Russia

Sources from old books

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

RUSSIA, OR MOSCOVIA. (Book Russia) RUSSIA which is called also Roxolonia, is twofold, the Blacke and the White: The former bordereth on Polonia, the latter is a part of Moscovia. Moscovie was without doubt so called from the River Moschus or Morava▪ which giveth its name also to the chiefe Citie Mosco through which it floweth.* 1.2 The Territories thereof are extended farre and wide, and it is bounded on the North with the Icie Sea, on the East it hath the Tartarians, on the south the Turkes and Polonians, and on the West the Livonians and the Kingdome of Swethland. In all which spaces of ground many large countries are contained, and therefore the Duke of Moscovie doth thus enstile himselfe.* 1.3 The Great Lord, and by the grace of God Emperour and Governour of all Russia, also Great Duke of Volodimiria. Moscovia, great Novogrodia, Pskovia, Smolonskia, Thweria, Iugaria, Permia,* 1.4 Viathkia, Bulgaria, &c. Governour and Great Prince of Novogrodia the Lesse, of Czernigovia, Rezania, Wolochdia, Resovia, Bielloia, Rostovia, Iaroslania, Poloskia, Biellozeria, Vdoria, Obdoria, and Condimia, &c. The temperature of the Aire in Muscovia is immoderately cold and sharpe,* 1.5 yet it is so wholsome, that beyond the head of Tanais toward the North and East, there is never any plague knowne, although they have a disease not much unlike unto it, which doth so lye in the head and inward parts, that they die in few daies of it. The Countrie in generall neither bringeth forth Vine nor Olive, nor any fruit-bearing tree except it be Mellons and Cherries, in regard that the more tender fruits are blasted with the cold North windes.* 1.6 The corne fields do beare Wheat, Millet, a graine which the Latines call Panicum, and all kinde of Pulse. But their most certaine harvest consists in waxe and honey. Here is the wood Hercynia being full of wild beasts. In that part which lyeth toward Prussia great and fierce Bugles or Buffes are found, which they call Bison. And also the beast called by the Latines Alces like an Hart save that hee hath a fleshie snout like an Elephant, long legges, and no bending of the hough, and this creature the Moscovites call Iozzi,* 1.7 and the Germans Hellene. Besides, there are Beares of an incredible bignesse, and great and terrible Wolves of a blacke colour. No Countrie hath better hunting and hawking than this. For they take all kinde of wild beasts with Dogges and Nets, and with Haukes which the Countrie of Pecerra doth plentifully yeeld, they kill not onely Pheasants, and Ducks with them but also Swannes and Cranes. The Countries of Russia or Moscovia are very large. All the Cities, Townes, Castles, Villages, Woods, fields, Lakes, and Rivers are under the command and government of one Prince,* 1.8 whom the Inhabitants do call the great Czar, that is King or Emperour, and all the revenues that arise from them, are brought into the Princes exchequer. There are no Dukes or Counts, which can possesse any thing by a Tenure of Freehold, or can passe the same unto their heires. Hee doth bestow some villages and Townes upon some, but yet hee useth the labour of the husbandman, and when he list taketh them away againe. So that hee hath absolute command over his Subjects, and againe his Subjects honour and reverence him as a God, and do shew obedience to him in all things, without any refusall. The chiefe Metropolis or mother Citie of the whole Kingdome is Moscovia commonly called Moschwa, being conveniently situated, as it is thought, in the middle of the Countrie. It is a famous Citie as for the many Rivers which meete there,* 1.9 so for the largenesse, and number of the houses, and for the strength of the Castle. For it lyeth neere the River Moschus with a long row of houses. The houses are all of wood, and divided into Parlers, Kitchings, and Bed-chambers: all of them have private gardens both for profit, and for pleasure. The severall parts of the Citie have severall Churches. It hath two Castles one called Kataigorod, the other Bolsigorod, both which are washed with the Rivers Moschus, and Neglinna. Moreover in Russia there are many Countries, as first, the Dukedome of Volodimiria, which title the Great Duke doth assume to himselfe, it is named fom the chiefe citie Volodomire being seated on the bankes of the River Desma, which runneth into Volga. This Province is of so fruitfull a soile, that the increase of one bushell of wheat being sowne is oftentimes twentie bushells. Secondly, Novogrodia which though it be inferiour unto the aforenamed Countrie in pasturage, yet not in the fruitfulnes of the soile. It hath a woodden citie, called by the same name with the whole Dukedome Novogrod, being seated where the Rivers Volga and Occa do flow one into another. This citie had alwaies the chiefe preheminence in regard of the incredible number of houses, for the commoditie of a broad and fishie Lake, and in regard of an ancient Temple much reverenced by that Nation, which about five hundred yeares agoe was dedicated to S.