either warm'd a little at their Saddle-bow or rosted in the Sun and drink sowr Mares-Milk The chief Cities are 1. Cashan 2. Noyhan 3. Charayckzicke 4. Astrachan a Town well frequented by Merchants Tartaria Antiqua Tartaria Antiqua is the old Habitation of the Tartars from whence they dispersed themselves over Europe and Asia The People are of the same life and condition with them of Asciatica and lye farthest North extending beyond the Polare Circle They have some few Cities as 1. Coras famous for the Sepulchers of the Tartarian Kings 2. Caracora 3. Campanion these Cities belong to the Kingdom of Tenduc the People hereof account it a great honour to have their Wives and Sisters at the pleasâ—…e of such as they entertain In this Countrey is the Desart of Lop and in this Countrey groweth Rheubarb an Herb of that excellent nature that the whole World is beholding to these Barbarians for it as a sovereign help for many diseases Zagathai Zagathai this Countrey was of old Scythia intra montem imanum It is situate East from the Caspian Sea they are now called Jeselbas from the colour of their Turbants They inhabit the ancient Countreys of Bactria Sogdiana and Margiana in times past the Habitation of the Massagetes so famous in Arms. These are the most honourable People of the Tartars indifferent civil given to Arts and Lords of many fair Cities as 1. Istigias one of the most pleasant Cities of the East 2. Samarchand which gave both a Cradle and a Grave to the mighty Tamerlain Cathaie CAthaie is bounded on the East with the Oriental Ocean on the West with the other Tartarian Provinces North with the Scythick Sea and South with China this is thought to have been the ancient Habitation of the Ceres It is said of this People that they have neither whore nor thief amongst them Fertility The Soyl aboundeth with variety of Fruits superfluously furnished with Rice Grain Wool Silk Hemp Rheubarb Musk and excellent fine Chamblets so that it scorneth to give precedency to any of the flourishing Provinces of Europe Natures of the People The People are fearless of the greatest dangers and patient of labour they are of a very good wit dress themselves gorgeously and on occasions fare very sumptuously The chief Cities are 1. Caraian where the Women use to guild their teeth 2. Tebeth famous for her abundance of Corral 3. Cambaln seated on the River Polysanga honoured with the great Cham's residence enriched with a mighty confluence of Merchants of all sorts beside other Merchandize there are every year 10000 Carts loaded with Silks sent thither ftom China It is in compass 28 miles besides the Suburbs which beside other Inhabitants are 50000 Astrologers or rather Fortune-tellers 4. Xamdu within this City did Cublai Can build a stately Palace encompassing 16 miles of plain ground with a Wall wherein are fertil Meadows pleasant Springs delightfull streams and all sorts of Beasts of chase and game and in the midst thereof a sumptuous House of pleasure which may be removed from place to place here he doth abide in the moneths of June July and August Government The Government of this Emperour is tyrannical the Great Cham being Lord and in his tongue consists life or death he is called by the simple People the shadow of Spirits and Son of the immortal Gods and by himself is reputed to be the Monarch of the whole World At the Funeral of some of these great Monarchs they use to kill some of his Guard-Souldiers whereof he hath 12000 in continual pay These Chams for the most part are severe Justices and punish almost every small fault with death especially theft lying and adultery Thus much of Tartaria Of India commonly called East-India INdia is bounded on the East with China on the West with the River Indus from whence it takes its denomination on the North with Tartary and on the South with the Ocean This is the biggest Countrey comprehended under one name of any in the World except Tartary and China Rivers The chief Rivers of it are Indus and Ganges Fertility abound it doth in all manner of Minerals except Copper and Lead and stored with all sorts of Cattle except Horses Riches more particularly with Mines of Gold pretious Stones Spices of all sorts and Civet Wheat only and Vines are wanting Natures of the People The People are indifferent civil and ingenious both Men and Women imitate a majesty in their frame and apparel which they sweeten with Oyl and Perfumes adorning themselves with Jewels Pearls and other ornaments befitting Several Nations in India They are a Nation composed of five several sorts of People 1. The Indians or Natives which are in part Gentiles in part Christians The second sort are Mahumetans Persians Tartars The third Jews The fourth Arabians or Moors and the fifth Portugals The River Ganges divideth the Countrey into two parts viz. India intra Gangem and India extra Gangem India intra Gangem India intra Gangem called Industan is divided into 47 Provinces or Kingdomes whereof two have yet their proprietary Kings namely Narsinga and Calecute the rest are under the Command of the Great Mogull The chief of the 47 Provinces are 1. Narsinga 2. Mallabar 3. Balassia 4. Cambaia 5. Mandao 6. Bengala 7. Oristan 8. Canora and 9. Delliâ— Narsinga NArsinga hath on the East the Gulf of Bengala West the Mountain Guate North the Mountain Guadaverno and South the Promontory of Comari It is in compass 3000 miles and hath a King acknowledging no superiour command he keepeth in continual pay 40000 Nairos and is able to bring into the Field many thousands more as his expeditions in War have specified Natures of the People The People hereof use to burn their Wives when their Husbands are dead the cause some ascribe to their Wives wonted custome to poyson their Husbands before this Law In these parts the chief City is St. Thomas or Malleaper where they say St. Thomas was martyred and burnt to his Sepulcher the Indian Christians go on Pilgrimage carrying a little of the earth with them for a great relique The Portugals now inhabit this Town almost desolate the Jesuits also have here a residence There is also Narsinga and Bisnagar fair and great Towns standing within this Kingdom Mallabar Mallabar containeth the Western part which of old was called Aurea Chersonesus It is full of People divided into many States by variety of Rivers which causeth many Crocodiles enriches the Soyl and yields easie transportation of Commodities which are Spices of divers kinds The chief Kingdoms in this Tract are 1. Kanonor 2. Calecute 3. Cranganor 4. Cochin 5. Cariolam and 6. Travancon Calecute is the chief of these Cities the City is not walled nor fair built the ground not yielding firm foundation Fertility This Kingdom hath not above 25 leagues of Sea-coast yet rich both by the fertility of the Soyl
their Custome 3. Roschilt the Sepulchres of the Danish Princes it is not walled yet hath it the title of a City 2. Fionia contains in it 8 Towns the principal whereof are Ottonium or Osel and Sweinbourgh 3. Bornholmia is situate on the Baltick Sea not far from Gothland The chief City is called Bornholm 4. Finera is that Island in which Tychobrahe that famous Mathematician built an artificial Tower wherein are many rare Mathematical Instruments The chief Town is Petersborne Scandia Scandia is invironed with the Seas save where it is joyned to Moscovy It lyeth part on this side part beyond the Artick Circle so that the longest day in the more Northern part is about three moneths It contains the Kingdoms of Denmark Norwey and Swedeland That part which belongeth to Denmark is situate on the South of this Peninsula and is divided into three Provinces viz. Hallandia Scania and Blescida 1. Hallandia hath on the North Swedeland and South Scania The chief Town is Halaenego 2 Scania hath on the South Hallandia on all other parts the Sea It is in length 72 miles and 48 in breadâ—h and is the pleasantest Countrey in all Denmark most abundant in Fruits and most rich in Merchandize The chief Towns are 1. Londen a great Haven-Town 2. Elbogen 3. Falskerbode Here is Elsimbourg one of the Keyes which openeth into the Sound 3. Blescida hath on the North Swedeland It is a mountainous and barren Countrey The chief Towns are 1. Malmogia 2. Colmar a strong Fortress against the Swedelander Norwey NOrwey on the East respecteth Denmark on the West it is bounded with the Ocean on the South lyeth Suevia and on the North it is separated from Lapland Fertility The Land of it self is not sufficiently fruitfull and toward the North yieldeth no sort of Corn therefore the Inhabitants instead of Bread eat dryed Fish called by us Stock-Fish which is transported through Europe in exchange of Corn. Commodity The Countrey especially the Southern part transports rich Furrs Tallow Butter Tann'd-Leather Train-Oyl Pitch Clap-boards all sorts of Timber-Works and Masts Firr-wood and that with great ease and little charge Natures of the people Their Buildings are base and poor the Inhabitants honest lovers of Strangers liberal of gift and most serviceable Amongst them are neither â—ilchers Thieves nor Pirats Their chief Towns are 1. Nidrosia the See of an Archbishop who is Metropolitan of Norwey 2. Bergen one of the four ancient Mart Towns of Europe 3. Ansloyn a Bishops See Thus much of Denmark and Norwey Swedeland Swedeland is bounded on the East with Moscovy on the West with the Dofrine Hills on the North with the frozen Seas and on the South with the Baltick Seas This Countrey alone without the adjacent provinces of Lappia Scricfinia and Biarmia is little less than Italy and France joyned together and with the additions of the said Nations is bigger by a tract of 900 miles Fertility The Soyl is so fertil that to see a Beggar is a difficult matter and the Air is so healthfull that it is ordinary to see Men of an 130 or 140 years of age Commodity It aboundeth with Mines of Lead Copper and Silver which are transported into other Nations together with Hides of Bucks Goats and Oxen Tallow Tare Barley Malt. Natures of the people The People participate much in nature with the Norweians hospitable and valiant as they It containeth the