America - Revision history

Admin: /* 1682. Cosmography and geography in two parts by Richard Blome */

2025-11-16T23:49:18Z

1682. Cosmography and geography in two parts by Richard Blome

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:49, 16 November 2025
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	*RIO DE LA HACHA is East of St. Martha, of whose Bishoprick it depends. This Government hath only the City of Nuestra Sennora de la Nieves, or de los Remedios, and sometimes also Rio de la Hacha. It yields Gold, precious Stones, Salt, and its Soil is fertil.		*RIO DE LA HACHA is East of St. Martha, of whose Bishoprick it depends. This Government hath only the City of Nuestra Sennora de la Nieves, or de los Remedios, and sometimes also Rio de la Hacha. It yields Gold, precious Stones, Salt, and its Soil is fertil.

	*VENEZƲELA had its name so given, for its being built on many little Isles, and in a Lake, as Venice is. Its Air is sweet and healthful, and the Soil so fertil in all sorts of Grain and Fruits, and so well stocked with Cattle, that it is termed by other Countries a Granary, as indeed they find it so, it supplying their wants. It is well watered with Rivers; here is also wild Beasts for hunting; and in the bowels of its Earth are rich Mines of Gold and other Metals. The other Cities are Nuestra Sennora de Carvalleda, seated upon the Sea, but its Haven is very unsafe; nigh to this City there are Hills whose tops are said for height to equalize those of Teneriff. St. Jago de Leon, Valenza la Nueva, Xeres la Nueva, Segovia la Nueva, Tucuyo, and Nuestra Sennora della Pax. Segovia la Nueva is more advanced towards the Barbarian people of any, its Soil is lean, but in recompence feeds many Cattle and Venison. The Lake of Maraycabo, near 100 Leagues circuit, is esteemed in this Province.		*VENEZƲELA had its name so given, for its being built on many little Isles, and in a Lake, as Venice is. Its Air is sweet and healthful, and the Soil so fertil in all sorts of Grain and Fruits, and so well stocked with Cattle, that it is termed by other Countries a Granary, as indeed they find it so, it supplying their wants. It is well watered with Rivers; here is also wild Beasts for hunting; and in the bowels of its Earth are rich Mines of Gold and other Metals. The other Cities are Nuestra Sennora de Carvalleda, seated upon the Sea, but its Haven is very unsafe; nigh to this City there are Hills whose tops are said for height to equalize those of Teneriff. St. Jago de Leon, Valenza la Nueva, Xeres la Nueva, [[Nueva Segovia, City in America\|Segovia la Nueva]], Tucuyo, and Nuestra Sennora della Pax. Segovia la Nueva is more advanced towards the Barbarian people of any, its Soil is lean, but in recompence feeds many Cattle and Venison. The Lake of Maraycabo, near 100 Leagues circuit, is esteemed in this Province.

	*PARIA, or New Andalusia, is on the River Paria or Orinoque, and is likewise called Serpa and Comana from the name of its principal City, which they call Nueva Cordova: They fish many Pearls along this Coast, before which are the Isles of Cubago, Margarita, and the Trinity or Trinidado, formerly so famous for this fishing. These Isles are very barren, scarce affording sustenance for its Inhabitants, which defect is supplied from the adjacent Countries, which made the Spaniards abandon them so soon as the said Fishing left them.		*PARIA, or New Andalusia, is on the River Paria or Orinoque, and is likewise called Serpa and Comana from the name of its principal City, which they call Nueva Cordova: They fish many Pearls along this Coast, before which are the Isles of Cubago, Margarita, and the Trinity or Trinidado, formerly so famous for this fishing. These Isles are very barren, scarce affording sustenance for its Inhabitants, which defect is supplied from the adjacent Countries, which made the Spaniards abandon them so soon as the said Fishing left them.

Admin: /* 1695. A New Body of Geography by A. Sewall & T. Child. */

2025-10-25T00:17:35Z

1695. A New Body of Geography by A. Sewall & T. Child.

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:17, 25 October 2025
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	Among the Rivers of America, that of Canada, or St. Lawrence, is vulgarly call'd the Great River, perhaps for that it receives above two thousand others, great and small, and that above five hundred Leagues above Quebeck; its source has not yet been found out: It makes some Lakes grow narrow; sometimes it casts it self among the Rocks with such impetuosity, that 'tis impossible to pass there, by reason of the number of Water-falls, which they call Saults, and Carriages, because those who mean to go over, must carry their little Boats upon their shoulders, which they term Canoes. Its ordinary breadth is full twelve or thirteen Leagues; its depth does often exceed two hundred fathom: it keeps its Waters clear as far as below Quebeck. The River of Chayre, upon the Confines of the two America's, affords means for the Transportation of Merchandizes from one Sea to the other. L'Orenoyu is the largest of all those of America. The Amanzon is esteemed the greatest, strongest, and deepest of all those of these Countreys, and one of the fiercest in the World. In the Year 1638. the Portuguese, who were then under the Crown of Spain, remounted it up as far as Quito in Peru, and came down again the following Year. It has its Inundations as well as the Nile, whereby the neighbouring Countrey is not incommoded with Insects: Above a hundred and fifty several Nations have been observ'd to dwell in the Neighbourhood of this great River, and those which fall into it. La Plata has its Name from the Mines of Silver which are near it. Towards its beginning it bears the Name of Paraguay, after having joyned that of Parana; it rowls its Waters for above sixty Leagues, without any mixture: 'tis not deep, tho' towards its mouth it is sixty or eighty Leagues broad, and ten for the most part of its Course, where after having form'd several Islands, and the greatest Cataract in the World, it keeps its swiftness for above forty Leagues distance in the Sea. It might contribute much towards the carrying on the Commerce from one Sea to the other; but the Spaniards do not think fit to put this Adviso in practice, for fear other Nations might thereby become acquainted with it, who would make better advantage than they do of such Discoveries.</blockquote>		Among the Rivers of America, that of Canada, or St. Lawrence, is vulgarly call'd the Great River, perhaps for that it receives above two thousand others, great and small, and that above five hundred Leagues above Quebeck; its source has not yet been found out: It makes some Lakes grow narrow; sometimes it casts it self among the Rocks with such impetuosity, that 'tis impossible to pass there, by reason of the number of Water-falls, which they call Saults, and Carriages, because those who mean to go over, must carry their little Boats upon their shoulders, which they term Canoes. Its ordinary breadth is full twelve or thirteen Leagues; its depth does often exceed two hundred fathom: it keeps its Waters clear as far as below Quebeck. The River of Chayre, upon the Confines of the two America's, affords means for the Transportation of Merchandizes from one Sea to the other. L'Orenoyu is the largest of all those of America. The Amanzon is esteemed the greatest, strongest, and deepest of all those of these Countreys, and one of the fiercest in the World. In the Year 1638. the Portuguese, who were then under the Crown of Spain, remounted it up as far as Quito in Peru, and came down again the following Year. It has its Inundations as well as the Nile, whereby the neighbouring Countrey is not incommoded with Insects: Above a hundred and fifty several Nations have been observ'd to dwell in the Neighbourhood of this great River, and those which fall into it. La Plata has its Name from the Mines of Silver which are near it. Towards its beginning it bears the Name of Paraguay, after having joyned that of Parana; it rowls its Waters for above sixty Leagues, without any mixture: 'tis not deep, tho' towards its mouth it is sixty or eighty Leagues broad, and ten for the most part of its Course, where after having form'd several Islands, and the greatest Cataract in the World, it keeps its swiftness for above forty Leagues distance in the Sea. It might contribute much towards the carrying on the Commerce from one Sea to the other; but the Spaniards do not think fit to put this Adviso in practice, for fear other Nations might thereby become acquainted with it, who would make better advantage than they do of such Discoveries.</blockquote>

