Denmark

Sources from old books:

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

DENMARKE is a large and populous Kingdome, commonly called Danemarch, as it were the Countrie of the Danes. But whence the originall of the Danes came, they themselves doe not know: Some doe fetch it from Danus, their first King, and some from the Dahi, a people of Asia. Dudo de S. Quintino, an ancient Writer (as Camden reporteth) doth affirme, that they came out of Scandia into the ancient seats of the Cimbrians. But they seeme to be so called from the waters, because AHA with them signifies a River, and they doe call themselves Daneman (that is) as it were, River-men, or Water-men. All Denmarke is a Peninsula, as the Description sheweth, and is divided into 184 Prefectships or Provinces, which they call Horret, and they are governed by so many Prefects skilfull in the Danish Lawes. It hath a King rather by election of the Nobles, than by succession of birth: the ancient manner of chusing him was, that when they gave their voyce, they stood in the open field upon stones, devoting by the firme stabilitie of the stones under them, the constancy of their election. The Kings are crowned at Hafnia in the Church of the blessed Virgine Mary before the Altar, and are led into the aforesaid Church by the Senatours of the Kingdome, the ensignes of regality being carried before them, as the Sword, Globe, and Crown. Neither are these things attributed to speciall Families, as it is in most Countries, but as every one excelleth in vertue and dignitie, so is hee chosen to that place. First the King is compelled to sweare that he will observe certaine written Articles, and that hee will strictly defend the Christian Religion, and the Lawes and Customes of the Kingdome. Afterward hee is anoynted by the Bishop of Roeschild, and first the Crowne is set upon his head by all the Senatours, who then take their oath to his Majestie, if they have not done it before the Coronation, and then the King maketh out of the Gentry some Knights by the light stroke of a sword, for some service done either in peace or warre. Thus the ancient Danes did establish an excellent Politicall State and Monarchie, neither hath any Nation ever brought them into subjection, or tooke away their Country Rites and Priviledges. But on the contrary the Northerne people, as the Danes, Swedens, Norwegians, have wasted almost Europe, and in some places have established Kingdomes. For the expedition of the Cimbrians against Italie is knowne unto all Historiographers, as also the Gothes subjecting of Spaine, the Longobards establishing of a Kingdome in Italie, the Normans seating themselves in France, the erecting of the Kingdome of Naples and Sicilie, and the attempt of Godfride upon Freseland against Charles the Great. g 1.1 Canutus the Great, his holding five Kingdomes a long time. For he was King of Denmarke, Swethland, Norwey, England, and Normandy, and sonne in law to Henry the third Emperour, of whom these verses are yet extant.

Desine mirari quos garrula laudibus effertGraecia, quos jactat Roma superba duces. &c. Cease thou to wonder at those Captaines bold,Of which both Greece and Rome did boast of old.For now the Danish Land hath brought forth one.That is in vertue second unto none.By my atchievements I much fame attain'd,Five Kingdomes subject were to my command▪And me he chose his sonne in Law to be,Who was third Emperour of Germanie.My Iustice famous was, I shew'd the way,How powerfull Kings should their owne Lawes obey.

By which it appeares, as also by the following warres, which divers Kings of the Familie of the Oldenburgs happily waged, that it is a warlike Nation, and fortunate in vanquishing their enemies both by Land and Sea. The Noble men and Senatours of the Kingdome have a free power to elect the Kings, but for the most part they chuse the Kings eldest sonne, unlesse there be some sufficient cause for the contrary. However, they alwayes chuse one of the Royall bloud, and they doe not suffer the Kingdome to be divided, unlesse they be compelled thereunto by civill warres. They send the younger sonnes or brothers into other Countries, seeing they cannot participate in the government of the Kingdome: and hence it is that so many expeditions are undertaken by them. Moreover, seeing all the Nobles and Common-people cannot live conveniently in their owne Countrie, therefore they seeke out to get themselves a more fit seate. For the Northerne people have abundance of children, in regard of their abundance of bloud and heate; they are quarrellers and fighters, they drinke and eate much, (for the cold Ayre excites their appetite) and yet digest it well, whence it is that they live long; they are faire complexioned, of great stature, crafty and faithfull. And an argument, that they are long liv'd, is that their Kings have raigned very long, many of them thirty yeares, some forty, and some longer.

The Politicall government.

THere are five States or Orders in the Common-wealth of Denmarke▪ The first is of the Kings Familie, the second of the Nobles,* 1.2 among which there are neither Earles nor Barons, yet all of them can shew how their Nobilitie descended to them by a long pedigree of Ancestours. They carry Bucklers, which they will not change nor alter, because they anciently used them. There are some Families yet living, whose Ancestors were present at the Parley between Charles the Great, & Hemmingus King of Denmarke, upon the River Egidora or Eider, as the Familie of Vren and others. These hold their goods and lands in Capite, and they have free liberty to hawke and hunt in their owne lands, as the Counts have in Germany. Their goods are not feudatory, but hereditary. All the Castles, lands, and goods, as well moveable as immoveable, left them by their parents, are equally divided among the brethren: and the sisters by a speciall priviledge have a share also, yet so, that the brother hath two parts with the Castles and places of strength, and the sister but one. By this meanes the eldest sonnes have not much lands, yet some of them comming of a good Familie, and being endued with ver¦tue, through the Kings favour, doe advance themselves to great possessions by marriage. Out of this order the Senatours of the Kingdome are chosen, who are seldome more then 28. These Senatours have a certain allowance from the King and Kingdome, for they have Castles so long as they bee Senatours, for which they pay no rent to the King, but are charged to keepe certaine horses both in peace and warre, and whensoever the King calls them, they are to be ready at the proper charge of the Kingdome. If they be sent on any Embassage out of the Kingdome, they have allowance out of the Exchequer, that they may performe their journey in a Princely manner, as becommeth a Kings Embassadours. The other Nobles also have sufficient maintenance from the King, whether they live at Court or not. For the King hath lands which in the Danish speech are called Verleghninge or Benefices, and out of these hee giveth maintenance, either for terme of life, or for yeares, to those who have done him or the Kingdome any service. And those who hold these Benefices of the King, are charged to keepe certaine horses, and to pay yearely a certaine summe of money into the Exchequer, yet so as they may gaine something in reward of their labour and service. There is also a good Law & Institution in the Kingdome of Denmarke, whereby the King is prohibited and restrained from buying any immoveable goods of the Nobles, least any dissention should arise betweene the King and them. For otherwise the King might by violence take into his hands those lands which the Nobles would not sell: yet the King may change any immoveable goods with the Nobles, though on the contrary the Nobles cannot buy any of them of the Kings Farmers, many of which have hereditarie, and (as it were) free lands.

Here followes the names of the speciall Families of the Nobility, in the Kingdome of DENMARKE.

THe Lords of Kaas, the L. Guldensteen, the Lords of Munc, of Rosencrantz, of Grubbe, of VValkendorp, of Brahe, of Schram, of Pasberg, of Hardenberg, of Vlstant, of Bing, of Below, of VVepfert, of Goce, of Schefeldt, of Ranzow, of Schelen, of Frese, of Iul, of Bilde, of Dresselberg, of Green, of Brockenhusen, of Holke, of Trolle, of Knutzen, of Biorn, Schested, of Iensen, of Steuge, of Mattiesse, of Lunge, of Banner, of Luc, of Rastorp, of Krusen, of Fassi, of Lindeman, of Suvon, of Stantbeke, of Quitrowe, of Lange, of Gelschut, of Glambeke, of Krabbe, of Marizer, of Kragge, of Achsel, of Be•, of Ruthede, of Negel, of VVirfelt, of Split, of Ofren, of Appelgard, of Iuenam, of Poldessen, of Reuter, of Podebussen, who were all in times past Barons in the Dukedome of Pomerania, and some of whose Familie are still remaining there. Also the Lords of Vren, who lived in the time of Charles the great: Also the Lords of Bli•, of Galle, of VVogersen, of Bassi, of Solle, of Daac, of Bax, of Basclich, of VVensterman, of Hoken, of Lindow, of Bille, of Reutem, of Hundertmar•, of Heiderstorper, of VVolde, of Papenhaimb, of Spar, of Falster, of Narbu, of VVorm, of Bilde, of Bocholt, of Budde, of Swaben, of Santbarch, of Gram, of Lutken, of Vhrup, of Spegel, of Bammelberg, of Rosenspart, of Duve, of Hube, of Schaungard, of Must, of Gris, of Falcke, of Brune, of Laxman, of Duram, of Baggen, of Norman, of Goss, of Matre, of Rosengard, of Tollen, of Ronnoun, of Krimpen. Out of this Nobilitie is chosen the Praefect or Master of the Court, which is such an office, as the Governour of the Kings House in France: Hee dwelleth, for the most part, at Haffnia, being, as it were, the Kings Substitute, and doth dispatch matters as hee is directed by the King. Next to him is the Marshall, which in the time of warre and peace doth provide those things which appertaine to expedition. In the third place is the Admirall, which doth build new ships, repaire the old, and every year order the sea•matters, for the securing of the coasts. He hath under him an other Admirall appointed, and in every ship a Captaine, who must bee borne a Gentleman. There is also the Chancellour of the Kingdome, to whom out of all the Provinces and Isles they appeale and make suite unto, and from whom appeale is also made to the King and the Senate of the Kingdome. All the Provinces are divided into Haeret, as they call them, or into Dioceses, under which are many Parishes, heere, if there be any controversies, matters are first tried. And from hence they appeale to the Judge of the Haeret. Afterward to the Chancellour, and last of all to the King and Senatours, where it hath a determinate and finall Judgement. They have a written Law, composed by Woldemare the first, together with the Bishops and Senators, which is very agreeable to the law of Nature, and not much differing from the Roman Lawes; and that causes and suites may sooner have an end, and judgement be given and put in execution, It is provided that Judges, if they doe any wrong or give false judgement, are condemned to lose halfe their goods; whereof the King hath the one part, and the injured partie the other. Woldemare the first (except I be deceiv'd) added the Bishops to the Senators, whom Christianus the third, for rebellion and certaine other causes did put out againe. The Kings Chancellour, who for the most part followeth the King in the Court, hath seven or eight Noble men adjoyned unto him as Assistants, besides Secretaries and Clerkes; and all businesses are dispatch'd by the King himselfe. But if it be some matter of consequence, as concerning peace or warre, entring into league with forraine Nations, or into consultation concerning the defending of their owne Territories, then the King calleth a Councell of Senators. Neither can the King impose any taxe upon the Kingdome or Countrie, without their consent, and the consent of the Nobles. There is also in this Kingdome a Master of the Exchequer, who collecteth and gathereth all the Revenues of the whole Kingdome, both of Castles, Farmes, and Customes, as well by Sea as by Land. Hee taketh account of them, enquireth into them, and giveth acquittances for the receit of them. Hee hath two Assistants of the Nobilitie, and many Clerkes under him; and for his office hath a yearely stipend or pension.

