The merchants mappe of commerce wherein, the universall manner and matter of trade, is compendiously handled. The standerd and currant coines of sundry princes, observed. The reall and imaginary coines of accompts and exchanges, expressed. The naturall and artificiall commodities of all countries for transportation declared. The weights and measures of all eminent cities and tovvnes of traffique, collected and reduced one into another; and all to the meridian of commerce practised in the famous citie of London. By Lewes Roberts, merchant. Necessary for all such as shall be imployed in the publique affaires of princes in forreigne parts; for all gentlemen and others that travell abroad for delight or pleasure, and for all merchants or their factors that exercise the art of merchandizing in any part of the habitable world.

ASIA, AND THE PROVINCES AND CITIES OF TRADE THEREOF.

[illustration]

OF ASIA, AND THE PROVINCES THEREOF.

CHAP. XL.

Of ASIA, and the Provinces thereof.

ASIA, The third division of the World, * 1.1 is separated from EVROPE by the E∣gean Propontis, and Euxine Sea, by Paulus Maeotis, Tanais, Duina, and from A∣FRICA by the red Sea, and the Egyp∣tian •…•…stmus, as I remembred in the begin∣ning of this Worke. Five notable things have made this Countrey famous, and * 1.2 have giuen it the garland of supremacie over all the other parts of the World. •…•…irst, the Creation of Mankind: Secondly, the Birth of our Savi∣•…•…ur; his Miracles wrought, and place of his sufferance: Thirdly, the Actions memorized by the holy Pen-men of the Old and New Testa∣ment: Fourthly, the famous Monarchies of the Babylonians, Assi∣rians, Persians, and Medes: And fifthly, being the common Mo∣ther of us all, from whence innumerable troupes of men issued to people the other parts of the unhabited World, of which see o∣ther Authors further at large.

The principall Regions of ASIA, are

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

And of these in briefe according to my first intention.

CHAP. XLI.

Of Anatolia, or Natolia in generall.

ANatolia is limited on the East with the River Euphra∣tes, * 1.3 on the West with Thracius Bosphorus, Propontis, Hellespont, and the Egean; on the North with Pontus Euxinus, on the South with the Rhodian and Lician Seas. In this Countrey was anciently accounted 4000 Cities and Townes, those seaven famous amongst the rest to whom Saint Iohn dedicated his Revelation; but now the ruines of them are hardly to be seene, and the Provinces that are found in this Region are these. First, Cilicia: secondly, Pamphylia: thirdly, Lycia: fourthly, Caria: fifthly, Ionia: sixthly, Lydia: seventhly, Molis: eighthly, Phrygia minor: ninthly, Phrygia major: tenthly, Bithynia: eleventhly, Pontus: twelfthly, Paphlagonia: thirteenthly, Galatia: fourteenthly, Cappadocia: fifteenthly, Licaonia: sixteenthly, Pisidia, and Armenia minor. Of these in order.

CHAP. XLII.

Of Cilicia, and the Cities thereof.

CIlicia is not found at this day to have any Towne of * 1.4 note or consequence in it, save Alexandria, built by Alexander the Great, and to distinguish it from Alex∣andria in Egypt, is named Alexandretta, now known to us by the name of Scanderone, a famous Haven towne, * 1.5 serving for the scale to Aleppo, for •…•…ll such shipping as come thi∣ther, either out of the Ocean or Mediterranean, and where the

English, French and Venetians have their Vice-consuls to protect •…•…eir Merchants goods and Ships, and where all Merchandize are •…•…ther landed or laden that goe to or from Aleppo, of which it •…•…ill be more proper that I inlarge, when I come to speake of A∣•…•…ppo which is seated in Siria, as I shall shew hereafter.

CHAP. XLIII.

Of Pamphilia, Licia, and Caria.

ALl these have not any thing now worthy note in them, * 1.6 conducing to Trade and Merchandizing, save the a∣boundance of those goates upon whom grows that wooll whereof is made the Chamlets and Grograms of which I •…•…all have cause to speake more at large, when I come to treat of •…•…e Trade of Angora, and in the interim it is to bee noted that •…•…ese Provinces having lost their former names, are now knowne •…•…o us by the name of Caramania, and are at this present under the •…•…ommand of the grand Seignior.

CHAP. XLIIII.

Of Ionia, and the Cities thereof.

IOnia is the next Province, wherein is that ancient * 1.7 famous Citie of Ephesus much ruined from its an∣cient recorded beauty, famous for the direction of an Epistle by Saint Paul to the inhabitants here∣of: famous also for the Temple of Diana: and lastly, famous for the buriall of S. Iohn the Evan∣•…•…elist, who went heere alive into the grave. But this Citie is now be∣•…•…ome a poore village, and retaines no monument of her pride •…•…at I could find in Anno 1624 but a porch of a Grecian Church of •…•…lack Marble, wherein is excellently ingraven the life of our Sa∣•…•…iour Christ, much admired by all Artists.

But now the only Citie of Trade in this Province is Smyrna, one * 1.8 of the places that strove for the birth of Homer, and wherein was found one of those Churches whereto S. Iohn dedicated his Re∣velation, seated in the bottome of a Bay or Gulph, knowne to our Seamen by the name of the gulph of Smyrna; and where there is a Consull resident for the English, as also for the French and Vene∣•…•…ians to protect their Merchants and Trade, where in Anno 1619 •…•…n matter of traffique, I noted these things.

CHAP. XLV.

Of SMYRNA and the trade thereof.

THE principall trade of this Citie was within these * 1.9 few yeares transported hither from the Iland Scio, where the consulls abovesaid had their residents, and from thence are intitled Consulls of Scio and Smyrna, but by reason that scale both for sales and investments had then a dependencie upon this, it was found more proper and lesse chargeable to remove their aboad and ware∣houses hither, and by that meanes this became the principall Port, the goodnesse of the harbour much furthering the same, being both under the command of the Grand Signior, and within these later yeares much inriched by the trade of English, French, and Venetians.

The commodities that are found here to abound, and that are * 1.10 hence transported into other Countries of Christendome, are cotton woolls, which in great plenty grow in the adjoyning plaines of this Citie; also Galles for Diers, aniseeds, cordovants, wax, cotton and grogram yarne, cute, carpets, grograms, mohers, chamblets, and some fruits and drugges, raw Persia silke is likewise hither brought by land from Persia; and all other commodities found in Turkie or of that growth is here to be had, and the commodities here vented from England are Clothes of Suffolke and Gloster, kersies of Yorkshire and Hampshire, lead, tinne, callicoes, pepper, Indico, and other spices, which within these late yeares wee had formerly from this and other places of Turkie, and which now by the commoditie of the East India trade and navigation, we carry to them; and from Ve∣nice is brought some clothp aper, silkes, velvets, &c. and from France some few clothes and paper, &c.

The coynes currant of Smyrna are those of Constantinople, and * 1.11 generally those of all that Empire, which I shall shew when I treat of that Citie, and for that cause here omit it, and their accounts they also keepe here in the same nature with them, and therefore referre you to that place in both these particulars.

The waights of Smyrna and Scio, for they agree both in one, * 1.12 is the quintar, which containes 100 Rotolo's, or 42 Oakes, and e∣very oake being 400 drams, and every Lodoro being 176 drams, and the pound haberdepois hath beene found to be 148 drams, and the quintall of 42 oakes abovesaid, which produceth 119 li. English,

but in many commodities it is found to answer but 117 li. so that •…•…irca 9•…•… drams is 1 ounce English haberdepois.

They have here in use two measures, one for linnen and ano∣•…•…r * 1.13 for woolen, but because they neerly agree with Constantino∣•…•… I will referre the same to that place.

The customes payd by the English here and throughout all Tur∣•…•… * 1.14 by vertue of their Capitulations with the great Turke, is onely •…•…ree per centum; and oftentimes the custome-house of Scio and of •…•…yrna is in one mans hands, and though by their Capitula∣•…•…ns it is so agreed, that those goods that have once payd custome •…•…one port, should not pay any more being thence exported to •…•…y other place of his Dominions, and that commands have been •…•…anted to that end by the grand Signior at severall times; yet the •…•…stice of that Countrey is so defective in this particular, that the •…•…mmodities landed in Smyrna, and paying there three per centum, •…•…d afterward transported to Constantinople, pay there againe ano∣•…•…er three per centum, or compound with the customer, which •…•…metimes is done at 1½ per centum, and sometimes at lesse: note * 1.15 •…•…at here as in all parts of Turkie the Venetians French and Dutch •…•…y five per cent. two per cent. more than the English, which is •…•…ounded upon their capitulations with the Emperour.

The port charges of clearing a Ship in Smyrna is paid in com∣•…•…odities * 1.16 of our Countrey, and was to that end thus at first regula∣•…•…d; but since converted into payment by money, as to the cadie •…•…o is to have five pico of Venice cloth, and a bundle of cony-skins •…•…r a vest, which in the infancy of our English trade was here •…•…und to be much requested.

The cadies servant to have 3½ pico english cloth.

The cadies caya to have 3 pico of ditto.

The cadies scrivan to have a chicquine in gold.

The cadies pages to have 2½ dollers.

The Mosur Bashaw to have 1½ pico cloth.

The cadies Ianisaries to have a chicquine.

All which charges amount in circas to 68 dollers.

To conclude, the trade of this port it is most noted for the a∣•…•…ndance of cottons which hence is transported to England, France, •…•…olland, and Italie, estimated yearly to be about 20000 quintall, and found here to grow in the adjoyning plaines, which they doe •…•…w as wee doe Corne, the stalke being no bigger than that of •…•…heat, but stronger and tougher, bearing a head, round and bear∣•…•…ed and hard as a stone, which when it is ripe it breaketh and is •…•…livered of a soft white bombast or cotton, mixed with seed, which •…•…ey separate with an instrument, selling the wooll, but reser∣•…•…ng the seed for the next harvest; see more of this trade in Cy∣•…•…us and Constantinople, to which I referre the inquirer.

CHAP. XLVI.

Of Lydia, Eolis, Phrygia minor and major.

ON the Northeast of Ionia is Lidya, famous onely for the * 1.17 two rivers, Castrus abounding with swannes, and Meander with windings, from hence termed mean∣ders; and if some Authors may be worthy of cre∣dit, the natives were anciently the first known men that gave beginning to Merchandize, and exercised buying and * 1.18 selling, and proved the originall of the Tuscans, whose supreame Duke continues the same to this day, and is one of the greatest and most eminent Merchants in the world.

In Eolis are seated the two Misia Provinces, which hold not a∣ny thing note worthie.

In Phrygia minor, is not found any thing at present worthy i•…•… * 1.19 trade to stay the course of my penne; it affordeth the place where the ancient and famous Citie of Troy was seated, which cost the * 1.20 Grecians ten yeares siege to take it, with the losse of 860000 of the Trojans, and 666000 of the Grecians, but in Anno 1620, I hardly saw the reliques of this mightie fabrique, though I traced it for ma∣ny miles, and gave care to all the ridiculous fables of those poore Grecians that inhabite thereabouts in many villages which lie within the compasse of her ancient walls, from mount Id•…•… to the River Scamander, now onely a brooke not two foote deepe; so that, what Ovid said of old I found by experience verefied, I a•…•… seges est ubi Tr•…•…ia fuit, &c. Neither

In Phrygia major, doth not remaine any thing note worthie, * 1.21 save a remembrance that Gordion the seat of Gordius was here found in Alexanders time, who cut that knot with his sword which he saw he could not otherwise undoe; also Midium the seat of Midas, whose covetous petition was granted by Bacchus, * 1.22 to convert all into gold that he handled, and so had like to have eaten gold for meate, had not his after wit mastered his covetous appetite, and made him to his repentance see his error, & acknow∣ledge it; and falling againe to a second over-sight in judgement, as the first was an error in desire, he preferred Pans pipe before Apolloes harpe, and was rewarded for his small skill in musicke with a comely paire of Asses eares: also in this Province stood Colosso, to whom Saint Paul writ one of his Epistles; and Pesinus, where the goddesse Sybile was worshipped, which being brought * 1.23 into Rome, would not stirre further than the entrance of the ri∣ver Tyber, which the Romans much wondred, because the domi∣nion

of the world was prophesied to that Citie that had the custo∣die thereof; but the vestall Claudias girdle performed that which all the strength of Rome could not, and shee halled up both the Ship and goddesse, to the wonder of the Citizens at that time, and of all the world ever since, though Farre greater miracles are found to be reported of that Citie, and the holy inhabitants there∣of at this day, if the said reports might gaine that credit now as this miracle then did.

CHAP. XLVII.

Of BITHINIA and the Cities thereof.

ON the North side of the Phrygias is seated Bithinia, * 1.24 which is famoused first for the victory of Alexander against the Persians, of whom he slew 20000; second∣ly, for mount Stella, where Pompey overthrew Mithri∣dates, and Tamberlain with 800000 Tartarians, en∣countred Baiaset with 500000, where 20000 lost their lives, and Baiaset in his pride of heart taken and •…•…end up in an iron cage, a∣gainst whose barres he beate out his braines: thirdly, for Nice, where the first generall Counsell was held Anno 31•…•… to repell the Arian heresie; and fourthly, Calcedon, where the fourth generall Counsell was assembled to repell the Nestorian heresie, where yet in Anno 1620, the Inhabitants doe shew to strangers the place of this assembly by tradition in manner of an ovall circle built pur∣posely for this occasion; and lastly, here is Bursa by some Prusa, the seat of the Ottoman Kings in Asia till they gained Adrianople in Europe, which was done by Mahomet the first: of the trade thereof a word in my passage.

CHAP. XLVIII.

Of BURSIA in BITHINIA, and the Trade thereof.

BURSIA seated in the bottome of a Bay knowne to the Turke by the name of the Gulph of Bursia, being * 1.25 a faire City and antiently the seate of the Mahume∣tane Kings, is now inhabited by Turkes, Jewes and Greekes; who by reason of their neighbourhood, and in the way from Smyrna to Constantinople for land travellers is found to have some Merchants of quality, and affordeth quantity

of Persia commodities, as brought hither from Eusdrom and other bordering Townes of Armenia and Persia, principally occasioned by the immunities that have beene granted by severall Princes that have here resided, to the inhabitants thereof: but because the Venetians are found at present to be the prime traders hither, it will not be amisse that for the weights and measures of the place we should be ruled by their observations which thence may easi∣ly be reduced to ours.

Their commodities afforded to forraine Countries are the same * 1.26 as Constantinople, onely some fabriques I have seen to have beene in my time there made of silks by Moores that have been banished out of Spaine, and come hither to reside, as damaskes, taffetas and stript stuffes, and such like; also commodities which the earth hath pro∣duced, as aniseeds, galles and sugars.

Their coynes are the same currant in Constantinople.

100 Rotolos makes Venice sotile 176 li. and Venice grosse 112 li. * 1.27

The Ocha of Bursia is Venice sotile 4 li.

The Rot. of Bursia is Venice sotile 9 ounc. and grosse 1 li. 1 o•…•…. 1½ li.

The 100 drams makes sotile Venetia 1 li. which is 72 metalichi.

The 100 Kilats of Turkey makes in Venetia 87¼ Kill. gold weight 7 metalich make oun. 1 gold weight in Venetia.

And by the English the same is observed to be within 2 per cent. to agree with the weight of Constantinople, as shalbe shewed here∣after.

There are found here severall picos which with the brace of Venetia is found thus to agree. * 1.28

Braces 100 of cloth▪ scarlet and fine cloth makes 108 picoes cloth here.

Braces 100 of course cloth common makes 114 picos in Bursia.

Braces 100 of cloth of gold makes in Bursia 102 picos.

Braces 1000 of linens is found to make in Bursia 772 picos.

And this is noted to be a greater pico than the rest: but by the observation of some English they find onely 2 picoes, one for cloth and the other for grograms, and do agree with those of Constan∣tinople.

There is no custome due upon goods in Bursia, it being accoun∣ted an Inland Towne; but if sent thence to Smyrna or to Constan∣tinople, * 1.29 and exported out of the grand signior's dominions, it is lia∣able to a custome, according to the capitulations or priviledge granted to that Nation that transporteth the same: but if those commodities bought in Bursia being carryed to Smyrna or Constanti∣nople and there sold, it payeth no customes but a small duety for re∣gistering, and quitting at the custome-houses of both the said places, as hath beene practised by divers Merchants. In this Towne of late yeeres some English have resided, and doe find a faire and friendly quarter with the inhabitants; but they are accounted as subfactors to those resident in Constantinople and Smyrna, therefore I shall not need to say further of this place.

CHAP. XLIX.

Of PONTUS, and the Cities thereof.

ON the North side of Bithinia is Pontus, wherein is * 1.30 found the ruines of Tom•…•…s to which Ovid was bani∣shed, and Pithius where Chrysostome lived in exile: here also ruled Mithridates, who for 40. yeeres withstood the Romanes, not more excellent in Warre then lear∣•…•…ing and memory, who spake 22. languages, and invented that •…•…unterpoyson from him named Mithridate; and who at last by the •…•…bellion of his sonne and the valour of L. Sylla, Lucullus and •…•…ompey was vanquished; the last of which erected a pillar upon a * 1.31 •…•…mall Iland at the entrance of the black or Euxine Sea, which at •…•…is day is knowne by his name, and shewed by the inhabitants to •…•…rangers as a trophey of his Victories in these parts.

CHAP. L.

Of PAPHLAGONIA and GALATIA and the Cities thereof.

IN Paphlagonia I finde not any City notable for trade▪ * 1.32 nor other thing note worthy: and as for Galatia, it is observed that to the people of this Province did Saint Paul dedicate one of his Epistles; and here is also sea∣•…•…d the City of Ancira, now commonly Angora, famous for the •…•…finite store of grograms, moheires and chamblets▪ that are made * 1.33 •…•…ere and frabricated, and from hence transported to Constantino∣•…•…e, being 16 dayes journey distant; and to Aleppo having a like re∣•…•…otenes; and from thence againe exported into all the Countries •…•…f Europe.

In this place the Venetians have a factorie to provide them the •…•…aid commodities, and the English in imitation thereof about 1624. did first send thither two factors from Constantinople, to furnish themselves with these commodities at the first hand: but some of the yarne called hence grograme yarne, (and not camels haire as some * 1.34 •…•…ainely conceive) being lately brought into England, ingenious workemen were here found that invented therewith Tames, and many other stuffes, to the great decay and prejudice of the Gro∣grame

trade of this Countrey, and of such as lived thereupon in Angora; whereupon the inhabitants in Anno 1630. petitioned the Duana of Constantinople, that this yarne might not be exported out of the Kingdome untill it were put into worke, and made into stuffes, which was granted them; but the farmers of the grand signiors customes at Constantinople conniving thereat, and suf∣fering the same to be exported, paying double custome, which is 6. per cent. and so it continued till 1634. at what time a second stricter prohibition with confiscation was proclaimed and neere∣ly lookt into, so that what quantity is now found to come thence is by indirect meanes, and not otherwise, if possible thereby a gaine to give life to the grogram trade and the makers thereof in these parts.

There was of late yeeres an offer made by the Venetian Am∣bassadour resident at Constantinople to export 500. of the goates that beare this wool to Venetia, thereby in time to bring this com∣modity in request in their signorie; but the Turks perceiving their drift denyed the same, least his subjects and Countrey might fu∣turely be deprived of the benefit of so excellent a commodity, had our ancestors foreseene the like discommodity that would have insued by the exportation of English sheepe into Spaine, it may be conceived it would never have beene in those dayes permitted.

The weights and measures of this place are the same as are found in Constantinople, the grograme pico having from this Towne its o∣riginall, * 1.35 and is the proper pico of this Countrey and City; where∣by all grograms, moheires and chamblets are measured and sold throughout all Turkey, and is in grograms found in England to an∣swere proportionally as 24 pico, being a piece of ordnary grograms to make 16. yards London: for their moneys and accounts they are found to be the same as in Constantinople, vide there.

CHAP. LI.

Of CAPPADOCIA and the Cities thereof.

ON the East side of Galatia is Cappadocia, the chiefe Ci∣ty is Erzyrum, scituate on the confines of Armenia, * 1.36 being held the randevous for the Turkish Militia in their expeditions to Persia; and the place where when the warre is ended they are dismissed; here is the entrance into the dominions of the grand signior, and though warres happen betweene the Turkes and the Persians, yet these barbarous Nations are so carefull of Merchants and the preserva∣tion of commerce, that the Merchants of both Countries, though otherwise the Provinces be at variance, may here enter and trans∣port

their merchandize into one anothers Countrey, paying a •…•…all custome as acknowledgment to the Prince, carrying a Tesca∣•…•… •…•…or certificate thereof with them to such other places whither •…•…ey goe, which in it selfe protects their goods and persons from •…•…nger or confiscation, or other dueties▪ so that it is an ordinary •…•…ing to see Persia Merchants with great estates in Aleppo and •…•…nstantinople in the hottest of the warres between their two So∣•…•…eraignes, to the shame, and contrary to the custome of many Chri∣•…•…an Princes, who first prey upon the Merchants that inhabit their •…•…ountries, making a warre upon their estates and persons, before •…•…ey meddle with or haply hardly publish their intentions to •…•…eir Soveraignes; the antient Tibarenean custome being now out •…•…use in Christendome, who are said never to wage war against any •…•…emie; but they faithfully certified them beforehand both of the •…•…me and place of their intent and fight; and as it may be conjectu∣•…•…d, gave first a faire dismission to the subjects of their enemies, and •…•…onsequently to their Merchants.

Here is also Amasia, where the grand signiors eldest sonne is seen 〈◊〉〈◊〉 abide after his circumcision, till the time of his Fathers death, * 1.37 •…•…d the beginning of his raigne: And Trabesond, formerly an Im∣•…•…riall seate, now a small City seated upon the Euxine or black Sea, * 1.38 •…•…aving a reasonable good harbour, and where the grand signior •…•…aintaineth certaine Gallies to scoure these coasts: here is found •…•…great trade in summer for fish, which to me did much resemble •…•…e English herring, which they take upon this coast in good quan∣•…•…ty, and is by the inhabitants, who are for the most part Armeni∣•…•…s pickled and salted, and so preserved and sent into Caffa, Con∣•…•…antinople and other parts. Their manner of salting, and the mat∣•…•…er wherewith is likewise as strange; for the Countrey affording •…•…ot our common known bay salt, there is a Mountaine within * 1.39 •…•…me leagues of the City, out of which with ease they digge a •…•…one, to the eye appearing blacke and no way transparent; but •…•…eaten in marble morters with them in use, it becometh very •…•…hite, and is found to preserve all Meates aswell as salt de bay, and •…•…r merchandize is carryed thence to Constantinople and other •…•…ountries, and sold in the stone unbeaten by the Rotolo, Oache or •…•…intar.

In this Countrey did inhabit the Amazonian Viragoes, Pen∣•…•…esilea one of their Queenes, came with her troupes to assist the •…•…rojans, and long after Thalestris another of their Queenes came •…•…o Hyrcania to be Alexanders bedfellow, having now no memory extant of this feminine government.

CHAP. LII.

Of LICONIA, PISIDIA and ARME∣NIA minor.

IN Liconia is found the City of Iconium, the regall seate of the Aladine Saltans, the ruine of Lystra where Ti∣mothy * 1.40 was borne, and where Paul and Barnabas healing a criple were adored for Mercury and Iupiter.

In Pisidia was the famous battell fought betweene Cyrus and Artaxerxes, where Cyrus lost his life and the victory; and out of which Xenophon made that notable retreit with his Grecians, in despight of 20000. which followed him at the heeles.

In Armenia minor is seated the Mountaine Ararate, on whose * 1.41 toppe the Arke is said to rest after the deluge. And thus much shall serve to have said of Natolia which in generall for merchan∣dise doth yeeld these commodities, galles, carpets, oyles, wines, cottons, wools and cotton yarne, grograms, grograme yarne, sheep wools, hides r•…•… * 1.42 and salted, and dry Cordivants, aniseeds, goats wooll, soape, silke, comi•…•… seed, muscadins, cute, resins &c. and thus much in generall of Natolia, which ere I leave, a Word of Trapesond.

CHAP. LIII.

Of TRAPESOND and the Trade thereof.

TRapesond formerly the seat of an Empire, now a * 1.43 Province of the grand signior is inhabited by Jewes, and Greekes, but principally by Armenians; the coines are those common with all Turkey.

There is found in Trapesond in use two weights, one for spices, * 1.44 drugges and fine commodities, which is the same with the weight of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, which they here brought into use in their great trade into this City from Gallata Caffa and other places subject in those dayes to their government; the other for grosse commodities, is the Rotolo, 100 whereof is the Cantar, agreeing with that common Rotolo of Constantinople, vide there more.

Their common measure is a Pico agreeing neere with Constanti∣nople, * 1.45 making about 26½ inches English.

CHAP. LIIII.

Of SYRIA in generall and the parte thereof.

SYria hath on the East Euphrates, on the West the medi∣terranean Sea; on the South Palestine, on the North Si∣l•…•…cia, * 1.46 watered with Euphrates, which antiently passed through the garden of Eden; and having its sourse in the Mountaines of Armenia, running at this day by Euphrates. •…•…abylon or Bagdate, disgorgeth it selfe into the Persian Sea, and O∣•…•…tis which arising on Mount Libanus saluteth the walls of Silu∣•…•…, and disi•…•…bogeth in the mediterranean, and is divided into 3 Pro∣•…•…nces, viz. Phenicia, Celosyria and Sirophaenicia, of which in order.

CHAP. LV.

Of Phenicia and the Cities thereof.

IN Phoenicia is seated the City of Ptolemais, or Acr•…•…, * 1.47 or Acon, famous for so many Christian Armies that have in times past besieged it, and which like∣wise added fame to our Kings Richard ceur de lion, and Edward the first, in which place the Venetians and French have some trade for waxe, hides, corne, •…•…ke; and therefore following the observations made by them in •…•…atter of weights and measures, I find the same to be thus accorded.

CHAP. LVI.

Of Acria commonly S. •…•…ohn de Acria, and the Trade thereof.

ACria being seated in the bottome of the mediterrane∣an, and now strugling with its owne ruines, hath yet * 1.48 by reason of its small but commodious harbour some trade maintained by the French, but principally by Venetians; who in small vessels coast these parts, and pick up some of the Asian commodities out of these Villages and Townes bordering upon the Sea coasts, as both in this place, Tripoly, Sidon, &c. the agreements of their weights and measures observed by Venetians, I will insert.

