China

Sources from old books

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

1630. Relations of the most famous kingdomes. London. by Giovanni Botero. 1676. A most exact and accurate map of the whole world by Donald Lupton. 1682. Cosmography and geography in two parts by Richard Blome. 1692. The gazetteer's, or, Newsman's interpreter by Laurence Echard. 1638. The merchants mappe of commerce wherein by Lewes Roberts

1693. A geographical dictionary representing the present and ancient names by Edmund Bohun.

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

CHINA is a large and potent Kingdome. The Inhabitants doe call it Tame, and themselves Tangis. Ptolomy calleth them Sinas, which Ortelius liketh of, whom the most doe follow, or their neighbours the Cathajans, which Mercator doth more approve of. All this Country is situate by the Easterne Ocean, and it is thought to bee the farthest Country Eastward. The bounds thereof on the East are the Easterne Sea; on the South the Province of Cauchinchina; on the West Brachmana: on the North the Tartarians, a warlike Nation, from whom they are devided by the Mountaines, and a long Wall, which doe reach 500. miles. The Historians of China doe report that this Wall was built long since by a King whose name was Tzinzous, after that by his wisedome he had freed the Inhabitants of this Country from the Tyranny of the Tartars, which they had endured 93. yeeres. This Country by reason of the goodnesse of the ayre and soyle, and the industry of the people is very fruitfull. For the men are not slothfull but laborious, so that they scorne to live idlely. Whence it comes to passe that every corner of this Country doth produce and bring forth something. They sow the dry ground with Wheate and Barley. The plaine wet moorish places, with Rice, which they sow foure times every yeere. The Hills and Mountaines have abundance of Pine-trees, betweene which they sow Millet and Pulse. So that every place and field beareth some fruit: and there are every where Gardens full of Roses, and divers kindes of flowers and fruits. They have great store of Hempe and Flaxe, and Woods of Mulberry Trees, for keeping of Silke-wormes. Moreover there is great store of Gold, Silver, Brasse, Iron, and other Mettals, also Pretious Stones, Pearles, Muske, Sugar, and Rheubarb: and that is thought to bee the best which is brought from thence thorow Persia by Land: for some think that the Sea doth take away much vertue from it. This Kingdome also doth produce and yeeld a medicinable kinde of wood, which the people of China doe call Lampala, and we Radix Chinae, or the China Roote: and it is commonly us'd thorow all the Indies, against Impostumes, the Palsie, and the French disease. The Roote of it is hard and heavy, and of a white colour. There are infinite store of Cattell on the Mountaines, and in the Medowes. The Woods are full of Boares, Foxes, Hares, Cunnies, Sables, Martines, and other beasts of the same kinde, whose skins are much used for lining of Garments. So that it is both pleasant and profitable hunting of them. There are also great plenty of Birds, especially water Fowle, and such great store of Ducks, that in Canton which is one of the least Citties of this Kingdome, 10. or 12. thousand Duckes are spent in one day. And though this Country have great store of Fowle, yet they make them increase by this meanes. In the Spring time they lay two or three thousand Egges in the Sand, by the heate and warmth whereof young Duckes are hatched. And they doe the same in the Winter time but then they doe not lay their Egges in the Sand, but under a Wicker Basket or Pannier, on which they strew warme ashes, the heate whereof in some few dayes doth hatch the Egges. This Country is under one King and Monarch, whom the people call Lord of the World, and sonne of Heaven. There are in it 250. chiefe Citties, whose names doe end in Fu: which signifies a Citty: as Cotonfu, Panquinfu. And their Townes, which are many doe end in Cheu. There are innumerable sort of Villages which are inhabited, by reason of their continuall tillage and Husbandry. All the Citties are situate by the banke of some Navigable River, & fortified with strong walls, and deepe ditches. There are many pleasant Lakes, as the round Lake in the Province of Sancius, which was made by an Inundation in the yeere 1557. which is memorable in regard that 7. Citties, besides Townes and Villages, and a great number of people were drowned in it, onely one Boy saved in the body of a Tree. The Rivers and the Seas are full of Fish. And this Country because it bordereth on the Sea, and hath many Navigable Rivers, is very populous both by Sea and Land. The Gates of their Citties are very magnificent and stately built. The streetes are as strait as if they were made by a line, and so broad, that 10. or 15. men may ride together in a ranke, and these are distinguisht and severd one from another with triumphall Arches, which doe grace the Citty very much. The Portugals doe report that they saw in the Citty Fuchus a Towre, which was built on 14. Marble Pillars, which were 40. hand breadth high, and 12. broade. This is such a curious, beautifull, and costly worke, that it farre exceedeth all the proud and magnificent structures in Europe. They have faire Temples both in their Citties and in the Countrey. The King of China hath a Governour under him, who is as it were a Viceroy, whom they call Tutan. Hee judges and determines all suites and controversies within the Kingdome, and is very severe in administring Justice. Theeves and murtherers are kept continually in prison, untill they dye with whipping, and with hunger and cold. For though they are condemned to dye, which is for the most part by whipping, yet the execution is so long delayd after the sentence is given, that the most part of those which are condemned doe die in prison. Hence it comes to passe that there are so many prisoners in every Citty: So that there are sometimes a thousand Prisoners in the Citty Canton. Theft (than which no crime is more hatefull in these parts) is punisht with whipping and cruell stripes. And this is the manner of their whipping. They set a man with his face bending downeward, with his hands bound behind him, and then they whipp him on the thighs with a whipp made of Reedes and Canes, which giveth such a vehement stroke, that the first blow will make the blood spring forth, and the second blow will so torment the malefactor, that he cannot stand upon his feete. Two Beadles doe whipp him on both his thighs with such vehemency, that the most of them do dye at the 50. or 60. stroke for al their sinewes are broken. The Portugals report that every yeere above 2000. men are put to death in this manner. Their whipp is 5. fingers thick, and one broade, which they wet continually with water, that it may be more flexible, and may give the stronger blow. It is lawfull for the men to have many wives, one of which they keepe at home, and the rest in other places. They punish adultery with death. In the Citties there are no Brothells, for all the whores are banisht into the Suburbs. They celebrate their Nuptiall Feasts, and weddings, at the time of the new Moone, and commonly in the Moneth of March, which is the first day of their new yeare. And they doe keepe these Festivalls with great solemnity, and for many dayes together, with Organs, Musick, and Comicall Playes. The Chinoans have for the most part broad faces, thin beards, flat Noses, and little Eyes: yet some of them are well favoured enough. Their colour and complexion is like the Europeans, but they are somewhat browne, and swarfie that dwell about Canton. They seldome or never goe out of their owne Countrey, neither doe they admit any stranger to come into the innermost parts of their Countrey: unlesse the King give him leave. They are as stout drinkers, as the Germaines and Dutchmen. Concerning the Religion of this Countrey, they beleeve that all things were created, that all things here below are governd from above, and from the Heaven: which they beleeve to be the greatest of al the Gods, whom they expresse by the first Character of their Alphabet. They doe worship the Sunne, the Moone, and the starres, and the Divell (whom they painte in the same manner as the Europaeans doe) least hee should doe them harme as they say. The Chinoans are so neate in making all kind of household stuffe, that they seeme rather the workes of nature then of Art. The use of Ordinance, and the Art of Printing is here of such antiquity, that they know not the first Inventor thereof. The Portugalls doe write much concerning their sagacitie and craftinesse, and that they have Coaches, which will goe with Sayles, which they know so well how to guide, that they will make them in a short time carry them by Land whither the list. Neither can I omit their cleare white kind of Potters ware, which wee call China ware, which they make in this manner. They mingle Sea snales or Periwinkles, with egge-shells, and putting some other things to them, they beate them till they become one substance. Then they lay it under the ground, and there they let it lye to season and ripen 80. or 100. yeare, and they leave it to their heyres as a precious treasure, so that they commonly do come to use that which their Grandfathers first laid to ripen. And it is an ancient custome observd amongst them, that he that takes away the old must lay new in the place. Here is much commerce and trading especially for sweete spices and •ilkes. For out of Malacca, Bengala, and other places, Pepper, Saffron, Muske Nutts, Cassia, and other kindes of sweete Spices are brought into China. But their chiefest trading is in Silke. For Iohn Barrius in his Decads of Asia doth write that at the Citty Nimpo, which some doe call Liampo, that hee saw some Portugals in three moneths space, that carried away by Shippin 166000. pound waight of silke. Also Antonius Pigiafetta doth afirme, that Muske is brought from hence into other parts of the World: and Andreas Corsalis saith, that Rheubarb and Pearles, are brought from hence.

1652. Cosmographie in four bookes by Peter Heylyn. OF CHINA.

CHINA is bounded on the East, with the Orientall Ocean; on the West, with India; on the North, with Tartary, from which separared by a continued chain of hills, part of those of Ararat; and where that chain is broken off, or interrupted, with a great wall extended 400 Leagues in length: built as they say, by Tzaintzon, the 117th King hereof; and on the South, partly with Cau•hin-China, a Province of India, partly with the Ocean.

It was called antiently Sine, or Sinarum Regio, by which name it is still called at the present by our modern L••inist•; and from whence that of China seems to be derived. By Paulus Venet•s called Mangi, by the neighbouring Countries Sanglai, by the natives Taine, and Taybin•o, which last, signifies no other than a Realm; or by way of excellence, the Realm. By the Arabians it is called Tzinin; and the inhabitants call themselves by the name of •angis.

It is said to contain in circuit 69516 D•ez of China measure, which reduced to our Europaean measure, will make a compass in the whole of 3000 Leagues: the length thereof extended from the borders of India, to Col•m, one of the Northern Provinces of this Continent, 1800 Leagues. But they that say so, speak at randome. For besides that 1800 Leagues in length, must needs carry a greater compass than 3000 Leagues; they make it by this reckoning to be bigger than Europe, which I think no sober man will gran•. And answerable to this vast compass, it is said also to contain no fewer than 15. Provinces, every one of which is made to be of a greater Continen• •han the greatest Realm we know in Europe: Yet not a Continent of wast ground, or full of unhabitable Desar•s, as in other places; but full of goodly Towns and Cities. The names of which Provinces, and the number of their Towns and Cities, I have thought fit once for all to lay down in this Diagramme following.

The Provinces, Cities, and Towns in China.

Pro.	Cit.	To.
1 Canton	37	190
2 Foquien	33	99
3 Olam	90	130
4 Sisnam	44	150
5 To•enchia	51	155
6 Cans••	24	122
7 Minchian	25	29
8 Ochian	19	74
9 Honan	20	102
10 Pagnia	47	150
11 Taitan	47	78
12 Quinchen	45	113
13 Chagnian	43	95
14 Susnam	41	105
15 Quinsay	31	114

By which it doth appear, that in these fifteen Provinces there are 591 Cities; 1593 walled Towns; and besides them 1154 Castles, 4200 Towns unwalled, and such an infinite number of Villages, that the whole Country seems to be but one City onely.

It reacheth from the 130th, to the 160th Degree of Longitude: and from the Tropick of Cancer, to the 53d degree of Latitude. So that it lyeth under all the Climes from the third to the nineth, inclusively: the longest Summers day in the Southern parts, being thirteen hours and fourty minutes; increased in the most Northern parts, to 16 hours, and 3 quarters. Enjoying by this site an air somewhat of the hottest, especially in those parts whichly neer the Tropick; but with all very sound and healthy, and fit for the production of the choisest fruits.

