Germany

Sources from old books

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

FOrasmuch as the Romaine Empire is in the power of the Germaines, and very politickely divided into parts, I thinke it a matter worth my labour to set before your eyes the order and disposition of those parts, as they are described in a writing called Matricula Imperij: and afterward to shew you in Tables the severall members of this Empire, that the studious Reader may finde in what Country they are situated. But I have gotten two Coppies of this Matricula, the one written; the other printed at Venice in Italian, being both much corrupted. And I know that the Empire is now divided in another manner. Therefore let no man blame me, or be of•ended, if he finde some parts that are reckoned as belonging to the Empire, doe not belong thereunto, for it is not my intention to speake expressely of all the severall parts of this Empire, neither was it possible for me to do, out of such corrupt Coppies; especially seeing that I know that a great part of the Empire, came into the hands of private Princes, either by Exchange, or Morgage, or gifts, for their good service in defence of the Empire, or for some other causes. Neither is it my part to prosecute those things which belong to Politicians, and not Geographers, but onely I sought that out of this Coppie of Matricula, I might shew the elegant disposition and division of the Empire of Germany, and might declare how the studdies of Geographie, and Policie doe mutually illustrate one another. This is therefore the order of the Empire.

GERMANIE. (Book Germany)

THus you have seene the description of the Low countries both in generall and speciall: now passing over the Rhene, high Germanie, which Ptolemie calls great Germanie, offers it selfe, which is the largest Country of Europe, and the glory of the Romaine Empire. This Country I will runne over in the same method as I did the other, describing it first in generall, and then in particular. But that I may begin with the name thereof, divers doe diversly derive the name of Germanie or the Germaines. One saith, that the Germaines were so called as it were Gaermannen, that is, stout men, in regard of their Martiall manly strength: another supposeth that they were so named, from their mutuall fidelity, and faithfulnesse; neither did he guesse much amisse, who denveth the Etymologie of their name from their honourable warfare, as it the people were called Geertmans, and so by contraction of the word Germanes. Another thinketh that they were so denominated from the Latine word genuini, that is, genuine or native, because no nation doth retaine more of their auncient integritie, and rusticke simplicity: but it seemes that the author of this dreame did speake this to gaine the favour of the people: albeit the Geographer Strabo and Livy: doe both erroniously suppose that the Romaine people did give this name to this country, because they were Cose• Germaines to the Celtae, both in regard of their manners, 2and f••••ons, and also in respect of their great stature, and red haire. Iohn Goropius Becanus doth probably derive the name thereof from their gathering and mustering of souldiours, from Geren, which signifies to gather or muster. Which opinion Tacitus seemes to fortifie and confirme, who professeth in his commentarie of the Germaines manners, that Germany is a new fresh name, because they who first passed over Rhene (that I may use his owne words) having droven out the Frenchmen, were sometime called Tungrians, and sometimes Germaines, which name afterward grew so frequent, that first the Conquerour, and afterward they themselves, did call themselves Germaines. Some doe interpret the word Germaine to signifie a scattered people, collected out of other nations, from the word Geren which signifies to collect or gather together. Some doe suppose their denomination doth intimate that they were a warlike people desirous of warre, from Gerra, or Guerra, which signifies warre. A learned Saxon doth derive the name thereof from the Carmanians a people of Asia, whom Lucan mentioneth, as the Saxons were so called from the Sacians: and in other places he deduces the Etymologie of their name from an Hebrew word, as it were Ger•mani, which in that language signifies strangers or poore and needy people. But Peucerus delighting in the studious searching out the originall of his Countries name, thinketh that they were called Germaines, as it were Hermenner; that is, military men. The most learned Iunius doth derive the name of it from the great Deluge, which drowned all the world: when Noah parted the world among his three children: at what time (that I may speake nothing of Sem and Cham) Europe fell to Iaphets share. He, as it appeares in Moyses, had a sonne, called Gomer, who had three sonnes, Aschenaz, Rephat, and Thogarma. And they affirme that the Germaines descended from Thogarma: although the Rabines doe hold that the Germaines came from Aschenazin. For the originall of the Germaines name doth cleerely shine forth in the word Thogarma, or Thegerma, by taking the second vowell for the first, as if we should pronounce it in our language by the article the, The Germans: also there is a fit Etymologie answerable to the word and nation, which is from Gara or Gera, which signifies a bone, and metaphorically strength, because it is a stout and strong bon'd Nation. Some also doe call this part of Europe Alemaine, and the inhabitants thereof Alemans, by which name they were first called, when the Empire began to decline. Berosus doth fabulously report, it was so called from Hercules an Alemaine, who was governour over these people. Some suppose that it was called Alemaine, from Mannus who was esteemed as a god in their Country, the sonne of Tuiscon. Asinius Quadratus a faithfull historian, doth affirme that the Almaines, were so called as it were a people collected and gathered from all Nations, which spread themselves all over this Country; who did not, as it seemes, looke exactly into the signification of the word, for he should have called them Almaines because they were all men, and warriours. They that derive Alemanie from the Lake Lemann, would have Germany so called from a Lake without the limits thereof in Sabaudia: unlesse some doe take the Acronian Lake for the Lake Leman, on either bank whereof the Almaines did inhabit, as Ammianus reporteth Lib. 15. And though some do promiscuously make Germanie & Almany al one, yet it is observed that they were two distinct Countries. Spartianus in the life of Marius saith: Omnis Alemannia, omnisque Germania, cum caeteris quae adjacent gentibus; that is, All Almany, and Germany with the other adjacent countries. Flavius Vopiscus saith in the lif of Probus: Testes sunt Franci, inuijs strati paludibus, testes Germani & Alemanni, longe a Rheni semoti littoribus, that is, The Frenchmen are witnesses, who dwell in the Low grounds, the Germaines are witnesses, and the Almaines who are farre off from the shoares of Rhene. I omit other testimonies, least I should be tedious. Some also doe call it Teutonia, from Teuto a certaine Captaine thereof: some thinke that the Teutons, who are called in their owne Countrie speech Teutche, and by the Italians Tedaschi, and by others Teutons, were so called from Thuisto, otherwise Thuisco, whom they beleeve was the Sonne of Noah. Tacitus maketh mention heereof: Celebrant carminibus antiquis (quod unum apud illos memoriae & Annalium genus est). Thuistonem deum terra editum & filium Mannum, originem gentis, conditoresque; that is, they celebrate in auncient verses (which kinde of Annalls they doe onely use) That Thuisto an earthy God and his sonne Mannus, were the first founders of this Nation. Strabo placeth them in Noricum: some suppose that they were the Agrippine Colonie, and that the place was therefore called Teutsch. The inhabitants doe now call it Teutschlandt, and strangers Almany. The Sclavonians doe call it Nimiecha: and the Graec•ans doe •ow call it •lamags, and the Turkes Alaman. But enough concerning the Etymologie and various appellations of Germanie, now I come to the situation or quantitie thereof. Besides, authors doe not agree in designing and setting downe the limits of Germanie. The auncients doe bounder Germany with the Rhene, Danub•us, the Ocean, the River Ta•••s and the Euxine Sea. The latter writers, as Strabo, Ptolomie, M•la, Plinnie, and many other Greeke and Latine writers, doe bounder it with the River Rhene and Vestula. Tacitus writeth that the mountaines, or a mutuall distrust one of another, doth rather separate the Germaines from the Sarmatians and Dacians, than Vis•ula. All those Countries which use the Germaine speech or dialect are reckoned now as parts of Germany. And therefore it stretcheth beyond those bounds which Ptolemie gives it, and beyond Danub•us, contayning Ri•••a, ••ndel••a, the higher Pannonia, and beyond •ly•a, even to the Tridentine bounds. Also beyond the Rhene, Germa•• did containe these Romaine Colonies, and garrisons, Constantia, Augusta Raur••corum, Argentina, Nemetes, Vangiones, Mo•un••a•••, Corfi••••a, Bonna, the Agrippin• Colonie, and other places even unto the Sea. For as Ambrosius witnesseth, 11 Hexamer. Rh••• was heretofore the limmit of the Romaine Empire: and that on the French bancke thereof the Romaine Pra•sidents did alwayes lye in garri•on against the Germaine•▪ partly that they might restraine that ex•••s•ons, and partly that they might make inroads upon them, and partly that they might receive those Germaines that revolted to them. And this is the Reason, that on one of the banckes of Rhene, there are many old 〈◊〉, but none on the other: which may also be observed on the bancke of Danubiu•. Helvetia, also is reckoned now as a part of Ge•man•• & the Prutenians beyond Vistula: so that the bounds thereof are now much larger than those which Ptolemie attributes to it for on the W•s••• stretcheth beyond the Rhene, even to Piccardi• and Burgundie which are parts of France: on the South toward Danuvi•• even to the Alpes: On the East beyond even to Spru••and: the Northerne limit is the Ocean. There are many chiefe parts of Germanie, which shall be here described, with the lesser subject or adjacent countries. The Kingdomes are, Bohemia, the Palatinate▪ and the Kingdome of Poland, though it hath a different language, and is not contained in the Register of the Empire, yet because it is situate within the bounds of auncient Germanie, which is the River Vistul•▪ therefore we place it among the tables of Germanie. Also we joyne the Kingdome of Hungerie to Germanie, which is situate without the limmits of auncient Germanie, and in regard it hath yeelded many famous Emperours and hath dominion over many Countries situate within the Empire. There are also the Dukedome of Saxonie, the Archdukedome of Austria. Also the Dukedomes of Holst, of M•••lenburg, Pomeren, Lunenburg, Lawenburg, Brunswijck, Meissen, Schasen, Moravia, Cleve, Berge, Franconia, or Easterne France, Bavaria▪ Wirtenberg, and the Countie of Suevia: the Palatinate of Bavaria, the Landgravials of Hessen, Duringen, and of the higher and lower Alsatia. The Marckgraniate Electorship of Brandenburg, and of Baden, the Counties of Embdem, Oldenburg, Benthem, Lip, Diepholt, Huy, Mansfelt, Anholt, Stolberg, Tirol, and Livonia which is reckoned among the Provinces of Germany, but because it lyeth within Sarmatia, it is there described. The situation being declared, the qualitie of the soyle followeth, which ariseth chiefely from the climate and position thereof in respect of the heavens. Germany is under the sixt, seaventh, and eighth climates, betweene the fourtie seaventh and fiftie five degrees of Latitude, and the twentie fourth and forty sixth degrees of Longitude. The longest day in sommer in the Southerne parallel is fifteene houres long and an halfe: in the Northerne Parallel, it is seaventeene houres long and a quarter; and albeit Cornelius Tacitus saith, that Germany is in a cold sharpe climate, and Seneca reporteth that it is alwayes winter in Germanie: yet it hath a temperate ayre, which though it bee somewhat cold, yet it is healthfull and wholesome.

The soyle yeeldeth Barly, Wheate, Rye, Mill, Oates, and other kindes of corne and pulse. The fields and Meddowes are fruitfull, and the soyle is every where very fertile, and yeeldeth great stoare of Corne. Germanie also hath rich Mines of Silver, Brasse, Iron, Lead, and other mettals, and in some places of gold: so that for mettalls it is inferiour to no Countrie. There are also many excellent Salt pitts. Plinnie also saith, the Cadmian stones, the Callais, the Crystall, the Onyx, the Topaz, and the Adamant; are found in Germanie. Also the hearbes. Heere are a thousand delightfull gardens, and Villages, and Orchards full of Apples.

What, should I mention the wines? which are of an excellent taste and colour? Truely there are excellent wines every where; but yet in some places better than in others. Heere is also great variety of living creatures, and great stoare of Cattell and wilde beasts, which I will not spend time to reckon up. C. Iulius Caesar writeth, that many kindes of wilde beasts are bred in the Wood Hercynia, which are not seene in any other place; of which (saith hee) those that differ most from the rest, and are most worthy of remembrance are these: there is a kinde of Oxe which is like a Hart, which hath in the middle of his forehead one high horne, and more straite than usuall, from the toppe whereof large Antletts or Tines doe spread forth; the male and femall are of one shape, and have one as bigge hornes as the other. There is also a beast called Alcis, which is like unto a ••ate, but it is somewhat bigger, and having no hornes at all, and their legges are without joynts, so that they cannot by any meanes lye downe to their rest, or if they fall downe by chance, they cannot rise up againe; therefore they leane against trees, and so they take their rest: and when the hunters have found by their footing where they usually haunt, they either stub up all the trees, or else they cut them halfe downe, and so leave them standing: So that when the beasts rest against them according to their usuall manner, they overthrow the trees with their weight, and so fall downe with them. The third kind of beasts are those which are called Vri, which are almost as bigge as Elephants, and like Bulls in shape and colour: they are very strong, and swift, and will prey on men and beasts: these they usually take in trappes, and so kill them. But now I come to the auncient government. The sacred Romaine Empire, which being divided into the West and Easterne part, was much weakned by the excursions of divers Nations, and rent by civill dissentions, was ready to be ruined by its owne weight; having forsooke Italie did seeke defence and strength in no other Countrie but Germanie, and chose Charles the Great King of France to be Emperour, who as they report, was borne at Ingelheimij, which is a village Towne two miles from Moguntiacum, and built there a famous Pallace, whose ruines may be yet seene. The Empire remained in Charles his line an hundred yeares, and above: which afterward failing, it was translated to Conrade Duke of Franconia: after whom followed Henry Fowler: after him the three Ottoes: the last whereof when he understood that the Romaines, Crescentius being consull, did affect and desire the title of the Empire, he raysed an army and tooke Rome, and obtayned of Pope Gregorie, that the Germaines should have right and power to elect the Romaine Emperours. But they obtayned it on this condition, that he which was elected should be called Caesar and King of the Romaines: and afterward having received a Crowne from the Pope, he hath the title of Emperour Augustus. There are 7 Electors ordained: of which three are Archbishops, and foure are saecular Princes as they call them: where after the decease of Otto, the first, that was chosen Emperour was Henry surnamed the holy. Afterward in processe of time, there were divers officers constituted and ordained in Germany, for the honour of the Empire, concerning which see Mercator. Tacitus who was governour of the Belgian• under Vespasian, doth commend the Germaines in this short Elogi• thus: Nemo bellum Germanis (inquit) intulit impuné. None made warre upon the Germaines but they came by the losse. Which, three of Augustus Legions found, being overcome and beaten by them: Also Carbo, Cassius, Scaurus, Aurelius, Servilius, Coepio, Manlius, all great Commanders, who were slaine and put to flight. And there are these auncient verses:

Welcher im Krieg wil ungluck han,Der fang es mit den Deutschen an.