The cantar of Acria commonly called by them the cantar Tam∣baran * 1.49 makes sotile in Venice 900 li. which produceth in Eng∣land 603 li.

Rotolo 1 makes sotle pounds in Venetia 9 li.

Braces 100 of cloth of gold and silke is in Acria 108 pic. Braces 100 * 1.50 of cloth woollen of Venetia is in Acria 115 Picos.

Their coines is generally the same with all the Dominions of * 1.51 the grand signior, which I shall declare coming to treate of Con∣stantinople the Metropolis of that Empire, and of Aleppo the princi∣pall City of trade in this Countrie, therefore shall not need here to insist further thereupon.

CHAP. LVII.

Of SIDON and the trade thereof.

SIDON is now limited within a narrower compasse * 1.52 than its antient bounds, commanded by the Emir or Prince of the Drusians, the offspring of Christians, but now hardly professing any religion at all; it i•…•… •…•…eated upon the same shore as Acria, and where the Fench and Venetians maintaine consulls, and is better knowne to us then Acria: and where by their means all westerne Christians finde 〈◊〉〈◊〉 reasonable favourable protection in their trade.

The Countrey doth principally abound in corne, which some * 1.53 yeeres is hence distributed and dispersed to Marselia, Lighor•…•… and other parts of Christendome, with galles, woolls, waxe, &c.

Their coynes are principally Rialls of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Spanish and Chicquins in * 1.54 gold, the Riall accounted for 72 aspers, and the chickquine 108 as∣pers, but the valuation alters according to the occasions of the state and course of traffique, therefore no great confidence can be given thereunto.

Their waights is the dram and Rotolo currant in these parts of * 1.55 Asia, 650 drams, making the Rotol. 4 li. 5½ ounces English.

Rotolo 100 is their cantar q^t 433⅓ li. English.

Rotolo 1 is accounted to make there also 12 ounces.

Rotolos 110 makes Rotolos 100 common in Aleppo.

Rotolos 115 makes Rotolos 100 common in Cyprus.

Their measures 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉———* 1.56

In this tract lies the place where Tyre was seated, now devou∣•…•… by the incroaching Sea, of whose ancient traffique see the 66 •…•…pter; and also Sarepta, where Elias who had formerly lived in •…•…ount Carmell nigh adjoyning, was sustained in a famine by a •…•…dow whose sonne he raised from death: other matters of con∣•…•…ence have not falne out within my reading hapned in this •…•…uit, therefore hence I will travaile to the next Province.

CHAP. LVIII.

Of Syrophoenicia and the Cities thereof.

SYrophoenicia hath beene better beautified with Cities than now it is, the warres of Princes and time hath * 1.57 given a period to many, of which Antioch was famous both for being the Metropolis of all Syria, and the place where the Disciples of our Saviour were first cal∣•…•… Christians, now nothing but the ruines to be seene upon those •…•…ge plaines, which doth lead from Alexandretra to Aleppo; it •…•…prehendeth the famous Citie of Baruti, which deserves a re∣•…•…d for the present trade thereof.

CHAP. LIX.

Of BARUTI, and the trade thereof.

BARVTI formerly called Iulia Felix, is a famous Mart Towne, yet much inferiour in trade to what it * 1.58 hath formerly beene; neere this towne is that noted Valley where it is said Saint George by killing of a Dragon delivered the Kings daughter, in memoriall •…•…ereof there was a Castle and Oratory here built and conse∣•…•…ed to him, and whose name it bore, whose ruines doe yet ap∣•…•…re, if the Inhabitants may be beleeved; it is now the common •…•…age for all those Caravans that travell from Aleppo, Damasco 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Ierusalem to Cairo and Mecca, and thereby made a place of •…•…t concourse of Merchants. It is subject to the grand Signior, * 1.59 〈◊〉〈◊〉 therefore his coynes in silver and gold are the currant coynes •…•…reof, partaking of those that are currant in the neighbouring •…•…untries, as all bordering Townes are found to be. The English •…•…ve no scale or residence here, but the Venetians who prie with •…•…re industrie into these parts, finde here a profitable traffique, •…•…erefore in the waights and measures thereof wee must sayle by •…•…eir observations.

The cantar containing 100 Rotolos of Baruti makes s•…•…tle Venetia * 1.60 waight 750 li. and of grosse 475. li. and of English 502 li. The Roto∣lo makes Venetia s•…•…le 7½ li. grosse 4 li. 9 ounces, English 5 li. the cantar or 100 Rotolos of Baruti is in Aleppo 96 Rotolos, the common waight and 90½ Rotolos of silke waight.

Measures of Baruti is the pico, 100 whereof makes in Venetia * 1.61 86 Braces, and the 100 Braces of Venetia of woolen cloth makes in Baruti 112 or 113 pico's, which is in England() yards.

The Towne of Amano lieth also in this Syrophoenicia, and is * 1.62 found to be a Towne of great trade and confluence of Merchants of Arabia, Persia, and Turkie; but because I finde the waights and measures thereof to accord with the same that are found in use in Aleppo, and their coynes the common currant coynes of Turkie, I shall referre the Reader to Aleppo, and the trade thereof.

CHAP. LX.

Of CELOSYRIA and the Cities thereof.

CELOSYRIA doth not now affoord many Cities * 1.63 of note, Hieropolis was here famous for the Temple and worship of the Syrian goddesse; but now Damas∣cus is the principall scale and City of this Province, which requires for the trade thereof a longer dis∣course, than my information can guide me, how ever what I have gathered I shall here willingly insert.

CHAP. LXI.

Of DAMASCUS and the Trade thereof.

DAMASCUS is so pleasantly seated, that the impo∣stor * 1.64 Mahomet would never enter into it, least forget∣ting by the ravishing pleasures of the place, the bu∣sinesse (as he said) he was sent for, and make this his Paradise; it is seated in a very fruitfull soyle, bea∣ring grapes all the yeare long, and girt with curious and odorife∣rous Gardens; being also famous, first, for her founders, who were Abrahams servants; secondly, for the Temple of Zacharias; and thirdly, for the conversion of Paul, who here first preached, and escaping the traps of his enemies, was let downe the walles of the house by a basket. And in matter of trade it still continueth a place

where all commodities of Turkie, Arabia, and India are brought in∣•…•… where Caravans of th•…•…se Nations doe passe through, going 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Constantinople, Bagdat, and Aleppo, to Aegypt, Mecha or India, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 so againe backe.

The currant coynes of this Citie is those common with all Syria, * 1.65 •…•…ppo being the principall, where you may see further for the •…•…eys of the place.

The Damasco cantar is in Venetia sotile 600 li. grosse 380. li. which * 1.66 •…•…aberdepois 402 li. yet observed to make in some commodities •…•…6 li. English, so that by the said Venetian calculation which I •…•…e by (because of their residence there, and their great traf∣•…•…e thither) 100 li. grosse Venetia should render 26⅓ Rotolos, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 100 li. sotile 16⅔ Rotolos Damascino Rotolo. 1. makes Venice sotile 〈◊〉〈◊〉 grosse 3 li. 9⅓ ounces; Peso 100 Damascino are 〈◊〉〈◊〉 66 〈◊〉〈◊〉 so∣•…•… Venice 1 li. metallichi 100 damas: gives in Venetia silver waight •…•…¼ ounces; Killats 100 Damasco gives silver waight in Venetia 90 〈◊〉〈◊〉: Killats 100 damasco gives by spice waight in Venetia 106 〈◊〉〈◊〉: •…•…tar 7½ of damasco gives in Rhodes cantar one, cantar one damasco •…•…es in Genoa 550 li.

Measures of length is the pico, which is accounted about 27 〈◊〉〈◊〉, * 1.67 agreeing thus with other places.

Pico 100 damasco, makes Venetia measure of cloth 87 brac; makes in Genoa 24 Canes of 10 palmes every Cane. makes in Flor•…•…ce •…•…4 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Canes.

Braces 100 of cloth in Venetia gives here 11•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 100 of silke Venetia gives here 106 pic•…•….

Pico one Damasco make scarsly ⅞ Brace of Venetia.

The commodities comming hence are cottons of Syria, Saffron, * 1.68 •…•…le, excellent blades for swords and knives, wrought and raw silkes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the growth of this Countrie, oyle, •…•…oney, wax, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Almonds, •…•…es, some drugges, rice, which here are noted plentifull, besides 〈◊〉〈◊〉 commodities here found and hither brought from other Re∣•…•…ns, which I need not here nominate.

There is used in Damascus in the buying and selling of divers * 1.69 •…•…modities a certaine Tare and allowance to be given, over and a∣•…•…e the weight, from the buyer to the seller, most especially •…•…actised in bargaines of spices and drugges, which as I find them •…•…served by others, I thinke good here to shew; as in

Ginger	5 per cent. 105 Rot.	Myrrhe	5 per cent. 105 Rot.
Maces	5 per cent. 105	Sugar candid	5 per cent. 105 Ro.
Cinamon	5 per cent. 105	Wor•…•…seed	5 per cent. 105 Rot.
Cloves	5 per cent. 105	Zedoaria	5 per cent. 105
Indico	5 per cent. 105	Spiknard	5 per cent. 105

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Gallingall	5 per cent. 105	Mirabolans	5 per cent. 105
Nutmeggs	5 per cent. 105	Aloes epatica	5 per cent. 105
Lacke	5 per cent. 105	Cardamom	5 per cent. 105
Long pepper	5 per cent. 105	Turbit	5 per cent. 105
Cutchenele	5 per cent. 105	Silke	10 per cent. 110
Greeneginger	0 per cent. 000	Ambergreece	10 per cent. 110
Sugars	0 per cent. 000	And many others which the Merchant must learne.

All these commodities are found to have these certaine Tares, besides the bagges, canisters, boxes, churles, and the like, by the cu∣stome and practise of the place, and for as much as this Citie is an inland Towne, wherein a Bashaw is found to command for the grand Signior; there is here a custome imposed upon all goods en∣tring and issuing to forrainers and Merchant strangers 3⅓ per cent. which is payd in money and not in the same species, according to the customes of Alexandria before specified.

And to conclude the trade of this place, I will insert an old ob∣servation * 1.70 falne into my hands, made upon the waights here and the agreement therof with other Countries, the certaintie where∣of I will referre to triall.

The cantar of Damasco making as I said before 100 Rotolos, makes in

The cantar of Damasco by obser∣vatiō hath made in

• Alexandria 428 Rot. forfori.
• Constantinople 341 Rot.
• Venice sotil: 600 li.
• Ditto gross: 380 li.
• Ancona - 517 li.
• Florence—525 li.
• Rhagusa—500 li.
• Naples—566 li.
• Sicilia—576 li.
• Idem—203⅔ Rot.
• Millan - 552 li.
• Genoa—570 li.
• Valentia - 400 li.

The Rot. Damas: is

• in Valentia 4 li. 11½ ounces, and 1 li. Ual. is 120 drams. * 1.71
• in Genoa 5 li. 8½ ounces, - 1 li. Genoa is 105 dra: here.
• in Millan 56¼ ounces, - 1 li. Millan is 208 drams.
• in Sicilia 59 ounces.
• in Naples 5 li. 6 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ounces, - and 1 li. Naples is
• in Rhagusa 5 li. - and 1 li. Rhagusa.
• in Florence 5 li. 3 ounces, - and 1 li. Florence is 112 dr.

The truth of these observations I must leave to the tryall of the more expert, and give you a touch, what I have gathered in the matter of agreement of measures of length.

100 Braces of cloth in Florence have made in Damasco 99 picos. * 1.72

100 pico of Damasco have made in Naples 28½ canes.

100 pocos of Damasco have made in Sicilia 28¾ canes.

100 picos of Damasco hath made in Millan 87 braces.

10 Canes of silke in Genoa hath made in Damasco 37½ pico.

100 pico of Damascus have made in Venice of cloth 87 braces.

100 braces of Venice silke have made in Damasco 106½ picos.

And for as much as the English, French, and Dutch are not found at present to have any trade hither, and that the Venetians are the onely westerne Christian Merchants that here reside, and have here a Consull for the protection of them and their trade & goods, it will fit me best to borrow some of their observations, and ob∣serve the trade they now drive to this Citie.

The commodities which the Venetians then carie hither for mer∣chandize, * 1.73 are woolen clothes, honey, almonds, tynne, quick-silver, leade, lattin wier, iron wier, lattin plates, brimston, allom, wax, mastique, cor∣rall, saffron, Flemish beades and bracelets, crystall looking glasses, linnen of divers sorts, course canvas, some few furres, sugars of Cyprus, wri∣ting paper, velvets, taffeta's, damaskes and sattins, some Norimberge wares, corrall, beads, and many such European commodities.

The commodities that they finde here to make returnes of, are these, Raw silke of this Countries growth, and of Persia Ardasse and lege, Belledine, Tripoli, Bodovin, Baias and others; also some spices and some drugges, as Ginger, Cloves, Maces, Sandoll, Incense, Myrrhe, Nutmegs, Indico, Gallingall, long Pepper, Mirabolans, Ar∣moniac, Aloes Epatica, Cardamon, Turbit, sanguis dragonis, Sugar can∣did, Wormseed, Zedoaria, Spignard, Cynamon, Tutia, Cottons, and some cotton yarne, Benjamin, Assafetida, Manna, Camphir, Cassia, and the like, of which some are found to be sold by the cantar of Da∣masco, and some by the Rotolo: also observe

That Muske, Ambergreece and pearle is sold by the metalico, which is 1½ dram, and Sivet is sold by a weight called Ongia, being 10 drams, which makes 6⅔ metalicos, which makes sotile in Venice 1 ounce 1 sacc: and 5 caratts.

The Rotolo is accounted here 600 drams, but lege and ardasse is here sold by a Rotolo of 680 drams, which is 7 li. sotile Venice, but Damasco silke and all silke of the growth of the Countrie is sold by the Rotolo of the place of 600 drams.

These notes the Venetians have made upon their weights and measures.

1 Cantar Damasco is sotile Venice 600 li. and grosse 380 li.

1 Rot: Damasco is sotile 6 li. and grosse 3 li. 9½ ounces.

100 Drams Damasco is 66½ metigall sotile Venice 1 li. and of the silver weight in Venice 10 ounces ¼ and 5 Caratts.

100 Drams makes silver weight in Venice 12 Marc. 6 ounces & ½.

100 Mitigal Damasco is in Venice 15¼ ounces and 5 Caratts.

100 Carat damasco is silver weight in Venice 91 Carat.

1½ dram damascin is 24 carat damascin, the which 24 carat is one Miticall damascino. Againe è contra

The 1000 li. grosse in Venice makes in Damasco 263⅓ Rotolos.

The 1000 li. sotile in Venice is in damasco 166⅔ Rotolos.

So that the 100 li. grosse is 26⅓ Rotol. damascine, and the 100 li. sotile is 16 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Rotol. damascine.

As for the measure of Damasco, there is but one here in use, and * 1.74 is common to all commodities, both linnen, silke, and woolen, which is the pico, which by the calculation of the Venetians I finde thus, 100 pico in Damasco is in Venice cloth measure braces 87, thereby 〈◊〉〈◊〉 estimating the said pico to be almost ⅞ of brace Venetian.

100 Braces of cloth in Venice make in Damasco 111 in 112 pico.

100 Braces of silke in Venice makes in Damasco 106 in 107 pico; and how they agree with the measures of England and other pla∣ces I have shewed before, therefore leaving Damasco trade to the judgement of the better experienced, and finding the Caravan of Aleppo ready to depart, I am called thither, where by the way ob∣serving some reliques not here worth mentioning, and where ar∣riving you shall finde in the next leafe what I have there observed in the matter and manner of the trade thereof.

CHAP. LXII.

Of Aleppo, and the Trade thereof.

ALeppo, called in the 2. Sam. 8. 3. Aram sobab, is now * 1.75 the most famous Citie in all the grand Signiors Domi∣nions, for the wonderfull confluence of Merchants of all Nations and Countries, that come hither to traffi•…•…e: It is pleasantly seated upon a Plaine, in the midst whereof doth rise a small hill, whereupon is built a strong Castle that commands the whole Citie; it hath in it many Canes for lodgings and warehouses for Merchants, which resembling small Forts being shut with iron gates, defend the Merchants, and their goods from all wrong or theft; their streets are shut with dores every night at each end, in the manner of Cairo, and there∣by every street becomes a defensible place by it selfe.

There are of all Easterne, Southerne, and Westerne Nations Mer∣chants found therein, many of which injoy severall immunities and priviledges, granted them by their particul•…•… •…•…lations from the grand Signior who is Lord hereof: the English, Venetians, and French, are found to be great Traders hither, each bringing hi∣ther their native commodities, & here exchange them for Arabian,

Persian and Indian drugges, jems, spices, and such like commodities, •…•…ongst which the English are most eminent, by reason that they •…•…t onely furnish this Citie with the native commodities of En∣•…•…and; but also with such as come to them from India and Persia 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Sea, and which in former dayes were from hence brought in∣•…•… England.

This Citie is seated about 100 English miles from the Sea, A∣•…•…ndretta or Scanderone being the Sea Port and Road whereto * 1.76 •…•…ll shipping, either out of the Ocean or Mediteranean come to •…•…de and unlade their goods, and are hence transported by Ca∣•…•…els to Aleppo; which scale was formerly in Tripoli, which is a •…•…ore commodious Port, and neerer in distance; but the way be∣•…•…g found more craggy, rugged, and dangerous, by reason of the •…•…solencie of the Arabians, it was by all Christians disused, and •…•…y consent the same was heere setled.

The commodities which are found in this Citie, are commonly * 1.77 •…•…ll the commodities of Asia and Africa, as spices of all sorts, drugs •…•…f all sorts, silkes of Persia, jems of India, spices of Arabia, and the •…•…ommon commodities proper to the Countrey, as Grograms, gro∣gram yarne, galles, Cottons, and cotton yarne, silke of Tripoli, Bacai, Be∣dovine, and Damasco, and other sorts in great quantitie.

The Weights used here in particular, is the dra•…•… and Rotolo, as in * 1.78 most parts of Turkey; but the Rotolo is found in many commodi∣ties to differ in drams, according to the custome in weight of the place and commoditie.

The Cantar is also found to disagree in Rotolo, according to the common and usuall weight of commodities, which I will declare thereby to shew first how they accord with England and other places of trrade, and then how they agree amongst themselve•…•…:

And first silke of Persia is sold by the wesno, which is 30 ne•…•…her, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ne•…•…her is 120 grains, and every graine is 30 drams, by which accompt the wesno amounts •…•…o 3600 drams, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 make a cole.

But the common weight better knowne to us is the Rotolo, which of ardesse and lege is 680 drams, of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 700 drams, and so changing in other sorts of commodities, which the Factor is to take notice of.

The Rotolo is also divided into 12 ounces, and ounce 1 is drams 60, drams 3600 is accounted a wesno.

Drams 2400 is a botman, which is the weight by which silke is sold in Constantinople, and makes there 6 oakes.

Cantar 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is Rotolos 100, making neere 481 li. haberdepois.

Rotolo 1 is haberdepois 4, 13 ounces accounted and found some∣times 4 li. 14 ounces; so that 112 li. haberdepois, is found hereby to be Rotolos 22, ounces 8.

Rotolos 100 common weight, is 494 li. 8 ounces haberdepois which is above 4 li. 15 ounces, and so is sometimes found to produce in some commodities.

A wesno of silver is 100 drams, which is 68 lire of Venetia, and it is found that 11 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 full weight, makes a wesno of silver heere.

Silver, gold, jems, &c, are sold by the mitigall, which is 1½ drams, which is carat 24 English, or grains 96.

Wesno's of Aleppo are in buying of silke thus reduced into Ro∣tolos * 1.79 and drams following.

Wesno 1 is Rotolos 5 drams 200.

5	26	320
10	52	650
20	105	600
30	158	560
40	•…•…11	520
50	264	480
60	317	440
70	370	400
80	423	360
90	476	320
100	529	280

Which may bee inlarged to a greater number, having pur∣posely heere inserted the same for the benefit of the ignorant, and learner.

Now for asmuch as the Venetians have beene accounted the first Christian Traders into this Citie, let us observe the agreements * 1.80 in weights of this place and Venetia.

Cantar 1 makes sotile Venetia 720 li. gross. 456 li. which this way reduced to English weight, is 482 li. haberdepois.

Rotol. 1 Venetia sotile li. 7, ounces 2, sache 2 2/4 gross. li. 4, ounce. 6¾.

Grosse Venetia 1000 li. i•…•… i•…•… Aleppo cantar 2, Rot. 19.

Solite Venetia 1000 li. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in Aleppo, cantar 1, Rot. 40; so that 100 li. gross. is Rotol. 21 & 100 li. •…•…ile is 14 Rotolos.

Cantar 1 hath produced in Florence 660 li.

Now it will be necessary to note some observations vpon com∣modities weighed in Aleppo, with the •…•…res and allowances by * 1.81 custome of the place given to the buyer.

All sorts of Indico is sold by the C•…•…le, which is 27½ Rotolo of 720 drams, churles 2, makes a chest, allowing in accompt 327 li. to * 1.82 a churle of neat Indico, and there is allowed to the buyer 3 ounces per churle for dust, and 3 ounces for single shire, and 6 ounces for double.

Silke of all sorts hath allowance for heads of skeins if course, * 1.83 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in 130 drams per wesno; if fine 60 drams notwithstanding.

Muske being bought by the mitigall, out of the Cod gives no al∣•…•…wance, * 1.84 in the Cod 20 per cent.

Druggs of the growth of this Countrey, are sold by the Rotolo * 1.85 〈◊〉〈◊〉 720 drams, and payes no custome; but of the growth of forreign •…•…rts, by Rotolo of 600 drams, and payes great custome, as are •…•…mphire, aloes, Socotrina.

Silke also of these Countries as Damascus, Tripoli, Bacas, gives * 1.86 •…•…o allowance in tare being cleane silke.

Oppion is sold drams 110 for 100 drams, the 10 drams being al∣•…•…wed for tare in that commoditie.

Spices of all sorts are sold by the Rotolo of 720 drams, and if the * 1.87 •…•…me be ungarbled, the allowance is 132 for 100; but if garbled, •…•…10 for 100 notwithstanding, as in cloves, maces, cynamon, &c.

Galls have allowance for dust 2 per cent. and briefly observe * 1.88 •…•…ese commodities give these tares to the buyer, Aloes epaticum with •…•…e skin, and aloes socotrina, asaphetida with the skin, Bedillio gives •…•…0 in. 120: Cinamon, Cubebus, Casa fistula, Oculus Inde, Galbanum, * 1.89 Maces, Oppion, Rubarb, Manna, &c. 10 per 100; Camphora, Lig∣•…•…um Aloes, Nutmegs, &c. 5 per 105.

Note, that forasmuch as no English Merchants are permitted •…•…o trade into Turkey but the levant company, and that this company •…•…re incorporated by especiall priviledges in London by the favour of his Majestie of England, the orders of that companie by the tra∣ders hither to other the Ports of Turkey is to bee observed, accor∣ding to their established acts and ordinances, whereto I referre the inquirer for further information.

The Coines currant of Aleppo is the same common with all the * 1.90 dominions of the great Turke; the passable here is

The Soltanie is medines 80, aspers 120, sh. 16.

The Lion doller, med. 50, asp. 80, sh. 10.

The Duccat, med. 40, asp. 60, sh. 7½.

Rialls of 8/8 have passed 6½ per cent. better then lyon dollers, and 1½ ℞. 8/8 hath passed for a soltanie: but this rule holds not in these dayes, for the warres and troubles of that Country have altered these observations.

Shes. 1 is medin. 5⅓, or aspers 8, and the med. 1 〈◊〉〈◊〉 shes.

But these rules following are more certaine and found true.

℞. 8/8 is found to weigh 424 grains the single Rot. 26½ gr.

The Crowne or single pistolet found to weigh 53 grains.

The Solianie, hungar, or chequine to weigh 54 graines.

And the Mitigall is found to weigh 72 graines.

Their accounts are kept as by a common consent throughout * 1.91 the principall places of traffique in Turkey in dollors and aspers; the dollor containing 80 as. at what rate otherwise soever the

same doe passe amongst all Christians that are Merchants, and here resident; yet it is found that the account of the Countrey (as pro∣per to the revenewes and treasure of the grand signior, and practi∣sed by the receivers of his estate) is kept in aspers, wherein they account to thousands, ten thousand and hundred thousand aspers, and so by a cargo or loade of aspers which they account to be 100 thousand aspers, and at 80 aspers per dol. amount to 1250 dollers, o•…•… 312 li. 10 shil. starling.

There is found in Aleppo but one measure or pico which is 27 * 1.92 inches English or ¾ of a yard, and is the same for linen and woollen, and doth agree with the Venetian brace, used there in cloth of gold and silke; and the 100 braces of cloth in Venetia is found to render here 106 picos.

There is also a pico found for grograms, chamblets and Moheres, but this is the proper pico of Angera the staple of that commodity, and is found to be but 2 inches English incirca lesse, as I have more at large noted in that place.

As for the customes of this place they are as in Constantinople, for the English nation 3 per cent. with some innovations crept i•…•… * 1.93 by the corruption of customers and forraigners which here are found to be Jewes; and which in this point are loath to derogate from the common manner of almost all customers and forraigners in the World: but the last agreement between Mustafa, Aga the customer and the consul of the English was thus,

• Kerfies rated at medines 14 〈◊〉〈◊〉 per piece, at 3 per cent.
• Broad clothes rated at medines 120 per cloth at 3 per cent.
• Co•…•…e skins the bundle 50 skins at 14 dol.
• Tynne rated at 55 Rot. per chest and 3•…•… dol. is 157½ dol.
• Indico at medines 587 per chest.
• Galles at 12 dol. per Rot.
• Silke at medins 6 per Rot.
• Grograms the balle at 33 dol.
• Fillades per quintall at 33 dol.
• Cotton wool per cent—33 dol.
• Quilts at 50 dol. per ball.
• Botanos at ball 80 dol.
• Cordovants at ball 8 dol.
• Turmericke at medins 80 per Rot.
• Gumdragan•…•… at ball 60 dol.