The third State is of the Clergie, in which there are seven Bishops, as the Bishop of Lunden, the Bishop of Ro•schild, the Bishop of Otthon, of Rip, of Wiburg, of Arhuse, and the Bishop of Sleswich, to whom the other Canonicall persons have relation. These have the Tenths of the Kingdome; which in divers Countries are divided in a divers manner: for the Bishops have an halfe part of the Tenths, and the King an halfe part, the Canonists and Preachers have a part, and a part is contributed toward the building and repairing of Churches. And as concerning the Popes authoritie in this Kingdome, as also in France, the ordination of Prelates and Bishops have beene alwayes in the Kings power, as may appeare by the answer of Woldemare the first, King of Denmarke, which heere I have annexed. When the Pope required these and the like priviledges from the King, it is reported, that the King writ back unto him, Wee have our Kingdome from our Subjects, our life from our Parents, our Reliligion from the Romish Church, which if you will take from us, I send it you by these presents. And as the wise Decree of Charles the fifth is praised, prohibiting Ecclesiasticall persons from buying any immoveable thing without the consent of the King, so Christian the third as wisely did ordaine, that the Clergie should not sell any thing without the Kings expresse commandement. In other matters the Clergie-men through the whole kingdome are well provided for by Christian the third, of famous memorie, and many Schooles erected in many places, as also two in Iseland, where they have likewise a Printing-House. There is but one Universitie in the whole kingdome, called the Universitie of h 1.3 Haffen or Hafnia, founded by Christerne the first, by permission of Pope Sixtus, in the yeare of Christ 1470: which Frederick the second, although hee were seven yeares incumbred with the Swethish warres, did so enrich, that the yearely revenues thereof are very much.

The fourth State is of the Citizens and Merchants, dwelling in Cities and Townes. These have proper and peculiar priviledges which they enjoy, besides certaine fields and woods that belong to them; and these doe traffique both by Sea and Land in all parts of Europe. Out of these, as also out of the Countrey-people, the Bishops, the Canonists, the Preachers, and Senators of Cities, the Clerkes of Bands, the Lievtenants of Towres, and the Masters of Ships are chosen, and some of them are Masters of the Customes or Tributes; lastly, of these all lesser Councels of Justice doe consist, one of the Nobility, for the most part, sitting as President.

The fifth State is of the Rustick, or Countrey-people, and there are two sorts of them, the first they call Freibunden, that is, Free-holders. These doe hold Lands of Inheritance, yet paying for the same some little free-rent every yeare. These doe also use merchandise and fishing. They are not opprest with doing services, neither doe they pay any taxes, unlesse the Senators of the kingdome doe grant it as a subsidie.

The other sort is of those, who doe not possesse goods of inheritance, but doe farme them of the King, the Nobles or Ecclesiasticall persons, and are constrained to doe many services for their Lords, in such manner, as they shall covenant with their Land-lord. These are the chiefe things which I thought good to declare concerning the State politick of Denmarke; whereby it appeareth, that the Danish Monarchie was, for the most part, well framed: for the free election of the Kings being in the hands of the Nobilitie, and yet notwithstanding out of the royall Progenie, as wee said before: it followeth, that the Danes have no civill warres or dissentions, unlesse those which are betweene such as bee of the Blood Royall, which are quickly composed by the mediation and helpe of the Nobles; but especially seeing the Kings younger Sonnes can have no part of the kingdome. Moreover, as they are all stiled but Nobles, and know not the titles and names of Barons, Earles, and Dukes, so there are none that have so much wealth and power, as that reposing trust therein, they dare oppose themselves against the Royall Familie; because the Fathers Inheritance is alwayes divided betweene the Sonnes and Daughters. Thus the Kings of Denmarke have a flourishing Common-wealth, which may easily bee defended from forraine enemies, whom their Subjects, living in unanimity and concord with them as their naturall Lords, are able to resist both by sea and land.

DENMARKE is joyned only in two places to the Continent,* 1.1 on the West the Ocean beateth on it, on the East the Balticke Sea, on the North lyeth Norwey and Swethland, and on the South Holsatia, Megalopolis, and Pomerama. It hath many severall Islands lying by it. The temper of the Climate,* 1.2 together with the wholsomnesse of the Aire (that I may use Ioh. Coldingensis his words) doth make the Danes fresh complexioned. The fruitfulnesse of the Earth doth nourish them, the sweete harmony of Birds doth recreate them; their Woods and Groves, in which great numbers of Hogges do feed,* 1.3 and fat themselves with Akornes and Beech-maste, do refresh them; and the divers sorts of Cattle and flourishing Medowes do yeeld them much delight. The Sea doth afford them such plentie of provision, that the Danes thereby not onely furnish themselves,* 1.4 but also many other parts of Europe. In a word, they want nothing that is necessarie to life, so loving hath Nature shewed her selfe to this Countrie. Concerning the ancient Government thereof Munster writeth, that one Danus many ages before Christ, was the first King of Denmarke,* 1.5 from whom the other Kings of Denmarke did descend in a faire and orderly succession; therefore concerning the names of his successours, and the other Kings of Denmarke, read Munster, largely discoursing. All the Countrie of Denmarke having many armes of the Sea reaching farre into the Land, doth consist of many parts, the chiefe whereof are these Iutia, Fionia, Zelandia and Scania, besides the Islands lying neare to severall parts thereof.

Iutia, which some would have called Got•a, being heretofore the Seat of the Cimbri, is called by Historians and Geographers the Cimbrian Chersonesus, and is divided into the Southerne and Northerne Iutia. The Description of this Northerne Iutia you may behold in the second Table of Denmarke. Southerne Iutia, heretofore called Nordalbingia, doth containe the famous Dukedome of Sleswick to which the Dukedome of Holsatia may now be added, whereof you shall finde a more ample declaration in the third Table of Denmarke.

Also there followeth a more particular Description of Fionia, in the fourth Table of Denmarke.

Zeland, otherwise called Staland, and by some Authors Selandunia, is the greatest of all the Isles of Denmarke, which Olivarius and Ortelius thinke to be that Codanonia which Mela mentioneth. Others call it Zeland as if it were Sealand, because it is on every side encompassed with the Sea. Some would have it so called as if one should say Seed-land, because of its owne accord without any yearely manuring it is very fruitfull in bearing of corne. This Island is k 1.6 two daies journey long, and almost as much in bredth. It hath 15 Cities in it, & twelve royall Castles. But among the Cities the chiefe is Hafnia, which is the Metropolis or mother Citie of all Denmarke, and famous, not onely for the largenesse and wealth thereof, but for a convenient Haven, which the incredible depth thereof, and the lying of the Island Amaggor over against it doth make a safe Harbour to Sea-faring-men. This Citie, being an Universitie, affordeth a continuall supply of Doctors, learned Pastors, and Preachers for all the Churches of the Kingdome of Denmarke and Norwey. Above Hafnia is Helsingor called also Elseneur, and neare unto it the royall Castle of Croneburg of which we will speake hereafter: over-against this Castle on the other side of the Sea, there standeth another like unto it called Helsinborch or Hilsemburg with a Towne of the same name. Here Zeland and Scania do lye so neare together with their Promontories, as it were meeting one the other, that the Sea between them is scarce foure miles over, and is called De Sund, or the Sound. At this place all the ships that are bound toward the East, are compelled to come as to one common Center, and pay Custome to the King. And there being a Castle on either Shoare, the King when necessitie requires it, having placed his ships in the middle of it, can so shut up the mouth thereof, that he can restraine a great Navie either from entring in, or going forth; for sometime 200, and sometime 300 ships do arrive there together in one day out of divers parts of Europe. Here is also Roeschild heretofore the Seat of a Bishop, where are to be seene divers famous monuments of many Danish Kings and Dukes, now almost wasted and decayed. Beneath Zeland are the Islands following Amigria, Huena, Weem, Moenesland in which is the Citie Stegoa and many others. Zeland hath one Bishop, whose Seat the Prelate of Roeschild (as I said) did hold heretofore.* 1.7 Scania among all the Provinces of the Kingdome of Denmarke is famous for the largenes and wealth thereof. This some have called Scandinavia for Scondania, that is, the pleasant part of Denmarke, some Scania, and others Sconingia, commonly it is called Sconen. Pliny calleth it Scandia and Scandinavia, which hee falsly supposeth to be a very large Island. But Ortelius thinketh that this Scandia and Scandinavia which Pliny mentions was not Scania, but that Peninsula, which at this day doth containe three very large Kingdomes, Norwey, Swethland, and Gothland beside other Countries.* 1.8 This Scania is every where encompassed with the Sea, except it be where an arme of Land stretcheth out Northward, & from thence bending backe Eastward is joyned to Swethland: yet the deepe vallies and high Rocks which lye betweene these two Countries, make it to be so difficult a journey out of Scania into Gothland and part of Swethland, that it is easier to adventure to goe by Sea, than to undergoe the trouble by land. This Countrie is inferior unto none in the temperature of the Climate,* 1.9 the fruitfulnesse of the Earth, the conveniencie of the Havens, in Sea commodities, in fishing, in Lakes or Rivers, in hunting of wild beasts, in the inexhaustible veines of Gold, and Silver, Brasse, and Lead; in the frequencie of Townes, and in their Civile institutions. Whence, as Munster witnesseth,* 1.10 it still retaineth the name of Scandia. It was heretofore divided into two Dukedomes Halland and Bleking, now it containeth thre and twentie Prefectorships, & fifteene Cities. The Metropolis or chiefe Citie thereof is Londa or Londia, where the Archbishop of the Kingdome resideth. Here is also Malmogia, which is also called Ellebogen, being a famous Mart-towne, and the speciall Citie of the whole Countrie for Faires and continuall traffique, which the people of the Countrie do use there. In Halland is the Castle Warburg, built on the high tops of Mountaines. It was taken by the Swedens, and fortified with a Garrison of their owne in the yeare 1565, when Daniel Ranzovius by by the command of King Fredericke the second, did straitly besiege it, that at last it was enforced to yeeld it selfe up. This man famous for his vertues and valour was slaine in the yeare 1569. being shot through the head with a bullet sent from a brasse piece of Ordinance. Neare unto this Countrie are the Islands Landoe, Hannoe, and Bornholm, a famous Island divided into foure Prefectorships, and containing three Cities and one Castle. There is also Gotland, in which the ancient and once flourishing Mart-towne of Wisby is seated, but now the traffique being removed to other cities, it is decayed, both in Inhabitants, and wealth. Besides corne, with which this countrie aboundeth, it affordeth not only plentie of cheese, butter and divers sorts of skins, but faire firre trees, of which there are great woods for the making of masts for ships, and also lime and stone for building. The Rivers of Denmarke are Egidora, commonly called Eyder, which Ptolomy calls Chalusus. This River divides the Frizians from the Ditmarsians, and so discharges it self into the Brittish Ocean. The fish-full and navigable River Stora, (which arising in the inner part of Holsatia, watereth and washeth some Townes, together with the noble house of Brandenberg belonging to the Ranzovian familie, and afterward powreth it selfe ito the River Albis) and divers others. The r 1.11 Balticke Sea which wee have made to be the bound of Denmarke on the East, the Germans call it Oastzee, but the inhabitants doe now call it Belts from the Latine word Baltheus which signifieth a Belt or militarie girdle, because in manner of a girdle, it embraceth and encompasseth either Chersonesus. Tacitus seemes to call it Mare pigrum, that is, the slow Sea, from the effect, as Ortelius thinketh, because it is not moved as other Seas, for the Tides thereof are scarcely discerned, as they do affirme that have often sailed on it, and it floweth in a perpetuall course from East to West. Helsingera at the Bay of the Sund, hath the royall Castle Cronburg, being the defence and strength of the farthest Island from the shoare of Zeland. This Castle Fredericke the second King of Denmarke, did build with great cost, and raised it from the bottome of the Sea by laying many stones under water between woodden planks for a foundation; it is so strong and firme, that it despiseth the huge waves of the Sea with stormie weather rowles against it. There is in the Citie Lundis a very curious Clocke wherein much Art is expressed, called Saint Laurences clocke: and set up in the lower part of the Church, where it hath a Table of wood fastned to the wall distinguished with many circles of divers colours. In this clocke by certaine Indexes the present yeare, moneth, and weekes, also the particular day and houre of the day is represented to the eye, thereby are shewed the fixt and movable feasts, the motion of the two great Luminaries, the Sunne and Moone, their places in the Zodiacke every day, and their positions and aspects one toward another. And as these things appeare outwardly, by reason of certaine engines, and wheeles framed within to that purpose, So is there added a covering so made by Art, that as often as the Clocke strikes, two little Images like two Champions do meete together, & do give one another so many blowes as the Clocke striketh strokes. But that which is more wonderfull is this, in the middle of this Table, as it were in a Throne, is placed the Image of the Virgin Mary, holding her Infant in her armes: on both sides of her there are, as it were, two Gates, and before her feet a Theater of a semicircular forme, with the arch thereof turned toward the spectators, within there is a devise with the Images of the three wisemen, having every one their servant. The whole engine being turned as he pleaseth that keepeth it, straightway the Images come forth. And before the rest there comes as it were a threatning Herald, who brandishing his sword knocks at the left doare, that being open'd hee goeth forward while two Images seeme to blow two trumpets before him. He that is the first of the wisemen, walketh with a stately pace. But when hee commeth to the Virgin Maries Image hee reverently bends himselfe unto it, as if hee did adore her. And so also do the other two. The servants goe on without doing any obedience or making any shew of reverence, the last of them shutteth the right gate, that the sound of the Clocke when that is shut may be heard more plainly. But of this enough.