The Countrey very rich and fertile insomuch that in many places they have two, and in some three harvests in a year; well cultivated, and sowed with all manner of grain, and planted with the best kind of fruits; which do not onely come to a speedy maturity, but to more excellencie and perfection than any of these Western parts. The like is also said of their Pearls, and Bezoar; fairer and of greater vertue than those of America, or any other part of the world besides. Particularly it aboundeth with Wheat, Barley, Rice, Wooll, Cotton, Olives, Vines, Flax, Silk, all kind of metals, Fruits, Cattle, Sugar, Honey, Rhub•rb, Camphire, Ginger, all kinds of Spices, medicinall woods called China-wood, by the name of the Countrey, Musk and Salt: the custome for which last in one City onely, which is that of C••t••, amounteth to the yearly value of 180000 Crownes. It yieldeth also an Herb, out of which they press a delicate juice, which doth not onely serve them instead of wine, but preserveth their health, and freeth them from many of those inconveniences which the immoderate use of wine doth breed to others. Such store of Po•ltry of all sorts, but of Ducks especially, that in the Town of Canton onely before mentioned, it is thought there are 12000 eaten every day, one day with another.

The people are for the most part of swart complexion, but more or less, according to their neerness to the heats of the Sun; short-nosed, black-eyed, and of very thin beards. They wear their garments very long, and are so much delighted with their own fashion and composure, that as the Neg•o•s use to paint the devil 〈◊〉 as a colour contrary to their own: so when these Chinots use to draw the picture of deformed persons, they set him forth in a short coat, broad eyes, long nose, and a bushy beard. They are much given unto their B••lics, and eat thrice a day, but then not immoderat•ly: drink their drink hot, and eat their meat with two sticks of Ivory, Ebon••, or the like, not touching their meat with their hands at all, and therefore no great foulers of linnen. The use of silver forks, with us, by some of our Sp•uce gallants taken up of late, came from hence into Italy, and from thence to England. Their mariages they celebrate most commonly in the New-Moon, and many times put them off till March, when the year beginneth with them as it doth with us: in which solemnity they spare for no c•st or charge, musick, and Stage-plays, and good cheer many daies together. Yet doth not this take them off a jot from their natural industry, and their proficiencie in Manufactures and Mechanick Arts. For the sonne is bound to follow his fathers occupation: which law preventing the roaving about of idle people, and exciting in each breast an emulation of every Art; maketh the Inhabitants excellent Artificers. In giving almes they are bountiful to the maimed, and the lame; but reject the blind, as being sufficiently able to get sustenance for themselves by corporall labour; as grinding of Corn, &c. They have long enjoyed the benefit of Printing, before it was known in Europe: but print not as we do, from the left hand to the right; nor as the Jews, from the right hand, to the left; but from the top of the leaf, dowaward to the bottom. Gunnes also have been used among them time out of mind: whence they are so well conceited of themselves, that they use to say, They themselves have two eyes, the Europaeans one, and the rest of the people of the world, not one. A pretty flourish of self-praising. Now Gunnes were in use in these Eastern Countries, and consequently also amongst them, even when Bacchus made his expedition into India (which was some three or four years before, or after the departure of Israel out of Aegypt,) Sir Walter Rawleigh seemeth to affirm: because Philostratus in the life of Apoll nius Tyanaeus, telleth us how Baccl•us was beaten from a City of Oxyd•acae, by thunder and lightning; which he interpreteth to be the Cannon. But certainly himself in another place of his most excellent book, acknowledgeth this Philostratus to have written fabulously: and therefore no fic• fou•dation for a conceit so contrary to probability, and the opinion of all times. Besides, whereas Dion telleth us, that by the benefit of thunder and lightning from Heaven, Severus discomfited Pes••ninus N•ger; and by the same means, was himself repulsed from the wall of Petra in Arabia; we may (if this interpretationhold good) as easily maintain, that Severus had great Ordnance in his Camp, and the Arabians, in their Town. As for P•••ting, whether John Gertrudenberg learned it of the Chinois; or whether good inventions, like good wits, do sometimes jump, I dare not determine: sure I am that he first taught it in Europe; and as some say, in the year 1440. At Halam a Town of Holland, It is first said to be practised; and at Mentz, perfected. Now wheras it is by some doubted, whether the Art of Printing be available to the proficiency and advancement of Learning, or not; I must not herein be both a Judge, and a party; but must leave the decision of the point to men uninteressed. Onely this I dare boldly say, that this most excellent invention hath been much abused, and prostituted to the lust of every foolish and idle paper-blurrer: the treasury of learning being never so full, and yet never more empty, over-charged so with the froth and scumme of foolish and unneceslary discourses. In which (though all Nations have their share therein, and we of late as much as any) the Dutch have been accompted the most blame-worthy: who not content to scatter their poor conceptions onely amongst themselves, and print them in their own tongue onely (as our English Paper-Blurers do) publish them in the Latine to the eye of others, and send them twice a-year to the publick Marts, though neither worth the Readers eye, nor the Printers hand. Scriptorum plus est hodie quam muscarum olim cum caletur maxime; the complaint once of an old Comedian, was never truer than at the present.

But not to dive too deep into this dispute, the people, as before was said, are good Artisicers, ingenious and excellent in all things which they take in hand: the porcellan dishes, curious carvings, and the fine painted works which we have in Tables, Leathers, Stuffes, being brought from thence. A politick and judicious Nation; but very jealous of their women, and great tyrants over them, not suffering them to go abroad, or sit down at the Table if any stranger be invited, unless he be some very neer kinsman. A tyranny or restraint, which the poor women give no cause for, being said to be very honest, and much reserved; not so much as shewing themselves at a window for fear of offence: and if they use painting, as most of them do, it is rather to preserve themselves in the good affections of their husbands, than for any other lewd respects. For the most part of a fair hair, whereof very curious: binding it about their heads with Ribbands of silk, garnished with pearles and pretious stones. Neat in their dress, and very costly in their apparel, with reference to their estates, and the degree of their husbands: the richer sort wearing Sattin striped with Gold, and interlaced with very rich Jewe's; the poorer in Serge, and razed velvets. They have most of them little feet, which they take great pride in, and for this cause bind them up hard from their very infancy: which they endure patiently though it be very painfull, because a small foot is accounted for so great a grace. And yet it is conceived that this proceedeth not so much from their own curiosity, as from the jealousy of the men, who have brought it in; to the end that they should not be able to go but with a great deal of pain, and that going with so ill a grace, and so little case, they should have no desire to stirre much abroad. A custome so antient and received, that it hath got the force of law; and if any mother should do otherwise in breeding their daughters, they would undergo some censure or mark of infamy. If a desire to see their Parents get them the freedome of a visit, they are carryed to them in close chairs, and attended by so many waiters, that it is not possible that any man either so see them, or hold any discourse with them.

Of both Sexes it is thought that this Countrey containeth no fewer than 70 Millions. Which though it seem to be a number beyond all belief; yet it is knowingly averred, and may be thought probable enough, if we consider the spaciousness of the Countrey; 2. The secret goodness of the stars, and temperature of the air; 3. The abundance of all things necessary to life; 4. That it is not lawful for the King to make any war, but meerly defensive, and so they enjoy perpetuall peace; 5. That it is not lawfull for any 〈◊〉 to go out of the Countrey; and 6. That here the Sea is as well peopled as whole Provinces elsewhere. For the ships do resemble a City; in which they buy, sell, are born, and die. And on the River which watret• the walls of •anquin, up to Paquin, which is no less than 300 leagues, the ships are said to be so thick ranked, that it seemeth to be a continuall street.

The people hereof in matters of Religion, are generally all Gentiles, and conceive thus of the creation▪ That there was one 〈◊〉, who created Panzon, and Panzona, whose posterity remained 90000 years; but they for their wickedness being destroyed, Taine created L•titz•m, who had two horns; from the right came men, from the left came women. When any of them dieth, they cloath him in his best apparell, all perfumed, set him in his best chair, and there all his neerest kindred kneeling before him, take their leave with tears. When he is coffined, they place him in a room richly furnished, and set by him a table full of viands and good cheer, with candles continually burning on it. Not much unlike to which ceremonies, we find, how whilst the funerall was preparing for Francis the French King, his Status apparelled in royall robes, with the Crown, Scepter, &c. was laid on his bed; whither dinner and supper was daily served in, with the like state and solem•ity as when he was living. But to return again to my dead Chinois; when he had lain, as is above said, fifteen dayes, he is carried forth to his funerall, the place whereof is in the fields: for to be buried within the walls, were a thing of all others the most wretched. Hither, when they are in the manner of a procession, come; they burn his body, and with it men, cattell, and other provision, for his attendance and sustenance in the other world: as they use in the funeralls of 〈◊〉. As great Idolaters as any, sacrificing to the very devil, and that upon the same reason, as the most ignorant sort of the Gentiles do, because forsooth he is a wicked and mischievous creature, and would otherwise hurt them.

Yet in the midle of this darkness there appeareth some light, whereby we may perceive that Christianity had some footing here in the times foregoing; For they believe, that God is an immortall spirit; that by him the first man was made of nothing; that the soul dieth not with the body, but is capable of reward and punishment in another •ife, according to the works it hath done in this. Which lest they should be thought to be onely some remainders of the light of nature, the •arned men amongst the antient Greeks and Romans, having so much 〈◊〉 as this, without the Gospel; we may here add, that the Idol most generally worshipped by them, is painted with three heads looking one on another, signifying, as themselves affirm, that they have all but one will: which makes some think they had been antiently instructed in the doctrine of the holy Trinity. They have also the picture of a very fair woman holding a Child in her Arms, who as they say, was daughter of some great King, and that she was delivered of that Infant when she was a Virgin. And as some add, they have portraitures, of the fashion, and with the marks or Characters of the twelve Apostles (as usually painted in some part of the Christian Church): of whom they are able to say nothing, but that they were great Philosophers who lived vertuously here, and were therefore made Angels in Heaven. And finally they hold that there is a great number of Saints, or men estated in an eminent degree of happiness, who in their times exceeded others in knowledge, industry, or valour, or lived an austere life without wronging any man, or otherwise deserved nobly of the common-wealth, as the Authors of some signall benefit unto their Countrey. These I conceive to be some evident remainders of Christianity, or the Remembrances rather of that Christianity which formerly was known amongst them: First planted here (as may be probably collected) by Saint Thomas, or some of his Disciples, an antient Breviary or Liturgy of the Indian Churches, giving good hint to it; Where it is said, Per D. Thomam regnum coelorum volavit et ascendit ad S•nas: i. e. that by Saint Thomas the Kingdom of Heaven was preached unto those of China. Some Characters here were also of it in the time of the Tartars, though now obliterated, and not visible but in these defacements. And in this state it stood till the time of our Fathers, in which the Jesuites (commendably industrious in the propagation of the Christian faith) not without great danger to themselves, have endeavoured, and in part effected, their conversion. For though they have gained but few Proselytes, (in regard of those infinite numbers of people which are said to live here) yet some Converts they have made amongst them, and thereby sown those seeds of that saving truth (though mingled with some Tares of their own) which may in time increase and spread over all the Countrey.

Hills of great note here are not many, here being but one Mountain touched upon by Ptolomy, in his description of the Countrie called Sinarum Regio, which we conceive to be this China: agreeable unto the observation of modern writers, by whom it is affirmed to be so plain and levell, and so unswelled with hills at all, that they have Carts and Coaches driven with sayles, as ordinarily as drawn with horses, in these parts. Not the less destitute of Rivers for this want of mountains, Ptolomy naming in it, 1. Aspthara. 2. Senus. 3. Ambastus, and 4. Cotiaris; all which had there their fount and fall: and yet he knew the out-skirts of the Country onely. Here are also many great Lake•, not inferiour to some Seas in bigness; so plentifull in fish, as if they contended with the soyl, which should be most profitable: and yet so little swelled with winds (though the winds many times blow strongly) that both upon these Lakes, and on the Rivers and Sea-coasts, they pass up and down in sinall barks, with no other sail than a bough set up an-end in the middest of them; by the help whereof they make good speed in their navigations. Nor do these Lakes or Rivers use to overslow their banks, or endamage the Countrey: but when they do, it brings some fatail ruine with it; as in the year 1557 when the Lake of Sancey breaking out overwhelmed seven Cities, many Towns, and of Villages, and Countrey people, almost infinite numbers.

