Poland

Sources from old books

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

POLAND was so called from the Planesse of the Country, which they themselves call Pole. It is a very great Country: on the North side it hath Borussia and Pomerania, on the East Massovia, and Lithuania; on the South it is enclosed with the Mountaines of Russia, and Hungaria: on the West it hath Lusatia, Silesia, and Moravia; it is 480. Miles long, and three hundred broade. The ayre of this Country is pure, but the Winters are cold and sharpe. All the Country is plaine, and yeeldeth good store of Barley, Wheate, and Pulse. It hath abundance of fruites, Waxe, Honey, and Butter. It hath also great store of Salt which is digged out of the earth. I and there are in these Mountaines Mines of Brasse, which the inhabitants call Tatri, and also Mines of Brimstone. It hath also great store of Cattell, so that Saxonie, and many Countries of Germanie, doe live by Poland Oxen. There is great variety of living creatures, and great store of cattell and wild beasts. It hath wild Oxen, Buffones, Bulls, and wild Horses, and Ounces, and the like. There are also great store of foule for Hawking. Poland was dignified with the title of a Kingdome, in the yeare 1001. in the raigne of Boleslaus Chabri, who received his royall Diadem from the Emperour Otto the third. But 77. yeares after, in the raigne of Boleslaus Audaci, or the bold, who cruelly murdered Stanislaus Bishop of Cracovia, the Pope devested it of that dignity, and tooke it away. And it was made a Kingdome againe in the yeare 1295. and Primislaus the second Duke of the greater Poland, and Pomerania was elected King. This Country is divided into the greater and lesser Poland. The greater is more Northward, and the River doth part it in the middle. The lesser is Southward, and the River Vistula runneth through it. In the greater Poland, the principall Cities are these. Posnania by the Rivers Varta, and Prosna, it is situate betweene the Hills, and walled with a double wall, it hath many faire tiled or slated houses: the Suburbs are large on the farther banke of the River Varta, & encompassed with a great Lake, and Marshes, it hath every yeare two famous Faires, and it is a Bishops seate. It hath these Townes under it Koscien among the Marshes, which is 7. Miles distant. Also Meidzyrzexze, in which the houses are built all of wood, and it is neere to Silesia and Pomerania. Also Ostresow, which is situate on a plaine betweene the Woods, and the Townes Wschow, Sremick, Prenez, and Rogozno. Calisia is a walled Citie, among the Marshes, the River Prosna runneth by it, and there are some ruines of a Castell. Vnder this Citie there are Gnesna, Pizary, Wartha, Noklo, Land, Konin, Slupeza, and Kolo. Gnesna is walled about, and seated on a Plaine, betweene Lakes and Hills. This Citie was first built by Lechus, in which Boleslaus Chabri Prince of Poland, received the Royall Diadem from the Emperour Otto the third, which the Kings of Poland doe still enjoy. Siradia is a Citie built of wood, walled about, and seated on a Plaine. Vnder it there are the Cities Vielunia, Sadeck, Petricovia, Rosprza, and Spicimiria. Petricovia is seated in a moorish ground. Lancisia is a pleasant Citie walled about, and seated on a plaine. Vnder it there are Orlovia, Piatec, Bresma, Kornazew, Biechow, and some other Townes. Cuiauia or Vladislauia is a faire Citie, and it hath under it Bistgostia by the navigable River Buda, by which commodities are transported out of Poland into Vistula. Brestia hath under it Radziciow, Crusphicia, and Cowalow. Crusphisia is the chiefe Citie of all Poland next to Gnes•a, it is built of wood, with a brick Castell, and it is seated by the Lake Goplo, out of which Lake Mice heretofore came forth, who by the just judgement of God did devoure Pompil•us Prince of Poland in that Castle. Raua is a woodden Citie by the River Raua, it hath under it these Townes Sochaczouia, Gostinin, and Gamh••. Ploozko is a pleasant Cittie seated on a Hill by the River Vistula, it is a Bishops seate: under it there are Bielsko, Raczyayaz, Steperoz, Stre•sko, Mlawa, Plonsko, and Radzanow. Dobrinta is situated on a rock by the River Vistula, it had a Castle which the Crucigerans did demolish. Vnder it there are 〈◊〉▪ Ripin, and Gorzno. In the lesser Poland there are these Principall Cit•ties, Cracovia, Sandomiria, and Lublinum. Cracovia is built on a Plaine by the River Vistula, (Peter Appiarus supposeth it to be the same, which Ptolomy calls Carrodunum) being walled with a double wall. It hath a Castle on a high rock, which they call Vanel. In this Citty the King, of Poland keepe their residence, and are buryed. It hath also a Vniversity famous for study and Arts. But the Cracovians, have no chiefe Advocate, so that the King himselfe is the Praetor of Cracovia. There are three Cities neere unto Cracovia, Clepardia, Stradonia, and Casimiria. It hath two Dukedomes under it, Biecz, Wonincz, Sandecz, Lelow, K•yaz, and Proszovice. Sandomirta is a principall Cittie, walled about, being situated on a Hill by the River Vistula, 22. Miles distant from Cracovia. It hath an ancient Castle, well fortified. Vnder which is Che•••y seated on a Plaine, and famous for Mines of Blew, in which there is also some silver found, also Korzin, Wislicia, Pilzno, Opoczno, Radomia, P••onieck, Zannichost, Zarnow, and Mologost. Lublinum is a chiefe Citty. well-fortified with a wall and a Castle. In which there are yearely three Faires, to which both Turkes, Armenians, Graecians, Germanes, Moschovites, Lithuanians, and others doe resort, the River B•sterra doth runne by the Castle. Vnder it there are Vrzendow, Lulow, Parc••, and Casimiria. Moreover the Kingdome of Poland hath many Lakes, in which there are all sorts of Fish. It is watered also with many faire Rivers, the chiefe whereof is Vandalus or Vistula, which the Germanes call De Wixel. The next are Chronus, now called Pregell, Nyennien, Ruhon, Viadrus, Varta, Tyras now called Nyester, Hypanis, now Bugh, Borysthenes, now Nyeper, there are also many other small Rivers. There are almost no Mountaines, except Southward, where it is parted from Hu•gary by the Sarmatian, and Carpathian Mountaines which the inhabitants call Taury. The Country is full of woods, which are parts of the wood Hercinia. But so much hitherto. The Politick state of the Kingdome of Poland hath 2. Members. The first are the Clergie, in which are the two Archbishopricks of Gnesna and Leopolis. The Bishops of Cracovia, of Ploczko, of Chelma, Vladislavia, Pomesania, Varmia, Culma, and Sambiensis, Posnonia. Proemislia, Cavenez, Vilna, Medinc{que} Luceoria. In Livonia the Bishops of Riga, Dirpta, Absel, and Revalia. Secondly the Nobles, in which there are Castellanus Cracowvia: the Palatine of Cracovia, Posnania, Sandomiria, Kalischy, Siradia, Lancisa, Brezeste, Inowladislavia, Russia, Podalia, Lublin, Belze, Plocense, Mozavia, Rava. Also in Lithuania the Palatines of Vilna, of Trochy Poletsho, Novogrod, and Vitellia. Also in Prussia, the Palitnes of Culma, Marienbourg, & Pomerania▪ The Counts are of P•snania, Sand miria, Kalische, Voinice, Gnesne, Siradi•, Lancise, Brizeste, Inowladeslavia, Leopolis, Camenezia, Lublin, Belze, Plocense, Geine, Ravense, Sandecia, Myedzeris, Vis•icie, Biece, Rogostia, Radom, Zawichost, Land•nse, Streme, Zarnowe, Mologost, Vi•lune, Premis•ia, Haine, Sa••e, Chelme, Dobrine, Polane•ce, Premetense, Criswinense, Czecovia, Nacle, Rospirie, Byechov•a, Bydgostia, Brezezine, Crininice, Osvecimense, Camenetz, Spicimirie, Inowlodense, Revalia, Zavoloo, Sachazonia, Vasovia, Gostine, Visne, Raciez, Sieprecense, Wisogrod, Riprin, Zabrochzinense, Circhanouia, Livense. In Lithuania there are old Palatines of Vilna, and Trochi. In Prussia of Culma, Elbingen, and Pomerania. There are many Captaines in the Kingdome of Poland. And two Mars-halls, of the Kingdome and the Court. The Ecclesiastick doth consist of these Archbishops & Bishops aforesaid. The Noble men are very sharpe witted, and they doe travell into forraigne Countries to get knowledge, and languages. They are couragious, and doe not feare the stoutest Enemie, and if the Nobles doe wrong them, all their kinsfolkes and friends doe joyne with them to revenge it, and doe never cease untill they have revengd it or lost their owne lives. Lastly they are not so liberal as Prodigall, both in Banqueting, and imoderate guifts, and also in keeping a great retinew or number of Servants, whom they cloth and feede.