Iosephus calleth them valiant, Dionysius Martiall, Arrianus warlike. The Germane is couragious, fierce at an onset, and desirous of warres, as Seneca witnesseth in his booke de Ira. Moreover the Country of Germany is now so pleasant, and so adorned with faire Citties, Castells, and Villages, that it is not inferior to Italie France and Spaine. There are 84 free Citties in it, as Colonia Agrippina, Wirtemberg, Lubek, Luneburg, Franckfort, Breme, Lipsick, Spires, Argentine, Friburg, Augusta Vindelicorum, Tubinga, Heidelburg, Ratisbone, Vienna, Prague, Buda, &c. of which hereafter. Germany also is watered with so many great Rivers, beside Lakes and Marishes of which it hath great stoare, that in this respect, also it may compare with the chiefest Countries. Seneca in his third booke of naturall questions sheweth the cause why it hath so many Rivers: At contra, ait, constat Germaniam Galliam{que}, & proximè ab his Italiam abundare R•vis, & fluminibus; quia coelo humido utuntur, & ne aestate quidem, imbribus carent: That is, But on the contrary (saith he) it is manifest that Germany and France, and Italy which is next unto them, have great stoare of Rivers, because they have a moyst aye, and have often raine in Summer. But these Rivers of Germiny are more famous, as Danubius, Rhene, Amasis, Moenus, Necarus, Albis, Suevus, Visurgis, and Vistula. That which Ptolomie and others doe call Danubius, Plinny and Strabo doe call Ister; the one saith that it changeth his name neere the Cataracts thereof; the other, where it washeth Illyrium. Ptolemie saith, that it changeth his name neere the Cittie Axipolis: Appian neere the confluence and meeting of the River Savus: so that the higher part is called Danubius, and the lower part Ister. Stephanus heretofore called it Matoas: also Danubis and Danusis: Festus calleth it Addubanus. Ancient coynes doe name it Daunvius: it is now called Done and Donaw, from the noyse and sound of the waters, as Althamerus saith. Salust writeth that this is the greatest River next to Nile which floweth into the Mediterranian Sea; and Arrianus, lib. 1. of the acts of Alexander, calleth it the greatest River. It riseth in the wood Hercynia, in the village Don Eschingen, where it springeth out of the bowells of the Earth. The auncients doe call the Mountaine out of which it riseth Abnoba, although as Munster an eye-witnesse writeth, there is no mountaine nere it: but it falleth with a continual running streame, from a little hill which is scarse 15 or 16 foote high. He addeth that Tiberius had a desire to see the spring head thereof. Herodotus beleeved that it rose out of the Pyrenaean Mountaines, whose opinion Aristotle also followed, 2. Meteorologicor. Maginus placeth those Pyrenaean hills in Germany, thereby to excuse the errour of grave writers. As soone as it glideth from the fountaine, it runneth abroad through Moarish places, and afterward it gathers it selfe into a Channell, and so being encreased by receiving other Rivers, it runneth through many countries, as Sucuia, Pannonia, Dacia, Bulgaria, untill at last having received 6 navigable Rivers, it rowleth into the Sea with five streames or mouthes, as Dionysius, Strabo, and Herodotus doe mention: Plinny saith with sixe, and Amianus, and Solinus with seaven: and with such violence, so that it runneth with fresh water 40 miles into the sea. And as Amian saith: Et constat ab ultimis nostri finibus maris, agminaum pariendi gratia petere Pisces, ut aquarum suavitate salubrius faetum educant, nec intercipiantur, That is, it is manifest that the fish from the farthest part of our seas doe come hither in shoales, that they may spawne here in safety. Tajanus Nerva built a curious bridge over this River in Moesia, which afterward Adrian did demolish, as Dio Cassius relateth. Concerning Danubius, George Fabritius in a certaine Itinerarie of his writeth thus:

— Ister,Qui centum populos & magnas alluit urbes,Euxinum irrumpit bis terno flumine Pontum.Ister that doth through an hundred Countries glide,And watereth them, with Citties too beside,Both faire and great, with sixe streames last of all,Into the Euxine Sea at length doth fall.

For at length all the most famous Rivers in the world doe runne into the Sea, as Ovid also Lib. 8. Metamorph. does mention in this verse:

In quo desinimus, sacri, in quo currimus amnes.We sacred Rivers to the Sea doe come,And into it we all of us doe runne.

The next is the Rhene, which Caesar and other doe commend: it is now called Rhijn. Caesar would have it rise out of Leopontium, and Strabo and Ptolomie, affirme that it ariseth out of the Mountaine A••la, which is commonly called Etzel, which is an arme of the Alpes; and Claudian faith, that it riseth out of Rhetia. But Strabo and Ptolomy doe thinke that Rhene beginneth on the Eastside of the Alpes where they are joyned to the Mountaine Adula, and where the Lepontians doe inhabit, and so springeth out of two fountaines, which are at least a dayes journey distant one from another. The one being more to the Northwest which is commonly called the foremost Rhene: the other lying more Southeast, which the inhabitants cal the latter Rhene. These two at length meete together, and so doe make the River Rhene, which neere unto the head doe make two Lakes, the Acronian and Constantian, from the Cittie Constantia which is situated by it; concerning which we will entreate in the description of Helvetia: the other is called Venetum, and now the Cellensian Lake, from the little Towne Cella, which Lake hath abundance of all sorts of fish. From hence turning Westward it watereth Rhinfelden, & follows the same tract even to Basilea. And there it runneth Northward, untill it come to Argentoratum: and so watereth many Countries, and having viewed many Citties, and having received many great and small Rivers, it groweth very deepe, and commeth swelling even to Spires, Wormes, and Moguntiam. Hence turning Westward it watereth Bingium. And from thence winding toward Caecia, having left behind it Bonna and Colonia, at last neere the edge of Batavia (which is now under the jurisdiction of Cleveland, and is graced with the auncient Castell Lobecum) it doth divide it selfe, and with a double streame runneth divers wayes. Which division Mamertinus elegantly calleth the Divorce, and Frontinus the turning of the River. Neere therefore to Lobecum it doth divide his course, so that the one part thereof called Rhene doth run straite forward to Arenacum a chiefe Cittie of Gelderland. And from thence with many winding Maeanders, it glideth towards Vada; and so bendeth from thence to Rhena, which Tacitus calleth Rinnes: from thence it runneth to Bavodurum. Afterward the Rhene changeth his name, and begins to be called Lecca, being heretofore a little Rivulet, but now it is become a River. Having glided by Culenburg and Viana, and having viewed Schoonhovia, it powreth it selfe into the River Merova, before it is called Mosa. The other part of Rhene doth bend toward the left hand, and floweth by the auncient Cittie Neomagum, and runneth by the walls of the Cittie, it is now called Vahalis: not long afterward it goeth toward Tiela: and from thence with a winding course it leaveth Bomelius on the left hand: afterward not farre from Woricomium it receiveth the River Mosa, and by and by neere Goricomium, being encreased with the slow smooth running River Linga, and it is called Merova, from the Castell of the Merovaeans; by which having passed it glideth by Dordretch a Noble Island out of the Cittie: afterward having received the Rivers Lecca and Isela which are armes of the Rhene, and gliding by Iselmonda, it beginneth to be called Mosa neere to Rotterdam, where it leaveth on the right side Sciedamum and Vlaerdinga, and from thence it glideth by the Towne Gerviletum, and the Brill on the left hand, and there it mingleth it selfe, with the Ocean. That which Ptolemie calls Amasius, Strabo Amasias, Tacitus Amisia, Plinny and Pomponius Amisius, and now Ems. The head of this River is a little beneath Paderbona a Cittie of Westphalia, and so bending towards Caecia it glideth by Varendorp, Greva, Rhena, and Lingha: and from thence it goeth forward unto Meppenum and Nebuisum: and from thence discharging it selfe into the Northerne Ocean, neere to Embda Market Towne, whence it borroweth his name and is called Eems. The fourth River is that which Plinny calls Moenus, and Pomponius Maenis, and Ammianus Menus: now it is called Meyn. Regino the historian and the writers of that time doe call it Mogonum. Velleius Patercules calleth it the River Iulia. Vnlesse in steed of Iulia, it should be Lupia, as some learned men doe suppose. It ariseth out of a Mountaine which is called der Fichtelberg, & so gliding by Franckford, which from thence is called upon Maene, and Wethermia, Herbipolis, and Papeberg; it mingleth it selfe with the Rhene neere to Moguntiacum, and doth part the Low Countries from Germany. The letters thereof doe make by the Greeke computation 365, equall to the number of dayes which are in a yeare. The fifth River is Necarus, whence come the best Necarian wines, it was anciently called Nicer, as Rhenumus witnesseth, the spring head therethereof is two houres journey distant from Danubius, and so having glided through the fields of Wirtemberg, it runneth into the Rhene a little above Heidelburg. Albis followes which is a faire River of Germanie, and divideth the Swevians from the Cherusians. Velleius witnesseth that it doth flow by the confines of the Semnonians and Hermundurians. Tacitus writeth that the famous River Albis doth arise among the Hermundurians, but Conradus Celtes saith that it doth arise out of Hercinia in Bohemia, And so having glided by mary faire Citties, at length it empties it selfe into the Ocean betweene the Chaucians, and the Cimbrians. The auncient Latine writers doe call it Albia, and the Germaines Elbe. And the Bohemians from whence it taketh his originall, doe call it Labe. Fabritius in his booke of the Misnian affaires saith, that it received that name from 11, Fountaines, or as the Saxons say, from so many flowing River. For it arises as he deliuers, in the Hercynian wood, which from the Giants is commonly called Risenberg, from 11 Fountaines, whose streames meeting together doe make the River Albis: for Elve and Elbe doe signifie in the Germaine language, eleven. The seaventh River is Suevus, which some doe call Vtadrum, and corruptly it is called Odera, the spring head whereof is in the Mountaine Oderberg, and so being encreased by the addition of many Rivers, it glideth by Frankford, a famous Vniversity, and from thence it runneth by Stetinum the seate of the Sidinonians, which is a Sea towne of Traffiques, and from thence it windeth to the Episcopall Citties of Carminum, and there making a great Lake it emptieth it selfe into the Germaine Ocean. For they are in an error who suppose that Sprea (or de Spree) is the River Suevus, although the aforesaid Sprea is accounted a famous River, which flowing by Brandenburg doth runne into Albis neere to Haneloburg: of which opinion is Bilibaldus, who writeth that the River Sprea, runneth into the Ocean neere to the Cittie Sunda. The River Visurgis followeth, commonly called de Weser, Dionysius Lib. 55. calls it Ousiourgos. Ovid calls it Iturgum in that verse,

Decolor infesta testis Iturgus aqua▪

Ptolemie calls it Visurigis, and Strabo Bisurgis, and Adamus in his Ecclesiasticall history Visuris, and Sidonius Vesatis. It ariseth out of Hassia, and having watered the Citties, Werdensis, Mindensis, Gotingensis, and Bremensis, it rowleth it selfe into the Ocean, and is there called Vesera. The last river is V•stula, or Istula, which Bilibaldus calleth Vandalum. This River bounders Germany, because Ptolemie doth place the European Sarmatia beyond it. Iornandes calls it Scythia, which running by the Sarmatian rockes, doth water Cracovia which is the Metropolis of the Kingdome of Poland, and being growne greater by the receipt of Rivers, it doth discharge it selfe into the Sea with three inletts or mouthes: from hence it floweth by Dantzick, and afterward by Elbinga, an Vniversity of the Borussians: and thirdly by the Towne Loctetum, and so doth poure it selfe into the Venedician Bay. There are also many other famous Rivers, which doe either runne into the Sea or into some greater River, which I passe over least I should be tedious. Now I come to the Germaine Sea. For seeing we purpose to describe al Germanie, we must add somthing concerning the Sea, which washeth the shore thereof. But in regard we have entreated otherwhere more largely concerning the Sea, and especially in the generall description of Belgia: we will speake first concerning the tide of the Sea, and afterward we will reckon up the properties of the Germaine Sea. It is manifest that the Moone is the cause of the tides of the Ocean. But as the Moone hath divers changes in her motion, so the tides doe also change. For they following the Moone, doe flow twice betweene the rising thereof, and doe ebbe twice in foure and twentie houres: so that the Seas doe flow twice, and ebbe twice every day: they flow when the Moone ascendeth above the Easterne Horizon, and do ebb when it declineth from the Meridian westward; and it floweth againe when the Moone goeth downe under the earth, and commeth to the contrary part of the Meridian, and so likewise it ebbeth untill it rise againe. But as the Moone does not alwayes rise at one time, and in one place, but every day riseth in another place than it did before: so the tides doe not flow at certaine houres, but at that time when the Moone passeth through the Poles of the heavens. Moreover it is to bee noted, that the full Moone doth move the Sea in another manner than the halfe Moone. For this Luminarie hath greater force when it is at the full, than when it is weake, and in the waine. We use to call those tides which are at the full of the Moone Sprinckuloedt, that is, a Spring-tide. Which Agel Lib. 14. concerning the Ocean, doth elegantly call the Moones companion, seeing it followeth the age and increase thereof; and also he noteth some aspects, and configurations: As for example sake, if the Moone have a fit aspect unto Venus, and doe run through moist houses, it doth wonderfully increase the tides of the sea: but if it be aspected with Mars, or dry Planets, it doth lessen the tides. Here also the ascention of the signes is to be noted. But if the Moon be in signes of a right ascension, it maketh the tides longer than if it were in signes of oblique ascension: for it is observed that the tides are never equall to the ebbes in continuance of time; but when the Moone is in the Equinoctiall signes and hath no Latitude. Besides, some parts of the water doe finde a greater influence proceeding from the beames of the bodie of the Moone, either in regard of the rectitude and straightnesse of the beames, or some other hidden qualitie. But the Moone hath a different influence when it is Northward, and another when it is Southward; for when it is heere it encreases the tides on the Southerne shoares, and when it is there, on the Northerne shoares. Moreover the Tides of the Sea are greater in some places, and in other places very small or none at all. For as concerning this our Germaine Sea, it is certaine that there are scarce any tides which can be perceived, but as the Sea is carried with the windes, it floweth now here and now there: for when it is an East wind, the Sea goeth very high, and driveth backe Rivers, neither doth it flow onely to the Sea side, but it overflowes the Land. And whereas the Spanish and Atlanticke Ocean is of an unsearchable deapth, so that a line of three hundred or foure hundred fathom cannot found the bottome of it, yet the Germaine Sea, in the most parts is but 60. Cubits deepe and never above an hundred Cubits, except on some shoares of Norway, which are thought to be of an insearchable depth. Moreover it is worthy to be mentioned, that whereas all other Seas are bitter and salt, our Sea hath sweete waters and not unpleasant to drinke, and that in regard that many great fresh Rivers doe runne into it out of the Sarmatian Mountaines, and because the Sunne is too weake in those places to exhale and draw up the lighter and thinner parts of the water, which some make to bee the chiefe cause of the saltnesse of the Sea. Which reason if it were good and probable, then the Amalchian Sea also, and the Chronian Sea should not be salt, which is otherwise. Wherefore it is rather to be held that the melted snow, and the aforesayd Rivers flowing downe out of the Sarmatian Mountaines, doe make this Sea cleere and sweete. Whereby it comes to passe, that other Seas doe more easily carry vessells of great burden, than this. And the reason is because the water of the salt Sea is of a thicker substance, while the thinner waters doe yeeld to the least waight. It is easier also to swim in this Sea than in others. Yet it maketh Sea men more sicke, in regard the waves goe very high, so that sometimes they seeme to touch the Clouds, and then fall againe and breake into deepe valleyes. This Sea in divers places, hath divers appellations, or names; For sometimes it is called the Germaine Ocean, from Germanie which is neere unto it, and it reacheth from the French, and Brittish Sea, which lyeth Westward, even to Sarmatia in the East. It is also called the Northerne Sea, the Cimbrian Sea, the Balthick, the Codanian, the Suevian Sea, &c. And so much concerning the Sea. There are diverse Mountaines in Germany, the chiefe whereof are, Rolberg, Mons Isidis, Melibocus, Pinifer, Hessus, Ostbergus, Senus, Sucvus, Pavonis, Rheticus, Sprulius, Vocetius, and Vosagus. There are also many other Woods, but the greatest of all is Hercynia. The best Latine and Greeke Authors doe mention the Wood Hercynia, as Pomponius Mela, Strabo lib. 7. and Plinny in many places: which although it be very large and wide, yet all the West and Southerne parts of it lyeth within Germany. And therefore Glar•anus saith, that he never accounted the Wood Ardenna to be a part thereof, which some in our time have rashly done. Caesar Lib. 6. Com. de bel. Gal. writeth that it is 60 dayes journy long, and nine dayes journey broad. It hath now gotten divers names: for in some places it is called the blacke Wood, from the great stoare of Pines in it, or Der Schwarts Wald, and otherwhere Ottoes Wood from the Emperor Ottoes frequent hunting in that part of the Wood: Sometimes it borroweth his name from the people unto which it reacheth, whence it is called the Thuringian and Bohemian Wood. But among the Cheruscians, it doth still retaine the auncient name of the Hercynian Wood, so famous by auncient Greeke and Latine writers; in Dutch Der Hartz Wald. For the French and the Germaines doe call Resina Hartz. Also Pandulphus Collenutins Pisauriensiis in his description of Germany, doth make mention of this wood in these words: the Wood Hyrcinia assuming divers names, runneth out to the Dacians and Getes, untill at length it commeth to the Tartarians, where it is called the darke Wood, and is impassable, both in regard of the unknowne wayes and wilde beasts, and the monstrous Fawnes.