THE Westerne and speciall part of Denmarke is Iutia, commonly called Iutland, which Ptolemy calleth the Cimbrian Chersonesus, and Pliny Cartrin.* 1.1 This runneth forth Northward in manner of a Peninsula, betweene the Brittish and Germane Seas, as Italy doth toward the South. The Southerne bound thereof is the River Eydera,* 1.2 and it lyeth many miles in length from the River Albis or Elve, toward the North: The greatest breadth of it is not much. This Country is divided into the Northerne and Southerne part, as we have already spoken. The Northerne Iutia,* 1.3 called the Northerne Cimbrica, which is described in this Table, extending it selfe toward Norwey, doth over against Saga, a Towne famous in regard of the quick-sands and shallow Sea neare it,* 1.4 end in a straite and narrow forme like a wedge. This Country is broadest about the Market Towne of Aleburg, where Lymford winding it selfe into it, and passing almost through all Iutia Westward, parteth the Country Wensussel from the rest, except it be for a very little space, and so maketh it as it were an Island. This River being carried in a great channell, maketh many famous Islands by encompassing them about, and having many Bayes as it were, and severall branches, it doth divide and give limits to divers Provinces, Northerne Iutia is fertile in producing and bearing Fruits, Corne, Barley, and the like: It hath also in some places very fruitfull pastures. It aboundeth with so many heards of Oxen, and bringeth up so many Cowes, that it sendeth an incredible number of cattle into forreine Countries, and especially into Germany, whither there are yearely brought almost 150 thousand Oxen, besides Cheese, Butter, Tallow, and Hides. It doth bring forth an excellent breede of Horses, of which a great number are transported to other places. Iutia heretofore was subject to the Saxons, but not the other Northerne Coun¦tries. Out of this Country the Cimbri 150 yeares before Christs birth, came and fell upon Italie like an impetuous storme, to the great terrour thereof. For they having joyned to themselves the Tentons, the Tigurines, and Ambrones, conspired utterly to extinguish the Roman Empire Syllanus could not resist the violence of their first approach, nor Manilius their second on-set, nor Caepio the third. All of them were put to slight and beaten out of their Tents, insomuch as Florus thinketh they had beene quite undone and overthrowne if Marius had not lived in that age. This Cimbrian warre continued eight yeares after the Consulship of Syllanus, even to the fift Consulship of Marius, who at the R•ver Athesis, called by the Germanes Ets•h, and by the Italians •adica, did quite cut off their Army consisting of Cimbrians, Teut•us, and and Ambrones. But because in this place wee have by chance made mention of the Cimbrians, whose name is famous in Histories, we will speake somewhat more of them: and because Iunius a learned •an doth discourse most learnedly of them, I will not thinke it much to set downe his owne or other words to the same effect.

It appeares in Moses Bookes, saith he, that Iaphet had a sonne called Gomer, or by changing of a letter Gomer, which word signifies with the Hebrewes one perfecting a circle. But the genuine sense of the word, (hitherto unknowne to Writers unskilfull in the Cimmerian language, because none hath declared the obscuritie) will bee as manifest and cleare as the Meridian Sunne, if you gently breake the word in pieces. For what other thing does Go¦om her, being disjoyned, signifie in that language, or if you pronounce it Gomer, than I goe about in a circle, or I finish a perfect course? Hence also is that orbicular order of Artes, which the Grecian Writers call Encyclopedia, and Fabius the circle of learning, (because it is endlesse as a ring) called Gomera. Rightly therefore that auspicious name hapned unto the offspring of Iaphet, which spread themselves over the World, and as the name doth signifie, did finish that course that was given and prescribed to them by lot, having travell'd over all Countries from the rising of the Sunne to the setting thereof. For no man is so rude and ignorant in the knowledge of Historie, that knoweth not that the Gothes and Vandales (who were the ofspring of the Cimmerians or Cimbri) did possesse both the Hesperiaes. Wherefore, since by the consent of all men the Cimmerians did descend from Gomer, who at first did possesse the inward part of Asia, and being expell'd by the Scythians, repairing Westward did passe into Scandia, and from thence unto the Cimbrian Chersonesus, I see no reason how a more convenient name can bee given to Gomer the Author of the Cimbrian Nation, and to the people retaining their fathers name, tha• from the desire of circuiting and wandring about. For I thinke no man hath read of any Nation that hath travelled a greater circuit of earth, as Iosephus, an accurate Writer of the Iewish antiquities, doth perspicuously and diligently explaine when he writeth that the posterity of Gomer comming out of Armenia, did runne out into the River Tanais, and from thence with their multitudes, did overspread all Countries of Europe, as farre as the utmost coasts of the Gades. Plutarch in the life of Marius hath clearely explained the desire that was in that Nation to propagate and finish this their course when hee reporteth thus of them. The Cimbrians, as often as they change their seates, doe attempt the neighbour Countries by warres, yet not with a daily or continuall violence, but every yeare when the season serveth they make some inroade, and seeing there are divers and severall names of people amongst them, they call their troupes by a common appellation Celtoscythians. Some do report that there was no great company of Cimbrians, who were anciently knowne to the Grecians, but that some banished men or seditious persons, cashiered by the Scythians, passed from s 1.5 Maeotis into other parts of Asia under the conduct of Lygdamis: and that the greatest and most warlike part of the Nation did seate themselves on the outmost coasts of the t 1.6 Ocean, and did inhabite a darke Country, which in regard of the high and thicke woods, reaching even to the Forrest of Hircynus, was to the Sunne-beames inaccessible. Hitherto I have for the most part rendred his owne words: but I understand not whence Plutarch from the Germane Etymologie, or Festus Pompetus from the French, can prove that the Cimbrians were called theeves & robbers, unlesse wee take hired Souldiers for theeves and robbers, or unlesse it seeme that Plutarch did referre it to the manner of warring peculiar to that Nation, who did set upon their neighbours with secret ambushment and assaults like theeves, for he relates that Italy was strooken with feare by their fierce inrodes, when they understood that a Nation of no name or setled habitation, was like a sudden cloud of raine ready to fall upon their heads.

Hitherto Iunius. This Iutia is divided into foure large Episcopall Seats,* 1.7 into the Ripensian, which is kept at Ripen, the Arhusian which is at Arhusium, the Vandalican which is at Alburg, and the Wiburgian which is at Wiburg. The Ripensian Diocese hath 30 Prefectures, seven Cities, & ten royall Castles. Queen Dorothy the widdow of Christian the third erected and built a Schoole at Kolding, at her owne proper charge and cost. The Arhusian Diocese hath one and thirty Prefectures, seven Cities, and five Castles. Arhusium or Arhusen is a famous Mart-Towne, in regard of its Haven made by the great Promontorie of Hellen, which extendeth it selfe through the Country of Mols, from the royall Castle Kalloe, even to the high Mountaine •llemansbergh, and by its owne situation, and some Islands lying neare unto it, maketh the Sea very placable and calme for Marriners. Under this Diocese there are the Islands Samsoe, Hielm, Tuen, Hiarnoe, sometimes called Gerno, Hilgenes, and many other. The Vandalican Diocese, called also the Diocese of Burglaw, hath thirteene Prefectures▪ and sixe Cities. The most speciall parts thereof are Wendsyssel, Handharet, Thyland, and Morsoe. Wendsyssil or Vensilia, that is the Land or Seat of the Vandalls hath sixe Prefectures, three Townes, and one Castle. Here is the Mountaine Alberg, in which are certaine Monuments of Gyants, the adjacent Isles are Grysholm, Hertsholm, Tydsholm and others. In Handhaeret is a Rocke of great height, called Skarringelint, and on the coast thereof those two quick-sands, which they call Sandores and Brac••. The Isles subject unto it are Oland and Oxeholm. Thyland hath foure Prefectures, one Towne called Thystad or Tystet, where Christian the third built a Schoole for the nurture of Youth, and one Castle called Orumna. Under it are the Islands Hansholm, Ostholm, Iegen, Cifland, Egholm, Bodum. Morsia hath three Prefectures, the Citie Nicoping, the Castle Lunds•od or Lundgard, and an Island adjacent neare unto it, called Agero•. The Diocese of Wiburg doth containe sixteene Prefectures. three Cities, and as many Castles At Wiburg the generall Councell of the most Noble and wise Trium-vi••, concerning enquiring into, and judging of civill matters, is continued almost all the yeare, unlesse sometimes when they are wearied with that troublesome office, they refresh themselves, and recollect their strength in their owne Country houses.