Note that all spice as nut•…•…egges, cloves, mace and Cynamon payes 21 per cent. but to be rated at 14 per cent. lesse then the same cost as being commodities of India properly,

• Nut•…•…egges valued at medines—60.
• Cloves per Rot. at—160.
• Maces per Rot. at—220.
• ...

• Cynamon per Rotolo at—90

Pepper owes but halfe custome, and therefore rate it at ½ lesse •…•…hen it cost, and then pay 21 per cent.

Before I leave this place, it will be needfull that I doe more * 1.94 •…•…articularly survey the body of the great trade which is deen ex∣•…•…rcised here at this day; and first for the trade of the English as the most eminent, it is found that this place doth yearely vent about •…•…6000 English clothes of severall sorts, about 600 quintalls of tynne, some furres, kerfies and other English commodities, besides 100 * 1.95 thousand rialls of 8/8 brought yearely hither by them in ready mo∣•…•…eys to be invested in raw silke, drugges, and other commodities of this Countrey: they have here to this end a consull, who is intitu∣•…•…ed of Syria and Cyprus, who hath here the preheminence of all o∣ther Christian consulls resident; and in returnes of this estate carry •…•…ence great quantity of raw Persia silke termed and knowne to us by the name of Ardasse and Lege, and also Bedovin Castravan, Bele∣•…•…in, Baias, and other sort of the growth of this Countrey; also they carry hence great quantities of galls of Tocat, some drugges of Arabia, great quantity of grogram yarne and grograms, cottons and cotton yarne, and other commodities of this place, which investments were formerly in a large nature in drugges, spices and Iems, which •…•…ow the English furnish themselves at the first •…•…and from In∣dia, &c. and though otherwise thus their returnes are thereby shortned, yet having a greater part of their returnes in these sorts of silkes above said, it hath herein found a faire inlargement for the abatement made in spices. The scale of this City is Alexan∣dretta as I noted before, commonly Scanderone, whereto all ships * 1.96 come that have businesse hither; and here likewise the English have a factorie intituled a vice consull for the effecting and preser∣vation of their affaires here, and for the landing or lading of all goods coming in or going out from this City; and where also to the same end the Venetians and French have likewise their par∣ticular vice consulls to manage the publike trade of their severall Nations.

The Venetians I account the next Merchants of consequence * 1.97 here resident, who bring hither great quantity of cloths Venice making, and others of severall sorts, some Germaine commodities, as lattin plates, wier, shaven lattin, steele, iron, silkes wrought, as sattins, damasces, velvets, taffetas, paper, and some ri•…•…lls of eight and Ue∣netian chiequens in gold, with crystall looking glasses, quicksilver and o∣ther commodities. And hence in returnes thereof export silkes raw of all sorts, cotton wooll and cotton yarne, grograms, moheires, chamb∣lets, sundry sorts of drugges, spices, jems, and galls, indico and other such.

The French are the next of note that trade hither, having to * 1.98 that end also a consull in Aleppo, and a vice consull in Alexandretia, and who carry hither some few clothes of Languedocke, and of

rialls of plate a great quantity, which every small Barke is found to bring hither from Marselia the onely French port hither tra∣ding, in return whereof they used some yeeres past to carry hence abundance of raw silke of all sorts, to the imports sometimes of 600 in 800 bales upon a vessell: but this their trade by sundry losses occasioned is now decayed, and their shippes are onely laden with galles, cotton woolls, cotton yarne, grograms, some drugges, spices, calli∣coes, and such.

These are then the onely 3 Christian nations that have any trade of moment here, the trade driven here by the Dutch not worthy consideration; besides which this Town is found to be the great magazin of all Persia, India and Arabia commodities; the Mer∣chants whereof come hither in great troopes and caravans, with their Camels laden with the rich wares of those severall Coun∣tries, and make their returnes in the commodities of Europe above∣named, which they buy and barter with the English, French and Venetians, which here have their residence as aforesaid. To con∣clude then the trade of this place, and to omit nothing that I have judged proper for the demonstration thereof, I will insert the observations made here by experience in the weights and measures of this place, with the weights and measures of some other places of trade in the elevante.

It is before noted that in Aleppo there is but one quintar ac∣counted * 1.99 as the common cantar of the place, by which all commo∣dities are both bought and sold; yet it is to be noted withall, that from this quintar is many other cantars derived, varying accor∣ding to the custome practised in the weight of some speciall commo∣dities, as I have before likewise noted: now this cantar consisteth of 100 Rotolos; the common Rotolo here which is also accounted 600 drams, though as I have there observed, severall commodities are weighed by a severall Rotolo, some consisting of 600, some 680, some 700, and some 720 drams: therefore to explaine this point it hath been observed that the common cantar of Aleppo containing 100 Rotolos, and each Rotolo containing 600 drams have made in these Countries following:

The 100 Rotolo of 680 drammes is

• In Naples—633 li.—6 li. 8 ounces.
• Uenetia sotile—720 li.—7 li. 2 ounces 2⅖ sach.
• Uenetia grosse-456 li.—4 li. 9¾ oun.
• Florence—626 li.—6 li. 3⅛ oun.
• Gotile sotile—624 li.—6 li. 10 oun.
• Sicilia—691 li.—6 li. 10 〈◊〉〈◊〉 oun.
• Millan—662 li.—6 li. 7½ ounces.

I have noted the measure here in generall for all commodities to * 1.100 be the pico in Cloth, the 100 picoes hath beene found thus to con∣cord with other Countries.

• 100 pico have made in Uenice cloth—94 braces.
• In Uenice silke—100 braces.
• ...In •…•…lorence—107½ braces.
• In Genoa—28½ Canes.
• In Millan—81 braces.
• Sicilia—31 Canes 1 palme.

And thus much is what I conceive needfull to have 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…∣ning the trade of this famous City of Aleppo.

CHAP. LXIII.

Of TRIPOLIS and the Trade thereof.

THE next and last of note in this Countrey is Tripolis, * 1.101 and to distinguish it from that in Barbary common∣ly called (in Syria) it hath in former times been a faire Towne, and injoyed a faire and commodious harbour; now ruin'd, and hath (as I said before) of late dayes been accounted for the Port and Scale of Aleppo, where our Shippes ever la•…•…ed •…•…nd unladen, but since their remo∣vall to Scanderone it is of little commerce: some Venetians are here found to reside, and who picke out hence some small wade with the inhabitants of the Countrey, who afford•…•… them silke •…•…re growing, some cotton yarne and cotton wooll, some drugges, corne and other commodities.

Their weight agrees with that of Damasco, which is Rotolo 100 & is a C•…•…ntar d•…•…scino, which is Venetia sotile li. 600, grosse 380 li. * 1.102 which this way should be English li. 402. but it hath been found to yeeld 416 li haberdepois, drams 52 is an ounce.

Ounces 12 is a Rotolo which hath been found to be 4 li. 2 ounc. of haberdepois, and ounces 8 is an oake, which hath been observed to make out 42¾ li. haberdepois.

Their measure being a Pico is somewhat lesse then 27 inches * 1.103 English.

Their moneys is generally the same with all Turkey, but thus ac∣counted—* 1.104

• Aspers 2 is a medin.
• Aspers 40 is ¼ Rot. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• Aspers 160 is a Rot. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• Aspers 140. is a dollor lion.
• Aspers 240 is a sultany.

And thus much shall serve for Tripoly in Syria.

CHAP. LXIV.

Of PALESTINE and the Cities thereof.

THE next Countrey in order is Palestina, having on * 1.105 the East Euphrates, on the West the Mediterranean Sea; on the North Phenicia, and on the South Ara∣bia; this Countrey hath so often changed its name that it hath bin called by 6 severall names, 1 Canaan, 2 the land of promise, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Israel, 4 Iudea, 5 Palestina, and lastly the holy land; and now divided into 4 parts, Galilea, Iudea, Idumea and Samaria.

In Galilea is not found any City either of note nor trading, * 1.106 though in times past it was famous for many, as Bethsaida the birth place of Peter, Andrew and Philip; and Nazareth second to none, where the Virgin Mary was saluted with those joyfull tydings by an Angell: in this Countrey ariseth the two spring heads of Iord•…•…, Ior and Dan, of which two that united River doth derive * 1.107 its name.

Neither doth Samaria now afford any City of commerce, though many notable places were there found in the flourishing dayes of * 1.108 the Israelites.

Idumea is also destitute of trading, though it have the commo∣dious Sea Por•…•… I•…•…ppa in it, where our Westerne Pilgrims are seen * 1.109 to land and foot it to Ierusalem; where also in times past Ionah took shipping to fly to Tarsus, and where Peter lying in the house of one Simon a Tanner, was in a vision taught the conversion of the Gentiles: here also was Gasa where the Persians did hord up in the greatnes of their Empire the customes and tributes of their westerne dominions: take what I finde in trade here worthy ob∣servation.

CHAP. LXV.

Of Gasa and the Trade thereof.

GASA hath beene more famous and beautifull then * 1.110 now it is, and renowned through Europe both for a good Sea Port and a good defence to the westerne Christians in their warres here against the Saladin and Soldans of Aegypt, and for a good seate of trade; but all these good things were too good for those Nations that

have since beene Masters thereof: for the goodnesse of the Port is •…•…oyled by rubbish, the goodnes of the walles ruin'd by the wars, •…•…d the goodnes of the scale in trade decayed by the neighbou∣•…•…g Townes scituated upon this coast. It is seated in the bot∣•…•…me of all the mediterranean Sea, and sees yet a little trade by the •…•…nefit of a creeke capable to receive small vessels, wherein the •…•…enetians and French picke out some trade with their ready mo∣•…•…ey: it is a station common to those caravans that by land travell •…•…om Damasco, Aleppo or Constantinople to Ca•…•…o, and so backe 〈◊〉〈◊〉; and these caravans keeping their setled times of progresse •…•…d regresse, are the cause of some traffique here maintained: the •…•…arrennesse of the neighbouring deser•…•…s drive som•…•… hither to in∣•…•…bit, which makes the Towne to be better peopl•…•… then other∣•…•…ise it happily would be, thereby inlarging the commerce of the •…•…lace. What observations therein I have learned I must acknow∣•…•…dge due to the indeavours of a Venetian Merchant who much •…•…equented these parts, which is The commodities of this City are * 1.111 •…•…ose proper of the Countrey, and as the place partaketh as a con∣•…•…e Towne of Aegypt and Iudea, so it must be understood that it •…•…oth participate of the commodities for merch 〈◊〉〈◊〉 proper to •…•…oth of them, as cottons, cotton yarne, silks, some drugges, some spices, •…•…nd the like.

The coines here currant I need not nominate, neither yet the * 1.112 manner of keeping of Merchants accounts here; for as seated in the dominions of the grand signior; the coines and accounts are the same common with Constantinople and other parts of Turkey.

The weight of Gasa is found to be onely one, composed of the * 1.113 Rotolo, and 100 Rotolos making their cantar; which cantar by the said observations make in Venetia 800 li. sotile, and the 1000 li. gro. •…•…n Venetia hath made here 191 Rot. and the 1000 li. sotile Venetia hath made here 125 Rotolos: but because I find a Country man of our owne to have made a differing observation from this in the point of weight, which is, that the cantar of Gasa will make in Lon∣don 536 li. haberdepois; I will leave the experiment to that hand that shall have cause to make a further tryall.

CHAP. LXVI.

Of TYRUS, and the ancient Trade thereof.

TYRUS lieth also in this Tract, or to say more pro∣perly and more truely did once lie in this Tract, * 1.114 which for its great splendor in traffique in time past deserveth here the commemoration thereof▪ which I will insert as I find it noted by the Pro∣phet Ezech•…•… in chap. 26 and 27; the greatnesse and amplitude o•…•… which trade now ruind and altogether desolate, serving for ex∣ample to all eminent Cities of traffique, that the Merchants Inha∣bitants of those places forget not GOD the giver of that plenty and aboundance; nor yet abuse the same to their own destruction▪ as is shewd there it was to the Tyrians. Tyrus then in the heig•…•… of its greatnesse is recorded to have a very great trade, and so large that it served for a generall mart to all the World, and that all Nations were furnished with their merchandize and commodities thence, which wonderfully inriched the City and increased the power of the citizens; so that she is there termed the strong and re∣nowned City of the Sea, and which was mightily inhabited by Se•…•… men and Merchants, whose power and greatnesse in Navigation and trade is described by many particulars in that Chapter; as first that her Ship timber was of the Firre trees of Hermon hill, and the Masts thereof was of cedar, and brought from Libanon, and the Oares thereof were of the oakes of Bashan; the Sailes thereof was fine imbroidered linen brought from Aegypt, and the covering•…•… (or as Sea-men terme it their awneings) were of blew silke and purple, brought from the Iles of Elishah: their mariners were the Inhabitants of Sidon and Arvad, and their Ship-masters and Pi∣lots were the wisest of the City, and their Carpenters, shipwrights and Calkers were the ancients of Gebal, and the wise men thereof; and all the Shippes of the Sea with their Mariners negotiated in her in the traffique of merchandize. Now those that traded hither and were the Merchants thereof, and the commodities for which they traded is also recorded there, for the Merchants of Tarshish brought hither to the Faires all rich commodities, as silver, iron, tynne, lead: The Merchants of Grecia, Italy and Cappadocia furni∣shed it with slaves for labour, and with all manner of vessells of brasse. The Merchants of Togarmah brought hither to her Marts Horses and Mules for carriage. The Merchants of Dedan brought Unicornes hornes and Elephants teeth. The Merchants of Aram brought to her Faires emerald, corall, pearles, fine linen, and pur∣ple

imbroidered workes. The Merchants of Israel brought honey, •…•…lme, oyle and wheate. The Merchants of Damasco brought wines, •…•…ols, and multitude of other rich wares. The Merchants of Dan •…•…d Iavan brought iron worke, cassia, calamus. The Merchants of •…•…rabia furnished it with cattell. Of Sheba and Ramah with spices •…•…d precious stones and gold: and to conclude, all the nations of •…•…ose regions were accounted the Merchants that did traffique •…•…ither with all the riches of their severall Countries, and furni∣•…•…ed the same with the best of their Sea-men, and the principall of •…•…eir Ships for navigation: but the Holy Prophet in liew of their •…•…en greatnesse, prophesied their future miserie; instead of their •…•…en riches prophesied their future poverty, which is there recor∣•…•…ed to have fallen deservedly upon this City and their inhabitants •…•…r glorying in their owne strength and opulence, and for deri∣•…•…ing of the holy City of Ierusalem, by rejoycing at the visitation •…•…nd fall which GOD had beene pleased to afflict her withall; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that many yeeres past the said prophesie hath bin in her fulfilled, •…•…s now we see it in these daies to be; for many nations hath •…•…sen up against it, and the waves of the Seas hath devoured it; the •…•…iches thereof are robbed, and the merchandize thereof are spoy∣•…•…ed: the nations that have knowne the splendor of it are risen up •…•…n astonishment at it, the waters hath covered it, and in fine the •…•…ame is brought to nothing, and shall never hereafter have a bee∣•…•…ng, which is fully accomplished in every particular: therefore •…•…et each flourishing City of trade, and every Merchant exercising •…•…raffique take warning by their ruine and desolation, and by their •…•…ust and faithfull dealing and upright conversation indeavour to divert the wrath of GOD from the Cities of their habitations; and having the sinne of the Tyrians ever in remembrance, they may thereby hope to avoyd their punishment.

Now as for the Countrey of Iudea, I find not that it affords any eminent City of trade in these our dayes, though otherwise it be famous in Scripture in times past, both for the City of Bethleem, where our Saviour CHRIST was borne, and where it was found the innocents did suffer for him ere he suffered for them; and also for the City of Ierico, destroyed by the sounding of rammes hornes; * 1.115 and lastly for Ierusalem the City of the Lord, built by Melchisedec Prince and Priest of Salem, in the Countrey of the Jebusites; but * 1.116 since that time having been layen wast divers times, and having againe found new reedifiers, is now of little consequence: here was that most magnificent Temple built by Solomon, and the fa∣mous Temple of the Sepulchre built by Helena daughter to Coilus a Brittish King, and mother to Constantine the Great; the ruines thereof is yet much resorted unto both by Protestants and Papists, though for sundry ends; which place affordeth now not any trade to any nation save to the Jewes, who farme of the grand signior this abovesaid Temple at 80000 sultanies yearely, and every pil∣grime

or other Christian entring, must pay 9 sultanies to the said farmers for admittance; so that the posterity of those Jewes make an unrighteous gaine and traffique by his death, whom unrighte∣ously their fore-fathers occasioned to die.

CHAP. LXVII.

Of ARMENIA and the Provinces and Cities thereof.

ARMENIA hath on the East Media, and the Cas∣pian Sea, on the West Euphrates and the Euxi•…•… * 1.117 Sea, on the North Tartarie, on the South Meso∣potamia; the whole Countrey is divided into three Provinces; first, Colchis; secondly, Georgia; third∣ly, Turcomania.

Colchis lieth on the Euxine Sea, the Inhabitants thereof being Christians; hence did Iason in the dayes of old steale the golde•…•… * 1.118 fleece; and here is also seene the ruines of that famous Citie Dios∣curia, where by reason of the many forraine Merchants from all * 1.119 Countries that here frequented, three hundred languages was commonly spoken and practised.

Neither can I finde in Georgia, earst called Iberia, any Citie of note for trading. Turcomania being also as barren in this kinde. * 1.120 It is observed by sundry Authours that out of this Province is de∣rived * 1.121 the Name and Originall of the Turkes, who here had their off-spring, and who within these three hundred yeares last past have made themselves potent by their Armies, and to the ruine of many Kingdomes, the present Grand Signior Sultan Amurath, who * 1.122 in Anno 1623, at my being in Constantinople was proclaimed Em∣perour of that Nation, hath under his Dominions and command in chiefe as Soveraigne all these Countries; first in Europe he hath Dacia, Grecia, all the Aegean Ilands, and Taurica Chersonesus; in Asia he hath the Provinces before already described; also Arabia, Syria, Media, Mesopotamia, Rhodes, Cyprus, and other Ilands; and lastly, in Africa he hath Aegypt and the Kingdome of Tunes and Argier, and many others of lesser consequence: and thus leaving Armenia, my next step is to Arabia, which commeth now to be handled.

CHAP. LXVIII.

Of ARABIA and the Provinces thereof.

ARABIA is bounded on the East with the Persian gulfe, * 1.123 on the West with the red Sea, on the North with Meso∣potamia and Palestina, on the South with the Ocean; the Inhabitants are extreamly addicted to theft, this •…•…ade being found to be the best part of their maintenance, the •…•…ountry is divided into three parts, Arabia deserta, Petrosa, and Fe∣•…•…x. * 1.124 Arabia deserta is the place where the people of Israel wandred •…•…or fortie yeares under the command of Moses; the most eminent Citie of this Province is Bolsora, whereto by reason that it serveth * 1.125 •…•…or through-fare from Arabia to Aleppo, and Damascus, is found a Citie of great concourse of many Merchants, and which doth •…•…rincipally consist more upon the commodities brought hither •…•…rom other Countries, as of India, and other parts of Arabia, then of any found here to be transported into other Countries; the •…•…urther trade thereof by reason of my ignorance I omit.

This Country by reason of the theevish lives of the Inhabitants and the generall barrennesse and infertilitie thereof some Au∣thours have observed in the course of their trade and merchandi∣zing, that the sandy Deserts are the Seas of the Arabian Mer∣chants, the wild arabs their pirats, and their Camells their shippes, usually carrying 600 li. for an ordinary burthen, and so we finde them to doe in the carriage of our goods and wares from Scande∣rone to Aleppo, and so backe againe, a Camells load being accoun∣ted ten Cloths Suffolke, which by statute weigh 640 li. which with the packing may be 700 li. or els two barrels or Chests of Tynne found to be incirca 600 li. and so in other commodities.

In Arabia Petrosa I finde not any Citie of trading: Esion Gebor * 1.126 on the coasts of the red Sea, where Salomons Navie kept station before the setting out and at their returne from Ophir, was once a famous place, and of great traffique, though now it lies buried in its owne ruines.

In Arabia faelix, Merchants should be better welcome were * 1.127 the Inhabitants so beneficiall to their traffique as their commodi∣ties might be made, for it is esteemed the richest and pleasantest part of all Arabia, and indeed of all Asia, abounding with Gold, pearles, Balsam, Myrrhe, Frankinsence, and many other precious drugges.

Here is those two notably noted Townes of Medina and Me∣cha, * 1.128 the one the birth place, the other the burying place of Maho∣met

(who in his younger yeares was a Merchant, and in his elder a cunning impostor) where Christians are forbidden to enter, lea•…•… they should see (as some Authours alledge) the absurdities of the Mahumetane adoration of their great Prophets Sepulcher, whose bodie inclosed in an iron chest, is said by an Adamant to be drawne up to the roofe of the Temple where it hangeth; but herein ma∣ny of them are and have beene for a long time deceived, for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 selfe and other Merchants that have for some terme of time resi∣ded in Turkie, and specially in Constantinople, know by experience that the grand Signior doth yearly send a Carpet or rather tombe∣cloth of greene Velvet to cover the said Sepulcher, the old being then taken away and accounted the fees and vailes of their Priests and cleargie men that attend thereon, who cut the same into se∣verall small pieces, and sell it to the superstitious at extreame rates for precious reliques; the Tombe it selfe being seated in a Temple built in Mecha, of no great magnificence or beautie, save the cost daily bestowed thereupon in Lampes of silver and gold, wherein is Balsam and other such rich odours, oyntments and oyles continually burned, and is seated on the firme ground and not in the ayre, is above is said, and inclosed within an i∣ron grate, wherein some by favour are permitted to enter, from some of whom I have had this relation, and is by divers Turkes that I have knowne and that have seene it and reported it to be so, and no otherwise: this large circuit of ground hath not af∣foorded me much matter of trade worthy observation that hi∣therto hath come to my hands; the most pertinent and eminent places are Mocha, the Sea-port of the said Mecha above-named, and Adam, both on the red Sea; of the trade whereof a word, so farre forth as I have gathered, and then I will conclude.

CHAP. LXIX.

Of MOCHA, and the trade thereof.

MOcha, or Muchi as some name it, is seated in the red Sea, almost opposite to Zuachen that famous Citie of * 1.129 trade on the African shoare, and serveth as the Port and scale to Meccha, the birth place of Mahomet the famous Prophet of these Countreymen, much heere resorted unto by Turkes, Moores, Arabians, and other Nations professing this superstitious religion; it is frequented by divers Merchants, especially Arabians and Egyptians that take it in their way to Aden, Ormus, India, or the like; and also much frequen∣ted by Mahumetane Pilgrims, who in blind devotion come this way to Meccha to pay their vowes to their ungodly Patron.

It is subject to the grand Signior, and acknowledgeth his coines * 1.130 •…•…r the currant in this place in matter of trade, which is the asper •…•…mmon with all Turkey.

Whereof 60 is here accompted for a Riall of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Spanish.

An hundred is accompted for a Soltanie, chiquine or sheriffe.

The common gold here currant 8 sh. sterling.

Their weights heere used partake also somwhat of the common * 1.131 •…•…eight in appellation used throughout all Turkey, which is the •…•…am, 10 whereof is accounted here an ounce.

• 14 Ounces is a Rotolo.
• 24 Rotol. is a fracello, which is 25 li. 12 ounces English.
• 15 Fracellos makes a cantar, or as they terme it,
• 1 Bahar, making English incirca, 386 li.

The Measures here is the pico, accounted incirca 26½ ynches * 1.132 •…•…nglish, other notes have not falne into my hand of this place, •…•…erefore hence I will bend my course to Aden.

CHAP. LXX.

Of ADEN, and the Trade thereof.

ADen is the strongest and fairest Towne of Arabia foe∣lix, * 1.133 scituated in a valley and incompassed most part with hills of marble, upon which it is conceived it never raineth; it lieth on the North side of the en∣trance of the red Sea, reaching 60 miles further in∣wards then the opposite cape Guardefu; it is fortified with 5 strong Castles, kept by Garrisons, and within late yeares surprized by the Bashaw of Aegypt, for the grand Signior, in whose obedience it now quietly remaineth by the death and slaughter of the naturall Soveraigne therof: it is now by the industry of man from a firme land become an Iland, and yet commanded by a strong Castle, the residence of the Governour seated on an adjoyning hill.

It is accounted to have 6000 houses in it, inhabited by sundry Nations; or more properly a miscelanie of Indians, Persians, Ethi∣opians, Arabians, and Turkes which heere doe reside for the bene∣fit of that great trade and commerce that is exercised in this Citie. The Portugals had once got the possession thereof, and were ma∣sters of it for some few yeares; but finding the charge of the Gar∣rison to exceed the benefit afforded by the trade and neighbou∣ring confines, they willingly surrendred the place to a Moore; who paying them for some yeares certaine tribute, they seated

as a Soveraigne to command the same, who ruled heere till the Turkes became to be masters thereof.

This Citie is now the principall Magazine for the commodities of Persia, India, and Arabia, and affording naturally great store of Druggs, as Myrrhe, Balsame, Manna, and many sorts of spices: The heat of this place is so excessive in the day time, that all the bargaines and contracts made heere amongst Merchants, is done by night, as the cool•…•…st season to effect the same.

Now for the coines heere currant, the weights and measures heere in use and other needfull further observations of the trade of this place, I am inforced to be silent in, and referre the same to the more experienced, to bee hereafter added, as occasion shall serve heereunto.

CHAP. LXXI.

Of Assyria, Mesopotamia, and Chaldea, and the Cities thereof.

ASsyria hath on the East Media, on the West Meso∣potamia, * 1.134 on the North Armenia minor, on the South a part of Persia; in which I find no Citie at present of any note: heere is seene to this day the ruines of that Ni•…•…iveh whose walles were of three dayes iour∣ney in compasse about, one hundred foot high, and thirtie foot broad, and beautified with 1500 Towres of 200 foot high; through which ran the famous River of Euphrates, and to which place was Ionas sent to preach; heere being 120000 per∣sons found so ignorant in the things of God, that they are said in Scripture not to know the right hand from the left.