			=== 1694. The great historical, geographical and poetical dictionary by Louis Moreri. ===
			<blockquote>America, or the West-Indies, one of the four parts of the Habitable World, first discovered by Christopher Columbus, a Genoese in 1492. And from Americ Vespuccio a Florentine, who made some additional Discoveries in 1497, first call'd America. It is compos'd of two spacious Peninsula's, which are clos'd together at Panama or Nombre di Dios, by an Isthmus not above 17 miles broad. The Southern Peninsula is about 1000 Leagues in length, lying out towards the Streights of Megallan: The other extends it self much farther. It is encompassed on every side by the Sea, and as some suppose seperated from all other Continents. It's thought by some that at the Streights of Anian it is but 100 Leagues seperated from Tartary. On the East lie the North and Aethiopic Seas, on the West lies the South or Pacific Sea, towards China and Japan; to the South, the Streights of Magellan and Maire's Frith; but the Northern Bounds are not yet known; tho' some will have the Frozen Sea to be the bounds of it on that side towards Greenland. This vast Continent is divided into the Northern and Southern America. The Northern, which is also called America Mexicana from Mexico, is bounded by the Pacific Sea, and L'Estrecho d'Anian to the West and South, to the East by the Bay of Mexico and the North Sea, and to the North by those Arctic Frozen Regions yet unknown; containing Canada or New-France, Estotiland, Florida, New-England, New-Nederlan•t, New-Denmark, New-Spain, or the Kingdom of Mexico, comprehending Jucatan, Nicaragua, Nova-Galicia, Mecoachan, Guatimala, and Honduras, New-Granada, Virginia, the Isle of California, Cuba, Hispaniola, and innumerable others call'd the Antilles.

			The Southern America, which is also call'd Peruvian America, has to the North the North Sea, to the East the Aethiopic Ocean, to the South the Magellanic Sea, and the Streights of Magellan and Maire, and to the West the Pacific Sea. The Regions of Southern America are Brasil, Chili, Guaiana, Terra Magelianica, New-Andalusia, New-Granada, Paraguay, Parana, Paria, Popajan, the Kingdom of Perou, the Terra Firma, Tierra Del Fuego, Tucuman, Venezuela. The Spaniards have within their Dominions, which are the largest part of America, 5 Arch-Bishopricks, and about 34 Bishopricks. The English, Portuguese, and Dutch, have also Plantions there. The Air of America differs as the Countries are at a distance from the Line, but is generally temperate even under the Torrid Zone. The different quality of the Air occasions particular Distempers. The Soil of America is generally very fertile, even in the colder Climates, and in some places so abundantly rich, that it yields a hundred for one. They have also several Trees, Plants, and Animals, which are not naturally the products of any other parts of the World. They make Bread of their Maiz which we call Indian Wheat, and squeeze a Liquor out of it besides, which they call Chica, Acua, and Sora, but the latter is too entoxicating. Their Mangouai, so Vincent le Blank calls it, has something more then ordinary in it, for it furnishes the Natives with Water, Wine, Oyl, Vinegar, Honey, Syrrup, Thread, Needles, and several other Things; which is the reason they highly prize it in New-Spain, where the Indians have always some of 'em growing about their Habitations. Their Trees yield Balsom, Cotton, Dragons Blood, Rosin, Liquid Amber, and Ginger. Not to speak any thing of their Gold and Silver, which enriches all other parts of the World. They who desire more of America may read John de Laet, Antonio Herrera, and several others. The Gold is found here in three sorts; in little pieces without any mixture; in Dust, and that generally in Rivers; and in Stone in the Mines. Silver is more abundant, especially in New-Spain and Peru, where there is also abundance of Quick-Silver and Pearl. The Spaniards have drawn vast Sums from thence from the Mines of Potosi. And it's said it was no extraordinary thing to see Temples cover'd with Silver, and Houses with Plates of Gold. The Indians brag, that they have still abundance of Treasures hid, and the Spaniards say, that they raise 12 Millions thence yearly, besides what pays their Officers. The Mountains called the Andes are reckon'd the greatest of the World. Canada, Plata, and the River of the Amazones, are their greatest Rivers. The People were generally Savage, Cowardly, and Wicked, many of them Cannibals, the Civilest of 'em were those of Incai. The Patagons are from 10 to 11 foot high, and extraordinary Drinkers. Their Clothing is Skins, and their Arms Bows and Arrows. For their Religion some of 'em worship the Sun, and others had no Religion, as those of Brasil. Some of 'em sacrificed Men, pulling out their Hearts alive. And some have observ'd, that there are among 'em who lead a Harmless Life, and have good Impressions of a Deity. The first Discoverers found the Natives Idolaters, Savage, and Ignorant, yet with a mixture of Civility among some, more then others. Rosse says of them, that some, especially in Canada, worshipped the Devil, who when angry flings Dust in their Eyes; that they Dance round Fires to him, and Sing his Praises; that they bemoan the Dead, and bring Presents to the Grave; that they believe the Souls ascend into the Stars, and go down with them under the Horison to Paradises of Pleasure. They believe also that God stuck a multitude of Arrows at the beginning into the Ground, whence came Men and Women. They say, that God having once drunk much Tobacco, gave the Pipe to their Governor, with a Command, that he should keep it carefully, and he should want nothing, but losing the same he fell into Want and Misery. The Jesuits in 1637 and 1638 brought over many of them to the Church of Rome. Moreri has a Dissertation, whether America was known to the Ancients, and alledges Plato, Origen, Porphyrius, &c. for the affirmative; he introduces the Egyptian Priests, giving an account of an Island called Atlantides, beyond the Columns of Hercules, greater then Asia and Africa, which was drown'd by an Earthquake and a Rain that endured a night and a day. He alledges also, that the Carthaginians knew it, but endeavoured to conceal it from the Europeans, and made no benefit of it themselves because of their unskilfulness in Navigation.</blockquote>

