Asia

Sources from old books

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

ASIA succeeds Africke in my division. This name was allotted it from the Nymph Asia (as Varro witnesseth) of whom and Iapetus Prometheus was borne: Others say it was so called either of Asius the sonne of Atys, or from Asius the Philosopher, who gave the Palladium of Troy to the custodie of the Citie, for which, that they might gratifie him, his whole dominions (which before was called Epirus) they called Asia. And from hence afterward, as from the more noble part, all the whole tract of Land began to bee called Asia. Moreover, as Lybia doth both signifie a third part of the World, and a part of this part: So it is observed, that Asia doth signifie both the whole Continent, and that part which is hem'd in with the Mountaine Taurus, wherein doe dwell the Lydians, the Carians, the Lycaonians, Paphlagonians, Ionians, Aeolians, and others; which part, for distinction sake, is commonly called Asia the Lesse: the Turkes call it Natolia. There is saith Varro, Lib. 4. an Asia which is distinguisht from Europe, in which is Syria: and there is an Asia which is called the former part of Asia, in which is Ionia, and our Province. But all Asia is called in the Holy Scriptures Semia. It is almost wholly situated in the Northerne part of the World from the Aequinoctiall Circle, to the 80^th degree of Northerne Latitude, except some Ilands pertaining to Asia, some whereof are stretched out beyond the Aequator Southward. Hence arises a great difference through all Asia, in the length of the artificiall dayes. For in the last Parallel, which is drawne not farre from the Aequinoctiall, the longest day is almost twelve houres. About the middle of Asia, the longest day is fifteene houres, and in the most Northerne Parallel their light continually endureth almost for foure whole Moneths in Summer. According to the Longitude, Asia is stretched forth from the Meridian of 52. degrees, even to the Meridian of 196. according to some: but if we follow the description of Mercator, the most Westerne Meridian thereof passeth through the 57^th degree neare to the furthest Westerne part of Asia the Lesse; and the most Easterne Meridian through the 178^th degree. On the North it hath the Scythian Sea, on the South the Indian, on the East the Easterne Sea, on the West the Bay of Arabia, or the red Sea; the Mediterranean and Euxine Seas. And as in the higher part it cleaveth to Europe, so in the Southerne part it is joyned to Africke by an Isthmus: yet Pliny and Strabo with some others doe stretch out Asia even to Nilus, and doe reckon all Egypt to Asia. In Asia the face of the skie is both pleasant and wholesome, the Aire milde and temperate. Yet all Asia doth not feele this temperatenesse: for the right hand and left hand parts thereof are exceeding hot and cold. The pleasantnesse of this Country is so great, that it became a Proverbe: All the Land is so renowned both for the fertilitie of the fields, the varietie of fruits, and large pasturing of cattell, and for the abundant plenty of those things which are exported, that it doth easily excell all other Countries. Here is wonderfull plenty of Fruits, Spices, and Mettalls. Hence we receive Balsam, sweet Canes, Frankincense, Myrrhe, Cassia, Cinnamon, Gariophylus, Pepper, Saffron, sweet Woods, Rozine, Muske, and all kinde of precious stones. Here we may behold many different sorts of living Creatures. For it bringeth forth a number of Elephants, Camells, and many other living Creatures both tame and wilde: we may here also admire the wits, riches, and power of the Inhabitants. Here Man was first created by God; here was the first Seat of the Church of God; here Artes were first invented; here were Lawes first made; here the Doctrine of the Gospell first granted to miserable mortall men, with the hope of Salvation through Jesus Christ the Sonne of God. Here the confusion of Languages was sent downe amongst men, in the destruction of the Tower of Babel. Here first Dominion over inferiours began. Here Nimrod began to raigne, of whom we reade in Genesis. But the first Monarchs of the whole Country of Asia were the Assyrians, the last whereof was Sardanapalus, a man given to wantonnesse, and effeminate softnesse, who being found by Arbactus amongst a crew of whores, and not long after being overcome by him in battaile, hee made a great fire, and cast himselfe and his riches thereinto. Afterward the Empire came to the Persians: Among whom Xerxes the sonne of Darius did maintaine a warre, begun by his father, five yeares against Greece, and he brought out of Asia into Europe an army of ten hundred thousand men, and passed them over a bridge which he built over Hellespont: he came also accompanied with ten hundred thousand ships, but with a vaine endeavour; for he that durst threaten God, insult over the Sea, put fetters upon Neptune, darken the Heavens, levell Mountains, and shake the whole World, was faine, his army being put to flight, to passe over the narrow Sea in a fisher-boate, the Bridge being broken by the tempests of Winter. Darius was the last Persian Emperour, whose being conquered & overcome by Alexander, made way to the Monarchie of the Macedonians, for Alexander did first translate it out of Asia into Europe. All Asia, according to the severall government thereof, may thus be divided. The first part is under the Turkes command, the originall whereof is from Mahomet, and is a large Territory. The Duke of Moscovia doth possesse a second part, enclosed with the frozen Sea, the River Oby, the Lake Kitaia, and a Line drawne thence to the Caspian Sea, and to the Isthmus which is betweene this Sea and Pontus. The Great Cham Emperour of Tartarie doth possesse the third part, whose borders on the South are, the Caspian Sea, the River Iaxartes, and the Mountaine Imaus; on the East and North the Ocean: on the West the Kingdome of Moscovia. The King of Persia, called the Sophie, hath the fourth. This hath on the West side the Turke; on the North the Tartarian, on the South it is washed with the Red Sea, but on the East with the River Indus. The fift part doth containe India, both on this side and beyond Ganges; which is not governed by one alone, but by many Rulers, for every Country thereof hath almost a severall Prince, some whereof are tributarie to the great Cham. The sixt part contayneth the large Kingdome of China. The seaventh containeth all the Islands scattered up and downe in the Indian and Easterne Sea. Among which are Tabrobana and Zetlan, the two Iava found out not long since by the Portugalls, Borneo, Celebes, Palohan, Mindanao, Gilolo, with the spice bearing Moluccoes, also Iapan, with Nova Guinea lastly found out; concerning which it is not yet known whether it be an Island, or joyned to the Southern Continent. But the Ancients, as Strabo and Arrianus, have made many divisions of it. Ptolomie doth divide it into 47. Countries and Provinces, the description whereof hee delivers in his fift, sixt, and seaventh Bookes of Geographic, and doth set them forth in twelve Tables. It hath three Cities famous through the whole World, Babylon, Ninivie, and Ierusalem. It hath great Lakes full of fish, and the Caspian Sea in manner of a Lake, which never commeth to the Ocean. Also many Rivers, among which the chiefest are Tigris, Euphrates, which Moses mentioneth in Genesis, Iordane, Indus, Ganges, &c. Here are also great and wonderfull Mountaines, among which is the Mountaine Taurus, which comming from the Easterne shoare, divides all Asia; on the right hand where it first riseth from the Indian Sea, it beareth Northwards: on the left hand, it is Southerne and bending toward the West, untill the Seas meet with it: as here the Phaenician, & the Ponticke. There the Caspian and Hyrcanian Seas, together with the Meoticke Lake; as if Nature on purpose had opposed it: But though this Mountaine bee shut as it were betweene these bounds, yet with many windings it runneth forth even as far as the neighbouring Cliffs of the Rhiphaean Mountains, being famous wheresoever it goeth; and knowne by many new names. At first it is called Imaus, and by and by Emodus, Paropanisius, Circius, Chambades, Pharphariades, Croates, Oreges, Oroandes, Niphates, and Taurus: where it doth as it were exceed it selfe Caucasus, where it spreadeth its armes as if it would embrace the Sea, Sarpedon, Coracesius, and Cragus, and againe Taurus. But where it openeth it selfe, it taketh its name from the Havens, which are sometimes called the Armenian, elsewhere the Caspian, and Cilician. The bredth of it in most places is three thousand furlongs, which is 5625. Italian miles: that is, from the Coast of Rhodes, even to the farthest bounds of China and Tartaria. But of these things enough. I passe now to the publicke workes, which have beene heretofore very stately and magnificent, and worthy to bee numbred among the seaven Miracles of the World. Amongst them the first were the walls of Babylon, which Semiramis built, or at least did repaire being ruinate, with brickes joyned and laid in a pitchy kind of mortar, they were two hundred foot high and fiftie broade, so that Chariots might meet thereon; they had three hundred Towers, and should have had more, but that in some parts the Marshes were insteed of walls. It is reported that for this so great a worke three hundred thousand workemen were employed. Herodotus reporteth, that the walls of Babylon were fiftie royall cubits thicke, and two hundred high, and round about there were placed in them a hundred brazen Gates. The second was the Temple of Diana of Ephesus, which was built by all Asia in two hundred and twenty yeares, as Histories doe testifie: And it was seated in a Moorish place, least it should be endangered by Earthquakes; And least they should place the foundation of so great a building upon unfirme ground, they strewed it over with coales trodden downe, and on it they laid fleeces of wooll. The length of the Temple was 425. feet, the breadth 220. The Pillars in it were an hundred and seaven and twenty, all made by severall Kings, of which 36. were carved: Ctesiphon was the overseer of the worke. There was also a Monument which Artemesia Queene of Caria did erect in memory of her deceased husband, which is to bee counted among the wonders of the World; it being 25. Cubits high, and compassed about with thirty Pillars: it was sixe and thirty foote wide Northward and Southward. Lastly, there was that magnificent Temple, which Salomon began to build in the fourth yeare of his raigne, not unfit to be reckoned with the seaven wonders of the World. First of all, thirty thousand men were set to cut trees, as Cedars and Cypresse in Lebanon: and there were fourescore thousand stone-cutters. The bredth of the Temple was twenty Cubits, the length sixtie, and the height an hundred and twenty. The matter of the nethermost building was of white stone: the largenesse of the Porch was ten Cubits, there were twenty secret chambers, passing one into another, and others placed under these. The beames were of Cedar, the roofes of Cedar guilded over, and the walls in like manner: The Sanctuary of the Holy place was distinguished from the body of the Temple with a wall, in which were carved gates, with drawing Curtaines enterwoven with many flowers and winding borders: besides two Cherubins of pure gold, the pavement under foot was beset with studdes of gold: the gates were twenty Cubits in height, and twelve in compasse. There was a brazen vessell of so great a bignesse, that it was fitly called the Sea; round about which stood twelve Calves, three together, and looking severally toward the foure corners of the World. This vessell did hold three thousand measures containing 72. Sextaries. There were also other figures, which it would be too long to rehearse. There was a brazen Altar of ten foot height, & double as much in length. Also one golden Table, and ten thousand golden Pots and Dishes, &c. But let these things suffice which have beene spoken of this part of the Word: I come now to America the fourth part of the World.

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

Of ASIA, and the Provinces thereof.

ASIA, The third division of the World, is separated from EVROPE by the Egean Propontis, and Euxine Sea, by Paulus Maeotis, Tanais, Duina, and from AFRICA by the red Sea, and the Egyptian •…stmus, as I remembred in the beginning of this Worke. Five notable things have made this Countrey famous, and have giuen it the garland of supremacie over all the other parts of the World. First, the Creation of Mankind: Secondly, the Birth of our Savi•…ur; his Miracles wrought, and place of his sufferance: Thirdly, the Actions memorized by the holy Pen-men of the Old and New Testament: Fourthly, the famous Monarchies of the Babylonians, Assirians, Persians, and Medes: And fifthly, being the common Mother of us all, from whence innumerable troupes of men issued to people the other parts of the unhabited World, of which see other Authors further at large.

The principall Regions of ASIA, are

• 1. Anatolia.
• 2. Syria.
• 3. Palestina.
• 4. Armenia.
• 5. Arabia.
• 6. Media.
• 7. Assiria.
• 8. Mesopotamia.
• 9. Chaldea.
• 10. Persia.
• 11. Parthia.
• 12. Tartaria.
• 13. China.
• 14. India.
• 15. The Ilands thereof.

And of these in briefe according to my first intention.

Of the Trade in generall of ASIA, as it is found at this day.

TO conclude then the Trade and Traffique of ASIA in generall; it is comprehended within a few principall Cities thereof: as first, in the Grand Signiors Dominions in Aleppo, Smyrna, Constantinople, Alexandria, Balsara, and Baruti, and Damasco: in Persia Dominions, in Sciras, Ormus, Casbin, Gilan, and Hispahan: and in India and these Coasts, at Goa, Mallacca, Siam, Pegu, Cochin, Calicut, Mesulapatan, and the Ilands of Iava, Iapan, Sumatra, Moluccos: in Tartaria, in Astracan, Capha, Sarmacand, and Cambalu, &c. The Turkish Nation affoords not many Merchants of note; yet some are found that from Constantinople doe drive a Trade by Sea to Venice, Cairo, Trapesond, Capha, and some few other places; and some againe that with Caravans by land drive a Trade from Aleppo, Damasco, and Aegypt, to the Red Sea, and to Mecha; but these I may more properly account Arabians then naturall Turkes, who in generall have beene esteemed in times past, and yet are more industrious and better vers'd in all manuall Arts, then in the mystery of Merchandizing; but now they have well neere lost that attribute, and wholly addict themselves by reason of their grand Signiors tyranny, to no further trade then what necessitie doth for the most part compell them, therefore not much worth here further consideration.

But those severall Nations inhabiting the large Coast of India, Persia, and these abovementioned Ilands, are found to bee more addicted thereto and of greater eminencie, and are found by their traffique and commerce to have raised to themselves Estates in these Countries equall to many of our European Dukes & greatest Earls,

wherof the Gusurets and Canarins, the frugall and proper inhabitants of India, are accounted the chiefest & principall, occasioned partly by their excellent subtilty in accounts and numbring, and partly by the late navigations and commerce of the Europeans, Arabians, and other remoter Nations amongst them, who bring them (for the most part) no other commoditie but plate and silver in Rials of 〈◊〉 which they there exchange for the rich commodities of India, as their Cloves, Maces, Nutmegs, Pepper, Diamonds, Emeralds, Rubies, Pearles, and such other, the precious Wares of these Countries.

The Persian Nation challenge also a large share in this Trade of ASIA, occasioned by their excellent and industrious fabriques, and their naturall plentie of raw silkes, which from them is aboundantly transported and spread over all the World, and their sumptuous adorning and curiositie of living, drawing to them by exchange, the riches and commodities of India and China and other places.

The Arabians, (as possessing a great part of ASIA) may not heere bee omitted, amongst which are found many eminent Merchants, not onely trading by Camels with Caravans from Turkey into Aegypt and other places, and into the Red Sea, but also from Aleppo to Babylon, Balsara, and so to the Persian gulph; and also by Sea, not onely on the Coast of Sindy, India, Cormandell, Siam, Pegu, and the Ilands aforesaid, where many Mahumetane Princes are found to beare rule; but also at Suachem, Melinda, Brava, and Quiloa, and many other parts and Ports of Africa

Neither amongst all these above-mentioned Nations, which are found in the generall to afford Merchants of eminencie and note, and to have a Countrey for a particular residence to themselves, and where their Princes doe beare Soveraignty, are the Nation of the Iewes to bee omitted or forgotten, who (though by the curse of the Almightie) are scattered and dispersed as it were over the face of the whole earth, and are permitted (with some limitations and restrictions) their abode in severall Countries, paying for their libertie, and freedome of residence and commerce, both great and large annuall contributions in sundry places; yet by their ingeniousnes in Trade, and their expertnes in Arts, and their subtilty in the valuation of Princes coines, and their skill in Accompts, they are found in all these afore-named Countries to bee both eminent and rich Merchants, trading as well by Land as by Sea through all these afore-named Countries, and by their craft and Art, raising to themselves eminence and great Estates thereby.

I should heere give a share of this ASIAN Trade to the Chinois, Tartarians, and other great Nations: but my ignorance herein doth silence me.

Therefore it shall content mee to have surveyed it in the generall, and to have left behind mee what observations I have beene able to collect of the Traffique, and Traders of those vast and large Territories and Countries, knowing that their strange Customes, and the manner of their Lawes and Government debarres all easie accesse into their Dominions, and what others must not dare to see, I must not dare to offer to recount.

To conclude then, having thus run over and surveyed the generall Commerce and Traffique of ASIA, I will now turne my selfe towards EVROPE, the last division of the World, and of this Worke, and as the best knowne to us, and the best reputed of Us.

1682. Cosmography and geography in two parts by Richard Blome

ASIA, as it is divided into

• Firm Land; whereof the principal Parts are,
  • TURKEY in ASIA, which comprehendeth the parts and chief places of
    • Anatolia,
      • Smyrna,
      • Ephesus,
      • Lampsaco.
      • Bursa,
      • Scutari,
      • Tripoli.
    • Sourie,
      • Aleppo,
      • Tripoli,
      • Damascus,
      • Sayd.
    • Diarbeck,
      • Caraemit,
      • Achanchive,
      • Samosat.
    • Turcomanie,
      • Erzerum,
      • Cars,
      • Majaferequin.
  • GEORGIE; which comprehendeth the parts and chief places of
    • Mingrelie,
      • Fazze,
      • Savatopoli.
    • Gurgistan, — Cori.
    • Zulrie,
      • Chipeche,
      • Stranu.
    • Little Turcomanie, — Derbent.
  • ARABIA; with its parts and chief places of
    • Arabia the Stony,
      • Busseret,
      • Moab.
    • Arabia the Desert, — Anna.
    • Arabia the Happy,
      • Medina,
      • Mecca,
      • Aden.
  • PERSIA; with its chief Provinces and places of
    • Servan, — Tauris.
    • Gilan, — Gilan.
    • Gorgian, — Gorgian,
    • Churdistan, — Choy.
    • Ayrack,
      • Hispahan,
      • Casbin.
    • Chorazan, — Kayen.
    • Chusistan, — Souster.
    • Fars, — Chiraef.
    • Kherman, — Giroft.
    • Sablestan, — Zarani.
  • INDIA, as it is divided into the
    • Empire of the GREAT MOGOL; wherein are comprehended divers Kingdoms, the chief of which are
      • Attock, — Attock.
      • Calul, — Cabul.
      • Lahor, — Lahor.
      • Delly, — Delly.
      • Agra, — Agra.
      • Malway, — Rantipore.
      • Guzurate, or Cambaya,
        • Surat,
        • Cambava.
      • Bengala, — Bengala.
      • Decan, — Goa.
    • Peninsula of INDIA without the Ganges, with its several Kingdoms, &c. the chief of which are,
      • Golconda, — Golconda.
      • Bisnagar,
        • Bisnagar,
        • Harsingue:
      • Malabar, — Calicut.
    • Peninsula of INDIA within the Ganges; with its Kingdoms and chief places of
      • Pegu,
        • Pegu,
        • Boldia.
      • Siam, — Banckock.
      • Malacca, — Malacca.
      • Cochinchina, — Pulocacein.
      • Tunquin, — Keccio.
  • CHINA; with its chief Provinces and Cities of
    • Pequin, — Pequin.
    • Nanquin, — Nanquin.
    • Scianton, — Xanton.
    • Quicheo, — Quicheo.
    • Canton, — Canton.
    • Chequian, — Chequian.
  • TARTARIA; with its five Parts, and chief places of
    • Tartaria Deserta, — Cumbalich.
    • Usbeck, — Jarcham.
    • Turchestan, — Chialis.
    • Cathay, — Cambalu.
    • True Tartaria, — Tartan.
• ISLES, to wit,
  • In the Ocean; as the
    • Isles of JAPON; as
      • Niphon, — Meaco.
      • Xicoco, — Sanuqui.
      • Ximo, — Bungo,
    • PHILLIPPINE Isles; as
      • Luson, — Luson.
      • Mindanao, — Mindanao.
    • Isles of MOLUCCO'S; as
      • Molucques, — Gamma.
      • Celebes, — Celebes.
      • Gilolo, — Gilolo.
    • Isles of SONDE; as
      • Sumatra,
        • Achem,
        • Aru.
      • Borneo, — Borneo.
      • Java,
        • Bantar•,
        • Jacatra.
    • Isles of LARRONS, or THEVES, — Deserte.
    • Isles of CEVLAN, — Colombo.
    • Isles of the MALDIVES, — Tilla don Matis.
  • In the Mediterranean Sea; as
    • In the LEVANT Sea; as
      • Cvprus, — Famagouste.
      • Rhodes, — Rhodes.
      • Scarpanto, — Scarpanto.
    • In the ARCHIPELAGO; as
      • Scio, — Scio.
      • Tenedo, — Metelin.
      • Samo, — Samo.
      • Nicaria, — Nicaria.
      • Lango, — Lango.
      • Stampalia, — Stampalia.

ASIA is one of the Tripartite division of our Continent; and if we consider the advantages which the Author of Nature hath given it, if the Actions which have passed in it both before and after the Flood; that the first Monarchies, and all Religions have here had their beginnings; that the chief Mysteries (both of the Old and New Law) have there been laid open; we may be induced to prefer in before all other parts, either of the one or other Continent.

And as of the two Continents ours is much the greater, the more noble, and most considerable; so is Asia among the three parts of our Continent, the Greatest, the most Oriental, the most Temperate, and the Richest.

Its Extent from West to East is from the 55th Meridian or degree of Longitude unto the 180, containing 125 degrees of Longitude, which are about 2500 of our common Leagues; and from South to North from the Equator to the 72 Parallel or degree of Latitude, which is 72 degrees of Latitude, and makes about 1800 of our Leagues. In this length and breadth we do not comprehend the Islands which belong to Asia, which are as great, as rich, and possibly as numerous, as all the rest of the Universe.

Its Scituation, for the most part, is between the Circular Tropick of Cancer, and the Circle of the Artick Pole scarce extending it self beyond this, but surpassing the other in divers of its Isles, which it expands under the Equator: so that almost all Asia is scituate in the Temperate Zone; what it hath under the Torrid, being either Peninsula's or Isles, which the Waters and Sea may easily refresh.

ASIA being the greatest, the best, and most temperate part of our Continent, it must by consequence be the richest; which not only appears in the goodness and excellencies of its Grains, Vines, Fruits, Herbs, &c. but likewise in its great quantities of Gold, Silver, Precious Stones, Spices, Drugs, and other Commodities and Rarities, which it sends forth and communicates to other parts, and particularly to Europe.

Amongst the three divisions of our Continent, Asia is that which hath the fairest advantage for its greatness, and for its scituation; being that Country which saw the Creation of the first Man, the making of the first Woman; which fed the first Patriarks, gave a place to the Terrestrial Paradise; that which received the Ark of Noah after the Flood; which was the Portion of Sem, the eldest Son of Noah, which built the Tower of Babel, which furnished the rest of the World with Inhabitants; which established the Monarchies of the Assyrians, Medes, Babylonians, and Persians; which formed the Arts and Sciences, Letters and Laws; which first and after the Law of Nature received Paganism, Judaism, Christianity, and Mahumetanism; which saw the Birth, Life, Death, and Resurrection of the Saviour of the World: And therefore for all these Reasons we ought to esteem Asia much above either Africa or Europe. But let us proceed to its Name, Bounds, and Divisions.

The Name of ASIA is derived diversly by sundry Authors, but whether it took its name from a Virgin-Woman, or a Philosopher; whether from some City, Country, or Marish, or from whatever it were, most certain it is, that that Name was first known to the Greeks, on that Coast opposite to them towards the East; afterwards it was given to that Region which extends to the Euphrates, and which is called Asia Minor, and was communicated to all the most Oriental Regions of our Continent.

Its Bounds are towards the North, with the Northern frozen, or Scythian Ocean, to wit, that which washes Tartary; on the East and South with the Oriental or Indian Ocean, the Parts of which are the Seas of China, India, and Arabia. Towards the West, Asia is separated from Africa by the Red-Sea, from the Streight of Babel-Mandel unto the Isthmus of Suez; and from Europe, by the Archipelago, by the Sea of Marmora, and by the Black-Sea; drawing a Line cross all these Seas, and passing by the Streight of Galipoli, or the Dardanelles; by the Streight of Constantinople, or Chanel of the Black-Sea, by the Streight of Caffa or Vospero; the Line continuing by the Sea of Zabaque, and by the Rivers of Don or Tana, of Volga and of Oby, where they are joyned the nearest one to another.

Asia may be divided into firm Land, and Islands; the firm Land comprehends the Kingdoms of Turkey in Asia, Arahia, Persia, India, China, and Tartary: We will follow this order, and then end with the Isles.

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

This part of the World, which is called the Levant, by reason of its scituation on the East of Europe, and of Africa, is the greatest of the three, which compose our Continent. Its Length from the West to the East, is full two thousand, five hundred French Leagues from the Western parts of Natolia, to the most Eastern parts of China. If we include herein the Territories of Tartary, as far as the Channel of Piecko, and the Streight of Ʋries, which separate it from the Land of Jesso, this length would contain above thirty Degrees of Longitude more. The Breadth of Asia, without comprehending therein the Islands, is seventy two Degrees, which make above eighteen hundred of the forementioned Leagues, and all this in the Northern Temperate Zone, except some Peninsula's, which are in the Torrid Zone.

Several do believe that the Terrestrial Paradice was in Asia, and so that Adam was Created there. Asia was the Lot of Sem, the Eldest of Noah's Sons. God has wrought herein the principal Mysteries of the ancient and new Law, and therein Jesus Christ was born. 'Twas in Asia, that Man did first breath. From Asia came the Customs, Religions, Manners, Laws, and Learning, which after the Universal Deluge, spread themselves into other parts of the Earth. Asia is famous for the Monarchies of the Assyrians, Medes, Babylonians, Persians, and Califfs; for the Phoenician People, who first taught the Greeks, and other Nations, a good part of the Arts and Sciences.

The four principal Religions are followed there: The Jewish, the Mahometan, and Idolatrous, more than the Christian: Idolatry began there among the Assyrians; Judaism amongst the Hebrews; Christianity in the Holy Land; and Mahometism in Arabia.

Several Missions have been established there by Christian Princes, those of Turkey, under the Protection of France; those of the Indies, under the Protection of Portugal; those of the Philippines, under the Protection of Castile. There are four Archbishopricks, and seven Bishopricks, in the East-Indies, where likewise the Jesuits have three Provinces, that of Goa, that of Malabar, and that of Japan. Since the Peace of the Year 1659, France sent thither the Bishops of Heliopolis, Metellopolis, Berite, and Caesarea, with design of setling Christianity, and of carrying it as far as into China. They have made considerable progresses, notwithstanding the impositions of the Spaniards, who would have impos'd on the Bishop of Heliopolis, Intreagues of affairs of State, and made him take a turn round the World without his desiring it. Mahometism is receiv'd by the four principal Nations of Asia, by the Turks, Arabians, Persians, and Tartars. The Turks in matters of Religion, are the freest, the Arabians, the most superstitious, the Persians, the most rational, and the Tartars, the most simple. Some make up the number of seventy two Sects of them, which are commonly reduced to two, to that of the Turks, following the Doctrin of Homar, and to that of the Persians, according to the Doctrin of Hali. These last have their Patriarch at Ispahan; the Turks have theirs at Bagdad. The Greeks have theirs, who bear the names of Antioch, and Jerusalem. There be still other Schismaticks, Jacobites, who have their Patriarch at Caramit; Nestorians, Cophites, Georgiens; Syrians, who bear the name of their Chief, and not of Syria; And Armenians. These last have two Patriarcks, the one at Nassivan in Media, the other at Ciz in Cilicia. The Maronites have theirs at Canobin in Mount Libanus. The Papists boast of having brought over several to their Church, within a few years past.

Asia towards the West, is separated from Africa, by the Red Sea, and by the Isthmus of Sues: It is divided from Europe, by several Seas, and Streights, which I shall enumerate in the Article upon Europe. Towards the other Regions of the World, Asia is environ'd with the Ocean, known under the Name of Tartary, towards the North; under that of China, towards the East; and under that of the Indies, towards the South. Some have endeavoured to persuade us, that the Hollanders have of late traded into Japan, by the Sea of Tartary; if this be true, those people keep that Voyage very secret, and are much afraid that other Nations should have any knowledge thereof. The principal Seas within the Inland Country, are the Caspian, which now receives other Names from the Provinces, and Cities which are near it. It has salt Waters, tho' it has the Fish of Fresh Waters: This made the Ancients believe, in that it communicated with the Ocean, it may well communicate with some Sea, by the subterraneous Meatus: It receives several great Rivers, and nevertheless does not swell. The Sea El-Catif, is that of Persia. The Dead Sea is small in respect of others, yet it is famous by reason of the Holy Land, where it is; It has this name of the Dead Sea given it, because its Waters have no Motion.

The principal Rivers of Asia are, the Euphrates, Tigris, Indus, Ganges, Quiam, and Obi.

Caucasus, and Taurus, so celebrated by the Ancients, are the highest Mountains in this part of the World; The Inhabitants of the Country have them under other Names.

The Air, almost of all Asia, is found to be temperate. If we consider its Gold, Silver, precious Stones, Drugs, Spices, Silk, Stuffs; we must own, that it is the richest, as well as the most temperate, part of the World. The fishing for Pearls is in three principal places, at the Isle Baharem in the Persian Sea, the Island Manar upon the Coast of the Indus, and that of Ainan near China. Amongst the Products of Asia, they esteem the Diamonds of Golconda and Narsin•a, the Pepper and Ginger of Malabar, the Stuffs of Bengala, the Rubies and Lacca of Pegu, the Dainties and Knacks of China; the Cinnamon of Ceilan, the Gold of Sumatra, the Camphire of Borneo, the Cloves of the Molucco's, the Nutmegs of Banda, the Sanders of Timor.

Four of the seven Wonders of the World, were in Asia; the Temple of Diana at Ephesus, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, the Walls of Babylon, the Colossus at Rhodes; the Statue of Jupiter Olympicus, was in Europe, the Pharos, and the Pyramids, in Africa.

The Asiaticks have ever been a people addicted to pleasures, except some Tartars, who by their incursions incommode their Neighbours continually; they love fish more than flesh, wherefore Priests, in their Fasts and Lents, eat only flesh.

Asia is under the Dominion of Potent Monarchs, who can easily bring great Armies on foot; of whom those of the Turks are the best Disciplin'd. The most considerable of those Sovereigns, are the Grand Segnior, who resides in Europe; the King of Persia; the Great Cham of Tartary, at present, King of China in part; and the great Mogul. Several other great Princes are in Georgia, Arabia, Tartary, in the Indies, and in most of the Islands. Divers people maintain their liberty in the Mountains. The principal place of the Conquests of Portugal, is Goa, that of the Hollandens, Jacatra, otherwise Batavia, in the Isle of Java. The English and the French, have their chief place of Traffick at Surat. The Spaniards possess the Philippine Islands, the Moscovites sway the best part of the Desart of Tartary, which commonly be attributed to Asia.

In the division of this part of the World, some Authors make it to be Inferior, and Exterior, in respect of Mount Taurus. By this same Mountain the Greeks have made it a Citerior, or Northorn, and Ʋlterior, or Southern in respect of them; we divide it into Terra-firma and Islands. The Countrys of the Terra, firma, are towards the West, the Asian Turky, Georgia, and Arabia; towards the middle Persia; towards the North Tartary; towards the East China; towards the South India, divided into Terra-firma, which is the Empire of the Mogul, and into two Peninsula's, the one on this, and the other on that, side the Ganges. The Islands are in the Eastern Sea, that is, that of the Indies, where are found to be the greatest Riches, and perhaps in greater number, than in all the rest of the Universe. These Islands are the Maldives, Ceilan, those of the Sound, and Japan, the Philippins, and the Moluccoes. There are some Islands of Asia in the Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus, Rhodes, and others in the Archipelago.

ASIA.

ASIA,* 3.1 In Scripture, called Semia, from Sem, bounded on the West with the Mediterranian, Aegean, the Helespont, Propontis, Thracian, Bospherus, and the Euxine Sea towards Europe; On the South with the Carpathian Sea, and the Southern Ocean towards Affrica; On the East with the Indian Sea, and Maredel-zur towards America; On the North with the main Scythick Ocean; all Sea-bound, except a narrow Istmus,

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in the South-west towards Affrica.† 3.2 Scituated E. and W. from 52 to the 169 degree of Longitude, N. S. to the 82 degree of Latitude to the Aequator, longest day, except in Northern parts, 12 hours, length 5200, breadth 4560 miles, famous for being the Scene of the Creation, Redemption, and first Monarchs of the World.

Here's Mount Taurus from Lycia to the Indian shore, 6240 long, and 357 broad, memorable for three difficult passages, first, Pylae Ciliciae; secondly, Caucatiae; thirdly, Portae Caspiae. 2. Imaus crossing Taurus 36 Monarchies, those Mountains of power; 1 the Turkish, 2 the Persian, 3 the Cham of Tartary, 4 the Chinois, 5 the King of Barma, 6 the Great Mogor: and 4 Religions, Christianity improved much lately by Trade, Judaisme, Paganisme, and Mahumetanisme.

I. Asia minor, a Peninsula, between 51 and 72 degrees of longitude, 36 and 45 of Latitude, 630 miles long from the Helespont, to Euphrates, and 260 broad from Sinus Issicus to Trapezond; healthful and fruitful between the middle parallel of the 4^h clime, and the middle parallel of the 6^th, as good for Horses, according to the Turkish Proverb, as Europe is for horsemen. Here's 1. Pontus, where are 1 the mid-land towns, Claudiopolis, Flaviopolis, Juliopolis, called so from the Roman Emperours that built them. 2. the Sea-towns, as 1 Heraclea Ponti, the seat and residence of an Emperour formerly, and now a place of good Trade. 2 Diospolis on the Euxine Sea. 3 Amastris. 4 Sinope on a Promontory shooting into the Main. 5 Castamona. 6 Favagoria. 7 Amasia, where the Grandsigniour's Eldest Son is kept alwayes as soon as circumcised till his Fathers death. 8 Diopolis, where Mithredates escaped Lucullus, by strewing treasure in his way. 9 Polemonium. 10 Hermanassa. 11* 3.3 Nixana. 12 Sebastia; hereabouts were the war-like Amazons, that had no† 3.4 Males among them; going to their Neighbour Nations once in three years for copulation, and if they brought forth Males, they sent them

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to their Fathers, if Females they kept them. 13 Cerasus, whence Cherries were brought to Rome A. V. C. 680. 14 Ischopolis. 15. Trapezond on the Euxine Sea, a famous Empory for Salt-fish, an adjoyning Mountain affording a black stone, that when beaten serves for salt; and for being the station of the Turkish Gallies, that are to clear the black Sea.

II. Fruitful Bythinia, Eastward of Pontus, Westward and Northward the Euxine Sea, & Phrygiaminor, whererein 1 Scutori well Garrisoned, and Orcharded with Maiden tower over against the Haven of Constantinople. 2 Nicomedia much frequented for its fresh springs, & pleasant plains. 3 Prusa or Brussa, the Turk's Imperial Seat before Adrianople, and now their Sepulture large and wealthy. 4 Poor Caleedon, where Constantine intended to build his Seat, but that Eagles carried the workmens lines to Bizantium, and where was the 4^th General Council, consisting of 530 Bishops against Nestorius. 5 Nice, now Neichia, or Isnichs, famous for two Councils held therein; one famous A. 314 by Constantine, the other by* 3.5 Errene.

III. Galatia, or Chaunger, E. Cappadocia. N. Paphlagonia, S. Lycaonia famous for fruits and stones, especially the Amethyst, that keeps men from being drunk as long as they wear it; where people used to cast letters with the deceased into the fire, to be read in another world. Here 1 Ancyra famous for an old Synod, A. 299 and good Chamlets on the bankes of Surgarius. 2 Olenus. 3 Agrinana. 4 Tavium. 5 Androsin. 6 Phaborena. 7 Thorma. 8 Talach Bachora.

IV. Paphlagonia now called Rom, E. River Haly, and Cappadocia. N. Pontus, where there are such poor places, as Gangra where Concilium Ganyrense 339. 2 Conrula. 3 Pempeiopolis. 4 Germanopolis. 5 Nouna. 6 Andrapa.

V. Phrygia the less E. Mysia. W. Hellespont. N. S. Propontis and the Aegean Sea: Here is, 1 the Ruines of Troy: 2 With its Port Sigaeum, and 3 the Sea town Lyrnessus, and Assus, Acts 20.13. where dead bodies are consumed in 40 dayes, and 4 strong Scamandria.

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VI. Mysia E. W. Phrygia the greater and less N. S. Bythinia Hellespont, Lydia and the Aegean, where besides the Mountain Olympus, and the Rivers Caicus, and 2 Granicus: 1 Pergamus on a goodly plain by the banks of Caicus, famous for, 1 a great Library, containing 20000 Volumes, whence Parchment called Pergamenum. 2 Tapestry. 3 Galens birth-place, who attained to 140 years of age, 1 By never eating or drinking his fill. 2 Nor any thing raw. 3 And by perfumes he carried about him. 4 And one of the 7 Churches in the Revelations. 2 Alydda. 3 Trojanopolis. 4 Praepemissus. 5 Protoselene. 6 Addramittium, Acts 27. 7 Dainta. 8 Scepsis vetus on the Aegean Sea. 9 Parium, and its Marble. 10 Priapus, the filthy Gods Lampsachus. 11 Cyzicus* 3.6 strong and beautiful in the Propontis:

Arce, Maenibus, portu, turribusque marmoreis illustris.

The stones of whose ruines, by an Earth-quake are carried daily to Constantinople. 12 Abydos on the Northwest of the Hellespont, over against Sestos, fortified with two Castles which defend Constantinople on that side from all force by Sea.

VII. Phrygia the greater, or Aidin-Ills, W. Mysia N. S. Pontus and Lydia E. Galatia; the Inhabitants famous for afterwit, whence serò sapiunt Phryges: and their* 3.7 Enthusiastick and fantastick musick, which (according to Tullies Mutatâ Musicâ mutantur mons) had a great influence upon their manners. And the Country fruitful by the Rivers. 1 Sangarius. 2 Marsias. The town 1 Mydeum from Mydas, who because he desired all should be turned to gold he touched, starved because his meat was so, 2 Colloss. vid. Epist. ad Col. 3 Pesinus. 4 Gordion, where the knot which Alexander cut with his sword was.

VIII. Armenia surrounded with Taurus, Mons Scordiscus, and Euphrates, and the black River Melas; with Arabyssus, where Chrysostome was banished by Eudoxia. Melitone, now Suur, famous for Wines and Oyls. 3 Strong Gornuc•, Nicopolis, and Oromundus.

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IX. Cappadocia, now called Amasia, E. S. both Armeniaes and Lycaonia, N. W. Galatia and the Sea; rich in wines fruits, mines of Silver, Iron, Brasse, Allum, besides Alabaster, Chrystal, Jasper, and the Onyx stone, and horses; the people wicked, whence tria* 3.8 Cappa cacista, and venomous poysoning their very Serpents.

The Towns, 1 Nyssa, whence Gr. Nyssenus. 2 Nazianzum, whence G. Naz. 3 Mazaca, St. Basils See. 4 Tyana. 5. Archelais. 6 Comana. 7 Diocaesarea. 8 Faustinopolis. 9 Andraca. 10 Salambria. 11 Erxirum the Rendezvouz of the Turks in their expeditions against the Persians. 12 Pterium on the River Iris, yielding yearly to the Turk and his Beglerbey of Anatolia 60000 Ducats.

X. Asia, properly so called, now Sarchan or Proconsula; Asia E. N. Lydia and Mysia S. W. Caria and the Aegean; where 1 Pitane on a River of that name, where they made bricks to swim. 2 Acarnea, where the Tyrant Hermias was baited in Oxes hide. 3 Elea, on the mouth of Caicus, Port to Pergamus. 4 Cene, or Canna. 5 Cuma, where Sybilla Cumaea. 6 Phocaea, called so from the Sea-calves, there called Phocae. 7 Myas* 3.9 destroyed by Flyes. 8 Erythra, whence Sybilla Erithaea. 9 Lebedos. 10 Clazomone of much esteem for good wines. 11 Prieno. 12 Ipsus. 13 Teos Anacreons birth-place. 14 Smyrna, a fair City on a Bay of the name, hanging over the Sea hill-wayes. One of the 7 Churches in the Revelations, and much traded to for Chamlets, Grograins, and such Stuffs, made at Ancyra, besides wines; here the English have a Consul. 15 Colophon, which put an end to any war that they were ingaged in, whence the phrase Colophonem addere:

Septem Ʋrbes certant de stirpe insignis homeri,Smyrna, Rhodos, Colophon, Salamis, Chios, Argos Athenae.

16 Ephesus, metropolis of Asia, one of the seven Churches, and memorable for Diana's Temple, 425 foot long, 220 broad, supported with 127 Marble Pillars 70 foot high. 200 years in building; 7 times fired,

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the last time by Herostratus, the night Alexander was born, Diana the Goddess of Mid-wifery being at his labour.

XI. Curia, N. E. Lycia, Lydia, and Ionia S. W. the Aegean and Carpathian Sea, where Auguty was first invented, and Astronomy* 3.10: Here besides the River Salmacis, that weakens those that drink it, is the City Miletus, Acts 20.10. Thales birth-place, Iren. l. 3. c. 14. 2 Mindus, that was in danger of running out of the Gates. 3 Heraclea ad latmum. 4 Borgillia. 5 Milasa. 6 Primassus, which Philip of Macedon took with a counterfeit mine. 7 Cnidus, famous for a Marble Image of Venus. 8 Cressa. 9 Halicarnassus where Mausolus his tomb, one of the seaven wonders of the World, built by his Wife, was Mart. Epig. 1.1.

XII. Lydia S. E. Phrygia M. and Coria N. W. Asia propriè dicta, and the greater Mysia; the first Inventors of Coyning, Pedling, Huckstering and Gaming were these people, who found out gaming to divert their hunger. The Hills, 1 Siphylus. 2 Tinolus covered with Vines and Saffron, on the Rivers, 1 Hermus. 2 Caystrus. 3 Pactolus and its golden sands. 4 Crooked Maeander, and inriched with Gold, Silver and Gems; the Cities, 1 Sardis, the taking of which by the Graecians so startled Xerxes, that he caused it to be said every day at his Table, (as it was every year in the Parliament of Paris about Calice) the Graecians have taken Sardis. 2 Philadelphia. 3 Thyatira. 4 Laodiceia. 5 Of the Asian Churches. 6 The 2 Maynesia's. 7 Alabanda, and 7* 3.11 Trall is on the Banks of Caistrus.