SILESIA. (Book Silesia)

ANd so much concerning the Kingdome of Poland, Silesia remaineth which I will briefely unfold. It was so called from a River of the same name, as Conradus Celtes witnesseth. Others have other derivations. It is bounderd on the North and East with Polonia: on the South with Moravia, and the Wood Hercynia, on the West with part of Lusitia and Bohemia. It is 200. Mile long and 80. broade. Though the ayre be somewhat cold, yet it is milde and gentle. The Country in regard it is watered with many Brookes and Rivers is very fruitfull in most places, and it hath in some parts Veines of Gold, Silver, Lead, and Iron▪ it yeeldeth also clothing for it selfe, and many other Countries beside. The Citties are well inhabited and adorned with Lawes, and good Arts. The Metropolis thereof is Vratislavia, some would have it to be that which Ptolomie cals Budorchis, it is comonly call'd Breslaw. Duglossus writeth that it was built by Mieslaus Duke of Polonia, a little before the yeere of Christ, 1000. And 40. yeeres afterward it was adorned with a Bishoprick by Casimirus King of Poland, and it encreased so much, that the Bishops of this Citty were called the golden Bishops, in regard of their wealth and riches. In the yeere 1341. it was burnt downe. But the Emperour Charles the third made it in stead of Brick, of Gold. On the Steeple of St. Elizabeths Church there is this Inscription. Mirabilis in altis Dominus. The Situation, the beauty of the Houses, Towers, and Churches, the faire Bridges, and large Streets, doe much set forth this Citty. Nissa is an Episcopall Citty. There are besides in this Country 15. Dukes, Lignicensis, Bregensis, Teschinensis, Monsterbergensis, Olsvicensis, and Beoustadiensis, and three ancient Families, namely, Ligvicensis, Teschinensis, and Monsterbergensis. Tropaviensis, Opeliensis, Nissensis, Vratislavensis, or Breslauw, Swidnisensis, Hurensis, Glagoviensis, Ratibonensis, and Sagonensis. But these latter honours the Kings of Bohemia since the decease of their Lords have gotten. There are three Baronyes, namely, of Trachenberg, of Vertenberg, and Plessensis. The Kings high Court in Silesia is kept at Vratislavia, where there is a Bishops seate, as also at Kissa. Viadrus runneth thorow this Country, into which many Rivers and Streames doe flow, as Elsa, Ola, Bobrus, Barusins, and others.