	=== 1695. A New Body of Geography by A. Sewall & T. Child. ===		=== 1695. A New Body of Geography by A. Sewall & T. Child. ===

Admin: /* 1638. The merchants mappe of commerce wherein by Lewes Roberts. */

2025-01-25T03:59:05Z

1638. The merchants mappe of commerce wherein by Lewes Roberts.

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Admin: /* 1635. Historia mundi: or Mercator's atlas. London. by Gerhard Mercator. */

2025-01-25T03:55:57Z

1635. Historia mundi: or Mercator's atlas. London. by Gerhard Mercator.

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:55, 25 January 2025
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	==Sources from old books==		==Sources from old books==
	===1635. Historia mundi: or Mercator's atlas. London. by Gerhard Mercator.===		===1635. Historia mundi: or Mercator's atlas. London. by Gerhard Mercator.===
	<blockquote>WHen Christophorus Columbus had ~~b 1.2~~ found out this fourth part of the World unknowne to the Ancients; some call it ~~c 1.3~~ India, others for the largenesse of it Novus Orbis, or the new World: for it is as great and bigge as all our World, that is, Europe, Africke, and Asia, being joyned together: as it may appeare by viewing our generall Table. It is called also America from Americus Vesputius a Florentine, who next after Columbus discovered the Easterne part of the Southerne America: in which are the Countries of Paria and Brasilia; but it is uncertaine when America began first to be inhabited: certaine it is, that for many ages it lay unknowne; for that which some suppose concerning the Romans, is more easily said then proved, and that fiction is accurately refuted by Gasparus Varrerius. Some suppose that * 1.4 Seneca by Poeticall inspiration did sing some raptures concerning it in his Medea: but it is madnesse to suppose that these parts in that age were knowne either to him or any other. Christophorus Columbus of ~~d 1.5~~ Genoa, after it had beene many ages unknown unto us, did first finde it out being employed by the King of Castile, after hee had learnt it out, (as some beleeve that would detract from the glory of so famous an enterprise) from a certain Spanish Marriner, who had long endured foule weather on the Atlanticke Sea; it was performed in the yeare 1492. After him Americus Vesputius did attempt the same for the King of Portugall, and brought backe the reward of his enterprise, because (as we said) the whole Continent is called from his name America.* 1.6 The whole Country from the North to the South, is stretched out in the forme of two great Peninsulaes, which are joyned together by a slender Isthmus: the one of them is called Northerne America, the other, Southerne America. The Longitude thereof is extended betweene the Meridionall degree 190, and the Meridionall degree 67. The terme of its Latitude towards the South, is the [[Straits of Magellan\|Straits of Magellane]], that is, under the degree 52. and towards the North, it is not knowne higher then 67. It hath therefore on the East the Atlanticke Sea, which they commonly call Del Nort; on the South, the Southerne Land of Magellane, disjoyned from it by a narrow Sea flowing betweene: on the West, Mare Pacificum, or the Peaceable Sea, called Mare Del Zur; and on the North it is doubtfull whether there bee Land or Sea. The whole compasse in sayling round about it, is about 32000 miles, as the most approved thinke. For it hath beene sayled round about, except that Country which lyeth Northward, whose coasts are not yet discovered. The whole Country is changeable and full of varietie; at first it wanted both Corne and Wine: but instead thereof it bringeth forth ~~e 1.7~~ Maiz. a kinde of pulse, for so they call it; as they call Wine Chichia, boates Canoas, their Princes Cacicos. They do not plough the ground to reape, but having digged trenches of a small depth, they put three or foure granes in one of them, and so cover them with earth. The severall stalkes doe beare three or foure eares, and every one of the eares doe beare three or foure hundred graines and more. The stalke of Mayz doth exceed the height of a man, and in some Countries it is gathered twice in a yeare. They have also another kinde of bread, beside that which they make of Maiz, which they call ~~f 1.8Cazabi~~. This is made of Iucca, which is a roote of the bignesse of a Turnep, which sendeth forth no seed, but certaine knottie, hard stalkes, cloathed with greene leaves like Hempe. Those stalkes when they are ripe, they cut into peeces of two hands length, which they bury in heapes under the earth; and as oft as they would make that kinde of bread, they digge up of them as much as they thinke good, because they will soone be corrupted and grow naught. Moreover, there are two other kindes of rootes, the one they call the ~~g 1.9~~ Battata, the other the Haia, almost alike in shape, but that the Haiae are lesse and more savory: they ea•e the fruite of them within sixe Moneths after they are planted, which though they have a kinde of sweet taste, yet such as will soone cloy one; beside, they have but little juyce, and doe procure winde in the stomacke. Those Countries have also a great number of trees, which doe bring forth wilde Grapes. Their Grapes are like Sloes which grow upon thornes and bushes, and are covered with blacke leaves: but because they are more woody then juycie, therefore the inhabitants doe not make wine of them. There are in this Country Trees bearing Olives, but such as are of an unpleasant smell, and of a worse taste: and diverse other kindes of fruits in great abundance, as those which they call Hovi, Platani, Pineae, Guiavae, Mamei, and Guanavanae; it bringeth forth Sugar, Cotton-wooll, Hempe, and other things as with us, beside divers sorts of strange Trees and Herbes. It hath sweet Spices, Pearles and pretious stones; it aboundeth with incredible plenty of Gold and Silver, and with other Mettalls, and Mineralls. But it had not when it was discovered, either Oxen, Horses, Mules, Asses, Sheep, Goates, or Dogges. Wherefore it is no wonder if the inhabitants were strucken with amazement at the first sight of a Horse. Mice were first brought thither by a Ship of Antwerpe, which sayled very farre through the Straight of Magellane. Since which time either by the fruitfulnesse of the Country, or of the Creatures themselves, they are multiplyed and increased in so exceeding a manner, that they spoyle the fruits of their harvest by knawing the hearbes and trees. It doth bring to us divers living Creatures, partly knowne to us, and partly unknowne. Among other things there is found a prodigious Beast, which hath on her belly another belly placed in the likenesse of a purse: and as often as she changeth her denne, she hides and carries her young ones in that bagge. This Creature hath the body and snowte of a Foxe, the feete and hands of a Monkey, and the eares of a Batte. There is also another kinde of Creature (which the inhabitants doe call Cascuij) like a blacke Hogge, hairy, hard skinned, having little eyes, broade eares, cloven hoofes, armed with a short trunke or snowte like an Elephant; and having so terrible a cry or braying, that he makes men deafe: but his flesh is sweet to eate. Here is found a great company of wilde Boares, and fierce Tigers; and Lyons also, but those very fearefull, and such as will runne away at the sight of a man. Here are also Peacocks, Phesants, Partridges, and divers other kindes of Birdes, but farre differing from ours: But of these wee will speake more largely in our particular descriptions. All America is divided (as wee said before) into two great Peninsulaes, whereof the one, which lyeth on this side of the Aequinoctiall, is called the Northerne America; the other the Southerne, because the greatest part of it is stretched out beyond the Aequinoctiall: although some Countries of it are neare unto the Aequinoctiall. The Northerne America is divided into many Regions, as namely, Quivira, Nova Hispania, Nicaragua, Iucatan, Florida, Apalchen, Norumbega, Nova Francia, Terra Laboratoris, and Estotilandia. There are many parts of the Southerne America, but these are the chiefest which have already been gotten and taken from the Savages: as Castella aurea, Plopaiana, Peruvia, Chile, and Brasilia: It doth glory especially in two Cities, Cusco and Mexico. Cusco is the Metropolis or chiefe Citie of Southerne America, which, both for bignesse, strength and magnificence, for the invincible fortification of the Castle, and the great company of nobility; for the order and placing of the houses, and for pleasantnesse of situation, may worthily compare with the fairest Cities of France or Spaine. No common people are admitted into it, but it is the seate of Noble men and great Princes, who in that Country doe live in great numbers, partly within the walls of the Citie, and partly in Villages neare the Citie. Here are foure especiall Pallaces of Noble men, who doe governe the Common-wealth, which are stately and with great cost built with square carved Marble stone. And all the streets being straight, in many places make the forme of a Crosse, and through every one a pleasant River runneth in a channell walled on each side with stone. The forme of the Citie is foure square, lying sweetly on the side of a hill: on the steepe ascent of a Mountaine, a wonderfull faire Tower doth adorne the Citie, whose beauty or largenesse if you consider, those which have viewed many Countries, have seene few in all Europe like unto it. Mexico or Temistitan is a rich and famous Citie in Nova Hispania, whereof wee will treate hereafter in the description of Nova Hispania: now we proceed to other things.		