nay among Robbers and Rebels subdu'd the Imperial Family Cyn and rais'd that of Han. The second being Humvu or Chu was a mean Priests Son who at first turning Robber soon after the expulsion of the Tartars got into the Throne and establish'd the Crown on the Taimingian Family The Emperor Yu also did not a little enrich this Countrey when by his Predecessor Ya he was Crown'd King in the City of Mao It is also said that Lahu the first Inventer of the Epicurean Learning which liv'd before the great Philosopher Confut was born in that City of Mao The County Fungyangfu contains eighteen Towns of which Fungyang is the chiefest the next are Liuhoai Hoaiyuen Tingyuen Uho Hung Hokieu Munching Su Hiutai Tienchang So Lingpi Ing Tacho Hao Ingxan Su So Ing Hao all great Places The Metropolis Fungyang lying on a Mountain incloseth many Hills within its Walls built with fair Edifices both publick and private This Division was by the Emperor Yu brought and joyn'd to the Province of Yang to be Govern'd by Teu In the time of the Kings this part of the Countrey was call'd The Kingdom of Tuxam which the Kings of Cu afterwards included in their Dominions but the Family Han made it again Tributary call'd Chungly yet this Place was not honor'd with the Title of Teu or Metropopolis untill the fore-mention'd Chu which rais'd the Taimingian Family and was born in this City enlarg'd it building new and strong Walls fifty Furlongs in circumference and adorning the Tombs of his Predecessors and gave it the Name of Metropolis setting over it a Vice-Roy giving it Jurisdiction over other Cities intituling it Fungyang that is Nobleness of the Phenix The third Sucheufu conterminates in the North and North-East with the Mouth of the River Kiang in the East with the Sea in the South with Sunkiang and Kiahingfu the West borders Kiangningfu and the North-West Chancheufu The first which inhabited this Countrey amongst the Chineses was one Taipe of the Family Cheu who coming out of the North planted his Seat here and reduced those that formerly were wild and savage to be rational and understanding People In the Emperor Vu's time this County obtain'd Royal Dignity being call'd The Kingdom of V. after whose Death it was taken by the Kingdom of Iue who possess'd it but a little while being routed by Cu who subdu'd the Countrey Lastly the promoter of the Family Cyn conquer'd all those Kingdoms and brought them under the Province of Hoeiki The first which call'd this Countrey and its Metropolis Sucheu was King Sui the Family of Tang gave it the Name of Changcheu Sung that of Pnkiang but the Taimingian Family restor'd the old Name Sucheu The Countrey is in all Places interlac'd with Branches of Rivers and Graffs along which they may Sail from the City to the Sea Sucheufu contains seven Towns of which Sucheu is the chiefest the rest are Quengxan Changxoe Ukiang Kiating Taicing Cungmung and Cungming which lies on an Island in the Sea The fourth Tract of Land being Sunghiangfu is a small County yet fruitful and a good Soyl bordering in the North with Sucheufu in the East with the Sea and Hangcheufu in the South and West at Hangcheufu onely and the remainder on Sucheufu This Countrey as the former lies most in Water the East part of it being wash'd by the Sea and the rest surrounded by Rivers which with their Branches cutting through the middle and all Places else of it make the whole Navigable It contains onely three Towns which in bigness populosity and variety of Commodities may stand in competition with many more eminent Cities the first and chiefest is Sunkiang the other two Langhai and Cingpai The City Sunkiang verges with the Sea on the Northern Shore of a River which at its Mouth is fortifi'd with a strong Castle from whence they may Sail to Iapan In ancient times this Countrey and City before mention'd shar'd also in the Tartars Cruelties The Family of Tang call'd it Houting the Tartars of the House of Iuen not onely gave it the present Name but also the Title of Fu or Great City having formerly but the Priviledges and Name of a mean Town and belong'd to the third County Sucheufu The fifth County Changcheufu reckons for Limits in the North and North-East the River Kiang in the South Sucheufu in the South and South-West the Lake Tai in the West Yancheufu This County contains five Towns viz. Changcheu Vufie Kiangyn and Ginkiang There are also five Temples of which one built near the City Vufie in honor to Taipe the Supporter of the People exceeds all the other The City Changcheu lies near the fore-mention'd Moat which runs from the City Sucheu to the River Kiang the Stone Banks of which near this City are much more curious and artificial than any where else There are also some Triumphal Arches which add a great beauty to the City It hath receiv'd its Denomination Guihing from the exceeding fineness of the Earth of which the Tee Cups are made for Guihing signifies Rare Earth The sixth Territory Chinkiangfu borders in the North at the River Kiang in the East at Changcheufu in the South at the Lake Tai and in the West at Kiangnangfu This County reckons three Cities viz. Chinkiang Tanyang and Kintan Chinkiang by Martinius taken for Cingiam so call'd by Paulus Venetus lies Northward from the River Kiang on the East side of a Channel which falls into the Kiang
chang'd to true and lawful Succession by Birth Sometimes it hath happen'd though very seldom that the youngest Son contrary both to the Laws of Nature and the Realm was declar'd Emperor either for his extraordinary Valor or Prudence as Anno 209. before the Birth of Christ it happen'd to the Emperor Ulxi who after his Father Cin's Death was chosen Emperor in stead of his eldest Brother Fâ—…sa When the eldest Son hath taken Possession of the Throne the rest only boast of their Princely Allyance for they have not in the least any Authority yet the Emperor gives them each a City to reside in with a Magnificent Palace Attendants and Revenues where they keep Court in great State and are serv'd accordingly yet have no Command of the Citizens and that they might not have so much together as to enable them to raise a Commotion the Emperor's Allowance is paid them every three Moneths and on forfeiture of their Lives they may not stir out of the Limits of the City so design'd for their subsistance The Empire hath sometimes also been Govern'd by a Woman for Anno 490. before the Nativity of Christ the Emperor Lieupang's Consort after the Death of Hoci her Son Govern'd the Countrey eight years At the Election of a new Emperor thirteen Contingencies are to be observ'd The first is the alteration of annual Accounts for they begin to reckon from the Inauguration of their new Emperor which they use not only in common Discourses but in their Letters and all manner of Writings The Emperor also gives his Name to that Year in which he begins to Reign for we must observe that all the Years of any Emperor's Raign when soe're they die are reckon'd for whole Years and so make his Coronation the New-Years-Day that is the beginning of the Year and yet though the Chineses immediately and in the same Year have another yet they still shew Honor and Obedience to the late Emperor though Dead till the Years end doing all things in his Name and likewise all Edicts and Proclamations are Seal'd and Mark'd with the same Signets as if he were still living but the Successor gives his Name to the following Year The second they instantly Coyn new Money with the Letters of his Name which doth not abate any thing of the value of the old Coyn. The third his Lawful Wife is Crown'd Empress The fourth they give the Name of Queen to six of his Concubines The fifth they make Offerings to the Heavens Earth and Spirits The sixth they bestow great Alms on the Poor The seventh all Prisoners are set at liberty The eighth all the Magistrates are nobly Treated The ninth all the Women that were Concubines before are put out of the Palace The tenth the Seraglioes which are four in number are fill'd with fresh Beauties fetch'd from all parts of the Empire during which time there are many Marriages because every one seeks to free his Daughter from such a retired Life The eleventh Persons of Quality if not all at least those of Cities either come themselves or send Agents to shew Obedience and acknowledge the new Emperor The twelfth all Officers from the Vice-Roys to the inferior Governors of Cities go in Person to the Court to shew the same Obedience and take the Oath of Allegiance in behalf of their Towns and Provinces The thirteenth is that the Emperor changes his own Name as is before-mention'd The Reverence which the Chineses anciently shew'd to their Kings they perform'd in this manner They Prostrate themselves to him bowing down their Bodies and looking with their Faces to the North for they say that their Kings look always to the South for which reason all the Gates of their Palaces Doors of Chambers and all Draw-Bridges face the South from whence proceeds a Proverb That the Chineses though at great distance always honor their King when with usual Ceremonies they receive their Guests They say that the Tartar Prince who at this day possesseth the Countrey of China and resides in the Metropolis Peking is not the great Cham or Lord of all Tartary as hath hitherto been believ'd but a mean Prince of the Tartars whose Grand-father was the first King of his Family promoted to that Dignity by the Inhabitants of his Countrey which was only a small Province in Tartary call'd Muncheu The Father of this present Emperor call'd Zunchi was the fifth of his Family his Fortune seem'd to be so strange in the Eyes of other Princes of his Countrey that they compar'd him to Lightning when e're they spake of him for they usually said that the Gods and Heavens could only prevent him in any thing The present Emperor Zunchi's Son is call'd Konchi a Youth of about