POLAND which is situate in the Europian Sarmatia is both long and wide, and doth take up a great part of it, it was so called from the Fields and plaine ground, for Pole signifies as much as Plaine: it is a very great Country, having on the North Borussia and Pomerania: on the East Massovia, and Lithuania; on the South Russia, and the Mountaines of Hungaria: on the West Lusatia, Silesia, and Moravia. It is devided into the greater and lesser Poland. The greater is more Northward, and the River Varta runneth thorow the middle of it. The lesser is Southward, and the River Vistula glideth thorow it. The Polanders are descended from the Sclavonians, as Neugebaverus witnesseth. Lib. Rer. Polonicar. and their Kingdome was never so large as it is now, because the great Dukedome of Lituania & Livonia are joyned unto it, albeit the King of Swethland hath lately gotten a great part of these Provinces. It reacheth from the River Notes & Obrá, which doe devide it from Marchia, and from the River Odera, which doth part it from Silesia, even to Beresaia, and Borysthenes, which seperateth it from Moscovia, and so it extendeth West and East 120. Germane miles, and as much from the farthest part of Livonia, to the confines of Hungarie. And so being of a round forme, it is very wide and capacious. There are in the greater Poland these principall Citties, Posnavia, built by the Rivers Varta and Prosna betweene the Hills, with a double wall, it hath faire slated Houses, and great Suburbs by the farther banke of the River Varta, being encompassed with a great Lake and Marshes, and having two famous Faires every yeere, it is a Bishops seate, and hath many Townes under it. Calisia is a walled Citty among the Marshes, by which the River Prosna runneth. It had sometime a strong well fortified Castle, as the ruines doe testifie, there are other Townes also subject unto it. Gnesna is walled about, being situate in a Plaine betweene Lakes and Hills, and it is an Archbishops seate. This Citty was first built by Lechus, in which Boleslaus Chabri Prince of Polonia received the royall Diadem from the Emperor Otto the III. when before that time Poland was onely a Dukedome. Siradia is a woodden Citty, walled and seated on a Plaine, it hath a strong Castle by the River Varta. This Citty was honoured with the title of a Dukedome, which dignity belonged to the Kings second Sonne. It hath also many Townes under it, among which is Petricovia, which was heretofore of great note, where the Sessions for the whole Kingdome were wont to bee held, which are now translated to Warsavia. Lancicia is a pleasant Citty, seated on a Plaine, and walled about, having a walled Castle on a Rocke, by which the River Bísura glideth. Cujavia, or Vladislavia, is a faire Citty, being a Bishops seate; Bidgostia is subject unto it, which is seated by the navigable River Buda. Brestia hath under it Radzieiow, Crusphicia, and Cowalow. Crusphicia is the chiefe Citty of Poland next to Gnesna, it is built of wood with a slated Castle by the Lake Golpo. Rava is a wodden Citty situate by a River of the same name. Ploczko is a pleasant Citty seated on a Hill by the River Vistula, in which there was a Castle which the Crucigerians did demolish. In the lesser Polonia, the chiefe Citties are these, Cracovia, Sandomiria, and Lublinum. Cracovia is built on a Plaine neere the River Vistula, being fortified with a double wall and a deep ditch. It hath a Castle on a high Rock• which they call Vanel, in this Citty the Kings of Poland keepe their residence and are buried. It hath a famous Schoole for the study of Philosophie. The Castellanus of Cracovia taketh place of the Palatine in the Senate, but in other Provinces the Palatine is preferd before the Castellanus. Moreover, there are three Citties neere unto Cracovia, Clepardia, Stradomia, and Cassimiria. It hath two Dukedomes under it Zarocensis, and Oswiecimensis. It hath many Townes under it. Sandomiria is a principall Citty, walled about and situate on a Hill by the River Vistula, being 22. miles distant from Cracovia. It hath an ancient Castle well fortified, under it there are Checiny in a Plaine, which is famous for Mines of Blue, in which there is Silver also found, also Korezin, Malogast, and other Townes. Lublinum is a Citty beyond Vistula, being fortified with a Wall, a Ditch, a Lake, and a Castle. In which there are 3. Faires every yeere, unto which both Turkes, Armenians, Grecians, Germanes, Muscovites, and Lithuavians doe resort. The Iewes doe ininhabite a great part of the Suburbs, and have a Sinagogue there. The River Bystizna doth runne by the Castle Poland as we said before is a plaine Country, the most part of it is coverd with Woods, and it yeeldeth good store of Barley, Wheate, and Pulse. It hath abundance of Cattle. It hath Lakes which are full of all kindes of Fish. The chiefe Rivers are Vistula, Viadrus, commonly called Odera, Tyres, now Niester, Hypanis, which is called Bugh. Vistula, now called die Weixel, was heretofore called Vandalus, some call it Issula, and Vissula. This River riseth in the Carpathian Mountaines, and before it commeth to Cracovia it is enlarged by the receit of many Rivers, and afterward being growne very deepe and broad before it come to Dantiscum, it dischargeth it selfe into the Codan Bay. Boristhenes so well knowne of old, is now called Nieper. It hath a few Mountaines, and those Southward where it looketh toward Hungaria. The State of the Kingdome consisteth of the Clergie and Nobles. The Ecclesiastick Order hath two Bishops, the Bishop of Ghesnia who is Primate of the Kingdome, who doth also crowne the King, and the Bishop of Leopolis in blacke Russia. The Bishops are of Cracovia in lesser Poland, the Bishop of Posnia in the greater Poland, and in other Provinces the Bishops Plocensis, Chelmensis Vilnensis, Kioviensis, Lucensis, Ianoucensis, Samogitiensis, Warmensis, Culmensis, Sambiensis, Pomasaniensis, Rigensis, and others. The Politick order of the Nobles hath 26. Palatines, 60. Counts, 4. Marshals, a Chancellor, and a Vicechancellor, two Generals or Captaines: in the lesser Poland there are forty common Captaines, in the greater 30. in Massovia 12. So that the Kings when occasion requires, can raise 200000. Nobles. He that desires to know more concerning the state of this Kingdome, let him have recourse to Stanislaus Kizistanowie his description of the State of the Kingdome of Poland: or to Guagninus or Boterus their description of Germany, and Neugebaverus his Polonian History. There are also in Poland Mines of Salt by Bochnia and Veliscus, which doe exceed all others. Veliscum is 8. miles distant from Cracovia. Bochina is a faire Towne with a Castle, where the Governour of rhe Saltpits dwels, who is called Zupparius. The Country round about is barren, but this Country maketh a greater revenue out of these Mines, then some Countries doe out of Gold and Silver Mines. The people of Poland, especially the Nobles, doe now differ much from the Scythian barbarisme of the ancient Sarmatians. They have no Robberies, so that in Summer time they ride in Waggons, and in Winter time in Coaches, safely, and without danger. Most of the Nobility are very sharpe witted, and doe get experience and languages by travelling into forraine Countries. They are couragious, and will not shun the stoutest enemy: if any one bee wronged by the Nobles, all their kindred and friends doe joyne together in revenging it, and doe never cease untill they have revenged it, or lost their owne lives. Lastly, they are not so liberall as prodigall, both in their frequent Banquets, and in the great retinue and number of Servants which they keepe and clothe.