<blockquote>WHen Christophorus Columbus had found out this fourth part of the World unknowne to the Ancients; some call it India, others for the largenesse of it Novus Orbis, or the new World: for it is as great and bigge as all our World, that is, Europe, Africke, and Asia, being joyned together: as it may appeare by viewing our generall Table. It is called also America from Americus Vesputius a Florentine, who next after Columbus discovered the Easterne part of the Southerne America: in which are the Countries of Paria and Brasilia; but it is uncertaine when America began first to be inhabited: certaine it is, that for many ages it lay unknowne; for that which some suppose concerning the Romans, is more easily said then proved, and that fiction is accurately refuted by Gasparus Varrerius. Some suppose that Seneca by Poeticall inspiration did sing some raptures concerning it in his Medea: but it is madnesse to suppose that these parts in that age were knowne either to him or any other. Christophorus Columbus of Genoa, after it had beene many ages unknown unto us, did first finde it out being employed by the King of Castile, after hee had learnt it out, (as some beleeve that would detract from the glory of so famous an enterprise) from a certain Spanish Marriner, who had long endured foule weather on the Atlanticke Sea; it was performed in the yeare 1492. After him Americus Vesputius did attempt the same for the King of Portugall, and brought backe the reward of his enterprise, because (as we said) the whole Continent is called from his name America. The whole Country from the North to the South, is stretched out in the forme of two great Peninsulaes, which are joyned together by a slender Isthmus: the one of them is called Northerne America, the other, Southerne America. The Longitude thereof is extended betweene the Meridionall degree 190, and the Meridionall degree 67. The terme of its Latitude towards the South, is the [[Straits of Magellan\|Straits of Magellane]], that is, under the degree 52. and towards the North, it is not knowne higher then 67. It hath therefore on the East the Atlanticke Sea, which they commonly call Del Nort; on the South, the Southerne Land of Magellane, disjoyned from it by a narrow Sea flowing betweene: on the West, Mare Pacificum, or the Peaceable Sea, called Mare Del Zur; and on the North it is doubtfull whether there bee Land or Sea. The whole compasse in sayling round about it, is about 32000 miles, as the most approved thinke. For it hath beene sayled round about, except that Country which lyeth Northward, whose coasts are not yet discovered. The whole Country is changeable and full of varietie; at first it wanted both Corne and Wine: but instead thereof it bringeth forth Maiz. a kinde of pulse, for so they call it; as they call Wine Chichia, boates Canoas, their Princes Cacicos. They do not plough the ground to reape, but having digged trenches of a small depth, they put three or foure granes in one of them, and so cover them with earth. The severall stalkes doe beare three or foure eares, and every one of the eares doe beare three or foure hundred graines and more. The stalke of Mayz doth exceed the height of a man, and in some Countries it is gathered twice in a yeare. They have also another kinde of bread, beside that which they make of Maiz, which they call Cazabi. This is made of Iucca, which is a roote of the bignesse of a Turnep, which sendeth forth no seed, but certaine knottie, hard stalkes, cloathed with greene leaves like Hempe. Those stalkes when they are ripe, they cut into peeces of two hands length, which they bury in heapes under the earth; and as oft as they would make that kinde of bread, they digge up of them as much as they thinke good, because they will soone be corrupted and grow naught. Moreover, there are two other kindes of rootes, the one they call the Battata, the other the Haia, almost alike in shape, but that the Haiae are lesse and more savory: they ea•e the fruite of them within sixe Moneths after they are planted, which though they have a kinde of sweet taste, yet such as will soone cloy one; beside, they have but little juyce, and doe procure winde in the stomacke. Those Countries have also a great number of trees, which doe bring forth wilde Grapes. Their Grapes are like Sloes which grow upon thornes and bushes, and are covered with blacke leaves: but because they are more woody then juycie, therefore the inhabitants doe not make wine of them. There are in this Country Trees bearing Olives, but such as are of an unpleasant smell, and of a worse taste: and diverse other kindes of fruits in great abundance, as those which they call Hovi, Platani, Pineae, Guiavae, Mamei, and Guanavanae; it bringeth forth Sugar, Cotton-wooll, Hempe, and other things as with us, beside divers sorts of strange Trees and Herbes. It hath sweet Spices, Pearles and pretious stones; it aboundeth with incredible plenty of Gold and Silver, and with other Mettalls, and Mineralls. But it had not when it was discovered, either Oxen, Horses, Mules, Asses, Sheep, Goates, or Dogges. Wherefore it is no wonder if the inhabitants were strucken with amazement at the first sight of a Horse. Mice were first brought thither by a Ship of Antwerpe, which sayled very farre through the Straight of Magellane. Since which time either by the fruitfulnesse of the Country, or of the Creatures themselves, they are multiplyed and increased in so exceeding a manner, that they spoyle the fruits of their harvest by knawing the hearbes and trees. It doth bring to us divers living Creatures, partly knowne to us, and partly unknowne. Among other things there is found a prodigious Beast, which hath on her belly another belly placed in the likenesse of a purse: and as often as she changeth her denne, she hides and carries her young ones in that bagge. This Creature hath the body and snowte of a Foxe, the feete and hands of a Monkey, and the eares of a Batte. There is also another kinde of Creature (which the inhabitants doe call Cascuij) like a blacke Hogge, hairy, hard skinned, having little eyes, broade eares, cloven hoofes, armed with a short trunke or snowte like an Elephant; and having so terrible a cry or braying, that he makes men deafe: but his flesh is sweet to eate. Here is found a great company of wilde Boares, and fierce Tigers; and Lyons also, but those very fearefull, and such as will runne away at the sight of a man. Here are also Peacocks, Phesants, Partridges, and divers other kindes of Birdes, but farre differing from ours: But of these wee will speake more largely in our particular descriptions. All America is divided (as wee said before) into two great Peninsulaes, whereof the one, which lyeth on this side of the Aequinoctiall, is called the Northerne America; the other the Southerne, because the greatest part of it is stretched out beyond the Aequinoctiall: although some Countries of it are neare unto the Aequinoctiall. The Northerne America is divided into many Regions, as namely, Quivira, Nova Hispania, Nicaragua, Iucatan, Florida, Apalchen, Norumbega, Nova Francia, Terra Laboratoris, and Estotilandia. There are many parts of the Southerne America, but these are the chiefest which have already been gotten and taken from the Savages: as Castella aurea, Plopaiana, Peruvia, Chile, and Brasilia: It doth glory especially in two Cities, Cusco and Mexico. Cusco is the Metropolis or chiefe Citie of Southerne America, which, both for bignesse, strength and magnificence, for the invincible fortification of the Castle, and the great company of nobility; for the order and placing of the houses, and for pleasantnesse of situation, may worthily compare with the fairest Cities of France or Spaine. No common people are admitted into it, but it is the seate of Noble men and great Princes, who in that Country doe live in great numbers, partly within the walls of the Citie, and partly in Villages neare the Citie. Here are foure especiall Pallaces of Noble men, who doe governe the Common-wealth, which are stately and with great cost built with square carved Marble stone. And all the streets being straight, in many places make the forme of a Crosse, and through every one a pleasant River runneth in a channell walled on each side with stone. The forme of the Citie is foure square, lying sweetly on the side of a hill: on the steepe ascent of a Mountaine, a wonderfull faire Tower doth adorne the Citie, whose beauty or largenesse if you consider, those which have viewed many Countries, have seene few in all Europe like unto it. Mexico or Temistitan is a rich and famous Citie in Nova Hispania, whereof wee will treate hereafter in the description of Nova Hispania: now we proceed to other things.

