Europe

Sources from old books

1630. Relations of the most famous kingdomes. London. by Giovanni Botero.

Of Europe. The Commendations, Bounds, Religions, and Languages of it.

It now remaineth, that I beginne to tell you, how according to our best and latest Cosmographers, this great Globe (for parts and parcels whereof, so great and universall quarrels have from the beginning beene entertained amongst Princes, Peoples, and Nations) hath beene divided into seven parts: The first three whereof, viz. Europe, Africa, and Asia, were knowne to the Ancients. The fourth is America Septentrionalis, containing the Provinces of Estotilant, Terra de Labrador. Terra de Biccaleos, Nova Francia, Norimbega, Florida, Nova Hispania, and others. The fifth is, America Meridionalis, which is a peneinsula, and disjoyned from the former by a small Isthmus or necke of Land, containing the Regions of Brasil, Tisnada, Caribana, Peguana, and Peruvia. The sixt, is termed Terra Australis, wherein lieth Psitaicorum regio, Terra del feugo, Beach, Lucach, and Maletur, situate betweene Iava major, and Iava minor. The last being under the Northerne Pole, is the least of the residue, all almost unknowne, and divided by Mercator (upon a meere fabulous report of one that was never there.) into foure Islands, lying in a manner under the very Pole. This part hath not hitherto beene discovered, the neerest approach that any man of Europe ever yet made to the North Pole was by one Marmaduke, who in a ship of Hull arrived in 82. degrees, that is no neerer than within 8. whole degrees of the Pole, mountaines of Ice keeping him from discovering further.

Of all these seven parts, because Europe is farrelesse than any of the rest, and yet exceedeth them all in Noblenesse, Magnificence, multitude of people, in might, puissance, and renowne; we will first beginne with the description thereof. It is bounded on the North, with the North Ocean Sea, on the South with the Mediterranean, on the East with the floud Tanais, and on the West with the West Ocean. It containeth more than foure and twenty Christian Kingdomes at this day, as farre excelling the residue of the Provinces in Religion, Arts, Valour, and Civilitie, as in elder age it did surpasse them in Prowesse and Reputation.

The principall Provinces, are Spaine, France, Belgia, Germany, Italy, Sclavonia, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Lituania, Moscovia, and that toward the North, called Scandia; wherein are Denmarke, Norwey, Swethland, Iutland, &c. The Islands are Brittaine (containing the Kingdomes of England and Scotland) Ireland, Island, and Engroneland, in the North Ocean. In the Mediterranean, are Sicilie, Candia, Corsica, Sardinia, Majorca, Minorca, Nigropont, Malta, Corsu, Salamine, Mit•lene, Sciros. with many other in the Archipelago. The aire hereof is passing good, wholesome, temperate, and soile exceeding fertile. Therein are many goodly Cities, famous Mart-Townes, and learned Vniversities. The people thereof have in all ages excelled all other Regions, in Courage, Arts, sharpnesse of Wit, and all other gifts of Nature. In times past, it commanded Asia, and Afrike, by the Armes of the Greeks and Romans; and at this day, it is of great force by the power of the Turks and Muscovites, and of no lesse reputation by the Navigations of the English, Dutch, Spaniards, and Portugals: so as it seemeth, that Nature hath given unto this people a precedency to rule and governe forren Provinces, as men farre surpassing all other Nations, in wisdome, courage, industry, and invention.

This least and best part of the greater portions of the world, was so named of Europa daughter of Agenor King of Phoenicia, brought into these parts by Iupiter; in honour of whom the Phoenicians (being the first Navigators, and discoverers of these countries) might as well leave her name to all their new discoveries, (the habits, manners, and languages of these parts especially, at those times being all one, or not much different) as the Turks, Aethiopians, and all those of the East, call us by one name of Franks, and the Kingdomes of France, England, Spaine, Germanies, &c. are in the histories of the warres of the Holy Land, all together called the Kingdome of the Franks, our Languages the Franke tongue, and our Religion the Franks Religion. The figure of Europe is fancied to resemble a Queene, and so is she indeed, of all the world; her Princes having some dominion or other in all parts of the world, and they none in her: The Crowne and Head of this Queene is Spaine; her Necke must bee that part of France under the Pyrenaean mountaines; her Brest, France it selfe; her Armes Italy and Brittaine; her Belly Germany; her Navell, Bohemia; the rest of her Body hidden under her lower garments, are Denmarke, Sweden, Lituania, Prussia, Poland, Hungaria, Dalmatia, Grecia, Moldavia, Tartary, and Muscovia. This Queene at this day commands 28 Kingdomes, all gathered up by three Emperours, the German, Turke, and Muscovite; and eight Kings, France, England, and Spaine, hereditarie; Bohemia, Hungaria, Poland, Denmarke, and Sweden, elective Princes. States and Common-wealths in Italy and the Germanies, many and potent, some one of them (Venice, or the Low Countries by name) too hard a match for the most potent Prince of Asia, or Africa, could they but come at him. For Riches, we have the most usefull and substantiall; for goodly Cities, Italy alone hath more than Asia, Africa, and America, all together; if other parts have any fortified townes, thye here saw the first patternes. Vniversities indowed, we onely have. Our Armes and Navigations have made us Lords of the Vniverse. Our Arts mechanicke are incomparable. And all these hath God Almightie blessed with the seat of the Christian Religion among us.

Europe is much inlarged to the Northward since Ptolomees time. The bounds are best seene in the map; the length of it is about 3600. Italian miles, the breadth 2200. miles.

The Religions are such as are professed in severall nations, either by toleration, as the Iewish, by the Turke, Emperour, Pole, Pope, Venetian, and Amsterdam: or the Heathen, in some remoter parts of Lapland, Finland, and Norwey, where they are rather Witches than Christians. Religions established by command, are, first Mahometisme under the Turke. Secondly, the Greeks religion in the same parts, and in Russia. Thirdly, the Romish, in Spaine, Italy, France, Poland, most of the dominions of the Emperour and other Princes of Germanie, the Wal••ns and Archduchesse Countries Fourthly, the reformed Churches, and they follow the doctrine either of the Scriptures, Fathers, and Councels, according to their pu••ty, as in England; or else have they a relation to the opinions of Doctor Luther, as those of Sweden, Denmarke, the dominions of the Electors of Saxony, Brandenburgh, and divers others of Germany: or of Master Calvin; as in France especially, the Palatinate, Hessenland, and Low Countries; Calvinisme is also received in Hungaria, and Transilvania; where there be many reliques withall of Antitrinitarians, Arrians, Ebionites, and Anabaptists: Lower likewise in five of the thirteene Cantons of Helvetia, and amongst the Grisons, doe the Calvinists professe publikely. In Bohemia, Moravia, Silesia, &c. the Protestants of the Augustane confession were esteemed two third parts. Of these severall Churches, though some follow the Augustane confession, as the Lutherans; some the Helvetian, as the Switz••s; some the Gallicane, as the Calvinists; yet all of them agree in the fundamentall and saving points, and all accord in their detestation of the Roman; as is to bee seene in the Harmony of Confessions.

Of the Languages of Europe, Scaliger finds eleven mother tongues, the foure noblest of which, be the Greeke, Latine, Sclavonian, and Dutch; each subdivided into her daughter-dialects. ••e learned Greeke is no where vulgarly spoken at this day: The moderne, is nothing but a barbarous composition of Turkish, Sclavonian, and Italian, with the old Greeke corrupted. The Latine (worne also out of vulgar use) is degenerated into the Italian, Spanish, and French, all which three were anciently called Romanse. The Sclavonian is a large & a stately tongue; it hath these dialects, the Bohemian, Russian, Polonian, 〈◊〉, Windish, and the Dalmatian: The Characters be of two kindes; the ancient, called the Dalmatian; and the Russian letter, corrupted from the Greekish. These Sclavonian dialects and tongues doe differ, yet not so much as the Italian and Spanish. The worst of the foure best is the German tongue, and that varied into the high and Low Dutch; as also into the Saxish, Fris•an, English, North-Albing, and the Danish; which last is variously spoken by the Danes of Denmarke, Sweden, and Norway; whence the Island speech also commeth, if these two last be not the ancient Gothish.