sixteen years The first Ruler of whom the Chineses make mention in their Histories was nam'd Puoncu and after him Tienhoang Ginhoang and Yonjui but in those times the Provinces were govern'd by the Heads of their Princical Families The first Emperors that before the Birth of our Saviour Govern'd China and were Elected and set on the Throne by most Voices were eight in number viz. from the Year before the Nativity of Christ 2952. to the Year 2207. before which the Chineses allow of none in their Histories which in that time are stuff'd with many strange and fabulous Relations as well concerning the Age of Men as Years of the Governors for if we will credit their Writers the World stood many Thousands of Years before the Deluge The first Emperor was Before Christs Birth Raign'd Years 2952 I. Fohi 115 2837 II. Xinnung 140 2697 III. Hoangti 100 2597 IV. Xaohau 84 2513 V. Chuenhio 78 2435 VI. Ko 70 2357 VII Ya 90 2258 VIII Xan 33 After Xun the Empire was Govern'd by Hereditary Succession and the first House or Family Hia was rais'd under the Emperor Yu which continu'd four hundred Years under seventeen Emperors viz. Before Christs Nativity Raign'd Years 2207 I. Yu 10 2197 II. Khi 9 2188 III. Taikang 29 2159 IV. Chumkang 13 2146 V. Siang 27 2058 VI. Xaokang 22 2057 VII Chu 17 2040 VIII Hoai 26 2014 IX Mang 18 1996 X Is 16 1980 XI Pukiang 59 1821 XII Kung 21 1800 XIII Kin 21 1769 XIV Cungkia 31 1848 XV. Ka 11 1838 XVI Fau 19 1818 XVII Kie 52 After the Family Hia the House of Xang succeeded being first rais'd by the Emperor Tang from whom sprung twenty eight Emperors viz. Before the Birth of Christ. Raign'd Years 1766 I. Tang 13  II. Taikia 33 1720 III. Voting 92 1691 IV. Taikeng 25 1666 V. Siaokia 17 1659 VI. Iungie 12 1641 VII Taiu 75 1562 VIII Chungting 13 1549 IX Vaigni 15 1534 X. Hotankia 9 1525 XI Zuie 19 1506 XII Zusini 16 1490 XIII Vokia 25 1464 XIV Zuting 32 1433 XV. Nankeng 25 1408 XVI Yangkia 7 1401 XVII Puonkeng 28 1373 XVIII Siaosini 21 3352 XIX Siaoye 18 1324 XX. Vuting 59 1265 XXI
Zukeng 7 1258 XXII Zukia 2 1225 XXIII Linsin 63 1219 XXIV Kenting 21 1198 XXV Uvye 4 1194 XXVI Taiting 3 1191 XXVII Tiye 37 1154 XXVIII Che 33 After the subduing of the House of Xang rose the Family Cheu Anno 1122. and flourish'd till Anno 247. before our Saviors Nativity under thirty seven Emperors The first of them was a Prince call'd Fa who when he enjoy'd the Crown chang'd his Name to V which signifies Valiant and they say that from him all the Emperors since at their entring on the Throne change their Names He possess'd in the Province Xensi a Countrey nam'd Cheu from whence the Family receiv'd their Denomination Before Christs Birth Raign'd Years 1078 I. Fa or U 7 1115 II. Ching 38 1122 III. Kang 26 1056 IV. Cha 51 1001 V. Mo 55 946 VI. Cung 12 934 VII Is 25 894 VIII Hia 15 896 IX Is 16 878 X. Li 38 827 XI Siveni 46 781 XII Ie 11 770 XIII Ping 51 719 XIV Vou 23 696 XV. Chuang 15 631 XVI Li 5 676 XVII Hoei 25 651 XVIII Siang 33 618 XIX Hiang 6 612 XX. Quang 6 606 XXI Fing 21 585 XXII Kien 14 571 XXIII Ling 27 544 XXIV King 25 519 XXV King 44 Between which was the Emperor Menguen who Raign'd scarce a Moneth  Raign'd  Years 475 XXVI Yuen 7 468 XXVII Chinting 27 440 XXX Ka 15 Ka is accounted the thirtieth for after Chintung's Death his other Sons being Kiucie and Xocie attempted for the Empire and in that regard were accounted as being two viz. the twenty eighth and twenty ninth because they acted for some time but at last Ka mastering them became absolute and so was reckon'd the thirtieth  Raign'd Years 542 XXXI Gueilie 24 401 XXXII Gan 26 375 XXXIII Lie 7 368 XXXIV Hien 48 322 XXXV Xicini 6 314 XXXVI Fo 59 254 XXXVII Cheukuni 9 After the House of Cheu came the Family Cin under their Advancer Ching who was afterwards call'd Xi in the Year 246. and continu'd but to Anno 206.  Raign'd Years 246 I. Ching or Xi 37 209 II. Ulxi 3 206 III. Ing 46 After the Family Cin the House of Han follow'd which flourish'd till Anno 264. after Christ. The first Raiser of this House was Before the Nativity Raign'd Years 206 I. Lieupang or Kaozu 17 194 II. Hoei 7 187 III. Liuheva a Woman 8 179 IV. Veni 23 156 V. Hiaoking 16 140 VI. Hiaou 54 86 VII Hiaoche 12 74 VIII Ho 7 73 IX Siveni 25 48 X. Iuen 16 32 XI Ching 26 6 XII Ngay 6 These are the Names of the Emperors every one in their Families before the Birth of our Saviour according as they are written in the Chinese Chronicles Translated into Latin by Father Martyn but those that have Raign'd since the Incarnation I have receiv'd no account of being not yet render'd to us in any other Language After the Family of Han arose that of Cyn and flourish'd after the Birth of Christ till Anno 1419. At the same time were also five Kings call'd Utai which maintain'd War against one another till by their Ruine the Family Tang took upon them the sole Government of China which they kept till Anno 618. In the Year 923. the Family Sung succeeded that of Tang and Raign'd over all China till Anno 1278. when this House was utterly subdu'd by the Tartars who set up the Family of Iuen which Govern'd China till 1368. in which Year rose the House of Taiming from a Priest call'd Chu who drove the Tartars out of China but this Family was Anno 1644. destroy'd and by a huge Rebellion the East Tartars of Munchu were invited to Ayd the Prince but the way once open'd they swallow'd all and from their Prince nam'd the whole Empire of China Taising The Magistrates or Governors in China taken in general are of two Degrees or Orders the first are such as not only in the Metropolis officiate the places of Privy Councellors but from thence have influence over the whole Empire the other are such as Govern peculiar Provinces or Cities The general Government or that of the first Degree are by Alvarez Semedo describ'd in the following words The Prime Government of China consists in six Benches Chambers or Courts which by a general Name are call'd Pu that is The Kings Benches These manage not only the Affairs of the Realm in the Courts where they reside but like the Head on which all the other depend Rule and give Orders to them according to their several places Every Councel hath his President which they call Chamxu with two Assistants the one nam'd Koxilam who is the Chief and sits on the left Hand by them counted most honorable and the other Yeuxilam These are the first and most profitable Offices of the Empire except that of Kolao's so that a Tutang or Vice-Roy of what Province so e're it be after he hath given Testimony of his Capacity if he would be Promoted thinks himself well provided for though not a Prime Councellor to be only one of the Assistants that sit on the left or right Hand Besides these there is a Councel of Ten which are of equal Dignity only distinguish'd by several Titles and deciding of different Causes To these are to be added the vast numbers of greater and lesser Officers as Notaries Secretaries Clerks Servants Officers and such as we call Bayliffs besides many others not known in Europe The first Councel or Court which have the greatest Command and receive the highest Presents and greatest Fees are the Councel of State call'd Lipu that is properly Councel of Magistrates for Pu signifies a Councel and Li Magistrates To these belong all the Offices in the Empire to change or promote them for he who is once in an Employment rises continually by degrees to higher Dignities They have also Power to restore those to their Employments that are displac'd as if a Mandarin is for some Misdemeanor put out of his place he may easily obtain it again if he be in favor with this Councel The second Bench is call'd Pimpu that is Councel of War which have as great a Command as those of State viz. over all the Militia with the Schools and Academies and for instruction of Youth in Martial Discipline and the Exercise of Arms. The third is of the Customs call'd Limpu which though not of great Commands yet they are of no less Quality for the Mandarins in which it consists are chosen out of the Emperor's Councel Hanlin which are next to the Kolao's the Prime place of Honor in China This Council hath knowledge of all Letters and likewise of Ecclesiastical Affairs Bonzies Strangers and the like The fourth Councel is that of the Emperor's Revenues call'd Hupu which take care to get in the Emperor's Treasure Customs Farms and in general all things that bring in Money The fifth call'd Cumpu look after all business of Building and Architecture and especially what belongs