	This part of the World is watered with many famous Rivers, the most whereof doe bring downe gold; and it is full of Lakes and Springs In the Lakes and Rivers there are great plenty of fish: among which there is one kinde of them of chiefe note, which by the inhabitants of Hispaniola are called Manati. This Fish is somewhat like a Trout; he is five and twenty foot long, and twelve foote thicke, in his head and tayle hee resembles an Oxe; he hath small eyes, a hard and hairy skinne, of a light blew colour, and two feete like an Elephant. The femalls of this kinde of fish doe bring forth their young ones, as Cowes doe, and doe let them sucke at their two dugges.		This part of the World is watered with many famous Rivers, the most whereof doe bring downe gold; and it is full of Lakes and Springs In the Lakes and Rivers there are great plenty of fish: among which there is one kinde of them of chiefe note, which by the inhabitants of Hispaniola are called Manati. This Fish is somewhat like a Trout; he is five and twenty foot long, and twelve foote thicke, in his head and tayle hee resembles an Oxe; he hath small eyes, a hard and hairy skinne, of a light blew colour, and two feete like an Elephant. The femalls of this kinde of fish doe bring forth their young ones, as Cowes doe, and doe let them sucke at their two dugges.

Admin at 02:26, 20 January 2025

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Admin: /* 1635. Historia mundi: or Mercator's atlas. London. by Gerhard Mercator. */

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1635. Historia mundi: or Mercator's atlas. London. by Gerhard Mercator.