Hither are brought the causes of all the Cimbrian Chersonesus, as complaints of bounds, controversies concerning inheritance, and all capitall causes, as slaughters, adulteries, thefts, poysonings, &c. Neare to the Peninsula Wenslia, where ending in a Cone, it bendeth by degrees toward the East, is that corner of Iutia, so perilous and fearefull to Marriners: for a great ridge of rockes runne so farre into the Sea, that those who would bee free from danger, come not neare to the shoare by 8. miles. Such also is all the Westerne shoare of Iutia, so that those who purpose to sayle into Norwey, or out of the Ocean Eastward, are enforced to take a large compasse to avoyde it: and to this purpose there are foure Mountaines on this shoare, which the Marriners observe as Sea-markes. The Inhabitants of this Country seeing they have no fit Haven for ships to ride in, draw them out of the deepe upon the shoare so farre, that the waves of the Sea by beating upon them cannot bruise them.* 1.8 In this Sea there is plenty of fish, and especially of Herrings; and therefore the Inhabitants use fishing much. These things being declared,* 1.9 I will adde something not impertinent to conclude this place withall, which is, that the people in these Northerne Countries have beene, and yet are cold and drie, of a large stature, faire complectioned, well coloured, merrie, jocund, suspitious, crafty, and provident in businesse, healthfull, proud, loving to their friends; they eate and drinke much, they digest well, and therefore live long, they abound with bloud, they are blunt in behaviour, and in regard of much heate about their heart, they are quarrellous and contentious, they love dangers, hunting and travelling, they are obstinate in defending their owne opinions, and yet mindefull of Justice, they are very docible and apt to attaine Languages, they are lovers of the Muses, and doe strictly performe their covenants and bargaines, they have many children, which the weomen with great difficulty bring forth; their woemen are also beautifull, and both wise and sparing in the government of their Familie: but they die for the most part of Catharres, the Kings evill, the Pleuricy, the Fistula, the Dropsie, or Ptisicke. Achilles Gassarus affirmeth that Guns were here first invented by a Monke.

SO much concerning Northerne Iutia, the Southerne followeth, which the Ancients did call Nordalbingia, because it is seperated and parted toward the North from the rest of Germanie, by the riverd 1.2 Albis. It containeth the two Dukedomes of Sleswick and Holsatia, of which wee will speake in order. The Dukedome of Sleswick taketh his name from the Metropolis and ancient Mart Towne of Sleswick. Heretofore this Countrie was called the Dukedome of Iutia, which Woldemare Nephew to Abel King of Denmark received to hold in fee of King Ericus, about the yeare 1280. But the Royall Line of the Kings and Dukes being extinct, and the Dukedome of Sleswick being thereby fallen to the Crowne,* 1.3 Margaret Queen of three Kingdomes gave it to Gerard Earle of Holsatia, on this condition, that hee should acknowledge to hold it of the King of Denmarke.* 1.4 The Cities which are subject to this Dukedome, because they have the same priviledge with other parts of Denmarke, therefore they have the same Lawes with them. The Subjects may appeale from the Sentence of the Magistrates of any place to the Princes and their Senators, and not farther, as it is provided by their priviledges. But the generall government of both these Dukedomes belongeth to the King of Denmarke, and the Duke of Holsatia by turnes. When it is devolved, and doth fall to the King, it is governed by his Substitute in his name. The chiefe Towne of this Dukedome is Slesvicum, commonly called Schleswick. It hath its name from a German word, in regard it is situated neere Slia, in the Bay of the Baltick Sea: for Wick signifies in the Saxon language both a Towne, and a crooked winding or Bay of the Sea, as Becanus hath observed in his Bookes of Gothish & Danish matters. Crantzius and those who have writ the Saxon Histories, doe give it an other appellation besides Sleswick, which is still in use with the Danes & Freeslanders: for they call this Towne in their language Heidebui or Heideba, because, they say, it was first built by a certaine Queene of Denmarke, whose name was Heth. It hath a convenient situation for traffick, and a convenient Haven for commerce and trading. Not farre from this Towne is seated the Castle Gotorpi. Heere is a famous Custome or Toll, for it hath beene observed, that in plentifull yeares, fifty thousand Oxen being driven out of Denmarke into Germanie, have heere beene paid toll for. There is also in this Dukedome, Flensburg, a famous Towne, lying among the high Mountaines, neere the shore of the Easterne Sea. It hath a Haven so convenient, deepe, and safe, that many of the Citizens may loade and unloade ships even at their owne doores. And heere are the Townes Husenum or Hussum, and Haderslebia. This Dukedome hath onely one Bishoprick, two Chapters, three Monasteries, and divers Castles belonging to the Prince and his Nobles. The order of Senators, whereof I have heretofore made mention,* 1.5 doth consist of the number of 24 persons of the Gentry, to whom is joyned a generall Chancellour, and two Doctors of the Law.

The Dukedome of HOLSATIA.

Some doe suppose, that Holsatia was so called from the many Woods and Forrests which are in it, for the Cimbrians and Low Germans doe call a wood holt: and some doe derive the Etymologie of the word from a hollow stone, because the Dukes of Holsatia were formerly called Dukes of the hollow Stone. It is bounded on the East with the River Bilena, on the West with Stora or Steur, on the South with Albis, and on the North with Eider.* 1.8 The Countrie it selfe is woody and full of Forrests, whence they have such store of fuell, that they are able to supplie Freesland with wood, when they themselves also doe keepe great fires. But although their woods are very spatious, so that they seeme to have no end, yet they seldome have any great Oakes in them, but are full of Beech-trees, with whose waste an innumerable sort of Hogges are fatted. The Land, for the most part, doth afford them every three yeares great store of fishing, and a very rich and plentifull harvest. For three yeares together it is tilled, sow'd, and mow'd, and three yeares afterward the Lakes are let in, to feede the fish and grasse, thereby a certaine fat and slimie matter is brought in,* 1.9 which doth fertilize the fields. This place beares neither Vines nor Olives; but there is much hunting of wilde beasts. And this Countrie doth breede a great number of horses. Holsatia is divided into foure parts, Dithmarsh, Holsatia, Stormaria, and Wagria. These were heretofore Counties, and afterward chang'd into a Dukedome, by Frederick the third Emperour, at the suite and request of Christierne the first, who now is charged to maintaine 40 horsemen, and fourescore foot, for the use of the Roman Empire. Dithmarsh at the first enjoy'd freedome and libertie for some hundred yeares;* 1.10 and albeit it were granted by the Emperour Frederick to Christierne the first in fee, yet it was not at that time subjected. Afterward his Sonnes, King Iohn, and Duke Frederick did undertake to make an expedition against it, in the yeare of our Lord 1500, but the Dithmarsians having overthrowne their Armie, defended their owne libertie, untill they were conquer'd & overcome by the Nephews of Christierne the first, namely Duke Iohn, Adolphus, and Frederick the second King of Denmarke, in the yeare of our Lord 1559. In Holsatia are these Cities, first Segeberg, in Wagria, a Countrie of Holsatia, 16 miles from Lubeck. 2, Itzohoa, a faire Towne in regard of the nature and situation of the place, and the resort of ships unto it. 3, Stormaria is encompassed, and, as it were, embraced in the armes of a fishie and navigable River, which arising in the inner parts of Holsatia, doth wash the wals of certaine Townes, and the noble Ranzovian House of Bredenberg, and afterward doth discharge it selfe into the River Albis. Heere is in this Countrie Chilonium, commonly called Kile, which is an ancient Towne, and hath a large Haven, in which (to the great commoditie of the Holsatians) divers sorts of merchandize are brought out of Germanie, Livonia, Denmarke, and Swethland. Also Krempe, and Reinholdsburg or Rensburg, the former taketh his name from the River gliding by it, the later from the first builder. Here are moreover Meldorp, Heiningsted or Henste, and Tellingsted in Dithmars, and Hamburg the Metropolis of Stormaria,* 1.11 a renowned Mart-Towne neere the River Albis, which after many devastations and calamities suffered in the warres, was at last reedified, and in the time of Henry the fourth Emperour, it began to be encompassed with wals, and to be beautified with three Gates and twelve watch-towres. In this Citie Albertus Crantzius, an eloquent and true Historian lived and was buried. This Countrie is full of Lakes, and especially Dithmars, whose Inhabitants (trusting to the benefite of their Lakes) did refuse to acknowledge obedience to the Kings of Denmarke, though of late they have beene compell'd thereunto. The chiefest River of note which watereth this Countrey is Egidora or the Eidera, there are also some others, the most whereof may rather be called Brookes or Rivulets than Rivers: but the B•ltick Sea, in that part where it washeth the Dukedomes of Holsatia and Sleswick, hath safe and pleasant Bayes, which are safe harbours for Merchants, and weather-beaten ships. In some places also it affordeth great store of fish, and especially of Salmons. It is a plaine Countrey, seldome raised with any mountaines, yet one it hath betweene Lubeck and Hamburg, of a pleasant situation, and famous for the ornaments of peace and warre, with which Henry Rantzovius did adorne it. It hath an ancient Castle seated on it, famous for the antiquitie and first builder thereof, and at the foote of the hill a Towne adjoyning to it. Heere are many woods, with which the Countrey of Holsatia is beset & replenished, but especially Dithmars, as the woods of Borcholt, Burgholt,* 1.12 Alverdorpenholt, Resenwalde, and many others. The Holsatians had heretofore 48 men, who were Presidents and Governours of the whole Countrie;* 1.13 to these they made their appeale out of the severall Parishes, and they did judge all matters. But they being subdued, and the Countrie now divided into two parts, in each of them there are twelve speciall and principall men, together with a Prefect, who, for the most part, is a Doctor or Licentiate at Law. These have all yearely pensions from the Princes, and they have a Clerke joyned to them, as also an Overseer or President out of the Holsatian Nobilitie. The one of these Prefects, which is for the King, is called the Prefect of Steinburg, and the other being for the Duke, the Prefect of Gottorpe. Yet the Subjects have leave to appeale or make suite to the Princes and Senators of either Dukedome, as well of Sleswick as Holsatia, but not further. They had heretofore a written Law, which now by degrees is changed, and reformed according to the Common Law, compiled by Henry Rantzovius the Kings Substitute,* 1.14 by Sigefrid Rantzovius, heretofore Lord of Nienhs, the Lord Adam Trazigeriu, and the Lord Erasmus Kirslemius, according to which Law all causes are decided, and punishments pronounced against delinquents & offenders.