Towns of most note amongst the Sinae, though nothing but the names be remaining of them, 1. Bramna; and 2. Rhabana, honoured with the title of Civitates. 3. Aspithra. 4. Achatara, more within the land; but all four under some degree of Northern Latitude. 5. Thine, the Metropolis of the Countrey, by some called Sinae. 6. Sarata. 7. Catoranagara; these on the South-side of the line. But in this Ptolomy was mistaken, it being found by the more certain observations of our later writers, that no part of Chin: comes within 20 degrees of the Aequinoctiall; and so not capable of having any Towns or Cities of a Southern Latitude. Here was also a large by called Sinaerum Sinus; a Promontory named Notium, in the fourth degree of Northern Latitude; and another named Satyrocum, lying under the Aequinox. More than this, of the Cities of the antient Sinae, I have nothing to say, which I dare offer to the Reader.

But to behold them as they are presented to our view in the modern China, it hath been said, that for number there are no fewer than 591 Cities, and those so uniformly built, so conformably to one another, that they differ not in form, and fashion, but in quantity onely. Much like the Cities of Utopia mentioned by Sir Thomas More, Idem situs omnibus, eadem, quatenus per locum licet, rerum facties; so neer resembling one another, that he who knoweth but one of them, may conjecture at all. And this is the manner of their building. Most of their Cities have the benefit of some navigable River neer which they stand: the waters whereof serve them both for navigation, and domestick uses. Two great Streets crossing one another in the very middest, so broad, that ten horsemen may ride a brest in the narrowest of them; so strait, that a man standing in the middle, may see either end: each end being shut up with a Gate of great strenghth and beauty; and those Gates fortified and strengthned with thick plates of iron. Generally greater and more stately than those of Europe, but defective in that point of elegancy which the Magnificent Churches, and more sumptuous buildings for the dispatch of publique businesses, in these parts abound with. Their private houses for the most part are also low, and destitute of Porches, Windows, Galleries; the principall ornaments and graces of Architecture. Nor are their Cities built onely for resort, or trade, but for strength and safety, environed with deep and broad ditches, the wal's of brick or stone, strong above belief, planted with Ordnance and Artillery in convenient places: and every night the Gates not only locked but sealed; not to be opened till unsealed by the principall Magistrate.

But not to rest our selves on this generall Character, let us take a more particular view of some of the principall. And in that list we find 1. Quins•y, called Suntien by the natives, containing once in circuit an hundred miles, and having in the middest of it a Lake of 30 miles compass, in which Lake are two goodly Ilands, and in them two magnificent Palaces, adorned with all necessaries, either for majesty, or convenience; in which are celebrated the publique feasts, and the mariages of the better sort. The Lake is nourished with divers Rivers, the chief being Polysango, and Cacam•can; on which Rivers 12000 bridges lift up their stately heads: and under whose immense Arches, great ships, with sails spread abroad, and top and top-gallant, may and do usually pass. It was also said to have had ten market-places, each of them four miles asunder, and every one in form quadrangular, the sides thereof half a mile in length. Here were said also to be twelve Companies of tradesmen or Artizans, each company having 12000 shops; and in all a million and 600000 Families. But now on the removall of the Court from hence to Cambalu by the Tartars; and since to Nanquin and Piquin by the Prince; of the house of Hombu, seconded partly the fury of the warres, and partly by the violence of Earth-quakes; it hath lost no small part of her antient beauty, and renown. 2. Vnguen, famous for the abundance of sugar there made. 3. Nanquin, seated 9 leagues from the Sea, on a fair and navigable River, whereon ride for the most part no fewer than 10000 of the Kings ships, besides such as belong to private men. The Town in compass 30 miles, being girt with three fair brick walls, having large and stately Gates: The streets in length two leagues, wide, and paved; the number of houses is about 200000. so that it may equall four of the fairest Cities of Europe. 4. Paquin or Pagnia, where the King continually resideth; and that, either because the air hereof is more healthfull and pleasant, than any of the other, or because it lieth neer unto the Tartars, with whom the Chinois are in perpetuall warre: so that from hence the dangers which may by their invasions happen unto the Countrey, may with more convenience be either prevented, or remedied. The City said to be inferiour to Nanquin for bulk and beauty, but to exceed it in multitude of Inhabitants, Souldiers, and Magistrates, occasioned by the Kings abode. Environed on the South, with two walls, of so great breadth that twelve horsemen may runne a brest upon them; on the North, with one wall onely, but that so strong and vigilantly guarded, that they fear as little annoyance on that side as they do on the other. But the greatest Omament hereof is the Royall Palace, compassed about with a triple wall, the outwardmost of which would well inviron a large City: within which space, besides the many lodgings for Eunuchs and other Courtiers, are Groves, hills, fountains, Rivers, and the like places of pleasure: larger in circuit, but not comparable for the Arts of Architecture to the Royall Palaces of Europe. 5. Canton, supposed to be the Caltigara of Ptolomy; by the Chinois called Quamchen, the least of the Metropolitan Cities of this Countrey, but beautified with many triumphant Arches, a navigable River, large streets, and many goodly bridges. Fortified with deep trenches, 83. Bulwarks, and seated in so rich a soyl both for Fowl and Catteil, that here are said to be eaten dayly 6000 hogs, and 12000 Ducks, besides proportionable quantity of other victuals. If this be one of the least of their Metropolitans, what may we fancy of the greatest? A Town in which the Portugals drive a wealthy trade, being permitted in the day-time to come within the City it self; but at night excluded, and forced to find lodging in the Suburbs. By reason of which restraint, they have settled their Mart at Macaan, the Port-Town to this, where they have their Factor, and many Families, the Town being almost wholly peopled by them. 6. Suchean, seated in the marishes like Venice, but more commodiously, because those marishes are of fresh water; the streets and houses founded upon piles of pine-tree; with many bridges, and conveniencies for passage both by land and water. Well traded, as the fittest Center for dispersion of merchandise from all the other Ports of the Kingdome: by the multitude and frequency of ships, almost denying faith to the eyes, which would think all the ships of China to be here assembled. So infinitely rich, that the small Region whereof it is the head containing but eight Cities more, payeth 12 millions to the king of yearly income. 7. Hamseu, the Metropolis of the Province of Chequian, about two dayes journey from the Sea (of which distance from the Sea is Sucheau also) in compass less than Namquin, but better builded: no place in it taken up with gardens, Orchards, or other pleasures; but all employed for shops, houses, and other edifices. So beautified with Triumphant Arches, erected to the honour of deserving Magistrates, that in one street there are 300 of great mass or workmanship. The Temples magnificent and many; the bank-sides of the Channels watering every street, beset with trees of shade, and most excellent fruits: and in the midle of the City a round high mountain, which gives the eye a gallant prospect into every street. And not farre off a pleasant Like, of great breadth and length, the banks whereof are beautified with groves and gardens, and the Lake it self even clothed with vessels of all sorts, on which the Citizens use to feast, and entertain their idle time with plaies and spectacles. Two Cities so replenished with all kind of pleasures, that the Chinois use it for a Proverb, Thien Xam, thien thum, ti Xamsu hum, that is to say, look what the Hall or Presence Chamber is in heaven, that Hamseu and Sucheau are on earth. 8 Focheo, beautified amongst many other Stately structures, with a magnificent Tower erected on 40 marble pillars of great elegancy, cost, and bigness, every pillar being 40 spans in height, and 12 in breadth: not to be parallelled, as some say, by any the like work in Europe. 9. Lochiau, in which are 70000 families. 10. Colans, famous for the best Porcellane. 11. Xaitou, whose Harbour is never without 500 ships. 12. Scianhay, within 24. houres sail of the Isle of Japan, and therefore defended with a strong Garrison and a Navy. Situate in a pleasant and wholesome soyl, the whole Countrey so set forth with trees, as if it were one continued Orchard. So populous, that it conteineth 40000 housholds, most of which get their livelihood by weaving Cottons: it being supposed that here are 200000 persons which attend that maintenance. 13. Chinchi••su, whence by a River made by hand there is a passage to Sucheau; the water of which never freezeth, and for that cause so clogged with ships in time of winter, that the passage is stopped with the multitudes of them. 14. Cergivan, of the same fashion with the rest, though of lesser note. So like they are to one another, that we may say with Ovid on the like ocasion.

—Facies non omnibus una,Nec diversa tamen, qualem decet esse sororum.

Which I find thus English•d by George Sandys.

Amongst them all no two appear the same,Nor differ more than Sisters well became.