Provinces of Lapland Finland Gothland and Sweden Lappia Lappia is the most Northern part of all Scandia and is divided into the Eastern containing Biarmia and Corelia which belongeth unto the Duke of Russia and the Eastern comprehending Lappia and Scricfinia which are under the King of Sweden These two Provinces use to give worship and divine honour to that living creature what ere it be which they see at their first going out of their doors in the morning and are so poor that they pay unto the King of Sweden for tribute rich Skins and Furrs Finland Finland is situate between the Baltick Sea and the Finland Bay The chief Towns are 1. Abo a Bishops Seat 2. Narve a place of great strength Rangina and Augo both famous Mart-Towns Vames Viburg and Casteholme places of good strength Gothland Gothland is the best and richest Province of the North. It is divided into Island and Continent the Island is seated in the Baltick Seas being in length 18 miles and 5 in breadth The Continent of Gothia is the hithermost part of Scandia next to Denmark The chief Cities are 1. Stockholme seated after the manner of Venice 2. Lodufia a Town of great traffick 3. Waldbourge a well fortified piece and 4. Colmar famous for its impregnable Castle Sweden Sweden is situate on the South of Gothland The Countrey is very fruitfull and delicious unless in some places where the cragginess of the Mountains maketh it more barren and less pleasant The chief Cities of it are 1. Vpsal a famous Bishoprick 2. Nicopia a Sea-Town of good strength 3. Copperdell famous for its abundance of Brass There is also Finmach bordering on the Northern Ocean whose Inhabitants be Witches and Idolaters they use to sell windes to Merchants to carry their Ship to any Port. Bodia is also under his Dominion whose chief Town is Helsinga honoured with the title of a Dukedom Thus much of Sweden Moscovy MOscovy is bounded on the East with Tartary on the West with Lyvonia Lituania and part of Sweden on the North with the Frozen Ocean and on the South with Mare Caspium the Turks and Palus maeotis This Countrey containeth in length from East to West 3300 miles and in breadth 3065 miles Situation It is situate partly in Europe partly in Asia which separation is caused by the River of Tanais bounder of Asia and running through the middle of the Countrey The People are for the most part of a square proportion broad short and thick gray-ey'd and broâ—d-beâ—rded the Commons live in miserable subjection to the Nobles and they again in as great slavery to the Duke or Emperour Natures of the people They are persidious unnatural and malicious altogether unlearned even the Priests themselves are meanly indoctrinated it being cautionated by the great Duke that there be no Schools lest there should be any Scholars besides himself The Women are private fearfull to offend but once lascivious intolerably wanton It is the fashion of those Women to love that Husband best which beateth them most and to think themselves neither loved nor regarded unless they be soundly swadled two or three times a day Cities The chief City of this Kingdome is Mosco where both the Emperour and Patriarch resideth Roscovia and Novogrod are the Seats of Archbishops the latter of these two containeth about 20000 Housholds and was one of the four ancient Mart-Towns of Europe Vologda Smolensko and Plescovia the only walled Town in Muscovy Mosayco St. Nicholas Sugana Vstium
is seated on a Hill and in a fertil Soyl fruitfull of Corn. The free Cities in this Province that belong to the Emperour are 1. Norimberg this City is seated in a barren sandy ground yet is very rich by the Citizens industry This is a most stately City the Buildings whereof are of free-Stone six or seven roofs high In this City is a Granary which is so large as divers years provision may be laid up therein It hath also ten Churches whereof only four are used for Prayer and Preaching 2. Rottenberg a very fair City 3. Francford this City is famous for the Electors meeting here to choose the Emperour and for two yearly Fairs It is compassed strongly with a double Wall upon the East-side the Jewes have a Street who are permitted to dwell in this famous Mart-Town This City is of a round form seated in a large plain the Streets are narrow and the Houses being built of Timber and Clay the foundation of some being laid of free-Stone All the Province excepting the free Cities and the three Cities belonging to the Bishops is subject to the Marquess of Brandenburg Bohemia The Kingdom of Bohemia containeth Bohemia the Dukedom of Silesia the Marquisates of Lusatia and Moravia It is in a manner round and incompassed with great Mountains It contains in circuit 550 English miles in which compass are comprehended 780 Cities walled Towns and Castles and 32000 Villages Fertility The Soil is pleasant and fruitfull abounding with Corn Wood Wine and Grapes and affords Gold and Silver Copper Iron Tin and Lead great quantity Natures of the people The people for the most part live in great plenty and delicacy much resembling the English The Women be very beautifull but somewhat luxurious and that with consent of their Husbands The chief Cities are 1. Prage the Metropolis of Bohemia seated on the River Mulda It is a very great City as being three Towns in one each divided from other by the River Mulda and all three conjoyn'd together by a wooden Bridge of 24 Arches The Streets of this City are filthy there be divers Market-places the Buildings of some Houses are of free-Stone but the most part of Timber and Clay and are built with little beauty or art The second Town of note is Egra and the third is Budweis Silesia Silesia is in length 240 and in breadth 80 miles It is a most delicate and plentifull Countrey divided in the midst by the River Oder The chief Cities are 1. Breslaw a Bishoprick 2. Jagendorf 3. Glogaw Lusatia Lusatia this Countrey although but little to arm 20000 Foot as good as any in Germany The chief Cities are Gorlitz and Trabell on the River Nisse Moravia Moravia this Countrey is the most fertil in Corn in all Germany it aboundeth also with good and pleasant Wine besides it hath also no small store of Myrrh and Frankincence The chief Towns are 1. Brinne the seat of the Marquess 2. Almutz an University This Countrey is very mountainous and woody the people are very warlike and fierce especially the Mountainers The Electorate of the Palatinate The Electorate of the Palatinate His Dominion contains the upper and lower the lower being the chief of the two as being both richer and larger and the Seat of the Elector It is called the lower to distinguish it from the upper This Palatinate is said to be the most pleasing and delicious part in all Germany stored with all Fruits and Metals abounding with those Wines which with us are called Rhenish Wines It is adorned with many gallant Towns the chief whereof is 1. Heidleberg the Seat of the Palsgrave It is incompassed with high Mountains on the South East and North sides but towards the West it hath its Suburbs being longer than the City 2. Openheim 3. Crutznach 4. Frankendate On the East-side of this Countrey standeth Winheim and Lauden on the West-side are the Towns of Newstat and Keifers Upper Palatinate Vpper Palatinate this Countrey lyeth East and North of Bohemia The chief Towns of it are 1. Amberg the birth-place of the present Elector whose silver Mines yield yearly unto the Prince's Coffers 60000 Crowns 2. Newberg 3. Castel where the Palatinates of the Rhene when they journey in this Countrey use to keep their Court. The Electorate of Saxony Saxony is bounded on the East with Lusatia West with Hassia North with Brunswick and South with Franconia and Bohemia It containeth the Countreys of Turingia Misnia Voitland and Saxony Turingia is invironed with Hassia Franconia Misnia and Saxony The chief City is 1. Erdford the Dukes Seat This City is large and ancient and one of the free Cities of the Empire 2. Jene an University of Physitians Misnia is invironed with Bohemia Voitland Thuringia and Saxony The chief Towns are 1. Dresden seated on the Albis This City is very fair and strongly fortified in which the Elector keeps his Court. It is of a round form seated in a plain running between two Mountains but somewhat distant and the Houses are fair built of free-Stone four or five roofs high whereof the highest roof after the Italian fashion is little raised in steepness 2. Leipzich a famous University for Philosophers and Physitians It is seated in a plain of most fruitfull Corn-ground the Streets are fair the Market-place large and stately and such are the chief Houses built of free-Stone four roofs high 3. Râ—…lits 4. Misâ—n and 5 Wittenberg seated in a plain sandy ground one Street lyes the whole length of the Town being all the beauty thereof Voitland is a little Countrey South of Misnia whose chief Cities are 1. Olnitz 2 Werda This Dukedom is seated almost in the midst of Germany all of it together is imagined to be about the bigness of a third part of England The Electorate of Brandenburg The Electorate of Brandenburg this Marquisate is limited on the East with Poland West with Saxony North with Pomerania and South with Lusatia It is in circuit 520 miles in which are contained 50 Cities and 64 walled Towns The chief is 1. Brandenburg 2. Francfort and Oderam It is an University and situate in a Soyl most plentifully stored with Corn and Wines It is most famous for the Mart here kept 3. Berlin the Prince's Seat it is situate on the River Spre 4. Havelbourg the Seat of a Bishop This Marquisate is divided into the new and old the River Odera watering the last the Albis the first Pomerania Pomerania hath on the East the River Vistuta West Meclenburg North the Baltick Ocean and South Brandenburg The chief Towns are 1. Stetin the Prince's Seat and the Metropolis of the Countrey 2. Wolgast 3. Wallin once a famous Town and flourished in traffick but now decay'd 4 Gripswald 5. Newtrepon a Sea-Town To this Province belong three Islands Rugia Wisedonia and Volinia Meâ—…enbourgh Meclenbourg is on the West-part of Pomeren The chief Towns of it are 1.