The other seven of meaner elegancie are, first the Albanian, spoken by the Epirotes. Secondly, the Tartarian. Thirdly, the Hungarian, brought out of Asia by the H•nnes. Fourthly, the Finns and Laplanders speech in the North of Sweden. Fifthly, the Irish. Sixthly, the Welsh, whose worth (being most expressively significant, and having beene the language of the ancient Celtae, and •oken in the most part of Europe) could not be valued, because not understood, by the learned Scaliger. Dialects if this (but much varied) are our Cornish, and that of Brittaigne in France. Seventhly, The Biscaigners inhibiting for seven dayes journey on both sides the Pyre••• mountaines. Tis the reliques of the ancient Spanish, before it was altered by the Latine. Scaliger never heard of the Monks language, spoken by ours of the Ile of Man, the most of which is surely derived from the Irish. The Wallons also of the Low Countries have a French dialect, scarce to be understood by a peasant about Paris.

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

EUROPE, though it be least of all, yet with the chiefe Delineators of the terrestriall Globe, we will describe it in the first place, either for the excellencie of the soyle, or the company of the inhabitants, or in regard of their famous acts, who have hitherto possessed it. Pliny calleth it the Nurse of a People conquering all Nations, and the most beautifull part of the Earth: besides, though other parts be greater, and larger, yet they are lesse inhabited; and therefore for these and other causes wee may justly begin first with Europe, which was the most noble inheritance of Iaphet (who being Noahs eldest sonne enlarged his Territories even to the Land of his brethren, Sem and Cham) so much concerning the order: in the next place we must shew the Etymologie of the name. Herodotus noteth, that the originall of this name was not knowne: some say it was called so from one Europa a Tyrian, the daughter of Agenor King of the Phoenicians, of whom it is an ancient fable, that Jupiter having, transformed himselfe into a Bull, and having set her on his backe, carried her from Sydon into Creete, or Cyprus. Others rejecting fables, do thinke she was carried away in a ship built in the forme of a Bull: Others say it was a ship which had the protection of Iupiter, and the image of a Bull upon it. Palephatus of Creete writeth, that it was a ship called the Bull, which brought away from the Tyrian Countrie, Europa the Kings daughter as captive, with other maids: Some do suppose that it was a militarie Legion, which among other Ensignes had one Standard with the figure of a Bull in it. Some say it was so called in regard of the beautie of this Region which may be compar'd to a Virgine, carried away for the love of her beautie. And some (not unlikely) have said, that it was called so from Europus, who, as it is left to memory, had heretofore a Kingdome in this part of the World. Becanus, beeing unwilling to be persuaded that Europe hath a Greeke name, seeing the Cimmerians did inhabit it before the Greekes, & the former had a different Language from the latter, thinketh that it was so called from the excellencie of the people. For the monasyllable VER, being pronoūced by the dipthong, signifies some great and excellent thing; and HOP, doth denote a multitude of men. The Asiaticans do generally at this day call the Europeans Frankimen: the Turkes call those of the Romish Religion Franki, and those Romei who are addicted to the Greeke Religion. The Abyssines in Africke, which divers Records do testifie, do call us Alfrangues, and the Christians Countrie Frankia. So much for the Name: the Situation and Quantitie followes: concerning which it is to be held, that Ptolomy, and other Ancient Writers did place Europe betweene the 4. & 9. Climes, between the 11. and 21. Parallels: betweene the Degrees of Latitude 36. and 54. and of s 1.6 Longitude 17. and 61. but in our age, seeing the Declination of the Sunne, as it is observed, is changed, and many places are added to this our Europe, for they have now discovered to the 72. Degrees of Latitude toward the North; a further description of Climes and Parallels hath beene devised, so that Europe is situated betweene the 4^th and 18^th Climats; and betweene the Parallels 11. and 36. Lastly, betweene the degrees of Latitude 36. and 72. but almost betweene the degrees of Longitude 17. & 71. If it be considered from the Promontorie of Spaine, which is called at this day Cabo S. Vincentij, even to a right line drawne from the head of the River Tanais to the Northerne Ocean: but the shortest Longitude is betweene the 17^th and 58. degrees, counting it from the same Promontorie of Spaine, even to Malea a Promontorie of Peloponesus, and excluding the Islands of the Aegean Sea, which may bee reckoned as part of Europe: so that the most Southerne parts of Europe are in the 36. degree of Latitude, as the Mountaine Calpe in Spaine, one of Hercules Pillars, the Southerne Promontory of Sicilie, heretofore called Odyssia, and the head of Peloponnesus, or Morea, anciently Taenaria, and now Cabo Maini: in which places the longest day is 14. houres, and 30. minutes. But the most Northerne limits of it are in the 71 degree and a halfe, as the Promontory of Scandia, the farthest Land Northward, now called Wardhuys, where the longest day is 2. moneths, 22. dayes, and 7. houres. Moreover, we make account that a line drawne straight forward from the head of Tanais to the Northerne Ocean is the Easterne limite of Europe, following the common account. For ancient Writers doe not agree concerning the Easterne boundes of Europe. Aristotle, Plato, Herodotus, and others who are of their opinion, doe divide Europe from Asia by the River or Isthmus of Phasis, which is betweene the Euxine and Caspian Sea. Dionysius, Arrianus, Diodorus, Polybius, Iornandes, doe divide it by the River Tanais. Abraham Ortelius makes the bounds of Europe toward the East to bee the Aegean Sea, the Euxine Sea, the Maeoticke Lake, the River Tanais, and the Isthmus which lyeth straight forward from the head Springs thereof towards the North; and others make other bounds. Ptolomaeus doth part Europe from Asia, by the same River of Tanais, and a line drawne from the head thereof toward the Northerne Sea. Now (wee subscribing unto him with other most skilfull Geographers, and descending from the Line and River of Tanais towards the South) let us with others place the Easterne bounds thereof in the Maeoticke Lake, the Cimmerian Bosphorus, the Euxine Sea, the Thracian Bosphorus, the Propontis, and the Aegean Sea even to the Mediterranean Sea, which parts it from Africke Southward: on the West, the great and wide Ocean beates upon it. Lastly, on the North it is encompassed with the Northerne Sea. Strabo doth attribute to it the forme of a Dragon, of which Spaine doth represent the head, France the necke, Germany the body, Italie and the Cimbrian Chersonesus the right and left winges. For the most part it enjoyes a temperate Aire, and milde Weather. Whence Europe is every where inhabited, although very incommodiously and hardly in those places which are beyond the 60^th degree of Latitude, in regard of cold. And it doth not onely farre excell the other parts of the World in the wonderfull temperatenesse of the Climate, temper, pleasantnesse, and great company of the inhabitants; but also in the abundance of Fruits, Trees, Plants, all kinde of living Creatures, Mettals; and in the plentie of all other things which are necessarie to sustaine mans life. Yet it hath not vines everywhere, but where wine is wanting it supplies the defect thereof with drinke made of fruits. This (for here I cannot refraine from praising it) is the mother of the Conquerours of the World. Here Macedon did heretofore bring forth Alexander, Italie the Romanes: who in a certaine succession (God in his Eternall Providence so decreeing) did conquer the whole World, so farre as it was knowne: and Germany doth at this day bring forth Princes of great Prowes. Have not here beene borne many noble Heroes, which have added to their Empire America unknowne (as the most do suppose) to the Ancients, and the better and stronger parts of Asia, and Africke? Is it not the onely mother of many Kings and Princes fighting in Christs cause? This our Europe, besides the Romane Empire, hath above eight and twentie Kingdomes instructed in Christian Religion, if we adde the foureteene, which Damianus à Goes reckons to be in Spaine, whence wee may estimate the dignitie of this Countrie: what shall I speake of the populousnesse, and renowne of the cities thereof. Heretofore Africa hath beene proud of her Carthage, Asia hath beene puffed up with her three Cities, Babilon, Ninivie and Hierusalem. America doth glory at this day in Cusco, and new Spaine in Mexico: but who seeth not in these times the like and greater, almost in every Countrie of Europe? Let any one in his minde onely walke over Italy (for this doth afford an example of all the rest) the sumptuous magnificence of Rome, the Royall wealth of Venice, the honourable Nobilitie of Naples, the continuall commerce and traffique of Genoa, the happie and fertile pleasantnesse of Millaine, and the famous wonders, and commodities of other places. So that the other parts of the World may be silent, for none are equall to Europe. The Countries in it (as they are now called) are Spaine, France, Germanie, Italie, Hungarie, Transilvania, Dalmatia, Greece, Poland, Lithuania, Moscovie, Russia, Denmarke, Swethland, Norway: besides the Isles in the Northerne Ocean, which are, England, Scotland, Ireland, Island, Frisland, and others in other places; and those in the Mediterranean Sea, as the Baleares, which are two Isles in the Spanish Sea called Majorica and Minorica, also Corsica, Sardinia, Sicilia, with the Isles of Malta, Corfu, Creete, and many others. And as for the Lakes, standing Pooles, Rivers, and Waters having diverse vertues in them, which (beside their fish, whereof they yeeld an incredible company) are as it were a wall unto Countries, who can number them? What should I mention the Seas? it would be tedious in this place to reckon up their commodities, profits, and delights, these things shall therfore be unfolded in their proper places. Europe doth not want Mountaines, among which the Pirenean hills, and the Alpes, are alwaies white with continuall snow, and it hath many woods and forrests, which afford pasturage for cattell, and have few harmefull beasts in them. What should I speake of the private or publique workes, both sacred and profane that are in this part of the World? Here are innumerable magnificent Temples, innumerable Abbies, many famous Pallaces of Kings, innumerable faire and magnificent houses belonging to Noble-men and Princes: and many rare buildings, both publique and private. We have here Justice and Lawes: we have the dignitie of Christian Religion, we have all the delights of mankinde, we have the strength of Armes, innumerable Senators, Men venerable both for Wisedome and Learning: and if you please to compare famous men together, there was never so great a company of Heroes, and Noble men in other parts of the World, as in any one part of Europe. Besides, this part of the World is so studious of Arts and Sciences, that for the invention and preservation of many things, it may worthily be called, the Mother and Nurse of Wisedome. In this are many excellent and flourishing Universities, but in other Countries there is nothing but meere Barbarisme. It would be too much to reckon up the vertues of the Inhabitants; but as for the vices (as who is without some?) they are noted in some short sayings, which I will here adde: The people of Franconia are foolish, rude, and vehement. The Bavarians are prodigall, gluttons, and railers. The Grisons are light, talkative, and braggers. The Turingi are distrustfull and contentious. The Saxons dissemblers, craftie, selfe-willed. The Low-country-men are horsemen, delicate, and tender. The Italians proud, desirous of revenge, and wittie. The Spaniards haughtie, wise, covetous. The French eloquent, intemperate, and rash. The People of Denmarke and Holsteine, are great of stature, seditious, and dreadfull. The Sarmatians great eaters, proud, and stealers. The Bohemians inhumane, new-fangled and robbers. The Illyrians unconstant, envious, seditious. The Pannonians cruell, and superstitious. The Greekes miserable. And there is another saying no lesse pleasant. A Bridge in Poland, a Monke of Bohemia, a Knight of the South, a Nunne of Suevia, the Devotion of Italie, the Religion of Prutenicks, the Fasts of Germans, and the Constancie of Frenchmen are nothing worth.