* 1.10 Sophia. Here is a memorable Castle built of stone upon a rocke at the great Charge of the Duke Basilius. This Citie is distant from the Citie Moscovia an hundred Polish miles, and from Riga, the next haven towne, it is little lesse than five hundred. Thirdly Rhezan which is a Province betweene the River Occa and Tanais, having store of Corne, Honey, Fish, and Fowle: it hath these Cities built of wood, Rhezan seated on the banke of Occa, Corsira, Colluga, and Tulla, neare to which are the Spring-heads of the River Tanais. Fourthly the Dukedome of Worotinia, which hath a Citie and a Castle of the same name. Fifthly, Severia which is a great Dukedome abounding with all things, it hath great desart fields, and many Towns among which the chiefe are these, Starodub, Stewiarkser, and Czernigow. The bees in the woods do yeeld them great store of honey. The Nation in regard of their continuall warres with the Tartarians is accustowed to armes, and ready of hands. Sixthly, the Dukedome of Smolen••o, which being seated neare the River Borysthenes hath a Citie of the same name, watered on the one side with Borysthenes, and on the other side environed with deepe ditches, and rampiers armed with sharpe stakes. There are also these Dukedomes and Provinces, Mosat•kia, B•elskia, Rescovia, Tweria, Pleskovia, Vodzka, Correllia, Biele•zioro, Wolochda, Vstiuga, Iaros•avia, Rostow, Dwina, Susdali, Wrathka, Permia, Sibior, Iugra, Petzora, and Novogrodia the Greater, which they call Novogrod Wi•lki in which is a very great Citie of the same name, bigger than Rome it selfe. Petzora taketh its name from the River which the mountaines and rockes do hemme in on both sides. There are spacious countries which pay Tribute to the great Duke lying northward in a great space of Land; as Obdora, in which is the Idoll called Zolota Baba, that 〈…〉 Golden old woman, also Condora, Lucomoria, and Lappia. There are many great Lakes in Moscovia,* 1.11 as Ilmen or Ilmer, also Ladoga, and the White Lake which the Inhabitants call Biele•ezioro. There are also many lane Rivers,* 1.12 as first Bor•sthenes or Pripetus, commonly called Nioper and Nest•r, o• by the addition of a letter Dnieper & q 1.13 Dnester. Secondly, Tu•••t•• which is that same with Ptolemie, which Herbersterntus calleth Rubo, but the Inhabitants Duina and Oby. Thirdly, the River Rha, which Ptolemie mentions, and is now called Volga and Edel. There is in this countrie the River * 1.14 Ianais, which the Italians call Tana, the Inhabitants Don. Beside, the river Occa and the lesser Duina, called likewise Onega, &c. Here are the Moates Hyperboret or Riphaean mountaines, mentioned by Pliny in his 4 Booke Chap. 12. and by Mela in his 3 Booke, which are impassable,* 1.15 because they are cover'd over with continuall snow and ice. The wood Hercyma which Isidorus calleth the Riphaean wood, taketh up a great part of Moscovia, it is inhabited, having some few scattering houses in it, & now by long labour is made so thinne that it cannot, as most suppose, shew such thick woods, & impenetrable forrests as heretofore. Moscovia hath innumerable costly Temples or Churches, and very many Monasteries. The Duke lookes to matters of government, and administration of Justice by the helpe and assistance of twelve Counsel¦lors who are daily present in the Court.* 1.16 Among them, the Pre•ec•u•e ships of all the Castles and Cities are distributed: and they receive the letters and Petitions which are directed to the Prince, and do answer them in his name. For the Prince himselfe receiveth no letters, neither doth hee set his hand to any that are written to his Subjects, or any forraine Prince. The Bishops are chosen out of the Friars as men of a sanctimonious and holy life: There are many Monasteries of these Friars in the Kingdome of Moscovia, and yet all of the same habit and Order, of which they say that S. Basil was the first founder. There are in the whole Kingdome of Moscovia eleven Bishops which they call Wladdicks, that is, in their language Stewards or Dispensers. They call their Priests Poppes or A••hipoppes.* 1.17 The Metropolitan Bishop liveth in Moscovia, who was heretofore confirmed by the Patriarch of Constantinople, but now being chosen by the great Duke onely, he is consecrated by two or three Bishops, and is displaced at the Kings pleasure. Under this Metropolitan are two Archbishops, the one at N•vogarais the Greater neare the River Low•a, the other at Rodovia. There are no Universities or Colledges in all the Empire of M•••otia. The Moscovi•es are of the Greek religion, which they received in the yeare of our Lord 987. They suppose that the Holy Spirit, being the third person in the Trinitie, doth proceed from the Father alone. They tooke the Sacrament of the Eucharist with leavened bread, and permit the people to use the Cuppe. They beleeve not that Priests Dirges, or the pietie or godlinesse of kindred or friends can be avaleable to the dead, and they beleeve that there is no Purgatorie. They read the Scripture in their owne language, and do not deny the people the use thereof. They have Saint Ambrose, Augustine, Hierome, and Gregorie translated into the Illyrian tongue, and out of these, as also out of Chrysostome, Basil and Nazianzenus, the Priests do publikely read Homilies instead of Sermons; for they hold it not convenient (as Iovius saith) to admit of those hooded Orators, who are wont to Preach too curiously & subtlely to the people concerning divine matters, because they thinke that the rude mindes of the ignorant may sooner attaine to holinesse and sanctitie of life by plaine Doctrine, than by deepe interpretations and disputations of things secret. They make matrimoniall contracts, and do permit Bigamie, but they scarcely suppose it to be lawfull marriage. They do not call it adulterie, unlesse one take and keepe another mans wife. They are a craftie and deceitfull Nation,* 1.18 and delighting more in servitude than libertie. For all do professe themselves to be the Dukes servants. The Moscovite line rather prodigally than bountifully, for their tables are furnished with all kinde of luxurious meats that can be desired, and yet not costly. For they sell a Cocke and a Duck oftentimes for one little single piece of silver. Their more delicate provision is gotten by hunting and hawking as with us.* 1.19 They have no wine made in the Countrie, and therefore they drinke that which is brought thither, and that onely at Feasts and Bankets. They have also a kinde of Beere, which they coole in Summer by casting in pieces of ice. And some delight in the juice prest out of sowre cherries, which hath as cleare and pure a colour, and as pleasant a tast as any wine. The Moscovites do send into all parts of Europe excellent Hempe and Flaxe for rope-making, many Oxe-hides, and great store of Waxe.