XIII. Lycia, environed on three sides, with the Mountain Taurus (and shut in on the 4^th with the Mediterranian) famous for that branch of Taurus, here called Chymaera; and 1 the City Mira, Acts 27.5. 2 Telmesus, and its Southsayers. 3 Pratius and its fair haven. 4 Phaselis with its Pyrates, and Brigantines. 5 Cragus, under a Mountain of the name. 6 Aenonda. 7 Corydilla. 8 Rhodia. 9 Solyma; all these now a Part of the Kingdome of Caramania.

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XIV. Lycaonia S. E. Armenia minor, and Pisidia N. W. Cappadocia, and Phrygia major; where is, 1 Iconium, now Coynri, scituated advantagiously in the Mountains for defence and safety. 2 Lystra, Acts 14.19, 20. 3 Derbe. 4 Laranda. 5 Adopistus. 6 Paralais. 7 Camara, and 8 Caratha.

XV. Pasidia N. Lycaonia, E. Armenia the less, W. Lycia, S. Pamphilia and Cilicia; where is 1 old Antioch, Acts 4. 2 Impenetrable Seleucia, and Termessus. 3 Fruitfull and pleasant Sagalassa, Selge, Cremna, and Lysinia.

XVI. Isauria E. S. Cilicia on both sides Taurus, plentifull in Vines and other rich products, about the River Calecadnus, where besides the ruined Isauria, is the rich and well-traded Seleucia, and Claudipolis.

XVII. Cilicia S. Mediterranian and Syria, rich in Soyl, and conveniently scituated on the Sea-coast for Trade; but meanly* 3.12 inhabited, and therefore yielding only Goats, Sheep, Butter and Cheese, with good Horses, where 600 are yearly called for the Grand-Seigniours Service, where (besides the Rivers thundering Pyramis now Malmistra. 2 Orymasdus. 3 Calycadnus. 4 Cold Cidnus, that cureth the Gout; and the impassable Streights, called Pylae Ciliciae) are the Cities, 1 Solae, where Pompey setled the Pyrates in an honest way of livelihood. 2 Tarsus, now Tersia and Hamsa, St. Pauls birth-place on the banks of Cydnus to this day strong and wealth. 3 Epiphania. 4 Mopsuestia. 5 Anchiala on the Sea side neer the Promontory Zephyrium. 6 unwalled, but well† 3.13 defended Adena, well known to the Travellers over* 3.14 Taurus, for its plentiful provision of Wine and Corn. 7 Famous Issus, now Aiazzo on the Bay called Golfo di Aaiazzo. 8 Unwholesom, Fenny, but commodiously seated, and traded Alexandria, now a few houses of straw and mud; the nearest Haven to the Bay of Aleppo, and called Scanderoon. 9 Nicopolis. 10 Amavarza. 11 Fair and large Heraclea. 12 Scandelow.

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XVIII. The Isles of Asia minor, from the mouth of the Hellespont to Rhodes; among which, 1 Penedos* 3.15 over against Sigeum, now Cape Janizarie, 10 miles round producing good Wine and Crab-fish, with a Town of the name;

Nunc tantum sinus & statio malesida Carinis.

2 Lesbos 168 miles round S. W. Barren. N. E. Level and fruitful, with excellent Corn, and delicious Wine, where is Lesbos. 2 Methymna. 3 Mytelene, Seated on a Peninsula, a commodious Haven on the North-side for Gallies, S. for other ships, well fortified by Art and Nature, with a strong Castle, and a well stored Arsenal. 4 Vasilica. 5 Theodori. 6 Castle-Gera. 3 Chios, over against the shore of Jonia 126 miles compass, the only place for Mastick, a gum cut out of the bark of the Lentisne tree in July and August, and gathered in September, yielding 18000 Sultanies yearly; besides, good for Corn, Oyl, Marble, some Silks, and Cotton wooll, short of those in Smyrna; Honey, and most delicious wines, with an infinite store of red tame Partridges; the inhabitants merry Greeks, and grave Genoese: the most eminent places here, 1 Pigrine. 2 St. Elias. 3 Chios now Sio, full of Oranges, Lemons, Pomegranates, Citrons, on a good Haven, secured by a Garrison,* 3.16 and watch-towers on the shore, and directed to by a Lanterne. 4 Samos S. E. Chios, 85 miles about, abounding with Oyl, and Olives, with a medicinal earth, called terra samia; store of timber, on a fair and capacious Haven, much infested with Pyrats. 5 Iscaria, now Niceria. W. Samos 37 miles round, neighboured by two dangerous rocks, abounding with Pasture and Corn: no Haven, but good Roads:

Icarus Icariis nomina fecit aquis.

6 Palmos.† 3.17 now Palmosa, fruitful in Wheat and Pulse, with a fair Haven. 7 Claros and Lexo, where abundance of Aloes and good harbours. 8 Coos, Cos, or Cous, a level in that part of the Aegean, called the Myrtcan-Sea, now Lange, famous for Tiffanies, Vinum Cos, Cypres-trees,

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Turpentine, and its sweet springs, 70 mile circuit; famous for Aesculapius his Temple, and Hippocrates his Birth. Carpathres S. Caria in the Mediterranian 60 miles compass, happy in its Marble and Ports, especially neer Scarpanto. 9 Rhodes over against Lycia 140 miles round, of a most temperate air, and most fruitfull and pleasant soyl, the Sun every day shining upon it; where is Lindum now Lindo a petty town; Rhodes on the East of the Isle, on the side of a hill near the Sea, with a safe and commodious Haven treble walled,* 3.18 fortified with 13 Turrets, and 5 strong Bull-works, besides sconces and outworks; Here was the Colosse 7 Cubits high, each finger as big as a man, 12 years in building, and one of the 7 Wonders, whence it was called Colossa.

XIX. Cyprus 550 miles round on the Cilician and Syrian Seas, from each main Land above 60 miles, having 10 Promontories, and having had 10 names, as famous for Cypresses as Rhodes is for Roses, under the 4^th Climate, hot, abounding with Wine, Oyl, Corn, Sugar, Cotton, Honey, Wool, Turpentine, Allom, Verdegreese, all sorts of Mettals, store of Salt, Grograins; besides Lycus and Lapithes small Torrents, and some springs running from Olympus,* 3.19 which is here 54 Italian miles round, loaded with Trees and Fruits of all sorts, where is ruined Paphos, now called new Paphos and Baffo, on the Sea side. 2 Arfino. 3 Trepano, a well seated, and traded port. 4 Connelia rich in Sugar, and Cotton-Wool. 5 Cithera. 6 Amathus. 7 Episcopio a considerable place neer the Promontory Curias. 8 Salines and its rich Salt-pits. 9 Strong Nicosia, in the midst of the Isle, both pleasantly and fruitfully scituated, and exactly round. 10 Wholesome Cerines neer the Sea; 1 Famagusta raised out of the Ruines of Salamis in the E. end of the Island in a plain and low ground, between two Promontories, Cape St. Andrew, and Capo de Griego 4 square, 2 miles about, with a haven (opposite to Tripolis in Syria) opening towards the South-East, defended from the injury of the Sea by two

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great Rocks, betwixt which the Sea cometh in at a narrow passage, not above 40 paces broad, but after opening wider and wider, to a conveniency of safety and capacity assured both by the difficult Entrance, and a Chain crossed over it. 12 Arsinoe, now called Lescare. 13 Tamassus, eminent for brasse mines, and a great quantity of Verdegreese, and Vitriol found neer it. 14 Idalium, the yearly custome upon Salt is here 500000 Crowns.

XX. Syria, W. Mediterranean, S. Palestine and Arabia E. Euphrates, N. Cilicia, and the lesser Armenia; 525 miles long from Taurus to Arabia. 470 miles broad from the Mediterranean to Euphrates, the language Arabick, the religion Christian, Mahumetan, Pagan, or a mixture of all professed by the Drusians: the prime Rivers, 1 Chorsaeus or Chison. 2 Orontes now Saldino. 3 Eleutherus now called Casmar. 4 Singos. 5 Euphrates: the Mountains, 1 Carmel. 2 Piena. 3 Casius, four miles high. 4 Libanus, famous for Cedars, Frankincense and Honey falling on the boughs of the trees; 150 miles long from Sidon in Phaenicia, to Smyrna in Caelosyria, inhabited by Maronite Christians, that pay the Grand-Seignior 17 Sultanies a man when above 12 years of age.

1. In Phaenicia, a maritine part of Syria of great traffique, formerly was 1 the famous port Ptolemais razed to the ground, 1291. 2 And the ancient Mart of Tyre. 3 Sarepta or Sarphath on the Sea-coast, between Tyre and Sidon, and its good wines. 4 Sidon, in a rich valley between Libanus Northward, and Antilibanus Southward; the inhabitants whereof, the first makers of Chrystal Glass, Zech. 9.2. the matter thereof flowing thither from the adjoyning Rivers, with an haven for Gallies, and a Block-house. 5 Bunitus. 6 Biblis. 7 Orthosia lately Tortosa. 8 Tripolis, eminent for Amaza Franki, Kell-franhe, and other fruits, and two miles from the Sea, and half a mile from the haven on the west-side of it; rich in Gardens, Springs, and Silk-worms, whose Silks they sell raw to the Italians, and much increased by the trade of Scanderoon, and well fortified.

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2. In Syria, properly so called, S. Phaenicia; rich in 1 Fruits, especially Figs, hanging about the high ways. 2 Sheep with great tails, weighing 25 pound and upwards; & 3 great store of Cotton-wool: is 1 Rugia. 2 Hierapolis. 3 Barbarssus. 4 Chalcis. 5 Telnedissa. 6 Laodicea and its good wines. 7 Apamea. 8 Emesa or Hamse in a spacious and fruitful plain, and well watered. 9 Epiphania. 10 Laris. 11 Gebal, Ps. 83, now Gabella. 12 Aradus. 13 Daphne. 14 Antioch seated on both sides the River Orontis, twelve miles from the Mediterranean, the River Parsar passing on the South-side of it, now ruined. 15 Alburia.

3. In Comagena E. Euphrates and Mesopotamia, W. Amamus and Cilicia. N. Taurus and Armenia the less, a place famous for Divination, was Samosata. 2 Germanica. 3 Singa. 4 Pinora. 5 Aleppo, the Aleph or first of Syria, on the bank of Singas, kept up, because commodiously scituated for the trade of the whole world between three ports of Tripolis, Berytus, and Alexandretta in Turkey, besides the Persian Territories, where the English Merchants have three houses for stowage, and a coul; the building low, and arched before their doors, and the scite pleasant among Gardens, and secure rather than strong. 6 Aman between Tripoli and Aleppo, pleasantly seated on two Hills, and environed with Orchards of Palme trees, and very good fruits. 7 Byrrah and those places, Esr. 37.13. 2 Kings 18.34.

4. In Palmyrene, N. Comagena wholesome for hot Springs, but not well Rivered, is 1 Palmyra, see 1 Chron. 8.4. 2 Sura. 3 Alamath.

5. In Caelosyria the Syria so much spoken of in the Books of Kings and Chronicles, is, 1 Heliopolis, now Balbec. 2 Chalcis, west of Damascus in the shades of Libanus. 3 Abila. 4 Adida. 5 Capitolias, now Suente. 6 Damascus scituate in a large plain, environed with hills, and watered with the River Chrysorrous, watering the Orchards and Gardens, whence we have excellent wines; the luscious Damascenes, the sweet Damask Roses, and the curious Damask works.

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7. Eden, at the foot of Libanus.

XXI. From Caelosyria, over Hermon we go to Palestine, W. Mediterranean, N. Antilibanus, S. Arabia Petrea; under the third and fourth clime, 200 miles long, and 80 broad, where are first Rivers, 1 Chison. 2 Kidron. 3 Zared and Naphthea. 4 Arnon. 5 Jaboc. 6 Hermon. 7 Jordan, surrounded with Poplars, Tamarishes and Reeds of all sorts, and passing through the Lake of Tiberias without mixture with it into the Mediterranean, and the dead Sea. Secondly, Hills, Sion. 2 Moriah. 3 Calvari. 4 Tabor. 5 Olivet. 6 Gerizim. 7 Savon, now Capo Bianco with its Rosemary, Sweet Mayjorum, Hyssop, Bayes, and other odoriferous plants, besides Leopards, &c. 8 Gilboa. 9 Basan. 10 And Abarim.

1. In Peraea, a Part of Palestine between Jordan and Arnon, from Pella N. to Petra S. was 1 Recome, 2 Kings 14.7. 2 Midian. 3 Rabbat. 4 Diblathan. 5 Gallim. 6 Muthana. 7 Nathaliel. 8 Bamath. 9 Mizpah. 10 Hor. 11 Kir-harasath. 12 Rabbah. 13 Dathema. 14 Minneth, 15 Abel vinearum. 16 Mitspa. 17 Magod. 18 Bosor. 19 Abel shittim. 20 Bethbara. 21 Machaerus. 22 Leshaa 23 Midibuh. 24 Bosor. 25 Livias. 26 Libias. 27 Hedemath. 28 Bamath Baal. 29 Heshbon. 30. Adam. 31. Aroer. 32 Dihon. 33 Bethnimrah. 34. Nolioroh. 35 Bethharan. 36 Beth-ezob. 37. Succoth. 38 Jazor. 39 Mahanaim. 40 Rogelim. 41 Ramoth Gilead. 42 Penuel.

2. In Ituraea another Province, ragged, rude, and given to witch-craft; 1 Hippus. 2 Bathira. 3 Pella, 4 Edrey. 5 Carnaim. 6 Ephron. 7 Jabesh Gilead. 8 Ashteroth. 9 Gaulon. 10 Gamala. 11 Gadara. 12 Gergesa. 13 Juleus. 14 Abel. 15 Gessur. 16 Mahacath. 17 Chauran. 18 Chalsar Havan. 19 Ʋs. 20 Sueta.

3. In Galilee, rich with all manner of fruit, was 1 Hazor, now Antronia. 2 Capernaum, a poor fisher-town. 3 Hamath. 4 Kadesh. 5 Riblah. 6 Saphet, the onely place where the Jewes have the face of a Common-Wealth. 7 Bethsomes, Carthan, Masoloth and Cinereth. 8 Ascheche,

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Gabula, Giscala, Cana, Messal pleasantly seated, and of great importance. 9 Jokneham, Zabulon, Cana-major, Barsabe, Dothan, Bethsaida, Nazareth, Jotopata, Tiberis, Bethulia, Japha, Sephoris. 10 Ta•ihaea, Chishion, Remelh, Enhaddae, Naim, Aphraim, Daborath the Castle of Pilgrims, now Tortora.

4. In Samaria, rich in Pastures, Cattle, and fruits, is Bethsan, on the banks of Jordan, out of whose ruines many pillars, and other pieces of marble are drawn out. 2 Thirza. 3 Acrabula. 4 Thebes. 5 Ephra. 6 Bezeke. 7 Jezreel. 8 Megiddo. 9 Dora. 10 Caesarea. 11 Antipatris. 12 Saron, and Lidda, or Diospolis, Ramatha, Ajalon, Shempath, Cares, Silo, Bethoron, Michmas, now Byra, Sichem since Nicopolis, Samaria, famous for the marble pillars found there, now nothing but a few Cottages, filled with greek monks.

5. In Judea, on the Sea coasts from the South of Phaenicia, to the North of Idumaea, is 1 Gath and its New-Castle. 2 Wealthy and strong Accaron. 3 The fair village of Ashdod. 4 The goodly Sea-town, Ascalon, repaired by Rich. I. King of England. 5 Wealthy Gaza, surrounded with its rich and pleasant vallies, and its Port Majoma. 6 Joppa, Joffa with two Turrets with Harquebusses to defend the haven, which lies too open to the North-winds, whither Merchants trade for Cotton-wool, keeping their Factory at Rama on a sandy plain, in the rising of an hill. 7 Modin, where the Macchabees Sepulchre of seven Pillars, so that they are the Seamans marks. 7 Tzara. 9 Healthful Gerar in the south of Canaan. 10 Ziglag. 11 Coreath Sepher since •aema an old University. 12 The well fortified frontire-town Beersheba; besides those Cities of the Tribe of Judah: 1 Arad. 2 Hebron. 3 Tecoa. 4 Cerioth. 5 Jether or Jethica. 6 Maresa. 9 Emaus, and its hot baths. 8 Hason, Odalla, Keila, Eleutheropolis, Azeha, Bethsur, Zoar, Mussuda, the strongest place in Judaea, Libna, Ziph, Bethlem, places renowned for Balsom, and those of the Tribe of Benjamin; as 1 Michmas. 2 Mispah. 3 Geba.

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4 Gibeah. Ai. 6 Gibeon. 7 Jericho. Anathoth. Gilgal. 10 Bethel; Ramath. 11 Jerusalem, to whose ruines many repair out of devotion, more out of curiosity, paying the Turk nine Crowns a man, amounting yearly to 80000 Ducats, only low roofed houses built here and there for two miles compass, looking handsomly at distance; inhabited by mean Artezans of all Nations and Religions.

6. In Idumea, E. S. Arabia Petraea, W. Mediterranean that dry and sandy place, bearing nothing but Palm-trees, besides the two Hills, Mount Seir and Cassius are remarkable, 1 Dinahahath, Gen. 36.32, 35, 37. 2 Anthedon, a port town on S. River Boser against Gaza. 3 Well fortified Rhino curura. 4 Ostracine, now Stragione on the Sea-side beneath Anthedon, and some few Villages inhabited by Arabians, and Castles kept by the Turks in the way to Egypt; as 5 Hamones, Harista, and Cario, Custome houses near Gaza, so ill watered, that the chief men there have all their water from Tena, twelve miles off, on the Coast of Aegypt; all these places under the Turk, though inhabited by the hated Jews in many places, who every Easter are in danger of that death they inflicted on our Saviour, by reason of their Ʋsury and Brocage, together with their being the Turks Publicans, and Tax-gatherers, their Nation stinks, as much as they said their bodies do.

XXII.* 3.20 Arabia E. Chaldea, and Gulph of Persia, W. Palestine and the Red Sea, N. Euphrates, S. Main Southern Ocean; the Language Arabick, which is the Language of most Mahumetan Countries, the Alcoran being Writ, and most of their offices performed in it.

1. Hath in that Part called Arabia deserta, now Benoni, E. Babylonia, N. Mesopotamia, W. Palestina, S. Arabia foelix, Jobs Country, onely one remarkable place (being nothing but Rocks and Deserts) and that is Semischusach formerly called Saba, and some other Villages peopled by the civil Moors.

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2. In the Rocky (Petrea) not travelled but in Carvans only by Merchants with their Camels, who bring their food with them, the wandring and Idle Inhabitants having nothing but Milk, Herbs, and Venison; Besides, 1 Mount Sinai, where there is a mesque of Turkish Pilgrims. 2 Horeb, now Orel, where is a Monastry of Greek Monks. 3 Hor. where is 1 Petra now Crat, neer Mount Hor. the treasury of Aegypt, and the Key to Palestine. 2 Bosra, now Bassereth of good esteem. 3 Elama, on a Bay of the Red-sea, called Sinus Elanicus. 4 Berenice, or Ezion-Geber, the harbour for the ships going to Ophir. 5 Sur and Havilah on the Gulfs of Persia and Arabia, &c.

3. In that portion of it called Arabia the happy, now Ailman, E. of Persia, W. Arabian Gulf, S. Ocean-abounding with Myrrh, Balsom, Frankincense, Gold and Precious Stones, with Corn, Cattels, Wines, quiet Roads and Harbours, besides medicinal waters, eminent for the Phaenix, and the Ostrich that digesteth Iron, are now upon the ruines of the old places mentioned by Ptolomy.

1. Egra neer Sinus Elaniticus on the Red Sea, or Algiar port-town to Medina, three dayes Journey from it. 2* 3.21 Jatrib being between. 3 Medina Talnabi, ill and poorly seated, but rich by the confluence of Pilgrims that flock thither to Mahomets Tomb (and Temple where burn 3000 Lamps continually) inclosed in an Iron Grate, and covered with Velvet, sent thither yearly by the Grand Seignior, the old Pall being cut into Relicks. 4 Cusa, the Counsel-place. 5 Mecca neer Medina the great Mart of the Commodities of Arabia, Persia and India, carried thence into all parts of the Turkish Empire, no Christian being permitted to come within five miles of it, it being unwalled, no water but rain: 6000 Families yearly visited with three Carvans of Pilgrims from India, Damascus, and Grand-Cair. 6 Zeden haven town to Mecca forty miles off, well built, and of great resort, but weak in a sand on the Red Sea.

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7 Zebel, the Metropolis of the Country, neer the Red Sea, well-traded for Sugars, Spice and Fruits. 8 Eltor, the onely port Christians may Inhabit. 9 The well-traded, well fortified, and capacious haven of Aden on the entrance of the Red Sea, neer the Streights, called Babel-Mandel. 10 Oran, the Key of the Southern Ocean. 11 Zean, fifteen miles square. 12 Hor, a Garrison. 13 Muskahal on the Persian Gulf neer Cape Rezel Gate, opposite to Surat in the East Indies, well fortified by the Portugeez.

4. In the Islands, 1 of the* 3.22 Red Sea, or the Sea of Edom, which are twelve not worth naming, they are so small and desolate, except Dolaqua, one hundred and twenty miles long, and twelve broad, with a City of the name, where they gather Pearls. 2 Hot Camaran. 3 Red Xomou. 2 Of the Southern Ocean from the East of Aethiopia to the Indies. 1 Tylus with Vines, Olives, and good materials for Shipping. 2 Bairen and Gonfiar, where we have the best Pearles in the World in beds of Oysters.

XXIII. Chaldea, E. Persia, W. Arabia the desert, N. Mesopotamia, the Seat (its thought) of Paradise, so fruitfull, that it yieldeth three hundred fold increase; three harvests: the first place of Astronomy, Astrology, Divination and Idolatry, had first Babel that was confounded: Secondly Babylon, formerly one of the worlds wonder, as many furlongs round, as there are dayes in the year, (viz.) 365, 50 Cubits high, and so broad, that Carts might meet upon them; finished in one year by an 100000 workmen on both sides Euphrates, famous for pensile Gardens; and for that the Enemy had entred one end of it, three dayes before the other heard of them; in whose stead now stands* 3.23 Bagdad, a place of great wealth and traffick, about seven miles round, maintained now by the trade of Aleppo by Water, and by Land, in Carvans by Camels, for whose passages publick spirited men have built houses of Receits on the Roads, called Caravane

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Rowes, or Canes; here they correspond by Pigeons, which they teach by carrying them with them in a Cage to coast any Country. 2 Ctesephon. 3 Sipparum, and its great Trench 4 Apamia. 5 Balsora, the port to Babylon at the fall of Euphrates to Sinus Persicus where the riches of Arabia, Persia, and some parts of India, are landed and carried to Babylon, and so by water to Aleppo

XXIII. Assyria, E. Media, W. Mesopotamia. N. Turcomama, where Christianity was planted by St. Jude, and corrupted by the Nestorians; hath 1 Calach. 2 The fruitful, well-seated, and well-shaded Sittace. 3 Arbela, neer which they say Noah built the Ark. 4 Apollonia. 5 Geguamela. 6 Rhezen, which was once delivered up, because the Inhabitants were frighted with an Ecclips of the Son. 7 Mosul, the chief City of Assyria, raysed upon the Ruines of Nineveh, whereof there are hardly any foot-steps, and the seat of the Patriarch of the Nestorians, who call the Pope, the Reprobate Bishop. 8 Strong Arzeri and Scheheruzal.

XXIV.* 3.24 Mesopotamia, E. Tygris, W. Euphrates, N. Taurus, S. Chaldea, now Dearbech, where Christianity was preached by St. Thaddeus hath these remarkable places: 1 Strong Cologenbar. 2 Fair Edessa on the River Scyrtas neer Euphrates. 3 Nisibis. 4 Ʋr. 5 Haran. 6 Amida. (a strong frontier town against the Persians) now Caramit, or Kara Amida, i. e. black Amida. 7 Phalga and Seruts at the meeting of Caphoras with Euphrates. 8 Singara, on a River of the name well fortified. 9 Bezabde on the banks of Tygris; Virta and Merdix impregnable.

XXV. Between Mesopotamia and Turcomania on Mount Taurus; is, 1 Moras, with its hot baths, and abundance of sulphur. 2 Larus Joon, between Omoal the last town of Hircania and Damoan, the first of Media.

XXVI. Turcomania, N. Tartary, S. Mesopotamia and Assyria, W. Euxine Sea Cappadocia, and Armenia minor, E. Media and Caspean Sea hath

1 In that Port called* 3.25 Armenia major, equally composed of hills and dales, rich in Cattle and Fruits; famous for rich Tapestries, Grograines and watered Chamlets, which by a priviledge under Mahomets own hand above other Christians, they sell all over Turkey, using the Armenian Tongue, Christened by St. Bartholomew, are, first the Rivers, 1 Aruxes, runs from Armenia to the Caspian Sea; and 2 Cyrus. 3 Cambyses. 4 Euphrates, now Frat,* 3.26 a violent stream cut into Channels, least it should drown the Country. 5 A swift River, affording an easie passage in a few rafts, born up with Goat-skins, blown up with wind to Bagdat, running long under ground, in whose and Euphrates circlings lay Eden.

2. The Mountains Abos. 2 Periardes. 3 Ʋdalespes. 4 Antitaurus. 5 Montes Moschici. 6 Niphates. 7 The Gordian Mountains, or Ararat.

3. The Towns; 1 Artareta now Corin where the Battle was fought, 1514. which the Turks call the day of Doom; the place called the Calderan fields. 2 Sebastia now Suassia, seated on Euphrates. 3 Tigrane certa on the River Nicesorius. 4 Arcamasola. 5 Cholna. 6 Baraza. 7 Arsarata. 8 Theodosiopolis. 9 Colonia. 10 Strong Clamassum on the Euphrates. 10 Charz made impregnable in three weeks, 1579. 11 Well garrisoned and Ammunition'd Vau, a Frontier against the Persians. 12 Well fortified Arminig held by the Persians.

2. In Colchis famous for Vines and Gold (E. Iberia, W. Euxine Sea, N. Tartary, S. Armenia the greater) formerly, now the* 3.27 rude people Barter one Commodity for another, with a language of their own; besides the River Phasis navigable eighteen miles into the Country, whence came our Pheasants; was 1 the famous Mart Dioscurias, where the Romans kept 130 Interpreters to correspond with people of 300 Languages that traded there. 2 Phasis, on the same River, now Phassum, the residence of the Turkish Beglebergh. 3 Neapolis and Alvati.

3. In Iberia, E. Albania, W. Colchis, N. Mountains Caucasus, called so from the River Iberus running through it, now Georgia, woody and fruitful; the people war-like, christened by Constantine the Great, and now divided between Mahumetanism and Jesuitisme, since 1614. is 1 Cremen. 2 Cachete. 3 Triala. 4 Altuncala, or the strong Golden Castle. And the impregnable Archichelech. 6 The large and well fortified* 3.28 Testis Lori, and Tomanis (rich in Corn, Cattle, and Fruits, with Forts commanding all passages.) 7 Glisca and Biscapar.

4. In Albania, W. Iberia, E. Caspian Sea, naturally fruitfull, affording three reapings for once sowing, where people formerly could not tell an hundred, and understood not weights and measures, or money, reverencing old age, but not speaking of the dead: Gray from their Child-hood, and seeing as well by night as by day, is nothing remarkable; but the Rivers Albanus and Cyrus, and the City Derbent neer the Caspian Sea, now Demircan or* 3.29 Iron Gate with Sabran, and Sancta Maria, all, or most of these places under the Turks.

XXVII. Media, (E. Parthia and Hircania, W. Arm. major, and Assyria, N. Caspian Sea, Georgia. S. Persia, now Skeir-vun, i. e. Milky-plain, where it was a punishment for the Vulgar men to have less then seven Wives, and Women less then five Husbands; their bread of dryed Almonds, their meat wild flesh; on the North side plenty of Wines, Fruits, Cattle, especially horses on the South side; they poyson their Arrows with Oleum Mediacum, so that nothing can allay the heat of the wound but a little dust, converted by St. Thomas.) hath in it besides the River Canac, between it and Armenia major, and the Lake Argis, whose fish dryed by the wind and sun raise these People a great advantage.

1. In the inhospitable Atropatria between Taurus and the Caspian Sea, whither its thought the Jews Captived by Salmanasser, are placed 1 Bochu by the* 3.30 Caspian Sea. 2 Strong Eres possessed by the Turks, as an in-let to this Country. 2* 3.31 Shamaki between Eres and Derbent, notorious for a Pillar of Flint-stones, interwoven with the heads of Persian Noblemen set there barbarously in terrorem.

2. In Media, especially so called, eminent for generous* 3.32 horses, fat Cattle, good Corn and Wine, and and excellent Water; was 1 Ruined Ecbatana as stately as Babylon, formerly out of whose rubbish, 2 Tauris was built now Baronta under the shadow of Mount O•ontes, a hundred and fifty miles from the Caspian Sea, opening S. towards a large and spacious Campagne, six miles round built of brick with flat Roofs and Battlements, as in all the East; well traded, and inhabited at least by 200000 persons, with a strong Citadel. 3 Caspin on the Ruines of Arsacia, very conveniently and pleasantly Scituated on a Riveret that serves for necessity and pleasure, but not for trade. 4 Rages. 5. Nasuana. 6 Ardoville. 7 Sultanives ruines and Mosches, environed alwayes with snowy Mountains. 8 The fair Market Tywan. 9 Turcoman. 10 Daman, i. e. a second Plantation at the foot of Taurus, where the Inhabitants think Noahs Ark rested.

XXVIII. Persia, E. India, N. Tartary, S. Sea, W. Media, under the 3^d, 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th Clime S. days thirteen hours. N. fifteen hours, healthful and shady; the people half skilfull in Physick, Poems, Astronomy,* 3.33 Horseman-ship, Archery,† 3.34 Magick, and among other manufactures in making Silks and Cloath of Gold; all the Christianity there was planted by St. Thomas. Hath

1. In Susiana, W. Babylonia, N. Assyria, S. Tygris, called Havilah, famous for Gold* 3.35 Bdellium and Onyx stone, 1 Aracca and its bituminous water easily fired, and not easily quenched. 2 The Ruines of Susa. 3. Elimais rich by Pilgrimages with Sela on the Bank of Eulaeus, that emptieth its self into Sinus Persicus, of so pure a

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stream, that the great Persian Kings would drink of no other water. 4 Jaaroone inhabited by Jewes Suum and Casa.

2. In Persis, W. Susiana, N. Media, E. Carmania, now Fars, where some Dates, Palmes and Emeraulds are found; and in one part of it abundance of Roses, Rose-water, Cordovans, Corn, Fruit and Cattle; are 1 Ausinza on the Bay, between the mouths of the Rivers Bagradas, and Brisoana, as 2 is Jona Capolis. 3 Axenia now Lansilla. 4 Shyras raised on the ample ruines of Persepolis (burnt by Alexander in a drunken fit, at the instigation of Lais) neer the banks of Araxes, now Bindimir the Metropolis, nine miles round in a plain, hemmed with Mountains, famous for Gardens, and Mosches with their golden lights, and a thousand Lamps; affording Good Wine, pretty Women, pleasant fruits, and a gallant people. 5 Well-wooded and watered Moyown, N. E. Shyras. 6 The high Mountain and Castle of Banneraw. 7 Berry, a School for the Arabick tongue, &c.

3. In* 3.36 Carmania, W. Persis, and the Gulf of Persia, N. Parthia, S. Indian Sea, affording neither good Port, nor good coming to it all the two hundred leagues on the Sea-coast, to carry off its poor Commodities, such as Dates, Myrrhe, Arsenie, Brass, Iron, Alabaster, Fish and little Silver; are 1 Cyrza and Gochorta, two Port Towns. 2 Alexandria. 3 O•tespana. 4 Armuza, on the shore of the Persian Gulf. 5 Populous Gunbroone. 6 Jasques in Cape de Jasques. 7 Charmania (Chyrman) notable for cloath of Gold, and Scymitars. 3 In-land Lar, and its goodly Market place Mosch, and Cittadel of Mosai{que} work, through this Country Alexander marched after the Conquest of India in a fortnights continued fit of drinking and revelling.

4 In Ormus, an Isle in the entrance of the Persian* 3.37 Gulf (which after a narrow streight openeth to the City Balsora, and is two thousand five hundred Italian miles compass) twenty miles round, affording only

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Salt, and notwithstanding its so hot, that the people are forced to live in Caves; and so unhappy that they send to other Countries for water; is so well Scituated, that the Wealth of Persia and East India is brought to its great Mart Armuzium (two miles round) in the end of the Isle, and thence conveyed by water to Euphrates, and thence by Boats, or Camels to Aleppo, Alexandretta and Tripolis, till it was destroyed by the help of the English, 1622. who have therefore customes of all strangers that traffick at Gambroon, whither the trade of this place was removed.

5. In* 3.38 Gedrosia, W. Carmania, S. Indian Sea, E. Gambaia or Guzurat in India, a barren place, affording onely Nard, and Myrrhe, but a poor Village is the chief City.

6. In poor Drungiana, S. Gedrosia; is 1 Prophthasia now Sistan. 2 Sige or Sigestan, 3 Mulebet, 4 Pharazada. 5 Arvada.

7. In Despicable* 3.39 Arachosia is no place memorable; but 1 Alexandria now Cabal at the foot of Taurus. 2 Sin.

8.* 3.40 In Para Pomismus, N. Bactria E. India, W. Ana, dark with hills; is 1 Candabor, the Metropolis of great trade, by reason of the Scituation of it on the borders of India.

9. In Aria, W. Parthia, E. Para pomismus, where is in some places a strong wine that will keep colour, and tast eighty years, something like Myrrhe and Saphyr: there are now only, 1 Heri or Eri on the banks of Arias, called the City of Roses, very strong. 2 Sasuar.

10, In Parthia, E. Aria, W. Media, N. Hyrcania, S. Carmania, now Arach, nothing but sand, unless it be under the woods, where are things for necessity, none for riot; the people slavish, nimble horse-men, and Archers: the Country not passable for the Sands, were it not for Caus-wayes and Castles at each three miles end; are 1 Hispan* 3.41 raysed out of the ruines of Hecatompyle, called by the Inhabitants, Half the World; nine miles round in a plain with Gardens, Baths, and Mosches,

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and a cloystered quadrangular market place, well stored with Merchandises, and Drugs; in the quadrangle whereof they use horse-races, and other warlike exercises. Jelphea on the other side the River, inhabited by Armenian Christians for a great Poll. 3 Croom, a large, pleasant, and healthy place on a Riveter. 4 Casham, rich and well built, and filled with Artizans in Silks, Sattins, Cloth of Gold, and Carpets; adorned with a beautifull Caravans Raw to entertain strangers. 4 Tangaunt where the King of Persia hath an incomparable House, for Gardens, Groves, Ecchoes, and Labyrinths, &c.

11. In Hircania, S.* 3.42 Parthia, N. Caspian Sea, E. Mergeana; the people of which place starve their Parents at seventy years of age; fruitful in pasture, wheat, wines, figs, and other fruits; full of Forrests, and those Forrests full of Panthers, Leopards, Lyons, Tygers, &c. Is 1 Hyrcania Hyrcan. 2 Ashoraffe two miles from the Sea in a spacious plain, containing two thousand houses, adorned with two great Pallaces, the Furniture of one of which was valued by a Merchant at twenty millions. Farabont, on a navigable branch of the Caspian Sea, well-traded, especially by Muscovy Merchants, or Silks, whose ships come from the Volge, which dischargeth it self into the Caspian Sea by seventy mouths in March and return in July; it being from thence to Astracan but ten dayes sail; famous for its Gardens, a Pallace, and a Market-place. 4 Chiachoporo on a River, the water whereof is for eleven months sweet, and for the twelfth salt. 5 The well-watered and wooded Barfrushder and Omoal resorted to by People of seven Tongues. 6 Stava, a Town of great Traffique for raw silk. 7 Mesander, whence the Province Mesandrum.

12. In Sandy Morgiana, W. Hyrcania, E. Bactria, N. Tartary; besides huge Vines as big as a mans middle, with clusters of Grapes two cubits long, of Noahs planting, as it is thought here; and the City Alexandria,

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now called Indian; the chief place in the Country neer which is Jasonium on the confluence of Margus.

13. In Bactria the greatest part whereof S and W. is nothing but sand, which is travelled only in the night but towards the River Oxus, plentiful in wheat, and all grain except Olives, rich Mettals, and some Precious Stones, as Emeralds, Chrysolites and Jacinthes: is 1 Bactria at the foot of the hill Sogdii now Bochor, the Metropolis well fortified and stored. 2 Istigias, the pleasantest City in the East. 3 Eucratidia, Alicodra, Charra Charta, all these under the Persian Sophi, except here and there some places taken by the Turks, and others under the Muscovite and Portugez; the first whereof manageth the Trade of the Caspian Sea, and the latter, that of the Southern Ocean.

XXIX Tartary, E. China, and the Streights of Anian, W. Russia and Podolia, N. Scithicke or Frozen Sea, S. China, and the great wall that parts them, containing five thousand four hundred miles from E. to W. and three thousand six hundred from N. to S. from the sixth climate, till they cease measuring by climates; the dayes being in some places six months, and the nights as long, reaching from fifty degrees of Longitude, to one hundred ninety five, and from forty of Latitude to eighty, i. e. within ten degrees of the Pole it self: The people swarthy, squat, swift, vigilant, hardy, whining when they talk, and howling when they sing; men-eaters, drinking Mares milk, riding Oxen. That Christianity that is there planted by St. Andrew, and St. Philip, and over-run with Nestorianism; thought by Genebrard to be the Off spring of the ten Tribes: Hath,

1. In Tartaria Precopensis or minor, abounding in Camels, Horses, Oxen, Sheep and Goats, Venison in in their Forrests, and Fish and Fowl in the Fens of Maeotis, with a temperate ayre, about ninety nine Italian miles long, and sixty three broad: on the Rivers Boristenes and Tanais, arising in Russia in Mosco, in the chief City, of which there are 50000 Tartar horses sold yearly; besides that these people with roots, cheese and garlick, eat horses flesh, each Bowman carrying two horses with him to the wars, one for service, and the other for meat.) 1 Caffa neer the Streights [Sterto de Caffa] a flourishing Empory, with a capacious haven, commanding the trade of the Euxine. 2 Preceph. 3 Wel-traded and harboured Corsunum, now Sari Germanum, from the yellow earth thereabouts like Saffron. 4 Wel-fortified. Crim (whence Crim Tartars commanding the Euxine, and Lake of Maeotis. 5 Panticapaeum, on the Vospero or Bosphorus. 6 Tanas on Tanais, frequented by the Merchants of all Nations on the Euxine under the Turks. 7 Ruinous, but high Ingirmenum. 8 Oizakow, the residence of the Cham, whose Court in Summer time makes a moveable City of Wheele-houses, called Agara, or the town of Carts neer Podolia in Poland, and part of Muscovy, under the protection of the Grand-Seignior, who recommanded one of the Chams to be King of Poland, in a letter to this effect, that their Pope should be his Pope, and their Luther his Luther, and that he would not put them to the charge of housekeeping, for he could eat horse-flesh.

2. In Tartaria deserta, W. Precopensis and Russia, E. Zagathai, N. Frozen Sea, S. Euxine, and Caspian; so fruitful, if the Tartars (that laugh at us for living on the top of reeds; so they call our bread) say true, that for once sowing Mill and Punicum they have without any tillage three Returns of both; Few Cities, (they roving with their herds, as the grass holds capable of Merchandise, having a fair sea coast, several Bays, Havens, and navigable Rivers, only Mountains, on the top of which the Sun shines when its night in the Valley) saving 1 Locoppa. 2 Conice, Phanogoria, St. Georges on the Bosphorus and Rha, neer which on both sides there is a medicinal root called Rha Pontiche, to distinguish it from Rha-Barbarum or Rhubarb. This tract inaccessible. 3 Bolgar on the River Volga, neer which is the greatest herd of Tartars, called Horda Magna. 4 Scharaishe on the other side of the Volga, where is no money but brass, no corn but roots troublesome to Muscovy, who pacifieth them with presents, yet keeping continual Garrisons at Casan, Astrachan, and Wiatra, least they should disturb the Russia trade in the Caspian Down the Volga, as they go up and down in herds following the Pole-star, but keeping close for fear of the Muscovite; much delighted in Negromancy and Conjurations under the Cham of Chathai; their delicacies are mice, serpents, and other wormes, and their mansions Caves.

3. In Zagathai, E. Cathai on the other side of Imaus, N. Frozen Sea, S. Caspian and the River Oxus, between it and Persia; is 1 Drepsa on the Oxus: as is 2 Oxiana. 3 Maruca. 4 Alexandria. 5 Tribarra, not considerable among such a* 3.47 wandring people. 6 Zabaspia, an eminent town, by reason the Inhabitants thereabouts are civil and industrious, good mechanicks, well skilled in manufactories, and very seldom without a great confluence of* 3.48 Merchants, trading on the River Daix, and the mouth of the Oxus. 7 The magnificent Mara-Canda. 8 Well-traded and populous Bichend; and 9 in the wild Turcestan Calba, Ocerra and Crustina on the Lake Kitay, much frequented by Russian and Tartarian Merchants sayling thither by the River Ob, for Bevers, Sables, Seil-skins, &c. and not far hence are the Savage Scythians.