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

Of Europe the last division of the World heere handled, and the Kingdomes thereof.

EUROPE which I have willingly omitted as last and principall, commeth now to be surveied, that the Trade thereof may the better appeare in her particular Provinces and Cities, should be in prerogative of worth the chiefe and first, but following the custome of Merchants, I shew the best last, and the worst first.

Europe then is divided into these Provinces and Ilands.

• 1 Spaine.
• 2 France.
• 3 Italie.
• 4 Belgia.
• 5 Germanie.
• 6 Denmarke.
• 7 Norway.
• 8 Sweden.
• 9 Moscovia.
• 10 Poland.
• 11 Hungarie.
• 12 Dacia.
• 13 Slavonia.
• 14 Gracia.

The Ilands of Europe are dispersed through these Seas.

• 1 Greeke Seas.
• 2 Egean Seas.
• 3 Cretan Seas.
• 4 Ionian Seas.
• 5 Adriatique seas.
• 6 Mediterranean seas.
• 7 British Seas.
• 8 Northerne Seas.

Of all which in order, and of each of these Divisions in order.

1682. Cosmography and geography in two parts by Richard Blome.

EƲROPE is one of the three parts of our Continent, of which Asia makes the most Eastern, Africa the most Southern, and Europe in regard of them is between North and West.

It is for the most part bounded by the Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea; that which we call the Septentrional, or Frozen Ocean, on the North; and the Occidental, or Atlantick Ocean, on the West: The Mediterranean Sea (which is but an Arm of the Ocean) lies on its South, and separates it from Africa; but from Asia, it is separated towards the East by divers Seas, which fall into the Mediterranean; by several Streights between these Seas, to wit, the Archipelago, the Sea of Marmara, the Black Sea, and the Sea of Zabaque. Between the Archipelago and the Marmara, is the Streight of Gallipoli, or the Dardanelles of old Hellespontus: between the Marmara and the Black Sea, is the Streight of Constantinople, or the Channel of the Black Sea; and between the Black Sea and the Sea of Zabaque, is the Streight of Caffa, or Vospero. Then the Rivers of Don, Wolga, and Oby, compleat the division of Europe from Asia, by drawing a line from the one to the other.

The scituation of Europe is between the 35 and 72 degrees of Latitude; and between the 10 and 100 of Longitude, though it fill not all this space; and it is almost all in the Temperate Zone, no part in the Torrid; but some under or near the Frozen Zone.

But the Ocean, together with the divers Seas which encompass and divide the parts of Europe, have given so great an advantage to its People, that they are long since become the most expert in the World in Navigation, all Arts and Sciences, and in Arms and Military Discipline.

We will consider Europe in Nine (or three times three) principal parts: And of these, the first three shall be Spain, Italy, and the Estates of Turkey in Europe; and these possess the Southern part of Europe: the second three parts shall be France, Germany and Poland, and these take up the middle part of Europe; and the third shall be Scandinavia, where are the Estates of Denmark and Sweden, Russia Alba, or Muscovia, and the Isles of Great Britain and Ireland; and these are most Northward. As to the several small Isles, I shall comprehend them under one and the other of these 3 parts, and that according to their scituation or vicinity unto them.

Besides these 9 parts, there will remain some Estates and Lands between France, Germany, and Italy; likewise between Germany, Poland, Turkey and Moscovia; and some in Turkey, which shall be described as occasion presents.

But before we proceed to the Parts, let us consider that there are 3 principal Tongues, and as many principal Religions in Europe, viz. the Latin, which extends it self into Italy, France, and Spain, though in divers Idioms: the Teutonick into Germany, the British Isles, and Scandinavia: the Sclavenian into Poland, Moscovy, in good part of Turkey, Bohemia, &c. though still in several Idioms and Dialects. The other Tongues are much less general, as the Greek, Albanian, Hungarian, and the Tartaresque in the Eastern parts; and lastly, the Basque, Welsh, Irish and Laplandish, in the most Western and Northern parts.

The Religions are the Protestant, which hath spread it self where the Teutonick Tongue is spoken; the Roman Catholick is almost every where with the Latin; Schism, alone and every where amongst the People speaking Sclavonian and Greek; the Mahumetan Religion is among the Natural Turks of Europe. But to proceed to its Parts.

1685. Geographia universalis: the present state of the whole world by Pierre Duval.

EƲROPE, one of the four great Parts of the World, is also one of the most considerable, if we respect either the Potency of its States, the great Number, Beauty, and excellent Polity of its Cities; its great Commerce, the goodness of its Air, and its prodigious Fertility. 'Twas Europe, that gave Alexanders and Caesars to the Universe; that has had within its Boundaries, the principal part of the Roman and Grecian Monarchies, and which at this day does send Colonies into other parts of the World. For this reason, it seems to be represented with a Crown on its Head, when it is shewn under the form of a Woman. It lies in the North-West of our Continent, all in the Northern temperate Zone: This exempts it from the insupportable heats, which reign in Africk, and which the most Southern parts of Asia undergo. Its Air is equally mild, unless it be in its most Northern Countreys. The Ground affords all manner of Grains and Fruits. Its length, to take it from the Cape St. Vincent, towards the West of Spain, unto the Parts of Muscovy, bordering upon the Mouths of the River Obi, exceeds twelve hundred Leagues, or is about 3800 Miles. Its Breadth, that is to say, its Extent from the South to the North, from Cape Mapatan, in Morea, to the most Northern Promontory of Norway, is full eight hundred.