is covered with mountains woods and thickets it is notwithstanding feâ—til and adorn'd with many large plains and valleys Turcomania Turcomania is seated on the South of Colchis and Iberia the chief Towns are 1. Albanopolis 2. Van a strong Bulwark against the Persians Invasions 3. Arnimig the Metropolis of the Countrey 4. Artaxata now Coy 5. Sebastia the residence of the Patriach of Armenia This Countrey was formerly called Armenia the great to distinguish it from a less in Natolia is now vulgarly called Turcomania It is invironed with Mountains and beautified with Plains amongst the which Chalderan and Mons niger are most renowned The People by nature are much given to theft and spoil some of them inure themselves to tillage and mechanical trades in weaving of Chamblets and Hangings watered and unwatered Arabia ARabia is bounded on the East with the Persian Gulf on the West with the Red Sea on the North with Mesopotamia and Palestine and on the South with the Ocean The People hereof are extreamly addicted to theft which is the better part of their living They are mean of stature swift of foot raw-boned and tawny they are indifferently called Arabians Saracens or Moors Those that are the true Arabians live out of Cities in Tents dispersed over Syria Aegypt and Africk these give themselves to feed Cattel and droves of Camels Those which inhabit the Cities are called Moors these are dispersed over all the Southern part of Asia as Pedia East-India and likewise are advanced to divers Kingdomes famous Cities and worthy Mart-Towns yea and over all the South-coast of Africk This Countrey is 4000 miles in compass the People use the Arabick Language which extends it self through Palestine Syria Mesopotamia Egypt and all Barbary excepting Morocco It is divided into Deserta Petrosa and Felix Arabia Desâ—…ta The Desart Arabia hath a name answerable to the nature of it being in great part without Inhabitants for the barrenness of the Soyl only towards the River Euphrates and the Mountains of Arabia Felix it hath some Towns and is frequented with Merchants other-where fed with such roving Arabians as having no Houses wander to and fro seeking where to find pasture for their Beasts and lodge in Tents Bosra the City Petrosa Arabia Petrosa joyneth on the West and North to Syria on the East to the Desart Arabia and South to the Happy nigh to Syria This is somewhat fertil but otherwhere exceeding barren Both in this part and the former they had need go strong and well accompanied for fear of robbery and spoil which the Arabians attend This part is famous for the passage of the Israelites through the same and abode therein forty years The memorable things herein are the Mountains Sinai and Horeb upon the former whereof is built a Monastery of Christians following the Greek Church and the only Receptacle or Inn for wayfaring Christians other place of relief there is none Within this Countrey are good store of Dromedaries which will carry a Man an hundred miles a day here is also good store of Ostriches The chief Towns are 1. Petra 2. Aresh 3. Ezion geber on the coast of the Red Sea where Solomon's Navy kept station before they put forth to the Land of Ophir Felix Arabia Felix containeth a Peninsula girt almost round with the Persian Gulf the Red Sea and the Ocean In this Countrey is the Phenix which growing old burneth her self to ashes and from the ashes another Phenix is ingendred This is the most fruitfull and pleasant Countrey in all Asia abounding with Gold and Pearl Balsamum Myrrh and Frankincence besides Cassia and Cynamon This seemeth to be the Countrey wherein Saba stood the chief City of the Sabeans whose Queen visited Solomon 2. Medina 3. Mecha where Christians are not permitted to enter Within this City is the Body of Mahomet inclosed in an iron Chest 4. Oran the Key of the South-Ocean 5. Elter the only Town of Arabia where the Christians are of the greatest number Besides it is full of Villages especially toward the Sea-side where are many excellent places of trade Assyria ASsyria hath on the East Media on the West Mesopotamia on the North Armenia major and on the South Susiana a Province of Persia It is a custome in this Countrey that the Maids which are marriageable are yearly brought forth in publick and set to sale to such as would marry them and the money which was given for the fairest was given to the most deformed for their portions The chief Cities were and are 1. Nineve It was once a great City containing 66 miles in circuit but now almost ruin'd to nothing To this City was Jonah sent to preach 2. Arzeri whence the whole Region is called Arzeri 3. Arvela nigh unto which Alexander fought his third and last Battel against Darius 4. Mosull the Seat of the Nestorian Patriarch This City is in fame for its Cloth of Gold and Silk and for its fertility Mesopotamia MEsopotamia hath on the East Tygris on the West Euphrates on the North the Hill Caucasus and on the South Chaldea This Countrey in the Scriptures is called Padan Aram It is invironed with the Rivers Tigris and Euphrates which over-flow the Countrey as Nilus doth Egypt making it very fertil and now it is called Dierbeck Fertility The Soyl is exceeding fertil yielding in some places two and in some three hundred increase Here was Abraham born hither sent he his Servant to choose a Wife for his Son Isaac and hither Jacob fled from his Brother Esau and here Paradise is by most Men affirmed to have stood and as some think in an Island made by the River Tigris and Euphrates The chief Cities are 1. Rechiais formerly Edessa The second Town of note is Caramit the Seat of a Turkish Bassa who is of great command in those parts it is the Mother-City of the Countrey and is said to be twelve miles in compass Between this City and Orpha was the Paradise of Aladeules where he had a Fortress destroy'd by Selim. 3. Madrin Chaldea CHaldea is bounded on the East with Assyria on the West with Syria on the North with Armenia and on the South with Arabia Deserta The chief Cities were 1. Vr now Horrea where Abraham departed when he went to live at Aram 2. Erech 3. Accad 4. Bagdet built out of the ruines of Babylon this City standeth upon the River Euphrates and is a great rich and strong City with mighty strong Walls whereon are planted 120 pieces of brass Ordnance It is a Town of great traffick between which and Aleppo Carriers travel very often with many hundred Camels laden with Commodities There are only two Venetian Factors who trade for inestimable wealth of all sorts also some small number of Armenians which are all the Christians that are there resident They have a custome here of sending Post Pidgeons or sending by Pidgeons Letters of all Occurrences in hast The chief Rivers of
which yieldeth Corn Spices Cocos Jaceros and many other Fruits and by the situation as the Staple especially before the Portugals unfriendly Neighbourhood of Indian Merchandize and therefore in her variety of Merchants being a Map as it were of all the Eastern World The Egyptians Persians Syrians Arabians Indians yea even from Catay the space of 6000 miles had here their trade and traffick The People here do yield divine honour to divers of the deceased Saints and build Temples unto Beasts The Gentlemen and Merchants have a custome to exchâ—nge Wives in token of great friendship Some Women amongst them have six or seven Husbands fathering their Children on which of them she best pleaseh The Men when they marry get others to use them if they be Virgins 15 or 20 dayes before they themselves do bed them Cranganor is a small Kingdom the Inhabitants of this City are Christians of St. Thomas profession about 70000 in number Cochin is now grown great by the Portugals traffick and friendship of the rest there there is not much worth recital The King of Coulam's Dominion stretcheth some 80 miles in which there is some 23 walled Towns Balassia Balassia or the Kingdom of Bocan is famous for its inexhaustible Mines of Gold and Silver The chief Cities of it are 1. Balassia 2. Bocan 3. Senergian Cambaia Cambaia is also called Guzant containing in length from the River Bate to Circam a Persian Region 500 miles of Sea-coast being on other parts invironed with the Kingdoms of Dulcinda and Sanga on the North Mandao on the East and on the West the Gedrosians the Sea and confines of Decan are the Southerly bounds It hath in it by estimation 60000 inhabited places watered with many streams the chief whereof is Indus Fertility This Countrey is very fertil not yielding to any other in India in the Fruits which the Trees and Earth bring forth beside the store of Elephants Gems Silk Cotton and such like Natures of the People The People are of an Olive-colour go naked except about their privy parts they eat no Flesh but Rice Milk Barley and other lifeless creatures Their chief Sea-Towns are Daman Bandora Curate Ravellum and within Land Cambaia Mallabar Campanel and Tanaa Cambaia hath bestowed the name on the whole