But of these things enough, I passe to other matters: The publicke and priuate workes doe follow, among which (to passe by others) is the Church at Argeutoratum, famous for the neate structure and building, having a very high Tower. So that it is the eighth miracle of the world. This Church was founded in the yeare of Christ 1015. But in the yere of our Lord 1277, in the time of the Bishop Conrade of Liechtenberg, Erkuinus of Steinbach an Architect began to build the Tower, being a famous worke; so that there is not the like, either in Germanie, Italy, or France; it was built up to the toppe in seaven and twentie yeeres. It is built even from the foundation to the toppe, of free square stone; it hath many open places to receive the ayre and the winde, and the ascent and going up unto it is by foure staires; but when the bredth of it begins to lessen, and grow sharpe towards the toppe, there are eight staires. The very top of it which below doth scarsely seeme as bigge as a Bushell, is so great, that five or sixe men might stand upon it. The height of it is 574. Geometricall feete; there is also a curious and artificiall Clocke. And as concerning the Ecclesiasticke state of Germanie, there are 7 Archbishops in the Empire of Germanie. These are, the Archbishop of Mentz, under whom are 12 Suffragan Bishops, as the Bishop of Chur, the Bishop of Costnitz, of Strasburg, of Spires, of Wormes, of Wurtzburg, of Ausburg, of Aystett, of Hildeshaim, of Paderborn, of Halbertstatt, of Ferden. The Archbishop of Colen, who hath 5 Suffragan Bishops: the Bishop of Munster, the Bishop of Vtretcht, of Leodium, of Minden, and of Osenburg. Also the Archbishop of Triers, under whom are 3 Suffragan bishops; the Bishop of Metz, of Toul in Lotharingia, and the Bishop of Verdum. Also the Archbishop of •eydmurg Primate of Germanie, under whom are foure Bishops; the Bishop of Morsburg, the Bishop of Naumburg, of Brandeburg, and Havelburg. The Archbishop of Salizburg, hath 9 Suffragan Bishops under him; as the Bishop of Trent, Brixiensis, of Passaw, Frisingensis, of Vienna, of Seckaw; of Gurox, of Lavenmund, and of Chiemse. The Archbishop of Bremes, under whom there are sixe Suffragan Bishops, as the Bishop of Lubecke, Suerinensis, of Lebus, of Schleswicke, of Ratzenburg, and of Hamburg, heretofore an Archbishopricke. The Archbishop of Riga, hath sixe Suffragan Bishops under him, as the Bishop of Revel, Curiensis, the Bishop of Oesel, of Derpt. The free Bishops are, Misnensis, the Bishops of Bamberg, and Ratispon. Mercator reckoneth up these Vniversities: The Vniversity of Basil, of Colen, of Dillingensis, of Moguntinum, of Marpurg, of Lipswicke, of Ingolstade, of Heidelburg, of Cripswald, of Friburg, of Frankford neere Odera, of Erphord, of Prague, of Rostoch, of Coningsberg, of Trevers, of Tubingium, of Vienna, of Breslavia, of Wirtemberg, and Wurtzburg; out of which as out of many Trojan horses, an innumerable sort of learned men have issued. Which many, furnished with all kindes of Arts, doe witnesse: heere are very skilfull in the Latine, Greeke, and Hebrew tongues; here are eloquent Orators, subtile disputants, absolute Arithmeticians, and exact Astronomers: and no Country of Europe hath better Geometricians. I omit their accurate skill in Physicke.

Now I come to their manners. All Authors doe report that the Germaines are strong, and of a great stature. Tacitus saith they are gray eyde, red haird, large bodyed, and very strong. Hegesippus and Plinny doe call them great men: Sidonius calleth them cruell and fierce, Pausanias and Cassiodorus calleth them proud: Appianus, ungentle, Caesar calleth them barbarous, treacherous, and dissemblers: Pater•ulus saith that they are very crafty, and are naturally given to lye. But Tacitus who lived amongst them saith, that the souldiers are very couragious, and that it is a warlike Nation, but are neither cunning n•r crafty, but doe discover their owne mindes and secrets, and very faithfull in keeping secrets committed to them. Also the Emperour Iulianus in his Misopogne saith, that hee knoweth by experience that this Nation cannot flatter, but that they deale freely and plainely with all men. Ptolemy, 11. Quadrip. saith, that they must needes be of a quiet and peaceable disposition, in regard of the qualitie of the Countrie which they inhabit. Concerning their religion, whereby the mindes of men are held and bound together by the tye and feare of some Deity, the Germaines (as Caesar writeth) doe use no sacrifices, they account them onely to be gods whom they see, and from whom they receive some benefit: as the Sunne, and Vulcan, and the Moone. But afterward, as it appeareth in Tacitus, who lived under the reigne of the Emperour Nerva; they had many other gods: as Mercury, Hercules, Mars, Isis, and Berecinthia: also a certaine god called Al•is. The same Tacitus doth report also that Velleda and Aurinia were accounted as Gods. And the aforesaid Tacitus, maketh mention of the Temple of Tanfana, who saith that the Suevians doe reverence the mother Earth, which they call (as Lipsius saith) Aertha. But Plutarch and Clemens Alexandrinus doe affirme that they had no Images in their Temples, but certaine holy women, which Tacitus calleth Soothsayers, and Agathias, and Polyoenus doe call them Prophetesses, who did foretell future events, by the sound, and courses of Rivers. Aemilianus doth note, that they doe foretell things to come, by the flight of birds, by the inspection of entralls, and all other signes. But they did chiefely reverence Mercury or Teutates, and offered humaine sacrifices thereunto, as Tacitus witnesseth. In the time of peace there was no common Magistrate, but in the time of warre they did chuse Governours. They spent all their life time in military affaires: and to rob was accounted no disgrace, as we may reade in Caesar. Seneca saith, that their chiefe delight was the warres in which they were both borne and bread. If (as Tacitus witnesseth) they have peace any long time together at home in their owne Country, then they goe to the warres in other Nations. They cary about with them their mothers, wives, and children, who doe carry their knapsackes, and provision: neither are they afraide of plagues. They joyne battell with songs and warlike sounds. They count it a great disgrace to lose their buckler in the field, so that many after the battle for griefe thereof have hang'd themselves. Dion and Herodotus do report; that they will march over Rivers in regard they are lightly armed, and of an high stature. We reade in Appian that they doe contemne death, being perswaded that they shall live againe hereafter. They observe the rites of matrimony, and are content with their owne wives; so that few adulteries are committed; for which they have this present punishment: the woman that is taken in adulterie hath her haire cut off, and then her husband thrusts her out of doores before her kindred, and beates her along the Towne. Thus Tacitus reporteth. The Mothers doe nurse their owne childen, and doe not put them forth to Nurses. Caesar saith, that they account it unlawfull to wrong a stranger, which commeth unto them upon any occasion, so that they are ready to protect them from all injuries: their houses stand open, and they eate one with another. And here good manners prevaile more, than good lawes in other places. The greatest part of their food, as Caesar mentioneth, doth consist in milke, cheese, and flesh. Plinny witnesseth that they live by no other graine but Oates; and Mela addeth that in times of want they will eate raw flesh. At dinners as Athenaeus witnesseth, they have peeces of meate roasted, and they drinke milke and wine. Their fare is homely, as the flesh of wilde beasts, Crabbes, or sowre milke: their drinke is made of Barley and wheate, neither is there any Nation more magnificent in entertainment or in feasting. But as no man or Nation is without some vice, so they count it no shame to drinke night and day. Concerning their habit, Tacitus saith that they all weare a kinde of Cloake button'd before, which loosely hangeth over their shoulders: the same Tacitus saith, that the Germaines did not weare a loose garment but a straite bodyed garment, such as Sidonius saith the French did use. The women doe goe in apparell like the men. Heretofore the Germaines were strong of body, but rude, and ignorant of Arts. But now they doe make all kinde of excellent manufactures and workes, and most especially they are skilfull in casting of brasse, and in the knowledge of mettalls. In this Countrie brasse Ordinance and Printing were first invented, and the making of Clockes was found out: and lastly, Germany is such a Nursery of all Arts, that it doth perfect some, and findeth out other Inventions. Also it transporteth into Countries both neere and remote, the best Wines, Gold, Silver, Coppresse, Tinne, Lead, Quicksilver, Alume, and divers painting colours, also Corne, and divers other commodities.

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

ALLEMAGNIA, or GERMANY, which may be considered in three great Parts, whereof

• The first about the RHINE, may be subdivided into three other parts, to wit,
  • On this side the RHINE; where are
    • The French County,
      • Besanson,
      • Dole.
    • Lorraine,
      • Metz,
      • Nancy.
    • The Catholick Low Countries,
      • Anvers, or Antwerp,
      • Brusselles,
      • Gand, or Gaunt,
      • Lille,
      • Arras.
  • Upon the RHINE; where are
    • Alsace, or Alsatia,
      • Strasbourg,
      • Fribourg,
      • Brisac,
      • Haguenau.
    • Palatinate of the Rhine,
      • Hildeberg,
      • Wormes,
      • Spire,
    • The Electorates of
      • Mayence,
      • Treves,
      • Cologne.
    • The Estates of Cleves and Juliers,
      • Dusseldrop,
      • Wesel,
      • Juliers.
    • The Estates of the United Provinces,
      • Amsterdam,
      • Utrecht,
      • the Hague.
  • Beyond the RHINE; where are
    • Franconia,
      • Wirzbourg,
      • Nuremberg,
      • Francfort.
    • Hessie,
      • Cassel,
      • Marpurg.
    • Westphalie,
      • Munster,
      • Embden,
      • Soest.
• The second about the DANUBE, may be also divided into three other parts, to wit,
  • Higher, or SOVABIA; which is divided into
    • Suisse, or Switzerland,
      • Basle,
      • Berne,
      • Zurich,
      • Geneve,
      • Coire.
    • Sovabia,
      • Ausbourg,
      • Constance,
      • Ulme,
      • Lindau,
      • Stutgard.
  • Mean, or BAVARIA; which is divided into
    • Tirol,
      • Inspruck,
      • Feldkirck,
    • Dutchy of Bavaria,
      • Munick,
      • Lanshout,
      • Ratisbone,
      • Saltisbourg,
      • Passau.
    • Palatinate of Bavaria, — Amberg.
  • Lower, or AUSTRICHE or AUSTRIA; where are
    • The Archbishoprick of Austria,
      • Vienne,
      • Lintz,
      • Crems.
    • The Hereditary Lands of Austria,
      • Stirie, Creacz,
      • Carinthie, St. Veit,
      • Carniola, Lau-bach,
      • Cilley, Cilley,
      • Vindis Marche, Metling.
• The third about the EL•E, and ODER, may be divided into two parts, to wit,
  • The Highest comprehendeth the Estates of BOHEMIA; where are the
    • Kingdom of Bohemia,
      • Prague,
      • Cottenberg.
      • Pilsen,
      • Coningracz,
      • Budweiss,
      • Glatz.
    • Provinces incorperated to Bohemia, as
      • Silicle,
        • Breslau,
        • Lignitz,
        • Neisse,
        • Gros Glogau.
      • Lusacia,
        • Baudisseu,
        • Gorlitz,
        • Soraw.
      • Moravia,
        • Olmutz,
        • Brynne.
  • The Lowest comprehendeth SAXONY in general, which may be divided inco into the
    • Higher Saxony; where are
      • The Estates of Saxony,
        • Wittenberg,
        • Dreide,
        • Lipsick,
        • Erford.
      • The Marquisate of Brandenbourg,
        • Stendai,
        • Brandenbourg,
        • Berlin,
        • Lansperg.
      • Pomerania,
        • Stettin,
        • Straelsond.
    • Lower Saxony; where are
      • Two Archbishopricks,
        • Magdebourg,
        • Breme.
      • Three Bishopricks,
        • Ferden,
        • Hildesheim,
        • Halberstat.
      • Several Dutchies; among which are those of
        • Holsace,
          • Kille,
          • Gluckstad.
        • Meclebourg,
          • Rostock,
          • Suerin.
        • Lauvenbourg Lauvenbourg.
        • Lunenbourg, Lunenbourg.
        • Brunswick,
          • Brunswick,
          • Wolsenbuttel.
      • Imperial Cities,
        • Lubeek,
        • Hambourg,
        • Gos•a•.

• GERMANY about the Rhine, may be considered
  • On this side the RHINE, in three Parts, to wit,
    • FRANCHE COUNTY, or BURGUNDY; where are
      • The Balliages of
        • Amont, — Gray.
        • Dole, Dole.
        • Aval, Salins.
      • And some Mannors of the Empire, as
        • The Archbishopr. and City of Besanson.
        • The County of Monbeliard.
    • LORRAINE; where are the Dutchies, &c. of
      • BARROIS,
        • Royal, — Bar-le-Duc.
        • Ducal, St. Michael.
      • LORRAINE, where are the Balliages of
        • Francois, Nancy.
        • Allemand, Vaudrevange.
        • Vauge, — Mirecourt.
      • Bishopricks, and Imperial Cities,
        • Metz,
        • Toul,
        • Verdun.
    • The CATHOLICK Low Country; where are
      • The Dutchies of
        • Brabant,
          • Louvain,
          • Brusselles.
        • Limbourg,
          • Limbourg,
          • Mastci•h.
        • Luxembourg,
          • Luxembourg,
          • Thionville.
      • The Counties or Earldoms of
        • Flanders,
          • Gand, or Gaunt,
          • Brugge,
          • Lille.
        • Artois,
          • Arras,
          • St. Omer.
        • Hay••aut,
          • Mons,
          • Valenciennes.
        • Namur, — Namur.
      • The Marquisate of the Empire, — Anvers, or Autwerp.
      • The Signiory of Malines, — Malines.
    • Also the
      • Archbishoprick, and Imperial City of — Cambray.
      • Bishoprick, and Imperial City of — Liege.
  • Upon the RHINE, in five Parts, viz.
    • ALSACE, or ALSATIA,
      • On this side the Rhine; where are
        • The Sungou, — Altkirck,
        • The Higher Alsace,
          • Ensisheim,
          • Blome.
        • The Lower Alsace,
          • Strasbourg,
          • Haguenau.
      • Beyond the Rhine, where are
        • The Brisgou,
          • Fribourg,
          • Brissac.
        • The Mormau, — Offenbourg.
        • The Marquisate of
          • Bade,
          • Durlach.
    • The PALATINATE of the Rhine, under the name of which may be understood
      • The Estates of the Palatinate,
        • Heidelberg,
        • Franken•al.
      • The Estates of the Princes of the House Palatinate,
        • Zweibru•k,
        • Simmere•.
      • The Bishopricks and Imperial Cities of
        • Spires,
        • Wormes.
    • The ELECTORATES Ecclesiasticks, or Archbishopricks of
      • Mayence,
        • Mayence,
        • Aschassenbourg.
      • Treves,
        • Treves,
        • Coblenz.
      • Cologne,
        • Cologne,
        • Bonne.
    • The Estates of the Succession of CLEVES and JULIERS,
      • To the Marquess of Brandenbourg, as
        • The Dutchy of Cleves, Wesel,
        • The County of Marck, Hamme.
      • To the Palatinate of New bourg, as
        • The Dutchy of Juliers, Juliers,
        • The Dutchy of Berg•or Mon•, Dusseldrop.
    • The Estates of the UNITED PROVINCES of the Low Countries; where are
      • The Dutchy of Guelders,
        • Nieumegue,
        • Arnheim.
      • The Counties of
        • Holland,
          • Amsterdam,
          • Dordrech•,
          • the Hague.
        • Zeland, — Mildebourg.
        • Zutphen, Zutphen.
      • The Signiories of
        • West Friezland, Lievarden.
        • Groningue, Groningue.
        • Utrecht, Utrecht.
        • Over-Ysel, Doventer.
      • And part of the Dutchy of Brabant, — Bosteduc.
  • Beyond the RHINE, in three Parts, to wit,
    • FRANCONIA; where are
      • The Ecclesiasticks, or
        • The Bishopricks of
          • Wirtzbourg,
          • Bamberg.
        • The Order of Teut, — Mergetheim.
      • The Laicks, or
        • The Marquisate of
          • Cullembach,
          • Onspach.
        • The Counties of
          • Holac, Weickers•eim,
          • Wertheim, Wertheim.
      • The Imperial Cities of
        • Nuremberg,
        • Francfort,
        • Schweifurt,
    • HESSE, or HESSIA, as it is divided into
      • Hesse, or Hessia,
        • Langraviat of
          • Cassel,
          • Marpurg.
        • County of Waldeck, Corbach.
        • Abbey of — Fulde.
      • Witteravia,—divers Counties,
        • Nassau,
        • Solins,
        • Hanau,
        • Isenbourg.
    • WESTPHALIA; where are
      • The Ecclesiasticks, or
        • The Bishopricks of
          • Munster,
          • Paderborne,
          • Minde.
        • The D. of Westphalia, Arensberg.
      • The Counties, &c. of
        • Embden, — Aurick.
        • Oldenbourg, Oldenbourg.
        • Hoye, Nienbourg,
        • Lippe, Lipstad,
        • Ravensberg, Herwood,
        • Benthem, — Benthem,
      • The Imperial Cities, as
        • Embden,
        • Zoest.