The antient Inhabitants of this Country, in the time of Ptolomy, were towards the North, the Semantini, bordering a mountain of that name, and the only one remembred in all this Countrey; more Southward, the Acadra, and Aspithrae; Towards the Sea the Anabastae, and Ichthyophagi (these last so called from living wholly upon fish.) From what Original they came it is hard to say, whether from the Indians, or the Scythes: or that it was primitively planted by some of the posterity of Noah, before the enterprise of Babel; which last may propably be concluded from the extreme populousness of the Country, the many magnificent Cities, their industry and ingenuity in all Arts and Sciences, not to be taught them by their neighbours, more ignorant in those things than themselves. And hereunto the Chronicles of China seem to give some ground, which tell us of 340 Kings, which for the space of four thousand years have therein reigned. For as their Chronicles inform us, (if they may be credited) the Countrey being without Rule or settled government, was first reduced into order by one Vitey, the Sonne of Ezolom, by whom the people were instructed in Physick, Astrology, Divination, and the art of tillage: to which this Vitey, having found out the way of cutting or sawing timber, added the use of Ships and Houses, and many other the effects of mechanicall hands. Having by the valour of Lincheon one of his Commanders, subdued a great part of the Countrey, he drew them into Towns and villages, distributed them into Offices, and severall trades, disposing those of the same trade into Streets by themselves, and commanding that no man without leave from himself, or his Officers, should follow any other trade than that of his Father. He prescribed them also the fashion of their Garments, taught them the art of making and dying Silks: and having reigned an hundred years, left the Kingdome well established unto his posterity. Of this race there are said to have been 217 Kings, who held the State 2257 years. The last of them was that Tzaintzon, who being ill-neighbored by the Scythians (not yet called Tartars) built that vast wall spoken of before, extended 400 Leagues in length, and at the end of every League a strong Rampart or Bulwark, continual'y garrisoned, and well furnished with all warlike necessaries. He being slain by some of his Subjects, burdned and wasted with this work, the race of Vitey ended; and that of Anchosan succeeded, a Prince of much prudence, but greater courage; In his line it continued under 25 Kings, but shrewdly shaken towards the close by a civil war, betwixt Trunthey the 23 of this house, and his Nephew Laupy. Hardly well settled under Quiontey the last of this house, when Tzobu, a great Tyrant of the other faction, set upon him, and slew him. And so the majesty of the blood-ro•all being trod under foot, the Crown was also tossed from one hand to another, and made a prey unto the strongest: there being of the race of this Tzobu, eight Kings, reigning 62▪ years. Of the race of Dian, five Kings, who reigned thirty one. Of the race of Tzoy, three onely, who reigned thirty seven. Of the race of Tenc•, one and twenty, who held the Crown 294 years: and eight there were who reigned 120 years, of the house of Tautzom. Of other upstart families to the number of five, were fourteen Kings also, who governed onely for the space of 66 years: And then one Zaitzon, deriving himself from Vifey, the first King of this Countrey, obtained the Kingdome; which he, and seventeen of his posterity, for the space of 320 years, governed with much peace and honour. Forfar, the last King of that Royall Family, foretold by prophecy that he should be deprived of his Kingdome by one who had an hundred eyes, neglected the Advertisement, as unworthy credit: but it fell out agreeable to that prediction, when vanquished by Ch•••-baan (which word signifieth an hundred eyes) Lieutenant unto Vzan, a Tartarian Prince, but Feudatarie and Vassal to the Great Cham. China thus made a Province of the Tartarians, was governed for the space of 93 years, under nine Tartar-Kings, Tributaries to the Great Cham: and when it did revolt in the daies of Gino-Cham, the fourth from •ingis, it was reduced again by the valour of Tamerl•e. For though Hombu, or Combu, the new elected King of China, having expelled the Tartars, and repaired the breaches of the wall by them thrown down, had brought into the field an Army of 350000 horse and foot: yet nothing could withstand the fortune of Tamerlane, who obtained the victory, with the slaughter of 60000 Chinois. But wisely moderating his prosperity, he thought it the best and safest way, to let that Nation have a King of their own; imposing on him the fine of 300000 Crowns of ready money, and such other conditions as were most pleasing to the victor, and yet not destructive to the vanquished. Before this time the Chinois were possessed of a great part of that Countrey which we now call by the name of Cathay; which lying without the wall of China, was taken from them by Tamerlane, and made by him part of the Empire of Tartary. Which possibly might be the reason, (part of Ca•hay being antiently a member of the Kingdome of China, and still retaining somewhat of their customs and ingenuity) that by some writers, easily misguided by such probability, Cathay and China have been reckoned to be one and the same. Nor did the Empire of the Chinois extend in those times onely over part of S•ythia, but also over part of India, and most of the Oriental Ilands. But the Princes of the house of Hombu finding their own Kingdome large enough to content their desires, abandoned all the Accessories and Out-parts of their Dominions: prompted thereunto, not onely by their own moderation, but by some misfortunes which befell them. For as we find that the Romans having by the fury of two violent tempests, lost no fewer than 206 of their ships and gallies, resolved to abandon (and for a long time did forbear) the Seas, which had used them so unkindly: So the Chinois having received a great overthrow, and loss of 800 ships, nigh unto Ze•lan, they freed all the Ilands from obedience unto them, and contented themselves with the bounds which nature had bestowed on them. And of their moderation herein, we have a late example. For when the people of Corea, a small Iland a butting on the confines of China, were invaded by the Japonites, they submitted themselves unto the King of China: who having repulsed the enemy, and thereby cleared his own Countrey from danger, presently redelivers over unto the Coreans, their Town and liberty. A rare fact of a contented people. Which whether it favoured of greater moderation or magnanimity, I am not able to determine. In this family hath the Realm continued under twelve Kings for the space of 200 years and upward, reckoning from Hombu unto Boneg: who being the twelfth of this line, succeeded his elder brother, unfortunately slain with a fall from an horse. Reported for a Prince of good disposition, great judgement, and a severe Justiciary. But whether still alive, or who hath since succeeded, if he be deceased, I am yet unsatisfied: though whosoever he be that now sits in the throne, or at least pretends a right unto it, he hath but little joy in this great estate; the Tartars being called in to a bet some differences touching the succession: who finding their advantages, and the unwarlikeness of the People, are said to have lately broken down the Partition-wall, and let in infinite numbers of their Country-men, and made themselves Masters in short time of the best parts of the Countrey. In which estate it now standeth, for ought I have heard unto the contrary.

The Government of this Kingdome is meerly tyr•••icall; there being no other Lord but the King; no title of dignity or nobility ever known amongst them; nor toll or duty paid unto any but to him: the younger Princes of the blood being mantained by stipends, and annuall pensions, large enough to support their trains, but without any Lands or Tenants, for fear of drawing on them any great dependances. The King alone is the generall Landlord, and him the subjects do not onely reverence as a Prince, but adore like a God. For in the chief City of every Province, they have the Kings portraiture made of gold, which is always covered with a veil: and at every New-moon, the Magistrates and other inferiour Officers use to kneel before it, as if it were the King himself. By these and other artifices of the like contrivement the Common-people are kept in such awe and fear, that they are rather slaves than subjects: calling their King the l•mp of the world, and Son of the evershining Sun, without whose light they were able to see nothing. In every Province, except Paquin and Tolenchia onely, he hath his Deputies or Vice-Royes, maintained by liberall stipends from the publique treasury: but those he governeth by himself. Some laws they have, and those affirmed to have been written 2000 years since, as is like enough they were. So strongly do they favour of the ignorance and A•heism of the darkest times: the manner of life by them allowed, most obscene and shameless, their idolatries most gross and palpable, their exorcisms ridiculous, and the prostitution of their Virgins most abhominable, and the variety of sensuall prophanations, to an illuminated mind most base and contemptible. In a word, nothing commendable in their course of life (notwithstanding the brags which they make of themselves) but their Arts and industry.

The forces which this King is able to draw into the Field must needs be infinite, considering that incredible number of subjects under his command. For whereas France is thought to contain 15 millions of people; Italy, with the Isles, as many; Germany, with the Switzers and Belgick Provinces, about that proportion; Spain not above seven Millions, and the Kingdome of England about four: this Countrey one-is computed at 70 millions; which is more by 15 millions than all together. Proportionably his Levies must be so much greater than can be ordinarily raised out of those Countries. But because it may be thought that his subjects, though more in number, may be less trained to the warres than those of Europe; the contrary is affirmed by such as have taken an estimate of the forces which every Province is bound to entertain in continuall readiness. And by that estimate it appeareth, that in the year 1557 (though a time of peace) there were dispersed in the fifteen Provinces of this Realm, to the number of five millions; 846500 Foot, and 948350 Horse. Nor is he less powerfull for Sea-service, having continually great Fleets for the guard of his costs in continuall attendance; and many more ready to set out when there is occasion: insomuch that the Chinois use to say in the way of a Proverb, that their King is able to make a bridge of ships from China to Malaca, which are 500 leagues asunder. Some of these ships (whereof the King hath above a thousand of his own, besides those of his subjects) of great magnificence and beauty: the Officers and Souldiers in all which are exceeding well paid, and rewarded answerably to their merits. And as this King is able to raise greater forces than any, from his own estates; so doth he also de facto do it, when the urgency of his affairs do require it of him: his ordinary stint being 300000 foot, and 200000 horse, without which compleat number (not onely in the muster-rols, but in bodies of men) he vouchsafes not to go into the field.

Answerable unto these great Levies of men; must be his Revenue: which they who have travelled in this search, (if they tell us true, and do not build upon an hope of not being confuted, as for my part I fear they do) affirm to be 120 millions of Crowns; answered unto him out of the profit of the mines of Gold, Silver, and other metalls; the tenth of all commodities which the Earth brings forth; the tolls imposed on that uspeakable quantity of merchandise, which passeth on so many navigable Rivers from one Town to another; the customes taken of all those rich wares which are brought into Europe, and the Gabell laid on Salt in all parts of his Kingdome. Out of which summe, the payment of his Fleet discharged, the entertainment of the Souldiers satisfied, and his Court defraied; there remaineth 40 millions of Crowns de claro to be disposed of, either in his treasury, or private pleasures, or the works of magnificence, and ostentation.

And so much for China.

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

The Kingdom of CHINA, with its Provinces and Isles, which may be considered as they lie

• Northernly, and
  • Regarding the Sea; as
    • Leaoton,
      • Leaoton, or Leaoyang.
      • Richeo
    • Pequin,
      • Peking,
      • Quangping,
      • Himpin,
      • Tianchevoy.
    • Scianton,
      • Xanton, or Cinan,
      • Pamnihu,
      • Cincoyan,
      • Laicheu, or Lincheu.
  • On the Firm Land; as
    • Sciansi,
      • Taven,
      • Lugan,
      • Tatong,
      • Sciansi,
      • Pingans,
      • Suchio.
    • Sciensi,
      • Siganfu,
      • Jengan,
      • Pingleang,
      • Pichin,
      • Linyao.
    • Honan,
      • Honan,
      • Temechio,
      • Caifung,
      • Nanyang,
      • Chinchio.
• Southernly, and
  • On the SEA; to wit,
    • Easternly, as
      • Nanquin,
        • Nanking,
        • Chicheu,
        • Lucheu,
        • Funiam,
        • Xanuchi.
      • Chequian, with its Isles of
        • Quinsay, now Hancheu,
        • Haugcheu,
        • Liampo,
        • Aucheo,
        • Succu,
        • Chequia.
        • Mochosa, or Cheuxan,
        • Sunkiam, or Changque,
        • Suan,
        • Olepio,
        • Avarello,
        • Chaposi.
      • Fuquien,
        • Chincheo,
        • Focheu,
        • Yenping,
        • Chining,
        • Hinghoa,
        • Isles of
          • Lanquin,
          • Baboxin.
    • Southernly, as
      • Canton,
        • Canton,
        • Nanhium,
        • Lampaca,
        • Quanycheu,
        • Uchuen,
        • Zauquin,
        • Luicheu,
      • Isles belonging to Canton; as
        • Aynan
          • Kinchensu,
          • Bancao,
        • Thinosa,
        • Amacao,
        • Omandari,
        • Pulotio.
      • Quancy,
        • Quancy,
        • Colin,
        • Nangan.
      • Zunnan,
        • Junnan,
        • Hilan.
  • Within Land; as
    • Chiamsi,
      • Nanchang,
      • Kiencham,
      • Linkiang,
      • Juencheu,
      • Nangam.
    • Huquan,
      • Cingiang,
      • Huchang,
      • Vuchang,
      • Yocheu,
      • Cangte.
    • Suchuen,
      • Paoning,
      • Xunking.
    • Quicheu,
      • Quincheo,
      • Rueyang,
      • Hiauchoau,
      • Liping,
      • Cipan,
      • Pauhu•.
• In Isles and Peninsula's about the Coast of CHINA; as those of
  • Corey,
    • Hianking,
    • Kingzan,
    • Civenlo.
  • Larrons.
  • Fuego.
  • Lequejo Grande.
  • De los Roys Mages.
  • de Pescheurs,
    • Gillira,
    • Wankan,
    • Tayoan.
  • Formosa.
  • Tabaca Miguel.
  • Tabaca Xima.
  • Hainan.

• 1.1CHINA is on the East of Asia, and of all our Continent; and if we consider its greatness, fruitfulness, riches, the great number and politeness of its Inhabitants, the beauty of its Cities, its Manufactures, and for having had the inventions of Silk, Printing, Paper, Artillery, &c. it is worthy of note.

• 1.2Ptolomy knew this Country under the name of Sinarum Regio; but it hath been observable by us, that the Chinois knew not any thing of that name; and that when this great Empire falls from one Family to another, he that begins the Family gives such a new name as he pleases to the Kingdom: and these names are very specious; as formerly it had the name of Than, that is, Boundless; Yu, that is, Repose; Hin, which signifies, Great; Sciam, which is an Ornament; Cheu, that is, Perfect, and so others: The Family that reigns at present gave it the name of Miu, that is, Brightness; and the last Kings of the same Family have added Ta, which is, Kingdom, so that Ta-Min signifies the Kingdom of Brightness. The People neighbouring upon China take little heed of the changing of these names; but on the contrary, some name it in one manner, and some in another: Those of Cochin-china and Siam call it Cin, from whence we have formed the name of China; those of Japhan, Than: the Tartars, Han: the Saracens and Mahometans of the West call it Cathay; under which name is likewise comprehended the Eastern part of Tartary.