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

• The Estates of the Crown of POLAND, are
  • POLAND; under the name of which is comprized,
    • The Kingdom of POLAND, as it is divided into the
      • Higher, or Little POLAND, where are the Palatinates of
        • Cracou, with its Castlewicks of
          • Cracou,
          • Vounicz,
          • Sandecz,
          • Biecz.
        • Sandomirie, with its Castlewicks of
          • Sandomitz,
          • Vislicz,
          • Radom,
          • Zawichost,
          • Zaro•w,
          • Malogocz,
          • Czeschow,
        • Lublin, with its Castle — Lublin.
      • Lower, or Great POLAND; where are the Palatinates of
        • Posna, where are the Castlewicks of
          • Posna,
          • Meseritz,
          • Ragozno,
          • Sremck,
          • Brzesti,
          • Crimn,
          • Sandock.
        • Kalisch, with its Castlewicks of
          • Kalisch,
          • Kamin,
          • Gnesna,
          • Landa,
          • Nackel,
          • Biechow.
        • Sirad, with its Castlewicks of
          • Sirad,
          • Wiel•n,
          • Rozpirz.
        • Lencini, with its Castlewicks of
          • Lencici,
          • Bressini,
          • Inowlocz.
        • Dobrzin, with its Castlewicks of
          • Dobizin,
          • Rippin,
          • Stouck.
        • Ploczk, with its Castlewicks of
          • Ploczk,
          • Rasuntz,
          • Sceps.
        • Rava, with its Castlewicks of
          • Rava,
          • Sochaczow,
          • Gostiny,
          • Cowal.
    • Divers Dutchies, with their Castlewicks, to wit,
      • RUSSIA NOIRE, which is esteemed in the Higher Poland; where are the Palatinates of
        • Leowenborg, or Leopolis, with its Castlewicks of
          • Leowenborg
          • Halicz,
          • Drzemist,
          • Zamoscie.
        • Belz, with its Castlewicks of
          • Beln,
          • Chelm.
      • CUJAVIA, which is esteemed in the Lower Poland; where are the Palatinates of
        • Brzesti, with its Castlewicks of
          • Brzesti,
          • Krusnick,
          • Cowal.
        • Uladislau, with its Castlewicks of
          • Uladislau,
          • Bidgost.
      • MAZOVIA, also esteemed in the Lower Poland, where are the Palatinates of Czersk, with its Castlewicks of
        • Warzaw,
        • Liw,
        • Czersk,
        • Wissegrod,
        • Zakrotzim,
        • Ciechanow,
        • Wilna.
    • PRUSSIA, or PRUSSE; as it is divided in POLAQUIE,
      • PRUSSIA ROYALE; where are the Palatinates of
        • Dantzick, with its Castlewicks of Dantzick,
        • Elbing, with its Castlewicks of Elbing,
        • Marienburg, with its Castlewicks of Marienburg,
        • Culm, with its Castlewicks of Culm.
      • PRUSSIA DUCALE, with its Palatinate and Castlewick of Koningsberg,
      • with its Palatinate of Bielsk, with its Castlewick of — Bielsk.
  • And divers other Estates, Dutchies, &c. united, or subject to the Crown of POLAND, viz.
    • Dutchy of LITHUANIA, under the name of which are comprised, LITHUANIA; where are the Palatinates of
      • Wilna, with its Castlewicks of
        • Wilna,
        • Osmiana,
        • Wilkomirs.
      • Braslaw, with its Castlewicks,
        • Braslaw,
        • Misdzial,
      • Troki, with its Castlewicks,
        • Troki,
        • Kowno,
        • Grodno,
        • Lida.
      • Minsk, with its Castlewicks of
        • Minsk,
        • Borissow,
        • Robaczow,
        • Rzeczica,
        • Mary.
      • Minsk, with its Castlewicks of
        • Mscislnw,
        • Mohilow,
        • Orssa.
      • Novogrodeck, with its Castlewicks of
        • Novogrodeck,
        • Slonim,
        • Woskowiska.
      • Polosczk, with its Castlew, of Polosczk.
      • Vitepsk, with its Castlew. of Vitepsk.
    • POLESIE, where is— Bre•siici, with its Castlew. of Bressici.
    • SAMOGITIE, with its Palatinate and Castlewick of Rosienie.
    • Dutchy of VOLHYNIE, as it is divided in the
      • Higher VOLHYNIE, with its Palarinate of Lusuc, with its Castlewicks of
        • Lusuc,
        • Wolodomiers,
        • Krzemienec.
      • Lower VOLHYNIE, with its Palatinate of Kiovia, with its Castlewicks of
        • Kiovia,
        • Owrucze,
        • Zitomirz.
    • PODOLIE, with its Palat. of the
      • Higher PODOLIE, as Kamieniec, with its Castlew. of Kamieniec.
      • Lower PODOLIE, as Braclaw, with its Castlewick of Braclaw.
    • Part of MOSCOVIA, where are The Dutchies of
      • Smolensko, with its Castlew. of Smolensko.
      • Novogrodeck, with its Cast. of Novogrodeck.

POLAND.

• 2.51THE Estates of the Crown of Poland ought to be considered in two sorts, the one called the Estates of POLAND, and the other of LITHƲANIA; these two having heretofore had their Kings and Dukes apart, and not having been united till within about 270 years. The Estates of Poland shall be, Poland which we will divide into the Higher and Lower, or Lesser and Greater; and into the Dutchies of Russia Noire, Cajavia, Mazovia, and Prussia. The Estates of Lithuania may be divided into Lithuania, Volhinia, Podolia, &c. all Dutchies; but Lithuania much the greater; wherefore he who possesseth them is entituled the Great Duke of Lithuania.

• 2.52All these Estates of Poland and Lithuania taken together, extend from about the 48th degree of Latitude unto the 57th, which are about 225 French Leagues; and from the 38th of Longitude unto the 61, and have near as much Continent again as France. They are bounded on the East for the most part by Moscovy,* 2.53 and part of the Petit Tartars; on the South the Mountains o• Caprack and the River Neister divide them from Hungaria, Transilvania and Moldavia; on the West by Germany, and toucht in part on the Baltic• Sea; and on the North they are bounded part by Livonia, and Moscovy.

• 2.54The Ancient name of Poland was Sauromatia, from its Inhabitants the Sauromatae; afterwards by Lechius, the first Duke hereof, in Anno 550, it was called Poland, which signifies a plain Country, as generally it is. It was made a Kingdom by the Emperour Otho the Third, Anno 1000, Boleslaus being Duke, and hath ever had its Dukes and Kings elected by the States; who, by reason of their vicinity to the Turks, generally chuse a Warriour.

• 2.55The Country is plain, well clothed with Firs and other Timber-Trees; the Air is so cold, that they have neither Wine nor Grapes, instead of which, having store of Barly, they make use of the Old drink of England, viz. Ale The Country is well furnished with Grains and Fruits, but they are but lean their chief Commodities are rich Furs, Horses, Hony, Wax, Bow-staves, Buff-hides, Ambergreese, Flax, Linnen-cloth, Masts, Cordage, Boards, Wainscot, Timber, Rozin, Tar, and Pith of both kinds, Match, Iron, Stock-fish, Salt digged out of the Earth, Pot-ashes, Rye in great plenty, for which it hath made Dantzick famous. It is well furnished with Flesh, Fowl, and Fish; and to wa•ds the Carpatian Mountains of Hungaria are found Mines of Gold and Silver, as also Iron and Brimstone.