Holsatia hath foure Orders or degrees of people: The Nobles, the Clergie, the Citizens, and the Countrie-men, whereof there are two kindes, for some possesse goods of their owne being hereditarie and free; others hired goods or lands, for which they pay rent and doe certaine services. The Nobles have Castles and Lands, together with the royalty of hunting, fishing, and hawking, which, for the most part, are hereditarie unto them. The whole Countrie hath not above 24 Families,* 1.15 whose names are mentioned in the Holsatian Chorographie, but divers Families there are that are descended from the same stock, as the Rantzovians doe at this time possesse an hundred and fiftie Castles, and divers other possessions. The Aleseldians and Powischians have almost as many. Holsatia hath one Bishoprick, namely Lubeck, for the Bishoprick of Hamburg is subject to the Bishoprick of Breme. The contentions which happen among the Nobles are judged by a Senate of Dukes, the Princes, for the most part, sitting Presidents in judgement as it is provided by their priviledges and Lawes. From the order of Senators any one putting in a sufficient caution may appeale to the Imperiall Chamber. The Citizens enjoy priviledges peculiar to themselves, and use the Roman Law, or else the Lubeck. The Subjects may appeale from the judgement of the Senate of their owne Citie, to the judgement of foure Cities, appointed to judge and determine of all speciall matters. From them againe they are permitted to appeale to the Princes and Senators of Holsatia, and also further even to the Imperiall Chamber, so that fit securitie be put in. Countri-mens cases or suites are pleaded by their Lawyers, even in the open fields, where are present the Noble-men thereabout, the Prefects, and two Assistants. There they come forth & doe make their appearance, who have any suit one against an other; the Defendant and Plaintiffe being both heard, the whole company or assemblie of Countrie-men are bidden to goe forth; and then their causes being diligently weigh'd on both sides, they returne againe, and the suiters being called in, they give sentence in their case according to Law and right.

So much according to our Method concerning the Dukedome of Sleswicke and Holsatia: Fionia followes with the Isles lying round about it. Fionia,* 1.1 commonly called Fuynen is the chiefe of all other Isles lying in the Bay of Codonus from Zeland. It taketh its name from the beautie thereof, both in regard of the forme and situation.* 1.2 It is separated from the Continent of Denmarke, by so small and narrow a Sea flowing between them, called Middlesar, that it seemeth almost to cleave unto the Continent. This Iland as it looketh on the West toward Iutia, so on the East toward Zeland. It is 48 miles in length, and 16 in breadth. The Land (that I may omit the Sea which is full of fish) is a fruitfull soyle,* 1.3 and very profitable to the husbandman. For it aboundeth with such plentie of corne, that it sends store thereof yearly to other farre Countries, especially Wheate and Barley. And the ground, albeit it be very fruitfull and endowed with the gifts of Ceres, yet it is never dunged. Whence the Cities and Townes thereof are annoyed with filthy smells of the dung of cattle, which is cast out, being thereof no use, as Munster writeth. This Countrie aboundeth with so many Droves of Oxen,* 1.4 and breedeth such a number of Cowes and Horses, that it sends yearly into Germany great Heards and Droves of them. And in regard of the many woods which are in the Island, there is great store of game for hunting, as Harts, Hares, and Foxes. In the middle of it is the Metropolis or mother Citie called Ottania, or Ottonium commonly called Ottensel being a Bishops Seat,* 1.5 built as it appeares by many testimonies by Otto the first, about the time when he compeld King Herald to receive the Christian faith. This Citie is a famous Mart for the whole Island, in which about Epiphanie or Twelfetide there is a great meeting of the Islanders and especially the Nobles, as there is at Kile in Holsatia. Fionia is divided into five and twentie Prefectures, sixteene Cities, and six royall Castles. The other cities are in a manner equally distant from Ottonia, which is as it were the Center, and are so built of the Sea shoare, that in regard of the conveniencie of the Havens, they traffique not onely in the Balticke Sea, but also exercise their negotiations throughout all Swethland, and Norwey, Russia, the Low-countries, and Germany: the chiefe amongst them are Niburch, Swynburch, Foborch, Assens, Bowens, Middlefart, or Milvart, and Kettemynde, or Cortemund. The chiefe royall castles are Newburg, Hagenschow, Hinsgagel, Eschburg, and the Court of Rugard. Here are many Villages, and not a few Noble-mens houses. For this Island in regard of the pleasantnesse of the Climate, and fertilitie of the soyle is much esteemed by the Nobles. The sea doth yeeld great plentie of fish, and every Bay is so full thereof, that ships or boats being over set with them can hardly saile or row against them, which yet they do not take with any fishing engines, but with their hands. Those who dwell by the Sea side, besides tillage and husbandrie, doe use fishing, both which do furnish thē with all things necessarie for house-keeping. There are some places in this Island famous for warlike atchievements done not many yeares past.* 1.6 For there is a certaine mountaine called Ochenberg, not farre from the Castle Hagenschow, in which Iohn Rantzovius Knight and Generall of the field, for King Christian the third, in a great battle did overthrow Christopher Count of Oldenburg, in the yeare of Christ 1530, on the eleventh day of June, in which conflict were slaine two Counts, the one being the Count of Hage, the other of Tecklenburg, whose bodies being afterward taken up out of the field were brought to Ottonia, and buried in Canutus his Church about the same time also on the Mountaine Fauchburg, which is 4 mile distant from the Towne Ascens, some thousands of the Rebels were slaine and put to slight. This Countrie is adorned with many woods in which are great store of wild beasts. In the citie of Ottonium there are two famous Temples or Churches, one consecrated to Canutus,* 1.7 the other to Saint Francis. In this latter Iohn King of Denmarke, and his sonne Christierne, when they had spent 37 yeares in banishment and captivitie, were buried in the yeare 1559: about the other is a large and spacious court-yard, in which the King of Denmarke did renew his ancient league of friendship, with the Dukes of Holsatia and Sleswicke, An. 1580, they report also that the mother of King Christian the second did place up a certaine Altar here belonging to the Minorite Friars, a wonderfull curious piece of worke carved in wood, the like whereof is not to be found in Europe.* 1.8 Out of this Island from the Towne Ascen• it is eight miles into Iuitland or Iutia, and from Nyburge into Zeland is a passage of sixteene miles long through the Baltieke Sea, which is very dangerous, especially if the Sea be rough, for when the East Sea being increased by the receit of many rivers is thrust forward with a violent course, it often happens that contrarie windes do raise such mightie waves, & make the sea so unquiet, that Mariners are many times to great danger drawne in with these gulphlike windings of the waters & sometimes swallowed up by them. And so much concerning Fionia: now let us passe to the other Islands. Under Fionia are contained ninety Islands situated toward the South, and the most of them habitable: the chiefe whereof are these: Langeland, Lawland. Falstre, Aria or Arr, Alsen, Tosing, and Aroe. Langeland is 28 miles in length. In it there is a Towne called Rudkeping, and Traneker a royall Castle, beside many villages, Parishes, and Noble-mens houses. Lawland is separated by the strait of Gronesand from Zeland, and by a small arme of the Sea from Falstre. It is so fruitfull in corne and filberd Nuts, that ship-loads are brought from thence into other Countries. It hath five townes which are these, Nistadt, Nasco, Togrop, Roth, and Marib: besides royall Castles, Noble-mens houses, many Parishes and Villages. Falstre is 16 miles long, and hath these two Cities Stubecopen, and Nicopen, which in regard of the pleasantlesse and beautie thereof is called the Naples of Denmarke Out of this Island neare a royall Pallace, there is a frequent passage into Germany, namely to Warnemund, which is 28 miles long. It furnishes neighbour countries every yeare with much corn. Arta being distant 6 miles frō Elysia, is cloathed with woods, and therefore assordeth much recreation for hunters, it hath three Parishes, and some Noble-mens houses, with the Towne & Castle of Coping. It belongs together with Elysia to the Dukedome of Sleswi•ke, and is under the government of the Duke thereof. Elisia or Alsa, commonly called Alsen, is an Island of a reasonable bignesse, for it is 16 miles in length, and 8 in breadth, being not farre distant from the Dukedome of Sleswicke, and looking toward the Bay die Flensburger Wick, it is parted by it from the first seat of the English. The Rantzovian Musaeum tells us that the Romans did call these Islanders Elisians. As also those who inhabit the next Island, Arians: which appellation or name they still retaine to this day, Ptolomie relateth, that the English were the ancient inhabitants of the Northerne Countries, by the Sea side: to which Tacitus addeth the Elisit, Arit, and the Mommy, whose names also are still used in the Islands Alsen, Arr, and Moen. There is a Towne in Alsen or Elisia called Sunderburg and a Castle of the same name, with other Townes, as Norborch, Osternholm, Die Holle, and Gammelgard. It hath thirteene populous Parishes, whence it can set forth many thousands of Souldiers. It is very wooddy, by reason whereof it affordeth Harts, and many kindes of wild beasts for hunting. It hath great store of Sea-fish and fresh-fish, and much wheat, and it is every where fit for feeding and pasturing of cattle. Tussing or Tosinga being the chiefe Isle among all the other Islands, lyeth neare unto a towne of Fionia called Swineburg, and is foure miles in length. In this Island besides Parishes, there is the Pallace of Kettrop, belonging to the Rosenkransians, and Rantzovians. Aroe is situated neare the Dukedome of Sleswicke where they passe to the Towne Alcens in Fionia by the Arsensian Bay, and hath foure Villages. There are also these Islands, Ramso, Endelo, Ebilo, Fenno, Boko, Brando, Toroe, Aggerins, Hellenis, Iordo, Birkholm, &c. Let so much suffice to have beene spoken concerning Fionia, and the Islands lying round about it. And now to conclude, I will here, rather then no where, adde unto the rest a Description of Huena or Ween seated in the Sound, in which is the Castle of Vraniburg, filled with many accurate and elaborate Astronomicall instruments, The middle of this Island, where this Castle standeth, hath the Pole elevated about 56 Degrees and 55, and is situate from the West 55 Degrees. It is in compasse 8160 paces, every pace being 5 foote, so that the whole circuit of it is equall unto two common German, 18 English miles. This Island being placed in the most famous strait of the whole Kingdome through which many ships saile out of the Easterne into the Westerne Sea: and on the contrarie with a gooly prospect hath in view many chiefe Townes of this Kingdome, which stands as it were round about it; in Zeland Hasnia, 12 miles distant from it South Southwest, also Helsinger, (where those ships that saile or passe by, do pay custome or tribute) and the Castle Cronaburg both distant from it on the Northwest 8 miles, Helsingburg which lies on the shoare of Scania, is as farre distant from it toward the North, and on the same shoare is Landskrone being foure miles from it: toward the East lyeth Lunda or Londen, which although it be not a Sea-towne, yet is but 16 miles distant from hence. And although the Island be not very great,* 1.13 yet no part of it is barren or unfruitfull, but produceth great store of fruit, and aboundeth with cattell, it bringeth forth Does, Hares, Cunnies,* 1.14 and Partridges in great plentie, and is very convenient for fishing. It hath a wood of Hasell trees, which are never worme-eaten, but hath no Dormise. Heretofore it was remarkable for foure Castles, whose names do yet remaine, Synderburg, which was seated on the Southerne shoare, Norburg on the opposite Northerne shoare. Karheside which stood toward the East side of the Island, and Hamer toward the West, the foundation of these foure Castles may be yet seene, but there are no ruines thereof remaining. This Island lyes very deepe in the Salt-sea, and yet it hath many fresh Rivers and Springs, among which there is one Spring that never freezeth with the violence of the Winters cold, a strange thing in these Countries.