In Mesopotamia is seated Caramit a famous Towne and Bashaw∣like * 1.135 of the grand Signior whose commerce is unknowne unto us by reason of its scituation; in Genesis 12 it is called Padan Haran, and is the place where Abraham dwelt after he had left Vr; and in this Countrey was Abraham borne, and to which place hee sent his servant to choose a wife for his sonne Isaac; and here in some Authors opinion, (which in this description I followed, did Paradise stand. * 1.136

In Chaldea wee find many Cities to have beene of old; and a∣mongst * 1.137 others Babel, famous for the confusion of Languages that heere happened in building that stupendious Edifice which was raised 5164 paces high, and who had its basis and circumference

equall to that heighth; it is now much lessened of its ancient greatnes, and from Babel it became first Babylon, and now Bagdat, * 1.138 a Bashawlike of the grand Signior, through which runs the River Euphrates, which is in part the cause of her present traffique which dayly is found to be maintained by the helpe of Aleppo, where is kept (by the intercourse of Merchants, and the commoditie of Caravans, and intelligence of Pigeons carrying letters) a neigh∣bourlike commerce; Bagdate oftentimes venting into the land, what Aleppo doth receive by Seas.

CHAP. LXXII.

Of BABYLON, now BAGDATE, and the Trade thereof.

BAbylon, now Bagdate, was at first founded by Nim∣rod, * 1.139 but never finished till that warlike Semiramis tooke it in hand whose walls were 60 miles in cir∣cuit, 200 foot high, and 75 foot broad, seated upon the River Euphrates, in those daies a faire and beau∣tifull Citie, now having almost lost all that splen∣dor and glory it then justly boasted of: Many famous accidents have heere happened; heere died Alexander the great, after which his body lay eight dayes ere his ambitious Captaines could have leasure to give it a fitting buriall; heere it is also said that when this place was taken by Zopyrus the Macedonian with his Grecians, it was full three dayes ere one part thereof tooke no∣tice of the conquest, since which it hath beene subject to severall soveraignes, and it is at this day a Towne of very great traffique, betweene which and Aleppo are many Caravans found to travell with many 1000 Camels laden with sundry commodities, the rich commodities of India brought from Ormus by Sea to Balsara, sea∣ted as the maritime Port of the Citie in the Persian Gulfe, and so up the River Euphrates hither, and hence to Aleppo, Damasco, and other Countries, which againe returnes-them in exchange the commodities of Turkey, Aegypt, and Europe.

In this Countrey, and generally through many parts of Turkey, * 1.140 they have a custome to give advice of their affaires by pigeons, which serve Merchants here for Posts; and hereby the English are found in Aleppo to have advice from Alexandretta, which is ac∣compted 100 miles, in 24 houres, and hereby the Caravans heere travailing give from time to time advice of their journeys and successe, which is done in this manner: when the hen dove sitteth and hath young, they take the cocke pigeon and put him into a cage,

whom (when hee is by the Caravan carried a dayes iourney off) they set at liberty, and he straight flieth home to his mate; when by degrees they are thus perfectly taught: the Carriers and Mer∣chants on any accident fasten a letter about one of their necks, and they being freed without any stay hasten to the place from whence they were brought, and such as at home doe watch their returne, (clime their hole and take away their Letter) are certi∣fied of the mind of their friends, or any other tidings, after a very speedy manner.

The commodities of this place, are the common commodities be∣fore * 1.141 nominated in Aleppo, and their coines currant, are the same that are found throughout Turkey, as subject to one and the same Soveraigne; but the coines of Persia are found heere likewise to passe currant for their value, and so doth also their gold without * 1.142 exception; it being a received custome in Trade, that frontier Townes of Trade admit the coines of the bordering Inhabitants and Regions.

The weights of Babylon knowne amongst us is the dram, mitigall, Rotolo, and Cantar. * 1.143

Their Rotolo hath been observed to make 1 li. 10 ounces English, and our 112 li. English hath made here 68 Rotolos.

Their measure in length common in this place is the pico found to bee by triall about 27 ynches English. * 1.144

To conclude this Countries relation; from hence came the 3 Wise men called of the East, who worshipped Christ and presented him with guifts, and the inhabitants hereof are said to bee the first inventers of Astronomic and Astrologie; and therefore hence have all such the title of Chaldeans, and for other matter of trade, here is only found the famous Towne of Mosull, scituated on the River Euphrates, abounding with Forrests of Galls, so much required and requested by divers through∣out the world: and now to MEDIA.

CHAP. LXXIII.

Of MEDIA, and the Provinces thereof.

MEdia is limited on the East with Parthia; on the West * 1.145 with Armenia, on the South with Persia, and on the North with the Caspian Sea; being absolutely the greatest Sea of all others that hath no commerce with the Ocean, by some called the Hircanian Sea, and by some the Sea Bacchu, of a Towne of that name thereon bordering.

The chiefe Cities of this Countrey is Sultania, famous for the * 1.146 faire Mosque in the East; Sumachia, the strongest of all the rest, taken by the Turkes in Anno 1578, and now the seat of a Turkish Bashaw; Eres, Ardovile, Shervan, Bacchu, and some others; and lastly, the most eminent Tauris, of the trade hereof see heere∣after.

Likewise in this Tract is comprehended the Province of Al∣bania, * 1.147 now Zairia, little beholding to the industry or labour of the Husbandman, yet of its owne accord yeelding for one sow∣ing, most times two, and sometimes three reapings: the chiefe Citie is Caucasiae Portae, built hard upon the hill Caucasus, one of the best fortified Townes of the East, now called Derbent, a strong * 1.148 Citie invironed with two walls, and fortified with iron Gates; yet neverthelesse taken it was by the grand Signior in his last wars against the Persians, vnder whose command it now remaineth, being now accounted one of the keyes of this kingdome, and the common entrance into Persia; and lastly in this Countrey Phidon an Argive in Anno mundi 3146 is said to find out the use of weights and measures; which knowledge and concordance by this Tract I covet to obtaine.

And to conclude, a word of the Trade of this Countrey in the * 1.149 generall; I find that the Moscovia company were the first that sought the knowledge thereof in these parts; for upon their dis∣covery of Moscovia, they traded downe the River Volga to Astra∣can, and thence in Barks sailed with their English commodities to Bacchu, Derbent, and other places on the Caspian Sea, and since some of the East India Company have more narrowly traced it, and have observed the same more particular: the principall commodi∣ties proceeding hence is the raw silke made at Gilan, Zahaspa, Ra∣stiguan, Chiulfall, and others, now knowne unto vs by the name of Persia, Ardasse, and Lege silkes, and from this last the dealers in silke here are throughout Asia commonly termed Chiulfallins.

CHAP. LXXIIII.

Of TAURIS and the trade thereof.

TAuris, is the Metropolis of Media, and the summer seates of the Persian Sophies containing 16 miles in * 1.150 compasse, and including 100 thousand Inhabitants; it hath within late yeares beene three times conque∣red by the Turkes, and hath as often againe returned to the Persians, under whom now it resteth: first, by Selimus, then, by Soliman the magnificent, and lastly, by Osman Generall to Amurath the third; it is now in the possession of the Persian, and strongly fortified, and seated in a cold, yet wholsome Countrey, the Inhabitants more addicted to the making of silke, than to the sword; distant six dayes journey from the Caspian Sea; and indeed incompassed by severall great Townes of note, whose manuall labours are famoused over the world, as first Eres, whence came the fine silke called the Mamodean, now out of use; then Gilan a∣bounding with lege silke; Sumachia, abounding in excellent car∣pets, * 1.151 whereto the people wholly addict themselves; then Arasse, the most eminent and opulent Citie in the trade of merchandise throughout all Servania, partly by the abundant growth of silke there nourished, and hence called Arasse, vulgarly Ardasse (2000 summes yearly going hence to Aleppo in Syria) and partly by the growth thereof; Galles, cottons, wooll, allom, some spices, drugges, and sundry other commodities; so that to make this place the hap∣pie scale of merchandise, Nature having plaid her part, there wanteth onely peace betweene the Kings of Persia and Turkie, which at present is denied them: the fur∣ther manner of trade of that place, I am con∣strained for want of due information to omit, and referre what I have thereof collected to PERSIA.

CHAP. LXXV.

Of PERSIA and the Provinces thereof.

PERSIA is bounded on the East with the River In∣dus, * 1.152 on the West with Tygris and the Persian gulfe, on the North with the Caspian Sea, and the River Oxus, and on the South with the maine Ocean, the people are much addicted to hospitalitie and poetry; in their complements lordly, in their apparell phanta∣sticall, in their expences magnificent, and in their lives lovers of learning, nobilitie, and peace.

This Empire containeth these severall Provinces.

• 1 Persis.
• 2 Sussiana.
• 3 Caramania.
• 4 Gedrosia.
• 5 Drangiania.
• 6 Arica.
• 7 Arachosia.
• 8 Parapomisus.
• 9 Saccha.
• 10 Hircania.
• 11 Ormus.

Of all which in briefe, and no further than may concerne my present purpose.

In Persis now called Far, having the gulfe of Persia to the South * 1.153 limit, Caramania for the East, Susiana for the West, and Media for the North, was seated Persepolis the ancient seat of this Empire, which Alexander at the request of his Curtisan Laies commanded to be set on fire, but afterward repenting him of so great a folly and so unworthy an act, he reedified it, though yet now having lost much of its former beautie, and giving place to the famous Citie of Casbin, the residence of the present Sophies brought hither from Tauris by Sophie Tamas.

The commodities that this Country is in generall found to af∣foord * 1.154 for merchandize, is silkes of all sorts, raw growing plentiful∣ly in 1 Bilan, 2 Gilan, and 3 Aras, some precious stones, many sorts of drugges, wrought silkes, Chamblets, Carpets, shashes, callico's, and many excellent Armes used in warre both for horse and man, which is here so well tempered in the framing and making (with some vertuous simples) that it makes it both hard and excellent for use, and preserves the same cleane from any rust or perish∣ing.

CHAP. LXXVI.

Of CASBIN and the trade thereof.

CASBIN is now accounted the Metropolis of Persia, * 1.155 and sometimes the residence of the Sophies, hither removed from Tauris, as I said before, it is accoun∣ted a dayes journey about on horsebacke, well wal∣led and fortified with a strong Fort, and beautified with two faire Straglios; the walles whereof are made of red mar∣ble, and paved with Mosacque worke; the chiefe street hereof is called the attimidan, in figure four-square, each angle being ¼ mile in length, incompassed with scaffolds for the people to sit and be∣hold the King and his Nobles at their exercises of shooting, riding, running, and the like; this Citie is seated in a goodly fertile plaine of three or foure daies journeys in length, which is furnished with neere two thousand Villages to supply the necessary uses thereof, which did much in rich this place before the removall of the Per∣sians Court to Hispahan, which is fourteene dayes journey further into the East; three places herein doe much adorne and beautifie * 1.156 this place; first, the Attimidan aforesaid; secondly, the Kings pa∣lace, which is so brave a fabrique, and so richly furnished, that Eu∣rope can hardly match it; and lastly, the Bassars which are many in number, which are in the manner of our Pawnes in London, where are to be sold all manner of Persia, India, Turkie, Moscovian, and Arabia commodities, as all rich Iems, Iewells, drugges, spices, silke * 1.157 wrought in Damaskes, Velvets, and raw, transported into other Countries; the attimidan serving the Merchants for an Exchange or place of meeting, where every day is seene a continuall faire, where all manner of commodities is sold both for backe and belly; also Gold-smiths, Exchangers of moneys, and all other professions, who come hither and display their commodities, as to some pub∣lique Mart. And the moneys and currant coynes here passable a∣mongst Merchants, I referre to the chiefe Citie of Persia, Hispa∣han, the present residence of the Persian Monarch; and I am informed that the weights and mea∣sures thereof doe also agree therewith, so shall not need to inlarge my selfe further in that particular.

CHAP. LXXVII.

Of BALSARA and the Trade thereof.

BALSARA lieth in the bottome of the Persian gulph, * 1.158 and is seated on the mouth of the River Euphrates, ser∣ving as a Magazin for all the commodities of Arabia, India, Turkie, and Persia, and as a through-fare for all Merchants travelling from one of those Countries to another, but especially for such as here take shipping to the Ile of Ormus, India, Arabia, &c. This towne was of late yeares subject to the Persian, but now in obedience to the great Turke, and is the last of his Dominions this way: and here it is observed that the water doth ebbe and flow, as with us in England, and in no place els ad∣joyning upon the Ocean Seas, the indraught may be imagined to be the cause, as it is observed the like in Venice.

It hath beene noted in matter of trade here, that there is payd for every summe of goods carried from Bagdat hither by water, six sehids, and from Balsara to Bagdat two Medins per Wesnoe, and 100 Wesnoes from Balsara to Ormus, cost carriage twenty Lairins, and the like backe from Ormus to Balsara.

Hither alwayes comes the Syria Caravans that are bound for India, and end their land travell, and imbarke themselves and goods for the great Marts of Ormus and Cambaia, and here retur∣ning they conclude their Sea navigation, and begin their land pe∣regrinations for Turkie, &c.

The customes payable at Balsara as the last port of the grand Sig∣niors * 1.159 Dominions, who conquerd the same from the Persian in An∣no 1550, is 1 in every 14 sehids for grosse commodities, but it is 1 per 20 or 5 per cent. upon Cloths, silkes, and fine goods, but here is a tare of 3 in 10 Wesnoes allowed both in spices, drugges, &c. for dust, and upon silkes for waste, heads, and the like.

The prices of commodities ruled some yeares past thus here. * 1.160

The Wesnoe of Maces is worth in Balsara 13 duccats.

The Wesnoe of Nutmeggs was worth 6 duccats.

The Wesnoe of soape was worth 15 seheds.

The Wesno of Almonds was 24 sehids.

The Wesno of Galles was worth 10 larins, and for this weight of Wesno, it is found that 16 Wesnoes of Balsara make a Kintar of Alep∣po common weight, but the 100 Wesnoes in the weight of silke of Rotol: 680 dr: in Aleppo makes silke Rot. 529 dr: 28.

The weight common here in the sale of commodities besides this * 1.161 Wesno, is the Maund which is 100 Rotolos, which hath been obser∣ved to have made 500 li. English, which is 5 li. a Rotolo, but I have met with an observation upon this place made by some English that have traveld hither, that the 112 li. hath made 19 Maunds 2¾ Rotolos, which must be 5 li. 4¼ ounces English; the difference I referre to be rectified by the better experienced.

Their measure is found to be about 26 inches English. * 1.162

To proceed to the next Province in Persia, it is Cusestan, scitua∣ted Eastward from Persia, called in Scripture Havilah, having in it * 1.163 Susa, a Citie where sometimes the Persian Monarch abides in win∣ter, as being more Southerly than Ecbatana; and lastly Casan, of which a word.

CHAP. LXXVIII.

Of CASAN and the Trade thereof.

CASAN is a principall faire and famous Citie in this Countrey, but much troubled with excessive heate * 1.164 by reason of its scituation in a pleasant and large plaine; it consisteth altogether of merchandizing, and the greatest trade of all the inland Countrey is found herein, and most especially frequented by Indian Mer∣chants; the Inhabitants are in generall addicted to all curious manufactures, and fabrickes, as in weaving of shashes, turbants, and girdles, in making also of velvets, sattins, damaskes, curious and fine Ormusins, and Carpets; and indeed it is accounted the very Maga∣zin * 1.165 of all the Persian Cities, for these commodities; here is also to be sold all manner of drugs, and spices, pearles, diamonds, Rubies, and turkeses, and all sorts of silkes, both raw and wrought, so that the Authour (who in this relation I follow) is verily perswaded that there is more silke yearely brought into Casan, than there is of broad cloth brought into London. The civill policie of this Citie is * 1.166 also commendable, an idle person not being permitted to live a∣mongst them, and the children after six yeares old, are presently set to worke; here being a Law to the shame of Christendome, that every Inhabitant must yearly give up his name to the Magistrate, therewith declaring how and in what manner he liveth, what art he exerciseth, and if he be found in a falshood, he is beaten on the fe•…•…te, or els imployed in some publique slavery, to the example of others: and for other notes of trading, see Hispahan in Parthia.

Caramania is the third Province, the chiefe Cities are Gadil, Co∣bin * 1.167 and Caraman, famous for the excellent fabricks here made of Cloth of gold, and for the best Semiters in the world; and here it was that Alexander being returned out of India, kept his Bacchanalian feasts.

In Gedrosia, Drangiana or Sigestan, Aria now Sablestan, Araco∣sia * 1.168 now Cabull, Parapomisus, Saca and Hircania, I find not any thing worthie the survey, therefore I willingly passe them over and close these Provinces with the Citie of Sciras, which is compre∣hended in this tract.

CHAP. LXXIX.

Of SCIRAS, and the Trade thereof.

SCIRAS in times past Persepolis, built by Perseus, * 1.169 who gave the name of Persians to the Inhabitants, was for a long time the seate Royall of this Empire, for which cause Alexander (as is before mentioned) at the request of his Curtizan Lais, commanded it to be set on fire, but afterward repenting him of so great an over-sight, he reedified the same; it is scituated on the bankes of the famous River Bindamir, which courseth through the Kingdome of Per∣sia * 1.170 and Lar, and so emptieth it selfe into the Persian gulfe, and stan∣deth just in the roade way which leads from Hispahan to Ormus; it sheweth yet many eminent signes and monuments of its former glory, as two very great Gates twelve miles distant asunder, shew∣ing what the circuit was in the time of the Monarchie; also the ruins of a goodly Palace and Castle, built by Cyrus, having a three∣fold wall, beautified with many spires and turrets; the first twen∣ty-foure foot high, the second forty-eight foot high, the last nine∣tie foot high, all of free stone, and formed in a square with twelve gates of brasse on each angle, with pales of brasse set before them curiously wrought, testifying the magnificence of the founder. It is now accounted one of the most famous Cities of the East, both for traffique of Merchandize and for excellent armour and furni∣ture for warre, which the Inhabitants here with wonderfull cun∣ning and art doe make of iron and steele, and the juyce of certaine hearbs, of much more notable temper and beautie, than are those which are made with us in Europe.

The coynes here in use being proper to the whole Kingdome and the weights and measures not found differing from the same u∣sed in Ormus, the prime port of this whole Kingdome, I shall not need here further to insist thereupon, and therefore from hence accompanying the Caravan, I in the next place survay the said fa∣mous port of Ormus.

CHAP. LXXX.

Of ORMUS and the Trade thereof.

THE last Province of this Country is accounted to be * 1.171 the Iland and Territories of Ormus, twelve miles from the Continent, small in compasse, and very barren, yet famous throughout the world for the great trade there exercised by the Indians, Persians, and Arabians, and other Nations, the King thereof some yeares past was a Mahumetan, and drew by the customes of this Citie 140000 sheriffs yearly, since which it became tributarie to the Portugalls, who fortified the same in Anno 1506, and for the ex∣cellencie thereof, the Arabians use to say proverbially:

Si terrarum Orbis, quaqua patet, annulus esset, Illius Ormasium gemma decusque foret;

If all the world should bee a Ring, the stone And gemme thereof were Ormus Ile alone.

Since which time by the valour of our English East India Com∣panies armes, this Iland hath beene reduced to the subjection of * 1.172 the King of Persia, to whom it is now obedient, and still injoyeth the former splendid trade to all the parts of the East; here are found the spices and precious Iems of India, the tapestries, carpets, and shashes of Persia, the grograms, mohers, and Chamblets of Tur∣kie, the drugges of Arabia; and lastly, the •…•…neys called the larins of Persia, which are here accounted as a great and speciall Mer∣chandise, all which be excellent helpes to make this place a famous Mart and Magazin of all Easterne commodities. Now the cause that in part mooveth this great trade hither, and the great con∣course of Merchants into this Iland, is that twice yearely there * 1.173 commeth a great company of people over land out of Syria, A∣leppo, and other those parts, which are called Caffiles or Caravans, with all the commodities of the mediterranan Seas, which in their journeys observe this order; They have first a captaine, and cer∣taine hundreds of Ianisaries or Souldiers, which convey and con∣duct the said Caffilla or Caravan untill they come to Balsara, from whence they travell by water to Ormus; and this twice yearely hapneth, in Aprill and in September, which constant times of their departure thence thus knowne, their number is oftentimes aug∣mented to 6000, in 10000 persons, with their Mules, Camells and

Dromedaries, passing by Babylon now Bagdat, and so to Balsara as is abovesaid; and in this same nature they travell at certaine set times; in their returne hence for Aleppo, carrying with them all manner of Merchandise of this place, fitting either for Turkie, or the mediterranean Sea; and in which Caravans all nations are found freely to travell, excepting the King of Spaines subjects, which are very narrowly lookt into, though notwithstanding they are found oftentimes to passe in the names of Uenetians, French, and other Nations, so that when these Caravans doe come to Ormus, a∣gainst their comming there is generall preparation made by all other Merchants of that Countrie, for to have commodities in rea∣dinesse to barter and exchange with them. The Iland it selfe is but small and barren, and composed onely of a salt rocke, whereof their houses and walles are made; and in Sommer it is found so ex∣cessive hot, that the Inhabitants are forced to lie and sleepe in wooden Cesterns made for the purpose, full of water, and all naked both men and women lying cleane under water, their heads one∣ly excepted; yet have they no fresh water in the Iland, but what they fetch from other Ilands in the Sea neere there adjoyning, which they also keepe in cesterns for their use, as is accustomed in some part of Spaine in Iarres, or as they terme them in Tenajos. At the last reduction of this Towne to the Scepter of Persia by the ayde of the English, they had many immunities of trade granted them, and to be here free of all custome, and withall to draw the one halfe of all the customes thereof; but that good service was soone forgotten, and they have now onely the honour of the good service for their paines and reward, and nothing els.

To this Citie and Iland, I must adde the two onely Sea-ports of consequence on this coast, appertaining to the Crowne of Per∣sia, which are Iasques and Gombrone, in which the English have * 1.174 their Factories and residencie, and is the place where their shippes doe lade and unlade their burthens for this Kingdome, and where also the goods and commodities bound for Hispahan, Casbin, Sciras, Casan, and Tauris, and generally for the whole Empire are landed, and here laden upon camells, dromedaries, and horses into those places; and because that I finde that the coynes, measures and weights of this place doe somewhat differ from them passable and in use at Spahan and more within the land, I have thought it need∣full here to insert the same, according as I have gathered them from those that have frequented the places above mentioned, re∣ferring the Reader for what is here omitted to Spahan it selfe, the Metropolis of this Empire in the following Chapter.

The Coines then here in use and valuation are these:

• 1 Besse of copper is 4 Cosbeggs. * 1.175
• 1 Shahee of silver is 2½ Bessees, which is 4^d starling or 10 cosbegs.
• 1 Mamothy silver is 2 shahees which is 8^d star. or 29 cosbegs.
• 1 Abashae of silver is 2 mamothies, which is 16 d star. or 40 cosb.
• ...

• 1 Asar of gold is 20 shahees or 6 shil. 8d. starling.
• 1 Toman of gold is 10 asars, which is 66 shil. 8^d. star. and this Toman is accounted 50 abashes or 2000 cosbeggs.

These are the generall coines currant throughout Persia; to these I must adde those in use in these parts above mentioned: The Riall of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Spanish is here a commoditie, and bought and sold, and the common estimation thereof is here 130½ cosbegs or 13 sha∣hees, and somewhat more, which accounted at 4^d. per shahee is lit∣tle more than 4 shil. 4^d. starling. Againe, this Riall of eight pas∣seth here for 5¼ la•…•…rees, which larrees are 10^d. star. and by this ac∣count the Riall of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is 4 shil. 4½^d. starling.

1 Larree is 5½ saddees, each saddee being not fully 2^d. star. and each saddee accounted here for 40 flosses; so that the larree is here 220 flosses, and every ℞. of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is here at Gombrone and Iasques 1155 flosses.

The common weight here and throughout Persia is the dramme, 96 drams making 16 ounces haberdepois; so that 6 drams makes the * 1.176 said ounce, and 1200 drams being a maund shaw, or as we may call it the Kings Maund, which hath beene found to make in England 12½ li. haberdepois: In weighing of silke, they observe the maund Tauris which is ½ the maund shaw or 600 drams, and 5 Maund Tau∣ris is accounted here for 1 maund of Sarrat, which by this com∣putation should make 3000 drams, or 500 li. haber: 36 maund shaws or 72 maunds Tauris is a load of silke, which is by the said calculati∣on 43200 drams, which is 7200 Ounces English making silke pounds 300 li. haberdepois, which is about two coles of Aleppo of 46½ Roto∣los per peere.

Their measure in use here as throughout all Persia is not found much to varie, they have in generall two, which they terme the * 1.177 Coveda, the short and the long; the long coveda is somewhat lon∣ger than the English yard, accounted by some 37 inches; and at Sciras and in some other Cities it is found to be 38 inches, by which all cloths, kersies, and outlandish manufacturies are sold by. The short Coveda is proper onely for the manufacturies of Persia, accounted to hold out 27 inches, and found agreeable to the pic•…•… used in Constantinople and Aleppo. And thus leaving Ormus and the said port Townes of Iasques and Combrone, I will hence travaile to Parthia, wherein I find Hispahan the Metropolis of Persia sea∣ted.

The next Country subject to the Crowne of Persia is Parthia, bounded on the East with Aria, on the West with Media, on the * 1.178 South with Caramania, and on the North with Hircania, and is now in the Persian tongue called Erache.

The chiefe Cities that are found in this tract are Guerde, Irsdie, and last Hispahan, formerly Hecatompyle, the residence of the pre∣sent Sophie, and accounted of that bignesse, that the Persians hy∣perbolly call it, Halfe the world; under which I will comprehend the generall trade of Persia, so farre forth as I have found it ob∣served.

CHAP. LXXXI.

Of HISPAHAN, and the Trade thereof.

HISPAHAN in times past was called Hecatompolis, * 1.179 or the Citie of 100 gates, which name it may well still retaine, seeing that the walles thereof con∣taines a reasonable dayes journey on horsebacke, it is now become the greatest Citie in all the Persi∣an Dominions, and so much the more populous and magnificent, as being the common residence of the Persian Sophies; it is strong by scituation, defended by a high wall, deepe ditches, and a good Castle; on the west side stand two stately Palaces or Seraglios, for the King and his Women, farre exceeding in state and magnificence all others the proud buildings of this Citie. The walles are of red marble, and pargetted with divers colours, and all the Palace is paved with checkerd and fretted worke, and on the same is spread curious Carpets both of silke and gold; the windows are of Alablaster, of white and other spotted marble; the posts and wickets of massie Ivorie checkerd with glistering blacke Ebony, so curiously wrought in winding knots, as may easilier stay than satisfie the eyes of the wondring beholder; to which is ad∣ded a pleasant Garden, wherein is seene a thousand fountaines, brookes and lesser rivolets; and also what may els be wanting, to make it fit for so great a Monarch.