• The Countries, which consisteth of Seventeen Provinces, to wit, of
  • Four Duchies, to wit
    • BRABANT; where are the Quarters of
      • Louvain,
        • Louvain,
        • Tilemond,
        • Ascot.
      • Brusselles,
        • Brusselles,
        • Nivelles.
      • Anvers,
        • Breda,
        • Berg op Zom,
        • Lire.
        • Saint Ulit.
      • Bosleduc,
        • Bosleduc,
        • Grave.
    • LIMBO'URG; where are
      • Limbourg,
        • Limbourg,
        • Vic de Mastric.
      • Adjacent Lands,
        • Fauquemont,
        • Dalem,
        • Rolduc.
    • LUXEMBOURG,
      • Luxembourg,
      • Thionville,
      • Arlon,
      • Bastoigne,
      • Monmedi,
      • Dam Villers,
    • GUELDRES, where are four Quarters; but that of ZUTPHEN is among the Counties,
      • Betuve,
        • Nieumegue,
        • Bommel,
        • Fort de Schenck.
      • Veluve,
        • Arnhem,
        • Harderwick.
      • Gueldres,
        • Ruremonde,
        • Gueldres,
        • Venlo,
        • Stefanswerdt,
  • Seven Counties, viz.
    • FLANDERS; which is divided in
      • Flanders Teutone,
        • Gand, or Gaunt,
        • Bruges,
        • Ipres,
        • Gravelines,
        • Dunkirke,
        • Ostend,
        • Newport,
        • Scluce.
      • Flanders Wallone,
        • Lille,
        • Douay,
        • Tournay,
        • Orchies.
      • Flanders Imperlale,
        • Alost,
        • Hulst,
        • Axel.
    • ARTOIS,
      • Wallone,
        • Arras,
        • Hesdinfert,
        • Bappaumes,
        • St. Pol.
      • Flamingant,
        • St. Omer,
        • Aire,
        • Bethune.
    • HAYNAUT,
      • Mons,
      • Valenciennes,
      • Maubeuge,
      • Avesnes,
      • Landrechies,
      • Philippeville,
      • Marienbourg.
    • NAMUR,
      • Namur,
      • Charlemont.
    • HOLLAND; which is divided into
      • North Holland,
        • Alemar,
        • Inchuse,
        • Horne.
      • South Holland,
        • Dort,
        • Delft,
        • Leyde, or Leyden,
        • Harlem,
        • Amsterdam,
        • Goude,
        • Rotterdam,
        • the Hague,
        • the Brill.
    • ZELAND,
      • Mildebourg,
      • Flushing,
      • Ziriczee.
    • ZUTPHEN,
      • Zutphen,
      • Doesbourg,
      • Grolle.
  • One Marquisate of the Empire, which consisteth but of the City of — Anvers, or Antwerp.
  • Five Signieuries, to wit,
    • UTRECHT, — Utrecht.
    • OVERYSSEL; where are the Quarters of
      • Saland,
        • Deventer,
        • Campen,
        • Swol.
      • Tuente, — Oldenzee,
      • Drente, — Coevorden.
    • WEST FRISE, or WEST-FRISELAND,
      • Leuvarden,
      • Dockum,
      • Franicker,
      • Staveren.
    • GRONINGUE, — Groningue:
    • MALINES, — Malines.
  • To which may be added the
    • Archbishoprick and Seignieury of CAMBRAY, — Cambray.
    • Bishoprick and Signieury of LIEGE; where are
      • Liege,
      • Tongres,
      • Maestricht,
      • Dinant,
      • Huy.
    • County of LINGEN, — Lingen.

• The ESTATES, or UNITED PROVINCES of the LOW COUNTRIES, possessed
  • in EUROPE,
    • The most Northern part of the LOW COUNTRIES, where are eight Provinces, or Parts; to wit the
      • Dutchy of GUELDERS,
        • Quarter of Betuve,
          • Nieumegue,
          • Bommel,
          • Fort de Schenck.
        • Quarter of Veluve,
          • Arnhem,
          • Harderwick.
      • Counties of
        • HOLLAND,
          • North Holland,
            • Alcrnar,
            • Horne,
            • Inchuse.
          • South Holland,
            • Dordrecht,
            • Harlem,
            • Delft,
            • Leyde, or Leyden,
            • Amsterdam,
            • Goude,
            • Rotterdam,
            • the Hague,
            • the Brill,
            • Gorckum,
            • St. Guitremberg.
        • ZELAND,
          • Mildebourg,
          • Ziriczee,
          • Flessing,
          • Tolen.
        • ZUTPHEN,
          • Zutphen,
          • Doesbourg.
          • Grolle.
      • Signleurles of
        • UTRECHT,— Utrecht.
        • OVER-YSSEL,
          • Devent•r,
          • Campen,
          • Swol,
          • Covorden.
        • WEST FRISE,
          • Lieuvarden,
          • Harlingen,
          • Franicker,
          • Dockum,
          • Staveren.
        • GRONINGUE, — Groningue.
    • And in the Neighbouring Estates of the LOW COUNTRIES
      • Part of the Dutchy of CLEVES,
        • Wesel,
        • Rees,
        • Emmerick,
        • Goch,
        • Gennep,
      • Part of the Estate of COLOGNE,
        • Rhinsberg,
        • Orsoy.
      • And in the County of EMBDEN, — Roeroort.
    • And in the most Southern part of the LOW COUNTRY,
      • Part of the Dutchy of BRABANT,
        • Bosleduc,
        • Breda,
        • Berg op Zom,
        • Willemftad,
        • Steenberg,
        • Lillo.
      • Part of the Dutchy of LIMBOURG, — Maestricht.
      • Part of the County of FLANDERS,
        • Escluse,
        • Ardenbourg,
        • Middelbourg,
        • Isendi•k,
        • Biervliet,
        • Ter-Neuse.
        • Philippine,
        • Patience,
        • Lifkenshoeck.
  • In AFRICA, or AFRIQUE,
    • AFRICA, or LYBIA, Upon the Coast, or near
      • The Country of the NEGRO'S,
        • Arguin,
        • Goeree,
      • GUINEE,
        • St. George de la Mine,
        • Fort of Nassau.
    • AETHIOPIA, The Isles of
      • St. THOMAS, — Cuidad de Pavoasan,
      • LOANDA, St. Pol de Loanda.
  • In ASIA,
    • And in the East INDIES, On the Coasts of
      • COROMANDEL,
      • SIAM,
        • Gueldres.
        • Malaca.
    • And in the East INDIAN ISLES,
      • On the Coasts of
        • Isle of CEYLAN,
        • Isle of JAVA,
          • Colombo,
          • Jacatra, or Batavia.
      • Part of the MOLUCQUES; to wit, in
        • TERNATE,
          • Talouque,
          • Maylaye,
          • Tacomma.
        • MOTIR,— Nassau.
        • MAQUIAM,
          • Taffason,
          • Naffaguia, or Maurice,
          • Tabillola, or Telebola.
        • BACHIAN,
          • Labolia,
          • Gamineduore.
      • About the MOLUCQUES; to wit, in
        • GILOLO, — Zabou.
        • AMBOYNE,
          • Coubella,
          • Lovio,
          • Hittou,
          • Ambeyne.
        • NERA, Isle of Banda,
          • Nassau,
          • Belgique,
          • Revenge.
        • POLEWAY. Isle of Banda,
          • Nassau,
          • Belgique,
          • Revenge.
      • Between CHINA and JAPON, HERMOSO, — Zeland.
  • In AMERICA, or AMERIQUE MERIDIONALE;
    • Part of BRAZILE; where are the Capitanies of
      • FERNAMBUCO, — Olinde.
      • TAMRACA, Tamaraca.
      • PARAYBA, Parayba.
      • RIO GRANDE, Potengi.
      • CIARA, Ciara.
      • MARAGNAN, — Maragnan.
    • And near the Coast of VENEZUELA, the Isle of Curacao.

• GERMANY about the Danube, may be considered in three Parts, viz.
  • Higher, or SOVABIA, which is subdivided into two parts, to wit,
    • SOVABE, or SOVABIA; where are
      • The Bishopricks of
        • Ausbourg,
          • Dilengen,
          • Fuessen.
        • Constance, — Mersbourg.
        • Coire, — Marsoila.
      • The Dutchy of — Wirtenberg,
        • Stutgard,
        • Tubingue.
      • The Marquisate of — Burgau, — Guntzbourg.
      • Part of the Marquisate of — Baden Durlach, — Baden.
      • Thirteen Counties, among the which are
        • Furstenberg, — Me•kir•k.
        • Hohenberg, — Ehingen.
        • Rhinfeld,
          • Rhinfenden,
          • Lauffenbourg.
      • Divers Baronies, &c. The Barony of — Waldbourg.
      • Thirty five Cities of the EMPIRE; among the which
        • Beyond the Danube, are
          • Ausbourg,
          • Constance,
          • Lindau,
          • Uberlingue,
          • Memmingue,
          • Kempten,
          • Ravensbourg.
        • On this side the Danube, are
          • Ulme,
          • Norlingue,
          • Drinckespuhel,
          • Awlen,
          • Halle,
          • Hailbron,
          • Eslingue,
          • Guemunde.
    • SWISSES, or SWITZERLAND; under the name of which is understood
      • Thirteen Cantons, where of The principal Cities are
        • Basle,
        • Berne,
        • Zurich,
        • Lucerne,
        • Soleurne,
        • Fribourg,
        • Schasshouse.
      • Twelve or Thirteen Allies; among the which are
        • The Abby and City of St. Gall.
        • The Bishoprick of Sion.
        • The Grisons, Coire.
        • The Bishoprick of — Porentruy.
        • The Cities of
          • Geneve,
          • Mulhausen,
          • Newchastel,
          • Rotweil.
      • Twenty, or Twenty five Subjects; among the which are
        • The County of — Chiavenne.
        • The Val Teline,
          • Sondrio,
          • Wormes, or Bormio.
        • The Balliages and Cities of
          • Lugan,
          • Bellin•one,
          • Bade,
          • Frawenfeld.
  • Mean, or BAVARIA; which is divided into three parts, and where are
    • The Estates of the Dukedom of TIROL; which comprehendeth
      • The County of Tirol; where are
        • Inspruck,
        • Tirol,
        • Cufsta•ne.
      • Towards the Lake of Constance, the Counties of
        • Feldkirch,
        • Bregaz.
      • The Protection of the Bishopricks of
        • Trente,
        • Brixen.
    • The Estates of the Dutchy of BAVARIA; where are comprised
      • The Dutchy of Bavaria,
        • Higher,
          • Munich,
          • Landsperg,
        • Lower,
          • Landshout,
          • Straubing.
      • Between the Ecclesiasticks,
        • The Archbishoprick of — Saltzbourg.
        • The Bishopricks of
          • Passau,
          • Ratisbone,
          • Frissingue.
        • The Provost of — Berehtogade.
      • Between the Laicks,
        • The Palatinate of — Newbourg.
        • The County of — Hag.
        • Cities of the Emperour
          • Ratisbone,
          • Ingolstat,
          • Dona-wert.
    • The Estates of the Palatinate of BAVARIA; which are
      • In the Country of the Palatinate of Bavaria, — Amberg.
      • To the Princes of the House Palatine, Sultzbach.
      • In the Palatinate of Newbourg, Burglenfelt.
      • To the Bishoprick of Aichster, Aichster.
      • In the Langrave of Leuchtenberg, — Pfrein•.
  • Lower, or AUSTRICHE, or AUSTRIA; which is divided into two parts, to wit,
    • Archbishoprick of AUSTRIA,
      • Higher,
        • Lintz,
        • Ens, or Ems,
        • Wells,
        • Freystat.
      • Mean,
        • Crems,
        • Horne,
        • Stain.
      • Lower,
        • Vienne,
        • Newstat,
        • Bade.
    • And the Hereditary Estates of AUSTRIA; to wit,
      • The Dutchy of Stitle,
        • Higher, — Pruck:
        • Lower,
          • Graecz,
          • Pettau.
      • The Dutchy of Carnithie,
        • Higher,
          • Villach,
          • Gurcz.
        • Mean, St. Veit.
        • Lower, — Lavemunde.
      • The Dutchy of Carniole,
        • Higher, or Seiche,
          • Gorice,
          • Gradisque,
          • Czirknicz.
        • Lower, — Laubach.
      • The County of Cilley, — Cilley.
      • The Windishmarch, or Marquisate of Vindes,
        • Metling.
        • Rudolsswerd.