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

The Estates of the Great Duke of MOSCOVY or RUSSIA ALBA.

• To the West, and towards SWEDEN and POLAND,
  • Part of LAPLAND; where are the People of
    • Mouremanscoy Leporie, — Kola.
    • Terskoy Leporie,— Jockena.
    • Be•••ces•oy Lepori•,
      • Kandalax,
      • Om••y,
      • •ie•z,
      • So•••,
    • ...〈…〉
      • ...〈◊〉
      • Colmogorod,
      • P•eg•,
      • St. Nicola,
      • Arc-Angel.
  • Towards the North, and between the Kingdoms of SWEDEN and NORWAY, and the •iver DWINE; where are the Estates or Provinces of.
    • Cargapol,— Cargapol.
    • Wologda, Wologda.
    • Biele•ero, — Biele•ero.
    • Pleskow,
      • Pleskow,
      • Opoliko.
    • Novogrodeck,
      • Novogrodeck,
      • Stara Russa,
      • Ladoga.
  • Towards the South and the Kingdom of POLAND, and between the Rivers Don and Boristene; where are the Estates of
    • Moscovia, particularly so called,
      • Mosco,
      • Mitrow,
      • Salboda,
      • Czirpach.
    • Wolodomme,
      • Wolodimer,
      • Muron.
    • T•er
      • Twer,
      • Tersack.
    • Reschowa,
      • Reschowa,
      • Woloczk.
    • Rezan,
      • Rezan,
      • Coloma,
      • Cassira,
      • Tula,
      • Odojou,
      • Coluga.
    • Worotin, — Worotin.
    • Biesski, Biela,
    • Jaroslau, — Jaroslau.
    • Rostow,
      • Rostow,
      • Uglitz,
      • Calopigorod,
      • Pereslaw.
    • Susdal,
      • Susdal,
      • Cast•om,
      • Gali••.
• To the East, and towards TARTARIA,
  • Towards the North, and between the Rivers Dwine and Oby, where are the Estates of
    • Ou•tiouga,— Ustio•ga.
    • Condora, W•••curia.
    • Juhor•ki, — Juhora.
    • Petzora,
      • Pusteoziero,
      • Papinowgorod.
    • Be•••ski, — Per•••w Weliki.
    • Wiatka,
      • Chlinow,
      • Orlow,
      • Slawa•a,
      • Cotelnicz.
  • Towards the South, and about the Rivers Don and Volga; where are
    • The Cities of
      • Nifi Novogorod,
      • Vafiligorod,
      • Sura.
    • The People, called the
      • Czeremissi Logoway,
      • Czeremissi Nagornoy,
      • Morduates,
      • Machines,
      • Nagaiski,
      • Meschoraki.
    • The Fortresses of
      • Perwolog Carawool,
      • Cameni Caraw.
      • Stapnio Car.
      • Polooy Car.
      • Keezujur Car.
      • Ichke•re Car.
      • Uchoog Carawool.
• In the •uc TARTARIA, or
  • Upon, and beyond the River Oby, are the Estates and places of
    • Obdora,
      • Tara,
      • Zergolta.
    • Calami,
      • Calami,
      • Japhanim,
      • Tumen.
    • S••evia, — Tobolk.
    • Tingoefi, Narinskoia.
    • Ginstiuski, Besowia.
    • Loppia, Loppi.
    • Samojedae, To•ma,
    • Vogulichi, — Tara.
    • Locomoria,
      • Zergolta,
      • Pohem;
    • Pega Horda,
      • Comgoskoja,
      • Lopin.
  • Upon, and beyond the River Volga, are the
    • Kingdoms of
      • Casan,
        • Casan,
        • Belater.
      • Bulgaria,
        • Bulgar,
        • Samara,
        • Marnloria.
      • Astracan,
        • Astracan,
        • Gi•ildecha,
        • Tsier.
    • Estates, or Parts of
      • Scibanski.
      • Cosaski.
      • Nagaja Horda.

MOSCOVIA, OR Russia Alba, OR BLANCHE.

MOSCOVY, or RƲSSIA ALBA, (so called to distinguish if from Russia Nigra, a Province in Poland) answers to the whole Sarmatia of the Ancients, which they divided into Sarmatia Europaeana and Sarmatia Asiatica; the most Eastern part of Moscovy answering to this last, and the more W•••• to the former; and this distinction hath made some to esteem it partly in Asl• and partly in Europe; but it is by the generality esteemed all in Europe.

The whole Estate of the great Duke of Moscovy is of a larger extent th•• any other in Europe, stretching it self 5 or 600 Leagues in length and bread••▪ reaching from the 48th degree of Latitude unto the 70th or 72; and from the 50th of Longitude unto the 100th, and sometimes to the 110th.

Moscovy hath its Estates bounded on the East by Tartary, and beyond the Rivers Volga and Oby; on the South, by the Caspian or Euxine Seas; on the North, by the Septentrional or frozen Ocean; and on the West, by Norway, the Estates of Sweden and Poland.

The Commodities that this Empire yieldeth are, rich Furrs of divers sorts Pot-ashes, Hemp, Flax, Honey, Wax, Cables, Yarn, and other Cordage, Feathers', Linnen Cloth both course and fine, Train-oyle, Rozin, Pitch, Caviare, Tallow, Iron, Salt, Sea-horse Teeth, Astracan-hides, Tann'd-hides, Raw•hides, dried-Fish, great increase of Grains, with many other good Commo•dities; here are great store of Cattle, Elkes, Stags, Bears, Wolves, Venison, Tigres, Linxes, Hares, &c. great plenty of Fowl and Fish, common with us in England; and the Earth affordeth them plenty of Fruits, Roots, and Herbs,

The Air is exceeding sharp and piercing in the Winter, and subject to ex•cessive great Frosts; but what with their warm clothing with Furrs and their Stoves in their Houses, they endure it well enough: and as their Winte• is thus cold, their Summer is as hot and troublesome, the Sun being as it wer• above their Horizon.