The Inhabitants of this Citie do all their affaires one horsbacke, both publique and private, going from place to place, they con∣ferre one with another on horsbacke; and so doe the Merchants buy and sell and negociate; the difference here betweene the Gentlemen and the slave being, that the slave never rideth, nor the gentleman never goeth on foote.

It is not questionable but that this Citie, the splendor of all Persia, the continuall residence of the Kings, and inhabited by so many eminent persons, as alwayes attend this Monarch, but that it is of great trade and concourse of Merchants, and furnished not onely with all the native commodities of Persia, but also of those of Arabia, Turkie, India and China, hither brought in great abun∣dance

to be exchanged for the native commodities of this place: and though it want the commodiousnesse of the Sea, yet by Cara∣vans it is supplyed with all those things that are conducible ei∣ther to beautie, necessitie, or ornament. The Caspian Sea affoords it the commodities of Turky, Russia, and Moscovia and Iasques with Ormus; his two Sea-ports in India affoords it the commodities of India and Arabia; all other commodities from either the Turke or Mogur is supplyed by Caravans Dromedaries and Camells: which hath cost by late observations in portage and cariage of commo∣dities thus:

The cariage of 100 maunds of wares from Sciras to Hispahan * 1.180 costeth 70 sehids, and from Spahan to Casan 60 sehids, from Hispa∣han to Ormus by Scyras 120 sehids, and from Hispahan to Tauris 40 sehids.

The common commodities of Hispahan I have already nomina∣ted, and though all commodities in generall are subject to rise and fall in price amongst Merchants, yet the maund of cotton is here * 1.181 commonly at 12 sehids, the maund of Rice 7 Beste, the maund of Dragant 2 Beste, of Enapp 2 Beste, of Non 3 Beste, of Laghem 4 Beste, of Anil 40 mamhodies, and the Cattee of sugar is worth 400 Tomans, which is () pound English.

Their coines currant in Hispahan, and generally throughout all the Kingdome of the Sophie are of severall sorts, partly of brasse, partly of silver and partly of gold. The principall whereof is the * 1.182 Toman, which formerly hath beene accounted to be worth 6 li. starling, since 4 li. and by reason of the late warres imbased, and worth now onely 3 li. 6 s8. 8 d. at Sea side starling, and by some ac∣counted 3 li. 12. sh. 6 d.

This Toman is worth 200 Saheds or Shahees, 14½ or 15 ℞. 8/8 span. or 10 asures, which have beene accounted 4 li. star. a piece, a Ma∣mothy of silver, is 2½ Bestees of copper.

The Riall of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 span. is here accounted for 13 Shahees, and 1 cosbeg or 5¼ lorins.

The lion dollor currant in these parts is 10 Shahees, every Shahee is 4 d. starling, or 50 deniers here in account.

A Rupias, which is the coine of the Mogull is abashees, 4¼ which is 2 sh. 3 d. starling.

A Mamothy is 9 cosbegges or 32 dores, or 100 deniers.

A Bestee of copper is 4 cosbegges, or 20 deniers.

An Abaisce silver is 2 Mamothies, or 20 shahees, or 200 deniers.

A Chickeene of gold, sheriffe or solton is 18½ shahees, yet in some places of Persia they passe for 20 shahees, and in some for 24 sha.

An asure of gold is 20 shahees, and 10 asures is a Tomano 3-6-8 d. st.

A Larin is 5½ shahees, and in some places onely 5 about 10 d. or 10½d. starling, here 25 cosbeggs.

A Fonan is 9 Cupans. A mitigall is 3•…•…½ or 34 shahees.

A sadee is 40 flosses. A shahee is 10 cosbeggs.

A mitigall is 33½, and in some places 34 shahees.

A Tanger is 12 pulls, which is shahees.

They here keepe their accounts in sundry species and denomi∣nations, * 1.183 some in Sheriffes, some in Spanish Rialls, and some in to∣mans, and some in Shahees: The common account is thus distin∣guished.

The Abashee is	200 deniers, or 20 shahees.
The Mamothy is	100 deniers, or 10 shahees.
The Sadon	50 deniers, or 5 shahees:
The Uiste is	20 deniers, or 2 shahees.
The Cosbegge is	5 deniers.

And those that keep their account in shahees, onely they reckon them to hundred thousands, and hundred thousands, as the proper knowne coine of the Countrey; and this manner hath seemed the best to our English there resident, which they account 60 shahees for 20 sh. starling.

The weights of Persia are subsistent of 3 sorts, of the Dramme, the * 1.184 Mitigall, and the Mand or Mandshaw:

The dramme is the least, 100 whereof makes 66⅔ mitigals.

The mitigall is the next, 100 whereof makes 150⅓ drams.

The mand or mandeshaw is the greatest, and makes 1200 mitigals, or else 1800 drams; which hath made by the observation of some Factors that have resided there 14 li. 9 ounc. haberdepois.

The summe or cargo of silke is accounted here 36 Mandshaw, which accounted as above, makes English 524 li. haberdepois, and is great pounds of 24 ounc. incirca 350 li. But the east India company find it to be 300 great silke pounds and no more by often triall: But it is to be noted that these mandshaws is found to differ in ma∣ny Provinces and Cities in Persia, and the bordering Countries, and doth differ in many commodities; but the mandeshaw common of Persia is 1200 drams for silke.

The mandeshaw of Tauris is but 600 drams.

The mandeshaw of Syrrat is 5 maunds of tauris above-named.

The maund of hispahan is accounted one and halfe mand of Sira•…•…, besides which they have these weights in some places;

1 Dubba is counted 5 maunds.

1 Sherway is counted 50 maunds.

1 Rellaij is counted 7 maunds.

1 Maund is counted by observation pounds English.

In Tauris also before named, a City in times past of great trad•…•…, in this Countrey they have 2 Mands, the one of silke which hath made by a Florentines observation 5⅝ li. Florence, and another for all other commodities; the 100 whereof hath made there by the said observation 264. li. Florence.

The measures of length used in Persia is of 2 sorts, and both of * 1.185 them called a Covedo; A long and A short:

The long accounted to be 37½	inches English measure, agreeable to the pico of Turkey.
The short accounted to be 27

Thus is what I find observable in the particular trade of Persia, I will now view it as it stands in the generall parts thereof.

CHAP. LXXXII.

Of the Trade in generall of PERSIA.

THE trade of PERSIA as it is found subsistent in * 1.186 these daies, consisteth more by an Inland then a ma∣ritime traffique; for if the large extent of the So∣phies dominions be well considered, and the neigh∣bouring regions whereon it bordereth, it will be found that it wanteth many things to make it emi∣nent: It is plentifully supplyed of commodities, and those also of excellencie, as of silver in great quantity, raw silke in aboundance, and of some drugges naturally growne: but when the industry of the natives is surveyed, it will be soone discerned that the costly, rare and rich carpets here made, the curious and fine cotton clothes here wrought; for their tulbants, girdles, shashes, shireing and the like, interwoven with silke, and not seldome with silver and gold; and the daily use thereof not onely in PERSIA it selfe, but throughout India, Arabia and Turkey; witnesse to the World the ingeniousnesse of this Nation: the greatest want and impediment of trade that they have here is of Sea-ports and Havens, of which they are much scanted; they injoyed once a large tract of land lying along the Caspian Sea, from Derbent on the one side, borde∣ring on the Turkes, to Deristan on the other, bordering on the Tartars; but of late daies the same is much shortned, for the grand signior hath laid Tauris one of his metropolitan Cities for his limits, and the Tartar hath entered as farre as Minerdon, so that he hath onely left him upon this Sea the Ports of Gilan and Pismir, that are of any consequence, wherein much trading is not exercised, by reason of the ill neighbourhood of the Turkes, Muscovits and Tartarians, coasting the Caspian Sea. In the Persian gulph he did i•…•…joy the commodious and famous Towne and Port of Balsara, taken from him by the Turkes about 60 yeares past, and Ormus in the entrance of that gulph is but lately reduced to his scepter by * 1.187 the valour of the English, though anciently belonging to his crowne. The Ports of Iasques and Combrone being the onely two Sea ports he injoyes upon that continent of any quality, to which

and Ormus all the trade of PERSIA toward India is observed to be driven, and to which the Portugalls, Dutch and English resort unto for their silkes, and others the rich commodities of PERSIA; and where each of them have factories and residencie for the trade of this Countrey: now on each side of PERSIA by land-ward he •…•…s invironed by three mighty and powerfull Nations, with whom •…•…e is sometimes in warres and sometimes in peace, the Mogulls Countrey and Tartar on the one side, and the Turkes on the other. For the trade thereof; It is observed that PERSIA yeelding year∣ly incirca 12000 coles of silke, which is the prime commodity of this Kingdome growing principally and made at Gilan, Bilan, Mah∣mody and Araste, (which last affords that sort of silke which we call vulgarily Ardasse,) the one third part of which is conceived to be •…•…ented into Turkey, transported by Camels into Aleppo, Damasco, Constantinople, Brussia in Natolia, and of late daies to Smyrna, and •…•…rom thence conveyed for the most part into Europe, principally •…•…o England, France and Italy, where the same is spent and consu∣•…•…ed, in returne of which they have from Syria and those parts principally rialls of 8/8 Spanish, some gold and some sorts of cloth, •…•…oollen and silke stuffes brought thither out of Uenice, Marselia and London. Another third part of the said silke is carryed to and spent •…•…n Agria and the dominions of the Mogul, into Ormus, Iasques, &c. and thence by the Indians and Arabians into Sarmacand, and other the dominions of the great Tartar, and into Astracan and other the dominions of the Moscovite, in returne whereof they have the spices of India, the drugges of Arabia, the rich furres of Russia, and the pretious jems of Cathai, and other the commodities of Tartaria; and the other third part is imagined to be spent for their owne use and clothing at home in their owne Countrey, so that by ver∣tue of this sole commodity which this Countrey thus abundantly affordeth, and which is so sought after by all other Nations, (and the curiosity and luxurie of this Nation in generall) they have the commodities of all other Countries in returne thereof brought un∣to them. Divers propositions have beene made, and divers inven∣tions proposed, and sundry treaties have beene set on foot, onely to compasse the sole trade of these silkes of PERSIA, with the So∣phie himselfe, who challengeth a property therein throughout his whole dominions. The Dutch have more then once thrust at it, and to have it delivered at Astracan, and so to be convaied against the streame of Uolga into Moscovia, and so to Holland: but the summe and stocke required was so vast to compasse and mannage it, and the propositions and passage so difficult and dangerous, that they gave it over with this opinion of the World, that they inde∣voured to swim against too great a streame, and that they had some plot to set it afoote, and never intended to goe through with it, or otherwise were not able to compasse the same; since which the Duke of () hath put on for a branch onely

thereof: but when the account came to be made up, his meanes was too meane to goe through with that small proposed part he aymed at: and lastly the English East India company, (as Merchants measuring their actions with the weight of their purses) have more prosperously succeeded; and in Hispahan have contracted with the Sophie for a round quantity, who have Merchant-like per∣formed on their parts the conditions agreed upon, so farre to his good liking, that by his late Ambassadour in England, the whole yearly growth was tendred and offered to them; but his ill perfor∣mance in the lesser, made them question the like in the greater; and therefore to their honour refused it. Now as concerning the lesser parts of this Countries traffique, which consi•…•…ts in the manu∣factories of this Kingdome; I passe them over in silence as being of lesser consequence, and hasten to Tartarie the next Countrey, bor∣dering upon the Persians.

CHAP. LXXXIII.

Of Tartarie and the Provinces thereof.

TARTARIE is bounded on the East with the eastern * 1.188 Ocean, on the West with the Moscovia and Moldavia; on the North with the frozen Ocean, on the South with the Caspian Sea, the hill Taurus, and the Wall of China: it is divided into these Provinces, Procopensis Asiatica, Antiqua Zagathai and Cathaia.

In Tartaria procopensis is found the ancient City of Crim the seat of the Tartarianrulers, whence this Nation had their originall * 1.189 and name: also Oksacou the residence of the present Princes; and lastly Caffa the onely Sea-port of consequence in these parts, of the trade whereof it wilbe needfull I should speake a word.

CHAP. LXXXIIII.

Of CAFFA and the Trade thereof.

CAFFA anciently Theodosia, seated commodiously * 1.190 for traffique in the botome of the black sea, was by Mahomet the great taken from the Genoes, and is the present scale for all commodities that passe by Sea from Constantinople, Trabesond, Podolia, and Walachia by Danubius, and such other places to Tartarie, Muscovia, &c. The Countrey affords great aboundance of cow hides, furres, waxe, honey,

and a kind of pickled fish much resembling the English herring here caught upon this coast: also it sends to Constantinople some butter sowed up in oxe hides of all colours and sluttishly made, which serves for provision there to the slaves, and the meanest sort of people inhabiting that large City; also thence the grand signior hath his principall timber for the building of his Gallies, Shippes, and such like other provisions.

Caffa doth in matters of Merchandize and trade retaine still much of the customes of the Genoes, to whom for a long time it was subject; and so doth Thana, Sorgat and other principall Cities bordering upon the black sea, which I will in briefe touch so farre as I have gathered the same when I lived in Turkey.

First then the coines of Caffa are the same as is currant through∣out Turkey, save that the neighbourhood of Tartaria and Moscovia * 1.191 makes the coines of those places and Kingdomes likewise passe cur∣rant there, as it is found in all frontier Towns which borders up∣on two Nations, and that are either free of themselves, or subject to other; therefore for the same I will referre the Reader to the coines currant in those bordering Countries.

Their weight is a Rotolo, 100 whereof makes a Cantar, which an∣swers * 1.192 in haberdepois weight to 70 li. English; which said Cantar is divided into severall divisions, according to the commodity bought or sold thereby; as sometimes to Batmas, accounting 7½ Batmas to a Cantar, and 12 Rotolos to a Batma, and then the Cantar is but 90 Rotolos: and sometimes to Sommas and Saggies, as 124 saggies makes a Somma, and 10 Somma's makes a Cantar of 100 Rotolos above-said; and silke is sold by this Somma, 20 Somma's to a draught, which is 2 Cantars, and is English about 140 li. and in Venetia sotile weight 212 li. circa.

Their measure so farre as I could learne is but one, which is the * 1.193 pico, the 100 whereof made in Venetia by triall of a friend silke braies 130, and this pico is divided into 8 Rupps, as at Constantinople.

They have also a coine which is called a Somma, in which their * 1.194 accounts are kept, and to which other coines currant are reduced; and the same is divided to saggis, which they account by 45 saggis to a somma, and 4 sommes to a soltany or checquin; and thus much shall serve for the trade of Caffa.

CHAP. LXXXV.

Of Astracan and the Trade thereof.

ASTRACAN is in Tartaria Asiatica, as I shall shew hereafter, seated in the Emboshure of the River * 1.195 Uolga, having 70 mouthes and receives the trade of all the Caspian Sea, into which the said River en∣treth; it hath a very great confluence of Merchants, who by the benefit of that Sea have here a very great trade, Uolga bringing it all the commodities of Moscovia, Russia and Tartaria and this Sea; the commodities of Persia, Arabia and other Provinces abutting thereupon; it is situate in an Iland of 12 leagues compasse, defended by a woodden Castle and earthen walls, taken by the Moscovites in Anno 1552 from the Tartari∣ans: it is all winter shut up by the immeasurable cold, and all traf∣fique over and upon this great streame is performed on dry foot. The coines here currant by reason of my ignorance I must referre to the better experienced.

Their weights are here two, a grosse for grosse commodities, and a sotile for fine commodities; the grosse cantar hath been observed to * 1.196 have in England yeelded 268 li. the small cantar hath made English 103 li. now in both these cantars there is accounted 20 Rotolos to a libb, and 5 libbs to a cantar, and 12 tochats to a Rotolo; which by the ingenious may easily be reduced to the sotile English pound, therfore I passe it over and come in the next place to the measures.

Their common measure is a pico, and the 100 thereof hath made by observation in Venetia 126 braces of cloth measure, which is in * 1.197 England about (—) inches.

Corne and all other graine is sold by a measure called the Chi∣stetto, which in Venetia comes to make 8 〈◊〉〈◊〉 staios. * 1.198

Wine and liquid commodities is sold by the but, which is 46 mi∣staties, and which also renders in Venetia 3¼ Bigonso. * 1.199

In Tartaria Asiatica there are few Cities; for the inhabitants by hords or tribes travaile with their substance from one place to * 1.200 another; yet in this Tract is found Casan, and Astracan afore∣named, which is a very great Towne of commerce, considering these Regions, commodiously seated, (as I said before) on the mouth of the River Volga, by which there is passage found from the Caspian Sea in some seasons of the yeare up to Mosco, and by which way (as I noted in the trade of Persia) some Merchants of

Christendome more then once intended to transport the silkes, and other the riches of Persia to Moscovia, and so to Europe; but the designe proved dangerous and chargeable, by reason of such po∣tent Princes that border upon that River; and by reason that the same must passe against the currant streame, which in winter is not found passable by reason of the frost, by which and other dis∣couragements the designe was given over and fell to nothing.

In Tartary antiqua, I find not any thing worthy of note, nor yet * 1.201 Citie of import, the inhabitants living like vagabonds; onely it affordeth Rubarbe, which is so excellent in Physicke by its proper * 1.202 nature, that the whole world is beholding to these Barbarians for the same as a cure for many diseases.

CHAP. LXXXVI.

Of Zagathai and Cathai, and the Provinces thereof.

ZAgathai containes sundry Provinces, and but few Ci∣ties; * 1.203 the most famous is Sarmachand, which gave both * 1.204 cradle and grave to mighty Tamberlan, from whom the Great Moguls boast themselves to bee lineally de∣scended.

But Cathai is esteemed the richest and civillest Kingdome of all * 1.205 Tartary, the which is furnished with sundry great and populous Cities, especially Cambalu, the residence of the Great Cham, and * 1.206 where Merchants of all Nations are found to reside and traffique to; as I shall shew hereafter.

This Countrey is found to abound with rice, graine, wool, hempe, Rubarbe, corrall, and aboundance of silkes, both growing and * 1.207 brought hither from China and other Countries amounting to two thousand Cartes yearely; the Citie is held to be 30 miles a∣bout in compasse, and is replenished with all Artsmen (Astrologers being heere in great reputation) which may (considering their number found here, being as some write 5000) be more properly termed fortune-tellers, or Gypsies; but these Countries resemble in customes the Moscovite and Chinois, none being permitted to search into their Cities and manners, except they come either as Embassadors or Merchants; yet what I have gathered of the trade of this Countrey, I will include under the title of Cambalu, the principall Citie of this Empire.

CHAP. LXXXVII.

Of CAMBALV, and the Trade thereof.

CAmbalu, the Metropolis of Catai, as Samercand is of Zagathai, is seated on the North-east border of this * 1.208 Countrey, containing both the old and the new City, through which doth run the famous River of Poli∣sanga; it is accompted 28 miles in compasse, or ra∣ther in square, each angle containing 7 miles, and in every square is placed three principall Gates which incloseth the Towne with earthen walls or rampires of 10 paces in thicknes, and every Gate comprehending a sumptuous Palace, and every angle having al∣so an excellent Pallace, where the Armours of the Garrison Sol∣diers are kept, which is 1000 Soldiers at every Gate.

The Buildings are squared out proportionably, and every street is drawne out to a line, so that every Gate yeelds a free prospect through the Citie to the opposite Gate, be beautified on each side with stately edifices and houses for the honourable of this Countrey.

In the midst of the Citie is a sumptuous Palace, wherein the grand Cham resideth, with all his Queenes and Children, and where∣in is placed a Bell, which is tolled at certaine houres of the eve∣ning, after which may no man stirre out of dores, untill the be∣ginning of the day following; the largenes, rarities, curiositie, and richnes of this palace, the partitions allowed his Queenes, and lodgings appointed for his Children, and their dayly atten∣dants, and the order, beauty, and manner thereof, I willingly o∣mit, as not pertinent to my present purpose.

Without this Citie walles are accounted 12 suburbs of 3 in 4 miles long adjoyning to each of the aforesaid 12 gates, and here all Merchants, strangers, and forreigners doe abide, each nation having a severall Cane or storehouse, where they both lodge, and exercise their Merchandise and traffique one with another, for the commodities of these severall Countries, the confluence of Merchants here cannot choose but bee wonderfull, seeing it is reported that the City is so populous, that the Cham maintaineth 5000 Astrologers heere daily, besides many thousands of Soldiers both of horse and foot that 12000 horse is accounted but as his or∣dinary and daily Guard; besides which, the neere neighbourhood of Exendu, the principall place of the grand Cham, seated not * 1.209 many dayes journey farre hence where Merchants are not per∣mitted to enter, is built in a foure square figure, every side ex∣tending

eight miles in length; within this Quadrant is another, whose sides are sixe miles long; and within that another of foure miles square, which is accounted the very Palace it selfe; and be∣tweene which severall walles are found walkes, gardens, orchards, fishponds, places for all manner of courtly and military exercises, and also parkes, forrests, and chases, for all manner of pleasures and game, and the infinite number of attendants and servitours that of ne∣cessitie is required to wait upon so great a Prince, with the offi∣cers thereto belonging, cannot but much increase the trade and commerce of this Citie and place.

As for the Trade of this Citie of Cambalu, and generally of all Tartaria, it is observed, that the Countrey (though in a large tract) extending it selfe upon the North Ocean; yet by reason of the long continued colds and frosts, the Inhabitants have but little benefit thereof; however it may bee conceived, that the Moluccos, Iapans, and other Ilanders thereabouts in the season of the yeare, have here a great traffique, and that hence these Tar∣tarians are furnished with the spices of India, the jems of Pegu, and Bengala, and peradventure with other the druggs of Arabia: but upon the Caspian Sea, they are the masters of many good Sea-Ports, besides Astracan which of late they have lost to the Mosco∣vite, as Zahaspa Cosmi, Melmesuach, and others; by which is con∣veighed to them the silkes, tapestries, carpets, armes, and excellent manufactures of Persia, and in the black Sea, besides Capha, now in subjection to the Turkes, they enjoy the brave Ports of Curaropo, Asow, and others, serving to conveigh unto them the commodities of Turkey, Trabesond, Podolia, Walacia, and other Countries bor∣dering upon the famous riuers of Danubius.

Now for the other parts of this large Empire, it bordereth on the one side with Moscovia, with whom it is now in peace, though not seldome at debate, from whence by the benefit of traffique, which I find observed not to bee of any great consequence, they have rich furres and other the commodities of this Countrey.

But where it bordereth upon China, which is for a very large extent of ground, by some Authors accompted 400 leagues, the common report of the strict lawes and customes of that Nation (to debarre entrance to all strangers) should perswade me of lit∣tle traffique that way; yet I find it observed by some late travel∣lers whose relation herein is questionable, that the Citie of Cam∣balu receiveth yearely thence by way of traffique, 10000 carts la∣den with silkes and stuffes of the China fabrique; the truth thereof I referre to the censure of the Reader.

As for the moneys currant in this large Territorie, I find it to * 1.210 be diversly made, yet neither of gold nor of silver coined, but of the middle barke of the Mulbery-tree, which being made firme, and cut into divers and round pieces great and little, they imprint

the Kings marke thereupon, and from this meane stuffe, the Em∣perour causeth a huge masse of moneys to bee yearely made at Cam∣balu, which sufficeth for his whole Empire, and no man under paine of death may coine or spend any other money, or refuse it in all his Kingdomes and Dominions; whereby it commeth to passe, that Merchants often comming hither from farre and remote Countries, bring with them gold, silver, pearle, and precious stones, and receive the Kings money for them; and because the same is not currant in their Countrey, they therewith buy in this Empire other the commodities heere found, which they carry hence away with them: the King also payeth his stipends, officers and armies with the said moneys, and buyeth whatsoever else hee needeth with the same, so that no Prince in the world can exceed him in treasure, which is at so easie a rate provided and procured.

Besides which, I find it observed in some parts of this large Countrey subject to some subordinate Kings, in subjection to the Great Cham, that they use in some places pieces of polisht corrall in * 1.211 stead of money; and in others they have certaine twiggs of gold, in lieu of money, which is distinguished by weight into severall par∣cels, without stamp or Character, and this is accompted in mat∣ters of consequence: but they have a lesser coine (if I may so terme it) made of salt which they boile in coldrons for a certaine * 1.212 time, which congealed they make into lumps, like our penny loaves, which being made solid, is signed with the Princes stamp, and passeth thus currant amongst them, & wherewith they provide themselves of all necessaries: in some others I find also that they use purs•…•…ane for money, and weighted pieces of gold; for in some Countries of this Empire silver mines are not found, and they give in proportion one ounce of gold for five ounces of silver; neither is it found that in many places of this Countrey that they have the use of letters; therefore the Merchants make their contracts and obligations in tallies of wood, the halfe whereof the one keepeth, and the other the other halfe, which being afterwards paid and satisfied, the said tallie is restored; not much unlike the custome of tallies in England. And thus much shall serve to have said of the trade in generall of this Countrey, the strange customes, manners, and formes of government hinder all further particular know∣ledge of Trade to our European Merchants: therfore leaving thus this Empire and Citie, (contented with this short survey) I proceed to India, of late years become somewhat better known to Europe and our Nation.

CHAP. LXXXVIII.

Of INDIA, and the Provinces thereof.

INdia is bounded on the East with China, on the West * 1.213 with the River Indus, on the North with Tartaria above mentioned, on the South with the Ocean, ta∣king his name of Indus, a famous River heere run∣ning 1000 miles ere it meet the Ocean; it lay after the conquest thereof by Alexander the Great for ma∣ny yeares undiscovered, the Merchants only thereof were found to bring their native commodities to Sarmacand, and Cambalu a∣forementioned, to exchange against such commodities as those countries afforded, as to the common Empories, and likewise to Ormus where they provided themselves of all Egyptian and Ara∣bian commodities: by which meanes knowledge was got of their countries; but the great worth and wealth thereof was not fully knowne and discovered to us till of late yeares, by the navigation first of the Portugalls, then of the Dutch and English, this Coun∣trey became better surveighed, finding that the same afforded and abounded in all manner of minerals, (lead and copper onely ex∣cepted) * 1.214 with all manner of cattell (horse excepted;) with all manner of precious stones, with all manner of spices, some druggs, and other commodities, as in their particular Provinces shall bee more particularly remembred.