thus described On each side before the Gates stand two Marble Stones in a manner like Steps to get on Horseback from before the Entrance of the Palace runs a Wall about six Foot high behind which opens a small Entry or Alley in the middle whereof stands the prime Portico or chief Stone Gate to which they go mounted on Steps with two Chambers on the right and three on the left-hand which have their Entrances into the little Alley beyond this Gate opens a great Court where on the right-Hand stand three and on the left-Hand four Chambers At the end of this first Court is another Gate which they first ascend on Steps and having pass'd through it descend again on the other side into a second Court in the middle whereof on each side a Gate or Door with Steps leads to the Halls that are on both sides of this Court behind which is also a great Hall and beyond that a third Court of the same form as the second and at last appears a stately Garden surrounded with a Wall of twenty Hand high and cut through in the middle with a pav'd Way A Draught of the first Ground-plat of a House for Chineses of indifferent Quality 1 THe chief Door of the House under a small Gallery which serves in stead of a Penthouse 2 Prime Courts pav'd with Free-Stone 3 Chief Halls in the House 4 A wooden Partition with a little Room in the middle in manner like a Chappel in which stand Carv'd Images and before them perfuming Vessels and Lamps 5 A narrow Entry behind the Partition which hinders the sight into the chief Hall 6 Two inner Chambers 7 Two Halls or Dining-Rooms 8 A great House for Poultrey Cattel and the like A Draught of the second Ground-plat of a House for a Rich Chinese or Mandarin of ordinary Quality 1 A Portal before the Gate 2 The chief and onely Gate of the whole House 3 The Entry or Gallery 4 A Partition of Wood to prevent the sight from without into the House 5 An open Court pav'd neatly with Free-Stone 6 Cover'd Halls 7 The chiefest Hall 8 A Wooden Partition with a Chappel in the middle in which the Images stand as also Candles Lamps and Vessels to burn Perfume in before them 9 A narrow Entry behind the wooden Partition which hinders the Prospect into the Hall and open Court 10 Chambers in which the Master of the House Lodges 11 Narrow Entries through which they go into all the Chambers and inner 12 Apartments for Slavesses and other Female-Servants 13 Little Chambers for Slaves and Men-Servants 14 A Stable for Cattel A Draught of a third Ground-Plat of Royal Houses and the Houses of very rich Mandarins 1 THe Front Gate 2 The chief and onely Door of the House 3 The Entry or Gallery 4 A Partition of Wood which prevents the sight from without into the House 5 Open Courts cover'd neatly with square Free-Stone 6 7 Chief cover'd Halls 8 Little Entries through which they go into all the Courts and Chambers of the House 9 A Partition of Wood in the last Hall with a Chappel in the middle in which as before stand Carv'd Images Candles Lamps and perfuming Vessels 10 Narrow Entries behind the great wooden Partition which hinders those from being seen that walk in the Hall 11 A wooden Partition in the first Hall between the first chief Court which stops the prospect into the other open places 12 Pedestals of the Pillars which support the Roof of the first Hall which stands at the end of the first Court. 13 Handsom Chambers in which the Lord of the House resides 14 Lesser Rooms in which his Concubines Slavesses and other Women dwell 15 Small Apartments for Servants and Slaves 16 The Stable Thus much concerning their Houses Of their Shipping FRom the building of their Houses we may conjecture what their Shipping may be notwithstanding they are us'd in another Element and serve for other occasions The Chinese Vessels are several viz. Warlike Imperial Ships for the Governors others that carry the Fish sent to the Emperor's Court Longzons Snake-Vessels or rather Pleasure-Boats and the like besides floating Villages on Canes joyn'd together with a tough Twig call'd Rotang An incredible number of Vessels are continually found in China Sailing from one place to another for the Countrey is Navigable in most parts by convenience of the Rivers every where for the Way from the City Makao to the Metropolis Peking being a Tract of about three hundred German Miles may all be travell'd by Water along Rivers or artificial Channels except one days Journey which is over the Mountain of Mintin between the City Nanhang of the Province of Quantung and the City Nanking in the Province of Quangsi In like manner they can go from the Province of Chikiang in their Barges along the Rivers through that of Suchuen nay there is scarce any City either little or great in all China to which they cannot come by Water because the whole Countrey is not onely naturally full of Rivers but are also divided and subdivided by industry into several Channels and Rivulets But their Ships that lie in several Bays and Harbors resemble Woods Such an innumerable and vast number of Shipping are in the Province of Fokien that the Inhabitants thereof proffer'd the Emperor of China when on a time he resolv'd to War against the Iapanners to make him a Bridge or Cawsey of Ships that should reach from their Coast to Iapan and well it might have been done if they could have endur'd the turbulency of the Sea Amongst all other the Imperial Ships belonging to the Governors are the best and stoutest and indeed in curious Work and Ornamentals exceed ours in Europe they shew in the Water like Towers or Castles and are on both sides divided into several Apartments in the middle is a stately Room provided with all manner of Necessaries and Hung with Tapestry and furnish'd in State with whatever belongs to a Princes Palace in stead of Glass Windows they have Silk varnish'd and painted with Flowers Birds Trees and the like which is so close that no Wind penetrates Round about the Ship on the Deck are Galleries and Rails between which the Sea-men or Mariners can do their Business without any trouble or disturbance The whole Ship is varnish'd with the Wax by the Chineses call'd Cie which gives a great lustre being also mix'd with divers Colours the in-side is painted with Birds Beasts Cities and the like in Golden Colours the proper Livery of the Emperor which are worthy of observation and very delightful to the Eye They use no Nails in all their Ships because the Timber and Planks are pegg'd together with wooden Pins The Chinese Vessels are in length equal with our Mediterranean Galleys but are not so high and broad on a Ladder of Leather with twelve Steps they get into them The Prow where the Drummers beat and Trumpeters sound their Levets is made like a Castle Upon
into the Yellow River near the City Puching in the County of Siganfa The River King spreads it self with several Branches as the Streams Kin and Haoting through the County Pingleangfu from whence it goes on Eastward leaving the City King to the West afterwards Southerly poures its Waters East from the chief City Sigan into the River Guei The Stream Yao which takes original out of Sifan otherwise call'd Prester-Iohns Countrey or Tibet descends Southward through the County of Linyaofu and with great abundance of Water roaring like Thunder rowls along Northerly by the City Linyao and at last enlarg'd with the Stream Tahia falls into the Yellow River near the Mountain Ciexe The Stream Hoan another besides the fore-mention'd great River Hoang springs up in the Mountains Taise or Ulum in the County of Kingyangfu from whence gliding towards the South by the City Hoang and near the City Fungiven in the County Siganfu unites it self with the River Kiang The Yung Guei Puon Ring and U. are Rivers which glides through the County Fungyangfu all of them contributing their Waters into the River Guei The Han or Tungchan a Stream which begins in the County of Cungchangfu in the Mountains Cheuchi through which falling Eastward afterwards winds Southward then enters the County of Hanchungfu through which it cuts especially with two Branches one Eastern which begins about the City Fung the other Western which comes out of the Mountains about the City Mincheu then both these Branches uniting glides enrich'd with Water Navigable for Ships by the Name of Tan South-East and pass through the County of Cingyangfu into the Province of Huquang From thence the Han runs through the Counties of Siangyanfu and Chintienfu and at last after a long Course poures its Waters into the Lake Yeuchi and the River Kiang near the City Hanyang Several Rivulets discharge their Waters into this Stream into which the River Guei glides out of the Mountains Io through the Counties of Siganfu and Hanchungfu The River Vuting runs out of the Mountains near the City Ganting through the County of Ienganfu Southward by the City Cingkien and poures its Waters united with the Stream Kiemo into the Yellow River It is generally by the Chineses call'd The Unconstant because in its Course amongst the Sands it is sometimes shallow and sometimes deep The Stream Kiemo passes through the same County from the South to the North and begins in the Mountains Kicinu and gliding Westward by the Cities Paogan and Iengan and with the Vuting falls into the Yellow River The Water of this Stream is said to be so thin and aerial that no pieces of Timber nor wooden Vessels can swim upon it but sink like Iron The River Io runs to the South by the Garrison Xaucheu towards the East and unites it self Southward of the Fort Culang with the River Hoanting which comes out of Tibet and running both through one Mouth fall into the Yellow River How far this River Io glides Westward is not mention'd by the Chineses THe Stream Yo runs by the City Chaoykieu in the County of Cinanfu and takes its original out of the neighboring Mountain Hosien The River Ci takes its beginning in the Stream Sun in the County of Yencheufu and passes North-Eastward through the County of Cinanfu beyond which it divides it self into two Branches the one call'd The Northern and the other The Southern Cing and both discharge their Waters in the Xangen Bay at the dividing it receives the River Mingto which glides Westward out of the Mountain Minxe The Stream Ven which passes through the County Vencheufu begins near the City Taigan from whence gliding by the Cities Ningyang and Vengang disembogues near the City Cinning Westward of the Lake Nanuang in the Channel Iun. The River Si begins near the City Suxui from whence running Westward divides its self into two Arms the Eastern whereof is call'd Tang between which the City Kooheu lieth like an Island both these Arms uniting themselves again and enrich'd with the Water of the River Io fall through one Mouth into the same Channel Iun. The Pelang a River which springs out of the Mountains near the City Sintai in the County of Cinanfu passes Northward through the Territory of Cincheufu and gliding by the Cities Changlo and Xeuquan discharges its Waters into the Bay of Xang on the way the Rivers Hoaoquei and Chi flow into the same 〈◊〉 the West side and on the East the River Si. The Stream Kiao runs from the South to the North through the middle of the County of Lucheufu beyond the City Pinghtie and poures its Waters Westward of the Fort Haicolang