Its greatness extends from the 18th or 19th,* 1.3 unto the 43th or 44th degree of Latitude: and from 147 to 166 degrees of Longitude, and in some places from 145 to 172; that is about 24 degrees of Latitude, which amount to 600 Leagues from North to South; and 18 or 20, and sometimes 25 degrees of Longitude, which amount to 4, 5, or 600 Leagues from West to East: some Authors have esteemed this Kingdom greater; but the Father Jesuites have observed the height of Pequin, and its most Northern parts.

• 1.4It contains 16 Provinces, all rich, plentiful, and which might well merit the name and title of Kingdoms; they are subdivided into 28 Regions, or less Provinces, of which some have 12, some 15 fair Cities; amongst which are 180 great Cities, 319 great Towns, and 1212 lesser; in all 1771 Cities and fair Towns.

• 1.5However it be a great number, there is the same likewise of lesser places; insomuch that in Anno 1557 there was found in China more than 40 Millions of Men which paid Tribute or Tax: In 1616 there was near 60 Millions. Among which the Women, Young men under 20 years, Eunuchs, Souldiers, Officers, Sick people, and those of the Kings kindred were not comprehended, which together would amount to a very great number.

• 1.6There are accounted likewise Tributaries to the King of China, 3 Kings towards the East, 53 towards the West, 55 towards the South, and 3 towards the North, which are 114; and many have assured his Revenue to be 150 Millions of Gold per annum.

• 1.7The bounds of this great Monarchy are very advantagious, the Sea washing it on the South and East, where there are divers little Islands and Rocks along the Coast; a Mountain of above 500 Leagues long being its Northern bounds, and great sandy Desarts and Forests, mixt with Mountains, limit it on the West unto the South Sea: these were its natural defence; but upon the Tartars often invading them, and being at once Master of 33 important Towns, and fearing lest they should be quite subdued, concluded a Peace with the Tartars, agreeing to pay them 2000 Picos of Silver for the defraying the charges of their Army, and they to return home and render up the 33 Towns to the Chinoises. This Peace continued a good while; but they fearing the incursion of the Tartars again, the King at a general Council with his Peers, for their further peace and safety did agree to build a Wall about their Kingdom, or rather Empire, which might serve for a Bulwark against all Invaders, in pursuance whereof there was raised 10000 Picos of Silver, which at 1500 Ducdts, each Pico amounts to 15 Millions of Gold; and entertained 25000 Men to carry on this work, whereof 3000 were appointed as Overseers of the rest; and thus in the space of 27 years,* 1.8 they quite finished the circumference of the Wall, which is 70 Jaos, in length each Jao being 3 Leagues, which is 650 miles. This Wall is 30 foot high and 10 foot broad, being made with Lime, Sand, and Plaistered on the outside, by means whereof it is so hard, that it is Cannon proof; instead of Bulwarks it hath Watch-Towers 2 Stages high, flancked with high Buttresses as thick as a Hogshead, and exceeding strong; the expences for the performing of this Work was divided into 3 parts, of which the Commonalty paid one, the Priests and Isles of Aynan another, and the King and Peers the other: and in this great enclosure there are but 5 Entries, in which both the King of China and Tartary keep Garrisons; in each of which the Chinois continually keep at great expences about 6000 Horse, and 1000 Foot, which for the most part are all Strangers of different Nations bordering upon this Empire, which are kept for defence thereof, when occasion shall serve; in all this length of Wall there is 320 Companies, each of them containing 500 Souldiers, which in all are 160000, besides Officers, &c. which will make up the number 200000, and are all maintained at the Kings charge; but most of these are Malefactors, which doth much lessen the pay, they working for nothing. But for all this strong Wall, and their great care in keeping it, the Tartars of late have almost over-run all China. Besides its extent, the great number of its people, and the Forces of this Kingdom, the Soil is generally exceeding rich and fertil, and abounding in all things; and so divided by Rivers and Navigable Channels, that some have affirmed that there are as many River-boats in China, as in all the World besides.

• 1.9They have all sorts of Grains and Fruits, except the Olive and the Almond, instead of which they have many others not found elsewhere; and moreover their Grains, Fruits, as also their Plants and Herbs; are far beyond ours in excellency and goodness, and their Flowers more beautiful and various than ours. This Country produceth all sorts of living Creatures, as Beasts and Fowl, both tame and wild; and so excellent, that the flesh of their Camels, Mules, Asses, Dogs, &c. are sweet, and good to eat; all Provision is here found so plentiful, that a fat Cow is not worth above 10 Shillings. a Buffter a Crown, a Hog 2 Shillings; all sorts of Fowl they sell by the pound, the common rate after their Feathers are off, being not above 2 Pence, and Fish they have in such great plenty, as well in their Rivers as in the Sea, that they are not worth the selling. The like may be said of their Grains and Fruits, which are found in as great abundance; they have also as great plenty in divers rich Commodities,* 1.10 as in excellent Sugar, Wax, Hony, all sorts of Spices, several Drugs, Rice, Wool, Wines; great quantities of Silk and Cotton, of which they make a great number of different Manufactures. They have all sorts of Metals, but their Gold and Silver is of a lower alloy than ours; and therefore it is that they so much esteem English Gold, and Pristols and Rials of Spain: they have much Rhubarb and Amber, quantity of Musk Civet, which would be the best in the World, if they did not falsifie it: their Capphire is not near so good as that of Borneo, and their Pearls are all Barroques. They have much Saltpeter, with which they make (besides Gunpowder) a thousand divices and artificial Fires. They have so great plenty of Salt, that the Custom only in the Town of Canter, (as Mr. Lewis Roberts reports) doth bring in to the King 180 thousand Ducats yearly.

• 1.11They have abundance of very fine Inventions, of which some are common with us, but which they had before us; as the disposition of their Poasts, their Paper which they make of the bark of Bambus or Canes, but so thin, that it will bear Ink on both sides. In their writing they make use of Pencils, and not Pens, which by reason of the smoothing of the Paper, they cut their Characters exceeding neat, their writing consisteth only of Characters,* 1.12 which make so-ma••• Syllables, and the Syllables so many different names, whose signfications are various; of these Monosyllables they have neer 60 to 80000, they write from top to bottom, advancing their lines from the left hand to the right, and almost all their knowledg consists only in reading well. In their Printing, they are so expert, that they can take away, augment, or change as much or as little as they please in a moment. Their Artillery which they dismout by pieces, and their Chariots which they make run with a Saile, &c. Their Manufactures of Silk, which they say they have had 3 or 4000 years. They make use of Tables and Seats when they eat, and of Beds when they repose, which their Neighbours do not. Their High-ways are straight, paved, and cut sometimes out of the Mountains. They have Salt which they extract from the Sea-water and from Mines. They make and subtract their Sugar, Honey and Wax, from diverse things, to wit, from Bees, from the fruit of certain Trees, and from certain little Worms they keep in those Trees; and this sorts is the best, the whitest, and its Candle burns the clearest of all.

Those things which they have most particularly, are their Drinks, which they make with the leaves of certain Shrubs; a Gumm, and an excellent Varnish, which they get from the Barks of Trees. Also their Porcelain, which they make of Earth, in the Province of Quiamsi, of which they make excellent Cups, Dishes, &c. far exceeding Glass-Metal.

• 1.13The Chinoisses are for the most part well shaped, of a good Stature; they have commonly broad faces, flat noses, little eyes; they never cut the hair of their heads, but on the contrary they wear little or no Beards, and as to their complexion they differ according to the Climat under which they abide, as those in the Province of Pequin lying in the most Northern part of China, are of a fair complexion like the English, when as those towards the South, as in the Province of Canton, &c. are like the Moors of Barbary; their Women are handsom, yet make use of Paint; they seldom are seen abroad.

• 1.14They wear their Garments very long, with long loose sleeves; those of the Northern Provinces make use of Furs, and those of the Southern wear Silk; but persons of quality are richly habited and adorned with many Pearls and Precious Stones. They are great lovers of Women, as also of their bellies, commonly eating thrice a day, their diet being good and cleanly drest, and they as neat in eating it, making use of Knifes and Forks.

• 1.15They are very ingenious, and much more industrious and Politick then their Neighbours, having the use and understanding of Arts and Sciences, both liberal and Mechanical, as Philosophy, Physick, Astronomy concerning the Heavens and Stars, the Eclipses of the Sun and Moon, &c. in the which they have abundance of vain fancies. Also they are expert in Musick and making of Musical Instruments, Navigation, Architecture, Painting, Sculpture, making of Clocks, casting of Metals in Images, Medals or the like; these with several other inventions too tedious to name, they had the benefit of before us; yet are they not in that perfection as they are with us. And as for Armes, they have their courage so low,* 1.16 that both the Souldiers and the Commanders submit themselves to the whip, when they have been wanting in their duty; so that it was said that when the Tartars affaulted them, it sufficed them only to have shewed them the whip, to have put them to slight, as the Scythians their predeceisors once served their slaves, who during their long absence had married their Mistresses. It is likewise reported that the China Horses could not suffer the weighing of the Tartarian Coursers; and the Chinois Cavaliers being of the same humor, they were more likely to run than fight.

Moreover the Chinois are very ceremonious, courteous, and great complementers, for which they have several Printed Books which they teach their children, not passing by any one, that they know, without kind salutations; and if they happen to espy any friend which comes out of the Country, besides their kind greeting, his first question will be to ask him whether he hath dined or supped; which if he hath not, he will carry him to a Tavern and give him a treatment of Flesh, Fowle and Fish; and if he hath din'd, a collation of Fruits and Conserves.

They are also very costly in their Feasts and Entertainments, as in variety of Meats, Fruits, Preserves, to which may be added other delights; as Musick, Singing, Dancing, Plaies, and other pastimes. And for persons of quality they observe more state, some Feasts lasting about 15 or 20 days.

They have several days which they make great account of in Feastings and merriments, but above all others, their new years day, which is in March, where also their Priests are present at their rejoycings, adding to the solemnity of the day Sacrifices which they make to their Gods.

In their Marriages they also very expensive in their Feasts; for the Bridegroom receives no other Portion from her friends, then what they bestow in their entertainments; but on the contrary, he gives her a Portion, which the gives to her friends in thankfulness for their care in her education.

• 1.17The Chinois may be held as Pagans and Idolaters, not knowing the true Religion, but worshipping Idolls; they invoke the Devil, they hold the immortality of the Soul, and after this life it goeth to eternal bliss, or torment; they also hold a kind of Purgatory, and that their friends and relations upon their prayers and supplications, may have some ease, for which purpose they have a day set apart for the performing of this ceremony. They have four orders of Religious men; they observe all one fashion, but are distinguished by their colour; they all shave their beards and heads, they make use of Beads, and say their Matins, &c. as the European Monks do. Mandelsloe saith that they are much addicted to incantations and charmes, not doing any thing of concernment, without they have first consulted it by their charmes; and if they prove not according to their desire, they will raile and abuse their. Gods with scurrilous language, fling them down, beat them, whip them, and tread upon them; but when their choler is asswaged, they will cogg with them, give them good words, and pretend sorrow; and if the charme favour them, then they offer to them Geese, Ducks, boiled Rice, &c. These charms are commonly two small pieces of wood, one side being flat, and the other being hallow, which they, fling upon the ground; and if it happen that the round side of both, or of one is downwards, they take it for an ill omen; if uppermost, for good. They believe that all things visible and invisible were created by Heaven, who by a Vicegerent governs the Universe, another who governs all Sublunary things; they also add three principal Ministers; one looks to the production of Fruits, and the generation of Men and Animals, another governs the Air, and causeth Rain, &c. and the other governeth the Waters and Sea.