The famous River Ganges runneth through this Countrey, to * 1.215 which the Indians goe in pilgrimage, as if the water washed in or drunk could bring salvation to them: this divideth India into two parts, called India intra Gangem & India extra Gangem, both which include many large Provinces and Kingdomes; and first India intra Gangem hath 9 principall Kingdomes, which I will briefly follow∣ing some Authours opinion passe cursorily through.

First Narsinga, the chiefe City Maleaper or S^t. Thomas, where * 1.216 they hold the body of this Apostle was burnt, though the Spani∣ards hold his body was found under I know not how many fa∣thome of ground in Calamana, by devout Fryers, that after the re∣ligions receit of the Sacrament of their wafer god, digged for him and found it; vide Mafe Iesuit. The second is Malavar, and the * 1.217 third Ballasia, in which are found 3 famous Mart Townes, Cochin and Calicute, and Conanor: the last having a large and safe Haven commodious for the trade of these Countries, distant from Cali∣cute 30 miles, and Calicute distant from Cochin 80 miles: Calicute by reason of its great concourse of Merchants is here a famous

Mart, and extendeth it selfe for 3 miles all along the shore, princi∣pally affording to Christendome that sort of pepper taking its name hence of Calicute pepper, also callicoes cloth, and the other sort of pepper of the name of this Countrey of Malavar.

The fourth is Cambaia, a famous Kingdome, very rich and popu∣lous, the chief City is also of the same name, and one of the richest * 1.218 of these Countries containing 800000 persons.

The fifth is Mandao, wherein is the City Mandao, being 30 miles in compasse, which held out a siege of 12 yeares against the Mogul, * 1.219 who is King hereof, as likewise of those former Provinces named.

The sixth and seventh is Bengala and Aristan, where is found the Cities of Cattigan and Satigan, and principally for trade that of Ben * 1.220 gala, on the bankes of a gulph knowne by that name; and Orissa in∣habited * 1.221 by Christians of S^t. Thomas so called, because he conver∣ted them.

The eighth is Canora, under command of the Mogull; the most famous Cities are Ultabat, Lispor, Melinda, &c. * 1.222

The ninth is Dellia, the chiefe City being Dellie, the sometimes residence of the great Mogull; the other famous Cities are Tre∣mel, * 1.223 Fatabar, and Chesmer famous for the studie here of Magiqu•…•…: all these mighty Provinces have been conquered by the Great Moguls forces within these 90 yeeres, to the astonishment of all India.

India extra Gangem containes 12 potent Kingdomes, and all un∣der command * 1.224 of the potent Kings of Barma, which cursorily I will also run over.

The first is Macin, famous for that sweet wood which this Coun∣trey doth produce, called Aloes or lignum vitae, valued at its weight * 1.225 in pure silver, serviceable onely here for the pompous funeralls of great Princes; the chief City for trade is the said Macin.

The second is Aracan, wherein is the City of Ava, which * 1.226 through the World is so famous for the aboundance of gems.

The third is Camboia, famous for the City of Camboia, a place of great traffique, which affords plenty of gold, silver, aloes, and many * 1.227 other commodities of great worth.

The fourth is Cauchin China, aboundeth with the like commodi∣ties * 1.228 brought to Cauchin China, the chiefe City of this Kingdome, and much frequented by Merchants of all Countries for Porcelane and China dishes here made, and much in esteeme and use in these Countries.

The fifth is Barma, made famous onely within 60 yeares, for the Princes hereof have vanquished all the former Kingdomes, and * 1.229 made them tributaries to this Kingdome and this Scepter.

The sixth is Siam, once the Lady of all India, now subject to Bar∣ma; the principall Cities are Mollacia in compasse 20 miles, a Town * 1.230 of great resort for Merchants, for the traffique of spices, and now in subjection to the Portugals: the next is Siam, scituate on the Ri∣ver

Mean, which every yeere overfloweth the Countrey for 120 miles: and lastly Odin, on the River Cuipomo, on which 200000 boates are found daily to be set on worke, and containes 400000 families: and is now knowne the residende of that famous and for∣tunate King of Barma before-mentioned.

The seventh is Pegu, which gives name to a principall City, * 1.231 having a rich soile and harberous Sea shore, the principall known Haven is Mar•…•…ban; and here is also Lasmin a City of great com∣merce. This Countrey hath suffered much by sword, pestilence and famine, within these late yeares, and is now as the rest a Pro∣vince of this a foresaid powerfull King of Barma.

Now having thus survaid India in the generall and in grosse, as it is divided into Kingdomes and Provinces, it will be requisite it should next be surveyed in the particular, so farre as it may con∣cerne our present purpose, which is the commerce and trade there∣of, so farre forth as it is at this day knowne to our Nation, where∣in I could wish my experience better to shew the particulars thereof, in consideration of the large extent of ground that is comprized under this name of India, stretching it selfe from Tau∣rus to the Ocean one way, and from China to Persia, which is neere 4000 miles another way, at which place it wil be fittest for me to begin my trade, and see what may be observed therein. Yet be∣fore I enter into this discovery, and give a particular relation of such materialls, wherewith trade is in it selfe practised through this large tract of Lands, Ilands and Seas; and before I shew the matter wherewith this trade is in all this Countrey driven, it will not be improper I should also see who they principally are that manage this trade, and to whom this great traffique appertaineth, either as they are natives and here borne, or as they are strangers and here are induced to reside, attracted thereto by the sole mo∣tive of the great commerce and rich commodities found either na∣turally here growing, or artificially here made and produced.

This Countrey then as I said before aboundeth in the generall with all manner of mineralls, copper and lead excepted; with all * 1.232 sorts of cattell, Horses excepted, with all manner of spices, with many sorts of drugges, cotton cloth, precious stones, &c. to which may be added the want of Wine and Wheate that here they have, that so this Countrey might be beholding in some sort to others, as o∣thers are for her commodities to this. These being then the prime commodities wherewith trade is here maintained, I will note the traders and native Merchants that are here resident, which pro∣perly I may account to be of 5 severall sorts, all acknowledging severall rites, religions and customes; and therefore partake of so many severall formes and manners in the mannaging of their affaires of merchandizing. The Gentile Merchants are the first, and are found of great eminencie in some parts of this Tract. * 1.233 The natives Christians converted by the discipline of S^t. Thomas

are the second, who in many places are found to mannage a great and ample trade through this Countrey: the third are the Mahu∣metans, Persians and Tartarians, especially since the great victo∣ries of the Mogur found here also of grat quality and estates. The 4^th are the Jewes, who live strag lingly dispersed over and through all the parts of this Countrey, and in every Princes dominions exercise the same. The 5^th are Moores and Arabians, who some 200 yeares past, seased on some Haven Townes here alongst this coast, driving the natives unto the inland parts, and at this day are seene to be very great Merchants. The 6^th are the Portugals, who possessing some few Sea-townes commodious for traffique, bragge of the conquest of the whole Countrie, which they are in no more possibility intirely to conquer and possesse, then the French were to subdue Spaine when they were possessed of the Fort of Perpig∣nan, or the English to be Masters of France when they were onely Soveraignes of Calis. And now to the Cities of this Tract, where at this day is found a trade to be practised, and first of Diu.

CHAP. LXXXIX.

Of DIU and the trade thereof.

THE Towne and Iland of DIU lyeth about 20 * 1.234 Leagues from the famous River Indus, and not farre distant from the firme land; it is now subject to the Portugals, who have conquered both the Iland and Town from the King of Cambaia, and so fortified it, as it is conceived to be now invincible. This Towne hath a very good and great Haven, and therein is found a great concourse of Merchants of all Nations, as Turks, Persians, Arabians, Armeni∣ans, and others of sundry Countries; and because of the continuall traffique thereof, it is accounted the best and most profitable re∣venue the King of Spaine hath in all India, for that the Banians, Guserats, Rumos and Persians, which traffique in Cambaie, and from thence to the red Sea and Mecca, doe both discharge their wares and take in their lading here at DIU, by reason of the commo∣dious situation thereof, as lying at the entrance of Cambaia, and from DIU it is shipt and sent to Cmabaia, and so brought backe againe to DIU.

The commodities of this place and this coast are first, fine cotton * 1.235 linen of sundry sorts, which they call Ioryms, Sluyers, and Lampa∣rads, and which we call by the generall name of callicoes, also Cocos oyle, India nuts, butter, pitch, tarre, sugar candie, iron good store, and most excellent and faire leather, which is artificially wrought with silkes of all colours, both flowers and personages; and which is in

India much esteemed to lay upon beds and tables, instead of car∣pets and coverlets: they make also here all sorts of curious desks, cupboords, chests, boxes, standishes, and a thousand such like devises in wood, guilded with variety of colours, wrought with imagery and mother of pearl, which are carried hence throughout all India; but especially to Goa and Cochin, against the time that the Portu∣gall Ships come thither to take in their lading to goe homewards.

Other observations of the further trade of this place I referre to Goa, the Metropolis of India in possession of the Portugals, to which all the other forts possessed by the Portugals, in some sort have a reference in the matter and manner of their trade.

CHAP. XC.

Of CAMBAIA and the Trade thereof.

CAMBAIA the principall Citie of the Kingdome so * 1.236 called, is a faire and large Citie, and contained some yeares past 800000 persons; it is seated on the im∣bosure of the famous River Indus, and there the Ri∣ver inlargeth it selfe to a great breadth, till it come to the Iles of Vacas, having the Iland of Diu on the one side, and the Cities of Deman and Surrate on the other: it is absolutely the greatest Citie of trade in these parts, and therein is a Factorie sea∣ted for the traffique in these Countries of the English and Dutch East India Companies: here is also found great concurrencie of Merchants as well of Christians, as of Persians, Arabians, and Ar∣menians, but the natives which are called the Gusarates and Bani∣ans, are esteemed the greatest and most politique Merchants of all India, and held in subtiltie equall with any Nation under the Sunne.

The commodities for traffique that this Country either naturally * 1.237 affoordeth, or is artificially here fabricated, is corne, rice, and such graine, Butter and Oyle, wherewith for their abundance they fur∣nish all the Countries round about them; also great quantitie of cotton linens are here made, which we terme callicoes of all sorts, called by them Canequins, Boffettas, Iarins, Cautares, and others of sundry kinds of making, from the very coursest wherewith they make their sayles for shipping, to the finest, which are by us known by the name of Calico Lawnes; also here are made sundry fine car∣pets called Alcatiffes and Banquies; also many sorts of coverlets, cal∣led Codorins; also many manufactures of wood carved and imbellisht, some with mother of pearle, and some with silver and such like; also

here are found sundry sorts of pretious stones, as Spinalls, Rubies, Granads, Iacints, Amatists, Chrysolits, Amber, Agats, Iasper; also sundry drugges, as Opium, Camphora, Bangue and sandallwood, su∣gars, and lastly and principally Anil or Indico is here growing prepared and made readie, and from hence carried throughout the whole world: the principall places in this Country affoor∣ding the same is, Bianny, Fetterbarre, Sherkis, Lahore, and other places thereabouts.

To this place I should adde the famous Port of Surrat and Ba∣roche, * 1.238 being as is Cambaia under subjection of the great Mogull, and seated in this tract, which because in matters of traffique I doe not finde to varie from the former, I willingly omit, and there∣fore comprehend them under this Chapter and title, proceeding to the currant coines weights and measures found in use and practi∣sed in these Cities, as in subjection to one and the same Prince, who is soveraigne thereof.

The ancient currant and generall coyne of this Countrey is the * 1.239 Mahmudy, stamped by that famous King Mahmood in the first con∣quest of these Countries, which was accounted for (—) Res of Portugall, and by the English there resident estimated 12 d. starling. But the Grand Mogull being the last Conquerour, prohibited the said coines of Mahumdis, and therefore at this day they are found very scarse, yet most frequent in Gussurat. The most currant coine now throughout his Territories being the Ruppie, of which there are divers sorts, which are,

The Casanna Ruppia which is the common Ruppia worth in In∣dia ¼ mahomudy, and estimated incirca 2 s. 3^d starling.

The Iacquerree Ruppie, 5 of which make 6 Casanna Ruppies.

The soway Ruppie—4 whereof makes 5 Casanna Ruppies.

The Hondee Ruppie of equall value with the Casanna Ruppie a∣bovesaid; and in these last doe the Merchants of Gusurat keepe their accounts: Besides which they have for smaller coines cur∣rant * 1.240 these:

The Pice, accounting 34 to the mamodie, which is 10 d. starling.

The shahee accounted to be 10 Pices or 10 Cosbeggs.

And some there are that keepe their accounts in Mahomodis, accounting 2½ mahomdy to be one Hondee or Cassanna Ruppie, being thus esteemed for 2 shil. 6 d. star. as 2 Ruppies are accounted for 1 ℞ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Spanish, though indeed not found alwayes of that value, for the Ruppie is here observed with the right of a Princes coine, and the R. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for a merchandise or commoditie, rising and falling: the said Ruppia in Agra is found to passe for 84 pices; but this is thus most currant in Amadever, Lahore, and other the places where the Christians of Europe and others doe provide & buy their Indico, &c. and there two of the said Ruppias make in ordinary payment for Merchandise 1 ℞ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Spanish.

There is generally found throughout the Dominions of the * 1.241 great Mogull two severall weights; the one proper to silke, and the other for all merchandise besides, and both of these have their foun∣dation upon a weight of copper called as the coine aforesaid the Pice.

A Pice in silke is accounted 5½ mitigalls.

A mitigall is () a pice is about 13 d. 10 Troy.

A pice of silke is also accounted for 2 Tolls, 1 Toll is 12 masses.

A seare of which there is a small and great; the small seare is or∣dinarily used in silke and accounted 30 Tolls.

Now for the common weight for all other commodities, I will begin with the seare which varies here in severall parts of this Country.

A seare of Surrat is 18 pices weight of copper money, which is 13⅓ ounces haber.

A seare of Agra called the seare Acoberg, is 30 pices, which is 22 ounces haber.

A seare of Agra called the seare Ianquery is 36 Pices, being the common seare of all India, and double the Surrat seare, which is 26 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ounces.

A seare of Puttana and Ganges is 37 Pices, and those that have made a strict calculation, have found that 22 common pices makes 16 ounces haberdepois.

They have also in use in these Countries two Maunds.

A maund small of surrat is 40 seares of surrat, and the said maund is 33 li. haber.

But they have for some commodities another maund in Surrat about 27 li. haberd.

A candil of Surrat Cambaia &c. is 20 of the said maunds.

Seares 40 make a small maund of 33 li. English.

Seares 40 great make a great maund of 54 〈◊〉〈◊〉 li. English, and some have observed it to be 55 li. English; and this is the maund of Agria.

In Amadever this differenee is found in the said weight. * 1.242

A maund is 40 seare, which is 18 pices and 33 li. English.

And the 100 maunds of Amadever is 63 maunds of Agria.

For gold, silver, muske, civet, Besor-stone they have another weight which they call the Toll, being 12 masses, and is 7^d. 16 grain Troy weight in England, as hath been observed both by the English and Portugall Merchants.

It is not to be questioned but that this so large tract of Coun∣trey must admit of more diversitie of weights, which I am inforced to passe over in silence by reason of my ignorance, and referre what is here omitted to the better experienced.

There is used in these parts two common measures, and both cal∣led * 1.243 a Covado, a short and long covado.

The short covado of Surrat, Cambaia, &c. used in the sales of many commodities, as linnen and silke, is 27 inches English.

The long covado of Surrat used for woolen cloth is 35 inches.

But in Agra, Lahore, Dilly, Brampore, &c. the ordinarie and common covado is found to hold 32 inches, and called in some places of this Country Elahy.

At Puttana they have a covado of 38 inches, and by the observa∣tion of some, it hath beene found that 1⅓ covado of Puttana is 5 covados of Agra, which makes 4 yards English.

And note that in all the Moguls Countrey they use no con∣cave measures for any graine or liquid commodities, but sell the same by weight, in the same nature as they doe all ponderous and massie commodities.

They measure their ground and dayes journeys by a measure which they call a Corso, which is one thousand five hundred geo∣metricall paces, and is accounted in common estimation of our late travellers a mile and a halfe English.

In this tract and belonging to this Prince are many famous Townes of trade, the chiefest is Lahore, famous for the Indico there growing, and prepared; and for that admirable high way * 1.244 to Agria of twentie dayes journeys, beset on each side with mul∣berry-trees, and whence there departeth yearely above twelve thousand Camells laden with spices to Hispahan, which are brought hither from India.

The next principall towne is Amadabar, famous in these parts for the great trade and excellent scituation thereof, and as being * 1.245 the most eminent Citie of the Guserats. Neither is Tutta here to * 1.246 be forgotten, though an Inland Towne, yet seated on the fa∣mous River of Indus, and having dependancie and belonging thereunto; and that excellent Port of Lowribander, three * 1.247 dayes journey distant from it, on the shoare common∣ly intitled the Coast of Sindie, wherein it hath beene observed by our European Navigators, that Shippes may safely ride without harme receiving by the wormes, which doth much hurt in SURRAT, and all a∣longst the coast of India.

CHAP. XCI.

Of GOA, and the Trade thereof.

GOa, is the Metropolis of India, I meane of those that are * 1.248 under the command of the Portugall or Spaniard, where the Viceroy, Archbishop, and the King his Con∣sull, and Chancery doe reside; here is also the Staple of all India commodities, whereto Merchants of Ara∣•…•…ia, Armenia, Persia, Cambaia, Pengala, Pegu, Siam, Mallacca, Iava, Mollucco, China, and of sundry other Countries doe resort: It is •…•…eated in an Iland of three miles circuit, but is but little distant •…•…rom the firme land; the Port is capacious of good ships, but if they exceed 200 Tunnes they unlade short of the Towne at a place called Bardes, well built with faire houses both publique and pri∣•…•…ate, after the Portugall manner, and hath in it many Cloisters, Churches, and Frieries; but is not fortified with any walls, but the contrived and continued buildings of the houses, serves both for defence and inclosure: in the heart of the City is a Street called •…•…he Leilon, where a daily assembly is made from 7 to 9 in the mor∣•…•…ing, not onely of Merchants from all parts, but also of gentry; •…•…nd during the said houres the said Street is replenished with all commodities and merchandise from all the aforenamed Kingdomes, •…•…et forth in manner of our Faires in England; which daily is thus practised, and wherein the rich commodities of those Countries •…•…re vented and put to sale; besides which, there are particular Streets where the native Indians doe dwell together, being found to be here great Merchants, and for the most part inhabit neere together, especially such as are found to be of one and the same Art and Profession, being bound by the strict lawes of this Coun∣trey, every man to marry within his own and the same Trade, and to bring up likewise their children in their owne and the same Profession; which law (being strictly observed) giveth great perfection to all Arts heere practised: their Winter begins here the last of April, continuing till September, and is called Winter, not for the cold, but for the continuall raines that are found all this time; the rest of the time is accompted Summer, which •…•…s without raine, and the pleasantest of all other seasons upon this Coast.

The commodities naturall of this place is not observeable, the * 1.249 •…•…land small, and the firme land plentifull in Palme-trees, cocus, and

the like: the Citie is the common Staple for all India commodi∣ties, brought hither by others, and here bartered and exchanged for other; but of it selfe not affording any of note or conse∣quence.

They have heere two sorts of moneyes, a good, and a bad, and therefore in all contracts they are as well to bargaine for the mo∣ney * 1.250 that is to be received, as for the commoditie that is to bee sold: but because this place is neighboured with sundry great Nations that traffique hither; it will be fit I should inlarge my selfe a little further on this subject.

The common moneys heere currant is called the Pardaus Xera∣phin, coined here, and worth 300 Res of Portugall, and is as much as three testons, which is English money about foure shillings sixe pence sterling.

One Pardau is five tang as, which is an imaginary coine, and is in both sorts of the coines in use, as accounting five tang as bad money, being the same in worth as foure tang as of good money.

One tang as is worth foure good ventins, and five bad ventins, a coine also imaginary, and not reall, and is worth seaventy five ba∣sarucos.

A vintin is worth 15 bad basarucos, and 18 good basarucos, which is the lowest and smallest coine heere in use.

Three basarucos is worth two Res of Portugall money, and by this accompt, the Pardu sheraphin is worth 375 basarucos: and these are all the proper coines of Goa: the other here currant are

The Persia larins is a coine of very fine filver, and worth 110 basarucos.

The Pagode of gold worth about 10 tang as, is eight shillings sterling.

The venetiander of gold, worth two pardaus sheraphin.

The St. Thomas of gold, worth 8 tang as.

The Riall of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 called Pardaus de reales, worth commonly 440 Res of Portugall; but these and the larins of Persia may heere bee accounted for commodities, rising and falling in price, as the occa∣sions of Merchants inforce them.

But note that all moneys are here paid and received by the hands of Sheraffs, as is the manner in Turkey and other Easterne Coun∣tries, * 1.251 who make good the losse and dammage either in tale or goodnes for a small consideration, and by the Portugals termed Cernidors.

The weights common in Goa, and along the coast of India, that is subject to the Crowne of Spaine, are divers; the usuall knowne * 1.252 is as in Portugall the quintall and the rove; and this is most in use for all European commodities.

But they have in use another proper, for honey, sugar, but∣ter,

which is called the maund, being 12 li. of the weight above mentioned.

Another proper onely to pepper, and other such Indian spices, they have, which they call the Bahar, accounted 3 quintals and a halfe of Portugall weight, which by reason of the neere concor∣dancie that it hath with the hundred of London, I shall not need to say any thing further thereof.

The measure of length is the same as is used in Lixborne.

The measure of graine, rice, and such like commodities is called a * 1.253 Medida, being about a spanne high, and halfe a finger broad, 24 whereof is accounted a mand.

Mands 20, is accounted one candil, which is about 14 bushels Eng. and by this measure they accompt their tunnage in shipping; yet it is found, that some sort of rice is heere sold by the fardo, being round bundles wrapt straw, and bound about with cords, and these should weigh by the custome of the place 3½ maunds.

There is upon this coast a great trade in use for pearles, which * 1.254 because it is of great moment in this and other places of India; it will be fit I should shew the manner thereof.

The fishing for pearles beginneth yearly in March and April, and continueth but 50 dayes; but yet they fish not alwayes in one place every yeare, but change their places by certaine appointed and setled orders amongst the principall that have the over∣sight thereof.

Now when the time of this fishing draweth neere, then they send very good divers that goe purposely to discover where the greatest heapes of oysters are under water, and on the shoare op∣posite to that place, there they set up and plant a village with houses, and a Bazaro or market place, of stone and other mate∣rialls, which standeth as long as the fishing time lasteth, and is for that time furnished with all things necessary, which now and then happeneth to bee neere unto places inhabited, and now and then a far off, according to the place appointed for that yeares fishing.

The fisher-men themselves are for the most part Christians, na∣tives of that Countrey; neither is any other debarred from this fishing that will, paying a certaine tribute or acknowledgement to the King of Spaine, and to the Iesuites who have sundry Chur∣ches upon that coast: now during the said fishing, there are al∣wayes maintained three or foure fasts or galliots armed to defend the fishers from injuries and Rovers. The order of which fishing is observed to be thus.

There are commonly three or foure barkes, and their compa∣nies that make consortship together, much resembling our En∣glish pilot-boates, having eight or ten men in a boat, and in the

morning they goe out together from the shoare, and anchor in 15 or 18 fathome water, which is the ordinary depths of this whole coast; and being thus moored to their Anchor, they cast a rope into the Sea, and at the end of that rope usually make fast a great stone, and then they have in readines a Diver, who hath his nose and his eares well stopped and annointed with oyle, and a basket fastened about his necke, or under his left arme; then he sinketh downe by the said rope to the bottome of the Sea, and as fast as he can he filleth the said basket, and being full, he then shaketh the rope, and his fellowes that hold the other end, and are in their Barke, instantly hale him up with his filled basket, and in this wise they goe one by one vntill they have laden their said boat with Oysters; and in the evening returning a shore to the village, every company maketh their owne heape or mount of Oysters by themselves, one distant from another in such wise, that there is seene a great long row of mounts or heapes of Oysters, which remaine untouched untill such time as the fishing be ended; and at the end whereof every company sitteth downe about their mount or heape, and fall to opening of them, which they may ea∣sily doe, because that then they bee both dry, dead, and brittle; and if every Oyster should prove to have pearles in them, it would prove a very good purchase unto them: but many are found to have no pearles at all in them; therefore when their fishing is done, they then perceive whether their said fishing and gathering proveth good or bad.

Now there are certaine men expert in the choice and distincti∣on of Pearles, which heere they call Chittini, which set and make the price of Pearles, according to their carracts, each carract being foure graines, and these with an instrument of copper having holes therein of severall greatnes serving to distingush the sorts, to which also they consider their beauty and goodnes, and then ther∣of make 4 severall sorts. The first sort be the round Pearles, which they call aia or unia of Portugall, because the Portugals buy them: the second sort which are not round, are called aia of Bengola: the third sort, which are not so good as the second, they call aia of Canora, that is to say, the Kingdome of Besnegar: the fourth and last, and indeed the worst sort, they call aia of Cambaia: and thus the price being by the men set thereon, according to their sorts, goodnes, and greatnes, there are Merchants of every Coun∣trey which are ready with their moneys in their hands to buy them; so that in few dayes, all the said parcels are bought up, ac∣cording to the said prizes set upon them altering according to the carract, beauty, and shape thereof. And this is the manner of the fishing, and dispersing of the Pearles throughout India, and thence through the World, so farre forth as I thought good to insert the same in this place.

CHAP. XCII.

Of the Trade in generall practised alongst the Coast of INDIA.

THe Coast of India knowne in these Regions, is on∣ly * 1.255 so accounted from the Ilands called las Vachas, or from the Towne of deman to the Cape of Como∣rin, not above 200 miles in length, wherein be∣sides the Metropolis Goa, is found sundry others in subjection to the Crowne of Portugall; as first Da∣man to the North of Goa; then Basain, then Chaul, Dabull, and then Goa: and to the South-ward, which some call the coast of Mal∣lubar, they hold Romes, Onor; Barselor, Mangalor, Cananor, Cali∣cut, Cranganor, Cochin, Coulon, and cape de Comeri, which is ac∣compted the last end of the Coast of Mallabar and India, for the better understanding of the trade of these Sea-ports, it will bee needfull I should somewhat more particularly survey the same.