• The SUISSES, or SWITZERLAND; and that which we understand under the name, ought to be considered in three Parts, to wit, in
  • Thirteen Cantons, which (following their Antiquity) are
    • URI, 1308
    • SUISSE, 1308
    • UNDERWALD, 1308
    • LUCERNE, — 1332
    • ZURICH, — 1351
    • ZUG, 1352
    • GLARIS, 1352
    • BERNE, — 1353
    • FRIBOURG, 1481
    • SOLEURNE, 1481
    • BASLE, 1501
    • SCHASFHOUSE, 1501
    • APPENZEL, — 1513or following their Ranges, &c.
    • Zurich, Protestant,
      • Zurich,
      • Winterthur,
      • Stein,
      • Grisfensee,
      • Eglifou.
    • Berne, Protestant,
      • Berne,
      • Lausanne,
      • Yverdon,
      • Nyon,
      • Mouldon,
      • Morges,
      • Peterlingen,
      • Vevay,
      • Lemzbourg,
      • Burgdo•f,
      • Aarbourg,
      • Bruck,
      • Thun.
    • Lucerne, Catholick,
      • Lucerne,
      • Sursce,
      • Sempach:
    • Uri, Catholick, — Altorf.
    • Suisse, Catholick, Suitz, or Suisse,
    • Underwald, Catholick, Stantastad.
    • Zug, Catholick, Zug.
    • Glaris, Catholick and Protestant, Glaris.
    • Basle, Protestant, Basle.
    • Fribourg, Catholick,
      • Fribourg,
      • Corbers,
      • Gryers.
    • Soleurne, Catholick, Soleurne.
    • Schafshouse, Protestant, Schafshouse.
    • Appenzel, Catholick, — Appenzel.
  • Their Allies; which are
    • The Abbe and City of St. GAL, in Suisse,
      • Wyll.
      • St. Gall.
    • The Bishoprick of SION, or County of Valais,
      • Sittin, or Sion,
      • Martinath.
    • The GRISONS, divided into three Leagues or Confederacies; as
      • Higher, or Grise,
        • Ilantz,
        • Dissentis.
      • Of the House of God,
        • Coir, or Chur;
        • Furstenow,
        • Puschia•e.
      • Of the ten Communalties,
        • Tafas,
        • Meyenfeld.
    • The Cities
      • In Alsace, or Alsatia, — Mulhausen,
      • In Sovabia, — Rotweil.
      • Towards the Franche County,
        • Bienne,
        • Neuchastel,
        • Vallangin.
      • In Savoy, — Geneve.
    • The Bishopricks of
      • Basle in Suisse,
        • Porentruy,
        • Nuenftar, or Bonneville,
        • Delmont.
      • Constance, in Sovabia and Suisse,
        • Mersbourg,
        • Arbon,
        • Bischofszel,
        • Bollingen,
        • Keiserstul,
        • Clingenow,
        • Reichenau,
        • Steekburne.
      • Coire, in the Grisons, — Marsoilachau.
  • Their Subjects, viz.
    • Subjects to the Cantons, as
      • At Glaris, the County of — Werdenberg.
      • Ar Zurich, the County of Altsax, — Foriteckchau.
      • At Suisse and Glaris, the Balliages of
        • Gastal,
        • Uznach▪
      • At Berne and Fribourg, the Balliages of
        • Murat,
        • Orbe,
        • Granson,
        • Schuartzembourg.
      • Of the three most ancient Cantons, the Balliages in Italy, of
        • Bellinzone,
        • Valbrune,
        • Polese, or Riviere.
      • To the same, and at Glaris, the City and County of Rapperchuil.
      • To the seven Ancient Cantons
        • Part of Turgow,
          • Dissenhofen,
          • Psin.
        • The Franck Provinces, — Meyenberg.
        • The County of Sargans,
          • Sargans,
          • Wallenstad, or Riva.
        • The City of — Fraenfeld.
      • To the seven first in Range and Apenzel, the Balliages of Rhintal,
        • Rhineck,
        • Alstetten.
      • To the eight Ancient Cantons, the Balliages in Suisse of
        • Bade,
        • Bremgarten,
        • Melingen.
      • To the twelve more Ancient Cantons, the Balliages in Italy of
        • Lugan,
        • Lucarue,
        • Mendris,
        • Val Madie.
    • Subjects to the Allies, as
      • To the Abbe of St. Gal, the County of Toggenburg, Leichtensteg.
      • To the Bishoprick of Sion, towards Savoy,
        • St. Morice,
        • Montech,
        • Hochtal, or Val d'Aux.
      • The County of Chiavenne,
        • Chiavenne,
        • Pleurs, Ruynee.
      • The Valtelline,
        • Morbegno,
        • Sondrio,
        • Tirano.
      • The County of — Worms, or Bormio.
      • And to the same the Protection of the Signieury of Haldenstein.

• GERMANY about the ELBE, and the ODER, containeth in its
  • Higher Part, The Estates of BOHEMIA, which may be divided into the
    • Kingdom of BOHEMIA; where are
      • Bohemia, particularly so called,
        • Prague,
        • Cuttenberg,
        • Pilsen,
        • Coningracz,
        • Budweiss,
        • Leutmaritz,
        • Caurzim.
      • The Quarter of
        • Egra, or Heb,
        • Elenbogen or Locker.
      • And the County of — Glarz,
    • Provinces incorporated to the Kingdom of BOHEMIA; to wit,
      • The Dutchy of Silesie,
        • Breslaw,
        • Ligni••,
        • Neyse,
        • Gros Glogan,
        • Brieg,
        • Toppau,
        • Crossen,
        • Jaggcrendorff.
      • The Marquisate of M—oravia,
        • Olmutz,
        • Brynn,
        • Znaym,
        • Iglau,
        • Radisch,
        • Neustad.
      • The Marquisate of Lusace,
        • Bautzen,
        • Gorlitz,
        • Sittau,
        • Sorau,
        • Guben,
        • Cotous.
  • Lower Part SAXONY may be divided into the
    • Higher SAXONY, where are found
      • The Estates of the Dukes of SAXONY,
        • The Dutchy of Saxony, Wittenberg.
        • The Marquisate of Misue,
          • Dreiden,
          • Misue,
          • Torgaw,
          • Lipsick,
          • Mersbourg,
          • Naumbourg.
        • The Dutchy of — Altembourg.
        • Voitland, — Zuickaw.
        • Turinge
          • Langraviat, Erford.
          • Dutchies,
            • Jeve,
            • Cobourg,
            • Isenach.
          • Counties,
            • Schwartzenbourg,
            • Mansfeld,
            • Smalculd,
            • Gleichen.
          • Abbess, — Quedelimberg,
          • Abby, — Salsfeldt.
          • Imperial Cities,
            • Mulhausen.
            • Northausen.
        • Principality of Anhalt,
          • Dessau,
          • Bernebourg.
      • The Estate of the Marquisate of BRANDENBOURG,
        • Alt-Marck, or Viel•e-Marck,
          • Stendal,
          • Havelberg.
        • Mittel-Marck, or Moyenne-Marck,
          • Brandebourg,
          • Berlin,
          • Francfort on the Oder.
        • New-Marck,
          • Landsberg,
          • Sterneberg,
      • The Dutchy of POMERANIA, which hath sometime been divided into the Dutchies of
        • Stettin,
          • Stettin,
          • Anclam.
        • Wolgast, — Wolgast.
        • Gutskow, — Gripsuald.
        • Barth,
          • Straelsond,
          • Barth,
        • Rugen, Isle and Dutchy, Bergen.
        • Ancien, — Stargart.
        • Cassubie, Colberg.
        • Vandalie, Stolpe.
        • Pomerelia, — Lowenbourg.
    • Lower SAXONY, where are found
      • The Archbishopricks of
        • Magdebourg,
          • Magdebourg,
          • Halle in Saxony.
        • Breme,
          • Breme,
          • Stade.
      • The Bishopricks of
        • Ferden,
        • Hiddelsheira,
        • Halberstat.
      • And to the Archbishopr, of Mayence, the Country of Eychfeld, Dudderstat.
      • Divers Dutchies, the chief of which are
        • Holstein, or Holsacia,
          • Kyel,
          • Segeberg,
          • Gluckstad
        • Lunebourg,
          • Luneburg,
          • Celle,
          • Harbourg,
          • Danneberg.
        • Brunswick,
          • Brunswick,
          • Wolfenbuttel.
        • Grunbenhagen, — Limbeck.
        • Gottingen, — Gottingue.
        • Lawenbourg,
          • Lawenbourg,
          • Hadler.
        • Mecklenbourg,
          • Wismar,
          • Rostock,
          • Scierin or Schwerin,
          • Gustraw.
      • Imperial Cities; among which are
        • Lubeck,
        • Hambourg,
        • Stoade.

• • The Estates of the Crown of BOHEMIA are
    • The Kingdom of BOHEMIA, under which ought to be understood
      • BOHEMIA, as it is divided into Fifteen Provinces, where are Forty and three Royal Cities, to wit, in the Provinces of
        • Pregensko; where is — Prague:
        • Caurzimsko; where are
          • Caurzim,
          • Coln,
          • Bohmish-Broda.
        • Hradecsko,
          • Kralow-Hradecz, G. Kinigingretz.
          • Jaromirz,
          • Bydchaff,
          • Trantnow, G. Konighoff.
          • Krabedur.
        • Chrudimsko,
          • Chrudim,
          • Bamberg, G. Paumberg.
          • Hohemauth,
          • Policzka.
        • Craslawsko,
          • Hora, G. Cuttemberg.
          • Czaslaw.
        • Brechynsko,
          • Budiejowize, G. Budweiss.
          • Tabor,
          • Pelhrzimow,
          • Teyn suv Wultaw.
        • Wltawsko, — Sedlezany.
        • Podbredsko, — Beraun. G. Bern.
        • Prachensko,
          • Piseck,
          • Suschitz,
          • Wodnany,
          • Prachatitz.
        • Pilsensko,
          • Pilsen,
          • Klataw,
          • Strzibro, G. Meisf.
          • Domazliez, G. Tauss.
          • Rockissan.
        • Ziatecsko,
          • Ziatecz, G. Satz.
          • Most,
          • Launy, G. Bruck.
          • Cadan,
          • Commota.
        • Rakownicsko, — Rakonick.
        • Slansko,
          • Slaneywreh, G. Sehlan.
          • Welwary.
        • Litomierziesko,
          • Litomierz, Leitomeritz.
          • Auski,
          • Melnick.
        • Boleslawsko,
          • Nymburg,
          • Boleslaw. G. Jung Bunozel.
      • And the Quarters of
        • Hebsko, — Heb. G. Egra.
        • Loketsko, — Loket. G. Elnbogen.
        • Glatzko, — Glatz.
    • The Provinces incorporated to the Kingdom of BOHEMIA, to wit,
      • The Dutchy of SILESKA, as it is divided into Three Dutchies, Fifteen Principalities, and Four Baronies; viz.
        • Gros Glogaw, Dutchy,
          • Gros Glogaw,
          • Sprottaw,
          • Freystadt.
        • Crossen, Dutchy, — Crossen.
        • Slagan, Dutchy, — Sagan.
        • Jawer, Principality,
          • Jawer,
          • Lemberg,
          • Buntslaw,
          • Hirschberg.
        • Lignitz, Princip.
          • Lignitz,
          • Goldberg.
        • Wohlaw, Princ.— Wohlaw,
        • Olsze, Principality, Olsze.
        • Bernstadt, Principality, Bernstadt.
        • Breslaw Princ.
          • Breslaw,
          • Namslaw.
        • Schweidnitz, Principality, Schweidnitz.
        • Brieg, Princ.
          • Brieg,
          • Olaw.
        • Monsterberg, Princ. — Monsterberg.
        • Neiss, or Grotkaw, Princ.
          • Neiss,
          • Grotkaw,
          • Zuckmantel.
        • Oppelen, Princ.
          • Oppelen,
          • Newstadt,
          • Klein Glogaw.
        • Ratibor, Principality, — Ratibor.
        • Jegerndorff, Princ.
          • Jegerndorff, or Carnow,
          • Lubschitz.
        • Troppaw, Princ. — Troppaw.
        • Teschen, Principality, Teschen.
        • Among the Baronies are
          • Wartenberg,
          • Pless.
      • The Marquisate of MORAVIA, as it may be divided into the Dutchies of
        • Olmutz,
        • Brinn,
        • Znaim,Their Cities are
        • Olmutz,
        • Brinn,
        • Znaim,
        • Jglaw,
        • Hardisch,
        • Newstadt,
        • Kremsit,
        • Krumlow,
        • Meseritz,
        • Niclasburg,
        • Polna,
        • Weiskirth.
      • The Marquisate of LUSACE, or LUSATIA, now engaged to the Duke of Saxony, is divided into the
        • Higher Lusatia,
          • Baudissen, or Pautzen,
          • Gorlitz.
          • Sittaw,
          • Lawben,
          • Camentz,
          • Liebaw.
        • Lower •usatia,
          • Soraw,
          • Guben,
          • Cotbus.

• • The House of AUSTRICHE, or AUSTRIA, in divers Branches and Titles, possessed and lying within and near GERMANY, to wit,
    • AUSTRICHE, or AUSTRIA; under the name of which may be understood,
      • The Archbishoprick of Austriche,
        • Vienna,
        • Crems,
        • Lintz.
      • The Dutchy of
        • Stirie,
          • Grecz,
          • Pruck.
        • Carinthie,
          • St. Veit,
          • Lavemunde,
          • Grucz, or Straspurg.
        • Carniole, — Laubach.
      • The County of — Cilley, — Cilley.
      • The Marquisate of Vinde, or Vindishmarch, — Metlin,
      • And towards Italy,
        • the County of Gorice,
          • Gorice,
          • Gradisque.
        • and part of Istrie,
          • Triefte,
          • Pedena.
    • The Kingdom of HUNGARIE, or HONGRIE, in part; where are
      • In the higher — Hungarie,
        • Presbourg, or Poson,
        • Sopron. or Oedenbourg,
        • Raab, or Javarin,
        • Comore,
        • Fileck,
        • Cassau,
        • Tokay,
        • Varadin.
      • In the higher — Esclavione,
        • Zagrab, or Agram,
        • Copronitza.
      • In the higher — Croacie, — Sisseg.
      • And in the — Morlaquie,
        • Sen•, pr. Senia,
        • St. Veit am Flaum.
    • The Kingdom of BOHEMIA, and the Estates incorporated to Bohemi• to wit,
      • The Kingdom of — Bohemia,
        • Prague,
        • Cutrenberg,
        • Pilsen,
        • Co•••gracz,
        • Rudweis.
      • The Dutchy of — Silesie,
        • Breslau,
        • Lignitz,
        • Neisse,
        • Gros Glogau.
      • The Marquisates of
        • Lusacia,
          • Baudissen,
          • Gorlltz,
          • Sittau,
          • Sorau.
        • Moravia,
          • Olmutz,
          • Brinne,
          • Znaym.
      • The County of — Glarz, — Glarz.
      • The Signieury of — Egra, — Egra, or Heb:
    • TIROL; under the name of which are
      • The Counties of
        • Tirol,
          • Inspruck,
          • Hall,
          • Cufstain.
        • Veldkirck, or — Feldkirck.
        • Bregentz, — Bregentz.
      • The Protection of the Bishopricks of
        • Trente,
        • Brixen.
    • In SOVABIA, the
      • Marquisate of Burgau,
        • Burgau,
        • Guntzbourg.
      • County of Hohenberg,
        • Rotenbourg,
        • Ehingen,
        • Horb.
      • City of — Yillengen,
      • Lantgraviat of Nellenbourg, Stockach.
    • In SUISSE, or SWITZERLAND, the
      • County of Rhinselden,
        • Rhinselden,
        • Lauffenbourg.
      • City of — Waldshout.
      • County of Hapspurg, or Habsbourg.
      • Protection of the Cities of
        • Constance,
        • Celle.
    • Within or near the Grisous,
      • Castelz,
      • Pludentz.
    • In ALSATIA, or ALSACE, the
      • County of Pfirt, or Ferrette, Altkirck.
      • Part of Sungou,
        • Tannes,
        • Befort.
      • Langraviat of the higher Alsatia,
        • Enfisheim,
        • Keisersperg,
        • Heiligen Creutz.
      • Part of Brisgou,
        • Fribourg, in Brisgou,
        • Brisac,
        • Newenbourg.
    • The Palatinate of the RHINE in part, where are many Cities, among the which
      • Oppenheim,
      • Franckendal.
    • BOURGOGNE in part, to wit, the County of Bourgogne; where are
      • Dole,
      • Gray,
      • Salins.
    • The Catholick LOW COUNTRY, for the most part; where are
      • The Dutchies of
        • And the Charollois, in part, Charolles.
        • Brabant,
          • Leuvain,
          • Brusselles.
        • Limbourg, — Limbourg:
        • Luxembourg,
          • Luxembourg,
          • Thionville.
        • Guelderland, in part, Ruremonde.
      • The Counties of
        • Flanders,
          • Gand, or Gaunt,
          • Lille.
        • Artois,
          • Arras,
          • St. Omer.
        • Hainault,
          • Mons,
          • Valenciennes.
        • Namur, — Namur.
      • The Marquisate of the Empire, where is — Anvers, or Antwerp.
      • The Signieury of Malines, — Malines.
    • And near the LOW COUNTRY,
      • The Archbishoprick and Signieury of Cambray, Cambray.
      • The County of Linghen, — Lighen

GERMANY AND BELGIUM; Or, THE Low Countries.