into the Cangang Bay Kiao signifies Mudstream because of the thickness of the Water The River Vi begins in the County Cincheufu Northward of the City Mung in the Mountain Tapico from whence it descends Northward through the County of Laichenfu beyond the City Camie and disembogues into the Bay of Xang This River being stopt in its Course by one Zansin when his Countrey was invaded with Bags fill'd with Sand which drowning the Champain defeated his Enemies The Y or Su begins in the Mountains Westward of the City Kiu belonging to the County of Cincheufu and Southward from the City Mungin from whence gliding South by the East-side of the City Y it enters the Province of Nanking and then falls into the Channel Nun Northward from the Yellow River The Stream Hucu springs in the West from the Mountain Lie Northward from the City Po in the County of Tungchanfu from whence gliding Eastward it unites with the Channel Iun Southward from the City Iangco in the County of Iencheufu Eastward from the City Kao the Si flows out of the Lake Lui and runs towards the South into the Yellow River THe Streams Kinxui Iu Xeleang Pien Cu Quei and the Yellow River cut through the County of Caifungfu The River Kinxui which comes out of the Mountain Xeyang in the County of Honanfu goes Eastward through Caifungfu into the River Pien which takes its beginning out of the Yellow River in the County of Caifungfu Westward of the City Hoin and glides East by the South side of the Kity Caifung from whence running on to the South-East through the County of Queitefu it passes by the West side of the City Ningling then passes on through the County of Fungyangfu in the Province of Nanking and by the City Lingpi unites it self again with the Yellow River The Stream Quei divides the County of Caifungfu with several Branches and seems to take its original out of the Lake Si Westward from the City Hiu from whence it passes East and afterwards South through the same County and by the West side of the Cities Hiangching and Xinkian then passing through the County of Fungyangfu in the Province of Nanking where changing its Name and taking up that of Ing at last falls Southerly into the Hoai The River Cin which begins in the County
Singer to King Guei who is bury'd there By the City Quangchang stands the Mountain Hiang eminent for a great and old Wood of Pine-Trees in the middle of which stands a Pagod Temple and Cloyster for Priests Near the City Lingkieu is the Mountain Tape out of which they dig a sort of Vermillion of which they make a kind of Red Ink to Print with Near the City So is the Mountain Yenking In the County of Luganfu near the City Changeu is the Mountain Fakieu so call'd from the abundance of Turtle-Doves that breed thereon it is very Woody and hath a strong Fort built upon it which is the safeguard of the County By the City Tunlieu is the Mountain Lin on which one Heuy a famous Archer shot with seven Arrows seven Birds flying one after another Near the City Lucing is the Mountain Funieu that is Cow Rider from an old Cow which is reported to have there destroy'd several Men till at last by an unknown Man it was dragg'd into a hole of the Mountain neither of them being ever after heard of In the County Fuencheufu on the West side of the chief City Fuencheu is the Mountain Vanhu remarkable for its heighth it is so call'd from Ten thousand Men which they say getting upon the same escap'd the violence of a great Deluge Near the City Hiaoy is the Mountain Kaotang in which are divers boyling Springs and Pits by reason of Fire which burns within the Earth IN the County Siganfu near the City Linchang is the Mountain Limon on which is a Spring of Water clear as Chrystal and of a strange quality for though it hath not above five Foot Water in depth yet it is extreme cold above and at the bottom so hot that it is not to be indur'd Near the City Lantien is the Mountain Io out of which they dig a kind of Earth which is us'd in the Dying of Clothes Hard by on a steep Mountain call'd Ciepuon stands a Fort for the securing of the High-way Not far from the City Nucung is the Mountain Taipe which by the Chinese Astrologers is accounted The eleventh Mansion of Happiness They say that beating on a Drum on this Mountain causes Thunder Lightning and Tempestuous Weather wherefore all Persons are strictly Commanded not to touch a Drum near the same Near the City Xunghoa is the Mountain Kanciven so call'd from a Brook of exceeding sweet Water which springs on the top thereof where there is also a stately Garden and Banquetting-House In the County Fungciangfu near the City Khi is a very high Mountain call'd Nan which extends from thence into the County Siganfu to the Cities Lantien and Hu. On the North-East of the City Paoki is the Mountain Chincang whose top seems to represent a Turky-Cock They said that Thunder or turbulent Weather is foretold by a great noise which is heard above thirty Furlongs off in the Vallies adjoyning to it At the same place is the Mountain Xecu so call'd from ten Stone Drums plac'd there by King Siven that his Hunters might give a signal of Chase one to another On the East side the City Mui is the Mountain Taipe whose exceeding high tops are in the midst of Summer cover'd with Snow Not far from thence lies a Mountain call'd Quan Fortifi'd with a brave Castle for a safeguard of the County Here Faulcons and other such like Birds for the Game are frequently caught In the County Hangcheufu near the City Sihiang begins the Mountain Tapa and runs from thence into the Province of Suchuen to the City Pa. By the City Loyang is the Mountain Yoniu so call'd from the Effigies of a most Beautiful Maiden of Stone said to have grown Naturally in that place Near the City Siyang is a very scraggy and steep Mountain call'd Cuking By the City Fung is also a Mountain nam'd Cuye having in it seventy two Caverns near which stands the Mountain Nanki which hath a great Lake upon it Not far from thence is the Mountain Vutu out of which they dig a Plant call'd Hiunghoang good to expel Poyson and all Pestilential Virulency In the County Pingleangfu on the East side of the City Cingyven is the Mountain Yo on which are found Pebbles emulating Diamonds for clearness Near the City Hiating is a Valley of thirty Furlongs in length but so deep and narrow that it hath little Light yet nevertheless a High-way pav'd with Free-stone leads through it In the County Cungchangfu on the North-West side of the City Hoeicin is a very great and high Mountain nam'd Sivi from the Snow with which it is continually cover'd Northward from the City Fokiang is the Mountain call'd Xecu that is Stone-Drum because as the Chineses write this Mountain by making of a noise foretels War By the City Ching is the Mountain Loyo at the top whereof stands a great Image of a Lyon out of whose Mouth runs a Spring There is also the Mountain Cheuchi which extends to the Jurisdiction of the City Siho and on its top hath a Plain of about twenty Furlongs In the South-East from the City Cin is the Mountain Pochung on which grows an Herb call'd Hoako which eaten causeth Barrenness There are many other Mountains in this County which are not remarkable IN the Territory Linyaofu near the City Lan Northward is the Mountain Kaolan which makes an Arch about the City like a Stage and gives a pleasant Prospect over all the adjacent Countries Near it is the Mountain Pexe whereon they say the Valiant General Leanghoei Besieg'd by the Tartars made Offerings to obtain Water for his Forces whereupon immediately a Spring appear'd Near the City Ho is the Mountain Ciexie with two spiring tops between which as through a Gate runs the Yellow River Beyond the City Lan is a pleasant Valley nam'd Yu which being Water'd by the Yao a Branch of the Yellow River inricheth the Grounds and Meadows thereabout In the County Kingyangfu Northward from the chief City Kingyang is the Mountain Taipe in the middle of which is the Spring of the Stream He. By the City Hoan is the Mountain Ulum Fortifi'd with a Castle for defence of the County Near the City Chinning is the Mountain Lo whereon stood twenty seven Images which the Chineses affirm grew there naturally and were not made by Art In the County Ienganfu North-East from the City Iengan is the Mountain call'd Chingleang IN the Territory Cinanfu near the City Changkieu lies the Mountain Hoang which spreads from thence to the City Cichuen and runs through the Jurisdiction of the City Ceuping By the City Changxan begins the Mountain Changpe and extends to the City Cenping on the top whereof stands a very noted Chappel Near the City Taigan is a great Mountain call'd Tai accounted forty Furlongs high it is full of Caverns and very deep Precipices there are built upon it many Pagod Temples and indow'd Cloysters of Priests Near the City Laiu is a Mountain nam'd Taxe