Toward the North, Europe has the Northern Ocean, call'd Frozen, by reason of its Ice; the Western, or Atlantick Ocean, towards the West; the Mediterranean Sea, towards the South; and beyond that Sea, Africa. Now the Bounds, which towards the Levant separate it from Asia, in remounting the Mediterranean-Sea, towards the North, are as follows: 1. The Archipelago, or the White, otherwise Aegean Sea. 2. The Streight of Gallipoli, call'd the Dardanelloes, and an Arm of St. George, otherwise nam'd the Hellespont, two Miles broad. 3. The Sea of Marmora, otherwise Propontis. 4. The Streight of Constantinople, or the Chanel of the greater Sea, otherwise the Thracian-Bosphorus. 5. The Black or Major Sea, otherwise Euxinus. 6. The Streight of Caffa, or Vospero, otherwise the Mouth of St. John, formerly the Cimmerian Bosphorus. 7. The Limen, or the Sea of Zabaca and Tana, formerly Palus Mcotides. 8. The River of Dom, or Tana, formerly Tanais. 9. A Line drawn from the most Eastern winding of the Dom, unto the Northern Ocean, near Obi. Some draw this Line more towards the West, from the Sources of the Dom, unto the White Sea, which is in Muscovy, and make Europe very small: Others contain the Conquests of the Great Duke of Muscovy, which he made in the Asiatick Tartary. Not to confound the true Limits of Asia and Europe together, we may say, that both the Czar, and the Grand Seignior, have Territories in each of those Great Parts of the World.

Europe is to be considered both in Terra firma, and in Islands, if we make the Numeration of its Parts according to their situation, 1. We find, towards the West, France, Spain, Portugal, three Hereditary Kingdoms. 2. Towards the South, three Regions belonging to divers Sovereigns; the first comprehends the Countreys bordering upon France, which were almost all formerly part of Gaule, and whereof the greatest part has been reunited in our time in France, the Low-Countreys, that is to say, Holland and Flanders, La Franche Compte, Suisserland, and Savoy: The second of these Regions is Italy, and the third Germany. 3. Towards the North of Europe, there is Denmark and Sueden, Hereditary Kingdoms: Norway is added to the Crown of Denmark, as belonging to the same King. 4. Towards the East, are Poland, Muscovy, Turkey, three the Greatest States of Europe. Under the Name of European Turkey, is comprehended Turkey, properly so taken, Greece, Hungary, Transylvania, Walachia, Moldavia, lesser Tartary, the Republick of Ragusa. The Isles of Europe are in the Ocean, in the Mediterranean, in the Baltick-Sea. The Isles of the Ocean are Great Britain, which comprehends England and Scotland, Ireland and other that are smaller, all under the Name Britanick, Sicily, Sardaigna, Corsica, and Candia, are the greatest of the Mediterranean-Sea. The Isles of the Baltick are not considerable, in respect of us.

The most renowned Mountains of Europe, are the Pyrenees and the Alpes towards the Confines, the Cevennes about the midst of France; Sierra-Morena in Spain, the Apennine in Italy, Parnassus in Greece, Crapax between Poland and Hungary, the Riphees in Moscovy, Mount-Gibel, otherwise call'd Aetna, in Sicily. Amongst the most considerable Rivers, there are the Tage, the Guadiana, the Guadalquivir, the Eber in Spain: The Po, the Tyber in Italy: The Seine, Loire, Garone, Rhosne in France: The Danube, Rhine, Elbe, Oder in Germany: The Vistule and Nieper in Poland: The Volga and Dom in Moscovy. The Thames, Trent, Severn in England: The Tay in Scotland: The Shennon in Ireland.

We may consider the State of Europe according to their Titles, without having regard to their Rank; and say, that there is the Patrimony of the Church: Two Empires, Germany and Turkey: Seven Kingdoms, each with its King, who acknowledged yet no Superiors, England, France, Spain, Portugal, Suedeland, Denmark, Poland, this Elective: Eight Electorates, Mayence, Treves, Cologne, Bohemia, Bavaria, Saxony, Brandenbourg, the Palatinate: One Arch-Dutchy, which is Austria: Two Great Dutchies, Moscovy, Tuscany: Six Dutchies, besides those in the Empire, Lorrain, Savoy, Mantua, Modena, Parma, Courland: Four Principalities, which pay Homage to the Turks, Transylvania, Walachia, Moldavia, lesser Tartary: Seven Republicks, Holland, Suisserland, Venice, Genoa, Lucca, St. Marin, Ragusa. A great number of Principalities, and Imperial Cities in Germany, enjoy Sovereignty in their States, but owe Fealty to the Emperor.

The Christian Religion is the most received in Europe; for which reason, some give it the Name of Christendom. By the Cares of the Europeans, the Faith has been Preached and Established in America, Africa and Asia. Besides the Roman Catholicks, the Protestants, and the Reformed, there are in Europe several Sectaries, Mahometans, and Idolaters in some Countries of the North. The Roman Catholick Religion is, for the most part, where is us'd the Latin Tongue. The Schisms, where they speak the Sclavonian. Protestanism, where the Teutonick is in use. Judaism, wandring in most parts of the World, is tolerated in some Cities: It has been particularly banish'd out of France, Spain and Portugal. Some who have undertaken to make the supputation of the Parts of the Earth Discover'd, according to the Religions that are receiv'd up and down, have said, that if those Parts were divided into thirty, Christianity would have five of them, Mahometism six, and Paganism nineteen.

In Europe are reckon'd four Principal Tongues, the Teutonick, the Latin, the Greek, and the Sclavonian. The Teutonick is of three sorts, German, in Germany; Saxon, in England and Scotland; Danish, in Denmark, in Sueden, Norway and Ireland. The Latin Tongue is receiv'd in Italy, France and Spain. The Greek was formerly of four sorts, Attick, Ionick, Dorick, Aeolick. The Sclavonian is currant amongst the Sclavonians, Bohemians, Polanders, Moscovites. There are seven other less considerable Tongues, the Albanese, Cossack, Hungarian, Finlandish, Irish, British and Bask. The Cossack has affinity with that of the lesser Tartary; the Finlandish is receiv'd in Finland and Lapland; the Brittish in the Principality of Wales, and in Brittany of France.

Amongst the Ancient People of Europe, the Greeks have won the Prize for Sciences, and the Roman for Arms: In the last Ages, its Western Nations have excell'd in Navigation.

The Present State of the Countries, Fortresses and other Places, which the Europeans stand Possess'd of in the East and West-Indies.

EƲrope at first had but two Nations, who in the last Age, and towards the end of the Age before, undertook, with success, Voyages of a long course, and who afterwards sent Colonies into those Lands they had Discover'd, the Spaniards towards the West, the Portugals towards the East. They obtained from Pope Alexander VI. a Donative of all the undiscover'd Lands. The other Europeans were not satisfied with the over-Prodigal Liberality of this Sovereign Pontiff; the English share therein; the French and Hollanders were willing to have their share therein: Since which, there have been divers changes in several places of those Countries; the rigour, which the Spaniards and Portugals have used to exclude other Nations, having only promoted their own Destruction.

The French have in Canada, 1. Mont-real, the three Rivers, Quebec, Tadousac, upon the Great River of St. Laurence: Accadia, Port-Royal, St. John, Pemtagoet, near the Sea; the Isle of Cap-Breton in the Isle of Terra-Nova, Plaisance, the Bay of little Niort. 2. In the Antilles Islands, St. Christopher's in part, (the other part belonging to the English, St. Bartholomew, St. Croix, St. Martin, Guadaloupe, la Desirce, Mary-Galant, the Saints; Martinick, St. Alousie, Grenade, the Grenadins: The Tortuse and several Colonies in the Western Part of the Islands of Hispaniola, called San-Domingo. 3. In the Terra-firma of Southern America upon the Coast of Guayana, the Isle of Cayene: The Colony of Corou, Coonama, Comaribo. 4. The Commerce of the Coast of Africa upon the Rivers of Senega, of Gambia, at Rufisque near CapVerd, at Grand-Sestre, at Ardre, in several places of Guinea. 5. The Fort Dauphin in the Isle of Madagascar. The Isles of St. Mary; of Bourbon, of Diege-Rois. Countoirs or Staples at Suratte, at Souali, and other Places of the Mogul; Near Nazul-Patan, at Rezapour, at Siam, in the Kingdom of Tunquim; at Bantam in the Isle of Java and other Places.