• 1.169GERMANY is in the midst of those three parts which we have placed in the middle of Europe, and extends it self from 45 ½ unto 54 ½ degrees of Latitude, and from the 28th unto the 41 of Longitude. This position shews, that it lies in the middle of the Temperate Zone.

This Germany may be considered in three great parts, of which each may be subdivided into three others. We will call the great parts, Germany about the Rhine, Germany about the Danube, and Germany about the Elbe and the Oder; all which, with its lesser parts are taken notice of in the Geographical Tables of Germany, according to which method we will proceed; and then the first will be the Franche County, or BƲRGƲNDY, which is bounded with Bress, Switzerland, Lorraine, and Champaine. Its ancient Inhabitants were the Hedui, who first called Julius Caesar into France, and its People are at present esteemed warlike, marching under the Colours of divers Princes, and are known by the name of Walloons. It is a Country so fertil, that it hath been called the Flower of France, within whose bounds some do esteem it. It hath for its chief places 1. Besanson, the Metropolis of Burgundy, seated on the banks of the Doux, a City of good strength and beauty, and made an Ʋniversity by the commands of Charles the Fifth, and Pope Julio the Third. 2. Dole, in the Balliage of Dole, a Town of great strength, riches and beauty, famous for its Colledge of Jesuites: 3. Gray, in the Balliage of Amont; and 4. Salius, in the Balliage of Aval, of some account for its rich Salt Fountain. Besides these places in Burgundy are numbred 20 walled Towns, and about 160 Lordships.

• 1.170LORRAINE, bordering on Burgundy, famous for having had for its Duke, Godfrey, Sirnamed Bulloigne, the Recoverer of the Holy Land from the Turks; its Dukes now enjoy little else save the Title, the Country being seized by the French. It is of a fertil Soil, affording plenty of Corn and Wine, and hath store of Salt. Its chief places are 1. Nancy, in the Balliage of Francois, once dignified with the Seat of the Duke; 2. Vandrevange; 3. Mirecourt; 4. Vancoleur, the Birth-place of Joan de Pucelle; 5. Pont-a-Mason, so named by reason of its Bridge over the Mosa; 6. Metz, and 7. Toul.

• 1.171Between this Province and Champaine lieth the Country of BARROIS, and belongeth to Lorrain, whence the eldest Sons of these Dukes were styled Princes of Barri. Its chief places are Bar-le-Duc, and St. Michael.

• 1.172The Catholick LOW COƲNTRIES may be contained under the Dukedoms of Brabant, Limbourg, and Luxembourg; the Earldoms of Flanders, Artois, Haynaut, and Namur; the Marquisate of the Empire; the Signiory of Malines, &c. The whole Country is exceeding fertil, yet found not very advantagious to the Spaniards, who are Masters of it.

• 1.173BRABANT, for the most part of an ungrateful Soil, yet well inhabited and stored with walled Towns and Villages; the chief amongst which are 1. Lovaine, a fair and large City, being about four miles in circuit within its Walls, and six without, wherein are many delightful Gardens and Meadows, and is of note for its Ʋniversity, where there is a Seminary for English Jesuits. 2. Brussels, a City for its fairness and elegancy of its Buildings (its extent being as large as Lovaine) giveth place to few in the Netherlands. It is at present the residence of the Spanish Governour for the Low Countries; and 3. Breda, once the Seat of the Prince of Orange, till taken by the Spaniards.

• 1.174To the Dukedom of Brabant doth belong the Marquisate of the EMPIRE, whose chief place is Anvers, or Antwerp, seated on the Schelde, out of which it hath eight Channels cut, the biggest of which are capable to receive about 100 great Ships, which doth much facilitate its Trade; it is a fair and large City, being about seven or eight miles in circuit within its Walls, which are strong, high, and broad enough for Coaches to pass, on which the Nobility and Gentry commonly use to recreate themselves. In this City are abundance of Painters and Gravers, whose work is well received abroad. To this Dukedom doth also belong the Signiory of Malines, whose chief place bears the same name: likewise the Archbishoprick and Imperial City of Cambria, of good account; and the Bishoprick and Imperial City of Liege, seated on the Meuse, a Town of good beauty, being so filled with fair Abbies and Monasteries, that it is called the Paradice of the Priests.

• 1.175LIMBOƲRG hath many good Towns, the chief of which are 1. Limbourg, seated on the Banks of the Weser, and giveth name to the Dutchy. 2. Mastrich, a place of great strength, being held almost impregnable, yet was gained lately by the French; but through the assistance of the English, under the command of his Grace, James Duke of Monmouth. 3. Dalen, fortified with a Castle, &c.

• 1.176LƲXEMBOƲRG, Northwards of Lorrain, said to contain about 1000 Villages, and 23 walled Towns, the chief of which are 1. Luxembourg, seated on the Elze. 2. Thionville, which, with the other places, suffered much in the time of the Wars betwixt France and Spain.

• 1.177In this Province is the famous Forrest of Ardenna, once about 500 miles in compass, now scarce 90; and in it, or on its edges, is the no less famous Waters of the Spaw, so much frequented by the Europeans in and about the Month of July, being found exceeding good for several Diseases in the body Man.

FLANDERS:

• 1.178FLANDERS should be the most famous of all these Countries, since it communicates its name to them all; it is divided into Tutone, Wallone, and Imperiale. The chief Cities and places in this Earldom are 1. Ghent, whose Walls are seven miles in compass, and was once of great beauty; but now through the Seditiousness of its Inhabitants it is much ruinated, a good part of it being wast-ground; it is watered by the Rivers Scheld and Ley, which run through the City and make 26 Islands, which are conjoyned by 98 Bridges. This place is particularly famous for being the Birth-place of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. 2. Bruges, seated on a large and deep Channel of the Sea, from which it is distant about three Leagues; once a famous Mart Town, but now of small account as to matters of Traffick, 3. Ipres, seated on a River so called, a Town of great strength. 4. Graveling, or Gravelines, feated on the Sea-shoar, a place of good strength; and 5. Lisle, of some account. The four principal Ports in Flanders are, 1. Dunkirk, now in the possession of the French, a place of good strength, especially of late, when the English were Masters of it; nigh to which is the impregnable Fort of Mardike, also so made by the English. The Inhabitants of this Town are found very troublesom on the Seas, to those that are their Enemies. 2. Ostend, an exceeding strong place, as is manifest by its holding out a Siege of three years, three months, three weeks, and odd days, against the Arch-Duke; nigh to which was fought that bloody Battel in 1660, between the Arch-Duke Albertus, and the States, where (by the valour of the English) the Victory was gained: and 3. Sluce, seated at the Mouth of the Channel of Bruges, where it enjoys a fair and commodious Haven, capable to receive about 500 Sail of good Ships; now subject to the States of Holland.

Throughout all Flanders are a great many Religious-houses, and Nunneries, which are filled with vertuous Gentlewomen (for the most part, Maidens) who live a Religious life, and at spare times makes curious Works, which are disposed of by the Lady Abbess.

• 1.179The Earldom of ARTOIS, North of Flanders, is divided into Wallone and Flamingat, and said to contain about 750 Villages, and 12 walled Towns; the chief among which are 1. Arras, where the Tapestry Hangings, and Cloths of Arras were first invented and made. 2. Hesdinfert, a very strong Frontier Town towards Picardy; 3. Bappaumes, 4. St. Omer, and 5. Aire.

• 1.180The Earldom of HAYNAƲLT, West of Flanders, is said to number about 900 Villages, and 24 Towns; the chief amongst which are 1. Mons, an ancient and strong Town; 2. Valenciennes, so seated on the Scheld that it cannot be besieged, except with three Armies at one time. 3. Maubeugel; 4. Avesnes, about which are digged excellent white Stones for building; 5. Landrechies, and 6. Philippeville.

• 1.181The Earldom of NAMƲR, North of Brabant, hath about 180 Villages, and 4 walled Yowns, viz. Namur, Charlemont, Bovines, and Valencourt. This Country is very fertil in Grains, hath store of Mines of Jasper, all sorts of Marble, and abundance of Iron.

Under the subdivision of the Provinces upon the Rhine, may be comprehended Alsatia, the Palatinate of the Rhine, the Archbishopricks and Electorates on the Rhine, the Estates of the Succession of Cleves and Julier, and the Ʋnited Provinces of the Low Countries, &c.

• 1.182ALSATIA, Westwards of Lorrain, hath for its chief places, 1. Strasbourg, formerly Argentina, because here the Romans received the Tribute of the Conquered Nations, seated in Lower Alsatia near the Rhine, from which here is a Channel cut for the conveyance of Commodities. This City is about 7 miles in circuit, is a good place of strength, and famous for its many Rareties; as its admirable Clock, a description of which I shall here set down, which was given me by an Ingenious person, who took this particular account thereof. FOR the curiousness of the Work it self I cannot set it forth, neither can any man take pleasure of the Workmanship, but such as see it. In the whole work there are Nine things to be considered, which ascend up one above another, as the description sheweth, whereof eight are in the Wall; the ninth, (and that the most wonderful) standeth on the ground, three foot or such a matter from the Ground and Wall, and that is a great Globe of the Heavens perfectly described, in which are three Motions; one of the whole Globe, which betokeneth the whole Heavens, and moveth about from the East to the West in four and twenty hours: the second is of the Sun, which runneth through the Signs there described, (by that Artificial motion it hath) once every year: the third is of the Moon, which runneth her course in 28 days. So that in this Globe you may view (as if you had the Heavens in your hand) the Motions of the whole Heavens, the motion of the Sun and Moon, every Minute of an hour, the rising and falling of every Star (among which Stars are the Makers of this work Dassipodius and Wolkinstenius) described, yea better than in the true Heavens, because here the Sun darkneth them not by day, nor the Moon by night. The Instruments of these Motions are hid in the Body of a Pelican, which is portraied under the Globe. The Pole lifted up to the Elevation of Strasburgh, and noted by a fair Star made in Brass: the Zenith is declared by an Angel placed in the midst of the Meridian. The second thing to be observed (which is the first on the Wall) are two great Circles one within another, the one eight foot, the other nine foot broad, the uttermost moveth from the North to the South once in a year, and hath two Angels, the one on the North-side, which pointeth every day in the Week, the other on the South-side, which pointeth what day shall be one half year after. The Inner circle moveth from South to North once in a hundred years, and hath many things described about it; as the Year of the World, the Year of our Lord, the circle of the Sun, the processions of the Aequinoctials, with the change of the Solstitial points, which things fall out by the motion which is called Trepidationis: the Leap-year, the Movable Feasts, and the Dominical Letter, or Golden Number, as it turneth every year. There is an immovable, Index, which incloseth for every year all these things within it; the lower part of which Index is joyned to another round Circle, which is immovable wherein the Province of Alsatia is fairly described, and the City of Strasburgh. On both sides of these Circles on the Wall, the Eclipses of the Sun and Moon are, which are to come for many years, even so many years as the Wall might orderly contain. The third thing which is to be seen, a little above this, is a weekly motion of the Planets as they name the day, as on Sunday the Sun is drawn about in his Charriot; accordingly as the day is spent, and so drawn into another place, so that before he be full in, you shall have Monday, that is, the Moon clean forth, and the Horses of Mars's Charriot putting forth their heads; and so it is for every day in the week: On this side there are nothing but dumb Pictures to garnish the Wall. The fourth thing, which is next above this, is a Dias for the Minutes of hours, so that you shall see every Minute pass. Two beautiful Pictures of two Children are joyned to either side of this; he which is on the North-side hath a Scepter in his hands, and when the Clock striketh, he telleth orderly every stroke. He on the South-side hath a fine Hour-glass in his hand, which runneth just with the Clock; and when the Clock hath stricken, he turneth his Hour-glass, which is run forth, and holdeth it running. The first thing which is next above the Minute-Dial, is the Dial for the hour, containing the half parts also: the uttermost circumference containeth the hours, but within it is made a curious and perfect Astrolabe, whereby is shewed the motion of every Planet, his aspect, and in what Sign, what degree, and what hour every one is in every hour of the day; the opposition likewise of the Sun and Moon, and the Head and Tail of the Dragon. And because the Night darkneth not the Sun, nor the Day the Moon, or other Planets, therefore their Courses are here exactly seen at all times. The sixth thing, which is next unto this, is a Circle wherein the two Signs of the Moon, rising and falling, at two several hollow places it is seen at what state she is, and her Age is declared by an Index, which is wholly turned about once every Month. The seventh thing, which is about this, are four little Bells, whereon the Quarters of the hour are strucken; at the First quarter cometh forth a little Boy, and striketh the first Bell with an Apple, and so goeth and stayeth at the fourth Bell until the next Quarter; then cometh a lusty Youth, and he with a Dart striketh two Bells, and succeedeth into the place of the Child; at the Third cometh forth a man in Arms, with a War-Mace in his hand, and striking three Bells he succeedeth into the place of the young Man; at the Fourth quarter cometh forth an Old man with a Staff, having a Crook at the end, and he with much ado, because he is Old, striketh the four Bells, and standeth at the Fourth quarter until the next Quarter; forthwith to strike the Clock cometh Death: in the Room above this, for this is the eight thing, (and this understand, that at every Quarter cometh he forth, thinking to catch each of those former Ages away with him;) but at a contrary side, in the same Room where he is, cometh Christ forth, and driveth him in: but when the last Quarter is heard, Christ giveth him leave to go to the Bell which is in the midst, and so striketh he with his Bone according to the number of the hours, and there he standeth at the Bell, as the Old man doth at his quarter Bell, until the next Quarter, and then go they in both together. The ninth and last thing in this right Line, is the Town at the top of the Work, wherein is a noble pleasant Chime, which goeth at three, seven, and eleven of the Clock, every time a diverse Tune to one of the Psalms; and at Christmas, Easter, and Whitsontide, a Thanksgiving unto Christ: and when this Chime hath done (the Cock, which standeth on the top of the Town, on the North-side of the main Work,) having stretched out his Neck, shaken his Comb, and clapped his Wings twice, Crowseth then twice; and this verily he doth so shrill and naturally, as it would make any man to wonder; and if they list, which attend the Clock, they make him to Crow more times. In this Town whereon this Cock standeth, are conveyed all the Instruments of those motions which are in the foresaid described things.

The other places of note in this Lower Alsatia, are 2. Altkirck, in the part of Sungou; 3. Ensisheim, in higher Alsatia; 4. Frisbourg, in Brisgou; 6. Offenbourg, in Mortnais; and 7. Bade, in the Marquisate.

• 2.1The PALATINATE of the RHINE, which is divided or severed into the Estates of the Palatinate, the Estates of the Princes of the House Palatinate, and the Bishopricks and Imperial Cities of Spires and Wormes. The chief places are Heidelberg, seated in a Plain, but environed on three sides with high Mountains, and the other regards the Rhine, from which it is distant about a mile; it is dignified with the Seat of the Palsgraves, as also with an Ʋniversity. 2. Spires, seated in a Plain about half a mile from the Rhine, a City of more Antiquity than Beauty and Trade, being of note for the Imperial Chamber here continually kept. 3. Wormes, a City also of good Antiquity for the many Imperial Parliaments here formerly held; and 4. Frankendal, a new, fair, strong and beautiful City, about which grow great plenty of Rhenish Wines.