Kircher in his Atlas Chinensis Near the City Ho towards the South lies the Mountain Lungmuen on which stood formerly a Pagod Chappel with a Library of thirty thousand Books call'd Siyali first built by a Noble-man of that name By the City Fungtu is the Mountain Pungtu accounted amongst the seventy two Mountains so highly extoll'd in the Book of Taosu Near the City Penxui is the Mountain Fonien on which are many Salt-pits In the County Queicheufu Northward from the chief City Queicheu is a Mountain nam'd Chekia on which are seen the Ruines of a Palace once the Residence of the Kings of Sufo Northward beyond the City Van lies the Mountain Tulie which reaches so high into the Clouds that no Bird can flie over it On the Mountain Si which lies Westward from the City Van is yet a pleasant Garden of the Family Sung with a Lake pleasant Groves and many Fruit-Trees On the Mountain Tunghoa lies the City Ta. Near the City Leangxan is the Mountain Kaoleang which extends a thousand Furlongs East and West The Mountain Xehiang in the same County is so call'd from its abundance of Musk. In the Territory Lungganfu Northward from the chief City Lunggan lies the Mountain Cungtung which from thence in a continu'd Ridge runs towards the Countries of Sifan or Prester Iohn's Countrey and to the Damasian Mountains Towards the South-East lies the Mountain Xemuen a Boundary between Sifan and China In the County Mahufu Westward from the City Mahu is the Mountain King which signifies A Looking-Glass so call'd from the Crystal Fountain which springs from its Foot South-East of the City Liucheu is the Mountain Pao on which the Air is of such a Nature that those that have Agues upon them going thither are immediately cur'd thereof In the little County of Yacheu near the City Mingxan lies a Mountain nam'd Mung which rises with five Spires on the highest of which is much Manna by the Chineses call'd Pinglu that is Frozen Dew By the City Pinchai is the Mountain Pecui on which if Snow melts in the Winter the Chineses have observ'd a fruitful Year will follow if not the contrary Not far from the Garrison'd-City Kienchung lies the Mountain Tiexe so call'd from its abundance of Iron Oar. The other Mountains of less note in the Province of Suchien are In the Territory Kingtufu South of the City Kingtu the Mountain Seking By the City Mien the Mountain Tienchi In the County Paoningfu East of the City Paoning the Woody Mountains Paon and Menyping In the County Xungkingfu West of the City Xungking the Mountain Co In the County Sieucheufu South from the City Sieucheu the Mountain Xeching By the City Kingfu the Mountain Hanyang South of the City Tiucum upon the River Kiang the Mountain Lingyuen About the City Riexan the far-stretching Mountain Chungpoe West of the City Han in the County Queicheufu a high and steep Mountain On the Shore of the River Kiang the Mountain Co West of the City Chuniking the Wooddy Mountain Cyuyun In the County Lungganfu the Mountain Talo In the County of Ziencheues North of the City Chungkiang the Mountain Tunquon wherein are Copper Mines Near the City Lochi the pleasant Mountain Ciepion In the County of Muichen the Mountain Gomui and part of the Mountain Min West of the City Muichen the Mountain Peping shining like a Torch in the Night North of the City Kiatung the Mountain Mienkiang Near the City Iung a high Mountain of the same name South-West of the City Liuchen the double-pointed Mountain Fiang By the City Iunking the Mountain Cunglai on which Ice is found in midst of Summer On the shore of the River Kinxa a Mountain of a hundred Furlongs By the City Ufa the Mountains Tain and Umueu Near the City Chinchiun the Mountain Utung Near the City Ly the Woody Mountain Iuliang IN the Province of Huquang in the County Vuchangfu South-East from the chief City Vuchang is the Mountain Tayuon which hath Golden colour'd Stones and Earth Southward from the little City Vuchang is a Mountain of the same denomination on which they say in the time of the Family of Cin a Man appear'd all Hairy and ten Cubits high North-East near the City Kiayu on the shore of the River Kiang a Mountain nam'd Chepie is remarkable for the overthrow which Caocao gave to Cheuyu Southward by the City Kungyang a Ridge of Hills extends two hundred Furlongs over a great Cave Southward from the City Hinque lies the Mountain Chung having on it a Lake with Water as black as Ink. Southward from the City Tungxan is the Mountain Kienyvon that is Of nine Palaces so call'd from the nine Apartments built on the same by the Sons of King Cyngan for places of Retirement to Study in In the County Hanyangfu South West of the City Hanyang lies the Mountain Kieuchin or Of nine Maids so calld from nine Sisters that liv'd and dy'd Virgins there and study'd Chymistry In the County Siangyangfu Southward from the City Kiun is a great Mountain call'd Vutang which with a great number of Spring-heads rises up to the Skie upon it are twenty four Lakes or Pools there are also many stately Temples with Cloysters the Residences of Priests Eastward from the City Ingxan is the Mountain Tungting with a great Cave of incredible depth Not far from it to the South is a Mountain nam'd Kie on which the Ruins of the ancient City Kieyang are to be seen Westward from the City Hoangmui is the Mountain Sucu Crown'd with a Chappel which is Consecrated to four Chineses who were in high Veneration for their skill in Physick and also a stately Tower with nine Galleries In the County Kincheufu Southward from the City Changyang is the Mountain Fang which is said to be of such a Nature that in Spring and Harvest not the least breath of Wind can be perceiv'd thereon but in the Summer continual Blasts blow strongly out of its Caverns as in Winter they blow into them Westward near the City Sungki begins the Mountain Kieucang which extends to the River Kiang and with a double row of continu'd Rocks incloses the same and makes the way between to be long and dangerous Southward from the City Quei lies the Mountain Cutai which is Crown'd with a Palace of the old Emperors In the County Yocheufu on the South side of the chief City Yocheu is the Mountain Pauo famous for a stately Temple and Cloyster situate between two Lakes In the Lake Tungting at the South-West part of the City Yucheu the Mountain Kiun makes an Island at the South-East end of the City the Mountain Uxe produces littles Stones which by the Physicians amongst other Medicines are given for sore Throats By the City Linsiang the great Mountain Tayang shoots up with seventy Spiry Heads and another Westward from the City Hoayang nam'd Tung that is a hundred Furlongs full of Pine-Trees There is likewise the Mountain Fangtai Eastward from
is call'd Munghao that is Flower of Sleep The County Nanchangfu the first of the Province of Kiangfi having every where a fruitful and fat Soil is Till'd in most places In like manner the second Territory Iaocheufu is made very pregnant by several Rivers that run through it The Chineses also esteem the fourth County Nankangfu for its affording them all kind of Necessaries the low Grounds yielding plenty of Rice Corn and Shell-Fruit the Mountains store of Wood for Fuel The sixth County Kienchangfu is though Mountainous a Pleasant and Fertile Countrey as likewise the seventh Vuchenfu through which run many Rivers it yields store of Gold-colour'd Apples nor is it wanting in all sorts of Fruit and other Provisions No less Pleasant and Fruitful is the eighth County Lingkiangfu esteem'd by the Chineses as also the ninth Kieganfu though Hilly and Mountainous But above all the tenth Territory Xuicheufu abounds in Rice-Fields as appears by its paying three thousand Bags of Rice for Custom Yearly when as it contains onely three Cities of which the chief at this day call'd Xuicheu was in the time of the Family Tang nam'd Micheu that is City of Rice Not much short of this in plenty is the eleventh County Iuencheufu The fourth County Sunkiangfu of the Province of Kiangnan though small is not to be left out of the Fruitful Countries The fifth Changcheufu being a plain Countrey and Water'd by several Rivers exceeds many other Territories in the goodness of its Soil producing an excellent kind of Grain The seventh Yancheufu hath also a delightful and fertile Soyl. The ninth County Lucheufu being water'd by the Lake Cao possesses in most parts thereof very luxuriant Plains In like manner doth the eleventh Taipingfu The Province of Chekiang by reason of the many Brooks Rivers and Lakes which wash the same is a rich Magazine of Plenty And though Chokiang hath many Mountains on its South and West parts yet they are all Till'd except those which are stony and they also afford Timber fit for the building of Ships or Houses In most parts are store of Mulberry Trees which are Prun'd yearly like our Vines thereby the better to provide Food for the Silk-Worms for the Chineses suffer them not to grow too high having by the experience of many years learn'd that the Leaves of the Orange-Trees and those that are most kept down yield the best Silk In the County Hucheufu the third of the Province of Chekiang grows Cha which is call'd Riaicha In the fifth Territory Kinhaofu grows a sort of great Plumbs which being dry'd are sent from thence to most parts of China The whole County of Ningpofu in the Province of Chekiang hath a fertile Soil except where it is full of Rocks and Mountains The eleventh County Vencheufu flourishes all along till you come to the Mountains in the Province of Fokien which extend themselves a vast way The Province of Fokien is for the most part over spread with Mountains which in many places are cover'd with pleasant Woods especially on steep Ascents The Timber is good for the building of Ships Houses and the like That part also which is plain is for the most part Sandy and unfit for Tillage but to supply that defect the Water is led thither in little Channels whereby those places that are barren by Nature are rendred productive by the Art and Industry of Man The sixth County Tingcheufu hath abundance of all things requisite for the subsistance of Mankind notwithstanding it is very Mountainous The seventh Territory Hinghoafu in the Province of Fokien is the fertilest and pleasantest in the whole Countrey and especially abounding in Rice as appears by its paying seventy two thousand Bags of Tribute whereas it onely contains two Cities The little Territory of the City Foning hath also plenty of Provision notwithstanding it is every where full of Mountains The Province of Quantung is a rich Store-house of Plenty The Fields are so bountiful in the production of Rice and Wheat that they are Sown twice a year each Harvest yielding the Husband-man a most plentiful Crop by reason the whole Province feels neither Frost nor Snow insomuch that the Chineses have a Proverb concerning it viz. That in the Province of Quantung are three unusual things The Skie