4. In Cathay, W. Zagathi with Imaus, between E. Sea and China, S. India, N. Tartaria Antiqua, extending from the North Sythia extra Imaum to the South India Extra Gangen nine hundred and sixty miles, and from E. to W. one thousand five hundred, abounding Eastward with Wheat, Rice, Wool, Hemp, Silk, Musk, and Rhubarb on the banks of Volga; besides Camels hair, Chamlets, and such a numberless number of horses, as that they sent eighty thousand at one time for a present to the King of China; and the great Cham feedeth yearly ten thousand white Mares for their Milk; the Air very hot in summer, and very good in winter, subject to wonderful thundering, earth-quakes & winds: their Cham not to be seen without purgations or washing; are 1 Cambala, or Cham's pleasant seat of free-stone in the heart of the Country on the River Palysanga, navigable from the Eastern Ocean thither, whither it conveys a great store of Merchandises and Merchants, and among other Merchandises, ten thousand Cart-loads of Silk from China. Twenty eight miles round, containing among other Inhabitants, Fifty thousand Astrologers. 2 Xandu, the Emperours Pallace, containing eight quadrangles one within another, the least two miles in compass, between whose several walls are Walks, Gardens, Orchards, Fish-ponds, Parks, Forrests, Chases, &c. 3 Fair Caraio and Gouza, where the women are said to guild their teeth. 4 Careanfean, where is the herb called Chiny-Cathaii, an ounce whereof being valued worth a sack of Rhubarb; not far from hence in Serica you may barter their Silks for trifles, for like Quakers they make but one word.

Especially, at 1 Sera. 2 Ottocora. 3 Issedon. 4 Orosana; and 5 Donata: Here and in Scythia extra Emaum, they made carousing cups of their Fathers skulls; where 1 Hiachan is a great Mart. 2 Cialis, a great Court. 3 Succuir, famous for Merchandise. 4 Campion, where if the woman offer her self to the Priest, he thinks it a sin to refuse lying with her, besides other barbarous, desolate, idolatrous, and inchanting provinces and Cities, onely in East Tartary, there are Castors, Martrois, and Zibellons, and other precious skins, besides Horse hair, and the root Ginsen, with which they traffick at Leatony, a Province N. E. of China: of Tartaria Antiqua, you may be sure nothing remarkable, since they are so barbarous, that they will marry no Virgins, but such as have been prostituted by their Mothers to the Merchant-strangers, who bestow on them Jewels, and she is the most acceptable to her husband, who brings him the greatest reward of her shame.

XXX. China, E. Oriental Ocean, W. India and Cathay, N. Altas,* 3.49 and East Tartary, from which divided by a chain of hills, and a great wall extended four hundred leagues in length. S. Cauchin-China, a Province of India three thousand leagues about, one thousand eight hundred leagues long, reaching from 130^th to 160^th degree of Longitude, and from the Tropick of Cancer, to the 53^d degree of Latitude; lying under all the climes from the 3^d to the 9^th; hot, but healthful: so fruitfull, that it yieldeth three harvests a year, of Wheat, Barley, Rice, Wool, Cotton, Olives, Wines, Flax, Silk, besides their Pearls and Bezoar, all kind of Metall, Fruits, Cattle, Sugar, Honey, Rhubarb, Camphire, Ginger, and all kinds of Spices, medicinal wood, called China Wood, Muske, Salt, Poultrey, especially* 3.50 Ducks, whereof in one town, thirteen thousand eaten one day with another. The people well-set, middle-sized, gluttonous, but cleanly, not touching their meat with their hands, but eating with two Ebony sticks, whence silver Forks used first in Italy, and then in England. Skilful in Manufactories, the Son being bound to follow his Fathers Trade, witness, PRINTING, and GUNNING, its thought first invented there. Porcellan dishes, curious carvings, and their fine painted works in Tables, Leathers and Stuffs, whereof they are so proud, that they say they have two eyes, the Europeans one, and the rest of the world stark-blind: the Women very modest, reserved, and much watched by their Husbands, having invented them a pinching fashion of shooes, that they might have no delight to walk abroad. The Inhabitants reckoned one hundred and seventy million by Sea and Land; the Sea for three hundred leagues from Nanquin to Paquin, being but one street of Ships, wherein they buy, sell, are born, and dye. The People multiplying, because they make no War but Defensive, and are forbid to go out of their

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Country. Their Religion Gentilisme, with some remainders of Christianity, planted there by St. Thomas. Here are five hundred ninety one Cities Uniform, most on one of their seven* 3.51 Navigable Rivers, whereof the most Eminent are;

1 Qunsoy or Suntren, on the West of China neer Cathai, formerly an hundred miles round, with a Lake in it thirty miles about, containing six hundred thousand Families of Artificers. 2 Ʋnguen and its Sugars. 3 Nanquin on the great River Kuni, thirty miles round, with twelve thousand Ships before it, nine leagues from the Sea; two hundred thousand houses. 4 The Royal City Paquin, walled so thick with brick, that twelve horse-men may go abreast upon the wall of it. 5 Canton or Quamchen, (where is one Herb that is all the Physick of China.) On a Navigable River where the Portugez drive a wealthy trade in the day time, being shut out at night; whereupon they have setled their Mart at Macao, the Port-town to this. 6 Xaokin on the like River. 7 Zuchean, the centre of Merchandise. 8 Hamseau or Hanychen on the Northside of the River Cinithany, within two days Journey of the Sea, affording trade to all the Northern parts of China. 9 Stately Fochea. 10 Coluns, and its best Porcellane. 11* 3.52 Scianchai seated in a Country that looks like one Orchard within twenty four hours sail of Japan, a great Mart and Harbour, where two hundred thousand persons work in Cotton. 12 Chinchiamsu, on a River that never freezeth. 13 Suarchea, the onely Southern Port of China. 14 Caiton or Caisuuy on the River Kiamy a good harbour destroyed 1642. 15 The convenient Haven Kaianchen on the Southside of the River Croc•us. 16. Chatking. 17 Taitung. 18 Nancheny, besides the two Isles Corea, and Cheunan.

XXXI. India, E. China, W. Persia, N. Tartary, with Taurus between, S. Sea; extended from the one hundred and sixth, to the one hundred sixty ninth degree of Longitude; and from the Aequator to the

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forty fourth degree of Northern Latitude: affording a double encrease, and blessed with Mines of Gold, Silver, and Precious Stones, with Mettals of all kind, except Copper, and Lead; and Cattle, except Horses, and Fruit, except Wheat and Vines; all Spices, Civets, and medicinal Drugs; besides that, it is famous for all sorts of Camels, Parrats, Apes, Dragons, Serpents, Rhinocerats, and Elephants: The Inhabitants, 1 Indians. 2 Moors. 3 Jews. 4 Tartars. 5 And Merchants-Portugez, Spaniards, English or Dutch: Civil, plain-dealing, proud only in Perfumes, and Jewels, (living on Barley, Rice, Milk, Honey, &c.) The women in Lawn, so fond, that they dye with their husbands, that bought them for a Yoke of Oxen; though they have a barbarous custome, that the Brach-mans or Priests should lye with them the first night they are married; and that of killing their Friends before they are aged. Ten Mountains of Note for precious Stones. Two Rivers, 1 Indus now Naugrocat, falling after a course of nine hundred miles into the Sea in seven months. 2 Ganges eight miles broad in the narrowest place. On this side which is called India intra Gangem. E. Gulf Bengala, W. Persia, and Arabian Sea, N. Taurus, S. Cape Commari; having eighteen or nineteen Rivers, discovered after three attempts by the Portugez, while the Spaniards were busie in making a discovery of the new World, 1502. Fifteen Provinces, and forty seven Kingdomes under the great Mogul.

1 Dulsinga, S. Cambaia, N. Tartary, E. Indus, W. Persia,* 3.53 temperate where 1 Healthy Chusmair in a most delicate and rich valley. 2 the Fort Roree. 3 Sestan. 4 Multun, three leagues from the Indus, the ordinary through-fare of the Caravans in the way from Labor to Spahan, forced to stay there four dayes to enrich the town: good for nothing but Bows and Arrows. 5 The Fort Duchee in the Streights of the mountains to secure the Caravans.

2. Over against Dulsinda Pengab, where 1 is Lahor, on the Eastern banks of the Indus, the chief Staple for Spices, carried by land to Persia, and by water to Europe. 2 Sultan Puarre. 3 Athec, in the way you come from Lahore to China.

3. Mountanous Mandao, N. Pengab, where 1 Mandao on the River Mandavo of good note, eighteen miles round. 2 Moltan, where the women go booted and spurred.

4. Thievish Delly, and its swift Dromedaries, W. Mandao; hath 1 Delly, a great City of pleasure. 2 Doceti. 3 Tremel, on the W. River Mandova.

5. Well-watered, and rich Agra, N. Delly, and Mandao; where 1 Agra, strong and populous on the North bank of the River Jemena. 2 Decayed Fate-pore, or Feti-barri. 3 Impregnable Hendee. 4 Biani, where the best* 3.54 Indico; for the making whereof here are twelve Mills.

6. Sanga, N. Agra, 1 Azmor, one hundred eighty miles from Agra, at each three miles end, of which there is an Inn built for Pilgrims. 2 Citor, in the middle way between Surat and Agra.

7. Cambaia, E. W. Welly and Manda•, S. Sea, where 1 Insinda the first Province thereof is 1 Lawribander in the out-let of Indus, three dayes journey from Geta Negar Tutta (on the banks of the Indus, a town of great trade, frequented by Portugez, who return Pepper for such Indian Commodities as come hither from Lahore) to which it is the Port-town; much frequented, because free from wormes, which about Surat disable the ships. 2 Sarrama the middle Town. 4 Nuraquimire, beyond a* 3.55 desart. 5 Radempoore neer it. 6 Calwalla, given the women to bring up their Daughters to Dance.

2. In Robbing Guzarate, N. Sinda. S. Sea, E. Indus, W. Persia. 1 Diu, looking towards Persia, in the mouth of the Indus, possessed by the Spice-Traders of Portugal; the first news of the taking of which was brought to to Lisbon by Jo. Botelius from India, in a Vessel of eighteen foot long, and six foot broad. 2 Boldra. 3 Medabat, on the Rivers side as big as Paris, much frequented by all Merchants. 4 Ardovat not far from it. 5 Saringa. 6 Poriana. 7 Sherfo, the Sepulchre of their Kings.

3. In Cambaja, N. Mandao, S. Decan, Surat, W. Sea, abounding in Rice, Wheat, Sugar, Spices, and choice fruits of all sorts, great store of Silk and Cotton, Diamonds, Chalcedonies, Onyx-stone, and Cornelines, or as we call them Cornelians; and the rare Beast Abades, twice as big as a Bull, with an impenetrable skin, and a little horn on their Snouts. Where the people never marry out of their own Trades or Tribes, especially the Banians who are kind of Pythagoreans. 1 Cambaja, three miles round, and from the Indus. 2 Barrocho, S. of it where good* 3.56 Calicoes. 3 Welfortified and orcharded Surat, with its Pomgranates, Melons, Figs and Lemmons, the residence of an English Factory, that hath a great trade in the Bay of Swalley, ten miles off. 4 Neriand and its Indico. 5 Daman, a pleasant town of the Portugez, upon the Sea-side over against Diu. 6 High and impregnable Campanel and Dacaiotote. 7 Netherby and Bandore, great Markets for Brazen ware, Beasts, and Armour. 8 Decan, N. Cambria, W. Sea, on the Sea-Coast for two hundred and fifty miles. 1 Decan, and the rich and well-guarded* 3.57 Diamond-hill neer it. 2. Bider, a Royal City Northward. 3 As Visapore was. 4 Danagur. 5 Sintacora, on the mouth of the River Aliga. 6 The great Empory Goa, fifteen mile round in the Island Ticuarinum over against the out-let of Mandavo, one of the Keys to the Indies, possessed by the Portugals. 7 The Sea-town Chaul theirs too. 8 The beautiful and well-traded town Brampore, on a great River like London, not far from the strong sort Syra.

9 Canara, N. Decan, S. Malabar, W. Sea hath 1 Melinde. 2 Onor. 3 Patticalia. 4 Mangalor all Ports of good trade for Sugars, Figgs, Corn held by the Portugez. 5 Lispor and its quarries of Adamant. 6 Solset, and its Peninsula.

10. Malabar, N. Canara the River Gangeraco between E. Narsinga, and the mountain Gates between, S. W. Sea, plentiful for Ginger, Cinnamon, Cassia, Pepper, and the Dates that yields Wine, Oyl, Sugar, fine Cloath, and Cordage; and another bearing Cotton, Cypress, and cobweb Lawn, the leaves Sattin and Taffata, besides Apes, Monkeyes, Parrats, and Paraquitoes. 1 Connor, in the Province of Connor, with a fair and capacious haven, much frequented by Merchants, especially Portugez, who have a Citadel here. 2 Cora, 3 Peripatum. Marabia. 5 Main. 2* 3.58 Calicute, in the Province of Calicute on the Sea three miles, a place of great trade, where the Eastern and European Merchants meet. 3 Chale, a Fort. 4 Chatua. 5 Purtangale. 6 Tanor. 3 Cranganor, commodious for trade, at the mouth of a River in the Province of Cran Ganor on the S. of Calicate, full of St. Thomas's Christians. 8 Cochin, a well-traded, and well-havened town in the outlet of Mangat, in a Province of that name, S. Cranganor forty leagues on the shore. 9 Caicholam, a much frequented Port-town in Caicolam. 10 Caulan neer Caicolam, with its commodious haven much resorted to by forreign Merchants for Pepper and other Spices. 11 Quilacor in Trevandor, whither the Kings of that place after twelve years Reign go, and on a Scaffold cut their Noses, Eares and Lips, and at last their throats.

11. Narsinga, S. Trevancor, E. Gulf Bengala: here is 1 Cael neer Trevancor, where they fish for Pearl. 2 Golconda. 3 Chamdagrin, a seat-Royal. 4 Perepoi, where at an yearly feast they offered two hundred thousand Crowns. 5 Madura. 6 Chadamburam. 7 Maliaper, or St. Thomas re-peopled, with a Colony of Portuguez. 8 Choromandel, a place of Trade, giving name to all the Sea-coast about it on the west side of the Gulf of Bengala. with Casta, Negapatan, Tarnassari, desolate Bisnagar, and Royal Narsinga, where the women desire to be buried alive with their Husband:

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Et certamen habent lethi, quae viva sequaturConjugium; pudor est non licuisso mori:Ardent victrices, & praebent pectora flammaeImponunt{que} suis ora perusta viris.

12. Oristan, S. Narsinga, Botanter, E. Gulf of Bengala, a fair Sea-coast of three hundred and fifty miles in length, i. e. from Cape Guadarino between it and Narsinga to Cape Leogorae between it and Bengala. 1 Orissa, on the Sea side, well traded for Rice, Cloth of Cotton, the Stuff Yerva like Silk; together with long Pepper, Ginger, Mirabolins, &c. 2 Royal Cateoba. 3 The weltraffiqued Port Angeli, at the bottom of the Gulf of Bengala. 4 Poor Bacola.

13. Botanter, S. Onstan, W. the sacred River* 3.60 Guenga, E. Ganges, where the people have ears of a span length, never washing for fear of defiling the water; where is Bottia, Clamur-Kukares (a Staple for the sale of their Cloath to the Chinois, and Tartarian Merchants)* 3.61 Couche, where they kill not their Cattle, but keep Hospitals for them when they are old.

14. Patanau, N. Botanter; 1 Large, but thatched Patane. 2 Holy and Pilgrim Bannaras on the holy Ganges. 3 Siripur.† 3.62 4 Ciandecan, on the bottom of the Gulf of Bengala. 5 Satagan.

15. Bengala, N. Patanaw, E. Pegu, S. W. Gulf of Bengala on the Gulf and River three hundred and sixty miles long hath 1 Bengala on the Ganges, rich in trade for Silk and Cotton, long Pepper, Ginger, Sugar, Wheat and Rice; the people subtil and skilled in Phylosophy, Physick and Astronomy: richer in Pilgrimages to the Holy Water of Ganges, with Gatigan, a well-traded port in the bottom of the Gulf of Bengala. 3 Taxada, decayed in trade by an alteration in the Channel. 4 Porrow Grande, and Porror Pequeno, two Lawless Asylums, with the Islands Basse, Cainam, Islas de Pracel, where was reported such store of Adamants, as drew ships thither, if they were not pinned with wooden pins.

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2. In India Extra Gangen, or the continent beyond Ganges* 3.63 is 1 Brama, W. Ganges, N. Cathay in Tartary, E. Cauchin-china, S. Pega, now Barma, rich in mines of Gold and Silver; Rubies and Musk much traded to by Portugez: and there 1 Calam. 2 Bacan. 3. Meranda. 4 Melinta. 5 Prom. 6 Ava. 7 Tangu, and 8 Brama, where is the tree called Moses, which they take to be the Tree of Life.

2 Cauchinchina, W. Brama, E. China, N. Tartary, S. Camboia, rich in Aloes, Silks, Taffata, and other Stuffs, Gold, Silver, Porcellane earth, wrought into China-ware (well counterfeited among us by drawing a white crust on our Potters Earth) Powder, Guns, where is the City Cauchin-china, on a River of China, running into a capacious Bay, with the Island Almo, where they fish for pearls, commanded by Portugez

3 Camboia, N. Cauchin-china abounding in Elephants, and Rhinocerots or Abades, Aloes, Gold, and the sweet-wood Calumba, where is the well-traded City of Comboia, on the River Mecon, as the Staple for the Commodities of this Country. 2 Cudurmuch on the same River. 3 Coul on the sea-side.

4 Jangoma W. Pegu, E. Camboia, N. Brama, S. Siam, a barbarous place not observable.

5 Siam, N. Jangoma and Pegu, E. S. W. Sea, a Peninsula, called formerly the Golden* 3.64 Chersonesse, rich in Gold, Silver, Tin, &c. Pepper, Elephants and Horses. 1 Malaca, a noted Empory for the space of two hundred and seventy miles, especially at the City Malaca on the River Gaza, unwholesom indeed, but of great trade for Spices, Oyntments, Gold, Silver, Pearls, and precious stones, especially since the Portugals removed the trade from Sincapura, a Mart neer the Promontory Magnum hither. 3 Palo Zambilan, whence to Sincapura, about the Southern Cape, called Cape Liampo, two hundred and seventy miles. 2 Johor and Patane, the Queens whereof have been so kind to the English and the Dutch, as to permit them Factories there, 1612.

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3. Siam, particularly so called, where is, 1 Socatus. 2 Quedoa, and the best Pepper. 3 Tavai, Lugor on the Sea-side.* 3.65 4 Siam, commodiously seated, and much frequented for trade, and Merchandise on the River Menam.

4. Muantay, between Jangoma and Siam, memorable for the third Empory of the Indies Odia or Ʋdie on the Banks of the River Caipumo, where two hundred thousand Skiffs and Shallops, attend to waft people from place to place.

6. Pegu, E. Jangoma and Siam, N. Barma, W. S. Gulf of Bengala, where besides 1 Verma. 2 Machin, where neither Port nor Haven; is, 3 Orachan, in which Province is; 1 Dianger ruined. 2 Sundiva, in an Island well fortified. 3 Arrachan, on a capacious River thirty leagues distance from the Sea. 4 Martavan, with its chief City Martavan, rich in Rice, Iron, Lead, Steel, Brass, Silver, Gold, Sugar Canes, and other woods odoriferous, and medicinal, scituated on a capacious Haven all the year open; and what is rare, here free from Sands, even in the winter time. 5 Pegu, lying like a Crescent on the Gulf of Bengala, eminent for Rubies, Civet-cats, Lacca (Gum made by Ants there, as Wax is made by Bees here) Elephants, and the best Parrats; the people whereof say, they were begotten between a Dog and a China Woman cast on the shore. Here are 1 Woody Cosmi. 2 Jocabel. 3 Dian. 4* 3.66 Coilan. 5 Lanagon. 6 Silvan pede. 7 Meccao, (where such goods are unloaded as are carried by land to Pegu) with its strong Castle. 8 Siriang, a strong place in the mouth of Pegu, on whose Banks most of the foresaid places lye; as doth the most beautiful, rich, and well-traded Pegu, in the Old part whereof the Merchants live, as the King doth in the New; most of these places under Kings of their own, that daily make war upon one another, but the greatest amongst them is, the rich, and absolute Prince, the Mogul.

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XXXII. The Oriental Isles:

1. In the heap of Isles, containing fifty three Kingdoms, two hundred leagues; S. on the Sea called Japan, where the people are cunning, ambitious, implacable, hating idle recreations; eating in Physick sharp salt, and raw things; using in salutations to put off their shooe: is 1 Meaco, the common staple of Japan. 2 Ossacy, of great trade. 3 Feno-Jama their University and Banoum. 4 Bongo. 5 Cora, where at least one tooth of their Kings must be interred. 6 Amanga Sequi. 7 Surungo, as big as London. 8 Edoo and Firando, where 1613 there was a Factory setled for the English Merchants. 9 The noted Haven Ochino-famanus.

2. The* 3.67 Philippines, and the neighbouring Islands S. of Japan, rich in Rice, Pulse, Honey, Wax, Sugar-Canes, the best Figs in the world, Cotton-wool, Mines of Gold, and other Mettals; plenty of Fish, Birds and Beasts: where forty containing a million of people, are under the King of Spains Government, and under his Vice-Roy in New-Spains Jurisdiction: As 1 Lusson with Manilla, a commodious Haven town. 2 Tandair, very fruitfull. 3 Mindano, three hundred and eighty leagues round, where 1 Cailon, Pavados, Sabal, and Dapiro, and westward the Lequins; and Hermosa, lately called New-Holland, because taken, planted, and strongly fortified by some Adventures of that Country; Ciumbabon, where is the* 3.68 Plant-animal.

3. The burning seven* 3.69 Isles of Bandan, where are the best Nutmegs growing like Peaches or Malacatoons, where are Dutch Factories, and some English Merchants, the place being yielded to the Protection of King James, November 24, 1620, both the Dutch and we taking advantage of their divisions, though they are more inclined to us than the Dutch.

4. The innumerable Moluccoes hot on both sides the Aequator, affording Cinamon, Ginger, Nutmegs, Mastick, Aloees, Pepper, and especially Cloves growing on trees like Bay-trees, which after the white and the

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green blossoms when they smell extraordinarily fragrantly, yield red and hard ones; which are Cloves so hot, that in two days they will* 3.70 dry up a pail of water standing in the room where they are sorted; the most remarkable of them are Tidor, Terenate, Macir, Rachtan, Machian, Botone, Poleroone and Poleway; in the former whereof the Dutch have three Forts and Factories to the Spaniards one; the two last are the Englishes, surrendred December 23, 1616. by right, the first the best in the world for Cloves, and the latter for Nutmegs, which the Dutch seized, cutting down the Clove-trees, and the Nutmeg-trees, when they were to restore them to the English.

5. The Many Selebes, as 1 Selebes properly so called, where Cian or Sion. 2 Nebon, N. and Terelli, S. 3 Gilolo, or Del-moro, well stored with wild hens, and a kind of Shell-fish that much resembleth Mutton; and the Tree Saga, which affordeth them bread and drink. In the chief town whereof Batchame or Batachina, there is a Dutch Fort to defend their Factory.

6. Amboyna, S. of the Aequator, fertile in Rice, Citrons, Lemmons, Orenges, Coquo-nuts, Sugar-canes, and Cloves, &c. Which hot fruits suck the moysture of the Earth, so that nothing else will grow there. Notorious for the unheard of cruelties exercised upon the English by the Dutch 1618 in that place.

7. Macassar, W. Amboyna, S. W. Celebes, six hundred miles from E. to W. plentifull of Rice, Flesh, Fish, Salt, Cotton-wool, Gold, Pearls, Sander a Medicinal wood growing like a Nutmeg-tree, the fruit like Cherries, overgrown with wood; there 1 is Senderem, neer a large Lake, very commodious for Traffick. 2 Macassar, an English Factory; there are other places hereabouts, as Sanguin, Terrao, Solor, &c. but not worth a Description.

8. Borneo, two thousand two hundred miles round, under the Aequator, affording besides necessaries Camphire, Agariche, Adamants; and a people very white

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and honest, that sit not on businesse till the Moon is up, which they take to be the Suns wife, and the Stars their Children: Hath for towns, 1 Borneo, near a goodly Bay, N. W. 2 The Commodious Cities, and fair Havens of Tajopura, Tamoaratas, Maalano, Lavi, Paro, and Sagdana an English Factory.

9. South of Borneo and the Aequator, is* 3.71 1 Java major, three thousand miles round; rich in all Corn, especially Rice, all flesh salted, all sorts of Fowl, plenty of Gold, Precious Stones, Brass of the best kind; Silks, Pepper, Ginger, Cinnamon, and other Spices; the people careless of their words, answering when taxed with it, that the tongue was not made of Bone. The chief Towns, 1 Panacuran, neer a burning hill. 2 Jortam. 3 Ballambua. 4 Passarva. 5 Taban. 6 Taggal. 7 Surrabaia. 8 Catabaon. Unwholesome Bantam of great trade the English, Portugez and Dutch having Factories here; the principal Factory of the English in the Indies. 10 The good Port Agracan. 11 Sura. 12 Situa, about which there is abundance of Pepper.

2 Java minor, not so well yet discovered.

10. Summatra, seven hundred miles long, and two hundred broad on the North of Java major, under the Aequator; the Soil hot and unwholesome, yielding Ginger, Pepper, Camphire, Agariche, and Cassia; besides Honey, Wax, Silks, Cottons, rich Mines, not only of Tin, Iron, and Sulphur, and other Minerals, but of Gold, it being conceived to be Solomons Ophir. The Inhabitants good Merchants, and Artificers, alwayes leading a spare Horse with them to their Mosches, looking for Mahomet to come and ride on him: Here is, 1 Passaman, a town of great trade; but unhealthy as the English know, who have a Factory there. 2 Tecoo, and its convenient Haven. 3 Priamon, all three towns lying in that Country where Pepper groweth. 4 Achen, and the Kings Court. 5 Menantabo. 6 Cambar.

descriptionPage 40

11. Zeiland, Northwest of Summatra, and its woods of Cinnamon, Lemmons, Orenges, &c. wild and tame Fowls and Beasts, especially Elephants, thought by them Paradise, there being an Hill there called, Pico de A•am; the people good Artificers and Jugglers; Here is, 1 Candie. 2 Ventane. 3 Colmuchi, on a capacious Bay, a place of great trade, especially for Cinamon, Gems, Elephants-teeth, &c. well fortified by Portugez, who call it Columbo. 4 Laula. 5 Galle. 6 Tinamaca. 7 Triqui Lemale. 8 Jana Sipatan. 9 Vilassem. 10 Batecolom, neer which Isle, are the Maldivae, and there Maldiva, a well known Empory.

All these places speak the Indian tongue in diverse Dialects; most of the Inhabitants Pagans and Mahumetans, except here and there some Plantations of Christian Converts, by the Spaniards and Portugez.

The End of ASIA.

descriptionPage [unnumbered]

Directions to find out any part or place in this Book, desired or sought for:

FIrst, You must know, that on both sides the Map, are degrees of Latitude, at every ten of which there is a Circular Line drawn through the Map: Secondly, at the top and bottom there are Degrees of Longitude; at every 10 of which, Lines are drawn through the Map.

Now, if you would find any City or other place of Note, look for it in the Table, and there you shall see what Latitude and what Longitude it hath, which finding at one of the sides, and top of the Map, bringing them till they cut one the other, there you shall find the place.

descriptionPage [unnumbered]

Example, I would find this City of London; I look for it in the Table, and there I find it hath 51 degrees of Latitude, and 24 degrees of Longitude; which 51 degrees of Latitude, I find at the side of the Map, and the 24 degree of Longitude towards the top of the Map; then I bring them till they cut one another, and there I find the City: So of the rest, note that the degree of Latitude and Longitude must be brought in a circular line, like unto them that are made at every 10^th degree: Withal, observe that Asia, Affrica and America are divided by the Equinoctial Line, and if above it you fail to speed, repair to that part beneath the Line, and expect a satisfaction answerable to your expectation, and suitable to your inquisition.

descriptionPage 43

The Names of all the known and most remarkable Capes, Ports, Beys, and Isles, Rocks, Rivers, Towns and Cities in Asia, with their Latitude and Longitude.

	La.	Lo.
ABescum	41	49
Abiach	39	67
Abian	13	83
Achaba	12	117
Achan	13	157
Achom	06	130
Achom	06	129
Achsiges	42	118
Acor	29	90
Acsamparo	39	81
Aczu	49	129
Adac	41	83
Adaia	14	84
Aden	13	82
Aden	13	83
Admiralitegt Eyland	74	80
J. do Admirante	15	84
Adu	04	110
Advidt	18	79
Agacio	04	153
Agadwa	14	112
Aiaz	15	84
Aiazo	47	75
Alar	41	81
Alarch	40	70
Alba Zichia	48	73
Alepia	39	70
Aleppo	38	72
Alexandreta	38	72
Alibinili	20	92
Alima	31	109
Amansirifdin	20	83
Amasia	41	68
Amboina	03	160
Ambuar	04	132
Ameida	38	82
Amhiou	37	144
Amny	32	132
Anamir	39	70
Anandole	40	70
Anar	39	91
Anari Mountains	57	121
Anathon	42	112

descriptionPage 44

Ancheo	31	157
Ancosi	48	140
Andegen	49	128
Andemaon	14	129
Andemaon	12	129
Chitre Andemaon	11	120
Andinir	39	101
Andragir	01	136
Angel	23	127
Angreadisi	48	113
Angua	39	89
Anguri	41	65
Anjo	17	137
Anna	29	84
Anna	31	81
Annibi	59	339
Annibi Lake	61	135
Antax	21	79
Antiochia	38	71
Aparis	39	63
Apola	22	95
J. d. Aquada	01	167
Aquarma	18	153
Aquita	38	177
Ar	13	84
Arabia	31	74
Arabia & deserta	29	73
Arabia the Happy	20	85
Aracam	21	132
Aracam	24	127
Araptar	38	78
Araseng	39	91
Arassan	39	114
Arast	41	89
Arcanis	39	78
Archangel	62	67
Ardavat	26	116
Arden	32	74
Aremogar	13	118
Argel	15	86
Argia	31	91
Argistan	38	94
Ariader	41	111
Arigal	04	129
Armadavat	23	113
B. Aror	02	147
Asar	20	89
Asareft	41	120
Ascamparo	39	81
Ascor	40	73
Asia	39	71
Asian	30	110
Assen	48	121
Assyria	39	83
Asum	39	82
Asta.	19	91
Astracan	49	82
Ava flu.	28	132
Avarel	12	145
Avias	41	65
Azach	48	81
Ayaman	27	81

B

Babacamber Lake	41	107
Babamum	02	147
Babelmandel	12	81
Babilon	32	83

descriptionPage 45

Babujones	20	154
Bacanois	13	113
Bacasa	05	145
Bachian	01	158
Bacianchi	49	69
Backanta	43	82
Bacola	23	123
Bacora	31	84
Badaglam	39	117
Badits J.	07	148
Bagiodet	32	84
Baha	23	93
C. Bajador	19	153
Baida	68	110
Baino	04	146
C. Baiso	69	68
Balagna	58	75
Bama	01	140
Bancai	01	135
Bar	28	88
Baraichir	31	99
Baras	02	131
Bardacho	41	162
Bargu	67	145
Baroalor	13	113
Baroche	21	113
Baros	02	137
Barvas	05	134
Basiar	38	120
Basora Streights	23	98
Bassiri	28	98
Batavia	05	139
Batha	01	132
Batecale	13	112
Batoch	31	70
Batochma	01	161
Bay la Baya	13	158
Bedgis	32	112
Bedroch	02	156
Bedu	38	81
Begeerten hoeck	75	103
Beil	29	72
Beisal	31	93
Betis	37	74
Ben	29	99
Bendels	31	93
Bengala	23	131
Bengala	22	132
Berdan	31	82
Berdio	10	134
Bereford	74	95
Beresps	41	81
Berghen	72	78
Beron	26	91
Bestan	39	93
Bexinia	51	80
Biancaon	04	148
Bicanapo	22	129
C. Bicay	07	153
Bicheand	42	109
Bicipuri	19	139
Bigul	41	110
Bilato	01	157
Bilther	29	108
Bingira	23	113
Bingul	41	83
Binhachu	29	140
Biron	32	82
Birusen	32	119
Bisnagor	17	115

descriptionPage 46

Bolli	41	65
Boom J.	04	141
Boratay	40	129
Borneo	04	145
Borneo	03	145
Botton	03	155
Coste Brava	19	153
Braimu	28	94
Brema	52	168
Bremia	21	135
Bronsensko	74	59
Browers Sand	04	139
Brun	88	92
Bubutor	23	72
Buchephala	32	123
Buchio	28	149
Buecho	28	155
Bulgar	53	82
Bungo	32	164
Bungo	31	168
Bunilipatam	18	119
Buorno	07	158
Burgian	39	108
Burro	03	158
Bursia	41	60
Busachi	43	80

C

Caba	48	121
Cabail	31	112
Cabarao	11	158
Cabinees	05	156
Cabis	29	99
Cabona	04	155
J. dos Cabores	12	130
Cabu	11	155
Caburo	01	148
Caciasley Lake	41	114
Cadapam	03	147
Cadilipatam	22	124
Cadissa	31	81
Cagia	48	71
Cagria	41	68
Caitachs	41	84
Calatia	29	104
Calamianes	10	149
Calandua	03	147
Calantagu	06	136
Calami	67	129
Calauro	06	153
Calba	49	119
Caldar	31	80
Caldea	30	81
Calecuth	12	113
Caleture	14	117
Calocota	21	123
Cam	33	99
Camafo	02	160
Camaran	17	81
Cambaia	22	112
Cambalu	57	163
Cambava	07	150
Camdaluys	06	109
Cameni	62	92
Campai	01	135
Campamarin	22	122
Campanael	22	114
Campion	59	147
Camul	58	143
Camultan	31	104
Cana	18	83

descriptionPage 47

Canaa	38	171
Cananor	12	113
Canasie	29	104
Cancirao	07	146
Candachnu	21	145
Candati	38	129
Candesbachens	32	117
Candu	05	111
Canduan	38	132
Canfa	29	118
Canfat	29	119
Canai	08	118
Cannahusi	49	92
Canssiend	39	111
Cant	49	103
Cantam	23	147
Catandanis	14	158
Cantao	23	147
Cantogna	22	99
Ab Canucho Primeiro	11	158
Caor	31	131
Capelle	08	109
Caph	37	104
Caracoll	11	131
Carangaro	05	158
Carasan	41	132
Carassa	43	103
Caraz	28	71
Caraza	42	133
Carchi	18	142
Careb	33	89
J. de Carenouba	10	129
Cargai	38	109
Carguth	53	140
Carigare	21	124
Carli	62	140
Carput	39	73
Carscha	21	80
Cartibut	39	79
Carvi	22	93
Casdar	27	111
Casmi	39	91
Cassan	39	94
Casser	42	131
Castelle	42	64
Castri	38	90
Casusa	32	175
Catacora	63	148
L. Catandanis	14	158
S. Catharina	31	71
Cathaya	59	150
Catsnos	64	65
C. Caudinos	68	65
Cax	41	119
Cay	32	173
Cazan	57	80
Cazan	57	83
Cecir	09	135
Cedu	07	112
Ceiram	05	164
Celebes	01	155
Celebi	33	78
Cenaon	04	163
Centos	49	99
Ceram	03	161
Chabacu	41	77
Chabaque	24	121
Chabul	31	113
Cham	54	82

descriptionPage 48

Chamba	12	144
Chanchim	22	145
Chaquoan	10	143
Charabon	05	142
Chaul	19	112
Cheatehu	41	148
Cheche	40	101
Chechio	43	143
Cheng	41	113
Chequiam	31	154
Chesmias	38	124
Chesolitis	49	109
Cheta	38	138
Chialis	53	132
Chiamay Lake	31	132
Chiambuchi	31	151
Chiamchi	29	153
Chianca	58	171
Chiarga	43	109
C. Chichio	47	160
Chiechia	42	83
Chien	24	153
Chieto	41	73
C. Chigmano	31	157
C. Chilac	08	116
Chilmar	31	91
Chilou	31	151
China	20	140
Chincheo	24	152
Chinchio	39	144
Chind	49	112
Chintane	41	62
Chinis	49	89
Chintecran	28	104
Chiom	03	154
Chipichi	47	78
Chiri	41	77
Chirma	29	98
Chirvan	32	108
Chirva	41	78
Chiseri	42	78
Chochloma	58	77
Choi	18	140
Choria	22	131
Chuch	39	78
Chulifu	49	142
Ciangario	57	168
Ciaohu	38	151
Ciarcian	42	122
Ciarn	48	122
Ciarti	51	138
Ciartiam	51	138
Cibinan	29	104
Cieugient	48	113
Cilno	42	63
Cincopa	49	68
Ciorza	63	144
C. Cipaom	31	139
Ciram	31	108
Circan	31	108
Cirote	28	129
Citar	23	116
Clamiata	31	89
Cochinching	19	139
Cochiuway	40	140
Cocman	41	82
J. Cocos	03	128
J. dos Cocos	17	129
Coilon	42	177
Coiscan	27	94

descriptionPage 49

Coix	19	87
Colchistan	38	110
Colgoy	69	72
Colmak	67	129
Colonita	08	116
Duas Collunas	25	179
Com	41	68
Como	27	101
C. Comori	08	113
Condagari	04	157
Condora	62	80
Condu	37	121
Contihu	38	141
Coorica	51	132
Copa	38	95
Cor	38	102
Cor	17	81
Coral	41	139
Coraran	61	147
Cordel	32	121
Canal D. Cordu	07	109
Core	20	85
Corr	33	161
Corsum	42	102
Cortiza	54	66
Corus	42	103
Cosbas	41	77
Cosmay	48	89
Cossin	67	97
Cossin flu.	63	105
Cossinig flu.	62	106
Costa de prael	17	141
Costaque	28	88
Cotan	14	145
Cotarinsto	03	143
Cotelmes	58	81
Cotelnitz	58	85
Couchine	18	143
Couchin	21	140
Covea	22	147
Coulan	09	113
Coulete	11	113
Coylon	03	166
Cranganor	11	114
Cremuch	43	78
J. D. Cubelin	09	107
Cubens	48	82
Cuchencan	49	151
Cuchia	52	132
Cumbor	28	158
Cui	11	135
Cuova	22	98
Curdi	41	77
Curm	31	121

D.