Kingdom which they call the Indian Cairo for the excellency thereof it standeth three miles from Indus The Inhabitants of it are a mixture of Mahometans Moors Persians Bannyans and from Arabia they are crafty and deceitfull the Priests are singularly reputed of the Women proper but vailed and obscure in their best aspect their faces they colour their teeth black thinking that shews most delight and beauty ard to differ from Dogs whose teeth are white their Apparel is like the other Indians Mandao Mandao this Kingdom is so called of the chief City 1. Mandao which being 30 miles in compass held out a siege of twelve years 2. Molta where the Women ride booted and spur'd 3. Scernus 4. Polymbothia Bengala Bengala the Kingdom of Bengala is very large and hath a coast 120 leagues and as much within Land the River Chaberis watereth it Riches It is plentifull in Rice Wheat Sugar Ginger Long Pepper Cotton and Silk and enjoyeth a very wholesome Air. The Inhabitants near the shore are for the most part Mahumetans Gouro the State-Royal and Bengala are fair Cities Chatigan is also reckoned among the Cities Natures of the People They are a most subtil and wicked People and are esteemed the worst slaves in all India for that they are all Thieves and the Women Whores although this fault is common through all India no place excepted Here are found great abundance of Rhinocerots whose Horn and all other parts is good against poyson Oristan Oristan the Kingdom of Oristan hath on the Sea-coast 350 miles betwixt the richer Kingdoms of Bengala and Bisnagar poor of Ports and traffick Raman is the Royal City The Inhabitants except a few Moors are Gentiles little or nothing differing in Rites from their Neighbours Canora Canora the chief Cities of this Kingdom are 1. Vltabat 2. Danggar 3. Lispoe famous for her quarries of Adamant Six leagues from Decan is a Hill out of which the Diamond is taken this Hill is kept by a Garrison and walled about Dellie Dellie the Kingdom of Dellie is Northerly subject to cold and frosts as in Europe The chief Cities of this Kingdom are 1. Dellie 2. Besmer famous for the study of Magick 3. Tremell and 4. Fultabar This Prince liveth in great state having a Revenue correspondent thereunto his Subjects do reverence him exceedingly making it Holy-day when he cutteth his Hair or shaveth his Beard He is alwayes carried on Mens shoulders in a pompous Chair adorned richly Thus much of India intra Gangem India extra Gangem INdia extra Gangem hath on the East China West the rest of India This India hath formerly been divided amongst 12 Potentates but now by the prosperous fortune of the Kings of Siam and Brama it is wholly subject to their command The most remarkable of these 12 Kingdoms are Machin Arachan Camboia Cauchin-China Brama Siam and Pegu. Machin Machin This Kingdom is accounted famous for the Wood called by us Aloes by the Latin Writers Lignum Vitae this Wood is valued at its weight in pure Silver The chief City is Machin Arachan Arachan This Kingdom is environed round with Mountains and impenetrable Woods The chief Cities are 1. Arachan 2. Ava famous for her abundance of Gems Camboia Camboia This is a great and populous Countrey full of Elephants and Abadas this Beast is the Rhineceros The chief City is Camboia a Town of great Traffick and Commerce for its plenty of Gold Silver and Aloes and other Commodities of great worth Treacherous people They are a treacherous people as may appear by their dealing with the Hollanders in 160â— whom they invited to the shore with promise of certain Buffs and then cruelly slew them Cauchin-China Cauchin-China This Kingdom is situate between the River Cantan and the Kingdom of Siam divided into three Provinces and as many Kings Riches It aboundeth with Gold Silver Aloes Porcelane and Silk Their chief City is Cauchin-â—hina situate on the Sea much frequented by Merchants for Porcelanâ—… or China-Dishes here made Brama Brama Of this Kingdom of Brama the City-Royal is Pegu the Nation where began the greatness of the late Kings not long since This Kingdom was of no estimation but now hath he made all his Neighbours his Homagers having subjected to his Seigniory 12 Kingdoms being all of them rich in the best Commodities that the Indians afford Siam Siam This was not long since the Queen or Lady of this part of India but now is subject to the King of Brama The principal Cities are 1. Malaca now subject to the Portugals they have there their Bishop and a Colledge of
if the lawfull Wife be barren These women are not suffered to go abroad nor likewise to speak unto their Kinsfolks His Courtiers are Eunuchs whom their poor Parents have gelded in their youth in hope of Courtly preferment of these there are supposed to be in the Court some 16000. Burials When any of these Chinoys dye they clothe him in his best Apparel set him in his best Chair and there all his hindred kneel before him and take their leave with tears when he is Coffined they place him in a room richly furnished and set by him a Table full of Viands and good chear with Candles continually burning and when he hath layn thus 15 dayes he is carried forth to his Funeral where they burn his Body Men Cattle and Provision for his attendance and sustenance Thus much of China and of the Continent of Asia Of Africa AFrica is a Peninsula encompassed almost round with the Red Sea on the East the Atlantick Ocean on the West the Southern Ocean on the South and the Mediterranean on the North. Where the Sea is defective to make it an Island there is a little Isthmus which tyeth it to Asia which is but 60 miles in length The form of Africk is like a Pyramis reversed the Basis whereof is in breadth 1920 miles but from the Pyris to the Basis it extendeth it self 4155 miles being much less than Asia and far bigger than Europe and yet not so well peopled Nature having made here her solitary place of retiring attended here by scorching heats and showers of Sands such are the many Desarts in Africa fertil only in barrenness yet in some places beyond admiration for fertility Many are the Creatures which Africa yieldeth not usual in our parts Elephants are there plenty and keep in great Herds together also Lions Leopards Crocodiles Sea-horses Hyenas and such like The usual division of this Countrey is into Barbary Numidia Lybia the Land of Negros Ethiopia Inferior Ethiopia Exterior Egypt and the Islands Barbary ALl the Tract of Land between Atlas and the Sea stretching in length from Egypt to the Straights is called Barbaria It comprehendeth both Mauritanias Africa minor Lybia exterior besides Cyreniaca and Marmarica Division It is bounded on the East with Cyreniaca West with the Atlantick Ocean North the Mediterranean and South the Hill Atlas It is divided into four Kingdoms Tunis Algier Fez and Morocco all which are of the like fertility and peopled with the like Inhabitants only the Cities speak the Arabick but not pure and the Countrey use the old African tongue Fertility The fertility consists in Fruits Figs Olives Dates Sugar and Horses of excellent beauty strength and service Natures of the People The Men are of a duskish colour comely of body stately of gate implacable in hatred constant in affection laborious and treacherous The Women are sumptuous in Jewels beautifull in blackness having delicate soft skins Tunis Tunis the Kingdom of Tunis containeth all that which the Ancients called Africa propria or minor and Numidia antiqua The Soyl is healthfull especially the West-part the Inhabitants are sound and healthfull seldom vexed with any sickness hereof are reckoned five parts Bugia Constantia Tunis Tripolis and Ezab this Ezab is the most Easterly-part having many Towns and Regions amongst which some account Mesrata from these parts unto Capes is the Tripolitan Region The chief Town is Tripolis where the Turk hath his Bassa or Viceroy a receptacle of the Pirates which rove and rob in those Seas This Region was named so of three Cities whose Colonies planted it Abrotonum Tophia and Leptis from Capes to Guadilbarbar is the Tunetan Territory The chief City is Tunis it is a great City since the ruines of Carthage near unto which it standeth It hath in it about 10000 Housholds it hath many Temples especially one of singular beauty and greatness Bizerta is also an ancient City supposed by some to be Vtica where Cato slew himself from thence unto the Mountain of Constantia is that Region hereof bearing name Constantia is the chief City it is an ancient City containing 8000 Families and many sumptuous Buildings a great Temple two Colledges and three or four Monasteries much resorted to by Merchants every Trade having their peculiar Streets In this Region is situate Bona someime called Hippo where St. Austin was Bishop Bugia so called of Bugia the principal City extends it self 150 miles this Bugia was once adorned with Temples Monasteries Hospitals and Colledges of Students in the Mahumetan Law Ezab is the most Easterly part of the