without Snow The Trees always green and The Inhabitants continually spitting Blood that is to say a red-colour'd Spittle occasion'd by the continual chewing the Leaves of Betel with Faufel or Araka a Composition made of burnt Oyster-shells In the same Province also are every where many excellent Fruits as Pomegranates Grapes Pears Chesnuts Indian Figs Indian Nuts Anana's Lichin Lunggon Ieucu or Muskmelons Apples and all sorts of Citrons The fifth Territory Iaocheufu in the Province of Quantung hath a fertile Soyl except in some places where it is oppress'd with Rocks The sixth Chaokingfu yields store of sweet Wood and amongst the rest that which the Portuguese name Pao de Rosa that is Rose-Wood The ninth County Luicheufu exceeds in many things all the other Territories in the Province of Quantung In most parts of this Countrey grows a Twig which the Chineses call Teng and the Portuguese Rosa. The Province of Quangsi is not altogether so delightful as that of Quantung yet in some measure is supply'd with Provisions The whole Province is full of Hills except the South part which reaches to the Shore where it is all Till'd and Manur'd The third County Kingyvenfu is a Craggy and Mountainous Countrey yet produces Araka little Indian Nuts and the Fruit Lichias The sixth Territory Cincheufu is a pleasant Place and not so barren as the former The Province of Queicheu is the craggiest and unfertilest Place in all China being nothing but a continu'd and inaccessible Ridge of Mountains In the fourth Territory Chinyvenfu grow a sort of Flowers highly esteem'd by the Chineses Granates and Golden Apples The first County Iunnanfu in the Province of Iunnan is a very pleasant Countrey having plenty of all things and rises in some places in Hills and high Mountains and in others extends a vast way on plain and Champain Grounds It produces Rose-Wood In the second County Talifu in the Province of Iunnan grow European Figs which the Chineses call Vuhoaquo that is Fruit without Flowers because they grow without ever having any Blossoms for Vu signifies Without Hoa Flower and Quo A Blossom There likewise grows Cha or Tee The third County Langanfu yields Rice Wheat Honey and Wax and also all sorts of Fruits which grow in India It is partly Champain and partly Mountainous The fourth Territory Cuihungfu is a plain Countrey flourishing with Corn-Fields brave Meadows and Pastures for Cattel The whole County Kingtungfu produces chiefly and therefore in great abundance Rice The Territory Quangnangfu is by the Chineses for its excellent fertility call'd The Golden Land In the fifth Territory Iunnanfu where stands the Garrison'd City Cioking are store of Pine-Apples as likewise in the sixth The seventh
the Tree within a Moneth after Buds again and in Harvest smells so strong and sweet that it may be scented at a very considerable distance The Chineses prepare many Dainties of this Flower both to please the Palate and to delight the Smell This also is the same Flower which steep'd in the Juice of Lemmon the Turks use to colour their Hair with The Trees thereof suffer no other to grow near them nor grow in places where others have grown In the County Lieucheufu in the Province of Quangsi on the Shore of the River Lieu grow many Willow Trees There are likewise several excellent Herbs good against many Sicknesses amongst which the Herb Pusu that is Immortal so call'd by the Chineses because they always preserve it green in their Houses In the County Gucheufu in the Province of Quangsi grows a Tree nam'd Quanglang which in stead of Pith or Marrow incloses a kind of thin Matter like Honey in stead of which it is often us'd being no less pleasing to the Palate In the Territory Cincheufu in the Province of Quangsi grows an Herb call'd Yu of which the Inhabitants make their Clothes which are richer than Silk and amongst them of greater value There also grows a Tree whose Wood is like Iron it being much harder than our Box-wood The same County likewise produces excellent Cinamon in the Chinese Tongue call'd Kueypi which onely differs from the Ceylon Cinamon in this that it is more biting on the Tongue and of a better scent The Chineses in ancient times us'd to carry Cinamon from the Island Ceylon which was according to Boem so call'd by the Chineses from the many Ships which suffer'd Shipwrack on the same or else Ceylon or rather Sinland signifies according to Martinius People of China or Chineses by Sea to Ormuz from whence it was carry'd by Land to Aleppo in Syria and Greece The ignorant sort of People suppos'd that it came out of the Moors Countrey and Egypt whenas it never grew in that Countrey though sometimes a Fleet of four thousand Ships came Laden with Gold Silk Precious Stones Musk Porcelane Copper Allom Nutmegs Cloves and chiefly Cinamon into the Bay of Persia. The Merchants as the same Boem tells us call'd Cinamon otherwise by the Chineses nam'd The Bark of the sweet Tree Cina and Momum which signifies Sweet and well scented Chinese Wood. In the County Lipingfu in the Province of Queicheu grows an Herb like Hemp which the Chineses call Ko and make their Summer Garments thereof which are an excellent Wear against the excessive heat of the Sun It also grows in the County Nankangfu in the Province of Kiangsi In the Southern Provinces of Iunnan Quangsi Quantung Fokien and on the Isle Ainan grows in great abundance a Tree by the Chineses call'd Fanyaycocu by the Eastern Indians Papayo by the West-Indian Inhabitants Pinoyuacu and by the Portuguese Mamoua It produces a Fruit which springs out of the top of the Body of the Tree looking red within and having in stead of Pith a thin Juice that may be eaten with a Spoon They are accounted to be very cooling and to abate lascivious Desires and cause Barrenness This Tree a strange thing hath no Branches but onely Leaves which grow on the top thereof from amongst which Leaves sprout out white Flowers which afterwards become Fruit. The Fruit hath no set-time of the Year to ripen in but successively ripe Fruits are to be found on the Trees every Moneth in the Year The Chineses call it Fanyaycocu that is Fruit of the Fanyay for Kocu signifies Fruit and the Portuguese Maman because it hangs on the Tree like a Teat The Fruit Leaves and whole Tree are pleasant and delightful to the Eye The Tree springs first from the Seed of its Fruit and afterwards new Trees from the Strings which shoot out of the Root The Leaves and part of the Body of the Tree being put into the Ground grow very speedily and in a short time to a high Tree Anno 1626. the Papayo-Tree being Sow'n grew in Naples It had a whitish Root full of Strings a whitish Stem or Body eighteen Inches long and a Finger thick of the same colour with the Root spongy and round not unlike the Body of the Wonder-Tree and notch'd after the same manner under the Leaves which when green hang by a long Stalk round about the Body of the Tree sloaping from the middle upwards all of them four or five Inches broad divided like the Fig-Leaves into five parts but notch'd much deeper smooth and of a pleasant Green all of them fell off in the Winter and the Body with the Root also wither'd away by degrees But we may doubt whether this Tree was the right Papayo because according to Michael Boem the Fanyacu or Papayo hath its Leaves onely on the top and not as this in Naples from the middle upwards Peter de Valla by Letters to Fabius Columna gives quite another Description of the Papayo which saith he is a Plant like our Fig-Tree but much pleasanter the Fruit like our ordinary Melons oval smooth and with a green Rind the Flesh within of an Orange colour and tasting like a sweet Orange but more Spicy and pleasanter the fresh Seed blackish when dry'd turns to a Chesnut colour and is about the thickness of Coriander Seeds but longer the Flesh thereof being cut through in the middle looks whitish is tough tastes sweet and is like old Musk melons Seed the Stalk of the Fruit though green yields like those of Figs The Tree is full of Branches like the Fig-Tree The experienc'd and Learned Physician William Piso makes mention of two sorts of Papayo growing in the West-Indies where it is call'd Pinoguacu a Male and Female of both which he hath a particular Description which may be seen at large in his Natural History To conclude most agree in this that the Papayo-Tree grows not of it self but is Planted What Countrey it properly belongs to is not yet certainly known but it is by most believ'd to be a Stranger to India and brought thither from a foreign Countrey In no Place except China grows that Tree and excellent Fruit in the Chinese Tongue call'd Supim it is of a Golden colour bigger than an ordinary Apple and hath within its Shell or Rind a soft and red Pulp within which are several Stones The dry Fruit is very like an European Fig and keeps good many years The Chinese Physicians use it often in their Compounds In the Province of Quantung it ripens in Ianuary February and March but in Xensi Honan and other Northern Provinces in Iune Iuly and August The Tree laden with this Fruit affords a pleasant Prospect and is constantly watch'd against the Birds There also grows a Tree in the Province of Quantung and in the Island Ainan with Leaves of half the size of a Man of ordinary Stature The Root thereof grows half in the