• 2.56The People are ingenious, and much addicted to Languages, especially Latin; there being scarce a man, though of a mean condition, but understand• it: according to their abilities, they are more inclined to prodigality than penuriousness; as for the Gentry, they are free, but the Pesants are no better than Slaves, being under subjection to their Lords. They are esteemed good Souldiers, are proud, much given to costly Apparel and delicious Diet; they use the Sclavonian Language: in matters of Religion they are said to embrace all, so they have any thing of Christianity in them; some following the Reformed Churches, some embracing the Doctrine of Calvin, others of Luther, and some of Augustine, Bohemian and Helvetian Confessions, and others are of the Church of Rome, which doth occasion the Saying, That he that hath lost his Religion, let him seek it at Poland. Written Laws they have but few, if any, Custom and Temporary Edicts being the Rule both for their Government and Obedience.

• 2.57The Revenue of the King is not great for so large a Country, and that which is, he receiveth from them quarterly, the Kingdom being divided into four Parts, every one of which keepeth the King and Court a quarter; which Revenue is not certain, but more or less according to his occasions, by War, Marriage of his Daughters, or the like.

• 2.58The Kingdom is divided throughout into Palatinates and Castlewicks. Poland, taken particularly, is divided into the Higher and Lower; in the Higher are the Palatinates of Cracou, Sandomirz, and Lublin. Places of most note in these parts are 1. Cracou, or Cracovia, seated in a Plain, and on the Banks of the Vistula, dignified with the residence of the King: It is in form round, the Houses fair and lofty, and built of Freestone; in the midst of the City is a large Quadrangle Market-house, where is seated the Cathedral Church, and the Senate-house for the Citizens, about which are several Shops for Merchants. The City is encompassed with two strong Stone Walls, and a dry Ditch; on the East-side of the City is the Kings Castle, being fair, well built, and pleasantly seated on a Hill, as also the Kings and Queens Lodgings; on the West is a Chappel where the Kings are interr'd, and on the North-side Lodgings for Entertainment and Feasting; the South-side being without Buildings: but as to matters of Trade, this City is of small account.

Also Sandomirz and Lublin, both chief Cities of their Palatinates, are in the higher Polonia, or Poland.

• 2.59In the Lower Poland are the Palatinates of Posna, Kalisch, Sirad, Lencin•, Dobrzin, Ploczk, and Rava; whose chief Cities or places bear the same name, and are the residence of their Palatines. Besides which there are several other Towns of good note, which are taken notice of in the Geographical Table of the Kingdom, and in chief Posna and Gnesna, dignified with the See of an Archbishop, who during the Interregnum of the King, holdeth the Supream Authority in the Kingdom, and summoneth the Diets.

To Poland doth also belong the Dutchies of Russia, Noire, Cujavia, Mazovia, Prussia, and Polaquie.

• 2.60RƲSSIA NOIRE hath for its chief places Loewenberg and Belz, both chief of their Palatinates.

OƲJAVIA hath for its principal places Brzesti and Ʋladislau,* 2.61 both chief of their Castelwicks.

• 2.62MAZOVIA hath only one Palatinate, viz. Czersk, under which is comprised several Cities and Castlewicks, the chief of which is Warzaw, one of the fairest in the Kingdom, it oft-times being the residence of the Kings of Poland, a place noted for its excellent Metheglin here made.

PRƲSSIA is considered in two parts, * 2.63 which are called Royale and Ducale: Prussia Royale is immediately subject to the Crown of Poland, and hath its Palatinates in the Cities of

• 1. Dantzick, seated on the Vistula, at its influx into the Baltick Sea, and at the foot of a great Mountain, which hangs over it; it is the fairest, best, and of the greatest Trade of any in Prussia. Through this City runs a River very commodious to the Inhabitants, whereon are many Mills for the grinding of Corn, which is here found in great plenty; as also a Water-Mill, for the conveyance of water in Pipes to their Houses; and by reason of its great Trade for Corn with England and other parts, they have a great many Granaries or Store-houses for the same, which is hither brought them from Poland.
• 2. Elbin, though but small, yet a fair City, and indifferently well frequented by the English Merchants.
• 3. Marienburg, the Seat of the Masters of the Dutch Knights;
• 4. Culne, and
• 5. Thorn, which though it hath no Palatinate, is esteemed by many next to Dantzick. Prussia Ducale belongs to the Marquess of Brandenbourg, who holds it from the Crown of Poland.It hath only one Palatinate at Koningsberg, seated on an Inlet of the Baltick Sea, and washed with the River Pegel; it is a fair City, a famous Mart, and a good University, and before its Coast is gathered great quantity of Ambergriece: This Ambergriece is the juyce of a Stone growing like Coral on a Rock in the North-Sea, continually covered with Water; and in the Months of September and December, by the violence of the Sea, is rent from the Rocks and cast into the Havens of the Neighbouring Countries.

POLAQƲIE is a small Province between the Estates of Poland and Lithuania,* 2.64 and seems to have belonged to Mozavia; Bielsk is the Seat of its Palatinate. And hitherto we have treated of the Estates of Poland, almost all on the Vistula, or the Rivers that fall into it, on which are seated the three fairest Cities of these Quarters, viz. Cracow, towards its Spring; Warsaw, towards the middle of its course; and Dantzick, towards its principal Mouth falling into the Sea.

• 2.65The Estates of LITHƲANIA are East of Poland, and about the River Neiper; they are divided into the Palatinates of Wilna, Braslaw, Troki, Minsk, Novogrodeck, Polosczk, and Vitepk. Its chief places are Wilna, an Ʋniversity, and the Premier Palatinate; the other principal places bear the name of its Palatinate, and are of some account.

• 2.66The Quarter of POLESIE hath for its chief place Bressisi. SAMOGIYIE hath no Palatinate, and hath for its chief place Rosienie, whose Houses are built with Mud and Straw walls.

The Dutchy of VOLHYNIE is divided into the Higher and Lower, * 2.67 and hath the Palatinates of Lusuc and Kiovia; its chief places bear the names of their Palatinates.

The Dutchy of PODOLIE is also divided into the Higher and Lower, * 2.68 and hath the Palatinates of Kamieniec and Braclaw, whose chief places bear the same name.

• 2.69The Turks are possessed of Oczacou in the Lower Podolia, and on the Black Sea; likewise of Dassau in the Lower Volhynia, and on the Borstyhenes. The Swedes have likewise, within these few years, taken all Livonia; the Dutchy of Curland, wherein is the City of Mittau remaining only of that Province under the protection of the Crown of Poland; and moreover the Vayvode of Moldavia, and sometimes likewise he of Valachia renders some Duties to Poland. In Lithuania are divers Dukedoms, as of Slusk, Neswies, Birga, &c. whose Princes are powerful and have great Priviledges. The Dukedoms of Smolensko and Novogrodeck, which are of a great extent, and run all along the Coast of Lithuania, towards Moscovia, belong at present to the Crown of Poland, although part of Moscovy.