Tunetan Kingdom the chief Province whereof is Mesrata The Inhabitants are rich and pay no tribute there grow Dates and Olives and they traffick with the Numidians to whom they carry the Wares which they buy of the Venetians The Great Turk swayeth with his Ottoman Scepter at this present the Kingdom of Tunis and all Africa from Bellis de Gomora to the Red Sea except that little which the Spaniard hath Algier and Telensin Algier and Telensin these Kingdoms were of old called Mauritanica The Kingdom of Telensin containeth in length from East to West 380 miles in breadth not above 25. It hath two frequented Haven-Towns Oram and Mersalcabir both taken and holden by the Spaniards Oran is a fair City having in it about 10000 Families Algier is subject to the Turks here is the Seat of a Turkish Viceroy or Beglerbeg and of Turkish Rovers It containeth about 4000 Families the Buildings very sumptuous Inns Bath-stones and Temples very beautifull every Occupation hath a several place by it self It hath adjoyning Plains very pleasant and fertil one whereof is 45 miles long and 30 broad it was sometime subject to the Kingdom of Telensin Within these Kingdoms standeth the Desart of Angad wherein are store of Roes Deer and Ostriches Arabian Thieves and Lyons Guaguido and Tegdemit are two Cities belonging to this Kingdom Fez. Fez this Kingdom of Fez stretcheth from Azamor to Tangier and from the Atlantick Ocean to Muldia This River is the Eastern Border on the North it is washed with the Sea on the South is the Kingdom of Morocco and on the West the River Ommicabili the Rivers Sube Luccus and others water it therein are numbred seven Provinces Temesna the Territory of Fez Azgar Elhabet Errif Garet and Chaus every of which had in old times their several Governours The City of Fez is now the Royal Seat it hath this golden title given it because the first day of the foundation of it there was found some quantity of Gold This City is now both great and strong and for the sweet situation of it both Nature and Art have played their parts for it is watered with a delicate River which disperseth it self by manifold channels into every Street and corner of the City and by Conduit-Pipes closely visiting every Temple Colledge Inn Hospital yea and almost every private House from whence with an officious service it
Inhabitants It hath on the East Ethiopia Superior West the Atlantick Ocean North Lybia and South the Kingdom of Manicongo in Ethiopia Inferior Natures of the People The Inhabitants at most want the use of reason most alienate from dexterity of wit and all Arts and Sciences prone to luxury and are for the greater part Idolaters Riches The Countrey is abundantly stored with Gold and Silver very fine and pure The River Niger here as the River Nilus in Egypt overfloweth the adjacent Fields for the space of 40 dayes and in so many more recollects his waters into his proper Channels The chief Provinces or Kingdoms of which here are 25 are Kingdoms or Provinces Gualata this Province was subdued by the King of Tombuto a beggarly thievish lying Countrey as any is in the World they anoint their hair every day with the fat of Fish for great gallantry whereof they stink exceedingly The women esteem it their chiefest parts of goodly feature to have large breasts which by art and stretching some have them hanging to their Navel Guinea confineth with Gualata here there is neither Town nor Castle but Mina built and fortified by the Portugal for their better trading here They have some Snakes here of 30 foot long Spiders as big as the palm of ones hand slore of Camelions blue Parrots and many sorts of Apes They esteem it a great part of beauty to have a flat Nose Tombutum this is the richest Prince in all this part of Africk keeping a Royal Palace he hath some Scepters that weigh 13000 pound weight a piece The King will admit no Jews into the City he hateth them so yet he loveth and maintaineth a great number of learned men Melli a Countrey of 300 miles in length hath the richest civilest and industriousest Inhabitants of any amongst these Negrites Cano is a Countrey abounding in Lemmons and Pomegranates Gialofi the people hereof are of that admirable nimbleness that they will leap on a Horse when he gallopeth and stand upright when he runs fastest Benin here the people go naked untill they are married and then are clothed from the wast to the knees the King hereof hath 600 Wives with all which twice a year he goeth in pomp the Gentlemen have some 80 some 90 the meanest 1â— Men and Women pinck their bodies putting thereon grease mixed with colour here they offer their Wives to Strangers Nubia stretcheth from Gaoga unto Nilus having the Egyptian confines on the North and the Desarts of Goran on the South Dangala is their chief Town and hath 10000 Families but ill built their Houses being Chalk and Straw the Inhabitants with their Traffick to Cairo become rich there is in this Kingdom great store of Corn Sugar Civet Sandal and Ivory They have a strong poyson here the tenth part of a Grain whereof will kill a man in a quarter of an hour one Ounce is sold for 100 Ducats Bornum here the people have neither Children Wives nor Names but are distinguished by some external accident Gaoga this Kingdom hath neither civility letters nor Government The chief Towns of these Provinces are Tombutum Genni Agadez Guangara Songum and Choninam the third City in estimation of all Africk Thus much of the Land of the Negros Ethiopia Superior or the Empire of Prester John THis is the greatest and powerfullest Prince in all Africk his Dominion begins at the entrance of the Red Sea and stretcheth to the entrance of the Island of Seine North East on Egypt and the Desarts of Nubia and on the South-side on Monemugi It contains in compass 4000 Italian miles Fertility The Region is scarce in Wheat but plenty in Rice Barley Pease and Beans They have abundance of Sugar Minerals of all sorts and infinite Herds of Oxen and Sheep they have no coyn of Gold or Silver Salt is the most currant money The Mountains and Woods are full of Bassill and other odoriferous Plants Natures of the People The people are much inclined to Barbarism destitute of learning not to be credited unless they swear by the life of their Prince they hate a Smith equally with the Devil their colour is generally Olive-tawny Rivers Their chief Rivers are Abas Totcasis and Nilus There are in this Empire 70 tributary Kingdoms the chief whereof are Barnagasso this Kingdom is situate upon the Red Sea it stretcheth from Suachen almost to the mouth of the Streits it hath no other Port on the Red Sea but Erocco neither hath the Prester any other Port in all his Dominion but this and of late the Turk hath taken this with that of Suachen and forced the Governour of this Province to compound for the yearly sum of 1000 ounces of Gold Tigramahon this Kingdom lyeth between Nilus Marabo Angote and the Sea It hath in it Cazunio supposed to be the Royal Seat of that Queen that visited Solomon Angote is between Tigramahon and Amare in this Kingdom Iron and Salt is currant money The Hill Amarah Amara is situate in the midst of the Countrey here is a steep Hill dilating it self in a round form many dayes journey in compass It is situate in a Plain extending it self every way without other Hill in the same for the space of â—0 leagues the form is round the height is such that it is a dayes work to ascend from the bottom to the top the air above is wholesome and delectable and they live there very long without sickness there are 34 Palaces on the top spacious sumptuous and beautifull where the Princes of the Royal blood have their abode with their Families Xoa this Kingdom hath store of Corn and Cattle Goyame this Kingdom hath plenty of Gold here only and in the Hills of the Moon is found the Unicorn which is seldom seen only the Horn is found which he casteth in manner of the Hart. Fatigar in Fatigar is a Lake on the top of a high Mountain 12 miles in compass stored with Fish and thence run many Rivers stored with the same Fish Guegere was sometime called Mero the Inhabitants are confederate with the Turks and Moors against the Abassines it is an Island situate in the Riveâ— Nilus The chief Cities of this Kingdom are Saba and Zambra besides these two there is none have above 3000 Houses in them but these are populous and magnificent with Towers Temples triumphant Arches Obelisks Pyramides and the like tokens of Industry Antiquity and Majesty Saba was founded by the Queen which visited Solomon and was the Mother-City of the Empire It hath 5000 Houses great and sumptuous the Streets spacious with Portals and Pent-houses it hath four choice Gates all Alablaster and Jasper wrought with antique works the great doors of Cedar curiously carved the wayes that lead to these Gates for the space of two leagues are set with Palms Planes Oranges Cedars Cypress and other Trees on both sides for shade and fruit Near to this City are Mines of Gold Gardens and other