The Spaniards possess the greatest and best part of America, where they have a great number of Towns. 1. In the Northern America, New-Spain, the Isles of Cuba, Hispaniola, (the French have setled themselves in the Western part of Hispaniola) Porto-rico: St. Augustin, St. Matthew in Florida, a part of new Mexico. 2. In Southern America, la Castille d'or, otherwise called Terra-firma, Peru, Chili, Paraguay, which comprehends the Countries of Tucuman and la Plata: The Isles of. Salomon in the South Sea. 3. In the Coast of Africa upon the Ocean, Larache, the Canary Islands. 4. Towards the East, most of the Philippine Island, called Manilhes. They have a part of the Molucco Islands; which they have abandoned, and the Hollanders have not failed to make advantage of their so doing.

The Portuguese have, 1. All the Coasts of Brasile, in Southern America, where are the Capitanias of Peru, Maranhaon, Ciara, Riogrande, Paraibe, Tamaraca, Pernambuco, Seregippe, Baia de Todos-os-Santos, los-Isleos, Porto-Seguro, Spiritu-Santo, Rio-Janeiro, and San-Vincente: Towards the Mouth of the Amazon, the Places of Estero, Corduba, Cogemine. 2. In Africa, Mazagan upon the Coast of the Kingdom of Morocca: Some Forts upon the River St. Dominick, a Branch of the Niger, upon the Coasts of Guinea, of Congo, of Angola; Habitations in the Isle of St. Thomas: The Isles Terceres, Madera, Porto-Santo, Cap-Verd, of the Prince, of Fernando Pao, of Annabon. 3. Several Places in the East-Indies; in Cafreria, the Castle of Cofala, the Village of Sena, a Factory with a small Fort at the Cape of Corientes, strong Houses of Cuama, and on the Rivers of the Coast. In Zanguchar, the City and Castle of Mozambick, with the Fort of St. Mark: Factories and small Forts of Angoxa and Quilimane. The Castle of Quiloa, a Factory in the Isle Monfia. The Town and Castle of Mombaze, the Castle of Melinde, with the Villages and Factories of Pata and Ampaze. The Traffick in all the Coast of Africk, from the Cape of Good-Hope to the Red-Sea; in the Isle Zoeotora: at Aden, at Fartach, at Bassora. In Persia, half of the Revenue of the Isle of Baharem, of Congue, the Traffick to Bender-Rich, to the Cape de Jasques. In the India of the Mogul, Damaon with the Forts of St. Jeronimo, St. John, Kielme, Mahi, Tarampor: Bazaim with the Isle Salsete, the Fort Bandera, called Manora, the Village of Tana Fortified with three Bastions, the Rock of Asserim. Ougeli-bourg, upon the Ganges: the Traffick to Agra, Amedabat, Cambaya, Suratte, Baroche, in Bengala. They have in Decan Chaul, the Forts of Morro, of Caranga, the Village of Massagan. Goa with its Fortresses and Dependencies in the Land of the Bardes, and in the Isle Salsete. Upon the Coast of China, Macao. In the Isle of Solor, the Village and Fort of Larentock. The Traffick into Persia, Golconda, Aracan, Pegu; at Tanazerin, Ligor, Odia, Cambodia; in the Isle of Timor.

The English have extraordinarily augmented their Dominions in America; they have in Northern America, New-England, Trinity-Bay, Chinchet, little Plaisance, in the Isle of Terra-Nova: Virginia, the Bermudoes Island; New-York; the Fort of Orange. Some Colonies in Florida, at Cap-faire; la Ciguatee, and other Lucca-Islands. At the Antilles Isles, the Barbadoes, which are Barbada, Barboudu, Anguille, St. Christophers in part, (the other part belonging to the French) Montserrat, Nieves, otherwise Meuvis, Antego, la Dominique, St. Vincent in part; the Isle of St. Catharine, called Providence: the Isle of Jamaica, that of Trinity; St. Pointe, and other Colonies at Surinam, at Maroni, at Sinamari, with some Forts upon the Coast of Guayana. In Africa, Tangier, near the Streights; the Fort of S. Andre, in the River of Gambia; San-Felippe, towards the River St. Dominique; Tagrin, Madrebomba, Takorari, Cabo-Corso, Eniacham, or Naschange, and other Places of Guinea. A Fort in the Isle of St. Helena; Maderaspatan, upon the Coast of Coromondel; the Isles Bambain, Angedive, Pouleron: A Hall, or Lodge, wherein they have a President at Suratte, at Bantam. Factories at Ispaham, at Gombru, where they have half the Revenue; At Agra, at Amedabat, at Cambaya, at Brodra, at Baroche, at Surat, at Dabul, at Pettapoli, at Masulipatan, at Balazor in Bengala, at Ougeli: In Siam, at Camboia; at Tunkin, in the Island Formosa.

The Hollanders have been dispossess'd of their New-Holland in America, where they have still the Isles of St. Eustache, of Saba, of Curasao, of Tobago; the City of Coro, in Terra firma; the Colonies of Boron, Esquib, Brebice, Aperwaqul, and others upon the Coast of Guayana. In Africa, Arquin, Gorea towards Cap-Verde, where they have a Fort, with Factories at Rufifque, at Porto-d' Ale, at Joal: St. George de la Mine, the Fort of Nassau, or Moure, Cormentin, Axime, Botrou, in Guinea, upon the Golden Coast: several Forts in Congo. Near the Cape of Good Hope, at Tafel-bay, or Table-bay, two Forts. On the East of the Isle of Madagascar, the Island Mauritius. In the Coast of Malabar, Onor, Barcelor, Mangalor, Cananor, Cranganor, Cochin, Coulan. In the Coast of Coromandel, Tuticorin, Negapatan, Karkalle, Guelderland, near Pallecate. In the Peninsula of India Extra Gangem, Malacca, with the Ports, the Isles, and Fortresses, which depend on it.

In the Isle of Ceylan, Negombo, Colombo, Galle, Baticale, Trinquilemale, Jaffanatapan; a Fortress in the Isle of Manar. In the Isle Java, Jacatra, call'd Batavia, with its Dependences: the Island Bima; part of the Moluccoe Islands; namely, in Ternate, Tacomma, Talucco, Malaya: In Motir, the Fort of Nassau: In Mach•an, Taffaso, Tabillola, Naffaquia, otherwise Nahaca, Maurice; In Bachian, Grammadoure, Loboua: In Gilolo, Sabou, Coma: In the Isle of Amboina, Coubella, Lovio: In the Isles of Banda, Nassau; Belgique, in that of Nera: Revenge, in that of Powleway. In the Isle of Solor, the Fort Henry, the Fort Joupandam, otherwise called Rotterdam, in the City of Macassar: The Isles Savo and Boton, near Macassar: A Fort in that of Timor. Part of the Terra Australis, which they have called New Holland, where are the Carpentaria, the Lands of Arnems, of Witz, of Endracht, otherwise called Concord, of Edels, Leuvin, of Nuitz. Several Factories in Persia, at Gombru, at Congue, at Ispaham; in the Dominions of the Mogul, at Agra, Amedabat, Cambaia, Ba•che, Surate, Ougeli, Cayumbasar, Deca, Patena, Pipilipatan. In Decan, at Fingerla. In Coromondel, at Tenegapatan. In Golconda, at Golconda, Mazulipatan, Palicot, Datscheron, and Bincola-patan. In Pegu, at Ava, and Siriam. In Siam, at Odia. In the Isle of Sumatra, at Ticou, Piaman, Indapour, Cellebar, Jambi, and Palimbam. In the Isle of Java, at Bantam, and Japara; In the Isle of Celebes, at Manado: At Macasar. The Traffick in the Isle Zocotora. On the Coast of Arabia, at Mocha, Aden, and Fortach. In the Isles of Larck, of Kesem near Ormus. At Porca, and in most of the places of Malabar. In Bisnagar, at Ornixa; in Aracan; in Pegu: at Tanasserim, Pera, Ihor, Paham, Patane, Singora, Bordelong, and Ligor; in Tunquim, at Chincheo, and other places of China; at Rima, in the Isle of Borneo. To the exclusion of other Nations, they pretend to the Traffick on the Eastern Coast of Sumatra, of Japan, in the Isles of Amboina, and Balli, and Bima in the Isle Camboua. They stand no longer possess'd of the Island of Formosa, which favour'd them in their Commerce of Japan; the Chineses having expell'd them thence.