The principal Rivers in Poland are the Vistula, the Niemen, the Dovine, the Neiper or Borysthenes, and the Neyster; most of which are very considerable for largeness, fairness, and swiftness of Stream.

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

Of Poland.

POland, which was formerly but a part of Sarmatia, is now the Kingdom of Europe, of the greatest extent. It is in length, comprehending therein Lithuania, above three hundred Leagues; and almost as large in breadth. It is fertile in Rye, Wax and Honey, rich in Furrs, whereof the finest are brought thither from Hungary. They digg salt near Cracow in famous salt-Pits, which form under ground a kind of City. They bake it in little Russia, and the Sun makes it in Podolia. This Kingdom has the conveniency both of the Baltick and Black Sea; but the neighbouring Princes hinder the Polanders from making use of them to any great purpose. The Rivers of Vistula, Niemen and Dune fall into the Baltick Sea; the Boristenes, the Bog, the Niester into the Black Sea. The Vistula passes by the noblest City of this Kingdom. The Mouths of the Boristhenes are possessed by the Turk, who in the Year 1672 received the Ukrain into his protection, after having subdued Podolia by the sacking of Caminiec. The Kingdom of Poland is Elective the only one of Europe, where the Inhabitants have kept the right of choosing a Prince. The government is that of an Aristocratical Monarchy, wherein the Senators have so much Authority, that when they mention the State, they say the Kingdom and Republick of Poland. The Senate is composed of Archbishhops, Bishops, Pallatines, Principal Castellins, and the great Officers of the Kingdom. The King, like that of Bees, can do no mischief to his Subjects; that is to say, he cannot in any wise act against any of the Nobility without the consent of the Senators, and he can do 'em a great deal of good on his own part; by bestowing on them vacant places. His Person and his Dignity are so considered, that it has not been known that ever any attempt was made upon any Kings Life of his Predecessors. Before the Emperor Otho the 3d. there were only Princes in this State, that Emperour recalled the Tribute which Poland paid the Empire. Warsaw is the usual place of election, and of the general Dyets; Cracow that of the Coronation of the Kings. The Archbishop of Gnesne Primate of the Kingdom, performs this Coronation, and has almost the whole Authority during the Interregnum; for then he presides in the Senate, and gives Audience to Embassadors. He contests the Presidence with Cardinals; for which reason there are three Orders; the Church, the Nobility, and the third Estate, which comprehends all those which are not Noble. The Nobility is so numerous in this Realm, that Poland is called the Kingdom of the Nobles. In the Dyets the Nuncio's, who are the Deputies of the lesser Nobility, or Gentry of the Provinces, do often oversway the rest of the Dyet. But one amongst 'em has sometimes the Authority to cause a whole general Dyet to be broke up by a Protestation. As the Catholick Religion is observed in this Realm, so the Bishops have the first rank after the King, then the Palatines and the Castellains. The Castellains of Cracow is above the Palaine of the same name, because that formerly the Chastellain behaved himself more valiantly than did the Palatine, in defence of the Kingdom: also does he wear a Royal Crown at the anointing of his Majesty; at which Ceremony he precedes all the other Secular Senators: The Palatine of Cracow carries the Scepter. The Archbishop of Gnesne and of Leopold, have under them sixteen or seventeeen Bishops, as well within as without the Kingdom. There be three other Schismaticks in black Russia, who first of all acknowledge him of Kiou, and then the Greek Patriarch of Constantinople. There is in this State several other Sects. Here Gentlemen are equall, the distinction, and precedence proceeding only from the publick Offices they stand possess'd of: they serve at their own costs in time of Wars, but do not stay long in the Campagne. Their infantry is commonly compos'd of Forreigners. The Garments of the Polanders are long, have their Beards shaved off their Chins, only one Tuff of Hair upon their Heads, upon the occasion of Casimir the first, one of their Kings, whom they took out of a Cloister he was in in France, to place him upon their Throne. They are almost all handsome, well shaped, well proportioned, knowing for the most part the Latin Tongue. The use of Spices is very common, and with them in great request; they misuse their Peasants, in consequence, of the absolute Power they have over them; which certainly did occasion the revolt of the Cossaques, and afterwards all the disorders of the Kingdom. Their Cavalary is so considerable, that if they were well united, they might bring into the Field a hundred thousand Horse: The confidence they have therein, and the fear of rendring a King or Citizens too powerful, have inclined them in all times to neglect their Fortresses. Their usual Arms are their Cimiter, the Sword, the Battel Ax, Carabine and Arrows. The Cossaques have ever formed a Militia, and not a particular Nation. At the first they were Volunteers, making incursions upon the Turks and the lesser Tartars; these last call them by the Name of Roux, because their Country makes a part of Russia. King Battori reduced them into a Body, and joyned thereto two thousand Horse, to whom he appointed the fourth part of the Revenue of his Demesne, for which reasons they were called Quartians. They have power of choosing and of deposing their General, who takes an Oath of Fidelity to their King. Their number was first of all six thousand, afterwards forty thoufull sand, and now since twenty thousand. Their abode is in the lower parts of Volhinia, and of Podolia, which is called Ukrain, that is to say Frontier. This Country is by much the most fertile, and the best inhabited of all Poland; so many fortified Buroughs have been there made since the beginning of this Age, and so full is it of Inhabitants, that in the late Wars there were reckoned at the same time two hundred thousand Cossaques, besides a hundred and fourscore thousand Tartars, and as many Polanders in Arms. There be Cossaques who have their retreats in some Isles of the Boristhenes, which is not Navigable by reason of the Cataracts or falls, which they call Porowis. Their Custom was formerly to put to Sea with several light Ships, and to go plunder the Coasts of the Grand Seignior upon the Black Sea. Since they confederated with the lesser Tartars, and have likewise courted the Protection of the Muscovite, and that of the Grand Seignior, who gave them in his name a Prince for the Ukrain, insomuch that we may say that the Felony of the Cossaques, the Irruption of the Suedes under Carolus Gustavus, the Tumults and Irresoluon of the Muscovites, the continual harassings of the lesser Tartars, the Invasion of Ragotski Prince of Transilvania, the defection of several Provinces, the Insurrections of the whole Armies of Poland and Lithuania, the different Factions of the Kingdom, and the Caballs of the Neighbouring Nations to have a King Elected, have given a rude shock to this Crown. And this was what really moved the Grand Seignior to make war upon this Realm after the taking of Candia.