Palaces Hearths of rich Stone principally made for that purpose and are much look'd upon according to the richness of the Utensils they use therein The Water of the Fountain Hoei in the County Chancheufu of the Province of Kiangnan is accounted the best by the Chineses to make their Drink Cha and for that use bought by the Grandees and from thence carry'd to the remotest Provinces nay to the Emperor's Court at Peking The Chineses also drink their Cha out of peculiar Earthen Dishes which add a curious smell to the Liquor almost like that of Juniper Cypress and Aloes-Wood some of them are to be seen being brought from thence hither The best of these Cups according to Martinius are made in the City Guihing in the Province of Kiangnang which from whence takes its Denomination for Guihing signifies Glory of the Earth these are for this reason by the Chineses chosen before those of the Province of Kiangsi notwithstanding those are clearer and brighter because they give a pleasant scent and taste to the Liquor for which cause they are highly esteem'd by them and in the whole City before nam'd they do in a manner nothing else but make Tee-Cups some of which they sell very dear The Chineses highly extol the Vertue of the Liquor Tee and chiefly ascribe the reason that they are never troubled with the Stone nor Gout to the same for say they to drink it after Meals takes away all indigestion and rawness of the Stomach and causes Digestion makes those that are inebriated sober and restores them fresh power and Senses removes giddiness and pains of the Head occasion'd by excess of Drink because it consumes the abundance of Moistures and those that are call'd upon to vigilancy by drinking the same expel their drowsiness and become very vigorous and fit for Business it prolongs life also fortifies the Sight and is commended by the famous Physician Nicholaus Tulp for the wholsomest Plant that grows And for a more particular enumeration of its Vertues the said Physician may not unfitly beconsulted Moreover the Chineses not onely use this Drink but also the Indians Tartars those of Tibet Mogor and almost all the People on the Shore of the Oriental Sea and of late years it hath been in use in divers parts of Europe where it is prepar'd after the same manner as amongst the Chineses excepting that we put a little Sugar-Candy into it to abate the bitterness of it as it appears to our Palates It is doubted whether this Plant and the use thereof were known to the Chineses in former Ages Trigaut tells us that they have not us'd it long because in the old Chinese Books not one Character or Letter is found that expresses the same Others affirm that this Plant or Herb grew many Ages ago wild and without Planting but that the Setting or Sowing of it its Vertue and manner of making Liquor thereof was known but of late to the Chineses The Herb at this day grows not wild but is planted with great care on Hills and Set about three Foot distant one Plant from another It grows in no other place but China Siam Iapan aud Tunking but in no part of China in greater abundance than in the thirteenth County Chicheufu in the Province of Nanking In the seventh County Iuenki in the Province of Iunnan and in the third County Kingyuen in the Province of Quangsi grows the Fruit call'd Areka already spoken of otherwise call'd Fausel which the Inhabitants as most of the Indians chew with the Leaves of Betel which colours their Spittle red It is in the Countrey Language nam'd Makinnang Beasts AS the Countrey of China is bless'd with divers sorts of Trees Plants and Herbs so it likewise abounds with four-footed Beasts Birds Fishes and creeping Animals In all parts of China especially in the Province of Quantung are Harts Stags Bucks Hares and the like which by Travellers are seen in great Herds Great abundance of Deer are also in the Province of Huquang China also is every where stor'd with such like Sheep as are found in Persia and Tartary viz. having long and thick Tails which trail after them and weigh sometimes forty Pound and are extraordinary good Meat About the tenth Garrison'd City Tieki in the Province of Suchuen and in the County Iungningfu in the Province of Iunnan are a sort of Cattel with long thick and curl'd Hair on their Tails which the Chinese Soldiers wear on their Helmets and Ensigns in stead of Feathers Of this Hair they also make Tapestry and exceeding good Clothes to keep out Rain Great store of these kind of Cattel are also in the Kingdom of Tibet The Kine in the Counties Chingcheufu and Tengcheufu in the Province of Xantung have a certain Stone found in their Maw which they call Nicuhoang that is The yellowness of a Cow because of the yellow colour for Nicu is A Cow and Hoang Yellow This Stone differs in bigness and is sometimes as big as a Goose Egg but is not so firm as a Bezoar Stone and therefore much lighter yet in greater esteem amongst the Chinese Physicians it appears to those that look on it like yellowish Chalk It is as the Chineses affirm of a cold Temper but dries up the Rheum in the Head extreamly Its Powder if thrown into boyling Water immediately cools the same but cold Water being pour'd upon it a Vapor arises from it and presently soaks up the Water According to Martinius this Stone is by Bellenius call'd the Gall-Stone and by the Arabians as the same Author writeth Haraczi In the County Luicheufu in the Province of Quantung is a Beast by the Chineses call'd The flying Cow because of its swiftness in running for they say it can run three hundred Furlongs in a day It hath a long round Horn on the Head In the County Cincheufu in the Province of Quangsi is a Horn'd Beast like an Ox whose Horns are much whiter than Ivory This Beast is strangely desirous of Salt whereof the Hunters taking their advantage lay whole Bags full before it which it falls upon so greedily that it suffers it self rather to be taken bound and kill'd than to desist from licking the Salt-Bags which is the onely way they have to take it In the Province of Peking are Cats with white long Hair and hanging Ears which by Ladies and Persons of Quality are kept for their pleasure but will not catch Mice being perhaps fed with other Dainties yet there are other good Mousing Cats which are not so well fed as the former And amongst the rest is a Cat call'd Xumxu of a yellow colour though some are black with very shining Hair being an excellent Mouser These Creatures are naturally wild but when taken by the Chineses are made tame and hang Silver about their Necks Some of them are sold for nine Scudo's In the Province of Peking about the Garrison'd City Siven are great Mice with yellow Hair in
the Priests to know future Events Presently after Noon the Governor of Sinkian came with a Train of great Lords to the same Temple which he was no sooner enter'd but he sent for the Ambassador desiring him he would Command his Musick with him which the Ambassador did and so repairing to the Temple the Governor Entertain'd them with Bean-Broth and the Ambassador on the other side Cordiall'd them with Preserv'd Nutmegs which the Governor and his Mandarins having never tasted of before Eat with great delight while the Musicians plaid on their several Instruments After some stay the Governor desir'd to see the Horses which the Ambassador caus'd to be brought out of the Barques which they all beheld with great admiration saying That they had never seen the like therefore they doubted not but they would be very acceptable to the Emperor after they had seen the Horses the Governor return'd again to the City and the Hollanders to their Barques On Sunday being the tenth and Easterday they set Sail with a South-East Wind from the City of Sinkiun the Ambassador with twelve Barques more went Northerly cross the River Kiang and after having Tack'd too and again about an hour they arriv'd at the North-side of the River about a quarter of a League distant from the Garrison of Quasieu or Quacheu through a great Stone Sluce in an artificial Channel running Northerly by the seventh Metropolis Xangcheu to the Lake Piexe This Trench is digg'd directly through the Countrey to make a way for Shipping out of the River Kiang which in that place sends no Branches to the North but runs direct East towards the Sea into the Yellow River It was at first in the Embassy of Peter de Goyer and Iacob de Keys by Nieuhof call'd The Royal Channel partly for her breadth and pleasantness and partly because it was built at the King's Charge They were Tow'd thorow the same in several Courses having divers Reaches and Windings in half a League At the end of which they arriv'd at a Village call'd Tongnanghong where they rested a little whilst the Ambassador walk'd ashore to see the foremention'd Sluces and going also towards a Temple was met by two Mandarins one a Sinksieuwan and according to his own saying the second Person of Quasieu and the other a Tartar and Governor of that Village who both civilly welcom'd him for which he return'd them Thanks He of Sincksieuw being ask'd by the Ambassador concerning Tayowan whether it would be deliver'd answer'd That he was well satisfi'd that this Embassy and chiefly the Presents which the Netherlanders brought would be very acceptable to the Emperor and that he doubted not of their good success in their Business and that all their Wishes were that the Netherlanders were enter'd into a League with the Tartars in the Countrey of China and that they might come there to Trade with them and then they should hope that the Foraign Traffique would again be permitted as formerly whereas because of the strict Watches at the Sea-Port Towns nothing could be done and that the Countrey People could not put off their Commodities and if you Fee the Courtiers well nothing will be deny'd at Peking As to what concern'd Tayowan it was in a mean condition because they were obstructed from Trading to any place in China and likewise all their best People were gone therefore if the Emperor would only joyn twenty Jonks to the Netherland Ships it might easily be taken That about five Moneths since a Messenger had been there from the Emperor to bring all the Chineses there present under Subjection who had also Order that if those of Tayowan did not hearken to his Proposals that then at his return he should destroy all the Sea-Port Towns which were yet in being and to give strict Orders in all places that not one Jonk should either come in