First then, it is to be understood that the Northerne part of this Coast is held the wholsomest and purest ayre for habitation, the principall places being Daman, Basasen, and Chaul, which are found * 1.256 in themselves to have good havens, whereto great traffique is maintained throughout India; the Countrey hereabouts aboun∣ding in rice, pease, and other graines, butter and oyle of nuts, also cotton cloth great quantity, especially Baroches, taking the name from a Citie of this coast; and in Chaul is found very great con∣course of Merchants and traffique to Ormus, Cambaia, Sinde, Mas∣quate, Bengala, having therein many rich Merchants, and ships of great burthen; and heere is also made divers kinds of silke stuffes, as grograms, sattins, taffata's, and such like in such aboundance, that India, and all other places bordering, are served therewith, and beholding thereto, which brings a great trade to the said Citie of Chaul; for they bring in the raw silke of China, and being heere spunne, woven, and wrought, carry it out againe, and distribute it throughout India, and the neighbouring Countries; here also they make faire and excellent wrought bedsteds, boxes, desks, stooles, and other woodden arts, which brings them great profit, and makes this place famous throughout these parts.

As for the coast of Mallabar, Onor is of good esteeme, where * 1.257 there is a great quantity of pepper yearely laden by the Portugals factors, accounted the best and fullest berry in all India, the Coun∣trey hereabouts belonging to a Queene rich in pepper, who selleth the said commoditie only to the Portugals; but receiveth her mo∣ney

6 moneths beforehand, and at the season delivereth the said contracted pepper, which by the Portugals is housed in their Fort, which (by her leave) they have heere built, till their shipping come to fetch it away, which is commonly but once a yeare.

Cananor is held the best fort they have upon all this coast, and * 1.258 doth, abound with rice and pepper, and neere the fort is a faire Towne which is plentifully stored with all the commodities of this coast and shoare, especially abounding in all manner of victuals and provision and masts for ships of all sizes and sorts.

Calicut was once the most famous town of trade of all this shore, * 1.259 and gave name not onely to the sorts of pepper that here grow, but also to that sort of cotton cloth that was first hence transported for Europe; but the Emperour the then Soveraigne, being enemie to the King of Couchin, with whom the Portugals at their first arivall heere sided, and prosperd, by that meanes, overthrew the great traffique of Calicut, and advanced the traffique of Cochin, whose * 1.260 Soveraigne by meanes of the trade is now become a mighty and rich Prince in this Countrey, the City of Cochin it selfe thereby so inlarged, inriched, and so well inhabited by Portugals, who are in part the new Masters, by native Mallabars and other Na∣tions, and seated upon a pleasant River, and injoying the commo∣dity of a good Channell and Haven; that it is accounted in these parts for trade and concourse of Merchants the onely second to Goa: here is laden yearely great quantity of pepper, and a course sort of cynamon, vulgarly called de Matte, nothing comparable to cynamon of Seylon accounted the best; and hither come all the Por∣tugall ships to lade homewards, after that they have unladen their European commodities in Goa, which addes much to the trade of this Citie. Two commodities hither imported do much inrich this place, 1 the great store of silke that cometh hither raw from China to be wrought, and next the great store of sugar that cometh from Bengala to be spent, for which the marryed citizens are found to pay no custome to the King of Cochin, though for all others they pay 4 per cent. but the stranger and unmarryed pay at Cochin no∣thing to the King; but to the Portugall 8 per cent. And because * 1.261 this great traffique for pepper is onely peculiar to some private Merchants or Farmers authorized by the Kings of Spaine, it will not be unproper I should here relate the manner thereof: It is to be understood then that the Kings of Portugall, the first European traders into these parts, in all their navigations and discoveries, ever added the benefit of commerce towards the supportation of the expences of their conquests; and having here built for conve∣niencie of trade, and protection of their Merchants, and subjects many Fortresses and Castles; they ever so setled them, that the commodiousnesse of the Haven, Port or harbour, joyned to the native commodities of the place, might adde meanes and faire in∣ducements to make by traffique their conquests profitable. This

coast then being found to abound with pepper, a principall com∣modity then requested in Europe, designed it to be converted to his peculiar profit, by all the provident waies of a circumspect Merchant; but Princes that will imbrace all, sometimes graspe but a * 1.262 little; for the same could not be so profitably contrived, conside∣ring the distance of way, length of time, and trust to be committed to factors, Captaines of Forts, and others; but he found himselfe to come farre short of his expectation in this point, whereupon he was advised to let out the same to Farme, and contracted it at cer∣taine conditions to certaine great and eminent Merchants, who should stand in his place strongly and amply priviledged, and should injoy a part of the gaines for themselves, and yet bring the greatest croppe of their labours into his coffers; hereupon it was first let out for five yeeres, the farmers and contracters binding themselves to send such a stocke to India in ready money, as would extend for 30 thousand quintalls of pepper yearely, concei∣ved to be in those daies as much as all Europe could annually vent in that commodity; but then the King was bound to send his Ships to India to lade the same, in number five Ships of sufficient bur∣then yearely; the Farmers bearing the adventure both of their moneys outward, and of the said pepper homeward, lading it in India into the said Ships at their own costs and charges, all which brought into Portugall, they were to deliver to the King at the price of 12 duccats per quintall, and what was either cast away, lost, or taken, was to be borne by the Farmers; the King paying for no more then what was thus fairely laid on land into his store-house at Lixborne, neither yet payd he ready money for the same, but payd them with their owne money when the pepper was sold; so that the King without disbursement or hazzard, had and hath a certaine great gaine without the losse of a penny; in consideration whereof the farmers have many great and strong immunities and priviled∣ges; as first, that no man upon paine of death, of what estate or condition soever he be, may any waies deale or trade in pepper but themselves, which is still strictly observed; secondly, that they may not upon any occasion or necessity whatsoever, diminish or lessen the said ordinary stocke of money, nor the King his said stint of shipping; neither hinder nor let them in any sort concerning the lading thereof, which is also strictly looked into; for though the pepper were for the Kings owne person or proper account, yet must the Farmers pepper be first laden; thirdly that the Uiceroy, and all other the Officers and Captaines in India shall give them all assistance, helpe and favour, with safe keeping guarding and watch∣ing the same, with all other needfull offices as shalbe by them re∣quired, for the safety and benefit of the said pepper: fourthly, that * 1.263 for the lading and providing thereof, the said Farmers may send their Factors into India with their servants and assistants of what nation soever they be, (English, French, and Spaniards onely ex∣cepted)

and that unto every place to see the same laden and dis∣patched away: and in latter times it is observed that they have also farmed of the King the ships and their fraightment, with large conditions to build them, and make the provision of all ne∣cessaries for them, and all at their owne adventures; and if the Ship come safe home, they give the King in lieu of licence a certaine summe of money for every Ship, and annually do furnish these five Ships at their owne charges: but for such Souldiers as are appoin∣ted to goe in them, they are bound to saile for the King and at his charge, and have but onely their meate and drinke at the Farmers charges, the officers and saylers being placed therein by the Kings admiralty, which the Farmers may not once deny or refuse; so that the King adventureth nothing, neither in pepper nor in Shippes; but onely if the Ships be cast away, he loseth the money that he should have, and otherwise gain by the farm of every Ship, if it had returned safe; and the profit of the pepper that should have beene delivered him at a certaine price, which is the cause now that the King doth not send out his Fleets to meet and waft them from the Flemish Ilands, as for long time he was accustomed to doe; and the King is found so nearely to look to this Farme, that he will not abate the Farmers a penny, how great soever their losses happen otherwise to be: And thus much shall serve for Goa and the trade of the Portugalls in India; now in the next place I will come to the coast of Chormandel.

CHAP. XCIII.

Of MESULIPATAN and the Trade thereof, with the coast of CHORMANDEL.

THE Coast of Chormandel beginneth from the cape Ne∣gapatan to the Towne of Musulipatan, between which * 1.264 said places is found a place called S^t. Thomas, where the Apostle Thomas is said to have preached salvation to these Nations and whose Tombe is had still in great reverence to this day amongst the native Christians of this Coun∣trey: besides which is found the Townes of Pettipoly and Arma∣gow, where the English of late have setled factories that have de∣pendencie on the factory of Mesulipatan; under which therefore I will include the trade of this coast.

Musulipatan by reason of the commodious scituation, is the most eminent place of trade of this coast, where the English have to that purpose planted a factorie, both for providing and lading hence the commodities of this Countrey; this place is seated on the

same coast, or rather Istmus, as Goa is with the Cities beforemen∣•…•…ioned, which are seated to the eastward, as the coast of Mallabar •…•…s to the westward: the pleasantnesse of the adjoyning River •…•…unning downe from Bisnagar the Metropolis of this Countrey, •…•…nd the goodnesse of the Haven, with the wholesomenesse of the •…•…oile and the temperancie of the ayre, addes much to the excel∣•…•…encie of it in matter of trade and concurrencie of Merchants; to which if we adde the industry of the inhabitants, and the fruit∣•…•…ullnesse of the Countrey bearing many commodities naturally, it •…•…s not to be reckned as the least or the worst part of trading in India.

From this place and coast then is found a great trade, to be dri∣ven into Bengala, Pegu, Siam, Mallaca and to India, and the prin∣cipall commodities that this City is noted to be famous for, is those * 1.265 excellent fine cotton linen, made here in great aboundance, and of all colours, and interwoven with divers sorts of loome workes and flowers, very fine and cunningly wrought, and therefore much worne in India, and better esteemed there then silke, as indeed be∣ing both found finer and richer, and used by the greatest women in those parts for their clothing, wherein is found interlaced of∣tentimes threds of silver and gold, and divers other rare fabriques of cotton, &c.

The currant usuall coines in Mesulipatan, Armagon, Petipoli, * 1.266 St. Thomas, and all alongst the coast is the Pagode of gold, and the Mahomody and fanan of silver, and are thus valued.

A Pogode is worth 15 fanams, or in English 8 sh. starling.

A fanan is 9 cashee, or as some call them cupans about 6¾ d. star.

A Mamody is 32 pices, or as in some places they are called docres.

A riall of 8/2 Spanish is here 5 mamodies or 9 fanans, or 5 sh.

And 10 rialls 8/8 is here currant for 6 and sometimes for 6½ pagods.

And 10 R 8/8 are called in these parts a Seare incirca 50 sh. star. But in Armagon it is observed they have this difference. * 1.267

Rialls of 8/8 11 are accounted for 8 pagods.

One pagode is accounted worth 20 fanams.

And 5 pagodes here are accounted but 4 in Mesulipatan.

The pagode by this account may be said to be in value about 8sh. starling equivalent with the chequin of Uenice, or the sheriffe of Aegypt, or sultany of Turkey, and the mamody accounted for 12 d. starling, and the fanans about 6 d. ¾ or 7 d. per piece.

Their common weight used along this coast is the candil, which * 1.268 in grosse goods is most usuall, accounted for 20 Maunds.

A Maund is 40 Seare or 22½ Masses, or 26 li. 14½ oun. English.

A Seare is 17 Kashee, which thus answers with England.

The seare is twofold, as the small seare is of 16 Mass, and found to be about 10 li. English, or as some observe it 10 〈◊〉〈◊〉 li. and the great seare is accounted as above.

And the candil of 20 mands of 26 li. 14½ ounc. haberdepois, brings it to be English pound sotile 538 li. incirca.

But this finds some disagreement with the weight of Petipoli, for their candil is 20 mands found to be but 26 li. English in all 520 li.

A mand is here counted for 5 Uisko 5 li. 3 ounc. English.

One Uisco (or as the Portugalls call it fisco) is accounted 8 seares, which is found to be 10 ounc. ¼ haberdepois incirca.

Further observations I find not of the trade of Mesulapatan, save∣ing that the governour of this City, having setled a trade with the English, and that they should pay for custome 4 per cent. he after∣wards raised the same to 12 per cent. till Anno 1614. one Floris, and other English surprised the chiefe customer being the governours sonne, and brought him aboord their Ship then in port, who there∣upon came to a new composition restored the overplus taken, and setled it for the future at the first agreed rate of 4 per cent. as now it standeth.

CHAP. XCIIII.

Of SATAGAN the Metropolis of Bengala, and the trade of that coast and the River Ganges.

AT the ending of the coast of Coromandel, beginneth this coast of Bengala, through the middle whereof * 1.269 the famous River Ganges runs, making a large bay or Gulfe, which carrieth the name of the Gulfe of Bengala: This Country is under the command of the great Mogul; whose coynes are here currant; the holy and reverend opinion that the Gentiles through all India have of this River, and the concourse of Pilgrims thereto, for de∣votion sake, addes much to the traffique of Satagam, the chiefe Ci∣tie of this Countrey, which is pleasantly seated on another faire and large River, whose imbosure is not farre distant from the im∣bosure of Ganges, and upon which boats sayle by the violence of the current a hundred miles in fifteene houres without the helpe of sayles or oares, and when the tyde turneth it, is found to be so violent that the saylers are forced to make fast their boats to cer∣taine trees fixed on the shoare side, for they are not able to make way against the streame and current thereof. At the entrance of this River is a place called Butter, which the Inhabitants of the Countrey and Merchants there doe yearly build in forme of a vil∣lage, of straw, branches of trees, reeds, and the like, and is of great largenesse, to which they bring all manner of merchandize, to meet the shippes which at certaine set times with the Monsoons come

hither for trade, who are not able to goe higher for want of wa∣•…•…er; and when the shippes are gone with the change of the Moun∣•…•…oon, and that yeares trading past, they then burne their said towne •…•…nd houses, and carry up their goods and merchandise to the Citie •…•…f Satagan; whither also all small barkes and boats doe goe to •…•…ade and unlade.

It is observable that thirtie or fortie sayle of great shippes of * 1.270 •…•…undry Countries and Nations doe here yearely at this time finde •…•…ading; the principall commodities of this place and the coast, being Rice here growing in great abundance, cloth of cotton of infinite sorts, made here in great quantitie, Lacca good store, great plen∣tie of sugars, Mirabolans both dried and preserved, long pepper, Oyle of Zerseline, and many other commodities; the Citie in it selfe is a faire Citie, and abounding with rich Merchants that trade to Pegu, Musulipatan, Sumatra, and sometimes to Cambaia, and the red Sea; their time of traffique by reason of the heat is for the most part here by night, and when they have once burned their towne of Butter, as hath been noted, they then hire galliotts and boats, and there with transport their commodities up the River from one Towne to another, scituated upon the same, where every day is found in one or other a publique faire and market, so that their whole life is still in motion and agitation, providing in one place and putting off in another, here buying and there selling.

The Portugalls are found to have some trade hither, but those that reside here are not subject to much government, but make their will their law; onely two Forts they hold upon this coast, the one they call porto grande, the other porto pequenom, whereto there is driven an orderly trade, and thereby that Nation is kept within some order and discipline.

As for the coines currant here, the weights and measures here in * 1.271 use, I must omit them by reason of my ignorance therein, and therefore shall referre them to the better skilled.

Before I leave this coast, I must not forget a strange custome, not onely here much used, but also alongst the coast of Mallabar, and in many other parts of India, which is thus, if a Debtor breake * 1.272 the day of payment with his Creditor, and oftentimes disappoynt him, then he goeth to the principall of the Bramenes, and receiveth of him a rod, with which he approacheth to the debtor, and making a circle about him, chargeth him in the name of the King and the said Bramen, not to depart till he hath satisfied the debt, which if he doe not, he must then starve in the place; for if he depart, the King will cause him to be executed; and this is in use in many parts of India, but especially where the Bramans are reverenced; it is daily seene practised amongst Merchants the natives of these places.

CHAP. XCV.

Of PEGU, and the coast thereof with the trade.

IN order having passed the coast and gulph of Bengala, the next in this tract, is the Sea-coast of Aracan, Peg•…•… * 1.273 and Sian, stretching it selfe to the Iland and Fort of Malacca, of which according to the observations in trade, as I have collected, I will in briefe touch.

The first on this coast and shoare is Aracan, scituated upon the * 1.274 River of Cosnim, which passeth through some part of Bengala, and entreth into that gulph at this Citie, by which commodious sci∣tuation it is found plentifully stored as well with the commodities of that Countrey, as the naturall commodities of the place it selfe.

The next is Macoa, seated upon one of the mouths of that great * 1.275 and famous River Martaban, which by ten mouths issuing into the Sea, gives a great supply to this Countrey of all the commodi∣ties that are found in India, from whence this mightie River hath its sourse.

The third is Pegu it selfe, giving name to the whole coast, sea∣ted in like manner upon one of the said mouthes, which as being * 1.276 the principall seat of the Princes of this Countrey, I will a little more particularly survey.

The marvellous great tydes, and violent current of this great River is not here to be omitted as appertaining to trade, for it is * 1.277 found to be in it selfe so swift, th•…•… neither winde nor oare can make head or way against it, and because it is found to keepe: constant course of ebbing and flowing, therefore in their sayling they still observe the tydes thereof, and when those tydes are at highest, there are certaine stations on the bankes whereto their boats galliots and barges are fastned, untill the tyde doe againe serve their turne to proceed on their voyage: this one thing more I finde wonderfull here, that these tydes come not in by a constant continued pace or measure, but come rushing in at the first with a great violence, with a hideous noise and roaring, such as in some lesser sort is seene in the River of Roven, and in our River of Severne in England.

As for the Citie of Pegu it selfe it is divided into two parts, in the one the King and his Nobilitie resideth, lately built and richly beautified, and therefore called the new Towne; the other part inhabited onely by Merchants, Artificers, Sea-men, and such like, and called the old Towne; every house in the old Towne where Merchants doe reside, hath a place built strongly of bricke which

as a warehouse serveth his occasion, called by them Godon, espe∣•…•…ally to prevent firing, which this Towne is much subject to by •…•…ason of the combustible matter it is made of; the new Towne 〈◊〉〈◊〉 walled about and is a perfect square, having twentie gates, five 〈◊〉〈◊〉 each angle, ditched about and watered, wherein many Crocodills •…•…re kept for the watch of the place by night; the walles are beau∣•…•…fied with many Turrets for centinels guilded with gold; the streets •…•…re very faire, straight as a line, and so broad as fifteene horsemen •…•…ay ride abrest on both sides; at each mans doore are set palme •…•…rees, which groveing makes a faire shew, and thereby all passen∣•…•…ers may walke daily in the shaddow from one street to another, •…•…o prevent the extraordinary heat of the place and climate: the greatest trade that is found at this day exercised in Pegu, is from the coast of Cormandell with pintados, cotton cloth, and other bombasins much in request here; but it is to be noted, that these Shippes must depart that coast by the sixt of September, and take the monsone winde, otherwise they lose their voyage for that yeare: from Bengala also commeth hither sundry shippes with cotton cloth and other such wearing commodities, which taking also the season of the winde arriveth here when the Cormondel Shippes are ready to depart. The principall harbour or port where these Shippes doe ride is called Cosmin, and is the place where the greatest Shippes doe Anchor to lade and unlade their goods. From Mec∣ca comes also sundry Shippes laden with woolen cloth, Damaskes, Velvets, and Chickens. From Mallacca comes many small Vessells laden with pepper, sanders, Porcelan of China, Camphora, and other commodities. From Sumatra commeth also sundry Shippes with pepper and other wares; all which goods are very strictly looked into for the payment of the Kings customes at landing, which is here payd in kind, and amounteth unto twelve per cent. and the King doth hold it for a great affront to be wronged of a penny of it: Rubies, Saphirs and Spinalls paying here no custome in or out, as being the proper commodities of the Countrey.

For the effecting of the trade and commerce of this place, there is ordained eight Broakers or Tareghes by the Kings authoritie, who are bound to sell and vent all the goods and merchandise comming to Pegu, for all mens account of what Nation soever they be, ha∣ving two per cent. for their brokeredge, and are liable to make good the debts they make, which no Merchant there resident can a∣voide; for they will have the said two per cent. by the Kings au∣thoritie granted them, whether their helpe be taken or not.

In like manner, there are ordained certaine Broakers for the buying of all the commodities bought in Pegu, wherein is found a∣mongst them such candid dealing, that a stranger can hardly be wronged or abused, if he have but so much discretion to provide such goods as may be proper for the Countrey whither he sends them.

The commodities native of this place and Countrey are these, Gold, Silver, Rubies, Saphirs, Spinalls digged at Caplan six dayes jour∣ney from Ava in this Kingdome, great store of Benjamin, lo•…•… pepper, lead, lacca, Rice, Niperwine and sugar; and many other com∣modities. The manner of their bargaining as being contrary to the * 1.278 custome and use in most parts of the world, is here worth obser∣ving; all their bargaines by their law must be made publiquely and in open assemblies of and before all standers by, who because they should yet not know, what is bidden or demanded for any commoditie, the Broakers either buyer or seller having seene the commoditie, and liking of it, putteth his hand under a cloth and toucheth the parties hand interessed, and by nipping, touching and pinching of certaine joynts of each others hands, they know what is bidden and demanded without words speaking, which these Broakers againe with the other hand coverd in the like man∣ner, give notice of to the party who sets him on worke, and either so orders him to proceed to bid more or lesse, or els to give over: and after this manner are all their contracts here made, and after∣ward by the said Broaker registred accordingly in leaves of trees which with them is used as paper with us.

And when any strangers and forraine Merchants arrive here, these Broakers are bound by their place to provide them a house, * 1.279 Magazin, and lodging, whilest they here are resident, and when the house is taken, the Governour of the Towne sends to know how long time he intends to stay with them, and withall appointeth certaine maides of the Towne to goe to him, that out of them he may make choise of one whilst he remaines there, and then having chosen one to his minde, he contracts with her friends for her use for the said time at an easie rate, which done he bringeth her to his house or lodging, and shee serveth him willingly in all his affaires both by day and night, as both his slave and wife; but then he must take care that during that time he keepeth not company with a∣ny other woman; for so he might incurre a great danger and perill of his life by the law of the Countrey. Now when the time of his residence is expired, he payeth the parents of the maid the price agreed for, and departeth quietly away, and shee returneth with credit to her friends, being as well esteemed of as ever shee was before; and if afterward this maid chance to marry, though with the principallest of the Countrey, and that the aforesaid stranger should againe returne hither to trade, he may againe demand his woman, and he shall have her by the law of the Countrey, without the resistance of her husband, or any shame unto him, and shee re∣maineth by the stranger as long as he abideth there, and he tra∣velling from thence, shee goeth home to her husband againe, which amongst them is held for a most sure and inviolable law and custome.

The coine currant here and throughout all this coast is called * 1.280 Gansa, which is made of copper and lead, and is not the proper mo∣ney of the King, but every man may stampe it that will, and that is able, because it hath its just value in stuffe and materialls; there is much counterfeiting of this coine, but it is soone discerned by the Broakers, tellers of money, who readily spy it out, and therefore not passable, nor will not be taken by any; with this money Gan∣sa you may buy Gold, silver, Rubies, drugges, spices, and all commo∣dities; and no other money is currant amongst them.

This Gansa goeth by a weight called a Biso, and this name of Bise goeth for the account of the weight, and therefore a Bise of a Gansa is accounted by strangers there trading ½ R. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or 2 shil. 6. d. starling; and albeit that gold and silver as all other commodities doe rise and fall, yet this Bise never altereth in value or estimation. Every Bise maketh a hundred Gansaes of weight, and so it doth come to passe that the number of the money is Bisa.

In this Countrey is also seated the Towne of Martaven, a place * 1.281 of great traffique, and the last of this coast; the Inhabitants where∣of are wonderfull expert in making of hard waxe, which hence is dispersed throughout India, and into many places of Europe; here is also made those great earthen Iarrs or vessels which serve them to keepe water, oyle, or any other liquor, and are much u∣sed in India, and aboord their shippes in stead of caske, barrells, and such vessells, and throughout all these Countries are called of the name of the place Martavanas; and in some places by the Portugalls Tenajos.

CHAP. XCVI.

Of SIAM and the trade of the coast thereof.

VNder the title of Siam I will comprehend the Citie of * 1.282 Tenaserim, a famous towne of traffique, and the Me∣tropolis of a Kingdome; also Pottana, another Citie on this coast, not farre distant from Siam it selfe, being a place where the English Merchants have a residence and hold a Factorie; and lastly Siam as the principall, and as one upon whom the rest have a dependencie, both in mat∣ter of government and trade. This Citie then of Siam some yeares past (as appeares by the relation of that worthy Merchant Raphe Fitche, and others) was the prime of all these and the neighbouring Regions; but being for twenty-one moneths besieged by the King of Pegu, who after foure moneths march incompassed it with a million and foure hundred thousand Souldiers, and at length by

meanes of treason and not of strength gained it, drove the King thereof to that desperation that he poisoned himselfe with all his wives and children; since which time it hath obeyed severall Princes and beene subject to sundrie Masters, according to the * 1.283 various chance of warre, and of this Countrey, which in one age is seene here so diversly to alter into sundry shapes; for a petty King which now commands one onely Towne or Province, in a few yeares comes to be a great Emperour over severall Kingdomes, and peradventure that that great Emperour who now commanded so many severall Nations, within few yeares after is glad to rule o∣ver a small Province, Citie, or Iland, which the Princes of Pegu and Siam have of late yeares to their great griefe found too true by experience.

This Citie of Siam is yet notwithstanding the former suffered calamitie, a place of great traffique, not onely hence to Cauchin∣china, Macau, Cantor, Mallacca, Cambaia and the Ilands, Sumatra, Borneo, Banda and others by Sea, but also is much augmented by the inland trade thereof, partly to Martavan, Tenaserim and others, which are seated on the same Land, but as seated on the backeside thereof, and as injoying thereby the commoditie of another Sea, but the same is found proper for trade by its owne commodious scituation, being on the bankes of that great and famous River Menan, which runneth hither through or rather thwarteth In∣dia, * 1.284 arising in the lake of Chiamay, as they terme it, at least 22 degrees from this Citie, where it issueth into the Sea, and is here found about the moneth of March so to overswell his bankes, and the neighbouring Countrey, that it covereth the earth for 120 miles in compasse, and therefore the Inhabitants are said to re∣tire themselves during this inundation to the upper part of their houses, so purposely made to avoide the inconveniencie of the waters, every house then having a boate or frigat belonging thereto, by which meanes they converse together and traffique, as on dry shoare, till the said River returne to her wonted chan∣nell againe.