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:36, 3 January 2025
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	==Sources from old books==		==Sources from old books==
	===1635. Historia mundi: or Mercator's atlas. London. by Gerhard Mercator.===		===1635. Historia mundi: or Mercator's atlas. London. by Gerhard Mercator.===
	<blockquote>WHen Christophorus Columbus had b 1.2 found out this fourth part of the World unknowne to the Ancients; some call it c 1.3 India, others for the largenesse of it Novus Orbis, or the new World: for it is as great and bigge as all our World, that is, Europe, Africke, and Asia, being joyned together: as it may appeare by viewing our generall Table. It is called also America from Americus Vesputius a Florentine, who next after Columbus discovered the Easterne part of the Southerne America: in which are the Countries of Paria and Brasilia; but it is uncertaine when America began first to be inhabited: certaine it is, that for many ages it lay unknowne; for that which some suppose concerning the Romans, is more easily said then proved, and that fiction is accurately refuted by Gasparus Varrerius. Some suppose that * 1.4 Seneca by Poeticall inspiration did sing some raptures concerning it in his Medea: but it is madnesse to suppose that these parts in that age were knowne either to him or any other. Christophorus Columbus of d 1.5 Genoa, after it had beene many ages unknown unto us, did first finde it out being employed by the King of Castile, after hee had learnt it out, (as some beleeve that would detract from the glory of so famous an enterprise) from a certain Spanish Marriner, who had long endured foule weather on the Atlanticke Sea; it was performed in the yeare 1492. After him Americus Vesputius did attempt the same for the King of Portugall, and brought backe the reward of his enterprise, because (as we said) the whole Continent is called from his name America.* 1.6 The whole Country from the North to the South, is stretched out in the forme of two great Peninsulaes, which are joyned together by a slender Isthmus: the one of them is called Northerne America, the other, Southerne America. The Longitude thereof is extended betweene the Meridionall degree 190, and the Meridionall degree 67. The terme of its Latitude towards the South, is the Straits of Magellane, that is, under the degree 52. and towards the North, it is not knowne higher then 67. It hath therefore on the East the Atlanticke Sea, which they commonly call Del Nort; on the South, the Southerne Land of Magellane, disjoyned from it by a narrow Sea flowing betweene: on the West, Mare Pacificum, or the Peaceable Sea, called Mare Del Zur; and on the North it is doubtfull whether there bee Land or Sea. The whole compasse in sayling round about it, is about 32000 miles, as the most approved thinke. For it hath beene sayled round about, except that Country which lyeth Northward, whose coasts are not yet discovered. The whole Country is changeable and full of varietie; at first it wanted both Corne and Wine: but instead thereof it bringeth forth e 1.7 Maiz. a kinde of pulse, for so they call it; as they call Wine Chichia, boates Canoas, their Princes Cacicos. They do not plough the ground to reape, but having digged trenches of a small depth, they put three or foure granes in one of them, and so cover them with earth. The severall stalkes doe beare three or foure eares, and every one of the eares doe beare three or foure hundred graines and more. The stalke of Mayz doth exceed the height of a man, and in some Countries it is gathered twice in a yeare. They have also another kinde of bread, beside that which they make of Maiz, which they call f 1.8Cazabi. This is made of Iucca, which is a roote of the bignesse of a Turnep, which sendeth forth no seed, but certaine knottie, hard stalkes, cloathed with greene leaves like Hempe. Those stalkes when they are ripe, they cut into peeces of two hands length, which they bury in heapes under the earth; and as oft as they would make that kinde of bread, they digge up of them as much as they thinke good, because they will soone be corrupted and grow naught. Moreover, there are two other kindes of rootes, the one they call the g 1.9 Battata, the other the Haia, almost alike in shape, but that the Haiae are lesse and more savory: they ea•e the fruite of them within sixe Moneths after they are planted, which though they have a kinde of sweet taste, yet such as will soone cloy one; beside, they have but little juyce, and doe procure winde in the stomacke. Those Countries have also a great number of trees, which doe bring forth wilde Grapes. Their Grapes are like Sloes which grow upon thornes and bushes, and are covered with blacke leaves: but because they are more woody then juycie, therefore the inhabitants doe not make wine of them. There are in this Country Trees bearing Olives, but such as are of an unpleasant smell, and of a worse taste: and diverse other kindes of fruits in great abundance, as those which they call Hovi, Platani, Pineae, Guiavae, Mamei, and Guanavanae; it bringeth forth Sugar, Cotton-wooll, Hempe, and other things as with us, beside divers sorts of strange Trees and Herbes. It hath sweet Spices, Pearles and pretious stones; it aboundeth with incredible plenty of Gold and Silver, and with other Mettalls, and Mineralls. But it had not when it was discovered, either Oxen, Horses, Mules, Asses, Sheep, Goates, or Dogges. Wherefore it is no wonder if the inhabitants were strucken with amazement at the first sight of a Horse. Mice were first brought thither by a Ship of Antwerpe, which sayled very farre through the Straight of Magellane. Since which time either by the fruitfulnesse of the Country, or of the Creatures themselves, they are multiplyed and increased in so exceeding a manner, that they spoyle the fruits of their harvest by knawing the hearbes and trees. It doth bring to us divers living Creatures, partly knowne to us, and partly unknowne. Among other things there is found a prodigious Beast, which hath on her belly another belly placed in the likenesse of a purse: and as often as she changeth her denne, she hides and carries her young ones in that bagge. This Creature hath the body and snowte of a Foxe, the feete and hands of a Monkey, and the eares of a Batte. There is also another kinde of Creature (which the inhabitants doe call Cascuij) like a blacke Hogge, hairy, hard skinned, having little eyes, broade eares, cloven hoofes, armed with a short trunke or snowte like an Elephant; and having so terrible a cry or braying, that he makes men deafe: but his flesh is sweet to eate. Here is found a great company of wilde Boares, and fierce Tigers; and Lyons also, but those very fearefull, and such as will runne away at the sight of a man. Here are also Peacocks, Phesants, Partridges, and divers other kindes of Birdes, but farre differing from ours: But of these wee will speake more largely in our particular descriptions. All America is divided (as wee said before) into two great Peninsulaes, whereof the one, which lyeth on this side of the Aequinoctiall, is called the Northerne America; the other the Southerne, because the greatest part of it is stretched out beyond the Aequinoctiall: although some Countries of it are neare unto the Aequinoctiall. The Northerne America is divided into many Regions, as namely, Quivira, Nova Hispania, Nicaragua, Iucatan, Florida, Apalchen, Norumbega, Nova Francia, Terra Laboratoris, and Estotilandia. There are many parts of the Southerne America, but these are the chiefest which have already been gotten and taken from the Savages: as Castella aurea, Plopaiana, Peruvia, Chile, and Brasilia: It doth glory especially in two Cities, Cusco and Mexico. Cusco is the Metropolis or chiefe Citie of Southerne America, which, both for bignesse, strength and magnificence, for the invincible fortification of the Castle, and the great company of nobility; for the order and placing of the houses, and for pleasantnesse of situation, may worthily compare with the fairest Cities of France or Spaine. No common people are admitted into it, but it is the seate of Noble men and great Princes, who in that Country doe live in great numbers, partly within the walls of the Citie, and partly in Villages neare the Citie. Here are foure especiall Pallaces of Noble men, who doe governe the Common-wealth, which are stately and with great cost built with square carved Marble stone. And all the streets being straight, in many places make the forme of a Crosse, and through every one a pleasant River runneth in a channell walled on each side with stone. The forme of the Citie is foure square, lying sweetly on the side of a hill: on the steepe ascent of a Mountaine, a wonderfull faire Tower doth adorne the Citie, whose beauty or largenesse if you consider, those which have viewed many Countries, have seene few in all Europe like unto it. Mexico or Temistitan is a rich and famous Citie in Nova Hispania, whereof wee will treate hereafter in the description of Nova Hispania: now we proceed to other things.		