Mandelsloe saith also,* 1.18 that at their Funerals they have several ceremonies; as soon as any person is deceased, they wash his body, put on his best Clothes, and set him in a Chair, where his Wife, Children, and other Relations kneeling down about him, take their leave of him, which done, they put him into the Coffin, set it upon a Table, covering him with a Winding-sheet, which reaches to the ground, on which they draw the Picture of the deceased, where they leave him 15 days, during, which time in some other Room they set on a Table Wine, Fruit and Lights, for the Priest who watcheth; after which time, they carry the Corps to the Burial place, his Relations commonly mourning for a year.

• 1.19The Government of the Kingdom or Empire of China, is wholly at the power of the King, either to change, take away, or augment Laws, when and as oft as he pleases; yet doth he not execute any rigorous Laws upon them scarce acting or imposing any thing upon his Subjects, without the Advice of his Council of State; besides this Council of State, he appoints others, as well for the Administration of Justice, as for the oversight of other affaires in the Kingdom; but they neither inflict any punishment to Criminals, or determine any thing of themselves, but make their report to the King, who decides the same.

They are very circumspect how they condemn any person, not passing their sentence, till the offence is found so clear and evident, that the offendor is not able to justifie himself, they use fair means first for the finding out of the truth; and if that will not do, they then inflict several tortures upon them; their executions are various and more cruel according to the offence committed; some being hanged, some they impale, some they burn; their greatest punishment is inflicted on thieves, which they much abhor. Debtors they imprison; for which purpose there being so many, there is in every great City several Prisons, in which they are strictly kept and lookt unto; by reason of which that their lives may not be burthensome unto them, they have in their Prisons, Gardens, Courts, Walks, Fish-ponds, Drinking-houses and Shops, which furnish the Prisoners with such things as they have occasion for.

• 1.20The Dignity of the Crown of China is hereditary, falling to the eldest Son of the King after his decease; the King they highly reverence, calling him the Son of Heaven, the Son of God, or the like, not that they think him so, but being the chiefest of men, they esteem him dear to the Gods, and as a gift of Heaven.

The Chinois have many Books and descriptions of their Kingdom: observing exactly all that their Provinces particularly possess: what is the extent, quality, and force of each, how many Cities they have, how many Officers, how many men which study, how many which bear Armes, who pay Tribute, and a Thousand particularities; of which however writers have recounted to us but few things, scarce can we gather the Names of the sixteen Provinces, and of some Cities and Rivers; these Names being so diverse in several Authors, that it is a difficulty to reconcile them; we will say something of them giving them those names which seem to us best received.

• 1.21CHINA is divided into two principal parts, Northern, and Southern: there are six Provinces in the Northern part, and ten in the Southern: The River Jamchucquian traverses these; and the River Caramoran those. Of the six Northern parts, three are washed by the Sea, as Leaoton, Pequin and Scianton, and of these three, the two first touch the great Wall or Mountain; the three other Provinces are on the firm Land; as Sciansi, Sciensi, and Honan, likewise of these three, the two first touch the great Wall; amongst the ten Southern ones, there are six on the Sea; three towards the East, as Nanquin, Checquian, or Aucheo and Fuquien; and three towards the South, as Canton, Quancy, and Yunnan; the other four Provinces are up in the Land, and are called Chiamsi, Huquan, Suchuen, and Quicheu. And of these Provinces in order.

• 1.22The Province of LEAOTON is almost quite separated from the rest of China: Its chief City bears the same name; this City, as also most of the Cities in China, is well built, and of one form, being square, and with good Walls made of Brick, and plaistered over with Porcelain, which renders it exceeding hard and strong; they are commonly broad, and having the benefit of several Towers, as well for beauty as defence. Its Soil amongst other things produces the Root Ginsen, which preserves the well in health and strength; strengthens and restores health to the sick; they sell it commonly at double its weight of Silver. Its Inhabitants are less civilised then the rest of China, but more robustious and proper for Warr. Its other places of most note are Richeo, and Chincheo, and both seated on the Sea.

• 1.23The Province of PEQƲIN, though of great fertility, yet by reason of its popu••usness, occasioned by the residence of the Kings of China in its principal City lo Xunthienfu by us called Pequin, makes it that it cannot furnish Mayz, Wheat, Rice, and other Provisions enough for its Inhabitants and resort of People; which defect is supplied from the adjacent Provinces. The City of Xunthienfu or Pequin is of a vast bigness, containing within its Walls (made of Free-stone, and strongly fortified with Bulwarks) which are in circumference near 30 Leagues, about 3300 Pagodes or Temples, wherein are continually sacrificed a great number of Wild-Beasts and Birds: These Pagodes, especially those of the Order of the Menegrepos, Conquinys and Talagrepos, who are the Priests of the 4 Sects of Xaca, Amida, Gizan and Canon, are sumptuous Structures. To the Wall which encompasseth this City, for the conveniency of its Inhabitants are 360 Gates, to each of which is joyned a small Fort where a Guard is continually kept, as also a Register, to take the names of all Persons that pass thereat. The Streets are long, broad, and well composed, and its houses fair and lofty; each of the chief Streets having its Captain and other Officers, who are to look after the same, which every night are shut up by Gates. Here are about 120 Aquaeducts or Canals, which traverse the City, upon which are near 1800 fair Bridges sustained on Arches. Without the City in a tract of 7 Leagues long and 3 broad, are about 80000 Tombs of the Mandarins, which are small Chapels, richly beautified, nigh unto which are about 500 great Palaces, which they call the Houses of the Sun, which are inhabited by those that can no longer bear Armes for the Emperour of China; either through age, sickness or other infirmities. Also here are about 1300 stately Houses inhabited by Religious Men and Women. There are several Streets of a great length, only possessed by People of one profession, as one by near 14000 Taverns; another by innumerable many Courtizans, and another by about 24000 Oarmen, which belong to the Emperours Panourers. Here are also 32 great Colledges for those that study the Laws. Likewise there are abundance of large Houses, with spacious inclosures of Gardens, Woods, provided of Game, near this City, which said Houses or rather Inns, serve only to give entertainment to people of all degrees, by seeing of Plaies, Combates, Bulbaitings, &c. and the Palace Royal of the Emperour, which is in this City for its largeness, fairness and richness, is not inferior to any in the East; this City being his residence for the Northern Provinces, as Nanquin is for the Southern.

And thus much for the City of Pequin; its other chief places are, first, Tianchevoy; secondly, Himpin; and thirdly, Cichio, seated on a fair River about 70 Miles from the Sea.

• 1.24The Province of SCIANTON, is between that of Pequin and Nanquin; it is well watered with Rivers, which makes it very fertile, abounding in so great plenty of al sorts of Flesh, Fowl, Fish, Grains, Fruits, &c. that its Inhabitants, which are esteemed about seven Millions of Persons, cannot devour the encrease but are forced to furnish other Provinces; they have also great store of Silk, and other rich Commodities. It hath several great Cities, the chief of which are, 1 Xanton, not far from the Sea; 2 Pamnihu, 3 Cincoyan, and 4 Linceu, seated in an Isle so called: Besides which, here are found in this Sea, 9 other Isles, most of which do belong to this Province, and are well known, affording many of the China Commodities.

• 1.25The Province of SCIANSI, which Purchas calls Cansas, hath many Mountains, by reason of which it is not so fertile, as that of Pequin; neither is it so large, so populous, nor so pleasant; yet with the industry of the Inhabitants, it produceth Corn, Rice and Mayz; but in recompence it breeds great quantity of Cattle, and hath so many Vines, that it furnishes the whole Kingdom with Pickled Grapes and Raisins. It hath likewise two sorts of Mines, the one of Brimstone, the other of Stones which burn, and may be called Coals. In the Sulphur Mines they make little holes, to draw out heat enough to boyl any thing they need. The Mines of Coals are inexhaustible, encreasing from time to time: and these Coals well prepared, will keep fire day and night without being touched.

In this Province are about 90 Cities and great Towns, six of which are of considerable note; as, 1 Sciansi, 2 Taven, 3 Lugan, 4 Talong, 5 Pingans, 6 Suchio; all which are well built and very populous.

• 1.26The Province of SCIENSI or XEMSI, which Purchas calls Soyohin, Mendoza, Sinsay, is the most Westward of all the Six Northern Provinces, and the greatest of all the 16 Provinces; Siganfu is esteemed its chief City; the great Mountain and Wall doth bound it from the Tartars; the Soyl is dry, yet yields good store of Wheat, Mayz and Barley, but little Rice; it feeds much Cattle, and the Sheep are sheared thrice a year, in Spring, Summer and Autumn; their first shearing is the best: It yields Musk, which is the Navel of a Beast, of the bigness of a Hinde. They have Gold, which they gather amongst the Sand of the Rivers; for the Mines, though it hath some, yet they are not open. It produceth divers Perfumes and Rhubarb, which they carry into Persia, and other places: And it is through this Province, that the Caravans come from the West.

This Province is very populous, and is well stored with great Towns and Cities, having 8 great Cities, as, 1 Siganfu, its Metropolis, afore spoken of, 2 Jengun, 3 Pingleang, 4 Pichin, 5 Lynyao; with a great many of less note.

• 1.27The Province of HONAN, which Purchas calls Oyman, is very fertile, and the Climate very temperate; the freest from Mountains, and the farthest from the Sea. It produceth the best Fruits in the World, as well those known to us in Europe, as others; and that in so great quantity, that they are scarce valued. The River of Caramoran after having divided the Provinces of Sciansi, and Sciensi takes its course through the middle of Honan, and discharges it self into the Sea, by the Province of Nanquin. It comprehendeth 7 great Cities, the chief of which bears the name of the Province; its other chief places are, 1 Tem•chio, 2 Caifung, 3 Nanyang, and 4 Chinchio, besides about One hundred less ones, all well inhabited. Hitherto we have surveyed the six Northern Provinces of China; we come now to the 10 more to the South.

• 1.28The Province of NANQƲIN is the fairest and richest, and its Inhabitants the most civilised of all the Kingdom; and the Kings of China did alwaies make their residence at Nanquin, till of late they have made it at Pequin. It comprehends 14 great and fair Cities, viz. 1 Ʋmthienfu or Nanquin, which is the Metropolis of the Province, 2 Chicheu, 3 Lucheu, 4 Funiam, and 5 Zanuchi, all which are very populous; some of which have about 200000 people, which only work in making of Calicoes: All which are commodiously seated on arms of the Sea, which make several Isles. And beside these Cities, there are about 100 small ones of less note: I shall only speak something of Nanquin.