The Suedes have establish'd in Northern America, Colonies under the Name of New-Sueden, Christiana, Gothembourg, Ensimbourg.

The Danes have some Territories in each of the Indies. They have New-Denmark, towards the North of America; the Fortress of Fredericksbourg, of three Bastions, which Commands at Cabo-Corso, and the Castle of Christiansbourg, in Guinea. Krankebar, called Trango-bay, and Dansbourg, on the Coast of Coromondel.

The Courses the Europeans steer towards the West-Indies.

MAriners, that sail upon the Ocean, teach us, that the Winds, which commonly blow in the Torrid Zone, are called Brizes, and General Winds; that those Winds are from the East to the West, according to the Motion of the Primum Mobile, which (as some are pleas'd to say) makes the Sea to move after the same manner. The Winds they have commonly, from thirty Degrees of Northern Latitude, are Winds from West South-West to East. Upon the Seas, towards the Poles, the Winds are not regular. It is the bus'ness of Pilots, to choose Seasons fit for Navigation; to know, by Experience, the Flats, the Currents, or Ledges, of the Places where they are to go; to know the Quality and the Condition of their Ships; to observe the Wind well, that they may shorten their Course, when they point their Chart; finally, to have regard to the Variation of the Compass, which is not always the same in one and the same place.

We call America the West-Indies; the Spaniards have made the most Voyages thither. Their ancient Course was to go first of all into Great Canary, or into Gomera; to sail towards the South or the South-East, there to take advantage of Monzoons, or General Winds of the Torrid Zone, which carried them to Guadaloupe, where they met with good Water.

Now adays, because they have two Fleets, the one for New Spain, the other, which is call'd the Gallions, for the Terra firma, after having steered much the same Course, these Fleets divide themselves at their departure from the most Eastern of the Antille's Islands: that of New-Spain makes for the Cape St. Anthony, in the Western part of the Isle of Cuba, and then gets to the Port of Vera Cruz, by a Northernly Course in Winter, by a Southern Course in Summer. From thence the Merchants go by Land to the City de los Angelos, and to Mexico. The Port of Vera Cruz is defended by a Fortress, it is much more so by the Flats and Rocks which are at its entrance. About three Months time is spent in the way from Spain to Vera Cruz. The Ships, which are bound for the Honduras and Guatimala, after having sail'd South of the Isle of Hispaniola, steer to the North of Jamaica, and disembark at Truxillo, or at the Golfo Dulce, which are places of the Province of Honduras. Those who go to the Manilhes, after being arriv'd in the City of Mexico, go and embark at the Port of Acapulco, or in that of Natividad, both upon the South-Sea. They bring from the Manilhes much Riches, and far more precious Merchandizes, than those which are carried from Europe to Mexico. The Port of Acapulco is spacious, sheltered from Winds, defended with a Castle, and about fourscore Leagues distant from the City of Mexico, which sends its Merchandizes upon Mules.

The Fleet of Cartagena, after having pass'd in fight of the Islands, steers it Course towards Cartagena, where it disembarks for the new Kingdom of Granada. The Ships destin'd for Peru, go to Porto Belo, where they discharge the Merchandizes of Europe, that are carried by land to Panama; or else, for a good space of the way, by the River of Charge, which lies in the Isthmus of the two America's. At Panama those Merchandizes are embark'd for Lima, or Arica, the nearest Sea Port to Potosi. This rich Commerce has been much endammaged for these late years by the Free-booters and Boucaniers, Corsairs of the American Islands.

To return into Europe, these Fleets assemble all at the Havana, in the Isle of Cuba, the best Harbour of the West-Indies: 'Tis very Commodious, and defended with three Castles. From thence they steer along the Chanel of Bahama, and after, having ranged the Coasts, they pass by the South of the Tercera's in Winter, by the North of the same Islands in Summer, for the kenning either the Cape of Finisterre, or that of St. Vincent, and after that, make for the Port of Cadiz, or that of St. Mary, as they did formerly to that of St. Lucar. The ancient way they took in their return was, at the departure from Cartagena, and from St. Martha, to pass to the West of the Isle Hispaniola, to the East of Jamaica and Cuba, to get loose from all the Antilles, by the Chanel between Mayaguana and the Caiques, for the getting into the main Ocean, and have there the conveniency of the East Winds. The Spaniards can no longer, with safety, steer this Course; the English remaining Masters of Jamaica, the French of Tortue, and several Colonies in the Western part of Hispaniola.

The French, who are bound for the West-Indies, steer their Course either towards Canada, or towards the Antilles, or towards Cayene and the Terra firma, which is near it. When they go to Canada, they make a Traverse of about seven hundred Leagues through the Ocean, pass to the North, or to the South, of New-found-land, and so to the great River. If they go to the Antilles, or to Cayene, they go and ken the Canaries, and then steer their way Southwards, until that in the Torrid Zone they have the conveniency of the Eastern Winds, which they fail not to meet with there.

The Courses which the Europeans Steer in their Way to the East-Indies.

UNder the Name of the East-Indies, we understand the Coasts of Africa and Asia, with all the Islands and Peninsula's of our Hemisphere, which are in the Indian-Sea, beyond the Cape of Good Hope. The several Companies of Europe, establish'd for Commerce, have extended or drawn back, suitably to their interest, the Lines of the Meridians, which include the Lands contain'd in that space, and have, for that purpose, Charts to their advantage, enlarging thereby the Countrys which fell to their share.

Most of the Countreys of the East-Indies are the finest, the most delicious, and, without contradiction, the richest of the whole World. The Europeans, who go by Sea, have sought out all imaginable ways to get thither with ease, which the Portugals happily effected in the foregoing Age: the Hollanders have rendred themselves so powerful in those Parts, in our time, that they would fain play there the Masters of Commerce: But the English thought fitting to share with 'em in it: And the French have shewn, what a willing mind they have that way, if they had but all the Qualities necessary for such like Enterprizes.

The Portugal Tongue is in use upon the Coasts of the East-Indies: When that People return into the East-Indies, through the Dominions of the Turk, they lay aside that Tongue at Bagdad, to make use of Lingua Franca, which is Turkish, and a corrupted Italian.

The French, at their going out of the Ports of France, steer towards the South-East, unto the heighth of Cape Finisterre in Spain. Thence they go Southerly, passing into the East, and in sight of the Isle of Madera, or much rather to the East of that of Porto-Santo. They come in ken of the Isle of Palma, one of the Canaries, when they are about ten Leagues Westward. They pass also sometimes between Teneriff, and the great Canary; then they must carefully avoid the Flat of the Savages, to the South of Porto-Santo: there are several small Islands considered as a Bank, because they are environ'd with Rocks. Afterwards they still steer their Course towards the South, and pass between the Isles of Cap-Verd, and the Terra firma of Africk, about thirty or forty Leagues East of those Islands. They do not approach nearer than a hundred Leagues to the Coast of Guinea, by reason the Currents of the Sea bear thither, and that there are troublesom Calms; nor do they come nearer the Coast of Brasil, than they do that of Guinea, for the avoiding the Abrolhes, which begin towards the Isle St. Catherina; if they did otherwise, they would find themselves obliged to return into Europe. They steer a middle Course between the Isle of Ascension, and that of Trinity, which are at twenty Degrees of Southern Latitude. After which, they go towards the South-East, until that in thirty two Degrees of the same Southern Latitude, they be on the North of the Isles of Tristan de Cunha, which they dare not come near, because the Sea is commonly very high there: these Islands are seven in number, and one of 'em is much greater than the rest. By steering after that, East South-East, they meet with the signs of the Cape of Good Hope, which are of a green Herb, called Sargass, and of Trombes, which are pieces of Reeds, of three or four Foot in length, as thick as a Man's arm, lying upon the Water with their Roots. They are used to pass to such a distance to the Cape des Aiguilles, that they can sound the Bank, which is in the South of it. From thence they go Eastward, and then North-East, to arrive at Madagascar. In the abovementioned Course, they stay some time at the Canary Islands, or in those of Cape Verd; formerly at Cape Blanck, Rufisque, in the Isles of the Idols, at Tagrin, or in the Bay of Saldaign••, upon the Coast of Africk, according to their Occasions and Occurrences. The Bay of Saldaigna, which is seven or eight Leagues in length, and two or three in breadth, has good anchorage; it looks like a Lake, and it has good shelter about, from five or six small Islands which are there.