Dabul	18	112
Daga	40	93
Daga	40	94
Dala	19	132
Damaom	21	113
Damascus	32	72
Damixno	20	112
Damma	06	144
Dampini	04	136
Danra	41	118
Dapito	08	154
Daragati	68	38
Daragsi	28	105
C. Darama	04	112
Daramoi	05	141

descriptionPage 50

Ter. Daru	03	132
J. Daru	04	133
J. Daru	05	167
Davisi	49	98
J. da Day	02	160
Dazia	41	69
Deblee	17	112
Deiser	38	93
Delfare	18	98
Delli	21	117
Denace	29	91
Derbe	43	82
Dern	31	94
Desert	58	130
Desert of Belgian	06	155
Devo	38	174
Defina	61	71
Diamuch	42	110
Diarbes	33	82
Diepe Bay	73	79
Dio	21	110
Diul	21	106
Doan	28	93
J. Dodombre	08	128
Dodon	19	132
Dondengam	02	143
Donko	52	66
Doriswal	59	130
Dosal	33	87
Dostian	23	124
Dulcida	28	102
Durate	01	153
Dwina	61	60
Dwina flu.	62	70

E

Eara	30	70
Easso	47	77
Efeso	39	57
Eigen	38	167
Eilag	49	112
Einga	31	166
Eit	32	81
Elagiar	31	72
Elcatie	24	84
Elforga	24	77
Elget	18	82
El pracel	17	14
Eltaif	24	78
Eltor	29	70
Endras	38	117
Engan	28	109
C. del Engano	19	155
J. Engano	04	134
Enseada	18	142
Enseada d. Nanquin	39	160
Eoqui	38	185
Erbel	38	88
Eremige	09	113
Erex	41	83
Erin	51	126
Erste Hoeck	72	75
Eschinaru	41	103
P. Escondito	18	155
Espunce	42	111
Etaican	41	119
Euphrates flu.	33	78
Euphrates flu.	32	80
Exapoli	51	75

descriptionPage 51

Excehia	42	80
Wms Eyl	02	132
Eylant	70	80
Ezina	60	140

F

Farave	107	41
S. Farn	32	89
Farsi	24	74
Fartach	18	88
Feluavia	33	83
Ferber	39	114
Fexi Jonoxima	31	174
Firushat	31	91
Fischio	38	61
Fitachi	33	176
Flores	07	152
Foia	39	57
Forcades	07	152
Formosa	26	158
Fortona	44	98
J.D.S. Francesco Abrolho	05	87
Francesco Gomez	13	158
Frutach	49	92
J. D. Fuogo	28	163

G

Gaga	22	111
Gaibar	24	78
Gaiga	41	73
P. D. Gallo	07	116
J. de Gamo	03	112
Ganges flu.	29	126
Ganges flu.	32	129
Garpia	09	109
Gebrokenhoek	07	133
Genco	42	77
Gerger	41	73
Germop	40	103
Gest	29	109
Geuben	28	73
Gian	40	102
Giang	40	102
Giend	48	109
Gillibar	02	134
Gillolo	01	169
Gillolo	01	159
Gelula	32	88
Giocbach	18	83
Gion	29	91
Goa	17	112
Goadel	27	102
P. de Godonso	18	118
Gonga	29	92
Gonta	58	147
Gor	40	133
Gori	39	131
Gorar	32	79
Goro	47	77
Gout Bay	76	98
Gouro	31	128
J. des Graes	01	164
J. des Graos	01	165
Grigos	38	60
Grufting	58	116
Grustina	58	110
Gubelaman	18	90
Gubu	18	89
Guefu	48	148
Guegasu	52	163
Guiochio	27	145

descriptionPage 52

Guiro	38	74
Guiulap	38	74
Gulferis	32	91
Guzarata	22	111

H

Halibir	20	79
Heemsthoeck	75	103
Heres	32	92
Ser. Heri	38	103
Herin	32	84
Hermana	28	174
Hermate	01	134
Hiamangari	29	164
Hiamchez	31	144
Hianchoan	32	142
Hiechiga	37	174
Hietch	37	172
Hilam	23	140
Himpim	49	149
Hizium	38	168
Hizu	32	173
Hocheu	49	139
Hoci	48	134
Hoe	48	138
Hoatenhu	41	142
Holanu	41	143
Holiemanhu	31	143
Homine	42	70
Honao	39	148
Hontu	42	134
C. Hoquan	56	147
Hoquay	48	138
Hor	22	98
Hoyam	36	147
Hucheanu	28	157
Huchio	43	142
Hunaon	40	150
Hunchiu	31	150
Huquid	27	151
Huquosan	31	143

J

Jaffa	32	70
Jaffanapatam	10	118
Jambog	27	73
Jambut	24	74
Jancoma	19	134
Janpeur	27	152
Jaqueio grande	27	162
Jaquete	22	107
Jarat	07	163
Jaroslaw	58	66
Jasques	28	95
Idumaea	31	71
Jebel	33	79
Jemeri	27	127
Jeria	48	137
Jerom	53	101
Jerusalem	31	71
Jessed	32	92
Iliam	12	138
Ilhas dos Ladrones	31	176
Imaner	40	94
Imaner	40	98
Imene	24	89
India within Ganges	29	122
India beyond Ganges	27	131
Indian	39	104

descriptionPage 53

Indu	29	113
Indus flu.	27	114
Initusu	41	139
Inquehu	23	147
J.D.S. Johannes	07	154
Jor	02	137
Jorgewitz	58	71
Jorman	57	85
Joughoria	57	108
Ira	12	117
Irmainech	48	91
Os fere Irmanas	08	96
Os tres Irmanos	04	94
Irnim	18	82
Isitac	08	153
Corea Isthmus	41	161
Istiaias	41	112
Jubra	64	78
Jubri	63	78
Jubu	28	151
Junno	37	142

K

Kalmucki	49	91
Karkithay	51	125
Kathay Lake	54	129
Kendori	61	89
Kithaskos	58	117
Koloa	63	67
Koy	05	165

L

Labo	03	129
Labor	23	118
Labor	43	122
Lacaoct	32	148
Laghi	16	84
Laiazzo	38	71
Laikheu	41	159
Lamhionuhu	28	147
Lampaca	22	151
Lanchiou	39	139
Landen	01	143
Langeness	71	71
Langoma	13	140
Langor	12	139
Langor	39	99
Lanuu	37	139
Lapara	05	144
J. D. Laqui	26	160
Larkhen	48	119
Lasculipatam	18	119
Lassa	31	87
Lavona	42	71
Laxa	58	165
Lazama	22	81
Lecehi	52	75
Lem	39	89
Lemsa	62	67
Lepin	59	92
Lequeo minor	22	155
Lequeo pequeno	23	157
Lere	43	101
Lesti	53	67
Levir	08	158
Leuri	33	171
Liamhat	31	147
Liamhat	29	147
Liampo	29	157
Liampon	05	137
Liamu	32	141
C. Lianthon	48	162

descriptionPage 54

Ligor	08	135
Lima	27	88
L. Linga	02	140
Lingnou	31	149
Lohares	28	114
Lominato	09	150
Lonati	47	77
Lop	43	122
Lop	51	139
Lop Desert	52	140
Lori	41	81
Loron	29	87
Loures Bay	71	76
Luavenu	22	143
Luca para	05	158
Lucomoria	60	101
Luconia	17	153
Lugor	08	133
Luhu	41	150
Luicheu	19	145
Luienheu	39	158
Luohiuu	38	152
Lurch	16	142
Luzom	18	153

M

Macao	19	132
Macas	22	148
Macasa	05	153
Machacharees	01	153
Machan	19	133
Machia	01	158
Macran	28	110
Macran	27	106
Madrafaher	21	110
Madura	06	147
Maffa	22	92
Magiarahat	21	90
Maglasen	41	98
Magnesia	39	60
Majacca	07	134
Mal	29	115
Malacca	03	135
B. d. Malaga	09	158
Malagindo	39	79
Malana	03	143
Malatia	39	73
Maliapor	13	117
Maliaque	03	153
Maldiva	03	110
Maldiva	01	111
Malerone	08	117
Malgomzua	71	100
Malmi	38	113
Mamoya	01	153
Manahon	29	87
Mancop	02	144
Mandao	27	117
Mandato	16	157
P. d. Mandato	18	152
Mandos	02	152
Mangalor	13	113
Streto di Manhilla	14	158
Manicabo	02	134
Manicapatan	21	123
Manitta	17	152
Manoda	02	156
Manpado	22	150
Marane	32	94
Marareo	18	133

descriptionPage 55

J.S. Maria	08	135
Marib	18	87
Marmareo	56	89
Marthaban	17	134
Maru	42	103
Marudo	08	148
Masaris	48	98
Masbet	51	82
Mascalat	23	87
Masdaron	41	92
Ilhas. d. Masearenhas	02	90
Masuson	39	99
Matacola	07	119
G.d. Matahambre	17	156
Mataran	06	142
J. dos Matelotes	12	169
Matergua	19	92
J. Maurits	09	152
B. May	13	142
Meac	37	169
Meaco	38	169
Meaos	02	157
Mecca	13	81
Mecca	23	77
Mechender	41	133
Media	39	89
Medina	24	75
Medino	39	98
Meelhaven	71	77
Melaxo	39	59
Meligberit	23	122
Meliolzura	33	74
Menan flu.	29	131
Menigiam	28	95
Merdi	38	81
Meret	41	89
Merglan	43	112
Mesagart	41	94
Mesamar	41	93
Meze	65	71
Miam	31	147
J. d. S. Michael	08	149
Micheuu	39	141
Militan	39	117
Mimeud	33	118
Mindanao	07	156
Mindanao	08	155
Mindora	12	152
Streto. d. Mindora	14	152
Mintam	01	152
J. d. Mirabiles	17	151
Mirgun	13	134
Moga	19	131
Mogalachsu	47	119
Mola	05	164
Moltan	23	115
Molumi	32	155
Monfia	08	73
Mongul	60	150
Monpracem	07	134
P. Montano	01	131
Mora	44	100
Morair	21	89
Mordwa	53	76
More	69	71
Morioherinoso	79	156
Moro	14	134
Moscow	53	66

descriptionPage 56

Mua	02	135
Muchi	21	77
Mugia	39	89
Mugora	19	79
Mugu	43	119
Mulchoder	41	93
Mulon	58	150
Multan	29	112
Mus	39	82
Musadali	31	84
Mussu	39	85
Muxentus	48	128
Muy	23	77

N

Naban	29	92
Nabaro	51	77
Nagata	38	164
Nagajanorda	49	90
Nageara	31	73
Naiam	62	136
Naiman	62	140
Nalobriga	28	171
Nanquu	32	153
Narch	30	122
Narsinga	13	115
Narsinga	14	115
Narsingapatam	19	120
Nasasira	03	149
J. Nassau	03	133
C. Nassaw	90	74
Nastma	32	176
J. Do. Natal	08	78
Natel	40	90
Natuua	04	132
Navigni	37	151
Nayn	19	91
Nedachiu	32	150
Negapatam	11	116
Negoar	11	154
Niachu	32	139
P. Nias	07	131
Nibongs	02	143
S. Nichola	62	64
L. D. Nicuba	08	129
Bara de Nigrais	18	131
Nimerdon	41	98
Nisabul	33	108
Nissa	31	94
Nisu	53	70
J. Noba	01	161
Nocum	32	154
Noquiuu	29	148
Nosuiseme	64	66
Nova Zembla	72	90
Novgorod	58	72
Novi	38	172
Novo	32	83
Nubisat	39	93
Nuca	39	64
Nuga	33	98

O

Obaia flu.	68	92
Obea Castle	68	96
Obia flu.	60	99
Obii flu.	58	122
Odia	14	136
Oelebe	07	117
Oirest	30	100
Ombo	08	156

descriptionPage 57

Onde Seperdeo & â S. pedro	01	101
Onon	14	113
Opagodo	12	117
Orasan	38	110
Orsaoan	36	94
Organci	48	101
Orixa	21	119
Orlo	59	85
Ormus	23	94
Ormus	28	93
Osunu	31	165
Ouro	02	127
Ouro	02	125
Ouro	01	121

P

Pagansi	18	153
Pagasa	47	98
Pahang	03	137
Paiachio	30	141
Paiat	39	63
P. de Paiores	18	156
Palalonga	18	118
Paledeate	13	117
Palhor	20	121
Palialiu	39	138
Palimban	02	138
J. das palmeiras	06	161
Palolimen	41	60
Palu	22	117
Panama	12	153
Panber	42	72
Panens	31	98
Panhum	32	140
Panevasion	17	152
Paniamhu	43	144
C. Panimnitue	47	151
C. Paqui	49	152
Para	33	104
Pargicas	03	156
Paris	41	58
Parmangato	22	108
Pasan	04	131
Pasch	41	98
Pascharu	58	90
Pasgema	01	132
Pasir	27	105
Passay	05	132
Patalgo	08	117
Patane	07	135
Patepane	22	109
Paternoster	07	153
C. Patim	49	153
Patines	04	164
Paxadro	20	115
Pazanfui	57	160
Pedir	04	129
Pegu	20	133
Pegu	21	134
Pehiholm	43	141
Peim	51	136
Pemb	48	134
Pemba	05	74
Penacota	18	119
Pepraes	17	131
Pera	05	134
Pergamo	41	58
Perm	57	95
Persia	38	93
The Persian Gulf	29	99

descriptionPage 58

Perton	38	102
Pesarit	42	121
Pesondo	47	73
Petzora	64	84
Petzora flu.	63	86
Petzorke	71	71
Pigneli	51	136
R. d. Pintatos	19	156
Pipilipata	22	124
Pirichemar	41	91
Pitan	39	127
Pitsana	68	78
Pitzora	69	84
Platagena	41	67
Plessa	58	67
Pochio	39	153
Poco	02	147
Poiassa	62	90
Poin	48	121
Polarim	21	123
S. Polo	17	143
Polopoli	38	68
P. Pomam	10	138
Pommaluco	02	112
Ponciam	06	134
Ponda	07	134
Ponodam	17	156
Pontare	08	155
J. Porcos	03	128
Porion	38	101
Potera	38	62
Potigarara	04	137
Costa d. Pracel	03	133
Primeiro Surgidero	12	158
Projaman	01	133
Puacotia	19	121
Pucavaon	03	143
Puelhas	158	12
Pulo	18	143
Pulo	16	144
Pulo	11	145
Punpa	48	134
Puraqua	07	109
Purgicas	03	156
Purtegal	02	153
Puto Condor	09	141
Puto Hube	09	142

Q

Qualisut	27	153
Quancii	23	144
Quancii	21	144
Quancii	28	143
Quentin	43	154
Quetho	08	108
Queviuhu	27	139
Quianchiu	28	152
Quianhu	29	150
Quianhu	29	151
Quiatechiu	32	139
Quibenhu	19	140
C. Quichio	27	141
Quicheu	29	140
Quicocum	32	171
Quilanchim	32	149
Quinchio	51	149
Quincii	49	160
Quanzay	43	154
Quiqui	01	153
Quitu	38	138

descriptionPage 59

Quoda	07	134
Quor	26	153
Quunliahu	31	177

R

Ra	39	74
Racaim	20	111
C. Rachade	03	135
Rachagi	31	103
Rada	18	85
Rahabi	32	79
G. Rama	22	131
Raofa	42	130
Rarass	28	117
J. Rasa	09	128
C. Ras Algate	23	98
Rastum	38	82
Reama	17	85
Red	18	88
Reis	17	133
Remaier	39	123
Renevi	48	114
Resan	53	17
C.d. Resurrection	07	159
Revick	03	133
Dog Reys Magos	27	161
Rezania	52	70
Risa	48	91
Riso	42	73
Rocha	38	75
Roda	40	83
Roda	40	86
Roere	02	131
Rolinogori	62	66
Rost	41	90
Rostowa	58	65

S

Sabar	48	111
Sabochbar	57	97
Sabunra	11	158
Sacay	32	170
Sachamia	50	118
Sachi	43	118
Sachi	28	149
Sachion	53	141
Sachium	41	154
Sagar	21	81
Sagatin	58	94
Saich	48	140
Sakaden	01	144
R. d. Sal	23	152
Salacut	41	89
Salacay	06	153
Samach	47	109
Samachi	41	114
Samarcha	49	132
Samaria	32	71
Sambilon	08	132
Samoieda	68	93
C. Sanci	49	142
Sancit	42	142
Sandelbos	08	152
Sando	38	175
Sanga	24	117
C. Santo	42	152
Sarachiuch	47	102
Saraitak	41	88
Costin Sarg	71	75
Sarubu	18	87
Satagan	23	128
Satalia	38	63

descriptionPage 60

Satan	24	74
Sava	19	84
Scans Hoeck	71	75
Schio	41	58
Schiraz	31	92
Th. R. Sea	20	73
Seban	48	110
Sebolas	17	133
Sebrui	39	98
Sebsoar	39	99
Sede	32	99
Segena	32	174
Semam	32	153
Serberco	38	112
Serchis	30	120
Sereng	30	105
Serent	41	81
Sermangon	91	119
Sernam	12	135
Serot	05	161
Serra	52	159
Sert	38	85
Servan	41	89
Serus	33	103
Shakasi	51	90
Shaysure	48	100
J. Shilpats	06	163
Siachem	31	121
Siagna	01	135
Sian	14	138
Siarant	31	117
Sibescher	31	89
Sibier	61	100
Sibsar	38	108
Sicabo	26	73
Sichio	39	151
Sidon	32	71
Siduscon	24	110
Siduu	39	143
Do. Sierta	26	176
Sieto	03	130
Sigersul	33	90
Sigstan	31	101
Siler	21	91
Siminan	48	108
Simmuan	42	128
M. Sinai	29	71
Sind	28	111
Sindu	27	108
Sirput	33	91
Sisime	38	173
Situala	22	130
Sleg	49	112
Slohoda	59	81
Smirna	39	59
Soar	23	95
Sobar	38	69
Soesen	03	130
Solamas	39	88
Soldinia	39	90
Solonger	04	135
S. Sophia	48	72
Soptha	33	81
Sotor	05	154
Soutan	21	147
Speriamo	02	137
C. Spiritu santo	03	158
Spresp	38	83
Stingui	59	142
Streight of Sunda	06	137

descriptionPage 61

Stranu	42	86
Strelna	60	76
Streltze	61	76
Strupilicas	62	90
C. Suchi	48	144
Suckdane	01	143
Sucko	59	67
Sucuan	31	157
Sues	30	68
Suiatsteo	57	82
Sumatra	02	133
Sumerlange	08	133
Suminat	31	113
C. Sunteh	47	149
Suocuir	58	148
Sura	38	156
Surate	21	113
Surato	09	155
Susdal	58	67
Suva	02	152
Suvas	41	70
Swarte Hoeck	74	81
Sway	21	148
Swithin	31	157
Syday	19	153
Syr	21	93
Syria	33	71

T

Taba	26	91
Tabacia	22	111
Tacastan	40	120
Tach	28	98
Tacho	26	154
Tachmin flu.	64	115
Tacthen	19	147
Tadmar	31	72
Tagalla	18	133
Tagema	05	154
Taichan	39	92
Taingim	62	143
Taman	02	134
Tamanatos	02	143
Tamara	04	144
Tamasa	12	135
C. Tamasi	42	127
Tamenacerim	02	143
Tana	38	169
Tanacerim	11	135
Tanaxima	29	164
J. Tanay	13	131
Tandura	12	158
Tanedare	07	117
Tangara	41	1•9
Tangchit	49	117
Tangonere	09	119
Tanguth	57	140
Tapuiri	52	107
Tares	48	109
Targana	49	117
Taron	39	91
Tarsus	32	92
Tarrar	61	156
Tarvana	12	138
Taskent	51	130
Taskent	49	130
Tasmoha	48	151
Tauris	41	80
J Tazata	69	131
Teachio	33	151
Tebes nising	31	1•5

descriptionPage 62

Techio	31	149
Teid	23	90
Tema	33	92
Temechio	42	148
C. Tenchio	41	162
Tendiet	48	119
Tenduc	58	165
Tepetuet	43	140
Teras	48	110
Teria	48	138
Termen	42	118
Termena	39	117
Terra alta	08	157
Tesca	21	118
Tesech	29	95
Teste	33	92
Theama	22	78
Thum	38	101
Tiachio	48	141
P. Tiago	08	134
Tianchenoy	48	150
Tianchenoy	48	150
Tibique	27	98
Ticko	01	133
Tidor	01	158
Timar	33	91
Timor	07	160
Tinior L.	01	155
Timibacam	28	158
J Tinhosa	18	145
Tiria	39	62
Tislin	42	80
Tolema	31	133
C. Toncheo	51	152
Tonsa	32	168
Tortosa	37	71
Totma	59	71
Totolli	01	155
Tozichu	31	141
Traja	41	56
Trebisond	42	72
Trenalala	11	117
Treno	17	133
Tricomalo	09	119
Troitz Koy	57	67
C. Troost	74	93
Tuba	04	152
Tuban	05	145
Tucajao	06	134
Tulcatam	39	107
Tulla	52	67
Tumen	58	97
Tumisa	23	88
Tursis	39	103
Tuszara	69	76

V

Vacia	39	84
Vacsisatlan	47	118
Vahulitz	60	85
Valanboam	06	148
Vanas	38	107
Var	21	121
Varcend	40	109
Vari	39	88
Vasa	31	84
Vehe	32	112
Velvaling	41	121
Vergut	48	114
Verm	27	129
Verwinter Hoock	74	104

descriptionPage 63

Vesgirt	42	119
Veubia	39	138
Viatka	59	85
Vich	53	76
Viga	37	168
Villan	38	178
Ulache Hoek	05	136
Undis	39	93
Volga flu.	57	80
Voloari	32	172
Vonchia	19	144
Vora	13	140
Voziam	41	132
Usgetia	59	70
Uslinger hooft	75	103
Usting	61	75
S. Ustinga	62	70

W

Waggats	69	90
Wassilgorod	57	77
Weliki perni	69	95
Weliki poiassa	64	95
Wologda	69	66

X

Xamii	48	142
Xana	32	171
Xanton	42	154

Z

Zacabin	61	156
Zacaria	49	70
Zagathay	47	108
Zahaspa	42	100
Zanzibar	05	73
Zeche Sirach	42	81
Zehel	17	88
Zianbenhu	28	157
Zibit	18	81
Zibith	17	81
Ziden	22	77
Zingir	49	72
Zir	31	107
Zitari	17	117
Zizira	38	84
J Zocotora heres the best Aloes	13	90
Zuich	38	89
Zuza	39	101

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

A General and Particular DESCRIPTION OF ASIA.

ASIA

ASIA is the largest and richest part of the Old Continent, lying on the East of Europe. Some Authors derive the Name from Asia the Nymph, the Daughter of Oceanus, and Thetis the Wife of Japetus. Others from Asius the Son of Manaeus the Lydian.

This part of the World is bounded on the North with the Scythian Ocean, on the West with the Red Sea, the Isthmus of Suiz, the Grecian Archipelago, the Sea of Marmara, the Euxine-Sea, the Sea of Zabache, or the Palus Meotis, a part of the River Don or Tanais, a Line being drawn from the most Eastern

winding of that River to the Mouth of the River Obium, by the Streights of Veigats, in the Frozen-Sea. On the South with the Indian and Arabian Seas. On the East with the Ocean of China, and of the Kaimachites.

It is extended from the first to the 80th Degree of Latitude, not including the Isles lying beyond the Aequator as far as the 11th Degree of Southern Latitude, which makes 5400 Mile; and from the 54th Degree of Longitude about the Streights of the Dardanelli to the 154th, as far as the Streights of Jesso, or Isles of Japan, which contains about 6900 Miles. So that Asia takes up a great part of the Torrid, all the Northern Temperate, and reaches Six or Seven Degrees into the Frigid Zone.

Asia hath had many Pre-eminencies above any other part of the World. The Lord of Nature made choice of it for the Creation of Man; there he deliver'd his Laws by Moses, and his Oracles by many Prophets. It was the Native Soil of the Patriarchs, Prophets, Apostles; yea, of Jesus Christ himself. The rest of the World was peopled by Colonies translated from thence. It was the Seat of the most ancient and powerful Monarchies, viz. the Assyrian, which began in Nimrod or Belus, in 1879. and ended in Sardanapalus, in 3178. 2. The Median. 3. The Persian, founded by Cyrus in 3494. and concluding in Darius Codomannus in 3724. from whom the Empire passed to the Greeks, Alexander the Great having conquer'd him in Three Battles. In after-Ages the Parthians raised a powerful Monarchy, which continued 477, or 478 Years, holding out the Eastern Empire a long time against the Romans. From the Parthians it was removed again to the Persians, with whom it continued, till 'twas almost overthrown by the Turks and Sarazens. But it was recover'd again about the Year 1515. by Ishmael Sophi. There are still in Asia these remarkable and mighty Kingdoms, viz. of the Great Mogul, the Great Cham of Tartary, the Kings or Emperours of Persia, China and Japan, with many considerable Princes, which rule in the other parts of the Continent and adjoining Isles. Not only many wholsom Laws, good Customs, useful Arts and Sciences, had their Original in this Tract of the World; but also several Religions, as Paganism from the Assyrians, Judaism among the Hebrews, Christianity in the Holy Land by the Nativity of our Saviour, about the Year 3947. and Mahometanism in Arabia, by Mahomet the False Prophet, about the Year of Grace 620.

The Air is generally healthful and temperate, according to the different Situations of it. In the Torrid Zone some places enjoy a continual Spring, without such Inconveniencies of immoderate Heat, as are met with in other places in that Zone. It is true, the Air is cold Northward, and in Arabia 'tis something hot; but in the highest Degree very tolerable.

Both the Earth and Water produce a great abundance of all things necessary for Humane Life. They have all sorts of Grain, Wine, Fruits, Spices, Herbs, Physical Drugs, Tame Creatures, Wild Beasts and Fish: Silks, Cottons, Tapestry and Purple Cloaths are made by the Persians; yea, they have a thousand Colours which never fade, which we have none of. Mines of all sorts of Metals, but especially of Silver and Gold, are common among them, which are found in such plenty among the Sands of their Rivers, that they need not be at the pains to dig deep into the Earth for them. They have Diamonds, White and Red Pearl, Rubies, Eastern Carbuncles, and a great many other sorts of Precious Stones. Quarreys of Marble, Jasper, Porphiry, Alabaster, Agates, &c. are very numerous among them. Their Seas, Lakes and Rivers abound with all sorts of Fish; and on the Seashore in several places they find considerable quantities of Ambergrease.

Pearl-fishing is used in several places, but chiefly about the Isles Baharen in the Persian Sea, the Isle Manar upon the Indian Coasts, and at Ainan near China: And these sort of Pearls are much valued, as well as those of Japan, which are some of them red. But more particularly the Diamonds of Narsinga, the Pepper and Ginger of Malabar, the Persian Tapestry, Stuffs of Bangall, the Rubies and Lacca of Pegu, the Toys, the Wood of the Aigle •r Aloes, and Earthen Ware of China, Tea of Japan, Gilliflowers of the Moluccos, Nutmegs of Banda, Saunders of Timor, the Gold of Sumatra, the Camphire of Borneo, Sables of Tartary, Cedar of Mount Libanon, the Coco-Trees of the Maldives, and the Channel of Ceilan are not to parallel'd elsewhere.

The most remarkable Seas of Asia, about the midland, are, 1. The Caspian Sea, which bears several other Names from the Cities and Countries it borders upon, and which hath the same Fish in it as the Fresh Water, tho' the Water of it is Salt. 2. The Persian Gulf. 3. Mare Mortuum, or the Dead Sea, which is more Famous than Great. As to the Seas that encompass it, they have different Names, according to the Names of the adjoyning Countries. The principal Rivers also and Mountains I have set them down in the Tables of the first Tome.

The People of Asia have always been great Lovers of Pleasure and Ease, except some that dwell in the Mountains, and the Tartars. They are not usually so vigorous and active as the People of Europe or Africa.

The Four Principal Religions which are professed among them, are, Judaism, Mahometanism and Paganism, which are much more numerous than Christianity. The Dutch, where-ever they come, propagate the Doctrines of Calvin at the Expence of the other Nations of Europe, neither regarding Honesty or Justice to promote their Trade and Commerce. Mahometanism is embraced by the Turks, Persians, Arabians, Tartars, the Mogul's Subjects, and many other Nations on the Continent, and in some Islands. The Greeks also have their Patriarchs, viz. of Antioch and Jerusalem. There are also several other Schismaticks, as, Jacobites, Nestorians, Copthi, Georgians, Syrians, Armenians, and Maronites. These Diversities of Religion do not hinder, but that almost one half of Asia still live in Pagan Darkness and Superstition.

Asia may be divided several ways. Most of the Ancients do ordinarily divide it into the Greater and Lesser Asia. The Greater Asia contains Sarmatia, Scythia Asiatica, Gedrosia, Drongiana, Arachosia, Sogdiana, Hyrcania, Margiana, Parthia, Persia, Susiana, Media, Albania, Iberia, Coletris, Armenia, Mesopotamia, Assyria, Arabia, Syria, Palestine, Phoenicia, Cappadocia, Cilicia, Galatia, Pontus, Lycia, Pamphilia, &c. The Lesser Asia, or Asia Minor, contains Phrygia, Paphlagonia, Lydia, Caria, Aeolis, Ionia, Doris, a part of Galatia, Bithinia, Caramania, Amasia, Adulca, or Armenia the Less. But the Division which seems to me most natural, and suitable to so vast a Region, is that which some Modern Geographers use, which is into, 1. The Continent. 2. The Isles, according to these following Tables.

ASIA divided in a Geographical Order.

Asia hath two Parts.

1. Continent.

1. In the West

...Turkey.

...Georgia.

...Arabia.

2. In the Middle, Persia.

3. In the North, Tartary.

4. On the East, China.

5. On the South, the Empire of the Mogul. And Peninsula's.

2. Isles

1. In the Ocean Southward,

...Japan.

...Philippines.

2. In the Ocean Eastward,

The Molucco's.

...Sindae.

...Ceilan, Maldives.

3. In the Mediterranean Sea,

...Cyprus.

...Rhodes.

...Metelene.

CHAP. I. A Description of TURKY in ASIA.

TƲRKY in Asia contains all that part of the World which the Romans were once Masters of, with Armenia and Assyria. It is bounded on the North with the Euxine-Sea and Georgia; on the West with the Isthmus of Suez, the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, and the Sea of Marmara; on the South with Arabia and the Persian Gulph; on the East with the States of the King of Persia.

The Breadth of it from South to North is 630 Miles from the 29th Degree 30 min. to the 45th Degree of Latitude; and in Length about 1500 Miles from West to East, from the 55th Degree to the 95th, and from the Hellespont to the farthest Frontiers.

The Air is almost of the same Temperature in all parts of it, except in a little Tract of Arabia, which belongs to Turky, where it is very cold; but in other places it is very temperate. The Soil produces every thing necessary for Man's Life; it yields an abundance of Wheat, Barley, Wine, Fruits, Saffron. It hath excellent Pastures, wherein they feed great numbers of Horses and White Goats, which have Hair as fine as Silk. They have Mines of Gold, Silver, Brass, Iron, Allum, Christal, Arsenick, and Loadstone, from which the City Magnesia takes its Name. They have great plenty of Citrons, Oranges and Figs in many places, as also Palms, Honey, Bees-wax, Cassia, Cinnamon, Incense, Myrrhe, and several other Spices. Their Horses are beautiful, and very good; their Weathers very fat, whose Tail weighs 25 pound. All sorts of Wild Beasts and Fish are common there.

On the Sea-Coasts are their Places for Traffick, where they maintain a great Trade of Merchandises from the Levant, which consists of Skins, Tapestry, Cotton, Camelots, Silks and Spice. And for this end there are resident in those places Consuls from all Nations of Europe.

The most remarkable Rivers are Tigris and Euphrates, which rise in the Mountains of Ararat and Mingol in Armenia. It's Course is from East to West; and having passed through the City Erzirum, it runs Southward, separating Natolia from Armenia and Syria-Diarbecke. Afterwards it joins with Tigris at Gorno, 44 Leagues below Bagdat; and after it hath born the Name of Skhat-el-Arab for 15 Leagues, it empties it self into the Gulph of Balsora, about Twenty Leagues below the City of that Name; which being about a League and half distant from it, hath a Channel cut out of it, which will carry Vessels of 150 Tunn. Tigris fills many Lakes, and sometimes runs under Ground. The Country, which is watered by these two Rivers, is so beautiful and fruitful, that it seems a Terrestrial Paradise. The Bridges over the Tiger are not made of Stone, but of Boats usually, because of the great Floods and fierce Stream of that River.

The Asian Turks, who dwell in the Northern parts, are generally very ignorant and sloathful, delighting in Feasting, and all sorts of sensual Pleasures. They are very jealous of their Wives, and cruel to their Slaves. In the South and Arabia they are more ingenious, industrious, and subtile, good Husbandmen, and feed much Cattle. They are great Thieves; so that Travellers are forced to go in Troops to secure themselves from their Robberies.

They follow the Errors of Mahomet for the most part; but there are Jews, and several Sects of the Greeks, the chief of which are the Melchites, Nestorians, Dioscorians, Armenians, Jacobites, and Maronites. The three first have each of them their Patriarch, besides the Patriarch of Constantinople, viz. of Alexandria, Antioch, who resides at Damascus, and Bethlehem. The Armenians have two, the one of which hath his Residence in the Monastery of Ecmeasin in Georgia, and the other at Sis in Aladulia. The Jacobites have one, whose Seat is at Caramit in Diarbeck, or Mesopotamia. The Christians pay a certain Tribute to the Turks, called Carage. The richer sort pay about 150 Piasters an Head, the poorer Four. Women and Girls, Priests, Monks and Rabbi's, are exempted from it.

This Country is ruled by Beglerbegs, i. e. Chief Governours sent by the Grand Seignior, who have under them Sanziacks and Timariots. Some Princes in Georgia pay Tribute to him, but others maintain their Freedom against his great Power.

Turkey in Asia is divided into Seven Principal Parts, which are Anatolia, Syria or Soristan, Armenia or Turky, Diarbeck or Mesopotamia, part of Georgia, part of Arabia, and the Isles, which I will shew more plainly in the following Tables and Sections.

TURKY in Asia hath VII. Principal Parts.

I. Anatolia, in which are,

...Anatolia.

...Caramania.

...Amasia.

...Aladulia.

II. Syria, in which are,

...Syria.

...Phoenice.

...Palestine.

III. Turky, in which are,

...Turky.

Part of Syria.

...Diarbeck.

IV. Diarbeck.

...Diarbeck.

Yerach, or Chaldea.

V. Georgia.

Imireta, a Kingdom.

...Mingrelia.

Province of Guriel.

...Abacassia.

...Circassia Nigra.

VI. Part of Arabia.

VII. The Isles

...Cyprus.

...Rhodes.

...Metelene.

Part of the Aegean.

Anatolia, or Asia Minor.

ANatolia, anciently called Asia Minor, is a large Peninsula, which reaches as far as the Aegean Sea, and Sea of Marmara, between the Mediterranean and Euxine Seas. It was divided of old into several Provinces or Kingdoms, as, Cappadocia, Galatia, Lycaonia, and Pisidia in the Midland; Bithinia, Paphlagonia, Pontus, towards the Euxine Sea; Armenia Minor, on the West side of the Euphrates; Cilicia, Pamphilia, Carbalia, Isauria, and Lycia toward the Mediterranean; Caria, Doris, Lydia, Iolia, Aeolis, the Greater and Lesser Phrygia, and Mysia, and Troas upon the Aegean-Sea. At present it is divided into Four Chief Parts only, viz. Anatolia Propria, Caramania, Amasia, and Aladulia, as in the following Table.

1. Anatolia Propria.

...Chiutaye.

...Nice.

...Ephesus.

...Smyrna.

...Halicarnassus.

2. Caramania.

...Antioch.

Tarsus, &c.

3. Amasia.

...Amasia.

...Trabisond.

Sival, &c.

4. Aladulia.

...Maras.

...Sis.

...Adereus.

Anatolia Propria.

THIS Country, which is properly called Anatolia, contains near half that Region, which the Ancients called Asia Minor. It reaches from the River Casilmach along by the Euxine Sea, Sea of Marmara, the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas, as far as the Coasts over against the Isle of Rhodes, having Caramania and Amasia on the East. The most remarkable Rivers are, the Meander, now called Madre, Ayala, heretofore Sangarius, and Otmagiath, or Hallis.

The Chief City of this Province is Chiutaye, or Cotyaeum, situate upon the River Ayala, the Seat of the Beglerbeg, about 30 Leagues from Byrsa, towards the North-East; which was heretofore the Chief City of Bithynia, and the Residence of the Turkish Emperors before Constantinople was taken. 'Tis yet a very considerable Place.

Nicaea, Nice, now Isnich, was of old the Metropolis of Bithynia. It is famous for Two General Councils, the One in 325. in the time of Pope Sylvester and Constantine the Great about the Heresie of Arius, the other in 787. against the Iconoclasts, or Breakers down of Images.

The City of Ancyra, now Angoure, or Angouri, is famous for the Victory of Tamerlan over Bajazet Emperour of the Turks, and of Pompey over Methridates.

Bolli, Aboni Teichos, is 20 Leagues from Angouri Northward, upon a small River, which runs into the Euxine Sea.

The City of Chiangare, or Pessinus, is towards the Frontiers of Caramania, upon a small River.

Ephesus, or Figena, is in Ionia, situate upon the Archipelago, or Aegean Sea. It hath a commodious Haven, a strong Castle. It was famous of old for the Temple of Diana, the Third General Council, assembled in 431. against the Errors of Nestorius.

Smyrna, or Smirne, is in the Province of Ionia, situate upon the Aegean Sea. It hath a convenient Haven: The Turks call it Smyr. The Air is temperate and healthful, and the Soil very fruitful. It was heretofore an Archbishop's See; but now 'tis remarkable for nothing, but for the continual Residence of French, and other Merchants of Europe.

Halicarnassus, or Halicarnasse, is a City in the small Province of Caria, upon the Gulph of Ceramis. Artimesia here erected an admirable Monument, to perpetuate the Memory of her Husband Mausolus King of the Carians.

Troy, or Troie, was a City in Phrygia: 'Tis thought that Dardanus, who came out of Candia, or Italy, was the Founder, and first King of it, about the Year of the World 2574. and had for his Successors Ericthonius, Tros, Ilus, Laomedon and Priamus. In this Kings Reign this City was burnt by the Greeks, after Ten Years Siege, in 2870. Alexander the Great built another City not many Furlongs from it, which he called New Troy, or Troas Alexandri, which was the Seat of the Suffragan Bishop of Cyzicum. The Turks call it Ezkistamboul.

Pergamus, or Pergame, is a City of Troas, or Phrygia, upon the River Caicus, now Maiti, the Seat heretofore of the Suffragan Bishop of Ephesus.

Sardes, Sardo, or Sardis, was a City of Lydia; now 'tis only a small Village near the Mountain Tmolus. 'Twas one of the chief Cities converted by St. John, and afterwards made a Metropolis.

Sinabe, Sinopi, or Sinope, is a City in Paphlagonia, lying near the Euxine Sea. It hath an Haven, and is the Seat of the Suffragan Bishop of Amasia. The Milesians built it in the 125th Year of Rome. Near it are found Brass Mines, which are rare in Asia.

Chalcedon, or Calcedoine, now Scutari, is a City of Bithynia, and hath the Title of an Archbishoprick. It lies upon the Thracian Bosphorus, which is a Chanel

of the Euxine Sea, over against Constantinople. The Fourth General Council was assembled here in 451.

Avido, or Abydos, lying upon the Hellespont, or Streights of Gallipolis, is one of the Castles, which are now called the Dardanells.

Phocoea, or Foja, is a City of Ionia, seated on the Aegean Sea. It is a Port, and is called Fochia-Vechia, to distinguish it from another City, called Fochia Nova, a lesser City.

Miletus, or Milet, Melaxo and Melasso, was of Old one of the greatest Cities of Ionia, and had a good Haven in the Archipelago. It is seated on the River Meander, and on the Frontiers of Caria.

Caramania.

THIS Province had anciently the Title of a Kingdom; it borders upon the Mediterranean Sea as far as Anatolia on the West, Aladulia on the East, and Amasia on the North. It is divided into the Greater and Lesser Caramania. It hath these Rivers, Sattalia, Cydnus, and Xanthus, in the South; Cogni in the midland, which runs into a Lake; Genlu in the North, which runs out of this Province into Aladulia. It is ordinarily divided into the Greater and Lesser Caramania. In the first these are the Chief Cities, Cogni, Acsarat, Caola, Tyanea. In the other Chiolsac, Patera, Satalia, Scalameure.

Cogni, or Iconium, was an eminent City of Lycaonia, an Archiepiscopal See under the Patriarch of Constantinople: Now 'tis the Residence of the Beglerbeg. 'Tis situated in the middle of the Country, upon the River of the same Name.

Tyana, or Tigna, was a City of Cappadocia, at the Foot of Mount Taurus. An Archbishoprick.

Sattalia, or Attalia, gives Name to the Gulph adjoining, which hath a Port.

Tarsus, or Tarso, is a City of Cilicia, called now Terassa, or Terus, situate on the Bank of the River Cydnus. 'Twas once an Archbishoprick.

Amasia.

AMasia is a part of the ancient Cappadocia, between the Euxine Sea on the North, Anatolia Propria on the West, Caramania on the South, and Turkey on the East. It contains those Countries which were heretofore called Armenia Minor, a part of Cilicia, the Mountain Antitaurus, which parts Aladulia and Caramania. Besides Euphrates, which parts it from Turky, it hath the Rivers Casilmach and Pormon.

Amasia, or as the Turks call it, Amnasan, is situate upon the Iris, heretofore an Archbishop's See. 'Tis now the Seat of the Beglerbeg, or Turkish Governour in Anatolia.

The City of Zela is very near Amasia. It is famous for the Victory of Caesar over Pharnaces King of Pontus.

The City of Tocat, or Tocata, is upon the River Casilmach, in a very fine Country.

Trabezond, Trapezus, or Terra Bozan, stands on the Euxine Sea. It was the Seat of the Emperours, and of an Archbishop; but it lasted not long. Isaac, or Alexius Comnenus, who fled from Constantinople, founded it in 1204. Mahomet II. dissolved it in 1460. after he had taken that City. So that it continued an Imperial Seat but 256 Years. This Kingdom contained Cappadocia, Paphlagonia, Pontus, and some other Provinces. It had on the West the City Cerasonte, or Cerasus.

Aladulia, or Aladuli.

THIS Province is placed between Amasia on the North, Caramania on the West, the Mediterranean on the South, Syria and Turky on the East. It hath remakable in it

Maronias, Maras, or Marat, which lieth upon the River Euphrates, and is the chief City of that Province, the Seat of the Beglerbeg.

Issus, or Aiazzo, lying at the Foot of the Mountain Amana, and the Gulph called Sinus Issicus. Here Alexander the Great obtain'd a famous Victory over Darius. The first Battle gotten by Alexander over the Persians, was at the River Granicus, which is near the Hellespont. Pactolus, a River near Sardis, is known for its Golden Sand, which so much enriched the Kings of Lydia. Maeander, now called Madre, is remarkable for its Waters, and many Windings. Cydnus is terrible for its cold Waters, which were the Death of the Emperour Frederick Barberossa, who washed himself in it; and had likely to have been as fatal to Alexander the Great. The most observable Mountains in this Country are, Taurus, which is a Ridge of Hills dividing all Asia into two Parts; and its Heighth is proportionable to the Length. Mount Caucasus and Imaus are Branches of it. Ida by Troy is celebrated by the Poets for the Judgment of Paris.

Syria, or Sourie, Souristan.

SYria, or Sourie, is situate on the Mediterranean Sea, which bounds it on the West. On the South it hath Arabia Petrea, on the East Arabia Deserta, and on the North Euphrates, which separates it from Mesopotamia, or Diarbeck. Its Length from South-East to North-East is about 180 Leagues, or 540 Miles; and the Breadth from East to West 90 Leagues, or 270 Miles.

The Air is good, Soil fruitful, unless about the Borders of Arabia. It produces Wheat, Barley, Wine, abundance of Olives, Palms, Fig-trees, Citrons, Oranges, and several sorts of Spices. The Melons are extraordinary good. They have a sort of Canes, out of which they press Honey; yea, the Ground would bear any thing that is necessary for the Life of Man, if it were well tilled and manured.

It hath many famous Rivers. Jordan is better known for its mention in Holy Scripture, than for its Greatness. It rises in the Mountains of Galilee, and empties it self into the Caspian Sea. The Orontes, or Farfar, runs through the middle of the Country, and passing by Antioch, falls into the Mediterranean Sea, over against Cyprus.

This Province had anciently Kings of its own, and was made a Province by the Romans, after they had conquer'd it. It hath been inhabited since by several Nations. The Sarazens, the Christians under Godfrey of Bullen. The Sultans of Aegypt have been Masters of it successively. Selim I. conquer'd it in 1516. and his Successors have kept it ever since. The Grand Seignior hath set over it Three Beglerbegs, or Bassa's; the first resides at Aleppo, the chief City of this Province; the second at Damascus in Phoenice, the third at Tripoli.

The Inhabitants are very inconstant, and almost all very miserable, since they have lived under the Tyranny of the Turk. Their Arms are a Bow and Quivers, and a great Cimetar by their Sides. The most part are Mahometans, Turks or Moors. There are also Jews and Christians of several sorts. They have a

very good Trade by the Sea-Coast; but the Tribute imposed upon them by the Grand Seignior and his Beglerbegs is intolerable.

It is divided into Three parts. 1. Syria Propria on the North. 2. Phoenice on the South-East. 3. And Palestine and Judea in the South.

Syria, specially so called: Or, Syria Propria.

THIS Province is bounded on the South-East with Euphrates, on the South with Aladulia, on the East with the Mediterranean and Phoenicia, on the North with Arabia Deserta. It's twice as large a Country as the two former.