or go out but if they would submit themselves to the Emperor that then all places should be left as they were Now this Messenger being return'd fruitless there was such Orders given in all the Havens that not one Vessel can either come out or in to them which was formerly winked at Not many days since another Messenger was sent to Tayowan being the same of whom Ienko the Interpreter had inform'd the Ambassador at Sucheu whose return they much long'd for The Ambassador after this Discourse invited the Mandarins with some other that came thither in the interim to this Barque where they were entertain'd with a Glass of Spanish Wine which having drank they departed This Mandarin of Sincksieuw sent the Ambassador as a Present one Porker one Sheep four Hens two Geese a Vessel of their Drink and some Herbs and the Governor of the Village some Dishes of Meat ready dress'd Afternoon the Vessels going thorow the foremention'd Sluces the Mandarin Guide Hiu Lavja came to an Anchor at the end of the Village before a Pagode and from thence Rode to make merry at the City of Quazieu wherefore the Ambassador seeing that this day would be spent idly went with the Barques wherein the Presents were Laden to the Village Palipoe and staid all Night but the Mandarin inform'd of the Netherlander's departure soon after follow'd them to the foremention'd Villages This day they gain'd about three Leagues The eleventh in the Morning they set Sail again and pass'd by several small Towns and Villages and also by a great Tower with seven jutting Galleries standing on the South-side of Tongnaphan between which and the foremention'd Tower a Channel runs up Westward into the Countrey Against Noon they came to the South Suburb of Iamcefu otherwise call'd Iancheu the third City of Note in this Territory where was also a Tower with four Galleries by which being Tow'd to the City Walls they resolv'd to change their Coelies having given those that brought them thither leave to go home notwithstanding it was late before they got new Men yet they went away and pass'd through a Bridge with six Arches opposite to a Custom-House and so Eastward having that day been Tow'd up the River two Leagues and a half In the Morning being the twelfth they proceeded on their Journey about Day-break from Yancheu against the Stream by and through Wantoe a Village separated by a Channel that runs up into the Countrey of Wayopoe or Stone Bakers from the abundance of Kilns that are there the West part of it being under Water represented a great Pool or Lake At Noon they pass'd by Sjopouzink a Village that a far off seems a City and also three Sluces thorow which the Water runs out of this Channel into the Manur'd Grounds Towards the Evening coming to a small Village of seven or eight Houses call'd Louting where was a Cloyster of their Votaresses or Nuns they dropp'd Anchor having gain'd five Leagues on several Courses The thirteenth in the Morning leaving the Village Louting they pass'd by many Cottages standing on the East-side of this Channel to the
Westward of which the Countrey lay all drown'd In the Afternoon they arriv'd at Kayoven or Kaoyeu the fourth City of Note next Hangcheu where they were forc'd to stay because their Coelies could not pass the Ways being so deep by continual falling of Rain The City Kaoyeu lieth on the East-side of this Channel on the brinks of the Lake Piexe which supplies the Stream with Water Formerly all the Ships that would go from Nanking and the other Southern Territories along the River Kiang and this Channel up to Peking and so to the Northern Province were forc'd to cross the foremention'd Lake to their great hinderance and inconveniency being in Stormy Weather many times compell'd to stay at Kaoyeu for fair Weather But in process of time to prevent this trouble and that at all times the Ships might proceed on their Journey and not be necessitated to cross the Lake a broad Channel was digg'd of seventy Furlongs on the East-side of it and Wharff'd or Inclos'd on each side with Free-stone The City stands on a Clay Ground the same with the adjacent Countrey very good for Rice which they have there in abundance The Countrey to the West of this Channel lies most under Water yet produceth abundance of Canes which serve for Fuel for no other Wood grows here The fourteenth in the Morning they set Sail with a stiff Gale of Wind out of the North-North-East from the South Suburb of Kayoven and for a quarter of a League they had the City on their Starboard and the Lake on their Larboard till they were past the North Suburb then Steering a Northerly Course up the Royal Channel they left the foremention'd Lake on their Larboard Between this Lake and the Channel is only a narrow Bank of three Foot high which separates the one from the other On their left Hand the Countrey lay all under Water yet in some places stood a few small Huts dry being the Residence of Countrey People In the Afternoon they past by the Village Loantsia which lay on their Starboard here the Countrey on the East-side began to shew somewhat pleasanter being Till'd in several places In the Evening they Anchor'd at a Village call'd Kuisjo The fifteenth in the Morning leaving Kuisjo they past by Laensui and Loujapou and in the Afternoon Landed at Paoing the sixth City of Note under the seventh Metropolis Yangsheu it lieth on the East-side of this Channel and is surrounded with strong Walls about a League and a half in Circumference On the North-side of the City stands a fair Temple neatly built after the Chinese manner Here they staid sometime waiting for fresh Coelies which having gotten they went farther and in the Evening arriv'd at Kinho where they staid all Night having that day by several Courses gain'd five Leagues Between the City Paoing and the Village Kinho the Bank Westward of the Channel which separates that and the Lake Piexe is broken in several places through which the Water rushes with such a force out of the Channel into the Lake that they had great labor to keep the Vessels from falling there into The sixteenth about Day-break proceeding on their Journey they past through and by many Villages and Hamlets lying on each side of the Channel and about Noon arriv'd at the West Gate of the City Hoaigan having by Noon been Tow'd and Sail'd three Leagues and a half in a Northerly Course Here as the Mandarin Guides told them all their Vessels in which they came were to be chang'd whereupon they immediately apply'd themselves to the Commissary of that place that they might be dispatch'd with what speed possible No sooner were they come to an Anchor with all their Barques but there also Landed the Masters of the Haven of Hanksieu which on the last of March went from Sucheu with the Ambassador's Letter to the General which Letter they said they had safely deliver'd Their business for which they came thither was to fetch back the four Hanksieu Jonks which were yet amongst the Fleet. Some Mandarins also came to Complement and bid the Ambassador Welcome in the name of the Governor of that place for which Civility they were Entertain'd with two or three Glasses of Spanish Wine In the Night there arose a great Storm out of the North mixt with Thunder and Lightning which continu'd all the next day The eighteenth the foremention'd Governor invited the Ambassador and his whole Retinue to a Feast in a great House at the West-Gate of the City before which they lay with their Vessels whither they accordingly went about Noon and were no sooner come there but they were brought to the Governor's Presence who kindly Congratulated the Ambassador's Arrival and Health After some other Complements were past every one was plac'd at a peculiar Table and plentifully serv'd Among their Table-talk at Dinner the Governor ask'd What the Ambassador thought of China and if it was not a great Countrey Who reply'd Yes Sir not only a great but a very fair Countrey full of Fertile Grounds and Delightful Objects Then he began to Discourse with the Guide Mandarins which were there present about the Vessels Wherefore the Ambassador desir'd the Governor being inform'd before that there were few Barques to be had there that since he was come so far with the Emperor's Presents having never wanted any Conveniencies that he would be pleas'd to take care to procure them good Vessels so soon as possible because he was yet to go the most dangerous part of the way having already spent so long a time in their Journey All which this Lord promis'd and excusing the meanness of the present Treat hoping when they came back from Peking to be provided for their better Entertainment On which Van Hoorn proffer'd to Present him with a parting Cup of Spanish Wine which he modestly refusing would not suffer Thus the Netherlanders taking their leaves and departing to their several Barques two Mandarins came to them which had whilst the Netherlanders were Entertain'd at the foremention'd Lords sate just over against them to ask in the Governor's Name if their Entertainment had pleas'd them whereupon the Ambassador in respect to their Master Presented each of them with five Ells and a half of Red Cloth which after some Complements they accepted The nineteenth in the Morning according to the usual Custom the Secretary Vander Does went with a Complementing Letter to the Commissary and to Thank him for his kind Entertainment The Contents were these THe Ambassador so highly esteems Talavja's Civility that he cannot express his Thankfulness in these few Lines but at his return from Peking He hopes to find Him in good Health when he will manifest and confess himself much oblig'd by his Lordships Favors The Ambassador was inform'd by the Mandarin Guides that notwithstanding the Commissary had promis'd Yesterday that he would take care to provide Vessels for his farther Journey The Touwatja had said That there were none to be