The Country hath every where many Lakes, and those of as large an ex•tent as any in Europe, as those of Lodaga, Ouega, Biela, Osera, Ilmen, an• others towards the North; those of Resanskoi-osera, of Iwanow-osera, an• others towards the South. Here are many Forests, among which the most re•nowned is that of Epiphanow, very well clothed with Wood and stored with wild Beasts and Fowl. Mountains here are but few, except those of Roglowi, between the Rivers Tana and Volga; and those of Camenopoij or Stolp, that is, the Pillars of the World, which are between the Dwine and the Oby.

This Country (according to some) is called the Mother of Rivers, amongst which the Volga, the Don or Tana, and the Dovine or Dwine, are the most famous; and especially the Volga, which is the greatest and noblest in all Europe, both for its course and the force of its Water, running 7 or 800 Leagues, and receives abundance of other Rivers.

Moscovy for the most part is ill Inhabited, and especially towards the North and East; these quarters being cold, full of Forests, and some of their People Idolaters: that which is towards Sweden and Poland is more frequented, more civiliz'd, and its Cities and Towns better built: that which lieth towards the South, and in all likelyhood should be the best, is partly Mahometan, and often infected by the Petit Tartars. But a word or two of its People about Mosco, which by reason of its being the residence of the Great Duke, are supposed to be the most civiliz'd and ingenious.

The People are naturally ingenious enough, yet they addict themselves neither to Arts or Sciences, but chiefly to Traffick and Husbandry, in which they are very subtle; they are observed to be great Liars, perfidious, treacherous, distrustful, crafty, revengeful, quarrelsom, proud, much addicted to Women and strong Drink, but Tobacco is forbidden amongst them. Their Houses are but mean, and as ill furnished, contenting themselves to lie on Matts or Straw, instead of Beds; they are gross feeders, yet have wherewithal to feed deliciously. Their habit (which they seldom or never change) is much the same with the ancient Greeks, wearing long Robes of Cloth, Sattin, Silk, Cloth of Gold or Silver, which is beset with Pearls, according to the quality of the person, by which, together with their attendance, they are known; and under these Robes they wear close Goats and Drawers, begirting themselves with Swashes; on their feet they wear Buskins, and on their heads, Caps (instead of Hats) adorned with Pearl and precious Stones, which in their Salutations they move not, only bow their bodies. They are for the most part fat and corpulent, esteeming great Bellies, and long and great Beards, for a comliness; the Women, though indifferent handsom, yet make use of Paint. In the performance of their Nuptial Rites they use many Ceremonies, which are largely treated of by Adam Olearius, in his Book entituled the Ambassadours Travels into Moscovy and Persin, whose description I shall make use of, wherein he saith, That young Men and Maids being debarr'd the Society of each other, Maidens not being allowed the freedom of the Street, or society with Men; * 2.123 it happens that no Marriages are made but by the consent of the Parents; and the bargain being agreed on by them, the Wedding-day is appointed, the Night before which the young Man makes his never yet seen Bride a Present, according to their Qualities. He saith further, that there are two Women appointed by them, who are to take order for the making the Nuptial Bed, &c. which is made upon about 40 sheaves of Rye, which are encompassed with a great many Barrels of Wheat and other Grains. All things being made ready, the Bridegroom late in the Evening goes to the Brides, accompanied with his Friends and Relations, together with the Priest who is to marry them, riding before them; and being received in, are brought to a Table where three Dishes of Meat are brought, but none eats thereof; then after some Ceremonies, the Bride is brought in richly clad in a sitting dress for that Solemnity by the said Women, who places her by the Bridegroom; and to prevent their seeing one another, besides the Va•l over the Brides face, they are parted by a piece of crimson Tassety, which is held by two Youths: which done, the said Woman ties up her Hair in two knots, paints her, puts a Crown neatly made and gilded on her head, and habits her like a married Woman; the other Woman chosen by them paints the Bridegroom, and whilst this is doing, the Women get up on Benches and sing several Songs; then after several ridiculous Ceremonies they go to the Church, and before the Priest gives them the Benediction, he carries them to the Offering, which consists of fryed Meats, Fish, and Pastry: the Benediction is given by holding Images over their heads, and the Priest taking the Bridegroom by the right hand, and the Bride by the left, and asks them three times, if they will love one another as Man and Wife ought, and whether it be by their consent; to which both answer, Yes: then all the People joyn hands and dance, whilst they and the Priest sing the 128 Psalm, which ended, he puts a Garland of Rue about their heads, saying, Increase and multiply; and then consummating the Marriage, saith, Whom God hath joyned together, let no man separate; which being pronounced, several Wax-Candles are lighted, and the Priest is presented with a Glass of Claret, and being pledg'd by the Married couple, he throws down the Glass, and he and the Bride tread it under their feet, saying, May they thus fall at our feet, and be trodden to pieces, who shall endeavour to sow discontent betwixt us. Then after several other Ceremonies, the Bride is put in a Sledge and drawn to the Bridegrooms house, where the Wedding is kept, and he following her on Horseback, and as soon as they are come, the said Woman conducts the Bride to her Chamber, undresses her, and lays her in Bed, during which time the Bridegroom and his Friends are seated at a Table well furnished with Meat; the Bride being laid in her Bed, the Woman fetches the Bridegroom from the Table, who is accompanied with about eight young Men, beating in their hands lighted Torches to conduct him to the Chamber, which being entred, they put them in the said Barrels of Corn, and void the Room, being each of them presented with two Martins Skins the Bride perceiving him coming, gets out of the Bed, putting a Gown about her, and receives him very submissively; and this is the first time he hath the sight of her face: then they sit down at Table, and having eaten go to Bed, all quitting the Room; and at the Door is placed one of the Old Servants, who is to demand, if the business is done; and when he saith, it is, the Timbrels, Trumpets, &c. play, till such time as the Stoves are made ready, where they hath themselves, but apart, and the two next days are spent in dancing, entertainments, and diversions; but for Citizens and Persons of a meaner Degree, less Ceremonies are used, and with lesser-state and cost. The Wedding being past, the Bride betakes her self to a retir'd condition, being not much permitted the liberty of the Streets, nor do their Husbands, especially the Richer sort, care they should be brought to Houswifry, so that they bestow their time in Idleness, and playing with their Maids; and as some say, they are not well contented unless their Husbands gives them b•ating, being like Spaniels, the more they are beaten the better they love. Divorcements are frequent amongst them, for when they have a desire to part, they accuse her of Adultery, or want of Devotion, by suborning of false Witnesses, by which they are contented, without answering for themselves.