• 1.29Ʋmthienfu or Nanquin, as we call it, yet ceases not to be the greatest, fairest and richest City of the whole Kingdom, next to Pequin. The form and Symmetry of its Buildings in its Palace, in its Temples, in its Gates, in its Towers, and in its Bridges, as likewise in its publick and particular Houses, and their Ornaments, are wonderful. It is situate upon the River of Batampina, and upon an indifferent high Hill; so that it commands all the Plains there adjacent. The circumference is 8 Leagues, 3 long, and 1 broad, all encompassed with a strong Wall of hewed Stone; about which there are 130 Gates, at each of which there is kept a Porter with two Halberdiers, whose Office is to take the names of every one that passes every day in and out; and besides the strong Wall, there are for further defence 12 Forts or Cittadels. In this City there are accounted above 800000 Houses, besides 80000 Mandarins Houses, 60 great Market places, 130 Butchers Shambles, each containing about 80 Shops, 8000 Streets, whereof 600 are fairer and larger then the rest; all which are broad, straight and well disposed, and are compassed about with Ballisters of Copper. The Houses are about two stories high, and built of Wood, except those of the Mandarins, which are composed of Hewed Stone, and encompassed with Walls and Ditches, over which they have Stone Bridges, with rich Gates and Arches. The Houses or rather Palaces of the Chaems, Auchacys, Aytans, Tutons, and Chumbims, which are Governors of the Kingdoms or Provinces of the Empire of China, under the Emperor, are stately Structures of about 6 or 7 stories high, and richly adorned with Gold, in which are kept their Magazins for Arms, Ammunition; as also their Treasuries, their Wardrops, and their Fine Porcelain, which by them is so highly esteemed. Here are about 2300 Pagodes, a thousand of which were Monasteries for Religious Persons, which are exceeding rich. Here are also about thirty great Prisons which will contain about two or three thousand Prisoners a-piece: Also a great Hospital for the relief of the Poor. At the entrace of every principal Street, for the security of the Inhabitants, there are Arches and Gates which are kept shut every hight; and in most of the chief Streets are pleasant Fountains.

In this City there is accounted about ten thousand Trades for the working of Silks, which from thence are sent all over the Kingdom; which at every New and Full Moon, amongst divers other Commodities, are vended at Fairs in several places of the City. Its Traffick and Commerce bring thither so great a multitude of People, that its Streets are scarce able to be passed for the throng. Its Commodities and Manufactures are in so great esteem, that they utter better then others; and all the neighbouring Countries make a great number of Manufactures.

The Revenue which the King receives from this Province is exceeding vast, the Inhabitants paying into his Exchequer Sixty Millions of Crowns yearly; besides great Excises upon all Commodities, if Mandelsloe may be believed; and if he receiveth so much out of one Province, judge what a vast Revenue he hath from all the Provinces, many of which are no ways inferior to this.

• 1.30The Province of CHEQƲIAN which Purchas calls Essiram, passes likewise for one of the best Provinces of China. The pleasant Rivers which run through it, and the many good Ports, with its Isles it hath on the Coast, doth facilitate the utterance of its Merchandizes; and particularly, both Raw Silk, and prepared in Thred, and in Stuffs, which it distributes to the other Provinces of China, and throughout all the World; the other Provinces of China, not having enough for their use. Of this Silk there is one sort which is reserved to be employed in divers works mixed with Gold, with great art and curiosity, and those are only for the Kings Palace. This Province hath about seventy Cities,* 1.31 of which six are of considerable note, as 1 Quinsay, now called Hamceu, once the Metropolis of China; 2 Liampo, a fair City seated on the Sea; 3 Aucheo also commodiously seated on the Sea; 4 Scanutanu an In-land City, 5 Chequian also an In-land City, but fair, well built, and frequented; and 6 Succu, seated on the Sea, and about 25 Leagues from the City of Nanquin.

All which are fair, strong, well built, and very populous Cities, but not comparable to Quinsay, of which a word or two.

• 1.32Quinsay or Hamceu, as I said before, was once the Metropolis of China, being (if we may give credit to Authors,) 100 miles in circuit, and having in the midst thereof, a Lake of about 30 miles in compass, in which are two fair Islands, and in them two stately Palaces adorned with all necessaries, either for Majesty or Conveniency; the City having variety of stately Palaces. Its Houses as well private as publick, are fair and well built, having abundance of Pagodes, the Streets large, well ordered and paved with Free-stone. To this City are said to belong about 10000 Sail of great and small Vessels, which are inhabited by People, who there negotiate their affairs, and remove from one place and City to another, as their occasions serve them. There are said to be in this City about 15000 Priests, and besides the vast number of Inhabitants, there are about 60000 persons which are employed in working of Silk. But this City, since Pequin and Fanquin are become the Residence of the King and Court, hath much-lost its former splendor.

This Province is observed to have a great number of Temples magnificently built, and the Lake Sibu bordered with stately Palaces, and encompassed with Hills covered with Trees and rare Plants. A place so pleasant and delightful, that the greatest and richest of the Province pass here their time, and expend their goods.

There are also in this Province whole Forests of Mulberry-trees, by reason of which they have the greatest product of Silk, of any Province in China; which they furnish several Kindoms with, as well in Europe, as in Asia.

Along the Coast of this Province are seated several Isles, some of which are very considerable, as Mochosa and Sunkiam, which is about 25 Leagues broad, and as many long; high to the shore of which ly several others, but of a lesser bigness. Its other Isles, are 1. Suan. 2. Olepio, 3. Avarella, and 4 the Isles of Chaposi, which are a body of several small Isles.

• 1.33The Province of FƲQƲIEN is not so fertile as Chequin and Canton, between which it is situated. Its Inhabitants endeavour to repair that default by their Trade with Strangers, and principally with Japan, the Philippines, Fermosa or Fair Island, which is directly opposite to their Coast. The Earth produceth Gold, Iron, Steel, Sugar, Calamba, Spices, Drugs, Quicksilver, Precious Stones, Fruits, Grains and Cattle; also Silk and Cotton, of which they make divers Manufactures, as also they make all sorts of Paper.

There are in this Province several Cities of note, but its chief are 1 Fochen, seated on a fair River not above 17 Leagues from the Sea; 2 Chincheo, also commodiously seated on a fair River or Arm of the Rea, from which it is distant about 10 Leagues, 3 Yenping, 4 Chining, and 5 Hinghoa.

The Inhabitants of Fermosa are almost all Savages, the Spaniards have built one Fortress on the East side, and the Hollanders another on the West side and towards the Continent, which they call Zealand. The Air is temperate, and healthful, which makes the Province become very populous; and along the Coast are seated several Isles, as Lanquin, Baboxin, &c.

• 1.34The Province of CANTON or QƲANTƲNG, though one of the least Provinces of China in extent, yet by the reason of the goodness of its Soyl, and the conveniency of its situation, being the first that presents its self to those of Europe, Africa and Asia, which come to China, it abounds in Wheat, Rice, and other Grains, Sugar, Gold, Precions Stones, Pearis, Steel, Quick-silver, Silk, Salt-Peter, Calamback-wood and Copper, Iron and Tin, of which they make curious Vessels, which they varnish with Charam, and which are brought to Europe. They make also the Barrels of their Guns in that nature, that though they are never so much laden, yet they do not break.

• 1.35The Inhabitants are very civil, industrious and ingenious, but they are better in imitation then invention; being in the first so great masters, that there is no rarity or manufacture whatsoever that comes to their sight, but they will exactly pattern as well as the Europeans; and in all manner of Goldsmiths work they far exceed them.

• 1.36In this Province are observed to be three things which are not in the other Provinces, that is, Men which spit Blood continually; Mountains without Snow; and Trees always green.

• 1.37In this Province are about 80 Cities both small and great, the chief whereof are 1 Quangchen or Canton, under which I shall include the Trade of China, as being the chiefest place of Traffick. It is well built, of great Traffick, rich, and very populous; to which the Portugals have a great Trade, being commodiously seated on an Arm of the Sea.

• 1.382. The Island and City of AMACAO is seated opposite to the City of Canton, on the North side of a Bay, which is at the mouth of the great River of Canton, which issueth out of the Lake of Quancy. This place is inhabited by the Portugals, intermixed with the natural Chinois; their particular Trade is with the City of Canton, which may be counted the Staple of all the China Commodities, whether they are permitted to come twice a year; at which time there are Fairs kept for the vending of their Commodities, which they carry to Malacta, Gon, and so into several parts of Europe. But though they are admitted the liberty of Trade, yet are they denied the freedom of lying in the City at nights, neither to enter the Walls without setting down their names in Books, which are kept by persons at each Gate for the same purpose, which when they depart at night, they cross out.

Its other chief places are 1 Xauquin, a Maritime City, 2 Luicheu, also seated on the Sea, very commodious for Traffick, and opposite to the Isle of Aynan, from which it is distant about 5 Leagues, 3 Lampaca, also seated upon the Sea, and 4 Nanhium seated far within Land, and among the Mountains which parts this Province from Chiamsi.

• 1.39The Isle of AYNAN is also comprehended under this Province, and is the greatest of all the Islands that belong to China. It is distant from Amacao, on the South 50 or 60 Leagues; it is almost as long as broad, having 50 Leagues from South to North, where it almost joyns upon the Southern Coast of China, and on the other side regards Cochinchina. It abounds in Grains, Fruits, Tame and Wild Beasts: The Sea hath Pearls, Lignum Aquilae and Calamba. Their Craw-fish taken out of the Water die, and grow hard like a Stone; which being reduced to Powder, serves for a remedy against many diseases. The Earth hath Mines of Gold and Silver, for which the Inhabitants care little. In the midst of the Island, the People are likewise half Savages: The chief City is Kincenfen, seated on the Sea-shore, and regarding the Province of Canton.

• 1.40The Province of QƲANCY, which Purchas calls Guansa, enjoys the same temperament with Canton, yields the same Commodities, and with the same plenty, but is not so much frequented by Mexchants, nor hath scarce any confluence of Strangers; the reason is, because its Rivers loose and discharge themselves all in the Province, and at the City of Canton, which forces them to pass through the hands of those of Canton, to utter their Merchandizes, and receive those of others. In this Province there are Ten large Cities, of which Quancy is chief, all well built and very populous, besides about one hundred small ones.

• 1.41The Province of ZƲNNAN, which Purchas calls Vanam, is the last on the South Coast, where it is washed by the Gulf of Cochinchina, and on the West, where it touches on the Kingdom of Tunquin, and on divers People beyond those Mountains which inclose the West of China. The Women have here the liverty to go in publick to buy and sell, which those of other parts of China do not. It hath Mines which yield a kind of Amber redder and less pure then ours; but which hath some particular vertue against Fluxes. Besides this, it transports few Merchandizes into other places. This Province hath likewise good store of small and great Cities, the chief of which bears the name of the Province, and Hilan, seated on a Lake so called, which is inform of a Crescent.

• 1.42The Province of CHIAMSI, which Purchas calls Lansay, is inclosed with Mountains, which have their passages open to the Neighbouring Provinces, and particularly on the Coast of Canton. On the Mountain of Muilin there is a great concourse for the carriages of Merchandizes, which are transported from Canton to Nanquin, which is done by mounting the River of Canton, unto the foot of the Mountain: From whence the carriages being taken out of the Vessels, are loaden, and born upon Mens backs to the other side of the Mountain, where there is found another navigable River, which crosses the Province Kiamsi, till it falls into the famous Jamchuquiam, which leads to Nanquin, and the Sea.

This Province is so peopled, that a part of its Inhabitants are constrained to spread themselves through all other Provinces of China, to seek their fortune. It is in one of the Cities of this Province that they make Porcelain; the Water here being fit to give it perfection: The Earth is fetched from other places, beaten and fashioned at the same time; the tincture they most commonly apply, is Azure, some lay on Vermilion, others Yellow. In this Province are 12 great Cities, besides about sixty small ones, its chief City being called Nanciam, seated on a Lake, as is Quianhanfu, and others. Its other chief places are, 1 Kienchan, 2 Linbiang, 3 Juencheu, 4 Nangam.

• 1.43The Province of HƲQƲAM is so abundant in Rice, that it is able to furnish a good part of China: It is likewise rich in Oyls and Fish. The Jamchuquian, and many other Rivers and Lakes cross it on all sides, and carry its Commodities towards Nanquin, and to Quincheu. It is very populous, containing 15 great Cities, and about 100 small ones, the chief of which are, 1 Chingiang, 2 Huchang, 3 Suchang, 4 Yocheu, &c.