Poland has ten great parts, four towards the West, upon the Vistula, Poland, Mazovia, Gujavia, Royal Prussia; six towards the East on the West of the Boristhenes, Lithuania, Samogitia, Polachia, Lesser Russia, Volhinia, Podolia. These Provinces have been acquired for the most part either by Arms, or Allyances. They are divided into Palatinates, the Palatinates into Chastellenies, the Chastellenies into Capitanies. The Government of the Places are called Starostyes. Besides these Provinces, there is a part of Muscovy which has been yielded to Poland in the year 1634. after that King Ladislaus the 4th, being yet but Prince, had the year foregoing gloriously relieved the City of Smolensko, and reduced to extremity an Army of an hundred thousand Muscovites, who were all constrained to ask his pardon as their Prince, to save their Lives. This Treaty which is called of Viasma, acquired to Poland, Smolensko, Novogrodeck, Sovierski, Gzernihou, and other places; and by that same Treaty the King of Poland renounced his pretensions upon Muscovy. The Truce of 13 years concluded on the 14th of February in the year 1667. left the Grand Duke of Muscovy in possession of Smolensko, until a certain term, as well as in part of the Ukrain on the East of the Boristhenes, and procured the restoration of Dunembourg, Polosk and Vitepski to the Crown of Poland.

Poland, the most populous of all the Provinces, is divided into High and Low; In the former is Cracow, where the Coronations of the Kings and Queens are performed, and where is a great number of Germans, Italians and Jews. Of Cracow was the Popish Bishop, St. Stanislaus, who was killed by order of King Bogislaus. Upon the Confines of Silesia, stands the City of Czentochow, with the Cloister of our Lady of Clermount, a place extraordinary strong, which the Suedes did twice besiege in vain in the year 1655 and 1656. Low Poland, though much smaller than the Higher, is called Great, because it makes part of the Kingdom rather than the other. Its City of Gnesne is ancient, the abode of the first Princes. It was so called upon the account of an Eagles Nest that was there found when it was built; and which gave occasion to the Arms of Poland which art Gules, an Eagle-Argent Crowned, beaked and Armed, Or, bound under the Wings with a Ribbon of the same. The Province of Mazovia alone has full thirty thousand Gentlemen. Narsan is the Capital thereof, and of all the Kingdom too, with a Castle, the Kings usual abode, Gujavia has the City of Uladislau, where the Houses are built of Brick, which is somewhat extraordinary in Poland. It has also the Lake of Goblo, from whence issued the Rats that eat King Popiel. Prussia which is of two sorts, Regal and Ducal, has a great number of Cities, which were built by the Knights of the Teutonique Order. Its Lakes and Sea Coast furnish abundance of Amber. Nariembourg is strong; Toren the Birthplace of the Copernicus, drives a great Trade, with a fine Bridge of Wood over the Vistule. Dantzick one of the four Capital Hanse-Towns, drives all the Trade of Poland, and has not its like upon all the Baltick Sea; It is free, and has right of sending to the States of the Kingdom. The King of Poland has there some Rights. The City of Elbiens disputes with it the Precedence in the States of Prussia. The generous resolution of its Citizens to maintain the Authority of their King against the Suedes, without being prevail'd with to accept the Neutrality, was the cause of the preservation of the whole Realm under King Gasimir.

Lithuania is the greatest Province of those which compose the States of the Crown of Poland. It has the title of the Great Dutchy, wherein there is still at this day as many Chief Officers, as in the Kingdom of Poland, and of three General Dyets of the States, one is to be held in Lithuania. This Countrey is so full of Marshes and of Boggs, that there is no travelling there but in Winter, and that by means of the Ice. Vilna its Capital City contains so many sorts of Religions, that there is not a City in the World where God is praised in more several manners. There be reckoned three Sabbaths, that of ours, that of the Turks, which is Friday, that of the Jews which is Saturday. Samogitia is a Country where the Inhabitants live very poorly. Polachia communicates its name to the Polanders, who call themselves Polaques, as being descended from Lechus their first Prince. Lesser Russia has several other names. It is called Black by reason of its Woods; Red by reason of the Colour of its Earth: Southern by reason of its scituation towards the South. Leopold which put a stop to the progresses of the Turks, is the principal City thereof, Samoski the strongest. Volhinia has for its Capital Kiou, an ancient City upon the Boristhenes, where the Cossaques have had often their Retreats. It is now in the hands of the Muscovite, who makes a scruple of restoring it to the Polanders. Podolia has Gaminiec, a Fortress which formerly resisted the Armies of the Turks, of the lesser Tartars, of the Transilvanians, of the Walachians, and which at length submitted to the Armies of the Grand Seignior in the year 1672.

Ducal Prussia, wherein stands Konigsberg, belongs to the Elector of Brandenburg, who now possesses its Soveraignty, and independantly on Poland. This City is so much the greater, in that it contains two others in one and the same compass of Walls. Pilau and Memel are two Maritime Fortresses, the most important of this State. There it was the Elector caused Frigats four years ago to be fitted out, which have very much incommoded the Commerce of the Subjects of Spain. Gourland is a Dutchy whose Duke of the House of Ketler, does Homage to the Crown of Poland. His Residence is at Mitaw.

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

* 1.1POland is limited on the East with Boristhenes, which parteth it from Germany, on the West with Vistula, which parteth it from Germany, on the North with the Baltick Sea, and Sinus Frinicus, on the South with Hungary.

• 1.2The chief Merchandize that this Country affordeth for Transportation, is Barly, Oats, Anber, Wax, Honey, Hemp, Pitch, Yar, Rosin, and some Cordage, with other Commodities.

• 1.3The chief Rivers are, first Vistula, navigable 400 miles, and endeth in the Baltick Sea, Niger, Reuben, Bog, Mimel, and others. The Provinces are accounted to be 11, and the principal Towns are as followeth.

• 1.4Luconia is the first, in length 500 miles, in breadth 160; where are Riga an Archbishoprick, Derpt a Town of great Commerce, Ruialia and Narve two strong Towns.

• 1.5Lituania is the second, abounding with Beasts, which yield the Inhabitants Furs for Commodities; the chief Cities are Vilna, Vilcomire and Brescia.

• 1.6Volinia is the third, wherein are found Kiovia and Circassia.

• 1.7Samogitia is the fourth, the chief Town is Camia.