• 2.2The Electorates and Archbishopricks on the Rhine, are those of MAYENCE, whose chief places are Mayence and Aschaffenbourg; of TREVES, whose chief places are Treves and Coblentz; and of COLOGNE, whose principal places are Cologne and Bonne.

• 2.3The Estates of the Succession of CLEAVELAND contain the Dutchies of Cleves, of Julier, and of Berge. The Dutchy of Cleves and County of Marke, is in the Marquisate of Brandenburgh,* 2.4 and hath for its chief places Wesel and Hamme, in the County of Marks.

• 2.5The Dutchy of JƲLIERS hath for its chief places Aken, where the Emperour, after his Election, is invested with the Silver Crown of Germany; this place is of great esteem for its holy Relicks; and 2. Juliers.

The Dutchy of BERGE, or MONTE, hath for its chief places Dusseldrop, Hattingen, and Arusberg.

The ƲNITED PROVINCES.

UNder the name of the Ʋnited Provinces of the LOW COƲNTRIES, or NETHERLANDS, are contained the Dutchy of Guelders, the Earldoms of Holland, Zeland, and Zutphen, and the Lordships of Ʋtrecht, Overyssel, Groningue, and Malines.

• 2.6The Dutchy of GƲELDERS, or GƲELDERLAND, Westwards of Brabant, is divided into the Quarters of Betuve, Veluve, and Guelders, particularly so called; wherein are the Towns of 1. Nieumegue, once a Free City, seated on the branch of the Rhine called Whael, and made one of the Imperial Seats in these parts by Charles the Great; the other two being Thionvil and Aken. 2. Arnhem, the usual residence of the Dukes of Guelders; 3. Ruremond, so called from the River Ruer and Monde; 4. Harderwick, from a Village made a walled Town by Otho the third Earl; 5. Guelders; 6. Venlo; and 7. Bommel.

• 2.7The Earldom of HOLLAND hath on the West and North the Seas, from which no part is above three hours distance; in this Earldom are said to be about 400 Villages, and 23 Towns; the chief of which are Amsterdam, which of late, by the addition of the new to the old, is a fair, strong, and beautiful City, being the most rich and powerful of all the Netherlands; famous for its great Trade to the utmost parts of the World, and as infamous for its toleration of all Religions: It is seated on the Tay, which like a large, but calm Sea, floweth on the North-side; and the River Amster, taking its course from the South, through three Lakes entreth the City, passeth through it, and falleth into the Tay. This City may be said to be the greatest Haven Town in the VVorld, where there are commonly to be seen about a 1000 Sail of Ships to ride; and by reason of its vast Trade to Foreign parts, is found to have great plenty of all known Commodities, as being general Traders to most places of Traffick. 2. Rotterdam, famous for giving Birth to Erasmus; 3. Delft, inhabited most by Brewers and their Relations; 4. Harlem, where Printing was first invented, and the first Book that ever was Printed was Tully's Offices; 5: Leyden, dignified with a famous Ʋniversity; the Town consisteth of 41 Islands, the passage from one to the other being by Boats and Bridges, there being about 40 of Wood and 110 of Stone. 6. Dort, where, in Anno 1618. was held a National Synod against the Arminians; 7. Brille; 8. Alemar; 9. Incluse; and 10 the Hague, a Village, but the largest in the VVorld, equalizing many fair Cities, numbring about 2000 Houses, and is very populous; it is adorned with the Palaces of the States General, who have here their Assemblies.

It will not be improper to speak of the power of these States by Sea, which is so great, than in Holland, Zeland, and Friezland, they are able to put forth to Sea about 2500 Sail of Ships for burthen and war. Nor can it be forgot how Margaret,* 2.8 Sister to Floris the Fourth, Earl of Holland, had at one Birth (being 42 years of Age) 365 Children, which were all Christned in two Basons in the Church of Lasdunen, by Guido Bishop of Ʋtrecht, who named the Males all Johns, and the Females Elizabeths; and the Basons are yet to be seen in the said Church.

The Earldom of ZELAND, quasi, Sea and Land,* 2.9 consisting of seven Islands, the remainder of fifteen, which the Seas are said to have swallowed up, in which were abundance of good Towns and Villages. The seven Isles yet remaing are 1. Walcheren, whose principal Towns are Middlebourg, once enjoying a good Trade, by the residence of the English Merchant-Adventurers; and Flushing, the first Town that the States took from the Spaniards; being now a place of good strength, and held to be the Key of the Netherlands. The second Isle is South Beverland, whose chief Town is Tergowse: The third Schoven, where are Sirexee and Brevers Haven: The fourth Tolen, whose principal place is Tertolen• the other three Islands are North-Beverland, Duveland, and Wolferdike. This Country is destitute of Fresh-water and Wood, but in recompence is very fertil in Grains.

• 2.10The Earldom of ZƲTPHEN, whose chief places are Zutphen, seated on the Yssel, a place of great strength.

• 2.11The Barony of ƲTRECHT, North of Holland, hath 70 Villages, and 5 walled Towns; the chief of which are 1. Ʋtrecht, a City commodiously feated for passage by Boats to divers other Towns, which, with the benefit of the common Ferries, one may go in a day from hence to any of the 59 walled Towns, equally distant from it; and to Dinner to any of the 26 Towns, and return at Night. 2. Rhenen, 3. Amsford, 4. Wicket, and 5. Montfort.

• 2.12The Barony of OVERYSSEL, bounded on the East with Wesphalia; its chief places are Deventer, and Swoll, in the quarter of Saland: Oldenzee, in the quarter of Tuente; and Goevorden, in the quarter of Drente.

• 2.13The Barony of WEST-FRIEZLAND is bounded on the VVest and North with the Sea, is said to number 340 Villages and 10 Towns, the chief of which are 1. Louvarden, where there is held the Common Council for the Province; 2. Harlingen, a Maritim Town; 3. Franicker, of late made a University; and 4. Dockum.

• 2.14The Barony of GRONINGƲE is a Town in West-Friezland, having under its Jurisdiction 145 Villages, of which the chief are Groningue, Old Haven, and Keykerke.

Under the name of Germany beyond the Rbine, we comprehend Franconia, Hessia, and Westphalia.

• 2.15The Province of FRANCONIA is divided into three parts, viz. into Ecclesiasticks or Bishopricks, Laicks and Imperial Cities: the Bishopricks are those of Writzberg, Bamberg, and Mergetheim, Cites of good account; the Laicks are the Marquisates of Cullembach and Onspach, and the Counties of Holas, whose chief place is Weickersheim; and Wertheim, whose chief place bears the same name: and the Imperial Cities are 1. Nuremberg, seated in a barren Soil; yet by reason of the Industry of its Inhabitants is a place of good Riches, and well frequented by Merchants for their Wares, known by the name of Nuremberg-Wares. 2. Francfort, seated on the Moene, which severeth it into two parts, but joyned together by a fair Bridge. It is encompassed with a strong double Wall; it is a Free City of the Empire, and famous for the two Fairs or Marts for Books here annually held; the one in Lent, and the other in September: and 3. Schweinfurt.

• 2.16The Lantgravedom of HASSIA, Eastwards of Saxony; its chief places are 1. Cassel, a City seated in a fertil Soil, yet of no great beauty; 2. Marpurg, an Ʋniversity, and the Seat of the Second House of the Lantgraves; and 3. Dormestad, the Seat and Inheritance of the youngest House of the Lantgraves.

To this Province doth belong the Country of WALDECK, whose Earls are subject to the Lantgraves; its chief place is Gorbach. Likewise to this Province belongeth WETTERAVIA, whose chief places are Nassau, Solins, Han•u, and Isenbourg.

• 2.17The Province of WESTPHALIA is divided into three parts, to wit, Ecclesiasticks, Counties, and Imperial Cities. This Province was the ancient habitation of the Saxons; the Soil is very fertil, wonderfully stored with Acorns, which makes their Swines-flesh excellent, and so much esteemed. The chief places in the Ecclesiasticks are those of Paderborne, Minde, and Arensberg; also the Bishopricks of Collen, Munster, and Triers. The Bishoprick of COLLEN taketh up a great part of Westphalia,* 2.18 and hath for its chief place Collen, a City well stored with Schools for the education of Youth; and here (according to Report) were interr'd the Bodies of the three Wise-men which came from the East to worship our Saviour, vulgarly called the three Kings of Collen. The Bishoprick of MƲNSTER hath its chief place so called, seated on the River Ems, where there is a Monastery so called, built by Charles the Great; 2. Warendrop, and 3. Herwerden. The Bishoprick of TRIERS hath for its chief places 1. Triers, an ancient City, seated on the Moselle; 2. Bopport, seated on the said River, and 3. Engers.

• 2.19The Counties belonging to the Province of Westphalia, are 1. EMBDEN, whose chief place is Aurick; 2. OLDENBOƲRG, whose chief place is so called; 3. HOYE, which hath for its chief place Nienbourg; 4. LIPPE, whose chief place is Lipstad; 5. RAVENSBERG, whose chief place is Herword; and 6. BENTHEM, whose chief place bears the fame name.

And lastly, * 2.20 the Imperial Cities are those of Embden, seated low, and therefore no good VVinter City; but in the Summer is very pleasant: and Zoest, of some account.

We have already subdivided Germany about the Danube; it parts, as they are set down in the Geographical Table of Germany about the Danube, are as followeth.

• 2.21The Province of SOVABIA is divided into several parts and Bishopricks, viz. the Bishoprick of AƲSBOƲRG, whose chief places are Dillengen and Fuessen. The Bishoprick of CONSTANCE, whose chief place is Mersbourg. The Bishoprick of COIRE, whose chief place is Marsoila. The Dutchy of WIRTENBERG, whose chief places are Stutgard, dignified with the Seat and residence of the Duke; and Tubingue, of note for being a University, both Imperial Cities. The Marquisate of BƲRGAƲ, which hath for its chief place Guntzbourg. Part of the Marquisate of BADENDƲRLACK hath for its principal place Baden, seated on the Rhine, and honoured with the residence of the Marquess for the Winter Season, as Milberg is for the Summer. The County of FƲRSTENBERG hath for its chief place Meskirch. The County of HOHENBERG, whose chief place is Ehingen. The County of RHINFELD, hath for its chief places Rhinfelden and Lauffenbourg. The Barony of WALDBOƲRG, whose chief place bears the fame name. The Marquisate of ANSPACH, whose chief place bears the fame name. The Bishoprick of WEIRTSBERG, whose chief place bears fame name. The Bishoprick of MENTZ, whose chief place is so called, seated on the Moene; this Bishop is the chief Elector of Germany. The Bishoprick of BAMBERG hath for its chief places Bamberg, seated on the Moene; and Fochiam, where (as 'tis said) Pontius Pilate was born.

Besides these Parts or Countries there are several IMPERIAL CITIES,* 2.22 as they lye on this side, and beyond the Rhine; as 1. Ausbourg, seated on the Leith, in a fruitful Plain for Corn and Pastures, Northwards of the Alpes, from which it is not far distant; it is a Free City of the Empire, governed by a Senate of Citizens, and is a place of beauty and good strength. 2. Constance, 3. Ʋberlingue, with twelve others, as are mentioned in the Geographical Table of Germany, about the Danube.

• 2.23The Province of SWITZERLAND, the SWISSES, or HELVETIA, South of Italy and Savoy, is divided into 13 Cantons; and Confederates with them are 12 or 13 Allies, and 20 or 25 Subjects; all which, with the names of the several Cantons, &c. are set down in the Geographical Table of Switzerland. The whole Country is in length 240 miles, and about 180 in breadth; it is exceeding populous, and the Men being good Souldiers and addicting themselves to the Wars, serve under the Colours of any Prince that hireth them. This Country is said to lie the highest of any in Europe, as sending forth four Rivers, which run through its quarters, viz. the Rhine, Danube, the Po, and the Roanus. But to proceed to its chief places in the Cantons, and then with those Confederate with them; and 1. Basle, seated on the Rhine, which separates it into the greater and lesser Basle, once an Imperial City, but now joyned to the Cantons; it is of note for its University, for the notable Council here held, and for the Sepulchers of Erasmus, Hottoman, Clareanus, and Pontanus. 2. Zurich, seated on the Lake Zurisca, which separates it into two parts, but joyned together with three fair Bridges, that in the midst serving for a Meeting-place for Merchants. 3. Lucerne, seated on the banks of a great Lake so called; 4. Steine; 5. Berne, 6. Soleurne, 7. Fribourg, and 8. Schafshouse.

• 2.24Amongst the Confederates with the Switzers, the chief are the Commonwealth of GENEVA, whose Territories (though not above eight miles in circuit, and and the City not above two miles in circuit) is said to contain about 16 or 17000 Souls; it is seated on the Lake Lemanus, through which the River Rhosne takes its course, which divides the City in two parts; it is a fair City, well fortified, and wholly in the possession of the Protestants, and since the Reformation is become a flourishing University. The Government of this Estate is by a Common-Council, consisting of 200, the four chief amongst them are called Syndiques. The Magistrates of this City allow of all Civil Recreations on Sundays; to their Ministers they allow no Tithes, but give them yearly Stipends.

• 2.25The GRISSONS hath for its chief place Coire: also SANGAL; and the Territory of VALLAIS, or Valesia, seated wholly amongst the Alpes; a Country of no great bigness, consisting in craggy Rocks and impassible Hills, yet intermixed with delightful and rich Vallies. Its chief places are Sittin, or Sion, the only walled Town in the Country, and is a place of great strength, as well by Nature as Art, being seated on a high and steep Hill, 2. Martinach, of note for its Antiquity; and 3. Augaunum, or St. Maurice, esteemed the Key of the Country, especially in the Winter, the Ice stopping all other entrances; here being a Bridge over the Rhine for that purpose, which is strongly built, and as well fortified and guarded for fear of a Surprizal. Besides these several other Places, Bishopricks and Cities, which are their Allies and Subjects, which I have observed in the Geographical Table of Switzerland.

• 2.26The Province of BAVARIA is divided into the Dukedom of Tirol, the Dutchy of Bavaria, and the Palatinate of Bavaria.

The Estates of the Dukedom of TIROL is about 70 miles in length, and as much in breadth; it hath for its chief places 1. Inspruck, seated on the Oenus. 2. Trent, a Bishoprick, seated on the River Adesis, famous for the General Council there held by Pope Paul the Third, against the Doctrines of Luther and Calvin, which continued off and on for the space of 18 years. 3. Tirol, and 4. Feldkirch. The Soil of this Country is very fertil, and in many places hath store of Silver-Mines, which are found profitable to the Arch-Dukes.

• 2.27The Dutchy of BAVARIA hath for its chief places, 1. Munick, seated on the Aser, dignified with the residence of the Duke. 2. Saltzbourg, seated on the River Saltzech, a City honoured with a Bishoprick; and here lieth interr'd the Body of Paracelsus. 3. Passau, famous for the often meeting here of the German Princes. 4. Ratisbone, seated on the Danow, of note for the interview here made between the Emperour Charles the Fifth, and Maurice Duke of Saxony. 5. Frisingue, seated on the ascent of a Hill, and not far from the River Mosacus; and 6. Ingulstad, seated on the Danube, and dignified with an University.

• 2.28The Palatinate of BAVARIA hath for its chief places 1. Amberg, seated amongst Silver-Mines. 2. Newbourg, usually the portion of some of the younger Palatines. 3. Castel, where the Palatinates of the Rhine, when they sojourn in this Country, use to keep their Court. 4. Sultzbach, 5. Burglenfelt, 6. Aichstet, and 7. Pfreimt.

• 2.29The Arch-Dukedom of AƲSTRIA is seated on both sides of the Danube, and hath united to it, as Horeditary possessions of that House, the Provinces or Dukedoms of Stirie, Carinthie, Carniole; the County of Cilley, and the Marquisate of Windischmarch.