The return into France, is performed after another manner than the way they go from thence, by reason of the General Winds which reign from the East West-wardly in the Torrid Zone, as we have said. After having doubled the Cape of Good-Hope, and been some hundred Leagues to the East, they pursue the Course North North-East, unto the sixteenth Degree of Southern Latitude; from whence, they go directly West to ken the Island of St. Helena, where they are used to refresh themselves: the English have made there a Fort some few years since. From the Isle of St. Helena, they go to the Isle of Ascension, where they have the conveniency of Fishing for Tortoise; and then still towards the North-East, until they come to the height of France. In their return, when they are somewhat on this side the Line, they leave the Panedo of St. Peter on the left: After that, they leave the Isles of Cape-Verd on the right, as well as the Tercera's, and are very cautious of approaching the Abrolhes, which lye on the West of those Islands.

The Portugals go to the East-Indies, by the South of the Cape of Good-Hope; their Navigation into the Indian Sea is regulated by certain Seasons, and the Winds they call Muessons. After having doubled that famous Cape, they bend their Course for Goa, between the firm Land of Africa, and the Island Madagascar, to the East or to the West of the Shores of India. They go to refresh themselves at Mozambick, and pass between the Isles Comorro, and Juan-Miz; then, still to the North-East, unto the sixteenth Degree of Northern Latitude, in the distance of about a hundred Leagues from the Desart Coast. At length they steer directly East for Goa.

When they go from Goa to Macao, they they make Sail along Malabar towards the Cape of Comorin; South of Ceilan, and of all the Southern Islands: They pass through the Streights which are near the Island Galli, and Sail along Macasar and the Manilhes, unto Macao. This they do not without great inconveniencies; and they take that great Circuit, because the Hollanders hinder them from passing between the Streights of Malacca and Sunda, nay, and often scout 'em towards Cochim, and at the Point of Galle upon the Coast of the Isle of Ceilan. The Navigation from Macao to Japan is about twenty days.

In their return, at their departure from Goa, they pass by the Cape to the West, about a hundred and fifty Leagues, and come in ken of the Desart Coast of Africa, and in sight of Land, and get to Mozambick, making Sail between the Isle of Madagascar and the Shores of India: they Coast along the Land of Natal, where the Currents are commonly from the North-East to the South-West, and where the Navigation is very dangerous. After which, they return into Portugal by the Cape of Good-Hope, following the above-mention'd Course.

The Course the Hollanders often take to the East-Indies is by the South of the Cape of Good-Hope. They go thither sometimes through the Streights of le Maire and Brovers. They take that way by reason of the Winds motion of the Water, which they have then favourable in Sayling towards the West, and because commonly they spend less time, and lose fewer Men in this than in the other way. When by the South of Africa, they go and double the Cape of Good-Hope, they after touch at the Bay they call Tafel-Bay. This Bay is a commodious Retreat for Ships, they can Anchor there, with all safety, at six or eight Fathom Water, and shelter themselves from the Storms, which are very frequent in those parts. The Air is healthful; they find all sorts of refreshments, excellent Water; the access to it is so easie, that they can take in fresh Water without any trouble. For these considerations, the Hollanders made an Establishment there some years since, and no longer content themselves, as they formerly did, with leaving Letters there for their Country-men, that might come to pass that way. The Mountain of Tafel-Bay is esteemed thirteen hundred and fifty Foot high. Those Hollanders, who do not stop at Tafel-Bay, make for Mauritius-Island, otherwise Swan-Island. This Island has, in its Southern part, a Port between the Flats, wherein above fifty great Ships may ride safe under the shelter of a Fort built in the Year 1640. From thence, between divers Flats, they make for the Chanel of Mamale, or that of Malique; and in this last Course, they have favourable Currents.

For their way towards Malacca; whether that they go from Mauritius Island, or from Cochim, they pass by the Islands of Nicubar, North of the Isle of Sumatra, and leave the Isle of Pulo-Lada on the left, otherwise called the Isle of Pepper, of about twenty Leagues in compass. They return into Holland after the same manner as do other Europeans.

Other Tracts and Ways to the East-Indies.

THE People, who inhabit along the Mediterranean Sea, designing for the East-Indies, go to Alexandretta, to Aleppo and Bir, which is four small days Journey from thence. There are Caravans from Aleppo to Erzerum, to Erivan, to Tauris. At Bir, they Embark upon the Euphrates to go in ten days to Rousvania, from thence, by Camels, to Bagdad, and then by the Tigris to Bassora. They may go by Water from Rousvania to Bassora in small Barks, from Bassora to El-Catif in eight days: the Navigation is not very commodious upon the Euphrates and the Tigris, by reason of the numbers of Mills they meet with upon those Rivers. Sometimes they go through the Desart to go to those two Cities, from whence they go to Ispaham and to Agra by Caravans; or else, after being Embark'd upon the Tigris, they go to Congue and Gombru near Ormus, by the Sea El-Catif; and into the East-Indies by the Ocean.

The Customs of the Turk and Persian gain very much by the Merchandizes, which take this way. The Carriage from Bagdad to Bassora is very easie and pleasant; in the Barks, which go that way, they sometimes make use of Sails, and sometimes Oars; often do they let themselves be carried along by the Current and Stream of the Water, so as they only Steer. The River, which the Arabians of the Neighbourhood call Chat or Xat, as they do the other Great Rivers, is two Miles in breadth, and about six Fathom deep. It is something like the Rhosne in France, less rapid, and more abounding in Fish; its Water, tho' somewhat brackish, is nevertheless mighty good to drink: It forms several Branches, because that the Land is low there, and sandy.

In the Way they take to China, through the Territories of the Levant, they are to be at Aleppo towards the end of the Month August, for to take there, in September, the conveniency of the Caravans, which bring them, in November, to Bagdad. From Bagdad they are ten days in going to Bassora: twelve in going from Bassora to Gombru, where they almost daily meet with conveniencies in Barks called Tranquins. In January and February the Muesson stands right for Surat, where they commonly Embark upon English Ships or Moorish Vessels, which go that Voyage in five and twenty days. This way is look'd upon as much the same with that from Marseilles to Alexandretta. At Surat they take their Way by Land, spend therein forty small days Journies, as far as Mazulpatan, a City upon the Gulph of Bengala, and this about the Month of March. From Mazulpatan they go to Tanazarin by Sea: from thence to Sian, from Sian to China in all Seasons. This way did the three French Bishops go, who were Missionaries into China.

They make mention of another way to China, thro' Candahar, Agra, Pathna, Niepal, Pitan, &c. this way is gone by Land; no Inn to be found, few Villages, great Desarts, hideous Mountains, where they make use of great Goats to carry their things. There are also some of those Mountains so steep, that to pass them, they are forc'd to wrap themselves up in Carpets, and put themselves into the hands of certain People, who lay you upon their Shoulders to carry you through those difficult places.

Those, who dwell upon the Shore of the Black-Sea, remount the Faze, get to Arais, the Caspian-Sea, Albiamu; from whence they go by Land to the Indus, or the Ganges: those Rivers carry them to the Ocean. Nicanor, King of Syria, had projected to joyn Pontus Euxinus and the Caspian-Sea. The Genoueses have, a long while, held the City of Caffa for the maintaining this Commerce. There is, for those of those parts, another way by Trebrizond, Erzerum and the Euphrates, which lead to Bir; from thence, as we have said, into the Sea of the Indies. The Moscovites have the conveniency of the Volga, the Caspian-Sea, Albiamu, and the Indies: For to return into the City of Mosco, they go up the Volga, Ocea, and the Mosca.