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

DANEMARK, which comprehendeth the Kingdoms of

• DANEMARK; whereof the principal parts are
  • The Peninsula of JUTLAND, as it is divided into four Bishopricks and two Dutchies; to wit,
    • Ripen,
      • Ripen,
      • Rolding.
    • Arhusen, — Arhusen.
    • Alborg,
      • Alborg,
      • Scagen.
    • Wiborg, — Wiborg.
    • Sleswick,
      • Sleswick,
      • Flensborg,
      • Hussen,
      • Hadersleben,
      • Friderickstad,
      • Sunderborg.
    • Holstein, or Holsace,
      • Kiel,
      • Segeberg,
      • Krempe,
      • Meldorpe,
      • Gluckstad,
      • Lubeck,
      • Hambourg,
      • Borg in Femeren.
  • Divers ISLES, the chief of which are
    • Seland, or Zeland,
      • Cop•nhagen,
      • R•schilt,
      • Elsenno•r,
      • War•org.
    • Fuinen,— Otrensoe.
    • Falster, Nicopen.
    • Gotland, Visby.
    • Osel,— Arensborg.
  • The Coast of GOTHLAND; where are the Provinces of
    • Halland,
      • Halland,
      • Helmstad,
      • La Holme.
    • Bleckinge,
      • Christianople,
      • Christianstad,
      • Elleholm.
    • Sconen, or Scanja,
      • Lunden,
      • Elsenborg,
      • Landscron,
      • Malbogen.

The Kingdom of DANEMARK, as it is composed of three Parts, to wit,

• The Peninsula of JUTLAND, or JUTIE, as it is divided in
  • North JUTLAND; where are the Bishopricks of
    • Ripen,
      • Ripen,
      • Kolding,
      • Weel,
      • Warde,
      • Rinkoping;
      • Hostebro.
    • Arthusen,
      • Arthusen,
      • Kalla,
      • Hersens,
      • Randersen,
      • Ebelto,
      • Grimastad,
      • Hobro.
    • Albourg, with its parts of
      • Thyland, — Albourg.
      • Hanheret, Thystad.
      • Morsee, Nycopin.
      • Venyssel,
        • Selby,
        • Scagen,
        • Hirring.
    • Wibourg,
      • Wybourg,
      • Lemwick,
      • Holcker.
  • South JUTLAND; where are the Dutchies of
    • Sleswick,
      • Sleswick,
      • Hussen,
      • Stenberg,
      • Hadersleben,
      • Flensborg,
      • Gottrop,
      • Ekelenford,
      • Appenrade,
      • Frederickstad,
    • Holstein, or Holsatia, with its parts of
      • Holsatia,
        • Kiel,
        • Rendesborg,
        • Wilstet,
        • Nienmunster,
        • Borg en Femeren.
      • Wagrie,
        • Lubeck,
        • Segeberg,
        • Odesloe,
        • Niestat,
        • Oldenborg.
      • Stormarch,
        • Hambourg,
        • Krempe,
        • Bredenberg,
        • Gluckstad,
        • Tychenberg,
      • Dilmarch,
        • Meldrop,
        • Heide,
        • Lunden.
• Divers Isles,
  • About the BELT, and between the Lands of DENMARK, as
    • Zeland, or Seland,
      • Copenhagen,
      • Roschilt,
      • Elsenour,
      • Warborg,
      • Fredericksbourg,
      • Ringstede,
      • Holbeck,
      • Slages,
      • Corsroer,
      • Nestwede.
    • Fuinen, or Fionie,
      • Osell,
      • Niborg,
      • Swinborg,
      • Kartemunde,
      • Woborg,
      • Assens,
      • Bowens.
    • Fimera, — Petersborne.
    • Alsen,
      • Osterholme,
      • Gammelgard,
      • Norbarch.
    • Tusinge, — Niburg.
    • Huen, — Vramburg.
    • Arroe. — Koping.
    • Longland, — Rudkoping.
    • Laland,
      • Maxcow,
      • Rodby,
      • Maribo.
    • Falster,
      • Nikoping,
      • Stubekoping.
  • In the BALTICK Sea, and between the Lands of SWEDEN; as
    • Bornholme,
      • Nex,
      • Rattenby,
      • Sunneckier.
    • Gothland,— Visby, or Wisby.
    • Oesel, — Arensborg.
• The Coast of GOTHLAND, or GOTHIE, to wit,
  • WESTRO-GOTHLAND; where is the Province of Hallandis,
    • Warborg,
    • Lattolm,
    • Helmstad,
    • Falkenborg,
    • Hallandia.
  • OSTRO-GOTHLAND; where are the Provinces of
    • Scania, or Sconen,
      • Lunden,
      • Helsinborg,
      • Christiana,
      • Malbogen, or Ellegeboges.
    • Bleckinge, or Blekingea,
      • Trelborg,
      • Usted,
      • Malinogia,
      • Colmar,
      • Christianople.

THe Estates of DENMARK contain two Kingdoms, to wit, DENMARK and NORWAY. Denmark is between the Ocean and the Baltick Sea, composed of a Peninsula contiguous to Germany, and of a Coast contiguous to Sweden; and of divers Isles which are between the Peninsula and Coast; some likewise in the middle of the Baltick Sea, and near Livonia. It is scituate partly in the Northern Temperate Zone, and partly within the Artick Circle, extending from the 55th degree of Longitude, or the middle Parallel of the 10th Clime, where it joyneth to Germany as far as 71 degrees, where it is bounded by the Frozen Ocean, the longest day in the most Southern parts being 17 ¼ hours; but in the most Northern parts they have no Night for almost three Months: whereas on the other side, when the Sun is in the other Tropick; and most remote from them, they have no Day for the like time▪ This Country is very cold, and consequently not over fertil, nor affording good Fruits. The Commodities that this Kingdom affords are Fish, Hides, Tallow Furniture for Shipping, as Pitch, Tar, Cordage, Masts, &c. also Firr, Boards Wainscot, several sorts of Armour, &c.

• 2.73The Inhabitants for the most part are of a good statute and complexion, very healthful, ingenious, and of a ready wit, very punctual in performing their Promises, proud and high conceited of their own worth, lovers of Learning, as may appear by those Famous men it hath bred, viz. Tycho Brahe, the great Mathematician; John Cluverus, the renowned Philosopher and Physitian; Godfrey Gottricus, that stout Warriour, who not only setled the Government of this Kingdom, but also shook the Realm of France; likewise Waldemare, Christiern the Second and Fourth; Canutus and Sueno, which two last were the Conquerors of England. They are great punishers of Offenders, especially Theft and Piracy; their Women are of a comly grace, very fair, and as fruitful in Children; discreet and sober.

The Peninsula called JƲITLAND, once Cimbrica Chersonesus,* 2.74 from the Cimbrians its ancient Inhabitants: it is divided into North and South Juitland.

North JƲITLAND is severed into the Bishopricks of Ripen, Arthusen, Albourg, and Wibourg.

• 2.75RIPEN contains 30 Prefectures or Herets, (as they term them) 7 Cities or walled Towns, and 10 Castles. Its chief places are 1. Ripen, seated near the German Ocean, the chief place of the Diocess, and dignified with an Episcopal See: 2. Kolding, seated on a Creek of the Baltick Sea; 3. Weel, 4. Warde, &c.

• 2.76ARTHƲSEN containeth 31 Prefecture, 7 Cities or walled Towns, and 5 Castles. Its chief places are 1. Arthusen, seated on the Baltick Sea, having a commodious and well frequented Port, and dignified with an Episcopal See. 2. Kalla, a strong place, seated in a large Bay, reaching two Dutch miles to the high Hill of Elemanberg; opposite to which lie the Isles of Hilgones, Tuen, Samsoe, Hiarneo, and Hiolm, &c. 3. Horsens, 4. Randersen, 5. Ebelto, and 6. Hobro.

• 2.77ALBOƲRG, which is divided into four parts, viz. Thyland, whose chief Town is Albourg, seated on the Bay of Limford, which, opening into the Baltick Sea, extendeth it self through the main Land, almost to the German Ocean. 2. Hanebert, on the North-west of Limford Bay, containeth 4 Prefectures, and hath for its chief place Thystad. 3. Morsee, lying on the Ocean, contains 3 Prefectures, the Isle of Ageroe, the Town of Nicopin, and the Castle of Lunstead: and 4. Vensyssel, according to Mercator, Vandalorum sedes, or the Seat of the Vandals, contains 6 Prefectures, 3 Towns, and 1 Castle, viz. Selby, Cagen, and Hirring.

• 2.78WIBOƲRG contains 16 Prefectures, the Isles of Egholm, Hansholm, Bodum, Idgen, Cisland, and Ostholm; also it hath 3 Castles, and as many Cities or walled Towns; viz. 1. Wibourg, dignified with an Episcopal See, and the Courts of Judicature for both the Juitlands. The point of Scagen, or Scean, ends this Peninsula towards the North. 2. Lemwick, and 3. Holcker.

South JƲITLAND is divided into the Dukedoms of Sleswick and Holstein.