Their Religion is the same with the Greek Church, of which they are a Member, but full of Superstition, as considering the Virgin Mary, the Evangelists, Apostles, with abundance of other Saints, not only as simple Intercessors, but also Co-operators and Causes of their Salvation, giving to their Saints and Images the same honour as is due only to God. They differ from the Romish and Reformed Churches in several points, as 1. Forbidding extream Ʋnction, Confirmation, and fourth Marriages. 2. Denying the Holy Ghost to proceed from the Father and the Son. 3. Denying Purgatory, but allow praying for the Dead. 4. They hold it unlawful to fast on Saturdays. 5. They reject graven or carved Images, but allow of the painted. 6. They observe four Lents every year. 7. Communicating in both kinds, but mixing warm Water with the Wine, and using leavened Bread, which they distribute both together with a Spoon. 8. They admit Children of seven years of Age to come to the Sucrament. 9. They admit of none to Orders, but such as are married, and forbidding the same to those that are in actual Orders. And 10. Believing that Holy men (before the Resurrection) enjoy not the presence of God; and for these and the like Tenents, there is a great feud and hatred between them and the Papists.

The Moscovites suffer all Nations to live amongst them in quietness, and give toleration to all Religions, except the Jews and Papists, whom they will not permit amongst them.

They are great observers of Festival-days, of which they have abundance, all which are not observed, except by the Priests; but their great Festival-days are strictly observed, as also Sundays, on which they go thrice a day to their Devotions: Their Service consisteth in reading of Chapters and Psalms, saying, or rather singing of certain Prayers, St. Athanasius's Creed,* 2.125 together with a Homily out of St. Chrysostom; they are such great Adorers of the Cross, that they will undertake no business, neither eat or drink before they have made the sign of the Cross; also they are as great worshippers of painted Images, there being scarce a Family without them; and also have them placed about the walls of their Churches, directing their Prayers to them; and these Images are adorned with Pearls and Precious Stones; and if it happen that any person is Excommunicated, both He and his Images are not allowed the liberty of the Churches, which are esteemed Sacred places by them, and are built round, and vaulted like a Dove-house in imitation of Heaven. Their Devotion is performed standing or kneeling, having no Seats in their Churches; and in their Communions they hold Transubstantiation. They are strict observers of Fasts, of which they have a great many, * 2.126 besides every Wednesday and Friday, on which they will not eat any kind of Flesh, nor that which comes from it.

In their Funerals they also observe several Ceremonies. As soon as the sick person is deceased, they send for all his Relations and Friends near at hand, who stand by him lamenting his loss in a howling tone, demanding why he would die? whether he wanted any thing? whether his Wife was constant to him? or the like ridiculous Questions. Also they send to the Priest a Present of Aqua-vitae, Hydromel and Beer, that he may pray for the Soul of the deceased. Their Lamentations being ended, they wash the Body of the deceased, put a clean Shift and Shroud about him, as also a pair of new Buskins on his feet, and so lay him in the Coffin and carry him to Church, the Priest going first, who carrieth the Image of his Saint; and being come to the Grave the Coffin is uncovered, and whilst the Priest says certain Prayers, the said Image is held over the Corps, and the Wife, Relation and Friends kiss him, and take their last farewel in grievous Lamentations; then the Priest puts betwixt his fingers a piece of Paper, which is a Pass directed to St. Peter, signed by the Patriarch or the Metropolitan of the place, wherein is declared what he is, how he lived in obedience to the Church, &c. as also a penny in his Mouth; after which the Coffin is covered and the Corps interr'd with his face to the East: then the People doing their devotions to the Images, return to the House of the deceased, where they dine and comfort up the Widow. Their usual time of Mourning is forty days, in which time they make three Feasts for the Friends of the deceased.

They hold Baptism of great importance, insomuch that they Baptize their Children so soon as born; and if it happen that through weakness the Child cannot be brought to the Church, then it is baptized at home; and in this they observe several Ceremonies. And the Child being baptized, the Priest assigns it a particular Saint, the Image of which he delivers to the Godfather, charging him to instruct the Child to have a devotion to his Saint.

Their Ecclesiastical Government consists of a Patriarch, which is the Head of the Church, and as it were Pope, who hath under him several Metropolitans, Archbishops, Bishops, Arch-Deacons, Proto-Popes, and Priests.

The Grand Duke of Moscovy is absolute Lord both of the Lives and Estates of his Subjects, whom he treats little better than Slaves, his chiefest aim being for what he can get, more than the good and welfare of his People, being, not subject to Laws, but makes what seemeth good unto him, which, though never so tyrannical, are strictly obeyed; yet he will seem to take advice of his Knez and Bojares, who are as his Privy Council. His Revenues and Riches cannot but be great from the several ways from which he raiseth it, as by Illegal Taxes, Customes, his Lands, and what he taketh from his Subjects at pleasure. He is apparelled like a King and a Bishop, wearing with the Royal Robes a Miter and a Crosiers-Staff, and observeth a great deal of state and grandure.