• 1.8Podolia is the fifth, affording three Harvests of one Sowing; the chief City is Camiense, held invincible, seated on high Rocks, Orkacow, Wincecsa, and others.

• 1.9Russia Nigra is the sixth, wherein are found Leinburg, Grodeck, &c.

• 1.10Prussia or Spruce is the seventh, wherin upon the Sea-coast is Amber found; the chief Cities are Dantzick, a famous Mart, especially for all sorts of Grain, 1000 Measures whereof being here daily sold. 2. Regiomount or Conisberg, a famous University. 3. Heilsperg. 4. Manberg. 5. Angenberg. 6. Culne, and others.

• 1.11Podlasia is the eighth, wherein are Ticocksin, where the Royal Treasury is kept, Biesco, Knisen, and others.

• 1.12Masovia is the ninth, the prime City being Marksow.

• 1.13Poland is the tenth, wherein is the Metropolis of Polonia which is Cracovia, seated pleasantly on the River Vistula; here are also the Cities of Lublins, Guisna, Siradia and others; and of the principal of these, or others seated in this Tract, as followeth.

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

* 1.1CRacovia is the chief, and Metropolis of all the Kingdom of Poland, where the King and his Council have their continual Residence; it is seated in a Plain, having Mountains on all sides, but somewhat distant; it is compassed with two strong Walls of Stone, and a dry Ditch; the Building is very fair, of Free-stone, 4 stories high, but covered with Tiles of Wood or Shingles, it is of round Form, in the midst whereof stands a large quadrangular Marketplace, wherein is seated the Cathedral Church, and the Senate house for the City, about which are many Shops for Merchants: upon the East-side of the City is the King's Castle, fair and well built on a Hill, lying open on the South-side, without any Building above the Wall; on the East side are the King's and Queen's Lodgings, on the North-side Lodgings for Feasting, on the West a Chappel where the Kings are interred: it hath not received any great Fame for Merchandising, many Scotch-men have attained to some Estate here by Trading, but it may more properly be called Pedlarising than Merchandising, for they have a moveable Magazine which they transport by Horse from Town to Town, wherein their Commodities are inclosed; and not a few such are found to have begun this Traffick at first by their Backs, and afterwards by Horses.

Their Coins current with their Weights and Measures I shall here insert.

• 1.2It is not above 300 years since the Polonians used Silver Coins stampt; for before that time they did traffick with little pieces of uncoined Silver, and by the Exchange of Skins, and other such Commodities; but at this day they make all Contracts by Silver Guildens, but have no such real Coin amongst them: the Coins current are these, a Gold Ducat, known by the name of Polander, is of the same value with the Hungarian Ducat, and worth 70 Polish Groshe; a Silver Guilden or Florin is worth 30 Polish Groshe, which is 2 s. sterling; a Dollar in specie is worth 40 Polish Groshe; but in all Contracts for buying and felling, the Dollar is accounted 36 Grosh; a Creitzer is worth 3 Potchanels; 18 Deniers make 1 Grosh; a Grosh of Poland or Bobenia, is worth 7 Potchanels; 16 Whites make 1 Ort, 4 Orts make a Dollar, valued at 4 s. 4 d. sterling.

• 1.3The common Weight of Cracovia is the Pound, 136 l. whereof is here acounted a Quintar, which makes in London 114 l. circa, and the 100 l. of London hath yielded here about 120 l. but the common Pound is reduced to a Stone, and to a Ship Pound, which is 10 of the said St•…es.

• 1.4The common Measure of Length is an Ell, which is ½ an English Ell, but they sell their Linen by Shocks, which produceth 57½ Ells English the Shock.

1700. The merchants map of commerce by Roberts, Lewes. CHAP. CCXXXIII. Of the Trade in general of Poland and Eastland.

* 1.1HAving thus surveyed the Trade of this Country in some particulars, it will not be amise to look upon it in the general. The Revenues both of the King and Gentlemen is here esteemed but moderate, and scarce sufficient to maintain a plentiful Table, and to exchange with Merchants for Wines and Spices, which they yet much covet, as also they do forein Stuffs of Silks and Cloth: I have noted, that this Kingdom aboundeth with Beasts as well wild as tame, and yieldeth excellent Horses, not great but quick, nimble and stirring; it aboundeth also in Flesh, Fowl, and Water-Fish, and in all kind of Pulse and Grain; it is found also towards the Carpathian Mountains of Hungary to have some Mines of Gold and Silver, of Iron and Brimstone; it yieldeth also in abundance plenty of Honey found in hollow Trees, besides the Husband-man's Hives: it yieldeth moreover, Wax, Flax, and Linen Cloths made thereof, Hemp, Pitch of both kinds, Masts for Ships, Boards and Timber, rich Furs, Salt digged out of the Earth, Amber, Soap-ashes, and Rice in abundance, which hath made Dantzick famous throughout Europe. No marvel then if Merchants bring unto them Silks from Italy, Cloth from England, Wines from France and Spain, and the very Spices and Drugs from India, since they not only sell then at good prices, but also bring thence such precious and staple Commodities. Poland it self is found within land, and Prussia with their immunities subject to this Kingdom, is sound to have the principal Traders therein inhabiting, yet have they but few Ships, using Strangers to export their Commodities. For the rest of the Polanders they are observed to live content with their own, and not by way of Merchandizing to stir much abroad; yet are they not rich, because they want the abovesaid Commodities, which the proud Gentlemen and Nobility of these Countries buy dear, and will have, though brought from far unto them, and they are noted to have so little Gold and Silver, as despising all in respect of it; they sell the rich Commodities of their Country at a low rate, especially those which are for daily Food, and thereby made unfit to be exported. The People themselves are not much addicted to Traffick into remote Regions, nor to travel far out of their own Countries; yet in imitation of other their Neighbours, they sometimes Trade with their rich Furs into other Countries, of whom I have observed some to come to Constantinople, rather making a ranging Voyage, than coming with intent to Trade and Reside. Wherein they cannot be much blamed, in regard that they have in plenty all things that naturally are wanting to mankind, if they can be contented therewith: but the Inhabitants of Pomerland, East Country, &c. are observed to be more ingenious, and far more addict to Traffick and Commerce, and have some Vessels sitter for transport and carriage than for warfare, but yet most proper for their gross Commodities and large Stowage, however their Winter-colds depriving them of almost half the years Traffick: the other half wherein their Seas are navigable, cannot make them any competent amends, and their Merchandize being altogether gross, cannot give them therefore the attribute of Eminent Merchants.