• 1.44The Province of SƲCHƲEN, which Mendoza calls Susuan; Purchas, Soin, is one of the lesser Provinces of the Kingdom; it is high scituated, and pours down its Rivers into the Neighbouring Provinces. Here is found good store of yellow Amber, and excellent Rhubarb. Its chief Cities are in number 8 together with about 120 lesser ones; all which are exceeding populous, the chief bearing the name of the Province.

• 1.45The last of the Provinces I have to treat of is QƲICHEƲ, or likewise CƲTCHEƲ, according to Purchas. It borders on the People Timocoves, Gueyes, the Kingdom of Ciocangue, and the People called Layes: Here is that famous Lake C•ncui-Hai, from whence comes divers Rivers which water China. They make here quantity of Arms of all sorts, to serve against those People which border upon them which once belonged to China; but which now, for the most part, are Enemies to it. This Province is Hilly and unever, which makes it not very fertil in Corn, Fruits, &c. but it hath abundance of Quicksilver; and also it breeds the best Horses of any Province in all China. Cities in this Province are very few, there being not above 15, both small and great; the chief of which are, 1. Quicheo, seated on the River Yanchuquian• 2. Rueyang. 3. Hianchoau. 4. Liping. 5. Cipan. &c.

All these Provinces, or rather all these Kingdoms of China, are governed by divers Magistrates, which those of Europe call in general Mandarins. These are persons that have Patents, whom the King or chief Officer of State doth chuse, after knowledge of their capacity and honesty; the degrees given to Students, the general and particular Governments, the charges of the Militia, the receipt of, and management of Revenues, the building and repairing of Publick Buildings, the Civil and Criminal Justice, are in their hands. And there are Appeals from one to the other, according to the order and nature of Affairs. The Council of Estate always resides near the person of the King, and hath a general eye over the Kingdom.

But it shall suffice; what we have said of China let us finish by saying, That we have described it as it was before the Tartars made an irruption in •618. These Tartars kept it wholly for some years, since which the Chinois have repulsed them, and have established their former estate, receiving likewife Christianity with hopes of great fruits and progress; but of late they have broke into China again, and have committed great Spoils.

• Besides the Isles already spoken of, here are about the Coast of China several others, as the Isle of Corey in the Gulph of Nanquin, of good account, and well frequented, affording many of the China Commodities. It is of a large extent, being 100 Leagues in length, and about 50 in breadth. Its chief places are, Tauxem, seated on the Northern part of the Isle, regarding the Province of Leaoton; from which it is parted by a Streight or Gulph not above two Leagues broad. 2. Corey, seated on the Gulph of Nanquin, Southernly. 3. Tasoran, also seated on the Sea Eastwards; and on the South of this Isle are seated a Body of several Isles, called the Isles of Larrons. Likewise the Isles of Fuego, Lequeio Grande, Les Roys Mages; the Isles of Pescheurs or Fishers; of Pa•an or Formosa; of Tabaco Miguel, and Tabaco Xim•.

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

China, which receiv'd almost as many Names as it has had Royal Families, has ever pass'd for one of the most Considerable Kingdoms in the World, by reason of it's bigness, the Beauty of it's Cities, the great number, Politeness, and Maximes of it's Inhabitants, Printing, the Manufacture of Silks, Artillery, Gunpowder, and Chairs or Sedans, are said to have been in use with them, sooner than with us. Besides what is necessary to the Life of Man, China produces the most precious commodities of the East. It seems as if Nature had bestow'd upon each of it's Provinces some peculiar Gift: those who have dwelt in this Country do aver, that all that is thought fine, dispers'd in the rest of the World, is collected in China. That there is likewise a vast number of things, which would be in vain sought for else-where. So that it is no wonder, if the Tartars found it so easy a matter to subdue a Nation, subdued in delights before, who having forgot to wear the sabre, contented themselves with fighting at fisticuffs, and with their Nails, which they expresly let grow for that purpose, and for tearing away their Flabels and their hair, which was their Principal Ornament. This oblig'd their Conquerours to call the Chineses, the soft and easy, and to make them enjoy the Pleasures of the Campagne, which they had never done before that Conquest. China is almost Quadrangular; so Populous, that there has been sometimes reckoned above Sixty Thousand Millions of Persons, of those who might be assessed and pay Taxes. It's Rivers are so covered with Boats, that there are held to be as many as in all the other Rivers of the World. The Annual Revenue of it's King has ever been esteem'd, a Hundred and Fifty Millions of Gold, according to others, Four Hundred Millions of Ducats; The Chineses laugh'd at our Maps, which plac'd their Kingdom at one of the ends of the World; they say they are in the mid'st, (the Jews have pretended the same thing for Jerusalem, the Greeks for Delphos, the Moors for Granada.) They say also, that they have two Eyes, that the Europeans have but one, and other People none at all. Learned Men are oblig'd to them, for that they have compiled their History, which was brought into Europe by Martini the Jesuit: It is esteemed so much the more faithful, in that they made it but of their own Country, and only for themselves. They have always been so Jealous of the secrets of their Policy, and of their other affairs, that they did not willingly allow Strangers entrance into their Country. The great Wall, or rather the Intrenchment of above four hundred Leagues, which they caused formerly to be made, is a Work, that has had more Renown than Effect; the Tartars have often overrun China, notwithstanding this Obstacle. Those who have said that China is but one City, by reason of the Numerousness of it's People, have likewise said, that a no less considerable Wall was requir'd to be proportionable to the Grandeur of such a Town. 'Tis hardly credible that in this Fortification the Stones be seven Fathom high, and five broad, as they are said to be by the Chineses. If we may believe their History, the Hostilities of the Tartars have been exercised for above four thousand years; the Chinese Horses cannot endure the sight of those of Tartary. The late years have caused strange Revolutions in this Kingdome: After that the Rebels had acted as Soveraigns, the Tartars under their Emperour Xunchi, have conquer'd all their Country, in less then seven years Time, and that since the year 1643, the Militia was not very considerable, Men of Learning domineer'd over Men of the Sword: From whence it came, that the State only subsisted by Policy, by numerous Armys, and not by the valour of it's People. The principal Chiefs, were called Mandarins; at present the Tartar has Tartarian Officers, and Chinese Officers below his Vice-Roys, of whom some are for Arms, and others for Learning. This change has the Sword wrought over the Gown, and the poor Mandarins are no longer in a state to do Justice, with so much Pomp and Pride as they formerly did. Paganisme is there generally received, nevertheless Vertue amongst them is in an high esteem. The Publick is more Rich proportionably, as particular Persons are: Writing is managed from the top to the bottom: It has above sixty thousand Letters, and has not three hundred thousand Words, which are almost all Monosyllables; whereas the Europeans have many Words & few Letters, the Chineses have many Letters and few VVords, which they pronounce with divers Tones, according to their signification: So as we may say, their Speech is only singing. It's Great Cities are called Fu, the lesser C•u. The Chineses love their Hair to that Degree, that several amongst them, choose rather to dye, than to be shav'd conformably to the Tartars commands. Swines Flesh is with them a most exquisite Dish. Before the coming of the Tartars Yellow was the Kings, and Black the Peoples usual wear.

All China is divided into sixteen Provinces, each of which are worth more than large Kingdoms. Ten of 'em lye towards the South; Yunnan, Quansi, Canton, Fuquiem, Chequiam, Nanxin, Kiamsi, Huquam, Suscuem and Quicheu. The six towards the North are Xensi, Sciansi, Honan, Xantung, Pekin and Leaorung, which several have called Cathai, whereas they give the name of Mangi to the Southern Provinces. Canton has a Town of the greatest Trade and Riches of all the Kingdom; from thence are transported Rice, Sugar, Varnish, which is drawn from the Rinds of Trees, and Pearls that are fish'd near the Isle of Ainaon. Macao, in an Island of the same Name, surrounded with several other small Islands and Rocks, is peopled with Portugals, who have fortified it after an extraordinary manner, since they were attack'd by the Hollanders, in the Year 1622. This City entertains a great Commerce between China and Europe; this Commerce is much diminish't; they have no longer two hundred, for a hundred profit, as they had formerly; and now the Hollanders have got footing in the Kingdom, whereas they were formerly excluded from thence, because the Chineses had a Prophesie, that they should be subdued by people who have blue Eyes: This has been verified by the coming of the Tartars. The Right alone, for the Trade of Salt, is worth every Year above fifteen hundred thousand Livers to the King of China. The small Isle of Sanchoan is known for the death of the Popish Saint Xavier. Fuquiem produces pure Gold, Pepper, Sugar, and Calamint. The Gold and Silver of China, is not so good as that we have: they esteem the Pistols and Rials of Spain.

The Island Formosa has a Mine of Gold, which the Hollanders had in possession for a long while. In the Year 1661, they were drove thence by a Chinese, called Coceinga, a Taylor's Son. The Isle of Tayouan, half a League from Formosa, is an Island, whither People resort in all Seasons of the Year, without being oblig'd to wait for the Monzoon: In the Year 1632, the Hollanders made a Fort there of four Bastions, faced with hew'd stone; which serv'd them to take the Isle of Formosa.

Chequiam has Temples, wherein are rich Idols. Nankin has a Town of the same Name, formerly the abode of the Court, the most esteemed of China, upon the account of its Beauty, the fertility of its Soyl, its fine Edifices, its great Commerce, the River Kiang, which we call the River Blew, and the Chinese, the Son of the Sea, because that its common breadth exceeds two of our Leagues. With the River Jaune, and the Royal Channel, it affords the means of going to Pekin by Boat, and of trading to Pekin by Rivers, disembarking only at the Mountain Muilin. There is near Nankin, a Tower of Porcelain nine Stories, or Vaults, above one another, with a hundred and fourscore and four steps. Schanchay is the most usual station of the King's Fleets. Kiamzi passes for the most populous Province; It alone has Water proper for the perfection of Porcelain, when they apply to it the Tincture of Azure, Vermilion, or Yellow. The late Voyages, that have been made into the Inlands of China, have inform'd us, that Porcelain-Ware is not made of the shells of the Sea, nor of Egg-shells pounded, as several have believed; it is made by the means of Sand or Earth, peculiar to certain Cantons of the Countrey, where it is found in Rocks; for the making it, 'tis not necessary, that this Earth remain buried an Age, as some have thought fit to affirm. The Chineses knead this Sand, and make Cups of it, which they set a baking in Ovens, for the space of fifteen days, and give them several Figures. The application of Colours is one of the principal Secrets which the Chineses have thought fit to keep conceal'd from strangers. Huquam yields so much Rice and Oyl, that the Chineses have it in a Proverb, That they draw but one Collation from each of the other Provinces of China, but from Huquam they have wherewith to live on a whole Year. Xensi does particularly furnish Musk; Its City of Cancheu has a great confluence of Caravans. Siganfu has very ancient Remnants of Christianity. Sciansi hath Vineyards, from whence the Jesuits had the Wine they stood in need of, for the celebrating the Mass, before they were driven thence, in the Year 1665. Honan produces the best Fruits in the World, and in great quantity. Pekin, otherwise Peguin, has a City of the same Name, the Capital of all the State, with a Castle-Royal. It is probably the City, which several Authors call Cambalu; what those Authors call Cathai, is nothing else than Northern China. In the Year 1644. This City was surpriz'd, and pillag'd, by a Rebel, who dissipated, in a few days, all the Riches which sixteen Kings had heaped up, during two hundred and fourscore Years. Since that, the Tartars of Niuche, whom they call Kin, have rendred themselves Masters of it; and by the taking of Nakin, and Canton, have setled their Conquests in the great Kingdom of China.