The Estates of MOSCOVY comprehend 3 Kingdoms, about 30 Dutchies or Provinces, and about 20 People or Nations, who live by hoords or Communalties, all which I have taken notice of in the Geographical Table of Moscovy. The Country is not so populous as spacious, nor very well frequented by Strangers, so that I cannot give so good account thereof, as otherwise I would, of which in order.

DWINA, a Province of a large extent, but very barren, hath for its chief places Dwina, seated on the River so called, which falls into the Northern Ocean; and on the Mouth of the said River, on the Sea-shoar is seated the City of St. Michael (commonly called Arch-Angel) a place of note for its great Trade, and much resorted unto by the English.

PLESKOW, a large Province, whose chief place is so called, being large and fain, and the only walled City in the Empire; a place of great strength, very populous, and dignified with an Episcopal See.

NOVOGRODECK, very Northernly seated, a Province also of a large extent, whose chief place is so called, seated on the River Naf, dignified with and Episcopal See, a City which for fairness and largness, might once compare with any in Russia, being formerly one of the Mart-Towns of Europe, which is now removed to St. Nicholas, a Port-Town, more convenient for the Moscovian Trade.

CARGAPOL, WOLOGDA, and BIELEZERO, whose chief places bear their names, are Provinces of this Dukedom.

MOSCOVIA is one of the largest Provinces in all Russia, and seated in the midst of this large Estate, so called from Mosco its Metropolitan City, seated on a River so called, dignified with the Imperial Seat, as also with the See of the Patriarch. This City, before its firing by the Tartars, was 9 or 10 miles in circuit, but now not above half the compass; it is very populous, and hath for Divine worship 16 Churches, of which about half are made of Wood and Dirt, as are most of the Houses. The Palace of the Great Duke is seated in the heart of the City, a large Structure, well fortified with 17 Turrets and 3 great Bulwarks, which are always guarded with about 25000 Souldiers, which, with two Castles seated in the outward parts of this City, is its only defence, being without a Wall or Ditch.

WOLODOMIRE is a Dutchy very fertil in Corn, its chief City being so called, once dignified with the residence of the Great Duke till removed to Mosco, from which it is distant 36 Leagues, now dignified with an Episcopal See.

TWER is a fair, fertil and populous Province, washed by the Volga; its chief place is so called, dignified with the See of a Bishop, which for beauty and largness may compare with Mosco, from which it is distant about 140 miles.

RESCHOWA, a Dutchy, which takes its name from its chief City; as doth the Dutchy of BIELSKI, from Biela.

REZAN is a Dutchy so fertil that its fellow cannot be found in all these parts yielding Corn to admiration; its, chief City also hears the same name, which is seated on the River Occa, dignified with an Episcopal See.

WOROTIN, a Province also, so called from its chief City, seated on the said River Occa, and defended by a strong Castle.

PERMSKI, a Province of a large extent; its chief City is so called, seated on the River Vischora.

WIATKA, a barren and woody Country, and much pester'd with the Incursions of the Crim Tartars; its chief place being so called.

PETZORA is a Province fenced on all sides by losty Mountains and Rocks;* 2.142 its chief place takes the name of the Province, seated on a River so called near its fall into the Sea, and on these Mountains are found excellent Hawks and Sables, which bring some profit to the Inhabitants.

INHORSKI, CONDORA, OƲSTIOƲGA, SƲSDAL, ROSTHOW, and JAROSLAƲ, are Provinces of this Dukedom.

Towards the South, and about the Don and the Volga, are several Cities, People, and Fortresses, as are mentioned in the Geographical Table; as are several Provinces or Estates upon and beyond the River Oby.

Besides these Provinces, the Grand Duke holds at present towards Asia, the Kingdoms of Casan, Bulgaria, and Astracan.

CASAN is a Kingdom in Tartaria Deserta, whose chief place is so called, seated on the Volga; now dignified with the See of a Bishop, is in the Kingdom of BƲLGARIA, whose chief place is so called.

ASTRACAN lieth on the Volga, whose chief place is so called, enjoyeth a good Trade, especially by the Armenians, by reason of its commodious scituation, on the branches of the Volga, about 20 Italian miles from the Caspian Sea.

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

* 1.1 Moscovia is bounded on the East with Tartary, on the West with Livonia, Lituania, and part of Sweden; on the North with the Frozen Ocean, and on the South with the Caspian Sea, the Turks, and Palus Moeotis.

• 1.2 This Country afforded for Merchandise, Furs of many sorts, Flax, Hemp, Whales-grease, Honey, Wax, Canvas, Ropes, Cables, Caveare, Astrican Hides, Tallow, Raw-hides and Bulgars.

• 1.3 The many Rivers that are found to be in this Country do much further Trading in general: First Tanais, which disburthened it self into Palus Moeotis. Secondly, Dunia, which entreth into the Scythian Seas, at the Abby of St. Nicholas, where our English, since the Discovery of the Northern Passage, use to land and disperse themselves into all parts of this vast Empire. Thirdly, Boristhenes, that entreth into Pontus Euxinus. Fourthly, Onega, which openeth it self into the Bal•…k Sea. And lastly Volga, which with no less than 70 mouths disgorgeth it self into the Caspian.

This Empire is divided into nine principal Provinces, which together with the chief Towns thereof I shall only touch.

• 1.4 Novogradia is first, the chief Town being Novograde, seated on the Dunia, and once one of the four ancient Mart-Towns of Europe, now of late decayed, since the Discovery of the new Passage unto the Town of St. Nicholas, by the River Obye.

• 1.5 Plescovia is the second, wherein is the City Plescove, the only walled City in Moscovia, and yet of no great Eminence.

• 1.6 Valadomira is the next, having also a Town of that Name.

• 1.7 Rhesen is the fourth, wonderful plenty in Corn, that neither can Birds fly, nor Horses run through it for thickness; the chief Town Rhesen was the Metropolis of Russia, it is the first part of Moscovia, abounding in Grain, Honey, Fish, and Fowl without number.