SLESWICK, a Country for the most part level, * 2.79 enriched with fertil Fields both for Corn and Pasturage; it is very well provided with good Bays on the Baltick, which are found commodious for Merchants. The chief places in this Dukedom are, 1. Sleswick, seated on the Slea, which falls into the Baltick, where it hath a commodious and well frequented Haven; it is a fair Town, the chief of the Dukedom, and honoured with an Episcopal See. 2. Hussen, seated on the German Ocean: 3. Sternberg, the ordinary residence of the Governour for the King of Denmark; 4. Hadersleben, seated on a navigable In-let of the Baltick, and fortified with a strong and fair Castle: 5. Flensborg, seated on the Baltick amongst high Mountains, having a Port so commodious and deep, that Ships do lade and unlade close to their Houses: and 6. Gottrop, where there is a strong Fort belonging to the Duke of Sleswick, seated at the end of a large Bay of the Baltick, of note for the Custom-house or Tole-booth there, erected for Cattle, sent out of these parts into Germany.

• 2.80HOLSTEIN, or HOLSATIA, a woody, low and Marshy Country; is severed into the Parts of Holsatia especially so called, Wagrie, Stormarch, and Dilmarch.

HOLSTEIN, or HOLSATIA, hath for its chief places 1. Kiel, seated on a navigable Arm of the Baltick, where it hath a large Haven, being a Town of a good Trade. 2. Rendesborg, said to be the strongest Town in all the Province; 3. Wilsted, and 4. Nienmunster.

WAGRIE hath for its chief places, 1. Lubeck, an Imperial and free City, enjoying the priviledges of a Hans-Town; it is pleasantly seated on the confluence of the Billew, and on the North-banks of the Trane, severing it from Germany, and empty themselves into the Baltick, being capable to receive Ships of a great burthen, which they lade and unlade at Tremuren, the Maritim Port, at about a miles distance; it is built on all sides upon a rising Hill, on the Summit whereof is placed a fair and beautiful Church called St. Maries, being the Cathedral, from whence, on an easie descent, there are Streets which lead to all the Gates of the City, which afford a fair prospect to the Eye; besides which, it is adorned with 9 other Churches, one of which being a decayed Monastery, is converted to an Armory to keep their Ammunition for War. It is about 6 miles in compass, encircling within its Walls divers fair and uniform Streets, beautified with good Brick-buildings, is very populous, and well inhabited by Citizens and Merchants, who drive a considerable Trade on the Baltick Seas. But this City, as also Hamburgh, is esteemed rather part of Lower Saxony in Germany, where I have also treated of them. 2. Segeberg. 3. Odesloe, 4. Niestad, and 5. Oldenborg.

STORMARCH hath for its chief places, 1. Hambourg, an ancient City built by the Saxons, since made an Imperial City, enjoying the Priviledges of a Hans-Town, seated on the North-banks of the Albis, which divides it from Germany, of which it is reckoned a part or member, and there treated of in the description of the Lower Saxony, to which I refer the Reader. 2. Krempe, seated on a River of the same name, which emptieth it self into the Store; a strong and well fortified Town, being reckoned for one of the Keys of the Kingdom. 3. Bredenberg, a Town of great strength, belonging to the Rantzoves: 4. Gluckstade, seated on a Bay or Creek of the German Ocean, and therefore well fortified, to command the passage up the Elbe: and 5. Tychenberg, seated on the Elbe, being so well fortified, that it is now held the strongest Town in this Kingdom.

DILMARCH or DITMARCH, hath for its chief places, 1. Meldrop, seated on the Sea; a place of some account, and the chief of the Province. 2. Heide, and 3. Lunden, a Haven Town, seated on the Eider, which rising in this Peninsula, here emptieth it self into the Ocean.

The BALTICK ISLES.

THese Islands which are between Juitland and the Coast, and farther in the Baltick Sea, are in number 35, and are so called, as being dispersed in these Seas. The Baltick Sea begins at the narrow passage called the Sound, and interlacing the Countries of Denmark, Poland, Germany, and Sweden, extendeth to Livonia and Lithuania. The reason (according to the Opinion of many) why this Sea, which is so large, doth neither ebb nor flow, may be as well from its Northern scituation, whereby the Celestial influences have the less predominancy, as also from the narrowness of the Streight, which receiveth the Ocean. The chief of these Isles I have set down in the Geographical Table of this Kingdom, of which a word or two, and first with Zeland.

ZELAND, anciently Codanonia, from the Codani its Inhabitants; * 2.81 the Isle is very fertil, the greatest and of most importance of any in the Baltick, to the King of Denmark, as lying not above three miles from the main Land of Scandia, which narrow Streight is called the Sound, through which all Ships must pass that have any Trade into the Baltick, all paying to the said King a certain Toll, according to the bigness or Bills of Lading, by which ariseth a great Revenue unto him; and for the security of this passage there are built two exceeding strong Castles, the one in this Isle, called Cronenberg, and the other in Scandia, called Hilsemberg, of which more anon. In this Isle are 7 strong Castles, and 13 Cities or walled Towns; the chief of which are 1. Copenhagen, or Haffen, the chief of the Isle, seated near the Sea, having a commodious Port; it is built orbicular, of a good strength, being defended by a powerful Castle; its Houses are but meanly built, yet it hath a spacious Market-place, and is dignified with the residence of the King for the Winter season; whose Palace is built of Freestone quadrangular, but of no great splendor, as also with the only Ʋniversity in the Kingdom. 2. Elsenour, seated on the Sea side; of it self but a poor Village, were it not for the great resort of Sea-men in their passage through the Sound into the Baltick, this being the place where they pay their Toll; and in this Village is the stately and well fortified Castle of Cronenburg, built in the very Ocean, and bravely resisting the fury of its Waves; now the ordinary residence of the King, being a pleasant prospect into the Sea; on the South-side of this Castle is a large and commodious Road for Shipping. 3. Roschilt, once a rich City, now only famous for being the Sepulchre of the Danish Kings, where, in the Cathedral Church, they have their Tombs; it is also dignified with the See of a Bishop. 4. Fredericksbourg, a Fortress built in a pleasant Plain, often visited by the King in his retirement, where he hath a delightful House seated in a Park. 5. Warborg, 6. Ringstede, 7. Holbeck, 8. Slages, &c.

FƲINEN, or FIONIE, seated betwixt Zeland and Juitland,* 2.82 and almost joyning to the Main-land; it is of a fextil Soil, and pleasant scituation, being in length about 12 Dutch miles, and 4 in breadth. Its chief places are 1. Osel, or Ottonium, so called from Otho the Great, who founded here an Episcopal See, seated in the midst of the Isle, from which the other Towns are of an equal distance, which renders it very commodious for Traffick; it is not large, having but two Churches, and its Buildings are neat and ornamental enough. 2. Niborg, 3. Swinborg, 4. Kartemunde, 5. Woborg, and 6. Ascens; all, or most of them seated on some convenient Creek or Haven.

FIMERA, a very fertil and well peopled Isle; * 2.83 and here it was that Tycho Brache, the famous Mathematician, built an Artificial Tower, in which are (or were) many rare Mathematical, Instruments; its chief place is Petersborne, of some importance to the King of Denmark.

ALSEN, a small Isle appertaining to the Dukedom of Sleswick;* 2.84 is very populous, contains 13 Parishes, and 4 Towns, viz. Osterholme, Gammelgard, Norbarch, and Sunderburg; dignified with the residence of the Duke of Sleswick.

TƲSINGE, a very small Isle, * 2.85 and of no great account by reason of its dangerous scituation; its chief place is Niburg.

ARROE, a small Isle belonging to the Duke of Sleswick;* 2.86 it contains three Towns, the chief of which is Koping, fortified with a Castle so called.

LONGLAND, an indifferent long Isle, but not very broad; * 2.87 its chief place is Rudkoping, of some account.

LALAND, not far distant from Zeland; abounds in Corn and Chesuuts,* 2.88 fraighting therewith many Vessels yearly; it is very populous for the bigness, contains 3 Towns, viz. Maxcow, Rodby, and Maribo; besides a great many Villages and some Castles.

FALSTER, a small Isle, fertil in Corn, seated near to Laland;* 2.89 its chief places are Nikoping, of a pleasant scituation; and Stubekoping.

In the Baltick, and between the Lands of Sweden, are also several Isles the chief amongst which are BORNHOLME,* 2.90 seated not far from Gothland, an Isle very fertil, feeding abundance of Cattle: It hath many goo• Towns and Villages, the chief of which are, Nex, Rottonby, and Suomneckier.

GOTHLAND,* 2.91 an indifferent large Isle, in form round and narrow, no• in the possession of the Swedes: It yields white Marble, excellent for building; the City of Wisby, seated in the midst of the Isle, was once so famous fo• Traffick, that it gave Maritim Laws to the Baltick Sea.

That which the King of Denmark possesses, as particularly belonging to tha• Crown, on the Coast of Scandinavia, is part of the ancient Gothland; th• most Southern of which that we are now treating of, is divided into Westro-Gothland and Ostro-Gothland; which are again subdivided into the Provinc• of Hallandia, which takes up Westro-Gothland; and into the Provinces o• Scania and Blecking, which takes up Ostro Gothland; and first of Hallandia.

HALLANDIA,* 2.92 now in the possession of the Swedes; this Country o• Province for fertility of Soil, sweetness of Air, store of Fish, plenty of Lea• and Brass Mines, and thickness of Towns and Villages, which are well inhabited, is not inferiour to any. Its chief places are 1. Warborg, seated on th• Sea-shoar, and defended by a strong Castle, built on the summit of a Hill, s• that it hath a great command over the Country. 2. Laholm, 3. Helmst••▪ 4. Falkenborg, and 5. Hallandia, or Katterop.

SCANIA,* 2.93 or SCONEN, hath on the North Hallandia, and on all othe• parts, the Sea; also now in the Swedes possession: It is about 70 miles long and 48 broad; the pleasantest Country in all Denmark, most abundant i• Fruits, and richest in Merchandize, and on the Sea-side are sometimes such great sholes of Herrings, that they are found troublesom to Vessels. Its chie• places are 2. Lunden, an Inland City, dignified with the sole or Metropolita• Archbishop of Denmark; the chiefest beauty in this City is the Cathedra• Church, a magnificent Structure, beautified with excellent pieces of Art, th• chief whereof are the Clock and the Dial: the Clock being so composed b• Artificial Engines, that whensoever it striketh, two Horsemen give one another as many blows as the Clock striketh times: also upon the opening of 〈◊〉 Door there is represented a Theatre, where the Virgin Mary is seated on 〈◊〉 Throne with Christ in her Arms, to whom the three Kings, with their sever• Trains, come in order, and with reverence present their Gifts to her, during which time two Trumpeters continually sound. And next the Dial, wher• the year, month, week, day, and hour of the day throughout the year, as also the motions of the Sun and Moon through each degree of the Zodiack; th• moveable and fixed Feasts, &c. are to be distinctly seen, being neatly set for•• in variety of delightful Colours. 2. Helsinborg, fortified with an impregnabl• Castle, and one of the Forts defending the Sound: 3. Christiana, a place 〈◊〉 great strength; and 4. Malbogen, a Port-Town, opposite to Copenhagen.