The particular Dukedom or Province of AƲSTRIA is separate from Hungaria on the East by the Leite;* 2.30 its chief places are 1. Vienna, seated on the Danube, at present the Seat of the German Emperours, as being the Metropolitan, fairest, and most beautiful City in all Germany, being adorned with many magnificent Temples and stately Monasteries; but above all, with a most sumptuous and Princely Palace, where the Emperour keeps his Court. It is esteemed the Bulwark of the Country against the Turks, being of note for the repulse they gave the Turks in Anno 1526, when besieged by about 200000, under the conduct of Solyman the Magnificent, and were thence repulsed with the loss of about 80000 Men. 2. Ems, so called from the River on which it is seated; 3. Wells; 4. Crems, seated on the Danube; 5. Home, 6. Newstat, and 7. Bade.

• 2.31The Dukedom of STIRIE is contiguous to Austria on the South; hath for its chief places Grecz, Pruck, and Pettau.

• 2.32The Dukedom of CARINTHIE is South of the Alpes, and hath for its chief places 1. St. Veit, the Metropolitan City of this Country; 2. Lavemunde, and 3. Grucz.

The Dukedom of CARNIOLE, adjoyning on Italy Westwards, hath for its chief places Laubuch, Gorice, Gradisque, and Czirknitz.

The Country of CILLEY, whose chief place bears the same name.

The Marquisate of WINDISCHMARCH, which hath for its chief places, Metling, and Radolfswred.

Germany about the Elbe and Oder, contains Bohemia, and the Higher and Lower Saxony: To Bohemia are incorporated the Dukedom of Silesia, and the Marquisates of Moravia and Lusatia.

BOHEMIA.

• 2.33THe Kingdom of BOHEMIA is encompassed with the Hercynian Forests, which for a long time was a fence against the Romans; it hath on the East, Moravia and Silesia; on the South, Austria; on the West, Bavaria; and on the North, Luisatia. The whole Kingdom contains 550 miles in circuit; in which are said to be 780 Cities, walled Towns, and Castles, and about 32000 Villages. Its Inhabitants are much addicted to Drunkenness and Gluttony; but the Nobility and Gentry (for the most part) are of another temper. The Soil of the Kingdom is extreamly fertil, and enriched with Mines of all sorts of Metal, except Gold. It is severed into 15 Provinces, and hath for its chief places, 1. Prague, the Metropolis of the whole Kingdom, and seated in the midst, and on the River Mulda. This City consisteth of four several Towns, and every one of them have their peculiar Magistrates, Laws, and Customs; to wit, the Old Prague, beautified with a famous Senate-house, a large Market-house, and several fair Structures: then the New Prague, separate from the Old by a deep and broad Ditch; also the little Town, so called, which is divided from the Old Prague by the Mulda, to which it is joyned by a fair Bridge. In this City is the Hill Rachine, on the sides of which are many beautiful Houses inhabited by the Nobility; and on the summit thereof is a magnificent Palace, and is the residence of the Bohemian Kings, and later Emperours: the fourth and last part is the Town of the Jews, as by them inhabited, where they have five Synagogues, and live according to their own Laws. 2. Coln, 3. Jaromirz, 4. Churdin, 5. Hora, 6. Tabor, 7. Pisen, 8. Ziatecz, 9. Rakonick, 10. Melnisk, and 11. Nimburg; all places of good account.

The Provinces Incorporate to Bohemia, are the Dutchy of Silesia, the Marquisates of Moravia and Lusasia.

• 2.34SILESIA is Eastwards of Bohemia, and is severed into two equal parts by the River Oder, which hath here its beginning; it is divided into three Dutchies, fifteen Principalities, and four Baronies, whose names (with their chief places) I have taken notice of in the Geographical Table of Bohemia. Its chief places are 1. Breslaw, so called from a Duke of this Province, who built it: In the year 1341 it was totally burnt, but since the rebuilding is become one of the neatest Towns in this part. 2. Gros-glogaw, 3. Jawer, 4. Lignitz, 5. Breslaw, 6. Breig, 7. Monsterbeg, 8. Neiss, 9. Oppelen, 10. Ratibor, 11. Troppaw, and 12. Wartenberg.

• 2.35The Marquisate of MORAVIA, West of Bohemia, is esteemed the most fertil Country for Corn in Germany, abounding also in Myrrhe and Frankinsince, not growing on Trees, but out of the ground: It is severed into three parts, viz. Olmutz, Brinn, and Znaim; and hath for its chief places 1. Brinn, dignified with the Seat of the Marquiss. 2. Olmutz, seated on the Morava, from whence the Country takes its name, and is dignified with an Ʋniversity. 3. Iglaw, 4. Znaim, 5. Kremsir, 6. Krumlow, and 7. Polna; all places of good account.

• 2.36The Marquisate of LƲSASIA, South of Bohemia, is divided into the Higher and Lower Lusasia; a Country, though but little, yet able to Arm 20000 foot. It hath for its chief places, 1. Baudissen, 2. Gorlitz, 3. Sittaw, 4. Soraw, and 5. Guben.

The County of Glatzko, and the Signiory of Egra, belong likewise to the Kingdom of Bohemia.

SAXONY.

• 2.37THE Lower part of Germany, about the Elbe and Oder, is taken up by Saxony, which is divided into the Higher and Lower; in the higher are the Estates of the Dukes of Saxony, the Estates of the Marquisate of Brandenburg, and the Dutchy of Pomerania. In the Lower Saxony are several Archbishopricks, Bishopricks, Dutchies, and Imperial Cities; which I have taken notice of in the Geographical Table of Germany about the Elbe and the Oder.

• 2.38The Higher SAXONY for the most part belongs to the Duke and Elector of Saxony: It is bounded on the East with Lusatia and Brandenburgh, on the South with Bavaria and Bohemia, on the West with Hassia and Franconia, and on the North with Lower Saxony and Brandenburgh. It is divided into the Dutchy of Saxony, the Marquisate of Misne, the Dutchy of Voitland, Turinge, with its several parts, and the Principality of Anhalt. The chief places in the Dutchy of Saxony are 1. Wittenberg, seated on a plain and Sandy barren ground, once dignified with the Seats of the Dukes of Saxony, famous for the Sepulchers of Luther and Melancthon; it is dignified with an Ʋniversity, and of this Town there is a common Proverb, That a man shall meet nothing but Schollers, Whores, and Swine, which last is their food: and 2. Worlets, seated on the Albis.

• 2.39The Province of MISNE hath for its chief places 1. Dresden, seated on the Albis, the residence of the Duke, and Prince Elector of Saxony; it is a place of great strength, having on its Walls and Bulwarks 150 Peeces of Ordnance, being the Dukes Magazin for Arms and Men, where, upon a days warning, he can make ready 30000 Horse and Foot. 2. Dipsick, seated in a fruitful Plain for Corn, a fair Town, graced with large Streets, and beautified with many lofty Buildings of Freestone, and is of some account for its University for the study of Philosophy: and it is observed, that these Philosophers, amongst other Secrets in nature, find Beer so good, that the Duke gains by the Custom thereof, drunk by them and the Inhabitants, who follow their steps, about 20000 l. per annum sterling.

• 2.40The Dutchy of VOITLAND is of no large extent, and of as little note; its chief places are Altembourg and Zuickaw.

• 2.41The Province of TƲRINGE, about 120 miles in length and breadth, is divided into several parts, and hath for its chief places 1. Erdford, a fair and large City; 2. Jeve, an University of Physitians; 3. Smalcald, famous for the Lutheran League here made, in Anno 1530, by the German Princes, which in a short time was propogated over all Christendom. 4. Cobourg, 5. Quedelimberg, 6. Salsfeldt, 7. Mulhausen, and 8. Northausen; which two last are Imperial Cities.

The Principality of ANHALT hath for its chief places Dessau and Bernebourg.* 2.42

• 2.43The Marquisate of BRANDENBOƲRG, East of Poland, is in compass about 520 miles, is separated into the parts of Altmark, Mittle, Mittlemarck, Marche and Newmarck; its chief places are 1. Havelberg, scituate on the River Havel, the Seat of a Bishop. 2. Brandenbourg, which communicates its name to the Country. 3. Berlin, seated on the River Spre, the ordinary residence of the Marquiss. 3. Francfort, seated on the Oder, to distinguish it from the other on the Meine, and in a fertil Soil for Corn and Wine; it is dignified with an Ʋniversity and a great Mart Town, but not comparable to the other Francfort, and 5. Landsberg.

• 2.44The Province of POMERANIA, South of Brandenbourg, is divided into nine Dutchies, whose names are set down in the Geographical Table. Its chief places are 1. Stettin, the residence of the Prince, which from a poor Fisher Town is now become the chief of the Country. 2. Walgast, once a famous Mart Town, where the Russians, Vandals, Danes, and Saxons, had their particular Streets of abode for Trade; but now it is lost, and from thence removed to Lubeck. 3. Gripsvald, an University; 4. Straelsond, 5. Bergen, 6. Stargart, 7. Colberg, 8. Stolpe, and 9. Lowenbourg. That part of the Country about Stettin belong to the Swede, and that towards Colberg to the Marquisate of Brandenbourg.

• 2.45The Lower SAXONY is divided into the Archbishopricks, Bishopricks, divers Dutchies, with some Imperial Cities, the names of all which are set down in the Geographical Table of Saxony. In this Lower Saxony are divers good Towns and Cities, the chief of which are 1. Magdebourg, a City which gives name to its Territory. 2. Breme, which also gives name to its Territory or Archbishoprick, is one of the Hans-Towns, so called from the freedom of Traffick here used; it is commodiously seated on the Visurge, which runneth through the City, and at five miles distance falleth into the Sea. 3. Ferden; 4. Hiddelshein, 5. Halberstat; which three last are all Cities which give name to their Territories or Bishopricks. The several Dutchies are HOLSTEIN, or HOLSATIA, where are the Cities of Kyell, Segelberg, and Gluckstad.

• 2.46The Dutchy of LƲNEBOƲRG hath for its chief places 1. Lunebourg, said to be so called from the Moon, which the ancient Inhabitants worshipped; it is an Imperial and Free City, of good strength, being well fortified with thick Mud-walls and deep Ditches, and its Buildings are fair; a place well known for its salt ••untain here found, over which is built a spacious House containing 52 Rooms, in every one of which are placed eight Chaldrons of Lead, in each of which are boiled a Tun of Salt every day; the profit of which is divided into three parts, one to the Duke, another to the City, and the other to the Monastery and some adjoyning Earldoms: And 2. Celle, the Seat of the Duke of Lunebourg.

• 2.47The Dutchy of BRƲNSWICK hath for its chief places 1. Brunswick, seated in a fertil Soil for Corn, a free Imperial City, strongly fenced about with Walls, besides the River of Ancor, which encompasseth it; this place is famous for its Mum, which the Inhabitants are so much addicted unto, that they commonly spend the Forenoons about their Affairs, and the Afternoons in good Fellowship. 2. Wolfenbutten, the Seat of the Dukes of Brunswick.

The Dutchy of GRƲBENHAGEN, whose chief place is Limbeck.

The Dutchy of GOTTINGEN, whose chief place is Gottingue.

The Dutchy of LAWENBOƲRG, whose chief places are Lawenbonrg and Hadler.

The Dutchy of MECKLENBOƲRG, West of Pomerania, hath for its chief places 1. Wismar, so named from Wisamarus, a King of the Vandals, Father of Rhadaguse, who, with Alarick the Goth, sacked Rome. 2. Rostock, an University; and 3. Scierin.

Amongst the Imperial Free Cities, or Hans-Towns, which are about 72, most of which are seated on the Sea-shoar, or navigable Rivers, enjoying large Immunities, and able to put to Sea about 100 Sail of Ships; these following are of most note, 1. Lubeck, seated on the Trane, which on the North-side divides Germany from Denmark, and on a spacious Hill, on the top whereof is a beautiful Church, from whence lead Streets to all the Gates of the City, besides which there are nine other Churches; it is encompassed with a double Wall, one of Brick, and the other of Earth, and in some parts deep Ditches, where Ships of about 1000 Tuns are brought up to Winter from Tremuren, its Maritim-Port, seated on the Baltick Sea, from which it is about a miles distance. The Buildings of this City are of Brick, and very beautiful, to which they have many pleasant Gardens; and the Inhabitants are to be commended for their civility to Strangers, as also for their strictness in the execution of their Justice. 2. Hambourg, seated on a large and Sandy plain, and on the banks of the Albis, where it divides Germany from Denmark; it is a strong City, encompassed with a deep Ditch, and on the East and Northsides with a double Ditch and Wall, and hath six Gates for entrance, the Haven being shut up with Iron-Chains and strictly guarded: It is adorned with many fair buildings, as the Senate-house, the Exchange, &c. hath nine Churches for Divine Worship, and its private Houses are for the most part neatly built; it is very populous, well Inhabited, and frequented by Merchants, especially by the English, who have here a Factory for Woolen-Cloth. In this City there hath been observed to be 777 Brewers, 40 Bakers, one Lawyer, and one Physitian; the reason of this great disproportion (as one wittily observed) was, that a Cup of Nimis is the best Vomiting potion, and their Controversies were sooner composed over a Pot of Drink, than by order of Law. 3. Stoad, commodiously seated for Traffick on the Elve, about five miles distance from Hambourg, once a place of a better Trade than now it is. These Cities are called Free, from their great Prerogatives in coyning Money, and ruling by their own Laws; and Imperial, as knowing no Lord or Protector, but the Emperour, to whom they pay two Thirds of such Contributions as are assessed in the Assemblies.

Germany is a spacious Country, and very populous; the People are of a strong Constitution and good Complexion, are very ingenious and stout, much given to drink, but of a generous disposition: the Poorer sort great Pains-takers, and the Nobles (which are many, for the Title of the Father descends to all their Children) are either good Scholars or stout Souldiers, so that a Son of a Duke is a Duke; a thing which the Italians hold so vain and foolish, that in derision they say, That the Dukes and Earls of Germany, the Dons of Spain, the Nobility of Hungaria, the Bishops of Italy, the Lairds of Scotland, the Monsieurs of France, and the younger Brethren of England, make a poor Company.

There are so many inferiour, (yet free) Princes in this Country, that in a days Journey a Traveller may meet with many Laws, and as many sorts of Coin, every Prince making use of his own Laws and Coins, whose Laws the Emperours are sworn to keep; which made one say, that the Emperour is King of Kings, the King of Spain King of Men, and the King of France King of Asses, as bearing his heavy Taxes.

• 2.48The Country is generally fertil and temperate, being scituate under the Temperate Zone. Here are many Mines of Silver and other Inferiour Mettals; it hath store of Corn and Wine, which they transport to forreign Countries, as likewise Linnen, Laces, Woollen, and divers Manufactures, also Quicksilver, Alom, Arms of all sorts, and other Iron-works; and its Ponds, Lakes, and Rivers are well stored with Fish.

• 2.49The chief Rivers of Germany are, the Rhine, the Weser, the Elbe, and the Oder; for the Danube having but a small course in this Country, shall be elsewhere spoken of.

• 2.50That part which we call BELGIƲM, or the Low Countries, is of a large extent, seated in the North Temperate Zone, under the 8 and 9th Climates, the longest day being 17 hours; the Air by reason of the industry of the Inhabitants in draining the Marishes, and turning the standing-Waters into running-Streams, is now very healthful, as being purged from those gross Vapours which did thence arise: the Country lieth exceeding low, and therefore subject to Inundations. The Commodities that these Countries yield, are, Linnens, Yarn, Thread, Sayes, Silks, Velvets, Tapestries, Pictures, Prints, Blades, Sope, Butter, Cheese, Fish, Pots, Bottles, Ropes, Cables, Armour, several Manufactures, &c. besides the Commodities of India, Persia, China, Turkey, and other parts, which are here had in great plenty, by reason of the vast Trade they drive in all parts.