<blockquote>WHen Christophorus Columbus had b 1.2 found out this fourth part of the World unknowne to the Ancients; some call it c 1.3 India, others for the largenesse of it Novus Orbis, or the new World: for it is as great and bigge as all our World, that is, Europe, Africke, and Asia, being joyned together: as it may appeare by viewing our generall Table. It is called also America from Americus Vesputius a Florentine, who next after Columbus discovered the Easterne part of the Southerne America: in which are the Countries of Paria and Brasilia; but it is uncertaine when America began first to be inhabited: certaine it is, that for many ages it lay unknowne; for that which some suppose concerning the Romans, is more easily said then proved, and that fiction is accurately refuted by Gasparus Varrerius. Some suppose that * 1.4 Seneca by Poeticall inspiration did sing some raptures concerning it in his Medea: but it is madnesse to suppose that these parts in that age were knowne either to him or any other. Christophorus Columbus of d 1.5 Genoa, after it had beene many ages unknown unto us, did first finde it out being employed by the King of Castile, after hee had learnt it out, (as some beleeve that would detract from the glory of so famous an enterprise) from a certain Spanish Marriner, who had long endured foule weather on the Atlanticke Sea; it was performed in the yeare 1492. After him Americus Vesputius did attempt the same for the King of Portugall, and brought backe the reward of his enterprise, because (as we said) the whole Continent is called from his name America.* 1.6 The whole Country from the North to the South, is stretched out in the forme of two great Peninsulaes, which are joyned together by a slender Isthmus: the one of them is called Northerne America, the other, Southerne America. The Longitude thereof is extended betweene the Meridionall degree 190, and the Meridionall degree 67. The terme of its Latitude towards the South, is the [[Straits of Magellan\|Straits of Magellane]], that is, under the degree 52. and towards the North, it is not knowne higher then 67. It hath therefore on the East the Atlanticke Sea, which they commonly call Del Nort; on the South, the Southerne Land of Magellane, disjoyned from it by a narrow Sea flowing betweene: on the West, Mare Pacificum, or the Peaceable Sea, called Mare Del Zur; and on the North it is doubtfull whether there bee Land or Sea. The whole compasse in sayling round about it, is about 32000 miles, as the most approved thinke. For it hath beene sayled round about, except that Country which lyeth Northward, whose coasts are not yet discovered. The whole Country is changeable and full of varietie; at first it wanted both Corne and Wine: but instead thereof it bringeth forth e 1.7 Maiz. a kinde of pulse, for so they call it; as they call Wine Chichia, boates Canoas, their Princes Cacicos. They do not plough the ground to reape, but having digged trenches of a small depth, they put three or foure granes in one of them, and so cover them with earth. The severall stalkes doe beare three or foure eares, and every one of the eares doe beare three or foure hundred graines and more. The stalke of Mayz doth exceed the height of a man, and in some Countries it is gathered twice in a yeare. They have also another kinde of bread, beside that which they make of Maiz, which they call f 1.8Cazabi. This is made of Iucca, which is a roote of the bignesse of a Turnep, which sendeth forth no seed, but certaine knottie, hard stalkes, cloathed with greene leaves like Hempe. Those stalkes when they are ripe, they cut into peeces of two hands length, which they bury in heapes under the earth; and as oft as they would make that kinde of bread, they digge up of them as much as they thinke good, because they will soone be corrupted and grow naught. Moreover, there are two other kindes of rootes, the one they call the g 1.9 Battata, the other the Haia, almost alike in shape, but that the Haiae are lesse and more savory: they ea•e the fruite of them within sixe Moneths after they are planted, which though they have a kinde of sweet taste, yet such as will soone cloy one; beside, they have but little juyce, and doe procure winde in the stomacke. Those Countries have also a great number of trees, which doe bring forth wilde Grapes. Their Grapes are like Sloes which grow upon thornes and bushes, and are covered with blacke leaves: but because they are more woody then juycie, therefore the inhabitants doe not make wine of them. There are in this Country Trees bearing Olives, but such as are of an unpleasant smell, and of a worse taste: and diverse other kindes of fruits in great abundance, as those which they call Hovi, Platani, Pineae, Guiavae, Mamei, and Guanavanae; it bringeth forth Sugar, Cotton-wooll, Hempe, and other things as with us, beside divers sorts of strange Trees and Herbes. It hath sweet Spices, Pearles and pretious stones; it aboundeth with incredible plenty of Gold and Silver, and with other Mettalls, and Mineralls. But it had not when it was discovered, either Oxen, Horses, Mules, Asses, Sheep, Goates, or Dogges. Wherefore it is no wonder if the inhabitants were strucken with amazement at the first sight of a Horse. Mice were first brought thither by a Ship of Antwerpe, which sayled very farre through the Straight of Magellane. Since which time either by the fruitfulnesse of the Country, or of the Creatures themselves, they are multiplyed and increased in so exceeding a manner, that they spoyle the fruits of their harvest by knawing the hearbes and trees. It doth bring to us divers living Creatures, partly knowne to us, and partly unknowne. Among other things there is found a prodigious Beast, which hath on her belly another belly placed in the likenesse of a purse: and as often as she changeth her denne, she hides and carries her young ones in that bagge. This Creature hath the body and snowte of a Foxe, the feete and hands of a Monkey, and the eares of a Batte. There is also another kinde of Creature (which the inhabitants doe call Cascuij) like a blacke Hogge, hairy, hard skinned, having little eyes, broade eares, cloven hoofes, armed with a short trunke or snowte like an Elephant; and having so terrible a cry or braying, that he makes men deafe: but his flesh is sweet to eate. Here is found a great company of wilde Boares, and fierce Tigers; and Lyons also, but those very fearefull, and such as will runne away at the sight of a man. Here are also Peacocks, Phesants, Partridges, and divers other kindes of Birdes, but farre differing from ours: But of these wee will speake more largely in our particular descriptions. All America is divided (as wee said before) into two great Peninsulaes, whereof the one, which lyeth on this side of the Aequinoctiall, is called the Northerne America; the other the Southerne, because the greatest part of it is stretched out beyond the Aequinoctiall: although some Countries of it are neare unto the Aequinoctiall. The Northerne America is divided into many Regions, as namely, Quivira, Nova Hispania, Nicaragua, Iucatan, Florida, Apalchen, Norumbega, Nova Francia, Terra Laboratoris, and Estotilandia. There are many parts of the Southerne America, but these are the chiefest which have already been gotten and taken from the Savages: as Castella aurea, Plopaiana, Peruvia, Chile, and Brasilia: It doth glory especially in two Cities, Cusco and Mexico. Cusco is the Metropolis or chiefe Citie of Southerne America, which, both for bignesse, strength and magnificence, for the invincible fortification of the Castle, and the great company of nobility; for the order and placing of the houses, and for pleasantnesse of situation, may worthily compare with the fairest Cities of France or Spaine. No common people are admitted into it, but it is the seate of Noble men and great Princes, who in that Country doe live in great numbers, partly within the walls of the Citie, and partly in Villages neare the Citie. Here are foure especiall Pallaces of Noble men, who doe governe the Common-wealth, which are stately and with great cost built with square carved Marble stone. And all the streets being straight, in many places make the forme of a Crosse, and through every one a pleasant River runneth in a channell walled on each side with stone. The forme of the Citie is foure square, lying sweetly on the side of a hill: on the steepe ascent of a Mountaine, a wonderfull faire Tower doth adorne the Citie, whose beauty or largenesse if you consider, those which have viewed many Countries, have seene few in all Europe like unto it. Mexico or Temistitan is a rich and famous Citie in Nova Hispania, whereof wee will treate hereafter in the description of Nova Hispania: now we proceed to other things.