Alep, Aleppo, or Barrhoea, was an Archbishoprick under the Patriarch of Antioch. It is one of the richest and greatest trading Cities of the Levant, being, as it were, the Center of Commerce maintain'd between the Mediterranean Sea and the Indies, by a Passage through the Gulph of Ormus and Euphrates, till they come just over against Aleppo, from whence they carry their Goods to Alexandretta upon the Mediterranean. The Persians, Arabians, Armenians, and other Eastern People, bring their Silks, Spices, Drugs, Jewels, and other Merchandises thither; and from the West the French, English, Dutch, Venetians, Genoeses, &c. carry thither their Cloaths, Silks, Skarlet, Lead and Furrs. Before the Portugueses opened the Way of Commerce by the Cape of Good-Hope, there was no other way of Traffick between the Eastern and Western People, but at Aleppo, or by the Red Sea and Aegypt. The Greeks have an Archbishop, the Armenians and Jacobites a Bishop each, the one resident at Tripoli, the other at Damascus in Phoenicia. They have many Mosques, Seven of which are very stately, and most of them are covered with Lead. They have one Hospital richly endowed, and several Exchanges full of Merchants and Tradesmen's Shops. Their Streets are paved with Marble. They have a Castle of great Antiquity, encompassed with a Ditch, full of Water at all times, where the Turkish Bassa or Governour dwells: It is about Two Miles from the City.

Antioch, now Antachia, is situated upon the River Orontes, a Seat of a Patriarch. It was anciently the Metropolis of Syria. In this City the Disciples of Christ being assembled, had the Name of Christians first given them in 41. It was graced with the Title of the Patriarchate of St. Peter, who founded a Church there in 38. The Ancients called the Bishop of Antioch the Patriarch of the East. The Remainders of this City stand like separate Villages, and groan under the Turkish Slavery. About the end of the Thirteenth Age this City was taken by the Mahometans.

Alexandria, or Alexandretta, is seated upon the Mediterranean, having a Port convenient for the Merchandise of Aleppo, from which it is distant about 17 Leagues. The Turks call it Scandarone. It is but little inhabited, because of the Badness of the Air; and would be wholly deserted, were it not for the great Trade from that Port.

Samosata, now Semsat, was once a famous City, and the Seat of the Suffragan Bishop of Edissa. It is situated on the right side of Euphrates.

Laodicea, or Laudichia, stands at the foot of Mount Libanus, near the Mediterranean. 'Tis now all Ruins, save that there are Four Marble Theatres to be seen.

Phoenicia, or Phoenice.

THIS Province is placed between Syria on the East and North, the Mediterranean on the West, Palestine and Arabia Deserta on the South. The Phoenicians are thought by some to have invented Letters, Writing and Books.

Damascus, called by the Turks Scham, is the chief City of Phoenicia. It is one of the greatest and richest Cities of the Levant, and hath been under the Dominion of the Turks for the last 200 Years. St. Paul was here baptized by Ananias, and first preached the Gospel. It is situated in a fruitful Country, at the Foot of Mount Libanus, incompassed with little Hills, in the form of a Bow, watered with a River, anciently called Chrysorrhoas, and with many fine Fountains. It is famous in all parts of the World almost for its delicious Wines, excellent Fruits, Wool, Silk, Plumbs, Grapes, Sweet Waters, and Blades. It is a great place of Trade; but the Jews are the chief Merchants there. All the Sects of Eastern Christians have Entertainment there. There are some Catholicks. The Franciscans, Capuchins and Jesuits have here their Colledges. In the middle of the City is a very fine Castle, which hath been often taken and retaken, demolished and rebuilt. The Turks are now Masters of it.

Tripolis of Phoenicia, or Tripolis Syriae, is a City and Port upon the Mediterranean; it belongs to the Turks. There are other Cities of the same Name, viz. Tripolis upon the Euxine Sea in Natolia, Tripolis of Barbary in Africa.

Sidon, or Said, is a Sea-port Town of Phoenicia. It is fallen into the Power of the Turks, who have held it for 150 Years, or more. Several French and European Merchants go thither for the Conveniency of the Haven, which makes it a place of Trade.

Tyre, or Sur, is at present only a small Village in Phoenicia, upon the Mediterranean. It was a famous Metropolis under the Patriarch of Antioch, and since of Jerusalem. The Tyrians were for a long time Masters of the Mediterranean, and so were famous. Alexander the Great took this City, and demolished it. The Emperour Adrian rebuilt it.

Berytus, or Berith, is situated upon the Mediterranean. It was the Seat of an Archbishop under the Patriarch of Antioch heretofore. It was taken by Baldwin I. King of Jerusalem, in 1110. It is now in the possession of the Infidels, and is upheld by a little Trade. It stands between Tripolis and Sidon.

Ptolemais, now Acon, Acre, S. John of Acre, is a City and Port, the Suffragan Bishoprick of Tyre. It is well situated, and watered with several Rivers, which come down from the neighbouring Mountains.

Palestine, or Judaea.

THIS Province hath many Names, being called the Land of Promise, the Land of Canaan, and the Holy Land; besides the forementioned. It contains in general the Twelve Tribes of the Children of Israel. The Length of it from South to North, from Mount Libanon and the Fountains of Jordan to the Borders of Aegypt, is about 70 Leagues; and from West to East about 42, from the Mediterranean to the Confines of Phoenicia and Arabia Petrea. It is between Phoenicia on the North, the Mediterranean on the West, Arabia Petrea on the South, part of Arabia and Phoenicia on the East. The Country is very fruitful, the Inhabitants are Syrians and Jews mixed together. It was divided in the time of our Saviour Jesus Christ into Six

Parts, viz. Galilee, Samaria, Judaea, Trachonitis, Ituraea or Peraea, and Idumaea. Now 'tis divided into two chief parts by ••e River Jordan. The one is between that River and the Mediterranean Sea, and contains Four Parts. 1. The Jurisdiction of the Sanziack of Jerusalem. 2. The Principality of the Hemir of Casair, about the middle of the Sea-coast. 3. The Jurisdiction of Naples, anciently called Samaria. 4. The Hemit of Saida, or Galilee, who resides in the Castle of Sephet, and governs the whole Country about it. The other part is on the other side of Jordan, and makes part of the Kingdom of Arabia, which is subdivided into Six others. 1. Southward toward the Caspian Sea is the Country of the Arabians, called Pastores, heretofore the Country of the Moabites or Nomades. 2. In the Midland is the Country of Arabians, called Beduins, anciently Peraea, the Habitation of the Ammonites. 3. The Province of Bathar, heretofore Trachonitis. 4. The Province of Bathanan, of old Batanaea, or Basan. The 5. Northward is the Province of Auron, next to which is the 6. Ituraea. The River Jordan is worth our special Remark, because 'tis so famous in Holy Scripture. This River runs from North to South through the Lake of Samachonitis, the Lake of Genesareth, and lastly, empties it self into the Dead Sea, or Lake of Sodom; in which this City, and four other, being burnt with Fire from Heaven, are swallowed up, for the Punishment of the Enormous Crimes of the Inhabitants. 'Tis said, that this Sea will nourish no living Creature; yea, that the very Birds that fly over it are often suffocated with the Vapours that ascend from it. No Fish will live in it. The Water of it is very clear, and extreamly salt. It is 33 Leagues in length, and 8 or 9 over: The Land about it is barren for 2 or 3 Leagues from it. 'Tis said, that the Trees which grow about it bear no sound Fruit. They seem like fair Apples in appearance, but are nothing but Dust and Ashes within.

The last Kings which Reigned in Palestine or Syria were called Kings of Jerusalem only. Godfrey of Bouillon was the first that bore that Title, after he had taken that City from the Sarazens in 1099. His Successors kept it till about the Year 1317.

The Chronological Succession of the Kings of Jerusalem.

Their Names. Years of Christ. Years of their Reign.

1. Godfrey of Bouillon. 1099 1 Year.

2. Baldwin I. his Brother. 1100 18 Years.

3. Baldwin II. called Bruges. 1118 13 Years.

4. Fulk Earl of Anjou. 1131 11 Years.

5. Baldwin III. 1142 21 Years.

6. Almerick. 1163 11 Years.

7. Baldwin IV. called the Leper. 1174 12 Years.

8. Baldwin V. 1186 1 Year.

9. Guy of Lusignan and Sibill. 1186 8 Years.

10. Almerick II. 1194 11 Years.

The most Considerable Cities at this Day are,

...Jerusalem.

...Samaria.

...Naples.

...Jafa.

...Gaza.

...Tiberias.

...Bethsan.

...Ramah.

...Cana.

...Nazareth.

...Bethlehem.

Jerusalem, called by the Turks Elkodi, and by the Christians the Holy City, because it was honoured with the Presence of Jesus Christ. St. Peter here established the first Church in the World, notwithstanding the Church of Antioch had the Primacy. It had heretofore Kings and Patriarchs, and is now the Seat of a Sanziack, under the Power of the Turks. David took it in 2986. after whom Solomon beautified it with many Buildings, but chiefly with a magnificent Temple. Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon besieged it with a puissant Army, and having taken it in 3446. he burnt it, destroyed the Inhabitants, demolished the Temple, and laid it utterly waste. About 70 years after, in 3516. Cyrus sent the Jews again into Judea, and they built Jerusalem and the Temple. Titus besieged, took, burnt and destroyed it: And the Prophesie was fulfilled, which our Saviour spake concerning it, That one Stone should not be left upon another that should not be cast down. In the Year of Christ 132. the Emperour Adrian began to rebuild this City, and changed the Name of Jerusalem into Aelia. The Emperour Constantine made farther Additions, and raised many fine Buildings in it, after S. Helena his Mother had found our Saviour's Cross there. In the Year 614. under the Emperour Heraclius, this City was invaded by Chosroes II. King of the Persians. In the Seventh and Eighth Ages it was made a Prey to the Sarazens, with the rest of the Holy-Land. The French Princes undertook the Conquest of this Country about the end of the Eighth Age under Godfry of Bouillon, and made themselves Masters of Jerusalem in 1099. which gave an Original to the Kingdom of Jerusalem, of which Godfry himself was the first King, and had divers Successors. Saladin King of Syria and Aegypt won several Victories of the Christians, and at length drove them out of this City. About the Year 1187. this Country became subject to the Califs, or Princes of Aegypt, till 1517. when Selim I. Emperour of the Turks conquered it. This City, which now groans under the Tyranny of the Turks, is almost deserted. Some Romans hold our Saviour's House, and a Dwelling in the Holy Sepulchre. We may compare this Village for its greatness to Blois; the Streets of it are strait, the Houses very plain, and without Ornament. The Tomb of Godfrey of Bouillon still remains to be seen near Mount Calvary with his Brother Baldwin's, cut out of a Rock. On the West stands a Church, wherein is the Sepulchre of our Saviour Jesus Christ in a Rock, and not far from thence is Mount Calvary, where our Saviour was Crucified. There is a little Chappel, but well adorned and beautified.

Samaria, or Sebasta, was anciently the Capital City of the Kingdom of Israel, and gives Name to the whole Province, which is situated between Judaea properly so called, and Galilee. There is nothing now left of this famous City but the Ruins of it.

Naples, Naplouse, Neapolis, or Sichem, is equally distant from the Mediterranean Sea and the River Jordan.

Jafa, or Joppa, is a Sea-Town, but now so much ruinated, that there is nothing but the Haven and a few

Houses. The Pilgrims, which come to see Jerusalem, have their Abode here.

Gaza, now Gazara, is a City well peopled, not far from the Sea. Now it hath a particular Governour under the Grand Seignior. The Country about it is very fruitful in Pomegranates, Fig-trees, Olives, Vines, and excellent Mushrooms. The Wine is much esteemed.

Tiberias, or Genesareth, is a City in Galilee. Herod gave it this Name in respect to the Emperour Tiberius.

Rama, Dispolis, or Lydda, is an ancient City, very famous for the Prophesie of Jeremy; it is 4 Leagues from Joppa. There are now nothing but Ruins, Vaults, and Cisterns, as at Alexandria in Aegypt.

Cana, or Chana, is a little City in Galilee, in the Tribe of Zabulon, where the Son of God did his first Miracle, in changing the Water into Wine at a Marriage Feast there.

Nazareth is a City of Galilee in the Tribe of Zabulun, famous for the Incarnation of the Son of God. The Chamber of the Holy Virgin was removed from hence into Italy, as some Authors relate, whom now they call Our Lady of Loretto. The Franciscans have a Monastery and a Church within this City, which the Pilgrims do also usually visit.

Bethlehem is very famous for the Birth of our Saviour. 'Tis but a Town, situate upon a small Ascent, very pleasant, where live some poor Christians, whose Trade it is to make Crosses and Rosaries, which they sell to the Pilgrims. At the Foot of the Hill is the Stable, where the Son of God was born. S. Helena built a Chappel there. Here is also a famous Monastery, which is at this Day common to the Romans, Greeks and Armenians.

Turcomania, or Armenia Turcica.

THIS Province contains almost all the ancient Armenia, and a part of the Country of the Curdenes. It is on the East of Euphrates, between Mesopotamia on the South, Persia on the East, and Georgia on the North. The Extent of it from West to East is about 160 Leagues from the Borders of Natolia to the Confines of Persia; and almost as much from South to North, from Curdistan in Persia in the South, to Georgia. This large Country is between the Mountains and Euphrates. It hath some parts of the ancient Armenia towards the Caspian Sea, between Albania and Media; others toward the Euxine Sea, between Asia Minor and Colchis.

The Air is very pleasant and healthful, tho' it be cold by reason of the Mountains. The Soil produces plenty of Fruits and Grain, but little Wine. They have Honey, Silk, and some Silver Mines: Their Pastures are excellent good, especially for Horses, of which they have very beautiful and fine ones. After the Flood the Ark rested upon the Mountains of Ararat in Armenia. Some hold that Paradise was about these Mountains, because of the Four Rivers which rise out of them, viz. Euphrates, Tigris, Araxes and Phasis.

The Armenians are plain and right down-Dealers, affecting no Ceremonies; they are content with little. They are naturally industrious, and addicted to Trade; upon which Account they are often seen in most parts of the World, where there is any Commerce.

The Apostle Bartholomew preached the Gospel first in Armenia; and they have preserved Christianity, but with some Alterations. They have two Patriarchs; one for the Greater, the other for the Lesser Armenia. The one hath his Residence in a Monastery near Ervan, the other at Sis near Tarsus in Cilicia. Their Creed hath received several Alterations. They believe, tha• the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father only. They deny Purgatory, though they pray fo• the Dead. They give the Communion to Infants. They do not mingle Water with their Wine in the Consecration of the Sacrament. They believe the Real Presence. They have a great Veneration for the Mass, and Sacrament of the Altar. Their Priests marry, but their Monks do not. They hate the Protestants, and admire Missionary Priests for their clear and strong Reasonings against the Mahometans. They keep two or three very strict Lents.

The Armenians have submitted themselves to the Emperours of Constantinople, the Saracens, and other Princes; and at length were made entirely subject to Selim, Emperour of the Turks, in 1515.

Nevertheless there are in this Country several Kings or Princes, who are not afraid of the Grand Seignior, nor King of Persia, because they keep all the Passes of the Mountains.

The most remarkable Cities are,

1. In Turkie,

...Erzerum Cap.

...Kars.

...Sumischach.

...Manuscut.

...Majufarikin.

...Roczan.

2. In Curdistan,

...Van.

...Bitlis.

...Schelat.

...Albach.

...Cutiolar.

The City of Erzerum, Arziris, or Aziris, is the chief City of Turkie, situated on the Bank of the River Euphrates, and the Seat of a Beglerbeg.

Kars or Chiger or Carse, is near the Spring of Euphrates, and Borders of Georgia. It is so considerable a place, that the Grand Seignior assumes the Title of Lord of Cars.

Van, heretofore Arethusa, or Arcissa, is a great Lake, part in Turkie, and part in Curdestan, upon which stands the City of Van. Artemita, whose Inhabitants are for the most part Christians. Bithlis, Bithias, or Tigranocerta, is between Van and Caraemit.

Diarbeck, or Mesopotamia.

THIS Province contains all the ancient Assyria, the greatest part of which, that lies between Euphrates and Tigris, was called Mesopotamia; the other part, which is now called Yerach, was Chaldea or Babylon. The third part, which is called Assyria, or Arzerum, or the Turkish Curdistan, we have spoken of in Turkie. The Length of it from South-East to North-East is 200 Leagues, and the Breadth in the widest place 80. comprehending in it Diarbeck properly so called, and Yerach or Chaldea.

The Principal Rivers, besides Euphrates and Tigris, are, Ach-abur, and the Greater and Lesser Zab. In this Province began the first Empire of the World under Nimrod, or Belus, the Father of Ninus or Assur, from whom came the Name of Assyria. Nimrod built Babylon, which some confound with Bagdat, but erroneously; for the first was situate on Euphrates, and the other stands upon the Bank of Tigris. Bagdat, the chief City of Chaldea, or Yerach, is the Seat of a Beglerbeg. There was one also at Balsora, a great City for Trade, situate near the River Schat and Arab, about 20 Miles from their Fall into the Persian Gulph; but now an Arabian Prince is become Master of it, who sends every Year only some small Presents to the Grand-Seignior.

The most remarkable Cities,

1. In Dia•beck, are

...Cara-emid.

...Orfa.

...Bir.

...Harran.

...Samosat.

...Alchabur.

...Nisibin.

...Merdin.

Amed. And

...Mosul.

2. In Yerach.

...Bagdad.

...Zab.

...Vaset.

...Cusa.

...Gorno.

Balsora. And

...Felougi.

Caraemid, or Amida, is a large City, seated up the River Tigris, now the Seat of a Beglerbeg, fortified with strong Walls, in which are 360 Towers.

Mosul, Ninus, New-Ninive, Seleucia and Mausilium, built on the Tigris, is a City famous for Merchandise; for they have a great Trade for Stuffs, Silks and Gold. The Patriarch of the Nes•orians hath his Residence here. It is raised out of the Ruins of the ancient Ninive, to which the Prophet Jonas was sent. The Repentance of its Inhabitants, the voluntary Death of Sardanapalus, and his vast Expensiveness, have made it famous both in Sacred and Prophane History.

Bagdad, or Bagded, Bagdadum, is seated on the Tigris, in the Province of Hierac, or Yerach, in the place of the ancient Seleucca. It is built out of the Ruins of Babylon, of which there are still some Remainders to be seen about a days Journey from Bagdad, which hath about 20000 Houses. The Turks are Masters of it, and have a Beglerbeg there.

Balsora, or Teredon, in the Province of Yerach, is also built upon the Tigris, or Tigis. 'Tis a populous rich City. At High Tide Ships may Sail to it, which makes it full of Trade. It is much frequented by the European Merchants. The Inhabitants having expelled the Turks, are governed by a Republick.

The Grand Seignior hath a part of the Western Georgia under his Command, as the Persian receives Tribute of some part of the Eastern.

CHAP. II. GEORGIA: Or, GEORGIE.

THIS Chapter contains an Account of Georgia, properly so called, anciently Iberia, Mingrelia, heretofore Colchis, Zuiria or Guriel, Abassia, Carcassia Nigra, the Free People of Mount Caucasus, and the Tartars of Daghestan.

This Country is situated between the Euxine Sea and the Sea of Zabache on the West, Poland on the North, the Kingdom of Astracan and the Caspian Sea on the East, and Turk•y on the South. The Length of it from South to Nor•• is about 210 Leagues, containing in it Abassia and Circassia. The Breadth from West to East 280 Leagues, including the Free People of Mount Caucasus, and the Tartars of Daghestan: Most of which Provinces were known by the Name of Caucasus, the Mountain so famous for the Fable of Prom••heus.

The Air is very temperate, considering the situation of the Country, which is between the 40th and 50th Degree of Latitude. This Soil produces an abundance of Corn, Fruits and Pasture; the Wine is good, the Pears and Apples excellent. They have great plenty of Swine, and export Wax and Honey, Pitch, and some Cloaths and Silks.

The Inhabitants are said to be Cheaters, Usurers, Thieves, Drunkards, and given to all sorts of Vices. The Priests are as ignorant as the Laity. Parents usually sell their Children. Their Women are very beautiful, but their Carriage shews them to have little Modesty and Fidelity. It is certain, that the most beautiful Sultanesses which are kept in the Grand Seigniour's Seraglio, as well as in that of the King of Persia, are Georgian Women.

Some of the People of Georgia are free, others have their own Princes, and some are subject either to the Turk or Persian, as the necessity of their Affairs requires. The King of Persia is Master of some part of the Eastern Georgia and Armenia, and chooseth them a Prince, which bears the Name of the King of Georgia. The Turk at present hath only a Bassa, or Beglerbeg, in the Castle of Alkazike, and a Commander of the Carrison of Cotatis. The City of Derbent, so often disputed for by the Turks and Persians, stands in the Pass, called the Iron Gate, which is a part of the Gaspian Passes, which are to be seen upon Mount Barm•c•.

The Principal Provinces in Ge•redge•

MIngrelia, Mengrelia, or Colchis is on the East of the Euxine Sea, upon the Mouth of the River Faze. It is called Imereti, and Bosciaciveh. The Mountains of Caucasus part it from the East of Gurgistan, properly so called, having Armenia on the South, and Circassia Nigra on the North. This Province hath been famous for the Love of Medea and Jason, and the landing of the Argonauts to take the Golden Fleece. Some think, that this rich Fleece signified the Mines of Gold, or Merchandize of Furrs, which brought so much Profit. This Province is more of it free, than subject. It hath several Castles in it, of which, that which is called Zugdidi is the best. The Chief Cities are Savatopoli, Fazzo, Ruchi, Anarghie. The greatest Mountains, Caucasus, and Coxar. Rivers are Phasis, or Gazzo, and Ciano. It produces divers Simples, as Senna, Scammony, black Hellebore in abundance; as also white Bears, and Pheasants, which take the Name from Phasis. Savatopoli, or Sebastopolis, is almost demolished by the Inundations of the Rivers.

Georgia propria, or Georgia specially so called, which the Turks call Gurgistan, or the Country of the Georgians, from St. George, whom they suppose their Patron, and which was called anciently Iberia, is among the Mountains, and divided into Tree Parts; 1. Zacheti, or Gagheti and Gagnetia, with the City Zagan towards the Caspian Sea. 2. Carduel, Carduelia towards the middle, with the City Feflis and Lori, or Goroden. 3. Baratralu, towards Armenia, with the City Cars. This last is under the Turk: The other defend their Liberty against the Persians.

Zurie, heretofore Albania, is very temperate: It lies on the East of Georgia propria: It is watered with several Rivers, which empty themselves into the Caspian Sea, which is on the East of this Province, with the Cities of Chipicke, Stranu or Albaida, Tarki, which last belongs to the Duke of Muscovy.

Circassia nigra, Circassi is on the North of the Euxine Sea, and Mount Caucasus, which separate it from Georgia propria; on the East of the Palus Moeotis, by the Streight of Coffa, on the South of the River D•n,

or Tanais, on the West of the Caspian Sea, and the Mouth of Volga. This Country hath divers Princes, almost all of them subject to the Great Czar, or Duke of Muscovy, who hath fortified the City of Teiki. The other Part of this Country hath no Cities, and very few Inhabitants. Most of the Circassians dwell in the Woods, to secure themselves from the Inrodes of the Tartars, who seek them out for Slaves, being a People very well esteem'd of; for they are good Natured, Ingenious, and very Faithful in all Businesses: Their Principal Commodities for Traffick, are Slaves, Honey, Wax, Ox, Stag and Tigers Hides. They were formerly good Christians, but for want of Instruction, are, several of them, fallen into Mahometanism. The Turks have the City Azof, or Azac, at the Mouth of Don, in the Palus Maeotis; a very considerable Place for Merchandize; and can by this means preserve an Alliance with the lesser Tartars, and break the Designs of the Duke of Muscovy in these Places.

Abascia hath Circassia, or the Ancient Gommania on the North and West; on the South, the Euxine Sea; and on the East, Mingrelia.

Dagestan, or Daghestan, Deghestania, or Albania, is between the Caspian Sea on the East, and Mount Caucasus on the West, the Kingdom of Astracan on the North, and on the South lies Sircian, a Persian Province: This Country is inhabited by the Tartars; their Trade is to make Slaves by a continual War; they feed some Cattle; their Mountains, which are almost impossible to be ascended, secure them from the Persians and Muscovites; they have several Lords, but one is Chief of them, who is made by Election; they have some Towns, of which Tarcu is the Chief, standing upon a Mountain among the Rocks near the Sea.

The Division of Georgia.

Georgia, as it hath been described, may be divided into these Six Parts.

1. Mingrelia, or Colchis, in which are

...Cotatis.

...Faze.

...Savatopoli.

...Ruchs-che.

...Anarghie.

...Chicaris.

...Scander.

...Scalingia.

...Varthiet.

...Cultiche.

...Alabzike-ch•.

...Ozurgheti.

...Gonte Port.

2. Georgia Propria, or Iberia, in which,

Festis. Cap.

Cori, or Goredon.

3. Zurie, or Albania.

...Chipiche.

...Stranu.

...Tarki.

4. Circassia Nigra, in wich are

...Temrok.

...Tomum.

...Terki.

Asz, or Azac.

...Moscou.

5. Abassia, in which are

...Dandars.

...Baladagg.

6. Daghestan, in which is [Tarku.

The City of Cotatis is the chief City of the Country of Imeriti in Mingrelia, upon the Faze, or Phasis, with a good Castle at the Foot of a Rock and a Mountain.

The City of Faze, Phasis is at the Mouth of the River Faze, upon the Euxine Sea; it is now almost quite ruined and demolished.

Feslis, heretofore Artaxata, is the Chief City of the Principality of Carduel in Georgia Propria, upon the Bank of the River Cur, or Chiur, or Cyrus: It hath now but few Inhabitants in it; with a Castle upon an Hill under the Rule of the Persians.

Cori, Ghori, or Goridis stands upon the Chiur, or Chur: It is the Chief City of the Country of Bartratu in Georgia.

Cipiche, Media is a City of Zuria or Albania, upon the River Torka, on the Borders of Circassia: Stranu, heretofore Albaida, stands upon the Caspian Sea, at the Mouth of Torka.

CHAP. III. ARABIA.

ARabia, which the Eastern People call Arabistan, is a Country adjoyning to Africa, and lyes on the South of Turkie in Asia; it is so encompassed with the Red Sea, Ocean, and Persian Gulf, that it hath the form of an Island almost; having on the North, Syria, Diarbeck, and Euphrates: On the South, the Arabian, or Indian Sea: And on the West, the Red Sea, or Sea of Mecca.

The length of this large Region, from West to East, from the Streights of Suez to the Cape of Rakalgate, is 600. Leagues; and breadth, from South to North, 430. Leagues from the City of Aden, to the City of Karkirse in Mesopotamia, near Euphrates. This Country was the Habitation of Ishmael the Son of Abraham and his Maid Hagar, from whom came the Arabian•.

The most remarkable Rivers, are Chiabar, which runs by Mecca; Negeran, which passes by the Walls of Dhafar; Prim, which runs by Alibinali, Maffa; Astan, whose Course is by Jamama; and that which waters the City Almacharan.

Besides the Beglerbegs, which the Grand Signior keeps in this Country, they have Xerifs, or Princes, and some free People, who have maintain'd their Liberty against the Turks; especially about the middle, where it is very hard to come, by reason of the Mountains. The most considerable Kings or Sultans, are those of Fartach, Amanzirisdin, and Maffa. The Xerif of Mecca is the most Honourable of all the Xerifs or Governours, because he is of the Posterity of Mahomet. The Bengebres and Beduins are the most

potent of all the Free People. They dwell in Tents under the Mountains, and in the Forests, and spend their time in robbing, as the Tartars. The Beduins are always in great Troops about Mecca, to surprize the Pilgrims that go thither; who for that reason send great Presents to the Xerif of Mecca, that he may send his Guards to fight them, and prevent all Disorders. Arabia is the Original of several sorts of People, chiefly of Saracens, Arabians, Moors, and Turks, who have at several times made great Conquests in Asia, Africa, and Europe. They have been proficients in the Sciences, especially Mathematicks, in which they have furnished us with the Arabian Characters in Arithmetick. But for the more clear Knowledge of this Country we will consider it in Three Parts, Arabia Petraea, Arabia Deserta, and Arabia Foelix.

Arabia Petraea.

ARabia Petraea hath it's Name from the City Petra, now called Herat, or Arach, i. e. a Rock; because 'tis built on a Rock. This Province hath Palestine and Syria on the North, Aegypt and the Red Sea on the West, a Ridge of Mountains, which part it from Arabia Foelix, on the South, and Arabia Deserta on the East. 'Tis a barren Country, and hath nothing remarkable in it but Mount Sinai. The Israelites remained 40 Years in this Country, after their coming out of Aegypt. It was anciently the Country of the Moabites, Amalekites, Midianites, and Idumeans. This part of Arabia is governed by some Princes of their own in those places where there are not so many Deserts. There are several People, who have no Governours, nor any setled place of Abode. They are almost all Mahometans, and were the first that received the Doctrine of the Alcoran. They pay Tribute to the Bassa of Grand Kair. Their chief Cities are Herac or Petra, Madian, Bilan, and Havana.

Herac or Crac, Petra or Montrial, is between the Dead Sea and Suez.

Madian is near Palestine. It hath a Desert of the same Name, which took its Name from Median the Son of Abraham and Keturah.

Moab is about the Confines of the Holy Land. It hath it's Name from Moab the Son of Lot's Eldest Daughter by the incestuous Approach of her Father.

For, or Elfor, or Eilan, Elano, or Eila, is a Port upon the Red Sea, with a little Stone Castle. It is the Receptacle of their Sciffs and Boats. The Israelites being persued by Pharaoh, passed through this City on dry foot under the Conduct of Moses.

Arabia Deserta.

ARabia Deserta, called by the Hebrews Kedar, is at this Day known in Asia by the Name of Arden, Beriara, or Berii-Arabistan. It is situate between Euphrates and Arabia Foelix on the North and South, Chaldea on the East, Syria and Arabia Petraea on the West. It is more united than Petraea, but less inhabited, because of the many Sands and Deserts. It hath scarce any fruitful Land, but what lies along the Banks of Euphrates. The Inhabitants are almost all Shepherds. They have several Sovereign Princes, but all Tributaries to the Grand Seigniour. Nevertheless, they are forced to pass over the vast Plains of Sand by the help of the Mariners Needle, and put themselves in Glass Chests upon Camels, which will go 12 Days Journey together. They have nothing but Pits, of which the Water is ill-tasted. It is subject to some Princes of their own, who are suffered to Rule, because an Army can't be conducted against them through their vast Deserts.

Their most remarkable Towns are,

...Anna.

...Tangia.

...Mexatocem.

...Ali.

...Thaalabia.

...Balca.

...Rahabath.

...Sumiscasac.

Anna is the Head City of Arabia Deserta, standing upon Euphrates. It hath about 4000 Houses in it; but by the last Wars with the Turks it is impoverished, and not so full of Trade as before.

The City of Ali is near the Lake of Lamach.

Arabia Foelix.

THIS Province, which the Turks call Hiaman, is three times as big as the two former put together. It is in the fashion of an Isle almost, between the Red Sea on the West, the Indian or Arabian Ocean on the South, the Gulph of Persia or Babylon on the East, and the two other Arabia's on the North. It is a Country very plentiful in Balm, Myrrh, Incense, Gums, Cassia, Manna, and several other Drugs and Spices. They have also excellent Fruits, divers Metals, several kinds of Beasts. Their Camels and Horses, as also Coral, Pearl, Onyx-stones, which they fish out of the neighbouring Seas, are much valued. The Air is very healthful, though it be very cold. It rains not above twice or thrice in a Year in some places; but the Dews that fall in the Night do wet almost as much as Rain, which clarifies the Air, and makes the Soil fruitful. The Arabians, which pretend themselves to be the Posterity of Ishmael, are almost all lean and sawny. They are superstitious, melancholy, thoughtful and grave. Their Language is one of the finest, and most ancient, and most common in Asia, because of the Alcoran, which was written originally in Arabick. The Xerif or Schek of Mecca is one of the most puissant Princes of this Country. It is in Breadth between Forty and Fifty Leagues from Arabia Petraea to Zibit; and more than 260 in Length. The People, which have preserved their Liberty, are governed by Schecks, or Princes, or in Form of a Republick. All the Inhabitants are almost Mahometans, and were the first of that Sect. There are some few Christians and Schismaticks.

Their chief Cities are these:

...Mecca.

...Medina.

...Aden.

...Saada.

...Sanaa.

...Zibith.

...Fortach.

...Caxem.

...Gulielhaman

...Albinali.

...Massa.

...Lassac.

...Elcalif.

...Jamania.

...Jamen.

...Bahrem.

...Maschute.

...Sohar.

...Amanzerifdin.

...Mascalat.

Meque, or Mecca, stands on the Bank of Betius, or Chaibar, a Days Journey from the Red Sea. It is a large, well-pav'd, and famous City among the Turks, because Mahomet lived a long time in it, and was born there▪ Men come in Caravans from three parts of the World to pay their Devotion here. The Country about Mecca produces great quantity of Coffee.

Medina, Tetnabi, or Jesrab, or Arx-thymna, Talnabia, is upon the River Leakic, three Days Journey from the Red Sea. The Body of Mahomet is Interr'd here.

Aden, Adenum, is a fine City, inclosed with Walls next the Sea-side, with a commodious Haven, and Mountains on the other side, on which there are several Castles. It hath 6000 Houses. It's Situation is in a Peninsula, with a Port. The Vessels lie between two Towers and a Bastion, where there are Guns planted. Near it is a little Isle called Cira, well fortify'd. Behind the City, at the Foot of a Mountain, is the Haven of Ʋguf, which is free from all sorts of Winds. It is a rich City, and of great Trade, which the Arabians hold with Strangers. The Merchants meet by Night to avoid the great Heat.

Fortach, Caxem, Galielhaman, Albinali, Amanzirifden, Masfa, Mascalat, and Jamen, are so many Kingdoms. Sohar in the Eastern parts had all the Trade heretofore to Ormus and Gombru.

Mocha upon the Red Sea is an open Country, with fine Houses, a small Castle on the North side, and a good Haven, where Vessels from all parts of the East-Indies come. Here also the Pilgrims to Mecca land. It is also filled with Vessels which come from Suez to Aden, which take Land here, to avoid the dangerous Passage of Babel-mandel.

CHAP. IV. PERSIA.

PERSIA, tho' a very spacious Kingdom, is but a part of that large Empire, which the Kings of Persia, the Predecessors of Darius, did anciently enjoy in Asia.

Persia is bounded on the North with the River Gehun or Oxus, which parts it from the Greater Tartary, and by the Caspian Sea, on the West with the Territories of the Grand Seignior, by the Gulph of Balsora and Persian Sea on the South; and on the East by the States of the Great Mogul, and a part of Tartary. It's Extent from South to North is about 370 Leagues in its greatest place, from the 25th Degree to the 43d Degree 30 min. of Latitude; and from West to East 510 Leagues, from the 80th Degree to the 111th of Longitude.

The Air is very temperate towards the North on this side Mount Taurus; toward the South, on the same Mountain, 'tis something colder: For this Mountain divides this Kingdom into two equal parts almost. The Soil produces almost all sorts of Grain, except Rye; it affords much Cotton, Silk, Raisons, and most excellent Fruit. It hath Melons that weigh between 40 and 50 Pounds. It feeds an abundance of Camels and Horses, which are met in Companies of 5 or 6000 at a time. The King is at the Charge of keeping many Mares to breed Horses for his Guard. Northward there are Forests of Mulberry-Trees, and other sorts of Wood. They have some Venison. In the Mountains are found Mines of Gold and Silver, Tarkish, Iron, and Salt; also several Springs of Naptha. They fish for Pearls in the Gulph of Balsora. They ordinarily eat Rice, Wheat, Barley, Millete, Lentiles, Pease, Beans: They have no Oats, and hate Rye. Their tame Creatures are Camels, Horses, Mules, Asses, Sheep, Goats, Cows, Oxen and Buffles. Their Drink, which they call Duschab, is pleasant enough; it is made of sweet Wine boiled with a little Water and Vinegar to a Sixth part. They dare not drink Wine, because their Law forbids it. The best Revenue of the Country is a great quantity of Silk, which is made there. The Soil is sandy in the Plains, mixed with little red Stone and great Coals, which they burn in the places where they have no Wood.

The Rivers will bear nothing but Flat-bottom'd Boats, but yet furnish the Inhabitants with Chanels to water the Ground with; which makes the Ground about the Caspian Sea and the Sea of Elcalif very fruitful; whereas the inward part of the Country is subject to great Driness, by reason of the great Desarts and Mountains, where it very seldom rains. The Rivers of Persia have neither Eels nor Pikes. The most remarkable are the Tiviini and the Sizt in the Province of Chusistan; Bindimir or Chur in Farlistan; Bassiri in Kirman; the little Ilmen we meet in Makheran. Pulimalon, which empties it self into the Lake of Burgian in Chorosan; Abissirvi, which runs to Ghilan; Araxes, which crosses Scirvan and Georgia. The Lake of Marrage is in the Province of Aderabejan, which is 50 Leagues in compass.

The Persians at this day are the most civil, gentile People of Asia, not inferiour in Ingenuity and Wit to most parts of Europe. They have great Love for their Kindred; and the Younger Brother never fails to respect the Elder. They give great Honour to their Nobility and Men of Worth. They are proud, and prone to Revenge. They are very passionate in their Amours, and have very handsom Wives, of which they are apt to be jealous. They are subject to very shameful and abominable Vices. They are naturally very Civil to Strangers, honest, sociable, complaisant, and great Complimenters. They are couragious, good Soldiers, and will venture upon dangerous Attempts without Fear or Regret. Their Houses are very tall and convenient, especially in their Kitchins. They eat ordinarily Rice, Mutton, and some Birds. The Drink of the ordinary People is Water, which they sometimes mingle with a little Duschab. The less scrupulous drink some Wine. The Use of Opium and Tobacco is very common, as also of Coffee and Tea. Their Stature of Body is middle.

The Language of the Persians is mingled much with Arabick, which is a Learned Language. Their Characters are Arabick. They have their Colledges and Universities. They have a great Love for Arithmetick, Geometry, Astrology, Astronomy, Moral Philosophy, Physick, Law, Oratory, Natural Philosophy and Poetry. Cyras began the Kingdom of the Persians about 560 Years before the Nativity of Christ. He took Babylon, and founded the first Monarchy of the Persians, which lasted 229 Years under 13 Kings, of whom Darius Codomannus was the last. Then the Persians became subject to the Greeks, Romans, and Parthians, till the 227th or 228th Years after Christ, when Artaxerxes the Persian rebelled against Artaban the King of the Parthians. He established the Fourth Monarchy of the Persians, which continued to the Year of Christ 632. when King Isdegerdes, or Hormisda II. was slain by Aumer King of the Saracens. Ismael, descended

of the Daughter of Ʋssan-Cassan, raised himself to the Throne by his Courage and Conduct. He began his Reign in the beginning of the XVI. Age, and from him comes the beginning of the Sophi's. Schab-Abas much augmented it in the same Age. The Kingdom is Hereditary both to Legitimate and Natural Sons, who are preferr'd before other Relations. The Government is Monarchical, and so absolute, that the King is Master of the Lives and Estates of all his Subjects. The Kings Revenue consists in a Property to a considerable part of the Lands of his Kingdom, in the Silk-Trade, and the Tribute which he receives of the Armenians, in farming of the Fishery, Pass-ports, Customs, &c. The Governours of Provinces are obliged to quarter a certain number of Soldiers to serve him upon occasions. Their Soldiery is made up chiefly of Horse, which is the best of all the East. The Name of Sultan signifies in the Turkish Language King, and in the Persian Governour of a City or Province.

The King of Persia hath great Wars with the Turks, Can of Zagathay, and Great Mogul. He is able to send out 200000 Horse. Persia yields the finest Silks, curious Tapestry, richest Gold Thread, Turquois, Besor, Manna, and Rhubarb.

The ancient Persians worshiped the Sun, the Moon, Fire, and several other false Pagan Gods. The present Persians follow the Errors of Mahomet, as the Turks do; yet with this difference; They do not interpret the Alcoran the same way; They call Hali the Assistant or Deputy of God. There are Greeks, Armenians, and Catholicks, which profess the Christian Religion in several places. In the City of Ispahan there are Carmelites, Augustin-Monks, Capuchins, and other Religious Orders. They have Houses and Churches, and are often sent in Embassies by the Christian Princes under the Government of the King of Persia.

Persia contain'd in ancient times Media, Hyrcania, Mergiana, part of Assyria, Susiana, Parthia, Aria, Parap•nisus, Chaldea, Persia Propria, Caramania, Drangiana, Arachosia and Gedrosia. Now 'tis divided into 23 Provinces: Six on the West of the Caspian Sea. 1. Seirvan. 2. Erivan, or Karasbag. 3. Aderbejan, or Aderbelgian, which made up the ancient Media. 4. A part of Georgia. 5. A part of Armenia. 6. A part of Daghestan, from the Caspian Sea to the Gulph of Balsora. 7. Kilan or Ghilan. 8. Tabristan, or Tabarestan, anciently Hyrcania. 9. Herakag-emis, or Yerach, heretofore Parthia. 10. Curdistan. 11. Chusistan, of old Susiana. 12. Farsistan, or Persia Propria. 13. Laristan, which are Six Provinces from Turquistan to the Gulph of Ormus, lying on the East of the former. 14. Estarabat, or Masendaran, heretofore Margiana. 15. Chorosan, of old Aria. 16. Kirman, anciently Caramania. 17. Laristad. 18. Jasques. 19. Makran, or Makeran, of old Gedrosia, four Provinces lying Eastward. 20. Candahar. 21. Sablustan, before Darapamisus. 22. Segistan, anciently Drangiana. 23. Send, of old Arachosia. All which may be distinguished better, as in the following Table.

Persia is divided into Twenty Three Provinces or Parts.

1. Servan, or Scrivan, in which are

...Barbent.

...Bachu.

...Zakan.

...Bakera.

...Schamachi.