places of pleasure and profit Zambra is greater containing 30000 Houses and innumerable concourse of people It stands in the Kingdom of Caffates and near the great Lake called hereof Zambra where the Emperour leaving his wonted manner of removing up and down in Tents hath fixed his Court-Royal and yet without the City are many Tents belonging to the Court The other Cities are Cossonum Zameta Aruma Eranco and Suachen besides the Kings Court which is as a wandring City for with his Tents and Pavilions belonging to him he covereth no less than ten miles Buildings Their Houses in Ethiopia are for the most part round all of Earth flat-roofed covered with Thatch compassed with Yards They sleep on Ox-Hides they have neither Table nor Table-Clothes but have their Meat served in on wooden Platters some eat Flesh raw others broyl it The Person of this Emperour is very much honoured nay adored by the common People to whom he sheweth himself but thrice a year viz. Christmas Easter and Holy-Rood Thus much of the Ethiopian Empire Of Ethiopia Exterior EThiopia Inferior called also Exterior hath on the East the Red Sea West the Aethiopian Ocean North Terra Nigrarum and South the Southern Ocean Division The usual division of this Region is into five parts viz. Aian Benomotapa Zanzibar Cafaria and Congo Aian Aian after the Arabian account containeth all that Region that lyeth between the mouth of the Red Sea and Quilimanci being for the most part on the Sea-coast inhabited by the said Arabians but in the Inland-part thereof are People of a black heathenish Nation It comprehendeth two Kingdoms Adel and Adea the former of which extendeth it self from the mouth of the Red Sea to the Cape Guardasu South and West it bordereth on the Dominion of Prester John about the Kingdom of Fatigar Fertility It aboundeth with Flesh Honey Wax Corn Gold Ivory The chief City is Arar Zeila also and Barbora pertain to this â—ingdom Cities without the Streit on the Sea much frequented by Merchants It is stored with variety of Merchandize and yieldeth some representation of Antiquity in building thereof consisting of Lime and Stone Adea is situate between Adel Abassia and the Sea to which last it is tributary The chief Towns are Brava Pate and Gogia these two last belong to the Portugal Zanzibar Zanzibar extendeth from the River Quilimanci to Benomotape It is a low fenny woody Countrey with many Rivers which by the extremity of moisture causes the Air to be intemperate From the Waste upward they go naked Herein are contained the Territories of Melinde Mombara Quiloa Mozambique and others Melinde is the name of a Kingdom and of the chief City thereof The Inhabitants near the Sea are Moors and build their Houses after the manner of Europe Quiloa is the name of a City and Island which is a Kingdom of the Moors and extendeth her Dominion far in the Coast The People of this Island use when they have female-Children born to sew up the private passages of nature leaving only a small passage for the Urine and if they want this sign of their Virginity when they are married they are disgracefully sent home to their Parents and by them as opprobiously received Here are divers other Kingdoms also as Mombara Mozimba Macuas Embeve and against them the Promontory Prassum Mozambique by this name is signified a Kingdom in the Continent and Island also with a safe harbour Mozambique Island is inhabited by Portugals which have there a strong Castle Here the Portugal Ships winter they have Trade in the Continent in Sena Macura Sofala and Cuama Sofala is a rich Kingdom and abounds in Gold and Ivory it lyeth between Cuama and Magnice two Rivers Here the Portugals have on a little Island a Port and Factory of very rich Trade the People bringing great quantity of Gold for their Cloth and other Commodities it is supposed that it amounteth to two millions yearly Orfe is of opinion that this Sofala is that which in Solomon's time was called Ophir Besides these Kingdoms before-mentioned here are Gorova Colta Norzuge Moneulo Baduis and Monoemagi which is rich in Gold Benomotopa Benomotopa is almost invironed round with Waters having on the West and South the River callâ—d Rio D'Infanto on the East the Ocean and on the North the River Quama This Countrey is in compass 450 miles and aboundeth with such store of Elephants that no less than 5000 are yearly killed for their Teeths sake Here are said to be 3000 Mines of Gold the chief being Manica Boro and Quitiani The Mines nearest to Sofala are those of Manica which are in wide Champaignes compassed with Mountains 90 miles in circuit The places where the Gold is appear and are known by the dryness and barrenness of the Soyl. In the Mines of Boro and Quiticui and in the Rivers is found Gold but not so pure The chief Provinces are Motana Tocoa Melchucha Quinibebe Berfaca and Banagall The chief Cities are Benomotopa Zimbas and Tongum the Kings Seat Natures of the People All the People of this Region are of curled Hair and are more ingenious than those which are against Mozambique Quiloa and Melinde among whom are many that eat Mans Flesh and let their Kine blood to satisfie their thirst They punish nothing more than Witch-craft Adultery and Theft Cafraria Cafraria hath on the East Rio D'Infanto West and South the Ocean and North Lune Montes The People live like Beasts and are as black as Pitch Here are in this Countrey besides great herds of Oxen and Sheep abundance of Deer Antilopes Baboons Foxes Hares Ostriches Cranes Pelicans Herons Geese Ducks Phesants Partridges In this Countrey near the Cape of good Hope the People esteem so much of Brass or Iron and other trifles that they would exchange their Cowes and Sheep for a piece of old Iron scarce worth four pence Congo Congo hath on the East Aubassia West the Ethiopian Ocean North the Land of Negros and South the Hills called Lune Montes The Provinces of this Kingdom are 1. Matama this is a Kingdom great and mighty the Air thereof is wholsome Fertility the Earth outwardly furnished with store of Fruits inwardly with Mines of Christal and other Metals Angola was sometime a Province of this Kingdom but it is now a Kingdom of it self and very populous Here are Mines of Silver and most excellent Copper They have many Kine but love Dogs better than any other Flesh and fat them to the Shambles These Countreys are very populous insomuch that they sell to the Portugals yearly 28000 Slaves The chief Towns are 1. Benza call'd by the Portugals S. Savours 2. S. Pall lying on the Sea-shore It is the principal Haven in these parts Thus much of Ethiopia Exterior Egypt THis Kingdom is confined on the East with the Arabian Desarts those of Bara Lybia and Numidia West South it is divided from Ethiopia by the
Isles THe principal Islands of this Sea are Cytherea the Strophodes Zacynthus the Echinades Cephalenia Corcyra Ithaca Leucadia Cytherea or Serigo Cytherea or Serigo this Isle is in compass 60 miles and about some five miles distant from Cape malo in Peloponesus It was formerly called Porphyrus from the abundance of Marble whereof the Mountains yield good plenty defended it is by Rocks in themselves inaccessible It hath but one Castle which is kept by a Venetian In this Isle is the Village Capsalo which is a Haven for small Barks Strophades Strophades these are two Isles now called Strivalli lying against Messenia famous for nothing but Harpies Zant. Zant this Island is not above 60 miles in compass yet is unspeakable fruitfull producing the best Oyl in the World It hath a City of great strength bordering along the Sea-side the chief Seat of the Isle on the top of a Hill near the Town standeth a strong Fortress wherein the Governour liveth This City in the Moneth of October and November is subject to fearfull Earthquakes which oft-times subverteth the Houses for which cause they build them very low Riches It produceth good store of Currans Olives Pomegranates Citrons Oranges Lemmons and Grenadiers Natures of the People The Islanders are Greeks a kind of subtil People and great dissemblers The Echinades The Echinades are certain little Islands or rather great Rocks now called Curzalari These Islands are in number five and are famous for nothing but the Battle of Lepanto fought nigh them Cephalonia Cephalonia this Isle is in circuit 156 miles and in length 48. It is very mountainous yet exceeding fertil Riches yielding Maluasie Muskadine Vino Leatico Raisins Olives Figs Honey Sweet Water Mulberry Pine Date and Cypress-Trees and all sorts of Fruits in abundance the commodity whereof redounds yearly to the Venetian for they are Seigniors hereof The chief Towns of it are Argastuli Guiscardo and Nollo Corfu this Isle is in length 52 miles in breadth 37 and in compass 120. It is no less strong than beautifull the Inhabitants are Greeks and the Governour a Venetian The City Corfu is situate at the foot of a Mountain whereon are built two Fortresses and invironed with a natural