BLECKLINGE,* 2.94 also belonging to the Swedes, hath on the East an• South the Baltick Sea: It is a Mountainous and barren Country, and hat• for its chief places 1. Malinogia, the Birth-place of the famous Mathematicia• Gaspar Bartholinus, who was said to be the inventer and maker of the afore said Clock and Dial. 2. Colmar, an important Fortress against the Swedes until they gained the Province.

The Soil of Denmark is naturally better for Pasture than Tillage, and feed such multitude of Oxen, that at least 50000 are said to be yearly sent hence t• Germany. Their other Commodities are Fish, Tallow, Furniture for Shipping Armour, Ox-hides, Buck-skins, Wainscot, Fir-wood, Furrs, Pipe-staves Copper, Wheat, Rye, &c.

1700. The merchants map of commerce by Roberts, Lewes. CHAP. CCX. Of Denmark, and the Provinces and Cities thereof.

Denmark hath on the East Mare Balticum, on the West the German Ocean, on the North Sweden, on the South Germany.

This Country doth afford for Merchandize, Fish, Tallow, Hides, and having abundance of Oxen, 50000 are said to be sent hence yearly to Germany; also Buck-skins, Armour of all so•…•…s, furniture for shipping, Boards, such as Wainscot, Fir-wood, &c.

This Kingdom now contains Cimbrick, Chersonese, the Islands of the Baltick, and part of S•…•…dia, and first this Chersonese is divided into four Provinces.

Alsatia is the first, wherein are found the Cities Niemunster and Bramsted, and is the title of the second Son of Denmark.

Dithmars is the second Province, wherein are found the Cities of Marn and Meld•…•…, the Inhabitants of this last is esteemed so wealthy, that they are said to cover their houses wich Copper.

Slesia is the third, wherein are of note Sleswick, 2 Gottorp. and 3 Londen a Haven Town.

Jutland is the fourth, the Towns of note are Rincopen, 2 Nicopen, 3 Holn, and 4 Arhausen.

The Baltick Islands are 35 in number, but of them 4 are sound to be of principal note 1 S••land, 2 Fionia, 3 Bornholm, and 4 Fimeria, of which a word.

In Seeland is found thirteen Cities, * 1.596the chief whereof is Haffen the Kings Seat, and the only University in Denmark, known to other Nations by the name of Copenhagen, that is, Merca•…•…rum Portus, or the Merchants Haven: * 1.597Secondly, Elsinour, standing on the Sea-side, in which Town the Merchants that have passed, or are to pass the Sound, do pay their Customs to the King: And thirdly, Rochilt, the Sepulchre of the Danish Kings; between this Island and the firm land of Scandivonia is the passage called the Sound, towards Muscovia, which did formerly yield unto this King a great yearly profit, but now much decayed since the English found out the Northern passage into Russia. This Sound is in breadth 3 miles, and commanded o••Scandia side by the Castle of Helsenburgh, and on this Island by that of Cronburg, both Castles of good defence.

In Fionia is found eight Towns, the principal whereof Osel, Scomberg and others.

In Bornholmia is a principal City Bornholm.

In Fimeria is found the City of Peterborn, and is the Island in which that famous Mathematician Ticho Brabe built an artificial Tower, wherein he studied the Mathematicks, and wherein are still reserved many of his rare Mathematical Instruments.

• Scandia is the last part of this Kingdom lying part of it on this side, and part beyond the Artick Circle, so that the longest day in the more Northern part is about three months, the Kingdoms of Norway, Swetland, and part of Denmark; the part of it belonging to Denmark is divided into three Provinces, 1 Halandia, 2 Schona, and Blesida.

In Halandia is Halaneso.

In Scania is the City of Londis a fair Haven, Falsgerbode and the Castle of Elsimbourg, one of the Keys of the Sound before mentioned; and the Seas are here said sometimes so to abound with Herrings, that Ships are scarce able with wind and Oar to break through them; and the Country is the pleasantest of all Denmark.

In Blesida is found the City of Malmogia, and the strong Castle of Colmar against the Sweedlande••. The principal Trade of this Kingdom is contained in Copenhagen and Elsinour, therefore under the title of these two I will comprehend the Traffick of this Kingdom.

1700. The merchants map of commerce by Roberts, Lewes. CHAP. CCXI. Of Copenhagen, and the Trade thereof.

COPENHAGEN is the Seat of the Kings of Denmark in Winter, and may be interpreted the Merchants Haven, on the East-side is the Kings Palace or Castle, which bordereth on the Sea shore, where the Haven is found to be, the Sea being not far distant from the North side thereof: the City is of a round form, affording little beauty, as being but meanly built of wood and clay, and the Castle of stone. Here are found some Merchants, yet for the mostipart of no great eminence: for the Country affordeth no rich commodities that may allure others thither, or serve to be transported to other regions, whereby a gain may be expected.

The Monies of this Kingdom commonly current is the Dollar, and shilling; two Danish shillings make one Lubeck shilling, and 66 Danish shillings accounted for a Rix Dollar, which is five shillings Sterling.

Their accounts are kept by marks of 16 shillings Danish.

Their exchanges are here practised by the Rix Dollar above mentioned, the common current Coin of these Countries.

Their Measures and Weights I will briefly observe by themselves, and therefore hasten to Elsinour.

1700. The merchants map of commerce by Roberts, Lewes. CHAP. CCXII. Of Elsinour, and the Trade thereof.

ELSINOƲR, of it self is but a poor Village, but much frequented by Sea-men by reason of his neighbourhood to that straight Sea called the Sound, where the King of Denmark hath laid so great Impositions upon all Ships and Goods coming out or going into the Baltick Sea, as this sole profit surpasseth far all the Revenues of his Kingdom: the strong Castle of Cronburg lies in this Village upon the mouth of this straight, to which on the other side of this narrow Sea in the Kingdom of Norway, another Castle is opposite, called Elsburg, which two are the keepers of this Straight, that no Ship can pass in, or come out of the Baltick Sea without their leave; and consequently without due payment of this Imposition. On the South side of Cronburg Castle is the largest Road for Ships, toward the Baltick Sea, where the King is said to have his lodgings, which cannot choose but be a delectable prospect to all men, but especially to him: for Ships go in and out here by Fleets of a hundred, and he is certain, that none do pass either way but according to their burthen and loading, adds somewhat to his treasury. The Haven is able to contain a great Fleet, for it hath Cronburg Castle on the North side, the Castle of Elsburg on the East side, and Seeland, the chief Island of the Kingdom on the West side, and the Island Fimeria or Whern on the South side, in which I noted before, that Tycho Brahe, the samous Mathematician, had his residence. The Danes conceive this Island to be of such importance, as they have a Fable. That Henry the seventh of England offered for the possession of it, as much Scarlet Cloth as would cover the same, with a Rose Noble at the corner of each cloth. If any such offer were made, doubtless the wildom and judgment of that Prince, knew how to make that Island being fortified, peradventure to return him his charges again with good Interest; but it is not credible, by reason that it cannot benefit a foreign Prince, whole Territories heth out of the Sound, by which he must needs enter, those before mentioned Castles commanding the entrance, though it might prove more beneficial to some Prince bordering upon the Baltick Seas, and to whom the Sea is open for passage.

1700. The merchants map of commerce by Roberts, Lewes. CHAP. CCXIII. Weights in general of Denmark reduced to that of London.

Now for the Weights of this Kingdom, they are found to differ in many places; so many as have come to my hand, I have reduced to the suttle hundred of London, which suttle hundred is found to produce in these Cities of Traffick and some others adjoyning,

	l.
Aldar	87
Copping ham	92
Cracou	119
Dantzick	116
Hamburg	92
Wilde	116
Elsinour	92
Lubeck	92
Melvin	120
Revel	116
Rhiga	116
Stacar	108
Stralsont	88
Bergen Norway	92

Where it is to be noted, that generally in Copenhagen, and in most parts of Denmark, they hare a great and small hundred, one of 112 pound to the hundred, and another of 120 pound to the hundred, accounted twelve stone of ten pound to the stone: Also they have a Skip-pound, 32 stone of ten pound the stone, or 20 Lispound of 16 mark pound is a Skip-pound, and 20 times 16 pound is 320 pound,

1700. The merchants map of commerce by Roberts, Lewes. CHAP. CCXIV. Measures in general of Denmark reduced to London.

As I have done with their Weights, so I will proceed with their Measures, reducing then to the hundred yards English, and makes in

	Ells.
Arsnis	166⅔.
Breme	162½.
Breslow for cloth	148
Ditto for Silks	160
Connixborough	166
Lubeck	160
Munster	80
Ockermond	141½.
Revel	166
Rhostick	158⅓.
Wismar	157¾.
Dantzick	162½.
Doinin	163
Embden	163
Gripswould	163
Hamburg	163
Melvin	162
Narva	166
Ossenbrighs	84
Rhiga	166
Statin	141½.

And thus much shall serve to have said for the Measures of this Country, whereto I have added the Measures of some other the adjoyning eminent Cities of Trade and Commerce.

1700. The merchants map of commerce by Roberts, Lewes. CHAP. CCXV. Of the Trade in general of Denmark.

To conclude, the Trade of Denmark driven by the Inhabitants, is not great, their Country partly not affording Commodities for Merchandize; and their Seas, I mean principally the Baltick, not being for many Months in the year navigable for Frost. The Inhabitants are frugal in Food and Apparel, and therefore not much addicted either to Silks or Spices, and the great Traffick and Concourse of other Nations through the Sound, that furnisheth them with all Necessaries, makes the Inhabitants less desirous to sail abroad to fetch the same at the first hand. Stock-fish, and other Salted Fish they send into forein Countries, and so also they do their Oxen and Cattel in great Quantity, besides the Commodities which the Country doth naturally afford, mentioned in the former part of this Country's Description; neither have I heard any great fame of their Navigations or Mariners which principally sail Northward, and little to the Southward, tho otherwise it is conceived that next to the English their Vessels are the strongest built to indure the Blasts of the colder Climates, and the Scorchings of the warmer Regions; yet of late days I have understood they have undertaken some new Discoveries and Trade to the East-Indies, which they have since fully performed, to the great Encouragement of such as shall follow them.