2. Erivan, wherein are

...Erivan.

...Karasbah.

...Bilangan.

...Chincar.

3. Aderbejan, which hath

...Tauris.

...Nackschivareg.

...Ardevis.

...Ʋruna.

...Sultania.

...Muran.

4. Part of Georgia, which are,

...Testis.

Gori, or

...Cori.

...Grimmi.

...Caket.

...Surham.

5. Part of Armenia. [Testis and Dervent.

6. Part of Daghestan, in which are [Tarku, Andre.

7. Kilan, or Ghilan, which hath,

...Reschel.

...Kesken.

...Layon.

...Mosun.

...Fimschuc.

8. Tabristan, or Masenderan, wherein are

...Ferhabat.

...Osbun.

...Funkabun.

...Gorgian.

...Sakhambat.

...Eseref-Rijar.

...Sarisjaki.

9. Yerach, or Heraraxagemi, in which are

...Ispahan.

...Casbin.

...Com.

...Hamadan.

...Sawa.

...Yesd.

...Kaschan.

...Cassian.

...Kulpajan.

10. Part of Curdistan.

11. Chusistan, which hath

Schouster, or

...Sus.

...Ram-Ormus.

...Hawecz.

...Siapour.

...Saurac.

...Heir-mokran.

12. Farsistan, in which are

...Schiras.

...Kasaron.

...Astahar.

Stahar, or

...Astakar.

...Firusabat.

...Bennarou.

13. Laristan, which contains

...Lahr.

...Barder-Gomron.

Ormus, an Island.

14. Estarabat. [Estarabat.

15. Chorosan, in which are

...Herat.

...Mesched.

...Maruve.

...Tursitus.

...Nisabar.

...Sarachas.

...Burgian.

...Marwarrand.

16. Kirman, which hath

...Keirman.

...Bermasir.

...Bendasir.

...Salein.

...Chabis.

...Jardesir.

...Mokestan.

17. Jasques. [Jasques.

18. Mahran.

...Makeran.

...Firhk.

...Kembile.

...Bilguri.

...Rasec.

...Guadel.

...Darci.

19. Candahar.

...Candahar.

...Grees.

...Curvan.

...Cusheanna.

...Schawa.

20. Sablustan.

...Bust.

...Servan.

...Sarents.

...Memend.

...Raber-Emir.

...Becsabath.

21. Sigiestan, or Sistan, which hath

Sigistan, or

...Sistan.

...Chalak.

...Huma.

...Araba.

...Masmich.

...Fardan.

...Mazurgian.

...Sirun.

...Corra.

...Arra.

22. Send, which hath

...Almansura.

...Kosdar.

...Sadusan.

...Albirun.

...Ahnultan.

23. Divers Islands, viz.

...Baharent.

Guexexumi, or

...Lecha.

...Carge.

...Tassiane.

...Corgne.

...Goga.

...Ormus.

The Six Provinces situated on the West of the Caspian-Sea.

SCirvan, Servania, or Media Cocomitreve, is the most Northern and Western part of Persia, between the Caspian-Sea on the East, Georgia on the North, and Erivan or Karasbay on the South. It is a very fruitful Country. The City Derbent, Portae Caucasiae, or Pilae Iberiae, stands here upon the Steep of an Hill, with a Castle above it, on the Bank of the Caspian-Sea. It is a great Passage out of Persia, and most of the Southern Provinces of Asia, into Muscovy, and other Northern Kingdoms. The way lies between Mount Caucasus, called by the Inhabitants Elbours, and the Caspian-Sea. Bachu, or Barvic, or Backia, is upon the Caspian-Sea, a City famous for Trade. Near this City there is a Spring under Ground, which sends forth Black Oyl, used almost in all Persia for burning. It gives the Name of the Black-Sea to the Caspian-Sea, which is between Muscovia, Tartary, and Persia, into which many Rivers discharge themselves; as the Volga, Jaick, Jaicubi, Chesei, Albianu or Gehon, and Araxes.

The Province of Erivan or Karasbag is between Servan or Scirvan on the North, Georgia and Armenia on the West, Aderbeigan on the South and East. Artaxata or Erivanum is the Capital City of this Province, standing on the Frontiers of Georgia, and on the Banks of Araxes or Arasse.

The Province of Aderbeigian, Daretis, or Media Tropateria, is between Erivan on the North, Curdistan on the West, Hierach or Herarag-emi on the South, Ciion or Gilan and the Caspian Sea on the East. These three Provinces contain that Country, which was heretofore called Media. Tauris, Tauresium, or Tabresium, or Ebotan, is the chief City, which is very rich, and full of Trade, and stands in a fertile Soil, in a pleasant and healthful Climate, and in a place very convenient for the passage of the Caravans, which come hither from all parts. It hath often been the Seat of War between the Turks and Persians.

Georgia I have already described in a Chapter by it self, wherein also I have spoken of

Daghestan, where the Tartars have a Prince of their own, whom they call Sckemeall. He pays Tribute to the Persian King, and hath his Residence at the City of Andre.

Part of Armenia; tho' but a small Portion of Land is under the Dominion of a Persian; as also some Cities of several Names in the other adjoining Provinces.

Seven Provinces, which lie between the Caspian-Sea and the Gulph of Balsora.

THE Province of Kilan, Gilan, Kilania or Aropatia, or Media Antropatena. It is between the Caspian-Sea on the North, Aderbeigian on the West, Yerach on the South, Tabristan on the East. The City Reskh, or Rescha, is the chief City of the Province, two Leagues from the Caspian-Sea.

Tabristan, or Taberestian, is a Province situate between the Caspian-Sea on the North, Kilan on the West, Yerach and Esterabat on the South and East. It is part of the ancient Hyrcania, as also Kilan or Gilan. The City Ferabad, which stands on the Caspian-Sea, is the Head City of it.

The Province of Yerach, or Herarag-emi. Assyria Propria is situate between Tabeistan, Keilan, and Aderbeigian on the North, Curdistan on the West, Farsistan and Kirman on the South, and Chorosan on the East. It was the ancient Parthia. Ipsaham is the Metropolis of all the Kingdom; it is situate upon a pleasant Plain, surrounded with Mountains. It is 7 or 8 Leagues round, taking in the Suburbs. It is very rich, and full of Trade. The King's Palace is a pretty strong Fortress, having 36 great Culverins, and several other Cannon. It is much set off with the Mosks, Houses of the great Lords of the Court, Publick Baths, Markets and Gardens.

Casbin or Caswin, Arsacia or Casbinum, is at the foot of the Mountains as you go from Ispaham to the Caspian-Sea. It is very large, and well peopled. It hath a beautiful Palace, many Mosques, several Bazars or Streets overspread and filled with all sorts of Trades. 'Tis thought to be the ancient Ecbatan. The Kings of Media had their Residence here. The City of Com, Comum or Bommum, Choania and Chaono, is between Ispaham and Casbin, near Kars, Kiara, and Kassian. It stands in a plentiful Country. The City of Cassian, or Cassianum, is in a Plain, three days Journey from Ispaham towards the North. It hath excellent Fruits, fine Gardens, stately Houses, and a great Trade for Silks; but wants good Water; and the Inhabitants are much infested with Scorpions, whose Sting is very dangerous, &c.

Kurdistan, or Kurdi, Armenia Major, is not all under the Persian, but only about 30 Leagues from South to North, and 20 or 25 from East to West. It is a very fruitful Country. The People are Mahometans, and great Horsemen. They live upon the Banks of Tigris, and generally are subject to the stronger side; but have a greater Inclination for the Persians than Turks; and have therefore put themselves under the Protection of the former.

Chasistan, Susiana, or Chusistania, is bounded on the North with a part of Curdistan, and with the Gulph of Balsora, which also bounds it on the South; on the East with Tarsistan. This Province is very plentiful▪ Susa, Sus, or Schouster, is the biggest City. It stands at the entrance of a great Plain upon the River Eulaeus, or Choaspes.

The Province of Farsistan, or Farsi, Persia, is between Yerach on the North, Chusistan on the West, the Gulph of Balsora on the South, Laristan and Kirman on the East. It is a good Country, plentiful in all things. Siras, or Xyras, or Schiras. Schirasium is the chief City, and stands on the River Bendimis, built upon the Ruins of the ancient Persepolis, which was the Metropolis of the East. The Government of this City is the most considerable of all Persia. It is supplied with excellent Fruits and most delicate Wine.

Laristan, Provincia-Laurensis, is between the Confines of Kirman and Farsistan on the North, Farsistan on the West, the Gulph of Balsora on the South, and Kirman on the East. It is a small Kingdom, depending on the Province of Farsistan. Lar, or Lara, is the chief City, situate near the River Tisindon.

Five Provinces from Turquestan to the Gulph of Ormus, which lie on the East of the preceding Provinces.

ESterabat hath Turquestan on the North, the Caspian-Sea and Tabarastan on the West▪ Chorosan on the

South and East. It was the ancient Margiana. Esterabat is the chief City of it, lying on the Confines of Taberestan towards the South.

Chorosan, or Corossan, Chorosania, or Arsia Propria and Parthia, is between Zagathay on the North, Estarabat on the West, Kirman on the South, Sablestan and Turquestan on the East. It was the ancient Aria. The most remarkable City of it is Herat, a considerable City upon a small River towards the East and South, and Thus or Meschet towards the North on the Borders of Chorosan.

Kirman, Perses is between Chorosan and Yerach on the North, Faristan and Laristan on the West, the Gulph of Ormus and Jasques on the South, Sigistan and Makran on the East. It was the ancient Caramania, Cherman, or Keirman: Kermania is the chief City of it upon the River Bussiri. This Province is very barren towards the North, where was Caramania Deserta. There are some fruitful Valleys towards the middle of the Country, where there are great quantities of Fruits and Flowers, particularly Roses; precious Stones, as Turqueises and Tufies.

Jasques is a small Province upon the Gulph of Ormus, belonging to Makeran, with a City of the same Name adjoining to the Sea.

Makran, or Makeran, Macrania, heretofore called Gedrosia, is between Sigistan on the North, Kizman on the West, the Persian-Sea on the South, and Send on the East. Makeran is the chief City of it, lying on the Borders of Kizman. Tits is a Sea-port as well as Guadel.

Four Eastern Provinces adjoining to the Empire of the Mogul.

CAndahar, Candaharia, is a Province of Persia, between the little Thibet and Zagathay on the North and West, Sablestan on the South, Cabul, a Province of the Great Mogul on the East. This Country is fruitful enough Southward, but the Water in most places of it either salt, or stinking. The Patans, Avans, and Coulis, which are Thieves, do often make their Inroads to set upon the Caravans which come from India into Persia. The chief City of it, Candahar, is made considerable by the Customs which are paid there for Merchandises. It is strong, and situated very advantageously. It is the Seat of War between the Persian and the Mogul.

Sablestan, or Sablustan, Sablustania, or Aria, is between Candahar and Zagathay on the North, Chorosan on the West, Sigistan on the South, the Country of the Mogul on the East. Bust is the chief City of it: It hath a strong Castle, which is the best fortify'd of any in Persia.

Sigistan, Sigistania, or Drangiana, is between Sablestan on the North, Chorosan and Ki•man on the West, Send on the South, and the States of the Mogul on the East. This Province is situate among the Mountains. The City Sigistan is the chief City of it.

Send, Sindia is between Sigistan on the North, Makran on the West, the Persian-Sea on the South, and the States of the Mogul on the East. Almansura, and other Cities are remarkable in it.

The Principal Islands about Persia.

BAharem, Ichara, or Tylus, is in the Gulph of Persia or Balsora, about 3 or 4 Leagues from Ormus. It abounds with all sorts of Fruits, but especially Dates. It hath plenty of Water, but much more salt than fresh. The Wells of Naniah, which are in the middle of the Isle, are good Water.

Lecha, or Guexum, is about 18 Leagues distant from Baharem, over against the Cape of Bacido. It is large and pleasant. It is about 3 Leagues from Ormus. It is 24 Leagues long, and 3 Leagues over.

Carge or Carae, Icarium, is an Isle in the Gulph of Balsora, well peopled, and rich: Foreign Embassadors generally land here. It is 24 Leagues long, and 6 broad. The People of this Isle have a great Trade for Rough-Diamonds and fine Pearl.

Tassiana hath a convenient Haven on the North, but is not above 6 Leagues round. It produces plenty of Cotton, Lemmons, Citrons and Oranges, and several other Fruits.

Gorgue is not above 4 or 5 Leagues in compass, but is rich in Cattel.

Goga is situate at the Mouth of the River Indus. It is 9 or 10 Leagues in Circuit.

Ormus, Armusia, or Ormuzium, or Organa, is also in the Persian Gulph, and hath the Title of a Kingdom. It is but 4 Leagues in compass. It is well situated, but it hath no Sweet Waters, Herbs nor Fruit; yet all things are plentiful there, being imported from Arabia, Persia, and other places; and it is very well peopled, by reason of the Confluence of Merchants of all Nations thither. The City is one of the most famous for Merchandize in the World, and hath one of the best Ports in Asia for Trade; upon which account it is, that the Indians, Europeans, and all the People thereabouts, come thither. It is true, that since the Persians have taken it from the Portugueze by the Assistance of the English, the Trade is nothing so considerable, because 'tis removed to another Haven called Comoran. In this Isle the Sun is so hot in Summer, that the Inhabitants are forced to keep in Tubs of Water up to the Neck. The People are white, of a good Stature. There is a Mountain near the City, which yields a great Revenue to it by Salt and Brimstone which it produceth. There is plenty of Hares and Roe-Bucks. The City hath 3000 Houses, in which are about 40000 Inhabitants.

CHAP. V. TARTARY, TARTARIA.

THIS vast Country is not sufficiently known, to give an exact Relation of it; except it be of those parts which border upon Muscovy, Persia, the Empire of the Mogul, and the Northern parts of China. And the Cause why it hath not been as fully discover'd as other Nations, is the great Difficulty of getting into it, because of the great number of High Mountains, horrible Deserts which encompass it, Rocks and Banks which run all along the Eastern Coasts, and the continual Ice which is upon the Shores in the North.

Tartary, which is more than a third part of Asia, takes its Name from Tartar, or Tatar, a River in the Northern Parts. It is called the Great, to distinguish it from the Less, which is in Europe, and joins to Turkie. The Ancients called a great part of it Scythia Asiatica.

This large Country is bounded on the North with the Frozen Sea, on the West with the Caspian Sea and the Country of the Great Duke of Muscovia, on the South with Persia, the Indies and China on the East, with the Sea of the Kaimachites, and Streights of Jesso or Ʋriez. The Extent of it from South to North is about 640 Leagues, from the Confines of Sablestan and Chorosan near Mount Taurus, to the Cape's End, towards Nova Zembla in the Country of the Samoiedes, between the 34th Degree and 71st Degree of Latitude, and from East to West about 2000 Leagues, from the Streights of Casa to that of Jesso, between the 68th and 197th Degrees of Longitude, comprehending that part which is under the Muscovite, and in its largest Extent.

The Air of this Country is different, according to the several parts of it, which are vastly distant one from another. It is so very rough in the Northern parts, that the violent Winds which sometimes blow there beat down Men, overturn Walls and Trees, and the Seas are all over Ice. The Land also is very barren there, and full of Marshes and Rocky Mountains. The South parts are of a clear different Nature, producing Rice, Hemp, and Rhubarb in abundance; as also, Wool, Silk, Cotton and Musk. It feeds also many Horses and Camels; and towards the North there are White Bears, Black Foxes, Ermins, and Sables, which are the principal Merchandize of the Country. They have great Numbers of Pheasants, and several other kinds of Birds. The great number of Mountains, Forests, Marshes, and Desarts full of Sand, make a great part of the Country not habitable, and unfit for Tillage.

The most remarkable Rivers of Tartary, are, 1. The Oby, which riseth in Ostiaski, and passeth cross Grustinski, the Country of the Samoiedes, and empties it self into the Northern Ocean, having received into it the River Irtiske, a little below the City Toboul, which comes out of Taista Kalmuck on the South-East of the City Bulagan, where it crosses the little Lake Kisubas, and then goes through the Prince-dome of Ablay, and through Sibary. It's whole Course is about 1000 Leagues from East to West, and then from North to South. It receives on the right side the Rivers Bescha on the Confines of the Princedoms of Kol and Ablay, Henkutia below the City Loukaragay. On the left it receives the River Toboul, a little below the City of the same Name; and several other smaller Rivers on each side. 2. Tongusi hath its Original in the Southern Tartaria Moscovitica; it's Course from South-East to North-East is more than 800 Leagues. Near the City Ilimsk• it receives the River Ilima, which divides it self into two parts in the Country of Jacuti, of which the Northern part keeps its Name to the Sea; but the other is called Len. Tongusi receives the River Jenica on the Left side, and then empties it self into the Frozen-Sea. 3. Amor rises in the Country of Daouri; the Course of it from North-East to South-East is about 500 Leagues. It receives the River Skilka on the right side, a little below Albasin, and then falls into the Sea of Japon. 4. Two Rivers, that lose themselves in the Lake Baikala: One, which comes from the Confines of Brast-ka and Jacuti, runs from North-East to South-East above 300 Leagues; and the other, which riseth within 9 or 10 Leagues of the City Jaranava, runs from South to the North-East about 250 Lagues. 5. Joxartes rises in Ʋspech Giagatay in the East, and runs from East to West into the Sea of Kulsum, or Caspian-Sea; but in the way receives Alsogd, Ardock, and Oxus on the left side: It's Course is 500 Leagues. 6. Rudha joyns it self with the River Yem, and having passed the two Countries of Kolmak, run both into the Caspian Sea at the Gulph of Mingus or Jav•. 7. Ʋppa riseth out of Pascatir, and crossing Casan, empties it self into the Volga. There are several other Rivers of less note in this Country.

The principal Lakes are, 1. The Lake of Marsan in the Country of Kolmak toward the West. 2. Kisulbas in the South in the Princedom of Kol. 3. Thama. 4. Parvan in Tongugi. 5. Baikala in Daouri. 6. Chiamai in the Kingdom of Lassa, out of which rise four or five great Rivers, which run into the Indian-Sea. 7. Taus, in the Country of the Samoiedae.

There are also long Ridges of Mountains, viz. of Hithay, Cocaya, Bengiar, Farvan, Saina, Magoa, Caucasus, Thibet, and Centava.

The Tartars are naturally savage, treacherous and cruel, especially in War, in which they often devour their Enemies, drinking their Blood, and eating their Flesh, to make their Hatred irreconcilable. Their ordinary Food is Rice and Milk. When their Cham dies, they kill and interr with him many of his Chief Officers, that they may attend upon him in the other World, and give him enough to maintain him according to his Greatness and Quality.

Two third parts of this vast Region are Idolaters, especially towards the North; there are many Mahometans in the South. Some Countries there are in the Northern parts, where the People have no manner of Religion. Near the Caspian-Sea there are some ancient Jews and some Nestorians. There are very few or no Catholicks among them.

The Language of the Tartars is understood in most parts of the North, and in some of the East. It is something like the Turkish Language. Soldiers are there innumerable, and the Lords of the Tartars send their Emperours in times of War an 100000 Horse. Their Forces consist in the multitude of Soldiers, who are always ready for any Service, to pass Rivers in obedience to their Commanders, to endure any Labour in marching towards their Enemy, or retreating from them, as occasion requires. They will shoot their Arrows very exactly at their Enemies, while they seem to fly from them; and all on a suddain will face about upon them to give a Charge, without Disorder. They will compass their Enemies in on all sides, and not mingle with them.

Their Women only buy and sell for the most part, the Men being employed in Hunting and Fighting. They have the best Hawks and Hounds in the World. They live for the most part in the open Field, as the Arabians do, in Tents, in which also they keep thei• Cattel with them. They are almost all Horsemen. When the Summer begins to approach, they go into the Northern parts, where there is more Cold; and when the Cold becomes great, they retire into the South into some hotter Country. They conduct their Familiss by small Journies, and carry their Houses in Carts covered with Skins, wherein they put their Wives and Children, and their Houshold-Stuff. They provide themselves in several places Ox and Horse-dung, and a sort of Stones for firing. Their Thunder is very dreadful, and Winds very violent, which take their Soldiers off from their Horses, and pluck Trees up by the Roots, be they never so deep in the Ground.

The Great Cham hath the Tenth part of the Wool, Silk, Hemp, and all other Commodities of his Empire. Every one of his Subjects is also obliged to work one Day in the Week for him, or do him some other Service, according to his Quality. He hath two Councils, made up of 12 of the wisest and experienced Men, of which one always attends upon the Affairs of State, and the other of War. Their Riches consist chiefly in Cattel, Horses, Furrs, Honey, and Wax, of which they have prodigious Quantities. This vast Country is governed by several Princes, Kings and People, besides

the Emperor, who is called their Great Cham, to whom several Kings are Tributary. The Lives and Estates of all his Subjects are in his power to dispose of them as he pleaseth. No man may speak to him but upon his Knees, giving him a kind of Adoration, which is likewise observed by all Embassadors, who speak to him only by an Interpreter. This Emperour at this day rules over almost one half of Asia, espeially since he hath made himself Master of China, and several other States.

Some divide the Great Tartary into five parts, which are, 1. Tartaria Propria. 2. Tartaria Deserta. 3. Zegathay. 4. Cathay, and 5. Lurquestan. But this Division gives us a very confused and imperfect Idea, or apprehension of it. The best Division, and most conformable to the Relations of our late Travellerss thither, is into 25 Parts, as in the Table.

These Countries some call the Muscovian Tartary, or Tartaria Muscovitica.

1. Part of the Kingdom of Casan, in which are

...Casan,

...Kibena.

2. Part of the Kingdom of Bolgar, which hath

Bolgar, and

...Samara.

3. Part of the Kingdom of Astracan,

...Astracan.

...Batrach.

4. Pascatir, or Besegeret.

5. Siberie, in which is Toboul.

6. Samoiedae, a People who have

...Kakinscoya.

...Pohem.

7. Grussirisri, which contains

...Clarem.

...Jurgue:

8. Ostiaki, a People who have

...Makouski.

...Choroda.

9. Tongusi, or Tingoeses, a People, among which are

...Jenisca.

...Ilimsko.

10. Bratskra, a People which have Bratskra.

11. Jakuti, a People which have Jukustanke.

12. Daouri, a People which have

...Albasin.

...Naroniskie, Talembi.

13. The Principality of Ablay, in which are

...Ablay.

...Belouvioday.

...Loukaragay.

14. Calmona, or Kolmak, or Kalmonque, Buchares, hath

...Marsan.

Rudha, &c.

15. Turquestan, of old Sogdiana, contains

...Belek.

...Selixur.

16. Ʋsbech-Giagathia, or Mawaralnara, hath these three parts,

Samarkant Tartars, in which is

Samarchand, &c.

Bochar, a Kingdom, which hath

Bochard, &c.

Belch, a Kingdom, in which is

Belch, &c.

17. The little Thibet a Kingdom, or the Country of Ancheran,

Thibet, or Tahamet.

...Garada.

18. Raia Nupal, which hath Nupal,

19. The Great Thibet, which are,

The Kingdom of Necball

...Necball.

...Cadmeudu.

The Kingdom of Assen,

...Cammerouf.

The Kingdom of Lassa, or Baravantola,

...Lassa.

...Cuthi.

The Kingdom of Belor,

...Selink.

The Country of Lotoch,

...Centaba.

The Kingdom of Tanchut,

...Tanchut.

...Xamori.

Mongulsk, or Prestrejan,

...Athamuth.

20. The Desert of Xamo, Calmax, or Karacathay, and Lop,

Gucio, &c.

21. The Chinese-Tartars,

...Kokotam.

...Camal.

22. The Chinese-Tartars, among whom are,

The Tartars of Kin, or Lor.

...Kirum,

The Kingdom Mache,

...Ʋla.

Targakrinsk, a People.

Bodoiski, a People.

Jupi, a People. who have

...Port-Loud.

23. The Kingdom of Chalza, or Cesar, in which are

...Hiarcham.

...Ciarcinor.

24. The Principality of Kol, where is

...Kol.

...Kol.

25. Tartaria Propria, which are

The Country of Egregia.

The Province of Jagoy.

The Country of Magog.

The Country of Fritsa of the Mogol.

The Country of Traitza Irdekulu.

...Traitsa Kalmuch,

...Bulugan.

...Traitsa Sudbiligenia Mogol.

...Traitsa Sem Mogol.

...Traitsa Dobro Mogol.

Tartaria Muscovitica, or the Muscovian Tartary.

THIS new Division will appear strange to those who have seen the ordinary Geographical Maps only, who content themselves with some bare Relations without searching farther into that vast Region, wherein are made new Discoveries almost every day.

It is evident that the Great Duke or Emperour of Muscovy possesses a great Breadth of Land in the Western and Northern parts of Tartary, as is to be seen in the foregoing Table. The most remarkable Cities, besides those which I have spoken of in the Chapter of Muscovy, in Europe are these:

Toboul, Tobolium is the chief City of Siberia, upon the River of the same Name, in the place where it joyns to the River Iris, towards the 64 Degree of Latitude, and 67 Degree of Longitude.

The City or Borough of Kakinscoia, is upon the right Bank of the River Oby in the Country of the Samoiedae in the 67 Degree of Latitude.

The Cities of Surgut, and Klarem are upon the Right side of the Oby in the 01 Degree of Latitude, and distant the one from the other about 20 Leagues in the Province of Grustinski.

Maskouskichoroda is the chief City of Ostiaski upon the right side of the River Kieta, about the 59 Degree of Latitude, and the 119 Degree of Longitude.

The City Bratska is the Metropolis of the People called Bratska, upon the left hand of the River Angara in the 58 Degree of Latitude, and 143 Degree of Longitude.

The City Jukustanke is upon the right side of a little River, which runs into the River Len in the 60 Degree of Latitude, and the 143 Degree of Longitude 15 Min.

The City Albasin is the Metropolis of the People called Daouri, upon the left hand of the River Amor, in the 51 Degree 30 Minutes Latitude, and the 168 in Longitude.

The Principal Cities of the Rest of Tartary.

THE Rest of Great Tartary is Possessed by several Princes, Kings and People, of which the Great Cham hath the most part, and hath made almost all the other Princes, who enjoy any Soveraignty, either his Tributaries, or Vassals.

Cambalu, Cambalum, which some call Issedon, or Muoncheu, is the Head-City of the Empire of the Great Cham of the Tartars. Marcus Paulus the Venetian says, 'tis Eight Leagues in Circuit.

The City Thibet is the chief City of the Country of the same Name; it is called also Tanhamet, situated in the 39 Degree of Latitude, and 110 of Longitude. In the lesser Thibet at the foot of the Mountain so called. Thibet contains several other States. It is extream Cold for six or seven Months, because it lyes by the side of a Ridg of Mountains that run from East to West. And for this reason 'tis that they provide Salt Meats for all that time.

The Kingdom of Tanchut, or Tangut is in the Eastern part of Great Thibet. It is also called Tanin, and Campion by some Geographers. It takes its name from the Head-City of it, which is situate in the 43 Deg. of Latitude, and 135 of Longitude, on the Borders of Mogol.

The City of Samarchamb in Ʋsbech Giagathay, or Mawaralnara, is in the 43 Deg. of Latitude, and 105 of Longitude: 'Tis nothing so considerable as it hath been. It was the Native place of the Famous Emperor of the Tartars, Tamerlane.

CHAP. VI. CHINA, or the Kingdom of the Sinae.

CHINA is bounded on the North, and part of the West with a Wall, which is 500 Leagues long, 45 Foot high, and 18 or 20 Foot, which parts the Kingdoms of Tanchut, or Tanguth, and Niuche, on the other part of the West with great Thibet, and the Kingdoms of Tipra and Ava; on the South with the Kingdom of Tunquin, and the Sea of China, which also parts it from Japon on the East.

The Length of it from South to North-East is about 600 Leagues, from the 22. Degr. of Latitude to the 42. and from North-west to South-west it is in breadth 520 Leagues, from the 140. Degr. to the 161 of Longitude, not reckoning that part of Great Tartary, which is under the Emperour of China.—The large Extent of this Country causes the Air to be of different Temperatures, viz. Cold, Northward, because of the Neighbouring Mountains, which are almost always covered with Snow, and yet so healthy and sound, that the Inhabitants do ordinarily live there above an 100 years, and are never troubled with the Plague. But they are often troubled with violent Earthquakes, which shake down many of their Cities: Southward the Air is more temperate and wholsome.

The Soil is very fat and plentiful in all manner of Fruits, except Olives and Almonds, of which they have none, yet they make very good Oyl of a Pulse called Sesamum, and by the Portuguess, Gerselin, and of several other things. They have abundance of Corn, Wine, Barley, Turkie-Wheat, and of all sorts of Excellent Fruits, good Pastures, full of Beasts, and Forests, which have plenty of Venison of several kinds. Their Rivers and Seas yield them great quantities of good Fish. Th•y have store of Rubies, Topazes, Loadstones, and other precious Stones; also much Pearl, Earthen Ware, Silk, Cotten, Linen, and other Cloaths, which are made there, are the chief Revenue of this Country. They want not Salt, Sugar, Musk, Ambergrease, and all sorts of Quarreys, which is very considerable. Most of their Mountains have Mines of Gold and Silver; but by the Laws of the Kingdom it is forbidden, under pain of Death, to meddle with any of them; for their Rivers furnish them with sufficient quantities of Gold and Silver Sand, which scarce any want. Tea is their ordinary Drink. They have a very unusual sort of Gum. Their Varnish is as admirable as their Earthen Ware, which they make of a certain Clay, which they fetch out of the Province of Quiansi, or Kiamsi. In one of their high Mountains they have a very sweet smelling Wood, which they call Wood of Aigl•, or Aloes.

The most remarkable Rivers are, 1. Quiam or Kiang, whi•h rises in the Province of Xensi, in the 35th Degr•• of Latitude. It's Course is from North to South, and then from West to East; so that it makes very great Windings, and discharges its self into the Eastern Sea of China, at the Gulph of Nanquin, having received several other Rivers in•o it, and passed through the Province of Xensi, Sa•••en, Huquam, Nanquin or Kiar•••. 2. Hoan, or H•ang, 〈◊〉 t•e Yellow Saffron-colour'd River, which some Maps falsly call Caramoran, rises out of the Lake Kokonar in the Country of the Gueys, and in the Consines of this Kingdom, and that of Lassa. 'Tis the greatest River of China. It's course at first is from South to North for 70 Leagues, and then it turns to the Westward for 40 Leagues; then it runs from South-West to North-West 200 Leagues, and passes by the great Wall before mentioned for 50 Leagues, going through it again and again; and having run 70 Leagues in Tartary, it crosses the Wall a third time, and passing through the Province of •ekin, empties it self into the Gulph of the same Name, after a course of 120 Leagues from the Wall to the Sea, in which it receives several Rivers into it. So that the whole course from the Spring of it to the Sea is about 600 Leagues,

measuring all it's Windings and Turnings. 3. The Royal Channel reaches from the River Zantung to that of Hoan, and conveys the Waters out of the one into the other.

The People of China have a very large Face, small Eyes, flat Noses; their Pace strait and fierce; they are comely, civil, brisk, politick, industrious, covetous, and very jealous: They have a great Love for Arts and Sciences. They say, that they had the use of Guns and Printing long before us. Their Dress appears by the fine Stuffs that come from thence.

It may be said without Hyperbole, that all Arts and Sciences have their Perfection in China: For there are excellent Geometers, Arithmeticians and Astronomers.

The Chineses are Heathens. The last Relations, which the Jesuits and other Travellers give us, assure us, that there are 120000 Christians, and that they increase daily. There are a great number of Priests, both Secular and Regular. Such as are skilful in Mathematicks, are much favoured by the Emperour, because he loves those sorts of Sciences. There are at present Mahometans, Jews, and some Protestants, Hollanders; as also Monks and Religious Persons, as well as among us. The great Wall, which parts China from Tartary, doth not keep the Cham of Tartary from invading that rich and plentiful Country; insomuch that his Successors have been quiet Possessors of it ever since 1650. It is true, our last Rebellions assure us, that the Chineses have joined together to oppose the Tartars, and that some Provinces have freed themselves from his Tyranny; and believe, that by this time the Chineses are perfectly Masters of it. The true China-Ware is made in the Town of Sinktesimo in the Province of Nankin. China is generally reckoned to have 17 Provinces, and 149 chief Cities. The Emperour hath all the Lives and Estates of his Subjects, which pay him Tribute, at his Dispose; yet he cannot dispose of his Revenue without the Consent of his Treasurer, and other Officers which manage his Revenue. The Cities are generally built with Stone, and compassed with High Walls of Brick or Stone, fortify'd with a great Bank of Earth, great Ditches, and high strong Towers. In most of their Cities and great Towns we may see Triumphal Arches of carved Stone and Marble, admirably well wrought, and erected in Honour of such as either have done some signal Service to the State, or for their Knowledge have deserved the Title of Doctor.

This excellent Country hath been governed a long time by a King or Emperour, whom his Subjects call the Lord of the Universe, and Son of Heaven. His Residence is at Nanquin, and sometimes at Pekin. The Government is not much changed, although it be at present subject to the Great Cham of the Tartars.

China is divided into 18 Provinces, very considerable in all things. By the Gulph of Nanquin are Three. 1. Nanquin. 2. Kiamnan. 3. Zantung. Southward on the Sea-Coasts are Three more. 4. Chekiang. 5. Fokien. And 6. Kuantung, or Quantung. In the middle are Six or Seven more. 7. Kiangsi, or Kansi, 8. Quangsi. 9. Gueichou. 10. Huquang. 11. Honan. And 12. Xansi. On the West side are Three others. 13. Xensi. 14. Suchuen. 15. Junnan, or Yunnan. The 16. is Laotung, or Ledotum. 17. The Peninsula of Corea, which lies upon the Ocean. 18. The Isles belonging to China, and adjoining to it.

Some of the Principal Cities of China.

THE City of Pequin, Pequinum, is at present the chief City of China, and the Seat of the Emperour; a great and strong City, standing about 30 Leagues distant from the Wall, in a barren Country. It is famous for the King's Palace, it's lofty Buildings, large Extent, and great number of Inhabitants. According to the Relation of our Geographers, there is no City in the World so big as Pekin, or Pequinum; it is inclosed with a double Wall of Carved Stone, in which are 360 Gates, every one of which is a Castle fortify'd with two High Towers. It is said to be 30 Leagues in Compass without the Suburbs, which are almost as large as the City. The Emperour's Palace is above a League about, defended by 2 or 3 Walls, with Banks and Ditches, and guarded with 10000 chosen Men.

The City of Nanquin, Nanquinum, is the second City in China; it stands upon the River Kiam, upon a Mountain, in the 32d Degree, 30. min. of Latitude, and 164. of Longitude. It is 10 or 11 Leagues about. The Houses are no more than two Story high, and made of Wood, except those of the Mandarins, which are built of Earth, or cut Stone, inclosed with Walls and Ditches. The great Lords, who are Governours of Provinces, have High Towers in their Houses, with Bells, all guilt, in which they have their Magazins, Wardrobes, Treasuries, Silks, rich China Ware, which they value highly, and never send out of the Kingdom, unless to the Kings of Persia. Within the Walls of this City are reckoned 200000 Houses, besides the Suburbs, and of those 24000 belong to the Mandarins. As for the Emperour's Palace, there are many incrcdible things spoke of it. It is almost like that at Pekin. It hath in it the King's Council, the same Magistrates, Dignities and Priviledges as Pekin. It stands in a very rich and fruitful Plain, which is watered all along by the River Kiang, drawn out into a great number of artificial Channels, which will carry large Vessels, and over which are many Stone Bridges. Besides Pequin, there is no City so large and stately as this in all things. The Palace, the Streets, the stately Towers, the large Houses of 28 Paces wide, well paved and uniform.

Quamcheu, or Canton, Quamcheum, is the in 24th Degree of Latitude, and 152 of Longitude, and stands on the Sea-shore, very large and well built; and though it be well peopled, yet 'tis wonderful to see as great a multitude upon the Water as the Land: For there are ordinarily 20000 Ships and other Vessels. This City is built on the right side of the River Ta, which is very wide at that place, and able to contain a vast number of Vessels, which makes it very rich, full of Traffick, and populous. It is 5 Leagues in compass, Suburbs and all.

Macao, or Amacao, Macaum, is a City in the Possession of the Portuguese, belonging to China, and one of the richest places which they have in the Indies. It is built in an Isle, upon Rocks, and they fetch all their Provision out of China; so that they are forc'd to maintain a good Correspondence with the Chineses, that they may be able to live. The Catholick Religion is exercised here. The other Cities, which are very numerous, are near of the same Magnificence and Greatness.

The Island Formosa, or the Fair Island, is 25 Leagues distant from the Province of Foquien, Eastward, between the 21st Degree 40 min. and 26th Degree of Latitude, and under the 167th Degree of Longitude. It is from South to North 60 Leagues, and from West to East 20. The Dutch call it New Zeland. In it they have a Fort of Four Bastions, built of hewn Stone, upon a sandy Hill, a small League within the Isle. From the Fort there goes a Chanel to the Haven, which covers the Ships from all Winds. On the side of it is built a Redoubt, well fortify'd, where there is a Garrison to defend the Entrance of the Chanel. This Island is well peopled, the Rivers have a great number of Fish, it's Fields and Meadows are well stocked with Cattle, and their Forests have all sorts of Venison. They have a sort of Horses with Horns, living in the Woods like a

Stag, the Flesh of which is very delicate. The Soil produces an abundance of Sugar, Ginger, Cinnamon, and other such like things, as also Grain, Mines of Gold and Silver. The Inhabitants are very civil to Strangers, although they seem barbarous, and as big as Giants.

CHAP. VII. The Empire of the GREAT MOGUL.

THE People, who dwell upon the Continent, under the Government of the Great Mogul, are called Mogols, or Moguls. The Country is usually called India, or Indostan, and contains about 40 Kingdoms, all subject to this Emperour.

This Empire is bounded on the North with Tartary. on the West with Persia, on the South with the River Guenga, and certain Mountains, which part it from the Peninsula beyond the River Ganges, and on the East with the Great Thibet, and the Kingdom of Tipra and Aracan.

The Extent of it from South to North is 380 Leagues, from the Southern Borders of the Peninsula of Decan to the Confines of the Province of Kakare, or Kakake, between the 20th and 30th Degree of Latitude; and from West to East 520 Leagues, from the Borders of the Province or Government of Maltan to the Confines of the Province of Randuana, between the 107th and 136th Degree of Longitude.

The Air is of a different Temperature, according to the Distinction of the parts of this Empire; yet is in all places temperate enough, being only a little colder in the North than in the South. The Soil is not so fruitful in the North as in the middle and South. It is most plentiful in Cotton, Rice, Millet, Citrons, Oranges, Silk, Pomegranats, Figs, Indian or Coco-Nuts. The Tree which bears this last Fruit, furnishes the Indians with almost all things necessary. It is like a Palm-tree. They use the Juice of it for Drink and Vinegar; they make Bread and Oyl of the Fruit. The Shell they use for Barrels, Platters, Bottles, Tubs, and other sorts of Vessels; they make Thred and Stuffs of a little Film, which lies under the Bark: the Body and Boughs are fit to build Houses and Ships withal. The Leaves sowed together make good Sails, and asunder make Tiles of Houses. They have every where almost Mines of Copper, Lead, Iron, and Diamonds at Somelpour in the Province of Bangal, and often fish them out of the River Gouel. They have also an abundance of Elephants, Dromedaries, Horses, Cattle, and Apes, which do much hurt to the People of the Country, because they drink Palm-juice, which they put into Vessels. There are also an abundance of Parrots, green and red; and Birds of several other Colours. They have a multitude of long Walks of Trees in their great Roads, which are a gallant Shelter for Passengers; and particularly, there is one that reaches from Bram-pour as far as Agra, which is about 150 Leagues in length.

The chief Rivers of the Empire of the Mogul, are, Ganges and Indus, which rise both of them out of Mount Caucasus, and cross the Country from North to South. The First receives into it in its Course the Rivers Kanda, Perseli, Semena, and Tziotza; and then empties it self into the Gulph of Bengal at Four Mouths, making so many Isles. The Second, which the Inhabitants call Sind, is increased by the Waters of Nilab, Behat, Kavee, Chanab, Caul, Vial, and runs into the Gulph of the same Name at 5 large Mouths. There are also 4 other Rivers in the South. 1. Guenga. 2. Padder. 3. Tapte. 4. Lepra, or Parver.

The greatest part of the Inhabitants are ignorant and dull; they do not work themselves, bet leave all their Business to their Slaves. In some places, when the Husband dies, and his Body is burnt according to the Custom of the Country, his Wife, to preserve her self from Disgrace, is obliged to burn her self with him; which the Servants also voluntarily do, especially if it be any Great Person. Women never marry twice. Their Cloathing differs but litttle from the Turks. The greatest part of the Inhabitants of the two Peninsulae are naked, except from the Girdle to the Knees, which they cover with a Cloath made of Cotton. They eat Fruits, Pulse, Rice, Flesh, and several other sorts of Meat.

Some of these People are Mahometans, of the Sect of Hali; others are addicted to Pagan Superstitions; except some Christians, who live there upon the account of Traffick, or have been converted by the Popish Emissaries. There are also some Jews. The Great Mogul allows Liberty of Conscience. They make Vows with great exactness, and go in Pilgrimage in great Companies, some always holding their Hands clasped together upon their Heads, others having them stretched out in the Air; many also use a thousand extravagant Postures in observing their Vows, which they have made to continue so all their Life after, and during their Pilgrimage; and their Limbs very often are bent so much, that they never recover their natural Position again. The Bannians profess not to kill any living Creature, and pardon all sorts of Injuries; they believe a Metempsycosis, and have more Hospitals for Beasts than Men. The Persees are the Posterity of the ancient Persians, who retreated into these parts: they worship Fire. The Inhabitants say, that the Water of Ganges sanctifies them, by dipping themselves in it; and therefore come thither in Pilgrimage in such numbers, that sometimes there are 4 or 5 thousand in the season upon the Banks of it, who cast Silver and Gold into it. They dip themselves in Pits or Cisterns, because there are Sea-dogs which devour Men. The Gymnosophists heretofore were in greatest Request for their Wisdom, but the Brachmans are now. The former of these cause their old and sick Men to be slain out of pity, to deliver them out of the Miseries of this Life; and the other perform such Fastings and Mortifications, as far exceed the Pennances of the most severe Monks and Hermits.