	This part of the World is watered with many famous Rivers, the most whereof doe bring downe gold; and it is full of Lakes and Springs In the Lakes and Rivers there are great plenty of fish: among which there is one kinde of them of chiefe note, which by the inhabitants of Hispaniola are called Manati. This Fish is somewhat like a Trout; he is five and twenty foot long, and twelve foote thicke, in his head and tayle hee resembles an Oxe; he hath small eyes, a hard and hairy skinne, of a light blew colour, and two feete like an Elephant. The femalls of this kinde of fish doe bring forth their young ones, as Cowes doe, and doe let them sucke at their two dugges.		This part of the World is watered with many famous Rivers, the most whereof doe bring downe gold; and it is full of Lakes and Springs In the Lakes and Rivers there are great plenty of fish: among which there is one kinde of them of chiefe note, which by the inhabitants of Hispaniola are called Manati. This Fish is somewhat like a Trout; he is five and twenty foot long, and twelve foote thicke, in his head and tayle hee resembles an Oxe; he hath small eyes, a hard and hairy skinne, of a light blew colour, and two feete like an Elephant. The femalls of this kinde of fish doe bring forth their young ones, as Cowes doe, and doe let them sucke at their two dugges.

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 *****We have thus comprised all that seemed most necessary concerning America: true it is, whole Volums might be made only touching the Nature and Propriety of their Grains, Herbs, Plants, Fruits, Fowl, Beasts and Fish, which are all different from ours; yet those which have been carried from hence; have thrived and multiplied exceeding well, either in one place or another: But of all our Beasts, nothing so much astonished them as our Horses; and it was near a hundred years in Peru, and other parts of America, before those People would be perswaded to mount on them.
 </blockquote>
 [[Category:Continents]]

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