These are the common ways, that are taken for the going to the East-Indies, and which now render that Country as famous, as did formerly the Military Expeditions of Bacchus and Alexander the Great. Now follow those which have since, with great care, been sought out for the same design.

The Romans went to Alexandria of Egypt, ascended the Nile as far as Coptos, now Cana; and by Land went to Berenice, which is Cossir, where they had the conveniency of the Red-Sea and the Ocean. Under the Soldans of Egypt, Sues and Arden, were the Magazines of the Indian Merchandizes, which were Transported to Cairo by means of the Nile; then they had in Europe fresher Spices than they have now, the Venetians and Genoueses brought them thither by the Mediterranean-Sea.

1695. Thesaurus geographicus a new body of geography by Abel Swall and Tim. Child.

EUROPE

OF the Name of Europe the Ancients tell many fabulous Stories, and make it deriv'd from a certain Daughter of Agenor King of Phoenicia, nam'd Europa, whom Jupiter falling in Love with, metamorphiz'd himself into a Bull, and swam with her on his Back to the Island Creet or Candy. But a little to palliate this Fable, the Poetical Part is taken away by others, and the Story told, That one Asterius a Cretan Captain, making War with the Phoenicians, carried away this charming Princess, and sail'd with her in a Ship call'd The Bull to Creet, where he married her, and had Issue Minos and Rhadamanthus, whom the Poets make two of the Judges of Hell. This Rape is by Historians judged to have happen'd about the Year of the World 2660. in the time of Gideon Judge of Israel.

But whether this Lady, or any other particular Person, or whether the small Province of Thrace, call'd Europa, gave Name to this part of the World, we must conclude with Herodotus, is utterly unknown. But whencesoever the Name was deriv'd, it was call'd Europa by the Romans, and at this time l'Europa by the Italians and Spaniards, l'Europe by the French, and Europe by the English; but by the Turks, Rumeli or Alfrank, Frankoba by the Georgians, and Frankistan by the rest of the People of Asia.

It is bounded on the North by the Frozen Ocean; on the South by the Mediterranean Sea, which divides it from Africa; on the East by Asia, from which it is parted by the Archipelago, the Euxine or Black Sea, and the Palus Maeotis, or Sea of Zabacha, and thence by a Line drawn from the River Tanais or Don, to the River Oby in Muscovy; and on the West it is bounded by the Atlantick Ocean.

Europe is seated between the 34th and 72 Degree of Latitude, and between the 7th and 100th Degree of Longitude, reckoning the first Meridian to pass through the Island of Teneriffe; and contains in breadth from the North Cape to Cape Metapan in the Morea, about 2000 Miles: and in length from Cape St. Vincent in the West, to the Mouth of the River Oby in the East about 3600 Miles.

Altho' Europe be the least of the four Parts of the World, it is however more considerable than any of them; being much to be prefer'd for the Mildness of the Air, the Fertility of the Soil throughout, the many Navigable Rivers, the great plenty of Corn, Cattel, Wine and Oyl, and all things necessary, not only for Sustenance, but even for the Luxury of Human Life; but especially for the Beauty, Strength, Courage, Ingenuity and Wisdom of its Inhabitants; the Excellency of their Governments, the Equity of their Laws, the Freedom of their Subjects, and, which surpasses all, the Sanctity of their Religion.

Europe was Peopled after the Flood, as is generally believ'd, by the Posterity of Japhet, who came from the lesser Asia over the Hellespont into Greece. Tho' others say, that those of Shem passing by Land betwixt the Caspian Sea and the Palus Maeotis, went thro' Tartary and Scythia into Scandia, and thence afterwards into France, Germany, &c. Whether of these two Opinions be most to be credited, we know not: But be that as it will, Europe hath for many Ages been exceeding Populous, and her Inhabitants Illustrious for their Courage, Wisdom and Vertue; by which they Conquer'd the greatest part of Asia and Africa, and made those Parts subject to the two Empires of Greece and Rome. And in these latter Ages, almost one half of the Earth that was formerly unknown, hath been discover'd by Europeans, and possessed by the Colonies they have sent thither.

The CHRISTIAN RELIGION is profest throughout all Europe, except that Part of it possessed by the Turks. But by reason of the Innovations made by the Church of Rome, the Western Church is divided; Italy, Spain, France, part of Germany, and the Netherlands, with Poland, still following the Doctrine of the Church of Rome, whereas England, Scotland, Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, great part of Germany, the Ʋnited Provinces, Swisserland, &c. have embraced the Reformation, and profess the Protestant Religion. And in Muscovy, some parts of Poland, in Walachia, Moldavia, Podolia, Volhinia and Greece, the Doctrine of the Eastern or Greek Church is follow'd.

For Learning and Arts the Europeans have been most renown'd: all the Scholastick Sciences they have brought to a much greater Perfection than either Asiaticks or Africans ever did: and the Invention and Improvement of many useful and ingenious Arts, particularly Navigation, is wholly owing to the Genius and Industry of the Inhabitants of this part of the World.

The Languages of Europe are many, but are all deriv'd from these six Original ones, viz. The Greek, Latin, Teutonick or ••d Ge• •an, Gothick and Sclavonick; different Dialects whereof, with accidental Additions, being the Languages of all the considerable Parts of Europe, except Tartary and Turky.

The Governments of Europe are mostly Monarchical, but exceedingly more easie and gentle than those of Asia and Africa.

In Europe are these Sovereign Princes and States, viz.

The Emperour of Germany.

The Emperour or Czar of Muscovy.

The Grand Seigneur or Emperour of the Turks.

The King of Great Britain.

The King of Spain.

The King of France.

The King of Portugal.

The King of Sweden.

The King of Denmark.

The King of Poland.

The King of Hungary.

The Pope.

Six Republicks, viz. 1. The State of Venice; 2. The States General of the Ʋnited Netherlands; 3. The Cantons of Swisserland; 4. The Grisons; 5. The Republick of Genoa. And 6. The Republick of Lucca.

There are besides these, no less than 300 Subaltern Soveraign Princes in Germany, Italy, &c. who tho' they are Tributaries or Feoffees to the Emperour, or some other Superiour Prince, have Supream Authority in their own Estates: Of these there are both Spiritual and Temporal.

Of the Spiritual the most considerable are,

The Grand Master of Malta.

The Grand Master of the Teutonick Order in Germany.

The Three Spiritual Electors of the Empire, viz. The Archbishops of Mentz, Triers and Cologn.

The Archbishop of Saltzburg, and 22 Bishops in Germany.

The Grand Prior of Malta, who is also call'd, The Grand Prior of Germany. Several Abbots, whereof the Abbot of Fulda in Germany hath the largest Territory.

Several Provosties of the Church, whereof the most considerable is that of Berchtelsgaden.

Of the Temporal Princes there are

Five Electors of the Empire; viz. The Duke of Bavaria, the Duke of Saxony, the Marquis of Brandenburg, the Count Palatine of the Rhine, and the Duke of Hanover.

An Arch-Duke of Austria.

A Great Duke of Tuscany.

Many Dukes; the most considerable whereof are

The Dukes of Savoy, Mantua, Modena, Parma, &c. in Italy.

The Dukes of Wurtemburg, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Holstein, Lawenburg, Weimar, &c. in Germany. And

The Duke of Curland in Poland.

Several Marquisses, viz.

Of Baden, Durlach, Ohnspach and Culembach in Germany.

Several in Italy, whose Estates are of small Extent.

The Landgraves of Hesse Darmstat.

Several Princes, whereof the most considerable are

The Princes of Orange, Anhalt, Dombes, Monaco, Solfarin and Castiglione.

Divers Counts, the principal whereof are

The Counts Nassaw, Furstenberg, East-Frizeland, Hohenzollezen, Arenberg, &c.

Besides these, there are

The Cham of Tartary.

The Waiwoods of Transilvania, Walachia, Moldavia, and the Ʋkraine.

And the small Republicks of Geneva and Ragusa.

The Division of Europe into its different Regions is already set down in the Introduction, and will be seen more particularly in the following Description of them.