• 1.8 Servia is the fifth, the chief Towns are Staradab and Pativola.

• 1.9 Permia is the sixth, the chief City •s Sickwiardley, abounding in Stags.

• 1.10 Candora is the seventh.

• 1.11 Petrosa is the eighth: in both these Countries the Inhabitants do live under ground, and have for half the year together perpetual Day, and the other half perpetual Night, as situated beyond the Arctick.

• 1.12 Moscovia is the ninth,

• 1.13 and so named of the principal City Mosco, being about five miles round, having therein 16 Churches, of which the one half are made of Wood and Dirt, as most of the Houses are: the Emperours Palace standeth in the midst, and is fortified with 3 Bulwarks, and 17 Turrets, continually guarded with 25000 Souldiers. This is the most populous Province of all this great Empire: for it extendeth 2000 miles in Length.

• 1.14 Besides these, there are yet some petty Provinces wherein are found the Towns of Smalensko, then Toropiers, next Colopigrod, Landiskron, and some others of lesser note, which I willingly omit, till my Observation be better.

The Trade of the English was begun here in the time of Queen Elizabeth of England, and Basiliades King of this Country, about the year 1575, and within 10 years after it was perfectly setled: and because the Trade of Moscovia is confined to a small Circuit in these vast Dominions, it will not be improper that I comprehend the same under the Title of the Metropolis of this Kingdom, Mosco.

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

* 1.1MOsco is the Metropolis of all this large Kingdom, to which the Emperour some years past repair'd, most fit for the Government of so large an Empire, as accounted the midst of all his Dominions. It is pleasantly seated on the River Mosca, running into Tanais, where it loseth its name; and passing Assaw, disgorgeth into the Palus Meotis, and so into the Euxinus. About fifty years past it was esteemed ten miles in circuit, and in its height of Greatness then burnt by the Tartars wherein 80000 Persons were consumed, and since reduced to five miles compass, beautified with 16 Churches, some of Stone, some of Timber and Earth, and with the Palace of the Great Duke situate in the very Heart thereof, enriched with the Branches of two Rivers for Use and Ornament, which water two strong Forts that defend the place. * 1.2At the Abby of St. Nicholas the Patron of this Country upon the River of Dunia, or Obby, the English Merchants use to land, and thence disperse themselves to Smalensko, Novograde, hither and into all other parts of this vast Empire, amongst whom they find kind entertainment, and by the Favour of the Prince have larger Immunities granted unto them than to any other Nation, their trafficking attributed to the never dying Fame of Queen Elizabeth, in whose days the Trade was here first settled, and to the plausible Behaviour of the English Merchants in general.

• 1.3The Merchants here are observed to keep their accounts in several manners; some as the English, by Rubbles and Pence, or as the Inhabitants term them, Muskofkins, 200 whereof making a Rubble, which is accounted two Rix Dollars. Some again, as the Dutch and other Nations, by Rubbles, Grevens, and Muskofkins or Pence, accounting 20 pence to a Greven, and 10 Grevens to a Rubble, which is most in use here, this Rubble being found an imaginary Coin, and not real.

• 1.4The Current Money here is a Capeck, in value a Stiver Flemish, and somewhat more than as English Penny; for 10 Capecks is a Greven, which the English call 12 pence sterling, because that 10 Grevens is a Rubble, which is 10 shillings sterling. Three Capecks they call an Altine, by which name all Receipts and Payments are made in bargaining and Contracts, 33 Altius and 1 Capeck making a Rubble.

• 1.5At Archangel is sound practised amongst the Merchants an Exchange for Moneys, rising and falling, according as the Russ Moneys are observed to be plentiful or scarce; the English sometimes among themselves giving 11 shillings, and 11 shillings 6 pence sterling in England for the Rubble here; and the Moneys commonly taken there in August to be paid in London the last of December following.

• 1.6The Weight of Moscovia common in use is the Pood for fine Goods, and the Bercovet for gross Goods, the one being derived from the other.

By the Pood is weighed Silk, Bever-wooll, Yefts, &c. and is accounted for 40 l. Russ weight: and 3 Pood hath been observed to make 112 l. English, which by this computation should make 37⅓ l. Averdupois, and all Goods there bought by the Pood is 10 per cent. Loss in England.

By the Bercovet is weighed Tallow, Hemp, Cable, Yarn, Coil or Lard-ropes, and all gross Commodities, and is a Russ Ship pound: 10 Poods makes a Bercovet, which makes 300 l. suttle Averdupois, so that all Goods being bought there by the Bercovet or Ship pound is hell 10 per cent. Profit: for commonly the English Merchants reckon the over-weight to pay the Freight of some Goods so bought.

• 1.7The Measure in Length here generally used is called an Archin, being a Brabant Ell and ½ a Nail, or something more than ¼ of an English Yard, reckoned by the English Merchants there resident two per cent. more, and may be incirca 28 inches, so that the 100 Archins may produce in London 77 in 78 Yards, and the 100 Yards be here 128½ Archins, or thereabout.

• 1.8The Native Commodities of this Country in general I have already nominated, it will not be amiss I should particularly view them, and the ordinary Rates they carry in price, together with the Marks whereby their Goodness and Quality is discerned.

• 1.9Their most precious Commodities and Merchandize hence exported by forein Nations are their rich Furs; the principal is the Sables, bought commonly by the Timber, which contains 40 Skins, which must be large and well-colour'd, and are found of all Prices as in Goodness, from 15 to 200 Rubbles the Timber.

• 1.10Black Fox-Skins are known amongst all Northern Merchants for the richest Fur in the World, and is here found in great store, bearing a Price as in Largeness and Growth, from 5 to 200 Rubbles apiece.