The most remarkable Languages of the Eastern Indians, are, 1. Arabick, which they use in all their Religious Offices and Books of Learning, as we do Latin. 2. The Carabine, used about Goa. 3. That of Malabar, in the Country so called. 4. The Gazarate, in the Kingdoms of Cambay, Coromandel, Bisnagar, and Bengal. 5. The Malaye about Malaca, Sumatra, Java, and the Molucco's. The Isles of the Maldives have a Language of their own.

The Emperour hath the absolute Disposal of the Lives and Estates of all his Subjects, and determines all Controversies between them as he pleaseth. Besides this Sovereign Command, he hath a great number of Petty

Kings, which pay him Tribute; as, the King of Ranas between Chitor and Bando, the Kings of Mug and Rodorou. There are also some free People, as the Rasbutes, who live only by Robberies. The Portuguese possess Diu, Daman, and Bacami, Cities and Ports standing upon the Coasts of the Gulph of Cambay, as also the Castles of Manora and Asserim. The Great Mogul, who is a Mahometan, holds a great Correspondence with the Turk, to secure himself against the Persian. The great number of his Subjects, his vast Riches, and the large extent of his Kingdom, makes him so proud, that he calls himself the greatest Monarch of the World. He hath usually in his Court 20 Kings his Vassals.

This vast Empire may be divided into several Provinces or Governments, which are so many Kingdoms. I will begin with the Western Parts, and consider those that reach from North to South, from Tartary to the Gulph of India or Cambay, all along by the River Indus. Then I will go on to those that lie between Indus and Ganges, which is the middle of the Country. And Lastly, will describe the Eastern Parts from Ganges to the Great Thibet, and the Peninsula on the other side of it: And so will divide the whole Empire of the Great Mogul into 3 large Parts, and 41 or 42 Governments or Kingdoms, as is most plainly to be seen in this following Table.

The Empire of the Great Mogul hath 3 principal Parts, and 42 Governments or Kingdoms in it, viz.

I. In the West 15.

Quexmer, or Cassimere.

...Cassimere.

...Parvan.

2. Cabul R.

...Cabul.

...Ciaracar.

3. Attock.

...Attock.

...Puckow.

4. Multan R.

...Multan.

5. Pengab.

...Lahor.

...Bember.

6. Haiacan.

...Chutzan, Vehe.

7. Hendown Pr.

...Hendown.

...Mearta.

8. Buckar.

...Bucharhucon.

...Sukay.

9. Tarta, or Sindi.

...Tarta.

10. Soret.

...Jannagar.

...Pacho.

11. Jesselmere.

...Jeselmeere.

...Kadinpore.

12. Asmere Bando.

...Asmere.

...Bando.

13. in 3.

...Mirda.

...Mirda.

...Ralua Rana.

...Rana.

...Rahia Bargant.

...Bargant.

14. in 2.

...Guzarate R. Resbuti.

...Cambay, Diu, Patan, Suratz, Amed Abad▪ Bacam, Jaquette.

15. Decan. in 2.

...Aureng-abad.

...Daltabu•

...Talen-gand.

...Bider.

II. In the Midland 16.

1. Kakares.

...Purhola.

...Dankaler.

2. Naugracur.

...Naugracur.

...Calamaka.

3. Siba.

...Hordware.

4.

...Jamba.

...Jamba.

...Mansa.

...Serenegar.

...Decamperga.

5. Jenupar.

...Jenupar.

...Temmeri.

6. Delly.

...Delly.

...Gehanabad.

7. Bacar.

...Bikanar.

8. Sambal.

...Sambal.

...Menepore.

9. Narvar Labas.

...Gehud.

...Elebas.

10. Agra.

...Agra.

...Anadipore.

11. Gualeor.

...Gualeor.

12. Chitor.

...Chitor.

...Chitipore.

13. Malvay.

...Rantipore.

...Ougle.

14.

...Candis.

...Brampor.

...Mandou.

...Partaspa.

15. Berar.

...Schapor.

16. Bengala.

...Patna.

...Patna.

...Prurop.

...Gofry.

...Raga Rodas.

...Rodas.

...Bengala propria.

...Daca.

...Philipatum.

...Cathigan.

III. In the East 11.

1. Gor-arada.

...Gor.

2. Rodorou,

...Camolo.

3. Pitan.

...Pitan.

4. Rahia Mug.

...Mug.

5. Kanduana.

...Kanduana.

6. Patna.

...Patna.

7. Ʋdessa or Voez.

...Jehanack.

8. Jesualna.

...Raiapore.

9. Meoat.

...Narval.

10. Marangas.

...Hadouda.

...Mutgari.

11. Galconda.

...Ramana.

...Oriza.

Var, &c.

Some Chief Cities of the Mogul's Empire.

THE City Agra is situate in the 38th Degree, 30 min. Latitude, and 121 Longitude. It is the Metropolis of the Empire, and the ordinary Residence of the Mogul, standing in the middle of his Kingdom, upon the River Gemini, or Semana, which runs into Ganges below the City Elebes, in the Government of Narvare Labas. This City is so big, that a Man on Horseback can hardly ride round it in a Day. It is encompassed with a good Wall of carved Red Stone, and a Ditch 30 Ells wide, The Streets are wide and spacious:

It hath Cloysters a quarter of a League long. The Emperour's Palace is a stately Building, and well fortify'd, standing on the Bank of Gemini. It is 3 or 4 Leagues about. He is vastly rich. The Mogul's Chamber hath the Imperial Throne standing with a Row of Pillars or Ballisters; 'tis all of Massie Gold, set richly with Diamonds, Pearls, and other Precious Stones. Above the Throne is a Gallery, where the Emperour presents himself every Day to hear the Complaints of his Subjects. In his Seraglio are 1000, or 1200 Women. He hath a very strong Tower, covered with Plates of Gold, wherein the Great Mogul's Treasures are kept in 8 large Vaults, full of Gold and Silver, and all sorts of Precious Stones.

The City Delli, Delliton, is situated in a large Plain, upon the Bank of the River Gemini, on the North-East of Agra. The old City Delli is now only the Suburbs of a new City called Chahichan-Abat or Ichan-Abad. It was anciently the Seat of the Great Mogul before Agra.

Lahor, Lahorum, or Bucephara, is the Abode of the Caravans. The ancient City Bucephala is the chief City of the Kingdom of Pengab upon the River Ravee. It is said to be 20 Leagues in Compass, having a fine Castle in it.

Surat, Surata, and Sirastra, is situate upon the River Tapta, near the Gulph of Cambay, which is strongly built on the Land-side with a Castle. Their Houses are low, as the Persians are, and have generally good Gardens to them. It is two Leagues from the Haven, where it hath one of the finest Ports of all the East, full of Merchants from all parts of the World.

Diu, Dium, is an Isle and City in the Kingdom of Guzurate: The Isle is a League long, and a quarter of a League wide, a little distant from the Continent, standing at the Mouth of the Gulph of Cambaya. It belongs to the Portuguese, who conquered it under the Kings of Guzurate, and have built a strong Cittadel in it. It is a large City, and an excellent Port. It is very rich, because of the great Concourse of Merchants thither. It is as it were the Store-house for all the Ships that come from Cambay, the Red Sea, the Persian Gulph, and that of Ormus, and several other places of the Indies, because of the abundance of Provision sold at the Market there.

Some Remarks upon the Empire of the Mogul.

THE Kingdom of Guzurate is very considerable; the Merchants of it are counted the richest of all the Indians. The most remarkable Cities in it are, Armadabat, Cambay, and Surat, tho' it hath 30 others very considerable. The English account the first of them, which is the greatest, near as big and good as London. It hath a strong Castle of hewn Stone. It is about 7 Leagues round, taking in the Suburbs: The Streets of it are very wide, the Houses stately, especially the Mosques, and the Governour's Palace. The Inhabitants make great quantities of Silks, Cotton, Sattin, and Velvets of all Colours. The Merchants pay no Custom, either at their going in or coming out. But the English have a great Trade at Surat for Goods from the East-Indies. The French have built an Exchange there for that end. The Portuguese have had several Combats with the Kings and Governours of that Country for the Fortification of Diu, which is parted from the Continent by so narrow a Channel, that it is passed over by a Stone-Bridge. They lock up their Haven with an Iron Chain, into which they enter under the Canon of two Castles. The City of Cambay is much decayed from what it was heretofore. There is a Mine of Agates at Beroche. Cabul is fruitful in Mirabolans.

The Province of Bengal is famous for the pleasantness of the Air, Fruitfulness of the Soil, plenty of Rice, fine Canes, Silks. The Inhabitants are industrious and handsom, but their Servants are wicked and base. Their chief City is Satagam, or Caihigan.

The Castle of Syr, or Syra, is the strongest and biggest of all the Mogul's Empire. It stands upon the top of a Mountain, which is 5 Leagues about, and compassed about on all sides with a Triple Wall, and fortified with above 3000 Pieces of Ordinance.

There are a great number of Rhinoceros's in the Provinces of Bengal and Cambaya. This furious Creature is as big as an Elephant, with which it maintains a continual War, especially so long as the Female hath her Young ones with her. It hath a Head like a Hog, the Skin fortify'd naturally with yellow Scales, the Thighs and Legs very thick, a Horn upon the Nose, which gives it the Name of the Rhinoceros. This Horn is made like a Sword, and hard like Iron: I•redge• whets it against a Rock, when it fights with the Elephant, whom it always strikes upon the Belly, because that is the place most easie to be pierced. The Skin of it is so hard, that an Arrow will not enter it.

CHAP. VIII. The Peninsula of INDIA within GANGES.

THIS Peninsula is divided almost into two equal parts by the Mountains called Gate, which reach from North to South, having several fine Plains on the top of them, where they have variety of Seasons at the same time. It is bounded on the North by the River Guenga and Gulph of Cambay, which parts it from the States of the Mogul. On the West, South and East by the Indian Ocean, between the 7th Degree 30 min. and 22d Degree of Latitude; which shews it to be from South to North 290 Leagues; and between the 112th Degree and 126th Degree of Longitude: So that it is 240 Leagues from West to East.

The Air is very hot, unless it be on the tops of the Mountains. The greatest part of the People go almost naked. The Soil is very fertile of all things necessary for Humane Life. It abounds with Mines of Diamonds, especially in the Kingdom of Golconde. They also fish for Pearl, but chiefly about the Streights of Manar.

The Inhabitants are very dull, lazy and ignorant; none but Slaves work.

The greatest part of the Inhabitants are Mahometans, as well as their Princes; but principally upon the Coasts. They that dwell on the Mountains are Idolaters. Others of them are Catholicks or Protestants,

as the Nations of Europe are, that are allowed to dwell and trade with them. The Jews live here in great numbers, using the Trade of Brokers and Merchants, as they do in the other parts of the World.

This Peninsula is divided into two Parts, as we have said, by a Ridge of Mountains which run from North to South; so that we may consider it in Two Parts or Peninsuloe. 1. The Western. And, 2. The Eastern; wherein I shall observe the Kings and People which possess it, as is more plainly to be seen in this following Table.

The Peninsula within Ganges hath Two Parts.

1. The Western in which are,

1. Decan.

Visapor, Solapur, Rasiapur, Debul, Danda, Bacaim, Centapur, Cariapatan, Goa, Bardes, an Isle.

2. Canata.

...Onor, Mangalor, Barcilor, Baricala.

3. Carnatica.

...Kanticota, Tripiti.

4. The Coasts of Malabar.

1. Calicut.

...Calicut, Canamor, Manigale, Grungamer.

2. Cochin.

...Cochin, Porca, Calecculan, Coulan, Angamale.

3. Madura.

...Madura, Tutucori, Mamancor, Jacancori.

4. Mesul.

...Mesul.

2. The Eastern, in which are,

1. Coasts of Coromondel.

1. Tanajor.

...Tanajor, Nagapatan, Frangabar.

2. Gingi.

...Gingi, Coloran, Candabaran.

3. Bisnagar.

...Bisnagar, Narsingue, Pentapouli, Geldua, Senepgond, Melour.

2. Golconde, a Kingdom.

Golconde, Orixa, Candavara, Guadavart, Masulpatan, Nasingapatam, Cantapoli, &c.

The City of Goa is the most considerable of this Peninsula, the chief City of that part of the East-Indies, which the Portuguese possess, and the Seat of the Vice-Roy, giving also the Title to an Archbishop. It stands in the Kingdom of Decan, in an Isle, which the Rivers Mandoua and Guari make at their Fall into the Sea. Alphonsus Alberquerque took it for the Portuguese in 1510. who have here a Council for the Government of the East-Indies, besides their Trade, Riches, and Government of the City. Here is one of the finest Hospitals in the World. The Churches are very magnificent. This City is fullest of Trade of the East, being filled with a vast number of Merchants from all places.

The Kingdom of Decan produces all things in abundance. Something more than a League distant from the City of Decan, is a Mountain, where the People find great quantities of Diamonds, which is therefore encompassed with an high Wall, and a continual Guard kept there. These Diamonds are the best and finest in the World. They also Trade in Rubies, Emeralds, Topazes, and other precious Stones.

The Portugese have built in this Country two or three Forts to maintain their Trade in Pepper, which they gather there in abundance. They have good Masts for Ships, of which they have such plenty, that they furnish their Neighbouring Country with them. Here is also Sugar, Ginger, Cassia, Amber-grease, store of Jacinth, Pomegranats, Saphires and Rubies about the City Cananor. This Country also produces Lions, Tigers, Panthers, Elephants, Buffles, Parrets, Indian Cocks, and several other Birds. In their Ponds and Lakes they have much Fish, and great Lizards like Crocodiles, whose back is covered with Scales, impenetrable with any Weapon. They kill Men, and their Breath smells as sweet as Amber-grease. On the other side there are a sort of Serpents which kill Men with their breath only. The City Cananor is very large, but without Walls, under the Command of a King of its own, who is very potent, and chosen out of the Princes of the Blood: He can upon occasion furnish out an 100000 Men for War. Here is Ebony, Areca, Palms, and other sorts of Fruits in abundance, and several Christians have their Habitation in this City.

From Cananor to Calicut is counted four Leagues. The King hath a Palace about a Mile and half from this City, which is a Mile round. Calicut was heretofore the most famous City of the Indies, the Metropolis of Malabar, and the Imperial Seat of the Samorin, or Emperor, but it is much decayed since the Portugese have possessed Goa, and other places. Cochin also is inhabited by the Portuguese, and by their means is grown so great, that the King of it is become more potent than the Emperor himself. It is about 26 Leagues distant from Calicut, and about an 100 from Goa.

The City of Visapor, or Visapur, is five Leagues about, encompassed with High Walls, with a great Ditch, and several Batteries, wherein are mounted above a 1000 Pieces of Canon of all sorts and sizes, both of Brass and Iron. The King's Palace is in the middle of the City, from which it is parted by a double Ditch; it is a large League about. This City has five large Suburbs, in which the greatest part of the Merchants dwell, especially one that's called Schampour, were the greatest part of the Jewellers dwell; it is the chief City of Decan, and the Residence of the Idalcan, or King of Decan.

The City of Bisnagar. Bisnagaria is six or seven Leagues round, and encompassed with three Walls, standing on the side of an Hill, and in the midst of the Kingdom of the same Name. Here are two or three Mountains, whence they dig the clearest and best Diamonds, a great number of Amethysts, white Saphires, which the Rivers bring down from the Rocks, which are broken by the force of their Waters. The King of it is rich in Gold, Silver, and Quarries of Stones, and very strong in Men; he is said to have carried an Army against his Enemy Idalcan, consisting of 40000 Horse, 300000 Foot, and 700 Elephants.

Narsingue, or Narsinga, is the Head of the Kingdom so called, well built, standing on a Mountain, and three Leagues round. It is encompassed on the one side with the Sea, and on the other with a great River. The King hath a magnificent Palace in it, so well fortified, that it is very formidable to his Neighbours, and no Man can dwell there without his permission. It is very safe and happy dwelling there, paying the ordinary Customs, because of the exact administration of Justice there used, and the regular Government which is exercised in it.

The Country of the Naique of Gingi, pays Tribute to the King of Bisnagar, and is near the City of Pech•rie. The chief City of the Kingdom is Gingi: Gingis, a very large City, having a Castle in the midst of it,

like a City it self, encompassed with high Walls of hewn Stone, and a Ditch full of Water. In the Castle is an high Rock, and almost impossible to be ascended, where they have formed their Bastions and Towers for defence. The King hath two fine Palaces in it fortified with several Towers.

This Peninsula is governed by more than fifty Kings, and divers sorts of People, the more potent subduing the other. The Portuguese, Dutch and English have their Factories on the Coasts for the maintenance of their Trade there, which consists in Spice, Pearl, several sorts of Stones, Cotten-wool, and other Merchandize. The Kings themselves love to converse with the Christians to encourage their Trade, and to secure their assistance in times of War.

The Coast of Malabar is a very low Country, inhabited by Pirates, for whom 'tis very convenient. The Portuguese Landed at Calicut first, but with less success than at Cochin, where they got leave to build them a Castle, but lost it by the Dutch in 1662. Besides the King of Calicut, there are upon these Coasts the Kings of Cananor, Tanor, Cranganor, Cochin, Couhan, Travancor, and ten or twelve more, less considerable. In Onor there is a very weighty sort of Pepper, and black Rice, which is better than the white.

Next to the Coast of Malabar is that of Manar, or the Fishing-Coast, where they fish for Pearl in April and September for three Weeks together. This is all the profit that they make in thirty little Cities of that Country; for which they have a Fair at Tuticorin. The Dutch are Masters of the King's Isle, where they have built a Fort, by which they command all the passage of the Streights of Manar, where they get Amber-grease.

There is a prodigious quantity of Rice upon the Coasts of Coromandel, or Corobander, and the best in the Indies. Here stands Meliapour, or St. Thomas, where this Apostle is said to have done many Miracles. This City stands upon a small River, which hath six Arms at the Entrance of it into the Sea; all lying within the reach of the Canon of the City, which causes the smaller Vessels to put in at Pallacate, and the greater at Negapatan.

The King of Narsinga calls himself the King of Kings, and hath a thousand Wives. Upon the same Coasts are the Naiques, or Princes of Gingi, Madure and Tanior. These three little States have risen from the destruction of that of Narsinga. The Kingdom of Messar is near that of Madure; the People of Marara, which are not far distant, are accounted good Warriers. The Country of Pirates is sixteen Leagues about, with its Cities.

The Kingdom Golconde and Orifia, or Orixa, are Mahometans, of the Sect of the Persians; it pays Tribute to the Great Mogul, because it can't free it self from him. In this State there is a Mine of Diamonds about two Leagues from Golconde at the foot of a Mountain; it is so large an one that the King enclosed it in 1662, for fear by yielding too great Quantities, they should become too common, or that the Great Mogul might not desire to get it. The King reserves to himself all the Diamonds that weigh above ten Carats; and there are some that weigh thirty or forty; of others they have taken out above three Millions. The City of Golconde is two Leagues about, divided into three Cities, viz. Badnagner, or Hidrabant, in which stands the Kings Palace. 2. Golconda, in which is the Castle. 3. Emanpour, which is on the River which parts it from the first. The King's Palace is a very Stately one, having Gold in all places instead of Iron. The City Masulpatan which is subject to this Kingdom is situated among the Fens, and hath a Bridge 1500 Paces long: The Haven or Harbour is about half a League from the City, and is very convenient for all sorts of Vessels; most of the Merchants of Europe have their Factors here: In this City are made the finest Painted Cloaths of all the East. The Castle of Candapoli hath six Fortifications, one above another. In this Province there are also sixty other considerable places.

CHAP. IX. The Peninsula of INDIA, beyond GANGES, or Zirbad.

THIS Peninsula is bounded on the North with China, and great Thibet on the West, on the South and East by the Indian Ocean: The Extent of it from South to North is 460 Leagues, from the 1. Degr. to the 24. of Lat. and from West to East 332. from the 133. Degr. to the 150. of Long. which must be understood in the largest extent of it.

The Air and Soil is different according to the different Situation of it, as the Description of each particular will shew, as well as their Religion, Manners and Government.

This Peninsula is divided into three Parts: 1. The Northern, from the States of the Great Mogul to the Kingdom of Siam: 2. The Southern from the Kingdom of Pegu, and Cochin-China to the Sea: 3. The Eastern which contains the Kingdoms of Tunquin, and Cochin-China, of which more particularly in the Table.

The Peninsula of India beyond Ganges hath Three Parts.

1. The Northern in Seven Parts, or Kingdoms.

1. Tipra.

...Tipra, Azo.

2. Ava.

...Ava, Prom, Totay, Tolema, Melintay, Boldia, Transiana.

3. Brema.

Brema, or Brama, and Barma, Coromoria.

4. Aracan.

...Aracan Sandar, Sore, Cadouascan.

5. Pegu.

Pegu, Ladoa, Taqualla, Ambuaro, Chubode, Tangu, Manar, Siarion, an Isle.

6. Martaban.

...Martan, Tuguala, Macaon, Macaria del Rei,

7. The Coast of Asem.

...Asem.

2. The Southern in three States.

1. The States of the King of Siam in Nine Kingdoms:

2. Camboya, or Cambodia.

...Camboya, Racol, Lavech, Taruano.

1. Siam, properly so called,

Odia, or India Juropisan.

...Bankok, Sacatacy.

2. Tenasserim.

...Tenasserim, Ligor.

3. Juncalaon.

...Juncalaon, Bordelong.

4. Patana.

...Patana.

5. Queda.

...Queda.

6. Pahan.

...Pahan.

7. Pera.

...Pera.

8. Malaca.

...Malaca.

9. Jhor.

...Jhor.

3. Siampaa.

...Siampaa, Pulocaccim.

3. The Eastern in two Kingdoms.

1. Cochin-China.

Cacciam, Bochin, Neghon, Tinhga, Caubanch, which is St. Joseph's Port. Cuaceva, where is the Queen's Harbour, Faifo, Bedaya.

2. Tunquin.

Tunquin, Korcio, Cuaday, or Codem, Kebach, Ketra, Ciucham, Tandang, a Tower of Tunquin.

The Peninsula of India beyond Ganges. The Northern Part.

THE King of Ava is a Potent Monarch, having besides the Kingdom of Ava, the States of Pegu, Aracan, Asem, & Tipra subject to him. The Ancient Kingdom of Brama, or the Brachmans pay him Tribute, as do also divers other People which live on the West parts of China, as the Layes, Gueyes, Timocoues, and Ciocangaes: So that his Kingdom from South to North reaches about 300 Leagues; and from East to West about 200. The Country of Great Tartary is on the North, the Gulf of Bengal on the West, and the States of the King of Siam on the South, and China on the East.

The Air •s very temperate, the Soil produces plenty of Wheat, Grapes, Millet and Fruits, as also divers kind of W ld and Tame Beasts, as Elephants, Camels, Horses, Sheep, Civet-cats, Sables, and Ermins. It hath also Mines of Gold, Silver, Iron, Lead and Copper, a great quantity of Rubies, the best of all the East, Saphires, Emeralds, Turquies, and other Precious Stones. They have also Musk, Bezoar, Benjamin, Lacca of the Aigle, Wood Calemba, and Aloes-Trees, and Canes as big as great Trees.

The Chief Rivers that Water this Country are Six, of which four rise out of the Lake Chiamay in Great T•ibet, and run cross the Country from North to South. The first and most Eastern is Menan, which empties it self into the Gulf of Siam near the City Bankok. The 2. Pegu, or Caypumo, which runs into the Ocean near the City Ambu•ro. 3. Cosmin, which runs through the Borders of the Kingdoms of Tipra, Aracan, and Bengal, and falls into the Sea of Bengal. 4. Caor, which runs into the same Gulf through one of the Branches of Ganges. 'Tis true, this last is not in the Kingdom of Ava. 5. C•abares is a Branch of the River Pegu, which runs between the said River and Cosmin. It is a great River, and falls into the Gulf of Bengal, a little below the City Aracan. 6. There is another River on the East of the River Menan, which crosses the Countries of this King from North to South, and runs into the Sea below Camboya.

The City of Ava is the Chief City of all the States of this Monarch: It is his Seat: It stands upon the River of the same Name, which runs into the River Pegu. The Inhabitants are for the most part Idolaters, and worship the Sun. There are but few Christians or Jews.

The City of Pegu, Pegicum, or Triglinton, stands upon the River of the same Name, and is the Head-city of the Kingdom of Pegu, it is divided into two parts: 1. The Old. 2. The New. The King and his Court dwell in the New, and the Merchants and Traders in the Old. The most part of the Houses are built of Canes. Their Store-houses are Vaults to keep their Goods from Fires. The New City hath Bastions and Ditches full of Water, wherein they nourish Crocodiles to hinder Men from passing them to surprize the City. They bring their Elephants to drink at them, because they are not afraid of them.

Casubi is a Kingdom which takes its Name from the Chief City, which is large fine, and full of Trade.

Transiana is subject to the Kingdom of Pegu: It is a Country very temperate, but excessive hot in Summer. It hath one considerable Mine of Diamonds, as also Gold and Silver, abundance of Corn, Fruit, and several sorts of Palm-Wine. The Inhabitants are white. In times of War the King hath 1000 Elephants, 50000 Horse, and a vast Number of Foot. He goes to Hunting with Lions and white Wolves, which are made tame, and fit to catch their Fellows.

In the Country of Brama there are many Quarries of Stone, Benjamin and Lacca. The Kingdom and the Head-city bear the same Name.

The Kingdom of Aracan, and the chief City of it, which bears the same Name, is situate on the South of Java. The City stands upon the Bank of the River Chabeus, about 15 Leagues distant from the Sea, with a very strong Castle. This Prince is very potent in Men, Horse, Elephants and Money.

The Coast and Kingdom of Martaban is so plentiful a Country, that they ordinarily have three Harvests, and send every year 15 or 16 Ships to Cochin laden with Rice, and as much to Malaca. Martaban is the chief Port of this Kingdom. The City is very fine and well Peopled. In this Kingdom are plenty of Mines of Gold, Silver, Lead, Steel, Copper and Rubies. Here is the finest Lacca in the World, and whole Mountains of Fire-stone.

The Southern part of the Peninsula of India beyond Ganges.

THE States of the King of Siam take up almost all that part; they are Bounded on the North with the Kingdoms of Pegu, and Cochin-China; on the West, South and East with the Indian Ocean. The Extent of it from South to North is 340 Leagues, and from West to East about 180 in the widest place.

The Air is very temperate, altho all this Country be in the Torrid Zone, which arises, as some think, from the narrowness of the Country, being refreshed by the Winds and Dews, which make the Ground fat, and plentiful in Rice, Barley, and other Grains and Fruits. They have much Pepper, Aloes, Benjamin and Musk, also Mines of Gold, Silver, Tin, Copper, and other Metals, as also a great Number of Horses, and Elephants. In the Coasts of Cochin-China there are great Forests, which are an Harbour for Tigers, Lions, and other Wild Beasts.

The People of Siam believe a Metempsycosis, and Worship the four Elements.

The City of Malaca is the only place free from Tribute: It stands on the narrow passage of the Sea of the same Name, over against the Isle Sumatra. It is well Peopled, and hath a good Trade, altho the Air of it be unwholsome. The Dutch in 1641, took it away from the Portuguese, who had been Masters of it 130 years.

The City of Odia is the Metropolis of this Kingdom: It is Fortified with Walls made of Brick and Morter, and hath 600000 People, without Reckoning the Suburbs. This City stands upon the Banks of the River Menan, which makes it an Isle. It hath many fine Streets, and Channels made very exactly. For the River passes through the City in several places, so that there is scarce an House but may take Water in a Boat at their own Door. There are in it near 300 fine Mosques. every one having a Bell, and a Steeple Gilt over, and a great number of Pagods, with Idols of all sorts of Metal. The King's Palace is a Castle almost impregnable. This City stands upon the Water like Venice, insomuch that they say there are 200000 Boats, and 30000 Moors Houses. It can send out 50000 fighting Men in time of War.

This King is so powerful, that he doth often send out into the Field 250000 Foot, and 20000 Horse; and yet for all this great strength he is subject to the King of China, to whom he sends every year an Embassage to pay him a kind of Homage.

Juncalaon, or Jangoma, abounds with Gold, Silver, Copper, Musk, Cotten, Pepper, and every thing necessary for Man's Life.

The Country of Pa•ana is plentiful in all things: They have New Fruits every Month, their Ducks and Geese lay Eggs twice a day, their Woods are full of Wild Beasts and Birds, and their Seas have abundance of Fish, which differ from ours in shape and taste.

Malaca is the chief City of the Kingdom of the same Name: It stands upon a River that ebbs and flows as the other Rivers do, which are near the Sea; it hath a very spacious Bridge. In 1640, or 41, the Dutch took it from the Portuguese, by which the Catholick Religion was banished out of it. The Air is very unwholsome. This City is famous for Trade, the greatest Mart of all the East; and the Dutch know very well how to advance and improve it.

Ihor, or Johor is the farthest Country of this Peninsula, called Laurea Chersonesus by the Ancients. The chief City which hath the same Name, stands upon the River Ihor, which divides it into two parts; the Houses in it are built upon Piles, which raise them nine or ten Foot above Ground, because the City stands so low, that the High-tide flows it twice a day. It may be easily made a very strong place, by means of the River. The whole Country belongs to the King, who gives any leave to manage and till it, who desire it of him. The Soil brings forth plentifully Lemmons, Banana's, Potato's, Anana's, and Citrons as big as a Man's Head, and other Excellent Fruits. When the Portuguese took Ihor, it had 1500 Brass Cannon.

Camboya, Cambodia is a Kingdom in the most Southern parts of this Peninsula, between the Gulf of Siam and Cochin-China. It is a very Fruitful Country. The Inhabitants are very simple. They have no dealings with the Mahometans, which makes them not very backward to receive Christianity, so that many of them are become Catholicks. The chief City of it is Camboya, or Rebecca, standing upon the more Eastern Branch of Mecon, near the mouth of it, upon a kind of Lake. This great River divides the City in two parts.

Chiampa, or Tsiompa, is a Kingdom situated between Cochin-China, the Kingdom of Camboya and the Indian Sea. This Country produces all sorts of Food, and also the true Calamba, a sweet Wood of as great worth as the Lignum Aloes, which is prized at its weight in Silver.

The Eastern Part of the Peninsula beyond Ganges.

COchin-China is a Kingdom adjoyning to the Gulf of the same Name. The Inhabitants call it Cachu, or Kachokiu, i. e. the Western China. It hath five or six Provinces, every one of which hath its Governour, a particular administration of Justice, and about fifty Sea-Ports.

Caccia is the chief City. The King's Residence is there, and his Court is very Magnificent. The chief Trade they have is for Gold, Silver, Calambe, Porcellane-Earth, Wood of the Aigle, Silk, Cotten, and Rice. The Romish Priests have had good success in converting them, notwithstanding the Persecution which the latter Kings have inflicted upon the Christians. They employ a great number of Ships. During the Months of September, October, and November, all the Kingdom is overflowed every 15 days, and that for three days together, by which the Air is cooled, and the Ground enriched so that it brings forth abundance of Rice, the common food of the Country. The People of Cochin-China are much given to the Sciences, and Arms. The King hath above 200 Ships at all times Equipped.

Tunquin, which is on the North of Cochin-China, hath a King of its own, as well as Cochin-China, Cambodia, and Tsiompa. It is near the Borders of China, and of the Peninsula, inhabited by a certain People called Maug, Tomocoves and Otteyes. The Country of Tunquin i• very wet, because it lyes among several Rivers, which make the Air very foggy and unhealthy. It hath above 20000 Towns or Villages, besides small Hamlets, and six Provinces, wherein there are about 200000 Christians. It is a very strong Kingdom for the number of Inhabitants, Riches, Trade, and Fruitfulness of the Soil, abundance of all things necessary for humane Life, the Magnificence of the King's Court, and great Armies, which the King maintains both by Land and Sea.

They have such great numbers of Pools, and Fish-Ponds, that every House hath one or more belonging to it. It hath 35 Rivers, which have all their several Channels. Their Forests are furnished with several sorts of odoriferous and lasting Trees, that will not rot, as Ebony, Cinnamon, Calamba, and Calambuco, which are there common, and stored with great numbers of Tigers, Wild Boars, Elephants, Rhinoceros's, Bears, Wolves, Deer, and Goats. They have also several sorts of excellent Fruits, as Citrons, Oranges, and Apples; great quantities of Cotten, Silk, Flax, Rice; nor do they want Mines of Gold and Silver in several places. The Men and Women have a Custom to black their Teeth. The King hath always 300000 well disciplin'd Soldiers, which are ready to march whither he pleases upon his first Order, except 50 or 60000 of them, which are always kept about his Person to guard him, and ordinarily wait about his Palace.

The Kingdom of Lao extends it self from the 14th Degree to the 22th Degree, 30 min. of Latitude; but is not of so large an Extent from West to East. It is a Country very fruitful, compact and delicious: It hath the Best Rice and whitest Salt in all the East, and that in greatest abundance, which is made after a miraculous manner After the gathering of the Rice, there ariseth a South Wind, which lasts till their Rains are over, which produceth a kind of Foam, with which a great part of the Country is covered; the Sun hardens it, and turns it into Salt, in such great quantities, that it supplies

not only the Kingdom, but the neighbouring Countries. Their Benjamin, Honey, Wax, and Cotten, are excellent good. They have several Mines of Iron, Lead and Tin. They labour continually, and gather Gold and Silver enough out of their Rivers by certain Iron Nets. They trade much in Musk and Red Amber. Oxen and Buffles are very common there; and their Rivers supply them with several sorts of Fish. Their chief City called Langione, stands in the middle of the Kingdom, upon the Banks of the River Lao. The King's Palace is in it. It is of a prodigious bigness.

Of the first Voyages from EUROPE to the EAST-INDIES.

THE Coasts of the East-Indies were first discover'd by Vasco de Gama, whom Emanuel King of Portugal sent for that purpose, and whose Father Stephen had been before nominated by King John for the like Employment. This valiant and prudent Commander set Sail from Lisbon, on the 9th Day of July, A. D. 1497. with Four great Ships (one whereof only carried Provisions) and 160 Men; doubled the Cape of Good Hope about the latter end of November following; pass'd beyond the Equinoctial Line, and came to an Anchor at the distance of two Miles from Cal•cut, on the 20th of May, 1498. where he spent some time in treating with the King of that Country, cruised about the adjacent Coasts, and at last return'd to the Port of Lisbon, having finished his Voyage in somewhat more than two years time, to the great Advantage of the Portuguese Nation, who have been very powerful ever since in those parts. In the next Year another Fleet was set out by King Emanuel's special Command, consisting of 13 Ships, and 1500 Soldiers, besides Mariners, under the Conduct of Pedro Alvarez de Cabrale, not so much to make a Discovery, as to establish a Trade in the Indies; where being arriv'd, he batter'd the Town of Calecut with his Cannon, to revenge an Outrage committed there on some of his Men by the Saracens and Arabians, but enter'd into an amicable Treaty with the Kings of Cochin, Coulam and Cananor, and came back to Lisbon on the 2d of August, 1501. In the mean while John de Novo being sent with a small Fleet of Four Ships to recruit the said Alvarez, was attack'd by a Navy of above 80 Men of War, belonging to the Zamorin or Emperour of Calicut; but he vigorously repuls'd them, sunk five of the larger Vessels, as also nine of the lesser, and kill'd above 400 Men. Whereupon he continued his Course to Cochin, left a Factory at Conanor, and return'd to Portugal on the 11th of September, Anno 1502. About that time the King of Portugal assum'd the glorious Title of Lord of the Navigation, Conquest and Commerce of Aethiopia, Arabia, Persia, and India: And Vasco de Gama was deputed to undertake a Second Expedition into the Indies in quality of Admiral, with a greater Fleet then had ever as yet been equipp'd on the like occasions; insomuch that he made the King of Quiloa Tributary to the King of Portugal, took a huge Ship of the Saracens richly laden, and bound for Mecca; and continuing his Course to Conanor and Cochin, renew'd the League with the Princes of those Territories. Thus having dispatch'd his Affairs, he sail'd from thence, but was met with in the way by 20 stout Ships from Calecut; nevertheless he order'd two of his Vessels, that were not so much laden as the rest, to engage the foremost of the Enemy, and struck such a Terror into their whole Navy, that many leap'd over-board, and above 300 were destroy'd in the Water before they could reach their Boats. At the same time Gama took two of their Ships with a considerable Booty, and leaving Vincent Sodra on those Coasts, with Six Ships under his Command, to hinder the Intercourse of the Arabians and Saracens, return'd to Portugal. Thus the Portugueses got footing by degrees in the Indies, and still retain in their possession divers rich Cities and Places of considerable Importance; particularly on the Western Coasts, Damaon, the Forts of St. John, Kielme, Matri; Tarampor and Bandera, sometimes called Manora, besides Dio, Basaim, Tana Asterim, Chaul, Morra, Caranga and Messagan, together with the Islands of Coran and Divar, Ougueli upon the River Ganges, and Larantoca in the Isle of Solor. But Goa is the Metropolis of their Empire, and the Seat of the Governour of these Plantations, styl'd a Vice-Roy, the first of whom was Francis de Almeida, advanc'd to that Dignity A. D. 1505. The Portugueses in like manner maintain a Traffick at Agra Amanadabar, Cambaya, Baroche Bengala, Galconda, Surat, Aracam Pegu, Tanacerim, Ligor Odia, and other places in Siam, Camboya, and the Island Timor. However, the Gain of what is now exported by them has very much declin'd of late Years, by reason that the English and Hollanders furnish most parts of Europe with those Commodities that were wont to make their richest Return; as, Indian Cloaths, Calicoes, divers sorts of Drugs, &c. Nay, their Trade has been so far impaired, that whereas their Fleets have formerly brought in Merchandizes to the value of 200000 Pieces of Gold, the whole Cargo of them scarce amounted to 3000 Crusadoes in the Year 1646. and probably has been much more diminish'd since that time.

The first Discovery of the East-Indies by the Portugueses, happen'd in the time of Henry VII. King of England, &c. yet none of our Neighbours made any Voyage thither, until that of Queen Elizabeth, who having prosperously settled Affairs at home, had leisure to promote Trade abroad, and to defend her Kingdom against Foreign Enemies, more especially the Spaniards, with whom she was often at variance; on which account she readily granted Commissions to single Ships, or to two or three under one Commander in chief, •o infest the Spaniards on the Indian Coasts, and to make Free Prize of as many of their Vessels as fell into their Hands. Among these brave Adventurers were Sir Francis Drake and Thomas Candish Esq both famous for encompassing the whole Globe of the Earth. Afterward, in the Year 1600. the East-India Company was erected, and endowed with many Priviledges; insomuch that a Fond was soon rais'd, and their first Fleet fitted out, the Command whereof was given, together with a Commission of Martial Law, to Sir James Lancaster, who arriv'd at Sumatra on the 5th Day of June, A. D. 1602. and obtain'd Leave of the Prince of the Country to Trade with the Natives. Then having got a sufficient Cargo for two of his Ships, he sent them back to England, but set Sail with the other two remaining for Bantam, and settled a Factory there. In the year 1608. a Factory was likewise establish'd at Surat, within the Dominions of the Great Mogul, and divers Priviledges were granted thereto upon the Negotiation of Captain Hawkins, who resided many Years in that Court, as Ambassador from the King of Great Britain. Thus in process of Time the English Merchants promoted Traffick throughout most part of the Indies, and have obtain'd an absolute Soveraignty at Madraspatam, a place situated on the Sea-Coasts, not above a Mile and an half from Meliapur or St. Thomas; so that this Town has in a manner lost it's own Name, for that of the Castle, commonly call'd St. George's Fort, which is indeed the strongest Hold we have in the Indies, and wherein constantly resides a Governour,

authoriz'd by the King's Commission; as also a General Factory for all the Affairs of the East-India Company beyond Cape Comori, on the Continent of Golconda, Bengala, and Pegu. A great number of the Inhabitants are Portugueses, who abandon'd St. Thomas, and have a Church here, enjoying the free Exercise of their Religion. The Island Bombaya has been in like manner possess'd by the English ever since the Year 1662. or 1663. when the Portugueses put it into their Hands, conformably to the Articles of Marriage between King Charles II. and Donna Catherina Infanta of Portugal, the present Queen Dowager of England. Indeed it has the Advantage of the best River and Haven in all the Indian Coasts, as being capable of holding Ships of the largest Bulk, altogether free from those Shelves and Beds of Sand which obstruct the others; save that toward the North a Bank extends it self about half a League in length, which may be easily shun'd by Sailers. The River at it's Entrance is two Leagues Broad, afterward growing somewhat straighter, but not much, during its whole Course through the Island. The Town, while it remain'd in the possession of the Portugueses, was very small, and the Houses scatter'd here and there, scarce contain'd above Eleven Families of that Nation, together with about 70 Negroes. But it is now well fortify'd, and adorn'd with a most magnificent Palace. It is certain that the English might easily have made themselves Masters of divers other Places, as the Portugueses and Hollanders have done, but that they always chose rather to carry on a peaceable and quiet Commerce with the Inhabitants, than by violating the Laws of Nations, to enslave and rob them at the same time both of their Wealth and Liberty. On which account they have been every where k•ndly entertain'd, and preserv'd an unspotted Rep••ation, having settled divers considerable Factories on the Continent, viz. at Surat, Agra Amadabat, Cambaya Brodra, Baroche, Dabul Pettapoli M•tsulipa•an, Balasor Ougueli, Dacca, Pattana and Cassambazar; as also in Siam, Camboya and Tunquin; besides those in the Island Sumatra, Priaman, Achem, Tycho and Jamke; in Java, Bantam, Celebes, Macasser, the Isle of Formosa, Borneo, Succodana, Bandermassin, &c.