Rock the one is called Fortrezza Nova and the other Fortrezza Vechia The Governour of these two Castles are sworn not to communicate nor to write one to another for the space of two years which is the time of their Government for if these two Castles were taken the Trade of the Venetian were of no account Riches This Isle produceth good store of Wine Oyl Wax Honey and delicate Fruits Ithaca Ithaca this Isle now called Valde Compare lyeth North-East of Cephalonia being in compass 56 miles famous for the Birth of Vlysses Leucadia Leucadia this Isle now called St. Maure is only inhabited by Jews the chief City is St. Maure not long since subject to the Venetian but of late lost unto the Turks Thus much of the Ionian Isles The Adriatick Sea THis Sea extendeth 700 miles in length and 140 in breadth The Islands of this Sea are neither many great nor famous The chief Islands of this Sea are Lesina Lissa and Carzola Lesina Lesina this Island of Lesina is the biggest in the Adriatick Sea and is in circuit 150 miles It is exceeding fertil and yieldeth all things necessary for the sustenance of Man The City is unwalled and of no great quantity but they have a strong Fortress which defendeth the Town the Haven and the Vessels in the Rhode Lissa or Clissa Lissa or Clissa this Island is of length 20 and in circuit 60 miles It is beautified with two profitable Sea-Ports and is subject to the Venetian Curzola Curzola In this Island the chief Town is Curzola it hath two strong Fortresses and is commodious both for the Traffick of Merchandize they have and also for the fine Wood that groweth there whereof the Venetians make their Ships and Gallies it is in compass 90 miles being no less pleasant than profitable and the most populous of all the rest The Governour hereof is changed every 18 months by the States of Venice The other Islands in this Sea are Absirtides Cheros Wegger Grissa and Arbe the only Havenless Island of the whole Sea which defect is recompenced by its natural pleasantness Thus much of the Adriatick Sea The Mediterranean Sea THis Sea is so called because it hath its course in the middle of the Earth The chief Islands of it are Sicilia Malta Corsica Sardinia and the Baleares Sicilia THis Island is environed round with the Sea and hath in circuit 700 miles Fertility The Soyl is incredible fruitfull excelling in all sorts of Grain as Corn Wheat Wine Sugar Rice Oyl Salt Aâ—…um all kinds of Fruit and exceeding good Silk exquisite Mines of Metal and the best Coral in the World is found here The most of the Towns and Villages within land are built on the highest Hills and greatest heights in the Countrey by reason it is a great defence in the time of Carsary Invasion and from the salubrity of the air There are divers Grounds in this Island and Valleys that abound so in Wheat that the Inhabitants recoyle 100 measures for one In this Countrey is the Hill Hibla famous for Bees and Honey and the Hill Aetna which continually sendeth forth flames of fire Natures of the Inhabitants The Inhabitants of this Island are very humane ingenious eloquent and talkative pleasant they are and effeminate but generally wondrous kind to Strangers The chief Cities of this Island are 1. Palermo the Seat of the Vice-roy situate in the North-West part over against Sardinia It is a spacious City and well watered with delicate Fountains having goodly buildings and large Streets whereof Strado reale is principal The 2. City is Messina toward the East it is impregnable and graced with a famous Haven having three invincible Castles the chief whereof is St. Salvator by the Sea side In this City is held a Fair every year in August wherein all sorts of Merchandize are to be sold especially Raw-Silk in abundance The 3. City is Syracusa standing in the Southern Coast a renowned City and sometime the Metropolitan Seat The 4. City is Trapandy in the West over against Biserta in Barbary it yieldeth passing fine Salt The Marine here excelleth in Ruby and Coral which setteth half the Town at work which being refined is dispersed over all Christendom The other Cities of note are Catania placed at the Marine foot of Mount Aetna Nicosia and Emma two mid-land Towns Rudazza Franca Villa Bronzo and Argenti once Agrigentum where the Tyrant Phallaris lived Malta THis Island was formerly called Melita and is the place where the Viper leaped on Pauls hand mentioned Acts 28. 2. Fertility This Isle may properly be termed the Fort of Christendom yet a barren place and of no great bounds yielding neither
many other Islands are subject to them the chief whereof is the King of Ternate who is said to have had 70 Islands under his subjection none of these Islands are above 6 leagues in compass Riches inriched with Cloves but of other fruits-barren and poor in Ternante is an exceeding high Hill which lifts his head above the Airy Regions of the Clouds and and seems to conjoyn with the fiery Elements it casts out continually bright Flames mixed with a dark smoake The Inhabitants The Moluccoes are better proportioned than any other Indians Brown of colour and mean of Stature and for Vallor they have not their like in India especially those of Ternante choosing rather to dye than flee Amboya is a fertile Island producing Orenges Citrons Lemmons Cloves Coquos Bonanus Suger-canes and other fruits being a very fertil Island the Inhabitants are simple live sparingly and attired like other the Moluccans Banta is distant from Amboya some 24 Dutch miles and comprehend about 5 miles the chiefe City is Nera which is chief not only of Banda but of the Moluccoes In this Island are more store of Nutmegs than elsewhere in the Moluccoes for which cause they resort hither from Java China and Mallaca Java Major Java is an Isle both great and famous judged to stand in the Gulfe of Bengala In it are many Kings most of which are tributary to the Emperor entitled Mataran it is oval in form and in circuit not much inferior to England Riches abounds with sort of Aromatique Spices of which store Pepper is the best and most feasable Merchandize Iâ—habitants The Inhabitants are for the most part Mahomitans their colour is black so is their Actions they are dismal strong impatient and subtle strong limmed and excellent Swimmers Their chief Cities are Fortam Sarrabaia Tuban Matura but Bantam is of most Traffick frequented by Portugals Dutch and English in which every day are three several Markets here Merchants when they come may buy a Woman for their fleshly and worldly business which at their departure they sel again The King of Turban is the richest King and mightyest in all Java They have many Horses of which they make great account they deck them with furniture of Gold Silver and the counterfeits of Dragons and Devils on their Saddles they ride and mannage them with great skill North from Java is Madara a fertil Island of Rice Arosbay is their chief City the people are theevish and given to spoil they captived some of the Hollanders that went thither on Shore to buy Commodities Here in these parts they have Bats as big as Hens which the people rost and eat Also near Java is the Isle of Baly abounding in Bulls Buffols Goats Swine with many kind of Fowls Fruits and Metals Here the Women are burned with their dead Husbands Burneo Burneo In this Island they are partly Moors and partly Gentiles they worship the Sun and Moon whom they think to be Man and Wife and the Stars their Children they salute the Sun at his rising and handle all their publick affairs in the night In it they have two Kings and two Royal Cities situate in Salt-Water Sumatra Sumatra this Island by some is esteemed the greatest of the Eastern Islands stretching almost 700 miles in length and 200 in breadth The Air is not very wholsome by reason of its situation under the Line Riches The Inhabitants feed on Rice Millet Sagu and Fruits Their Riches are Pepper Ginger Cassia Silk Benioyn Gold Tin and Iron This Island is divided into several Kingdoms the chief whereof is â—…cheen who as he precedes the rest in state riches and power so is he formost in tyranny In the Mountains of Sumatra live Man-Eaters which use the Skuls of their eaten enemies instead of money exchanging the same for their necessaries The Attendants of this King are for the most part Women who are expert at their weapons using both Peeces and Swords Phillippinas Phillipinas these Islands are many in number and some of them are very rich in Rice Honey Fruits Birds Beasts Fishes Gold enriched further with trade from China 70 of these Islands are Subjects of friends to the Spaniard The Spaniards have here a Bishop and Archdeacon and besides other religious Men as Augustinians and Franciscans they have seven Colledges of Jesuits Inhâ—bitants The People worship the Devil who oft-times appears to them in conference in most ugly shape There is amongst them an Island of Negroes inhabited with black People almost as big as England Here are also those black People called Os