• 1.11Oter-Skins are here found plenty, by reason of the many Rivers of this Country, accounted the Region of Springs and Streams, sold by the Timber of 40 Skins, from 5 to 40 Rubbles the Timber.

• 1.12Minikins are sold by the Timber of 40 Skins, and commonly sold about 6 Rubbles the Timber.

• 1.13Martins are also sold by the Timber of 40 Skins, about 15 Rubbles per Timber, rising as found in richness of Hair.

• 1.14Ermins sold also by the Timber of 40 Skins, about 2 Rubbles per Timber.

• 1.15Grawert or Squirrels sold by the thousand, as in Goodness, from 14 to 30 Rubbles the thousand.

• 1.16Red Foxes by the 10 Skins, at 10 or 15 Nobles the 10 Skins.

White Foxes by the Piece, about 5 Altins the piece.

Dun Foxes by the Piece, about 40 Altins the Piece.

Sable Rands sold by the Pair, from 2 to 6 Rubbles the Pair.

• 1.17Bever-wooll is a Staple Commodity also of this Kingdom, and sold by the Pound about 2½ Rubbles per Pound.

Bever Wombs also by the Pound, being a thin Skin and well grown, is commonly worth 1½ Rubble per Pound.

These are the ordinary Furs which their Northern Climate affords for Merchandize, the next found are these.

• 1.18Yellow Wax is here found made by the Industry of the Bee and hands of Man, in great abundance, sold by the Pood, which is 40 l. here; the hardest and best colourd bear Price here commonly about 4 in 5 Rubbles the Pood.

• 1.19Tallow is sold by the Berquet, which is 10 Pood, being clean, white and hard, about 7 in 8 Rubbles the Berquet.

• 1.20Tar is sold by the Hogshead, being thick, as the best is commonly worth (…) per Hogshead of (…) Gallons English.

• 1.21Train Oyl is sold by the Barrel, which is half a Hogshead, and discerned by its Clearness without Grounds, and of a whitish Colour, about 4 Rubbles per Barrel, of (…) Gallons English.

• 1.22Hemp is sold by the Berquet of 10 Poods, being clean and green, bears price commonly from 3 to 5 Rubbles the 10 Pood.

• 1.23Flax is sold by the Bercovet; the bright Silver-colour is held the best, commonly about 7 Rubbles the Bercovet.

• 1.24Cable Yarn is sold by the Bercovet, and being well spun round and not too much twisted, from 67½ Rubbles the Bercovet.

• 1.25Coyls or Tard Ropes by the Bercovet, about 7 Rubbles the Bercovet: where note, That the English and other Nations hither trading, buy here great quantity of Hemp, and spin it out here into Yarn, to save the charges of Fraight: every 1000 Poods do cost about 100 or 110 Rubbles Charges; and, if the Hemp prove good, there is found near ¼ Loss; if bad, so much more, and worth, being in Cable Yarn, as I said above, from 6 to 7½ Rubbles the Bercovet.

• 1.26Dried Cow-hides, being large and weighty, are sold by the 100 Hide, worth from 40 to 44 Rubbles the 100.

• 1.27Red Evits by the Pair, at 2½ Rubbles per Pair, and sometimes sold by the Pood, at 40 Rubbles per Pood: And note, That the White are commonly worst esteemed by ⅕ in price.

• 1.28Losh-hides are sold by the Piece, the largest and not worm-eaten is the best, from 6 Grevens to 5 Rubbles the Piece, as in Goodness.

• 1.29Duck-Feathers sold by the Pood, as in Goodness, from 3 to 5 Rubbles the Pood.

• 1.30Caviare is also a principal Commodity here sold by the Pood, and commonly worth 40 Altines the Pood.

• 1.31Coarse Linen is made here in great quantity, sold by the 1000 Archins of ½ Yard, and ¾ the broad from 15 to 20 Rubbles the 1000 Archins, as found in Fineness.

Some other Commodities this Country affordeth, which I omit, as of no great consequence.

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

THE excellent Commodity of the great Rivers that in all places of this large Empire are found to water and enrich this Country, should much incite this Nation to the Trade of Merchandize; but it is often found, that where Nature is most liberal in her Furtherances, the Inhabitants prove most backward in their Endeavours; the natural Coldness of the Climate inclosing the People into their warm Stoves, and the Neighbourhood of the Tartars (who in some respect resembling Dogs, neither suffering the Moscovites to traffick, nor yet traffick themselves) by their continual harrying of the Country, and the often Incursions and Wars of the Swedes, may in some sort serve them for a reasonable Excuse; yet it is sound, that these Wars prove main Helps sometimes to their Traffick, especially in Furs, for their Bodies thereby inured to Cold and Hardness, make the Pastime of Hunting a profitable Exercise in the worst Season of the year, the rest of their Merchandize come to them very near in the same kind: for it wholly depends upon Manufactures and Labour for Cordage; Linens and Yarn they have from the Earth, as their Hides, Tallow and Wax upon the same; the Caveare and Train Oyl, and some other such by Fishing: so that it may be supposed they are more addicted to Husbandry and Fishing than to Merchandising. The English about the year 1575 first discovered the Trade, and found here good Entertainment and great Privileges from the then reigning Prince, and the first Discoverers were in London incorporated into a Society of Merchants, by the name of the Moscovia Company, by Grant of Queen Elizabeth; which Company hath been subject to some Alterations and Contingencies of their Trade, by reason of some cross Accidents happening; * 1.2but being in England ordered by the Advice of a Governour, Deputy, and certain select Committee, and in Moscovia by an Agent, who regulate the same, by whose Wisdom they have of late so prudently setled their Trade in general, and reformed their past Errors, that it is now seen to flourish, and in likelihood to increase daily, to the particular Benefit of that Company, and the Good both of this and that Kingdom in general.