The States of Holland having been formerly very desirous to share with the other European Nations in the Advantages that arose from their Traffick to the Indies, as also more especially to annoy the Spaniards, at that time their Enemies, or at least to disturb their Trade in those Parts, at first endeavour'd to find out a new and nearer Passage thither by the North, along the Coasts of Norway, Lapland, Nova Zembla and Tartary; but their Attempts at several times proving unsuccessful, in the Year 1595. they fitted out Four Ships, under the Command of Cornelius Houtman, who having been before employ'd in the Service of the Portugueses, not only learnt the Method of Sailing to those Coasts, but was also well vers'd in the manner of Trafficking. Thus he set Sail the common way to the Cape of Good Hope, continuing his Course to Madagascar, Sancta Maria and Antongil, and came to Sumatra on the 12th of June, 1596. Afterward he pass'd to Bantam and Tuba in Java Major; as also to the Islands of Madura and Bally; and loosing from thence, after a tedious and difficult Voyage, arriv'd in Holland in the Month of August, 1597. without making a Return of Profit answerable to the Expectation of the Merchants. However, they were not at all discourag'd from the like Adventures, but rather animated thereto by a Prospect of Gain; insomuch that the next Year, 1598. no less than 80 Ships Sail'd out of the Ports of Holland and Zealand, either for the East or West Indies, of which Five were sent out by the Authority of the States General, under the Conduct of Balthasar Musseron. Divers considerable Voyages were likewise made by Oliver Nordt, George Spitberg, and James Van Neck, besides other of lesser note, undertaken at the Expences of Private Persons, or petty Companies of Merchants of Amsterdam, Roterdam, Zealand, Brabant, &c. until the States thought fit to unite all the Adventurers into one Society, to Trade upon a common Stock; freely permitting any Persons to come in at first, but prohibiting all others to Traffick, or repair to any Harbour from the Cape of Good-Hope to the Coast of China for 21 Years, to commence from the 20th of March, 1602. Whereupon, within a little while was rais'd a Fond of 700000 Pounds Sterling, which in Six Years time was augmented to near five times as much, i. e. 3500000, besides a yearly Dividend of 30 or 40, and seld•m so low as 20 per Cent. Thus the Hollanders, having in process of time settled themselves in the most remarkable Places of the East Indies, and engross'd almost the whole Spice-Trade, began to found a Commonwealth in those parts, govern'd by a Stadt-Holder, as potent as the other in the Netherlands; although his Office, which was formerly for Life, now continues only during three Years,; nevertheless in State and Grandeur he exceeds not only the Stadt-Holder of the Ʋnited Provinces, but even most Princes in Europe. Indeed, the Strength and Greatness of the Hollanders are at present come to so high a pitch, as to dare to contend with the most powerful Monarchs of the Levant, being able to put to Sea a Fleet of 40 or 50 Men of War, and at the same time to maintain an Army of 30000 Men on Land. For in the Province of Malabar they possess Onor, Barcelor, Mangalor, Cananor, Cranganor, Cochin, Coulam: In that about Coromandel, Tuticorin, Negapatam, Karkalle and Pa•leacate, which they commonly call Gueldria. In the Peninsula, Malacca. In the Island of Ceylon, Negumbo, Columbo, Galla, Baticala Trinquilimala, and Jaff•iapatam. A Fortress in the Isle of Manar. In Java, Batavia, anciently known by the Name of Jaccae•a. In Borneo, Celebes, and divers other places, besides the entire Islands of Bima, Amboyna and Banda, several Forts of the Molucca's, &c. They likewise keep Factories in almost all the Trading Towns throughout the whole Continent of India, endeavouring, if it were possible to get into their Hands the Monopoly of all manner of Commodities, even sometimes without having respect to the known Laws of Nature and Nations, or the common Principles of Justice.

The Danes and French, in emulation to other European Kingdoms, have likewise sought for a Share in the Traffick in the East Indies. The former indeed have establish'd a considerable Trade in the Bay of Bengala, and on the Coasts of Pegu; as also in some little Islands toward the South, being Masters only of two Places whereto they repair, both lying on the Coast of Coromandel, viz. Krankebar and Dansburgh. The French in the Year 1664. erected a Company for the Commerce of the East Indies, which having sixt their chief Residence and Factory in the Isle of Madagascar, on the Coast of Africa, should from thence traffick into Persia, India, China, Japan, &c. But they have not been as yet able to carry on their Design with Success, according to their Expectations, although they still continue earnestly to prosecute it, and have lately got some Interest in the Court of the King of Siam.

CHAP. X. The ISLANDS belonging to Asia.

THE Islands belonging to Asia are either in the Ocean, or Mediterranean Sea, or in the Graecian Archipelago. Some of them are subject to the several Kingdoms upon the Continent, others have Kings of their own; as you will find them distinguished in the following Heads.

JAPON. Japonia.

THE Isles of Japon lye on the East of China, on the South of the Tartars of

Yupi

, between the 30 and 40 D. of Latitude, and the 174 and 188 of Longitude; they are surrounded with the Eastern Ocean, and Sea of Japon.

The Air is very temperate and sound. The Soil, as well as the Mountains, yields plenty of Rice, Millet, Barley, Wheat, and several sorts of Fruit; but they have but little Wine. Gold is so very plentiful, that one would think all their Land almost, is made of Gold. The Pearls, which are caught here are very big and red, and very different from others. They have many Mines of Gold, Silver, Copper, Iron, Steel, Lead, and several Mineral Waters; Horses, Elephants, Camels, and other Beasts, are common among them; but they have few horned Beasts. These Islands are divided by Rivers and Channels, they have several Gulphs, some Lakes, and good Havens, which promote the great Trade, which is made hither.

The People of Japon take their original from China; they are so distrustful and fearful, that they will not go aboard any strange Ship, except the Hollanders, which they venture into to promote their Trade. When any Holland Vessel goes into any of their Ports, the Commissioners first come to them, and ask all those they meet in the Ship, severally, what News they have in their Country. Lyars are punished most severely. Then they take out all their Merchandizes, and Guns, and Ammunition; and having enquired the price of the Goods imported, at their leisure, they lade the Vessel with Gold, or Silver, as they please, of as great a value, without giving the Merchants leave to chuse what Metal they desire; and they must be gone upon order, without asking the reason of their departure. Tis true, they are very true and just in their Dealings and Commerce, and never cheat, or deceive; but yet the Nation is proud, ambitious, cruel, and disdainful to Strangers.

The People of Japon are governed by several Princes, or Petty-Lords, or Tunes, whose Dominion usually extends no farther than one City, and who acknowledge the Emperor of Japon for their Soveraign. Their Government is very arbitrary and rigorous: There is no Prince, or Lord, but hath a power of Life and Death over all his Subjects.

These Islanders have been always Idolaters, and have among them a great number of Men and Women consecrated to the Service of their Idols, who profess, in a manner, a Monk's Life, whom th•y ••ll Bonzes. In 1542 the Portugueze discovered these Islands; and Xaverius, the Jesuit, went thither in 1549. where he preached the Gospel, and converted many Souls; but the state of affairs is much altered since that time, and no man dare profess Christianity but in private.

Japon is an heap of Islands, of which these are the most remarkable; 1. Japon, properly so called, or Niphon, which is much bigger than the two following. It is 200 leagues from West to East, and 90 from South to North in the widest places, and 440 in compass. 2. Ximo, called also Bungo and Saycock, which is about 80 leagues from South-West to North-West; and 20 from West by South to East by North. 3. Xicocu, or Tokaesi, and Tonsa, which is situate between Niphon and Ximo, and is about 48 leagues from West to East, and 20 from South to North. The other Islands which lye thereabouts are not considerable. As to the Isle of Niphon 'tis ordin•rily divided •nto 5 Regions, which are; 1. Jamaisoit, or J••ayisero. 2. J••sengo. 3. Jetsegen. 4. Guanto. 5. C••io; of which the chief Cities are in the Table.

The Isles of Japon have 4 parts.

1. Niphon, in 5 Provinces,

1. Jamaisoit, or Jamaistero,

...Nungato.

2. Jetsengo,

Miaco, or Meaco.

3. Jetsegen,

...Finda.

4. Guanto.

...Micava.

5. Chio,

Yendo, or Jedo.

2. Ximo, or Bungo,

...Bungo, Vasumi.

Fingen, or Fisen.

...Naugasaki, Arima.

...Cicugo, Satcuma.

...Cangoxuma.

3. Xicoco, or Tansa,

...Xicoco, Ava.

Tonsa, or Tosa.

...Samuchi, Hyo.

4. The Isles belonging to Japon

1. About Niphon,

Tondoxima, Sando, or Sado, Oqui.

Northward,

...Maycuxima.

...Toy, Yxonoxima.

Princes Isle, Eastward.

2. About Ximo,

...Tanegaxima, ••ogo.

Queso Pequin, &c.

3. Isles at some distance,

...Hermanos, Mal, Abrigo.

Amsterdam, Rays, Magos, &c.

The City of Meaco stands about the middle of the Island of Niphon, towards the South. The Dairo, who is the nigh-Priest of Japon, hath his residence here. The new Emperor's Palace is at Jedo, for which reason it is, that that City is accounted the chief City of Japon: It stands by the Sea, on the South side of Japon, and upon the bank of the River Tonkavu, or Touchon, near a large Gulf, but not very deep, because of the several shelves of Sand in it: Insomuch that only small Barks can sail in it. It yields plenty of Soles, Smelts,

Eels, and Oysters. Their Houses, which are covered with Slate, are lined with Boards to make them less moist. The Palaces of the Emperor and his great Lords, are very numerous and stately. They are covered with Plates of Gold. The City of Meaco, or as the people of Japon call it, Camicoma, contains in it above 100000 Houses, the greatest part of which are built of Wood, that they may be less shaken by the Earthquakes, whlch are common there. This City is sheltered on the West side with the Mountains of Dubojamma, and divided into two unequal parts by a small River, the one is high, the other low; in the former is built the stately Palace of the Dairo, with many other lofty Houses. The Tradesmens Houses are but one story high. Japon is the richest Country in the world for Gold. They gather their Rice in September, and their Corn in May. Their Waters are wonderful good. Cedars are common, and of that height and thickness, that they make Masts for their biggest Ships of them, and Pillars for their Temples. The Arms of Japon are an Harquebuss, Cimiter, a Bow, Arrows, and Speer, adorned with Gold, or Silver; and a Pike more slender and longer than ours. They live very long.

The Isles of Thieves, or The Isles of VELAS.

THE Isles of the Thieves. which the Spaniards call the Isles of Velas, are situate at the farthest Eastern point of the Old Continent, between the 7 and 21 D. of Northern Latitude, and between the 184 and 188 D. of Longitude. They reach from South to North, and make an Archipelagus, called that of S. Lazarus, which separates the Eastern Ocean from the South, or Pacifick Sea. The Spaniards, which inhabit the Philippine Islands, have called them lately the Islands of Mary and Ann, in honor to their Queen. The famous Magellanus discovered them in 1519, or 1520, and gave them the Name of the Isles of Thieves, to shew the inclination of those Islanders. Some Travellers count 50, others not above 15, or 20 of them, who say, that they are barren, and the Inhabitants of them poor.

The PHILIPPINE Islands.

THese Islands called Philippinae, take their Name from Philip II. King of Spain, in whose time they began to be inhabited; altho they were discovered in 1520, or 1521, by Magellan, a Gentleman of Portugal. The Indians call them the Isles of Lusson, from the biggest of them; and the Portugueze call them the Manilles, from the chief City of the Isle of Lusson

The lye between China on the North, the Peninsula of India beyond Ganges on the West, the Isles of Sindae and Molucco's on the South. They extend from the 4 to the 20 D. of Northern Latitude, and lye between the 151 D. and 168 of Longitude. They are so many, that they can't be counted; some Travellers say there are 1100 of them.

The Air is not extraordinarily hot, altho their situation be in the Torrid Zone, which proceeds from the length of their Nights, and certain Winds which blow every Day. The Soil is very fruitful in all things, chiefly in Rice, Wheat, Barley, Millet, excellent Grape, and Palm Wine. They have plenty of Cinnamon, Pepper, Ginger, Saffron, Sugar, Honey, Wax; and several sorts of Fruit. They want not Min•• of Gold and Iron. They fish for Pearls upon the Coasts; and feed all sorts of Beasts and Fowls; and their Woods produce Venison, and several sorts of Wild Beasts. They have Crocodiles, and Tortoises, the best in all the East for Beauty of their Shells; and diverse sorts of Fish along the Co••••, so that they have pl•nty of Provisions in their Market.

The People of these Islands are less savage, and more tractable, than those of Japon. They trade with the Merchants of Europe and China without any shew of that ridiculous distrust, which is so inconvenient to Strangers: It is true, they have an Aversion for the Spaniards, upon the account of the Ill Usage they have had from them. They are valiant, and have beaten the Moors out of their Country. As to their Religion, they are almost all Catholicks, in all the places that belong to the King of Spain; and in other places, where the Natives are not converted, they are Pagans, and worship Idols. They are white and good natured. These Islands are the only places in the possession of the Castilians in Asia. The Portugueze have often claim'd them to be thei•s; but the greatest put of these Isles belong 〈◊〉 the King of Spain. His Catholick Majesty ke•p a Vice-Roy in the Isle of Lusson, ever since 15•4, ••en Lopes Legaspi, a Spanish Captain, conquered them in his Name, and took them from the Chineses. There are about 40 of them under the Domini•n of the Spaniard; the chief of which are, Lusson, Mindora, T•ndaye, Chehu, &c. Mindanao, Paragoya, and several others are possessed by Kings, or Princes of their own, which pay Tribute to other Kings more potent than themselves.

The Isle of Lusson, Luconia, lyes between the 13 D. 40 m. and 19 D. 30 m. Latitude, and between the 156 D. 30 m. and 162 Longitude. The whole extent of it from South to North-West is 130 leagues, and from West to East about 67; and about 60 leagues distant from China. In this Isle, and most of the rest, there are Bears, Tygers, Lions, and other wild and savage Beasts; particularly here are some of the Beasts from which Musk is taken, called by the Inhabitants A•galias; as also plenty of Civet-cats and Crocod••es. In this Country are also many Birds of Prey, viz. Eagles, Falkons, Tasiels, and Parrots.

Manilla is the Head City of this Isle, and stands upon the declining shore of the Gulf, upon a little Neck of Land, it is washed by the Sea on the one side, and on the other sid• with a River, over which they pass by a Wooden Bridge into it, and which carries Vessels of a considerable Bulk. This City is not very big, but very convenient, and well built. The Houses are made of Stone. It is the Seat of an Archbishop, whose Revenue is 3000 Ducats, or a 1000 l. a year; and of the Governor, or Vice-roy. He is, as it were, Lord Chief Justice, and Lord General. The Arms of the Inhabitants are a Launce, Arrows, a Compilan, or Cimiter, a Cris, or Dagger, Zompites, or Shooting-Trunks, with which they shoot small poisoned Arrows, and their Fire-Arms, which they use very dexterously.

The Isle of Mindano, Mindanoa, and in their own Language Mignidan•o is situate between the

5 and 9 D. of Northern Latitude, and between the 159 and 166 D. of Longitude. The extent of it from West to East is about 150 leagues, and from South to North 65. It is well peopled, because it is furnished with great abundance of all things, and a place of great Trade. The Inhabitants love War and Hunting, for which they have plenty of Deer, Swine, Buffles, and other Wild Beasts. The chief City of this Isle bears the same Name, Mindano, or Tabouc, where is the King's Palace.

The Isle of Paragoya, Paragoa, or Puloan, or Calamianes, is about 80 leagues from South-West to North-East, and 20 from South-East to North-West, and about 200 in compass; it lyes between the 8 D. 30 m. and 11 D. of Northern Latitude, and between the 151 and 155 D. 30 m. of Longitude. This Isle lyes most Western of all the Philippines, and is not so well peopled, or fruitful as the rest. It is about 15 leagues from Borneo, which lyes on the South of it.

Tandaya, or Tandaia, or Philippina propria, is about 10 or 12 leagues from Lusson towards the South-East, between the 163 and 165 D. of Longitude, and between the 11 D. 30 m. and 13 D. 40 m. The extent of it from South-East to North-West is 50 leagues, and from South to North 40. Magellan first landed upon this Isle. It is accounted the most fertile of them.

The Isle Mindora lyes on the South of Lusson, under the 158 D. of Longitude, and 13 of Latitude. It is in length from South-East to North-West 50 leagues, and in breadth about 30 from South to North. It takes its Name from the chief City Mindora, which hath a good Port; 'tis subject to the Spaniards.

The Isle of Zebu, Cebus, or Zebus; or as the Spaniard call it, the Isle of Pintados, because the Inhabitants painted their faces with diverse colours, when they were discovered. The Spaniards have built on the East side of it, the City of Jesus, which hath a convenient Port. There are several other small and inconsiderable Islands, that lye about these.

The MOLƲCCO's.

THese Isles which the Spaniards call the Molucas, do very improperly bear that Name; for only the Isles of Teruate, Tedor, Motir, Machian, and Bachian, are named the Molucco's. But however that be, they are situated on the South of the Philippines, and East of Borneo. They are from the 3 D. of Northern Latitude, to the 10 of Southern; and from the 152 D. to the 177 of Longitude, taking in the Land of Papos.

The Air here is hotter than in the Philippines, and unwholsome for Strangers, by reason of the stinking Vapors, which rise out of diverse Channels. The Soil is very fruitful; they have no Grain almost but Rice, of which they make their Bread and Wine. The chief Harvest of these Isles are their Spices, viz. Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmegs, Mace, Lign-Aloes, plenty of Banana's, Coco's, Citrons, and of certain other Trees, called by the Portugueze, Sagu; and by the People of the Molucco's, Ladanum; of which they make Bread. Clove-gilliflowers, which grow there in abundance, especially in the true Molucco's. In some of them there are Mines of Gold, plenty of Cotton, and Sandal-wood. The Isle of Ceiran is most fruitful, and produceth Wheat and Barley.

The Land of Papos is not well known, it breeds Birds of Paradice, Pigeons of an unusual bigness, and plenty of Poultry are common in several of these Islands.

The greatest part of these Inhabitants are barbarous and inhumane, chiefly such as dwell in the Mid-land, who have no Commerce with the Europeans. Those that dwell upon the Coasts are more civil. They are courageous, and very artificial in making their Boats. They use no Money, but deal all by Exchange. Their Arms are Bucklers, Swords, and Guns.

These Islands were governed by several Princes of their own, before Magellanus discovered them for the Spaniards. The Portugueze cast them out in 1520, and had almost been ejected themselves by the Natives, by the assistance of the Hollanders, who helped these poor Barbarians to shake off the power of the Portugueze; for no other reason, but that they might make themselves Masters, more easily, of their Ports and Trade. There is yet a King in Ternate, who is very powerful, and rules over all the Islands between the Celebes, Gilolo, and the Land of Papos. The Coast of these three Isles pay him tribute, or are subject to him. The Dutch are so cunning in managing the other Kings, and have gotten Machian, Tidor, and some other of these Isles, which produces the greatest plenty of Gilliflowers, so much into their power, that they have all the Trade in them. Most of the Natives of these Islands are Idolaters, or Mahometans; the rest are of the same Religion with the Portugueze, or Dutch, which endeavors to get the Preheminence.

The Isle of Celebes is the biggest, and lyes most Westerly of the Molucco's, and is under the Aequator, which parts it almost in the middle, between the 156 D. and 168 D. of Longitude. The extent of it from South-West to North-East is about 200 leagues, and from West to East 68, in the longest and widest places of it. It had, not long since, 6 Kingdoms in it; but hath at present but two Principalities, of which the most flourishing, and chief, is that of the Celebes, the other is that of Macassar; the Soil of it is very fruitful, principally in Rice.

The Isle of Gilolo lyes also under the Aequator, as well as the former; between the 164 and 168 D. 20 m. Longitude; it is of a very irregular figure, but may be reckoned from South to North 80 leagues, and as much from West to East. It is very fruitful in Rice, and yields Tortoises of an extraordinary bigness. The Capital City is of the same Name.

Ceiran, or Ceram, lyes South of Gilolo, in the same D. of Longitude, and 3 D. of Southern Latitude. The extent of it from West to East is 90 leagues, and from South to North 20. It is very fruitful, as well as the Isle of Banda, which lyes on the South of it, and yields an abundance of Nutmegs.

Timor is the most Southern of all these Islands, between the 158 D. and 163 D. of Longitude, and under the 10 D. of Southern Latitude. The extent of it from South-West to North-West is 90 leagues, and the breadth twenty. It hath plenty

of Pepper, Sandal-trees, and Mines of Gold. The Isles of Flores, Amboina, &e. have the same Qualities. Some of them have Kings of their own; others are under the Government of the Portugueze or Dutch. The Isle of Flores produces Flowers of an admirable Smell and Beauty. Amboina stinks of the Dutch Cruelty to the English, in 1618.

The Isle of Baly is the most Western of all these Isles, very near Java, in the 8 D. of Southern Latitude, and under the 152 D. of Longitude. It is about 20 leagues from South to North, and 9 or 10 from West to East. The Inhabitants live chiefly upon Rice, Coco's, Fish and Fruits. They have Cotton, Oxen, Bustles, Goats, Hogs, Horses, but very small and weak. The King of this Isle is very rich. It is said, that these Islands yield annually 6000 Barrs of Gilli-flowers, which is about 1650 Tun, every Barr weighing 550 l. The Isle of Tidor produces White Sandal, which is the best in all India.

Of the Isles called SYNDAE, or Sunda.

THE Streights of Sunda, or Sindae, which are near the Port of Bantam, give the name of Sunda, or Sindae, to the Isles of Sumatra, Java, Borneo, and the other adjacent Isles. They are the common passage of such Ships, as come from China, and the most Eastern Countries.

They lye West of the Molucco's, and very near the Peninsula of India, beyond Ganges, between the 8 D. of Northern Latitude, and the 9 D. of Southern, and between the 130 and 154 of Longitude.

The Air is very temperate, considering that it is situate in the middle of the Torrid Zone; yet it is not very healthful, for the People of Europe. The Earth is very fruitful in Metals and Spicery, but produceth nothing almost proper for the Food of Man.

The Inhabitants have a black Complexion, and go naked, except their Privities. They are warlike and courageous, especially the People of Sumatra, who are so furious upon their Enemies, that they eat all they take. They are every one of them different in Manners and Customs.

The People of these Islands are of the same Religion that their Kings are of, or those that govern them. The Inhabitants of the middle parts of them are Idolaters; and by the Sea-coasts Mahometans. There are Christians in those places, that are possessed by the Europeans. Upon which account it is, that some places are more civilized than others, according as they are more or less frequented by Strangers.

These Islands are governed by divers Kings or Princes, or by Foreigners. The Dutch are Masters of several places upon the Coasts, and have almost all the Trade, except what the Portugueze have; who are the only Merchants that traffick there besides them.

The Isle of Borneo, Borneum, lyes under the Aequator, which parteth it unequally, between the 7 D. 20 m. of Northern Latitude, and 4 of Southern; and between the 145 D. and 154 of Longitude. The extent of it from South to North is about 225 leagues, and 190 from West to East: It is the largest Isle that belongs to Asia, it produceth plenty of Mirabolans, and the best Camphire of India. It hath several good Harbours, but few Cities considerable. Their Mountains yield them Mines of Gold, Tin, and Iron; their Forests Honey, Cotton and Venison: They have also Bezoar. In the South and West are 4 principal Rivers, which are Borulo, Catia, Lave, and Soucadane; in the two last of which are found very fine Diamonds. The Air, tho it be temperate, is unwholsome, upon the account of the noisome Vapours, which rise from the Marshes.

The Government of this Isle is managed by several Kings, of whom the King of Borneo is the most potent: he is a Mahometan, tho the greatest part of his Subjects be Idolaters. The Dutch enjoy several places, having driven out the Portugueze. The head City of this Isle bears the same name, and stands upon the bank of a little Gulph toward the North-West: The Kings residence is ordinarily in it. The Merchandizes of it are Mercury, Vermillion, Glass, Stuffs, Linnen-cloath, and Iron, which is much valued. They have an abundance of Wild-Hogs, Goats, Deer, Horses, Bears, Elephants; as also Cinnamon, Ginger, Oranges, Lemons, Citrons, Sugar, and Melons.

Java, Jabadii insula, is parted from the Isle of Sumatra by the Streights of Sunda, or Syndae, which gives name to all the Islands thereabouts. It is about 15 leagues broad, and lyes between the 140 D. 40 min. and 151 D. of Longitude, and 6 and 9 of Southern Latitude. The Extent of it from West to East is about 210 leagues, and fr•m North to South 40. The Air is as temperate as at Sumatra, and less hurtful than at Borneo. The Country is very fruitful, especially in Pepper, Benjamin, Nutmegs, Sugar, and Rice, which the people of this Isle eat instead of Bread, and make Wine of it; it affords also some Mines of Gold and Brass, Calamba-wood; Reeds so big as to build with them; Salt near Jortan, and Oysters, of which they catch some that weigh 300 l. There is also a Sulphureous Mountain, which now and then burns out. Some years since it cast Stones into the City Panarucan, and darkened the Sky with its thick Smoke. In their Woods they gather Silk, which the Silk-worms there make of themselves. They find also Diamonds. The Inhabitants, who derive their Original from China, are for the most part Mahometans, and the rest Idolaters. In the places inhabited by the People of Europe, they follow the Christian Religion. They are much addicted to Piracy; they eat ordinarily Weasels, Rats, Serpents, and other Insects; notwithstanding which, they live to 140 years. This Isle is subject to several Princes, being divided into 9 Kingdoms, which they call Bantam, Jacatra, Japara, Tuban, Jortan, Pasarvan, Panarucan, Balambuan, and Materam; the chief Cities of which are of the same name. At present there are but two Kingdoms, Bantam, and Materam. The Dutch have made themselves Masters of the greatest part of this Isle, thro the help of their Forts and Shipping. Altho the City of Materam, which lyes on the South side of the Isle, be the Head City of the most powerful Monarch of the Isle, yet tis certain, that Bantam is much more considerable for its Beauty, and the Conveniency of the Haven; which makes the Dutch and English to maintain a great Trade there.

Batavia, which the Dutch have built on the North side of the Isle, over against six small Islands, is well fortified: It is the Residence of the chief Consul, and General of the Dutch for the Indies, ever since the year 1619. They have built a Castle in the place where the City Jacatra stood heretofore, and made of it the Cittadel of Batavia, which hath 4 Bastions. The English joyned with the Natives to drive them from this Port, but all their endeavours proved in vain. The City Jortan is still a good Port, and much frequented.

The Isle of Sumatra is one of the most famous Islands of the East for its Greatness and Riches. It is 300 leagues in length from South-west to North-west, and 70 in breadth; distant about 10 leagues from the Continent; lying under the Aequator, which parts it into two equal parts almost, between the 6 D. of Northern, and 6 D. of Southern Latitude; it is parted from Malaca by a Streight of the same name. Altho it be under the Line, the Air is not very hot, because of the equality of the nights and days, and cold winds which blow upon it from all parts. It bears great quantities of long and common Pepper, Ginger, Cinnamon, White Saunders, Rice, of which the Natives make Bread; Sugar, and Benjamin, which they use upon all occasions. They have •ll kinds of Beasts, an abundance of Citrons, Banana's, several Mines of Gold, Silver, Lead, Iron, and Brimstone, in the Mountains; of which they have one, that casts out Fire like Mount Aetna in Sicily. The Pepper of this Isle is excellent. Diamonds and other Precious Stones are found here, as also Gold in Grains, and small Crumbs. It affords the biggest and most furious Elephants of all the Indies, and Rhinoceros's; as also a considerable number of Cosna-trees. The Inhabitants about the Coasts are for the most part Mahometans, or Idolaters; but there are some Christians. They that dwell in the middle of the Isle and upon the Mountains are independant, and very barbarous, eating their Enemies raw, without any scruple. There are several Kingdoms in it, the chief are, Achem-Campea, Jambi, Menam-Cabo, P•cem, Palamban, and Pedir. The Kingdom of Achem is the biggest and most Northern of them. The Dutch have made themselves powerful, by means of 4, or 5 places which they have upon the Coasts: They are masters of the Mines, in which they labour night and day. The Coast adjoyning to Java pay tribute to the King of Bantam. Achem, the chief City of this Isle, stands in the most Northern point of it, in a large Plain, upon the bank of a River, which carries only small Vessels. The Houses are built upon Spiles, and covered with the leaves of Coco: It hath of each side it spacious Forests, which are full of Apes, Herons, and other Creatures. It hath a Castle well fortified and flanked, so that the Guns command all the Entrances into, and Streets of the City.

The Isle of CEILON, Ceylanum, or Taprobana.

THis Island, which hath the figure of a Pearl, or a Pear, is the Taprobane of the Antients; it lyes in the Sea of India, within Ganges, near the Cape of Comori, and upon the Streights of Manar, or Quiloa, between the 120 D. and the 122 D. 40 min. Longitude, and 5 D. and 9 D. 40 min. of Northern Latitude. The extent of it from South to North is 90 leagues, and from West to East 50.

The Air is very temperate, altho it be in the Torrid Zone: It is a continual Spring there. This Isle is very fruitful in all things, and produces an abundance of Rice, Nutmegs, Cassia, of which they have whole Forests; and several other sorts of Spicery: Citrons, Oranges, Pepper, Ginger; very excellent Fruits; admirable Plants and Flowers, which perfume all the Country with their Smell. It hath Mines of Gold and Silver, Honey, Wax, and Butter, are there common, which they extract from their Cassia, which is the best in the world. Their Oyl is of a fragrant Smell, and of great use among the Natives. They have 5 sorts of Palm-trees. They fish a great quantity of Pearls out of the Streights near Manar, and Rubies, Saphires, and Toparez, out of one of their Rivers. They have a sort of Stones which they call Cats-eyes, of great esteem, and of which they make a great Traffick. They have the finest and most teachable Elephants of the Indies.

The greatest part of the Inhabitants addict themselves to the Husbandry of Cassia. They are strait, and of a good stature; but black and ugly. They are of several Religions. The King, and one part of the People are Mahometans; several of them are Idolaters; and the Dutch use their own Religion in several Forts which they have built there.

In this Isle there are 8 or 9 Kingdoms, of which the chief are Candea, or Candi, Jala, Batacala, Cayaravaca, Colombo, Taffanapatan, Chilao, Trinquilemalo, and G ao. The Dutch have possessed themselves of all the Sea Towns almost, having driven out the Portugueze: They will suffer no Ships to come thither, but their own, that they may have all the Trade of this Isle.

The King of Ceylon resides at Candea, the chief City of his Kingdom, which stands about the middle of the Isle, upon the River Trinquemalo, it is very large and well built, the other Cities are set down in the following Table.

Ceylon hath these chief Cities,

...Candea.

...Colombo.

...Trinquemalo.

...Chilao.

...Tanadare.

...Baticala.

...Taffanapatan.

...Jaba, Pontedigallo.

...Ceitavaca, Altenga,

Manar, an Island.

The MALDIVES. Maldivae Insulae.

THese Islands, which are in number 12000, according to the Relations of several Travellers, and Geographers, take their name from the chief City of them, Maldiva; which in the Arabian Tongue signifies an Island. Their situation is in the Torrid Zone on the West, and South of the Peninsula of India, within Ganges; lying in a strait line from South-East to North-west, between the 3 D. of Southern Latitude, and 7 D. 30 min. Northern; and between the 109 D. and 116 of Longitude; their extent from South to North being about 240 leagues, and from West to East 20.

Altho these Islands are in the Torrid Zone, the Air is not very hot, because of the length of the Nights, and diverse Currents by which they are

divided. The Soil is very fruitful in several sorts of Fruits, as Citrons, Oranges, Pomgranates, Figs, and Banana's. Their most useful Fruit is the Coco, or Indian Nut, which grows here in greater abundance than any other part of the World. The Tree that bears this Fruit is a kind of Palm, very common in the Indies. The People of these Islands extract from it all things that are necessary for Life; they make of it Honey, Sugar, Milk, Beer, Wine and Bread. From these Isles are brought Corals, Ambe•grease, Ink, and the finest Tortoise-shell of the Indies. There is such abundance of Roots, Beasts, Birds and Fishes, that Men may live there almost for nothing. The Tortoises are so big, that one Shell will hold 10 or 12 men sitting down in it, and several of the small Islands are inhabited by none but these Creatures. There is a smaller sort of them, whose Shell is not above 3 or 4 foot diameter, and of a blackish and reddish colour; it is so very bright, and so well wrought, that it is sought for by all the great Princes of the Indies. It is found only in these and the Philippine Isles. To get the Tortoise out of the Shell they carry it to the fire, and after it is come cut, put it into the Sea again, where it will breed it self another Shell. They eat here the best Fish in the world. The Isles which are not inhabited have no sweet Water; in the rest you can't dig 3 foot deep, but you'll find fresh Water, tho it be not above 4 foot from the Sea. Their Waters are very cold.

These Islands have a King, whose best Revenue arise; from the Shipwrack of the Vessels lost thereabouts, insomuch that the Pilots of the Maldives are not to be trusted to, for they will commonly strike the Vessels, that they are hired to guide, against the Rocks, on purpose to encrease the Revenue of their Prince. The Inhabitants are of small stature, of a yellow colour, and subject to sharp Diseases, especially Fevers, which are caused by the great heat.

Most of our Geographers divide these Isles into 13 parts, or Cantons, which they call Atollons. They are parted from each other by Currents, or Streights, except these that lye more Southward, which are separated by a small Channel about 20 leagues wide, the rest are not above 3, 6, or 10. All these Cantons, or Heaps of Islands, are encompassed with Rocks, which defend them from Tempests, and preserve them from being overflown with the Sea. The biggest Canton is not above 50 leagues in circumference, and the largest of them is not above 2 leagues over. The passage from one to another is thro 4 Channels, or narrow Passes, wich Ve•sels of convenient bigness. The biggest of these Islands is Male, which lyes in the 6 Canton, as you go from North-west to South-west, called Male Atollo•, i. e. the Canton of Male, it is the Residence of the King of these Islands. They may be distinguished better according to these Tables.

The MALDIVES, in 13 Atollons, or Cantons.

1. Tilladou-Matis.

2. Milladou.

3. Padipola.

4. Malos-Madou.

5. Ari-Atollon.

6. Male-Atollon.

7. Poulesdou.

8. Moluco.

9. Nilladoux.

10. Callomadoux.

11. Adoumatis.

12. Sonadou.

13. Pou-Molucco.

On the North of the Maldives, lye these Islands,

...Divandurum.

...Sundel.

...Malicut.

On the South West of the Maldives are these,

...Digamo.

...Cainda.

...De Diego Rois.

Every one of these Islands have four Ports, or Entrances, just over against one another, for the going out of each Canton, or Atollon, that the Inhabitants may have Communication one with another, otherwise the Ships would be carried by the violence of the Currents a great way from these Isles. These furious Currents run 6 months Eastward, and as many Westward; sometimes more, and sometimes less. The best for sailing are those of Malos-Madou, Adou, and Sonadou; which last is 20 leagues wide, and yields the largest Lobsters.

As to the Islands that lye in the Red Sea, I shall speak of them in treating of Africa, to which they do belong; and shall conclude this part with the Islands that lye in the Mediterranean Sea.

The ISLES lying in the Mediterranean Sea.

THE Principal Islands of the Mediterranean, which belong to Asia, are Cyprus and Rhodes.

The Isle of Cyprus is one of the biggest Islands in the Mediterranean Sea, lying between the 64 D. and 67 D. 30 min. Longitude, and 35 D. of Northern Latitude. The extent of it from South to North is about 20 leagues, and from West to East 50. It was consecrated to Venus, which the Poets say was born in this Isle. The Air is unwholsome, because of the abundance of Lakes which send forth noisome Vapours. The Soil is fruitful in all sorts of Grain, delicious Fruits, and excellent Wines; and produces an abundance of Lemons, Citrons, Oranges, Pomgranates, Figs, Honey, Sugar, Oyl, Silk, Cotton, Saffron, Rhubarb, Colliquintida, Scammony, Turpentine, black and white Allum, Rosin, Bay, and Mineral Salt, Agates, Emeralds, Crystal, White and Red Coral. It feeds abundance of Beasts; Snipes and Linnets are there common. They have excellent Gammons of Bacon. The Vitriol and Brass of Cyprus are highly valued. The Inhabitants are clownish and rustical; they are Mahometans, or Protestants. After the Fall of the Roman Empire, this Isle came under the Dominion of the Greeks, and after it was governed by the Posterity of Guy of Lusignan, whose Daughter Charlotte, the last of his Line, married Lewis Duke of Savoy; whose Posterity having the Inheritance of it by that means, assumed the Title of the King of Cyprus. James, the Natural Son of John the 2d, last King of Cyprus, invaded it by the help of the Sultan of Aegypt, and got it into his Power; he married Katherine, the Daughter of Marcus Cornaro the Venetian, who being left a Widow, brought forth a Son, who lived but two years. After which she put it into the Protection of the Senate of Venice; Charlotte claimed it as her Right, but all in vain. Selim 2d, Emperor of the Turks, conquered it in 1571, and put in a Beglerbeg to govern it, who ordinarily resides at Nicosia, and sometimes at Famagusta, where there is a very good Port. The Knights of Malta have made their Residence at Limosa; they have a Greek Archbishop,

whose Seat is without the City Nicosia; and 3 Bishops, of which the first hath his See at Paphos, the 2d at Cerines, and the third at Lar•eca.

The City Nicosia, or Leucosia, stands almost in the midst of the Isle, in the large Plain of Massera, ••th 11 Bastions, and very wide Ditches about it.

Famagusta is famous for the Siege it maintain'd against the Turks in 1570. The Port is large and convenient, encompassed with Rocks; the Walls are built with hewn-stone, 28 foot thick, and •ledge•nked with Bastions all round, with a large Ditch •ledge•t thro a Rock.

The Isle of Rhodes, Rhodus, is situate on the South side of Lycia, in 58 D. of Longitude, and 36 of Northern Latitude. It is in length from South to North 15 leagues, and about 7 from West to East. The chief City of it bears the same Name, and hath the Title of a Metropolis. The Air is very temperate and wholsome. The Soil produces several sorts of Grain and Fruit. It hath very fine Meadows, and all things necessary for Mans Life; and some Mines of Gold. It is famous for the Brazen Colossus, which is looked upon as one of the 7 Wonders of the World: it was a Statue of the Sun, 70 Cubits high; the Ships could pass with full Sails between the Legs of it. Mahu•ias, Sultan of Aegypt, loaded about 900 Camels with it, after it was shaken down by an Earthquake. The Knights of S. John of Jerusalem, after they had lost Jerusalem and Acon, took this Isle from the Sarazens, who had deprived the Emperors of Constantinople of it. They kept it till the year 1522, when Soliman took it from them. The chief City of it hath a fine Haven, and is the Seat of the Turkish Governor, who is subject to the Beglerbeg of Cyprus.

The ISLANDS of the Archipelago, or Aegean Sea.

IN the Aegean Sea there are some of the most considerable Islands, which belong to Asia, of which our Method engages us to speak in this place.

The Isle Metelino, antiently called Lesbos, and in Latin Mitylene; is in the Graecian Archipelago, situate in the 55 D. of Longitude, and 70 of Latitude. It is in compass about 45 leagues; it belongs to Troas. It takes its Name from the chief City. It hath two considerable Ports, Geramia, and Caloni. The Venetians had it under their Government heretofore; but ever since Mahomet 2d, the Turks are Masters of it. The Revenue of this Island consists in Grain, Fruits, and Cheese. The Wines are very excellent. It hath Marble and Agates in it.

Scio, Chios, lyes on the South of Mitylene, and North of Nicaria. It is parted from Natolia by the Streight of White-Cape. It is about 30 leagues round, and produces abundance of Mastick. It hath plenty of Springs, and some Rivers, which make it fruitful in all things, but especially in Citrons, and Oranges; Oyl is very plentiful there, as well as Turpentine, which they gather by cutting certain Trees, as they do also Mastick. They have also a great number of Quails and Partridges.

The Isle of Samos lyes South East of Scio, in circuit about 20 leagues. The Samians, as Aulus Gellius reports, found out Pot-earth, which is miraculous. This Isle is fruitful in all things, except Wine.

On the South of the Isle of Samos, lyes the Isle of Cos, or Lango; Coos, containing about 30 leagues in circuit; it is famous for the Temple of Aesculapius, and the Birth of Hippocrates and Apelles. It affords fine Cypresses, Firrs, and large Oaks; plenty of Rivers and Fountains, which make up the River Sofodine. The chief City of it is Arangio, on the Levant side.

The Isle of Pathmos, at present called Palmosa, is not so big as the former, but yet not less famous for the Banishment of S. John the Evangelist, who wrote his Revelation• there. In it there is a fine Monastery, built in honor of this Evangelist. It abounds in Pulse, Corn, Fruits, Pasture, several Physical Simples, especially Lawrel. There are also several Veins of Metals.

Nicaria, antiently called Icaria, from Icarus the Son of Daedalus; is about 15 leagues in compass. It can't be approached by any Ships, because it hath no Haven. The Soil is barren, and the Inhabitants build their Houses upon Rocks; which are about 3000, all poor and ill cloathed. They are employed in swimming, and drawing Sponge out of the Sea.

Tenedos is about two leagues from the antient Troy, and near the famous Promontory of Sigaeum, which is now called Cap de Janizari. The Turks took it from the Venetians; they have excellent Muskadine, and plenty of Melons, which keep all the Winter.

The Isle Calamo, Claros, is one of the Cyclades, the highest of them; it was antiently well peopled, as we may know from the Marbles, Pillars, and other Ruines near the Castle of Calamos.

The Isle of Delos, now Sdille, is one of the Cyclades, and famous for the Birth of Apollo and Diana; the first of which hath a very beautiful Temple dedicated to him there. There is now but one City of Note, which is Sdilles, now but little inhabited.

Paros, or Pario, is one of the Cyclades, famous for its White Marble, veined. The Venetians had it a great while, but the Turks took it from them with the Negropont, in 1470. There are several remarkable Antiquities in it.