Paupas Man-eaters and Sorcerers among whom Devils walk familiarly and if these wicked spirits find one alone they kill him wherefore they use alwayes to have company Before I leave these Eastern Islands I will give you a short survey of those Towns and Castles which the Spaniard hath got into his possession not only in these Islands but also on the Continent And 1. In Cambaia they have the Towns of Tana Basa and Daman as also the Island of Diâ— 2. In Decan or Canora they have Chaul and Goa the Spanish Viceroy's residence 3. In Mallavar they have Chalen and Colan two places of good strength 4 In Zeilan they have fortified Columbus bragging of one of the best Havens in the World 5. In Siam they are Lords of Mallaca and the adjoyning Castle And last of all to secure their Spice-trade in the Moluccoes they enjoy Terenante yet for all these Fortresses the English and Hollander will not be hindred from traffick with these Indies Thus much of the Oriental Islands Cyprus THis Island is of length 200 large 60 and in circuit 600 miles Fertility This Island yieldeth infinite Canes of Sugar Cotton-Wool Honey Oyl Corn Turpentine Allum Verdegrease Grogram store of Metals and Salt besides all sorts of Fruits and Commodities in abundance This Isle lyeth in the Gulf between and Syria having Egypt to the West Syria to the South Cilicia to the East and Pamphillia North. Natures of the People The Inhabitants are generally strong nimble of great civility hospitality to their Neighbours and exceeding affectionate to Strangers The principal Cities of this Isle are 1. Nicosia environed with Mountains wherein the Beglerbeg remaineth It is circular in form and five miles in circumference the Buildings are low flat-rooft the entrance little for the most part ascending by stairs for the more difficulty in entring 2. Famagusta the chief strength and Sea-Port in it It is seated in a Plain between two Promontories in form well nigh quadrangular indifferently strong and containing two miles in circumference it stands almost opposite to Trippoly Selina Melisso Paphos Fontana and Morosa are the other four special Towns in this Island The greatest imperfection of this Isle is scarcity of Water and too much plenty of scorching heat and sabulous ground Thus much of Cyprus Rhodes RHodes is situate in the Carpatian Sea over against Caria
a Province of lesser Asia it is in circuit 120 miles and takes denomination from Rhodes the chief City which is situate on the East part of the Isle on the bottom of a Hill and the brink of Sea so that it injoyeth a fair and safe Haven for Commodities and for strength it hath two Walls 13 high Towers five Bulwarks besides divers sconces and outworks It is Inhabited only by Turks and Jews the Christians having free Commerce and Traffick in it al the day time but on pain of death leaving it at night West of Rhodes lyeth Scarpanto an Island of 70 miles compass Thus much of Rhodes and the Islands of Asia The Affrican Isles These are In the Aethiopick Sea as Madagasker Zocotora In the Atlantick Sea as S. Thomas The Princes Isles The Gorgades The Canaries Azores and Hesperides Madagascar THis Isle is by the Portugal denominated St. Lawrence It is one of the greatest in the Universe extending in length 1000 English miles the breadth in some places being 230 miles The best known Bay is that of Augustine where our Ships ride Natures of the People The Inhabitants are exceeding black and have limbs of great strength and composure Both Sex go naked only a linnen Cloth about their middles they use pinking and cutting their Breasts and Faces Gold and Silver is of no value amongst them but the Beads of Aggats Bracelets Glasses Bells and such like they esteem well of They have Cattle both great many and good and for a Bead or two of two pence price you may buy Sheep and Beeves of good bigness and taste The Sheep here have their Tails weighing 16 or 20 pound Riches The Isle abounds in all good things necessary for Mans use as Copper Gold Iron and Silver Their Towns of note are Roma Augustine Santo Jacobo Matatana Angoda and Herendo Socotora Socotora this Isle lyeth just at the entrance of the Red Sea and in length 60 and in breadth 24 miles Riches It is rich in Aloes Gums and Spices yet it wanteth most things convenient for vital sustenance Inhabitants The Inhabitants are tall of stature and ashy colour â—he Portugals have here fortified two Towns Coro and Benin S. Thomas S. Thomas this Isle is in compass 180 miles and is so fruitfull in Sugar that forty Ships are laden with it every year The prime City is Pavoason an Episcopal See inhabited by Portugals and Negroes The Princes Island The Princes Island this Island lyeth nigh unto the Isle of S. Helen and are both under the Command of the Spaniard The Gorgads The Gorgads these Islands are in number nine and are called Insulae Capitis viridis they all do abound with Goats the chief of them is St. James whose chief Town is Riberia at this time fortified by the Spaniard The Canary Islands The Canary Islands these Islands in former ages call'd Fortunate are in number seven viz. Grand Canaria La Palma Teneriffa Lancaerota Hierro La Gomera and Forte Ventura they are now subject to the King of Spain Grand Canary precedes the rest in greatness and excellency for thither all the other Isles repair for tryals and justice Teneriffa is thought to equal it in wealth and circuit This Island is the highest Land in the World being 15 miles high This Isle is distant from the Grand Canary 60 English miles Azores Azores these Islands are in number nine of which Tercera is chief They are abounding in no rich Commodity only they afford much Oad which hath made them most famous and best enriched them The names of the other eight Islands are S George S. Michael S. Mary Fayall Pyco Gratiosa Flores and Corno Hesperyds Hesperyds these Islands are situate not far from the Gorgades These Islands are supposed to be they where the Daughters of Atlas dwelt where grew the golden Apples kept by a Dragon and taken hence by Hercules and here was suppos'd to be the abode of the blessed Creatures said to be called the Elysian Fields so oft memorized by the Poets These Islands are called Mayo Sal and Bonanista they are distant from the Continent of Africk some 10000 furlongs Thus much of the African Isles The American Islands THe American Isles are either in the Virginia Sea as Mare del Nort or in the Pacifick Sea as Mare del Zur The Islands in the Pacifick Ocean are 1. Insulae Solomonis which are in number many the three greatest being Guadalcanal S. Thome and S. Isabel The Islanders are of a yellowish colour and go naked The Islands of the Virginian Ocean ARe Margarica Cubagna the Baccaloes Boriquen Jamaica Cuba Bermude and Hispaniola Margarica Cubagna Margarica Cubagna these two Islands are situate nigh unto Castella Aurea they are deficient in Corn Grass Trees Water but they abound in precious Stones which make some amends for these defects Nigh unto these is the Island Trinadado well stored with Tobacco of the best Boluccoes Boluccoes these are certain Islands lying against the Influx of Canada nigh unto Corterialis The People of these Islands in a formal expression of reverence use to rub their Noses or stroke their Foreheads Boriquen Boriquen or St. Johns is 300 miles long and 70 broad traversed with a rough Mountain which yields many Rivers The Spaniards have there some Towns the chief whereof are St Johns and Port Rico. Jamaica Jamaica is almost as large as Boriquen it is extreamly troubled with such terrible gusts of Wind that nothing can resist them turning up Trees and over-turning Houses transporting Ships from Sea to Land with a terrible confusion The Inhabitants here are of quicker wits than the other Islands Ciba Ciba this Island is more Northerly and extends it self 300 leagues in length and 20 in breadth full of Mountains Woods â—ens Rivers Lakes both salt and fresh the Woods are replenished with Swine and Kine the Rivers with golden Sands and the Soyl is replenished with Ginger Cassia Mastick Aloes Cynamon Sugar The chief Cities are S. Jago a Bishops See and Hanana a safe road for Ships and the Staple of Merchandize Here rides the King of Spain's Navy till time of year and conveniency of wind serve to waft them homeward The other Towns of note are S. Christophero and S. Trinity Not far hence are the Lucacy above 400 in number Hispaniola Hispaniola is East-ward from Cuba it is called by the natives Haiti it containeth in compass 550 leagues enjoying a temperate Air and fertil Soyl rich in Mines Amber and Sugar This Island hath many high and craggy Hills over-looking the deep and dark Valleys but in many places it is most beautifull and flourishing It seemeth to enjoy a perpetual Spring the Trees alwayes flourishing and the Meadows clothed in green The chief Towns are Dominigo S. Jago S. Thome S John and Portoroyo Thus much of the American Islands And also of all the Islands throughout the whole