The Kings of this Countrey as indeed of all these Regions, are for the most part Merchants, who gave the English admittance to trade and residence here about 1612; upon whom he bestowed al∣so a faire house for their aboad, and ware-houses to lay up their merchandise; where since for some yeares they have continued, but of late yeares have left it off and discontinued, upon the little benefit this scale and Countrey affoorded them.

The principall commodities of this Citie and coast, are cottonli∣nens of severall sorts, and that excellent wine or distilled liquour, cal∣led * 1.285 here by the name of Nipe, made of Cocos or India Nuts, and hence transported into all parts of India, and the adjoyning Re∣gions: here is also great quantitie of Benjamin, and of lacc: where∣with the hard wax is made that is brought hence into sundry parts

of the World, also that costly wood called by the Portugals palo dangula, and calamba, which being good, is weighed against silver and gold; for rich perfumes, and the wood sapon used by dyers; also heere is Camphora in great plenty, Bezar stones and gold in some measure good store; also heere is found Diamonds, Nutmegs, and some other Spices, which the Countrey of it selfe affordeth for the maintenance of the trade thereof.

The coines here currant as I am informed are these following. * 1.286

The first is a Taile which is worth 4 Ticalls, or 17 shillings ten pence, or eighteene shillings sterling.

A Ticall is accounted 4 masse, or 4 shil. 4 d. in circa sterling.

A masse is accompted 4 copans, about 13 d. sterling.

A copan is accompted 750 cashe, or 3¼ d. sterling.

A taile is 16 masse, and accompted worth 14 Rials of eight Spanish.

And 20 taile is a cattee worth 48 Rials of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Spanish.

And 1 taile of Siam is worth 2 tailes of Iapan.

And note that in Pottana and elsewhere on this coast coines find little alteration in currant prizes and rates, except upon some ex∣traordinary * 1.287 occasions, when some of these species are sought out, and provided by Merchants to transport into other places where the same do turn them better to benefit; and note that at Pottana,

A masse is as above worth 4 capans.

A capan worth 4 conderies.

A conderie is 100 cashe, which is 800 cashe, which is 50 more then at Siam as is above mentioned.

The measures and weights are not come to my knowledge.

So leaving Sciam and the trade of this coast, I shall repaire to Mallacca inhabited and fortified by the Portugals, and of great consequence in these parts.

CHAP. XCVII.

Of MALLACCA, and the Trade thereof.

MAllacca is the next Countrey to the aforenamed Siam, * 1.288 seated betweene the Coasts of Siam and Pegu, vpon the utmost bound of a long tract of land, on which is found the Citie of Mallacca in obedience to the Por∣tugall, and conquered by them in 1511 and accomp∣ted the most profitable command of all India next after Ormus, which of late they have lost, and of Mosambique: it is commo∣diously

seated on the River Gasa, which is heere 10 miles broad, (as some write) and is accounted the Staple for all India and China commodities, and hath a very great traffique to China, Moluccos, Banda, Iava, Sumatra, and all the Ilands bordering thereabouts as also to Siam, Pegu, Bengala, coast of cormandel, and other the parts of India, wherby many ships are found daily to be imployed, comming in and going out, there lading and unlading, selling, buy∣ing, and bartering the commodities of these Countries together; the Country affording of it selfe no commodities to preserve trade, but all other Countries afford to this (by reason of its proper sci∣tuation for trade) their native commodities; a ship or two com∣ming hither yearely from Lixborne to traffique, which thence de∣parteth 30 daies sooner then the rest, for India, and is at her re∣turne found commonly the richest that frequent these countries: and here it is observable in navigation that the monsons or trade * 1.289 winds here continue West and North-west from the end of Au∣gust to the end of October, and in November begins the Northerly and North-easterly winds, which blow till the beginning of April, and from May till the end of August, the South and Southwest rule, according to which, the trader hither must direct his trade and course, and take the proper season both for his comming and going.

When Albuquerke the vice-King of Portugal tooke this Citie, finding it inhabited and frequented by Merchants of sundry Na∣tions, hee established Magistrates for both the Ethnicks, Moores, and Christians, with appeale onely reserved to the highest Sove∣raigne the conquerour: one remarkable passage in this conquest, I cannot omit, which was, that an inhabitant of this place of emi∣nent note in this Citie, fighting naked in defence of himselfe and of his native Countrey, was found to bee wounded with many deepe and wide wounds; but on his arme he wore a chaine where∣to was fastened the bone of a Iavan beast, called a Cabal, by vertue whereof, notwithstanding all those wounds which were many and large, he lost not one drop of blood; but when that chaine was taken from him, his veines suddenly and at once emptied themselves both of blood and life together: the riches and great∣nesse of the place may by this particular then happening bee con∣sidered, whenas the Kings tenths in the sacke thereof, come to 200000 duccats of gold, the Soldiers and adventurers satisfied, be∣sides the concealed and pilfered bootie, there found and shared by them.

The currant coines are not as yet come to my knowledge; ther∣fore * 1.290 I referre the same to the better experienced.

The weight heere common in use, (as farre forth as I have col∣lected) * 1.291 is the Cattee Bahar, and Pecull, wherein I find the observa∣tions

made heereupon to disagree; some making but one Bahar to be here in use, and some two sorts of Bahars, as thus.

One Bahar to be 100 cattees of Malacca, and each Cattee to bee 4½ cattees of cantar and Cauchinchina which is 21 li. English, which thus estimated, must be 590 li. English.

A second Bahar they accompt to bee 200 cattees of Mallaija, which heere are 302 China cattees, and thus estimated, the same should be 400 li. English.

Againe, they have a weight called the Pecull, which is 100 cattees of China, and makes 132 li. English; but if this observation bee found true by triall, the cattee must be more then 21 li. English, which I referre to the better experienced, this is the late obser∣vation of some of our Merchants trading into these parts; but by the observation of the Portugals I find the weight to be thus.

In Mallacca they say are two sorts of weights used, a great and * 1.292 small, which is composed of the Bahar.

A Bahar great weight is 200 cattees, or three pices.

One pice is 66⅔ cattees.

A cattee is 26 tailes.

A taile is 1½ ounce Lisborne weight.

And by this great Bahar they weigh pepper, cloves, nutmegs, san∣ders, indico, allom, sanguis draconis, palo dangula, camphora, and ma∣ny other commodities.

The small Bahar is also 200 cattees.

A cattee is 22 tailes.

A taile is almost an ounce, 5/8 Portugall all weight.

And by this small Bahar they weigh quicksilver, copper, vermilion, ivory, silke, muske, amber, lignum aloes, tynne, lead, benjamin, verdet, and other commodities, &c.

Againe, some observe that a taile of Mallacca is 16 masses.

And 10¼ masses is an ounce haberdepois, and 1½ ounces is 16 〈◊〉〈◊〉 masses, by which masses they sell Bezar stones, and some other commodities.

I should here proceed to surveigh the trade of this remaining tract and Coast, especially that of Camboia, Cauchinchina, and o∣thers but little having falne into my hand of the trade exercised there, I willingly omit the same, and next proceed to looke on∣ly upon the traffique of China it selfe, and then to the Ilands belonging to Asia.

CHAP. XCVIII.

Of CHINA and the Provinces thereof.

CHina hath on the East, Mare del Zur, on the West, * 1.293 India, on the North, a Wall extending 1000 miles in length, betweene the Chinois and the Tartarians, and on the South, the Ocean.

The Trade of this Countrey is accounted very great, the scituation of the place, the temperature of the ayre, the disposition of the inhabitants, the continuall peace that abides a∣mongst them concurre to inlarge the same; the many navigable Rivers, and the excellent fabriques heere wrought, adde to make it eminent, and the commodities that it yeelds to maintaine the same are these; barley, rice, wool, cottons, olives, vines, flaxe, silke * 1.294 raw and wrought into infinite sorts of stuffes, all kinds of mettall, fruits, honey, waxe, sugars, Rubarbe, porslaine dishes, camphire, ginger, all kinds of spices, muske, civet, amber, and infinite aboundance of salt, which commoditie only in the towne of Cantor, yeelds custo•…•… to the Prince yearely 180000 duccats.

This Kingdome containes 15 large Provinces, each Province ha∣ving a Metropolis besides many Cities of lesser note; so that in the * 1.295 whole tract of this Countrey is accounted to be 30 Kingdomes and therein writers have mentioned to bee 1597 Cities and great Townes walled, 1154 Castles 4200 Borroughs without walls, wherin Soldiers are quartered, besides an infinite number of villages and hamlets; the Metropolis of the whole Kingdome being vulgarly called Quinsay, and is said to containe in circuit 100 miles, ha∣ving in the midst thereof, a lake of 30 miles compasse, in which * 1.296 are two faire Ilands, and in them two magnificent Palaces, ador∣ned with all necessaries, either for majestie or conveniencie: the lake is nourished with divers rivers, on which is counted 12000 bridges, and in many Cities here seated on the bankes of great and famous navigable Rivers, are found oftentimes ten thousand saile of great and small vessels; the King himselfe having in the Citie of Nanquin (accounted the second in this Kingdome) sea∣ted * 1.297 upon a faire and large river (if writers relations may have credit) 10 thousand saile of ships of his owne, and the Citie being 9 leagues from the Sea, the whole distance is found to bee as it * 1.298 were wholly imployed and taken up with Vessels and Boats; for therein the inhabitants make their abode, dwell, negociate, and remove at their pleasure, from one place and Citie to a∣nother:

It is confidently affirmed by all moderne travellers that have bene here, that the inhabitants are not permitted to issue out of this Kingdome, nor yet strangers permitted to enter into it; and though for the commodiousnes of traffique this strict law find some tolleration for a certaine limited time for the nativ•…•…s to trade a∣broad, yet is it most neerely lookt into on the behalfes of stran∣gers, that would enter into their Countrey: therefore (this con∣sidered) though the motives of trade and commerce bee many; yet this inviolable custome so severely executed, hinders justly the particulars I should in this place set downe of the trade of this mighty Empire; howsoever, it is observed that the Iapaners and some neighbouring Ilanders, as also the Portugals, and some other Christians, have (by the favor of the great maritime comman∣ders in this Countrey, and their owne faire deportment) procu∣red a license of trade in Canton, Macca•…•…, Nanquin, and some o∣ther Sea-ports; but with such strict limitations, as that in some Cities it is death for them to lie or abide a night either in the Towne or in the Suburbs, but abord their owne Ships, and in Canton where they find the most courteous usage, they may not upon paine of death abide one night within the Citie walls; but as in the morning their names are regis•…•…red at their entring into the Citie; so they come at night and bl•…•…t out the same with their owne hands: I can then but afford a taste of the whole Trade, by a little that I have observed out of the collections of others, which must serve for a modell to the frame and foundation of what is practised in other Cities throughout this Empire, which I will comprehend under the title of Maccau, most frequented by our Nations.

CHAP. XCIX.

Of MACCAV, and the Trade thereof.

THe Iland and Towne of Maccau, (as the place best * 1.299 knowne upon this Coast to our Nation) is seated on the North side of a Baye, which is at the mouth of the great River of Canton, which runneth out of the Lake of Quinsay spoken of before, oppo∣site to which standeth the great Citie of Canton, which I mentioned, as the place where is found the present Staple of all the commodities of China; and thither doe Merchants of all parts frequent to buy and barter for other commodities, with the restrictions and limitations above specified: and as for Maccau, it is inhabited by Portugals intermixt with the naturall Chinees;

the principall of their commerce being with the inhabitants of Cantaon, from whence all the commodities of China are found to issue; and heere the Portugals at the arrivall of their Ships, doe choose out a Factor amongst themselves, who is permitted in all their behalfs, to goe to trade for them at Cantoan, but in the night hee is to abide in the Suburbs under severe punishment, as I have before remembred.

Heere is found a Ship to come yearely out of India, by a parti∣cular license of the King of Spaine; the Captaines place is ever be∣stowed * 1.300 upon a person of qualitie, in reward of some former ser∣vice, as indeed all the Captains places of the Fortresses in India are; from Maccau the said ship then (having dispatcht her busines) doth saile to Iapan, and there fully dischargeth her lading, and thence returneth againe to Maccau, and from thence to Malacca, and so to Goa in India; and though this voyage of Iapan is ever gran∣ted by particular license to some one in particular; yet to Maccau and Mallacca any Merchant may goe that will; but none may yet lade or unlade in either place, before such time as these Ships termed of the Kings, are fully dispatched and laden, and are readie to depart for India: it is recorded by some Portugals that this Captaines place may be worth to him for his part 200 thousand duccats, and that the said Ship is commonly 1500 Tunnes in bur∣then, and that the voyage continueth for three years from India, and so backe; for in April they set saile from Goa to Mallacca, where they abide some season for the winds or monsons, which at certaine times blow certaine set moneths together; and then from Mallacca they saile hither to Maccau, where they stay at least nine moneths for the said monsons, and then saile to Iapan, where they must stay likewise certaine moneths for the dispatch of their businesse; and the monsons to returne againe to Macca•…•…, where againe they stay, as in their voyage outward: so that by these delayes the time of three yeares is fully expired before they have ended their voyage to and from Iapan; and all the time of this Captaines residencie either in Maccau or Iapan, hee is there accounted the chiefe ruler and governour of the place, having the like power as their viceroy in Goa, and as the severall Captaines in their forts; for that when the one departeth from Maccau to Iapan, there commeth another from Goa to Maccau, to make the same voyage after the other hath performed his; and when he returneth againe from Iapan to Maccau, the other saileth to Ia∣pan, and so the first continueth Governour againe at Maccau, vn∣till he departeth from thence to Mallacca, and so to India; and by this meanes, there is alwaies found a Portugall Governor at Maccau.

The commodities in generall of China, I have mentioned before the particular and principall commodities of Cantoan and Maccau, * 1.301 is silkes raw, and silke wrought; the raw is found to be of three seve∣rall

sorts, first lankin which is the best; the second is fuscan; the third and worst is lankam, and these are knowne to us in Europe, and beare price there commonly about 145 or 150 R 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Spanish, the pico of lankin, the fuscan is worth 140 or 145 R. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and the lan∣kam is worth 70 or 75 R 8/8, and all these are counted unspun silke; but the spun lankin is worth from 150 to 170 R 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the pico; the spun fuscan is worth 130 or 135 R 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and the spun lankam of canton 80 R. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the pico: and these I thought good to mention as being the principall commodity vented out of these Countries to other places.

The commodities then wherewith the Portugalls doe drive this * 1.302 trade, and which they carry to Maccau from India is principally R 8/8 rialls of eight, which in China is cut into pieces, and so paid out, as I shall shew hereafter in payment of merchandize; also wines of Spaine and India, olive oyle, velvets, which of all other sorts of silke stuffes they cannot make, and fine woollen, scarlet cloth, whereof they have none, nor yet can they make any, although they have mate∣rialls, as sheep and wool plenty; also looking glasses, and all sorts of drinking glasses, and Crystall, ivorie, Elephants teeth, and sundry o∣ther commodities.

The moneys or rather the manner of payments made here for * 1.303 commodities, differ from all other Countries observed in this Tract, for silver here in some nature is accounted better than gold, not in value and worth, but in currant esteeme and repute, as holding still the same quality in goodnes, and more apt and proper for their use; for the manner here is that every man carrieth about him his weight and ballance, to weigh the silver he taketh or giveth in payment; and hath also a paire of sheeres to divide, cut and pro∣portion his payment according to his commodity; so that for the generall the commodity is fitted to the payment in silver or piece of silver, and not the silver (as in most places of the World) to the com∣modity or ware: and this silver thus cut and divided into small par∣cells, hath not any Soveraigne stampe or character thereon; nor is acknowledged as the peculiar coine of any Prince: but being all reduced to one and the same allay, is passable at a valuable rate and consideration amongst the Merchants of Maccau, Cantoan, and generally as I am informed throughout all China. Besides which they have a Ticall of gold, esteemed at 12½ R 〈◊〉〈◊〉; and note that the Ticall of silver of Siam is here 22½, and 23 Foras accounted a Tail of gold.

The payment of custome in this place is also seene to be done in a rare and seldome seene manner, for I find it noted by some to be here the custome, that a Ship entring into Maccau, the Kings offi∣cers cometh aboard, and measureth her breadth, length and depth; and so by a rule and proportion that they use, they cast up the custome due by the bulke of the Ship, by which the same is paid;

and then the Merchants may unlade and lade at pleasure, with∣out concealement of any sort of merchandize whatsoever they have aboard: how true it is I know not, with me it carryeth not any great beliefe, for that by what I have read, the acutenesse of this Nation is such that they cannot in so especiall a point of trade possibly be so dull conceited, nor of such grosse understandings.

How farre the weights of Mollacca differeth from the weight of China, I have shewed before in the Chapter of Mollacca, I will now * 1.304 shew how the weights in China are distinguished: I find by the ob∣servations of some English, Portugals and Dutch that have had trade hither, the Bahar to be the common weight of China; but in the concordance thereof with their owne they differ much.

The common Bahar of China is 300 Cattees, which is the same as 200 Cattees in Mollacca small weight, as I have afore remembred, for that three cattees of China makes two catees of Mollacca; and this by the calculation of some doth make English 386 li. and yet by some others should produce in England 400 li.

A Cattee of China is 16 Taels, which are 14 Taels in Mollacca, which respond with 20¾ ounces Haberdepois, and this way reduced the said Bahar is about 389 li. in 390 li.

A Hand is 12 cattees small weight.

A Cattee is 22 Taels, and a Tael is 1½ ounces haberdepois, and this way reduced it produceth 412 li. haberdepois.

Hands 16 and 8 cattees, makes 200 cattees, which is the Bahar in small weight; and because these observations doe much disagree, I referre the truth to triall and experience; for the calculations of English, Dutch and Portugals in this particular doe differ very much, as is before expressed.

The measures of the place I am inforced to omit, therefore re∣ferre it to the better experienced.

Having thus done with the maine continent of Asia, and corso∣rily surveyed the particular trade of some of the most eminent Cities of the Kingdomes therein contained; being constrained by reason of the remotenesse of these places, and want of better in∣formation, to let the same passe not so perfect as otherwise I could wish for and desire, I shall willingly in what is here by me omit∣ted, crave the advises of the better experienced; and that they would adde by their knowledge and triall what is either here de∣fective or altogether left out: and thus leaving the continent (ac∣cording to my methode) I will in briefe run through some of those Ilands which merit observation, and survey the trade thereof as amply as my advisos will give me leave.

CHAP. C.

Of the Ilands of ASIA, and the Trade thereof.

THe Ilands of Asia are either in the orientall Seas, as Iapan, * 1.305 Seilon, Mollucques, Iavas, Sumatra, Borneo, the Philipines and others: or in the mediterranean Sea, as Rhodes, Ci∣prus, &c. of the trade whereof a word, before I conclude this commerce of ASIA.

CHAP. CI.

Of the Iland of Iapan, and the Trade thereof.

JAPAN is scituated over against Canton in China, * 1.306 having in length 600 miles, but narrow in breadth, in some places 90, and in some but 30 miles: it obeys 66 severall Soveraignes, the King of Tense holding the principall authority, commanding 50 of the 66 above mentioned Kingdomes, every King, Lord and Master having full power and authority over the goods and lives of the subjects, ser∣vants and children subject unto him. It was discovered by the Portugall Anno 1542, and since is much frequented by Jesuites, who in great numbers have setled themselves here, and are found to exercise trade and commerce, as cunningly and subtilly as any Jew elsewhere in the World.

Their chiefe Townes are Osacaia, Bunguin, Meaco, and are the principall Ports frequented by Merchants strangers: the c•…•…mo∣dities of this place and Ilands, is silver in some good measure •…•…g∣ged up here, and carryed hence by Merchants to China to exch•…•…ge for silkes, and principally rice, which is found here growing in such aboundance, that the King or Emperour draweth 2 millions of duc∣cats yearely, out of that which is gathered from his owne possessi∣ons, which he hath received as his owne demesne; and at Firando * 1.307 one of the Ilands of Iapan, the English have setled a factory for trade, in 1613 by Capt. Saris labour and industrie.

The civill warres that continually vexeth these Ilands, hinders * 1.308 an exact survey of the materialls, whereby their trade is driven; yet so farre as I have collected I will here insert.

Their moneys currant for the most part through these Ilands

are thus termed, and with some small difference have this value.

Their silver coines currant is A Tayle, A Mas, and A Condery.

A Tayle is a ℞ of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or 5 sh. starling, or ½ Tayle of Siam; and this A Taile is 10 Mas, or 100 Conderies.

A Mas is 10 Conderies, or 6 d starling.

And in some places the R 8/8 passeth for 74 Condereis onely and no more.

Their gold is coyned into two small Barres of two severall sor•…•…, the one is called an Ichebo, worth about 15 in 16 mas of silver; the other is called A Coban, worth from 60 to 68 mas, which may be valued from 30 sh. to 34 sh. starling. The warres that continually vexeth this Countrey is the cause of this inconstant rate and price thereof.

The weights in use in Iapan is the Pecull and the Cattee.

A Pecull is 10 Cattees. * 1.309

A Cattee is accounted by some 21 ounces, and by some 20¾ o•…•… haberdepois; so that a pecul is about 130 li. or 131 li, English.

Their measure of length is an Inckhen or Tattamy, which is 〈◊〉〈◊〉. * 1.310 yards English; 25 yards being 12 Tattamies.

Their measure for rice is thus accounted,

A Gant is 3 Cocas, being as much as three English alepints. * 1.311

An Icke Gaga is 100 Gantas.

One Ickmagog is 1000 Ickgogas.

One Mangoga is 10000 Ickmagogs.

CHAP. CII.

Of SILON and the Trade thereof.

SILON lyeth in the gulph of Bengala, in length 250, and in bredth 140 miles; found so fruitfull, that the * 1.312 grasse groweth, and the trees beare fruit all the yeare long without intermission: it is commanded in chiefe by the great Mogul; the principall Townes are Zi∣lan, the Metropolis of the Iland, and Columbo, fortified by the Por∣tugals; and as it is conceived commanding over the best harbour in India.

For commodities it hath many, and almost all things that are found in India, through all the severall Provinces and places * 1.313 thereof; first it hath nutmegs, cloves and pepper trees good store, and the best cynamon in all India, which is here had and found grow∣ing in whole woods, and hence dispersed into all parts of the

World: also it affords all kinds of precious stones (except dyamonds) as Saphirs, Rubies, Topasses, Spinals, Granati; also a plentifull fishing for Pearl, yet not accounted so good as at Bareim by Ormus; it hath likewise mines of gold, silver, and other mettalls; also iron, flax, brimstone, ivorie bones, and sundry other commodities. Here is also a hil•…•… of that great height, that the Inhabitants hold it the highest in India, and call it Adams hill, upon which they say Paradise stood, and that Adam was there created; whose footsteps, if they may be * 1.314 beleeved, doe remaine yet ingraven there in the Rocke, and goes not out: but the Inhabitants being most active in their bodies, may be imagined to be so also with their tongues, for throughout India they practise nothing but jugling, and Hocus Pocus, and other feats of activity; being the most excellent mannagers of hobbyhorses, and tumbling, by which trade they get money throughout all the neighbour regions; and therefore not surveying this their traffique * 1.315 further, I will leave them to their come aloft jack, passe and repasse, and passe my selfe over to the next Ilands, being those famous of the Moluccoes, the onely Ilands of all India, affording in such store and plenty, that excellent and admirable spice, knowne to us by the name of cloves.

CHAP. CIII.

Of the Moluccoes and the Trade thereof.

THE Moluccoes are five in number, Mallucco, Tarna∣te, Tider, Gelolo and Macian, to which may be added * 1.316 for neerenesse in the scituation Banda, and 70 other lesser Ilands, which submit themselves; and their de∣licious commodities to the King of Terenate, at pre∣sent the most powerfull through all these Ilands. These Ilands are found to have for commodities some nutmegs, especially in Ban∣da, * 1.317 also some maces; but the principall commodities of all these I∣lands is the delicate spice, knowne to us by the name of cloves, and * 1.318 found here growing in so great aboundance, that as it is apparent the whole World is furnished from hence; and all Merchants coming hither, and frequenting these Ilands, are found onely to come for this commodity and for nothing else. In this number I may also reckon the Amboina Ilands, as the Iland Amboina it selfe, Pollerone, Pollowaie, Lantore and Rosingon, abounding with * 1.319 the selfe same commodity, and of late yeares made infamous, by the bloody slaughter and but cherly tyrannicall torture and death of some En∣glish Factors, by the Machiavilian and matchlesse villany of the Dutch;

the actors of which have all of them, or the most part come to untimely * 1.320 and fatall ends (if reports be true,) thereby shewing the manifest judge∣ment of GOD in punishing their vilanies and wickednes, when as they thought themselves safe and free from the hands and justice of Man; and for those that as yet are living, I leave them to the terrour of their guilty consciences, and without repentance to their due punishment in the World to come; where an uncorrupted and unpartiall Governour and Fiscall shall examine their Amboina proceedings truely, and reward them accor∣ding to their merits. Some of these Ilands are now by them comman∣ded, having driven out the Inhabitants, and by death cut off the in∣terest of the English, who were joyntly partners with them, both in their conquest and trade; and now there is none left to the English but Polerone, originally theirs, yet now due to them by a second composition and agreement, who coming of late to take possession thereof, found that those barbarous and wicked Dutchmen resident in the neighbouring Ilands, had cut downe and killed all the clove tr•…•…s, and other of worth there growing, thereby depriving the English of all their expected benefit, by that last but prejudiciall composition.

The coines currant in Molluccos, Amboina, Banda, &c. and other Ilands, I find not any setled in use amongst them; the Spanish R 〈◊〉〈◊〉 * 1.321 is the most usuall in their payment for commodities, and for the most part they use no other coines but it: but I find that according to the innocencie of the times past, they barter and sell one com∣modity for another, which is yet the most usuall custome amongst them.

Their common weight in use is the Bahar and Cattee. * 1.322

The Bahar of Amboina of Cloves is 200 Cattees, and is English 625 li. which is the great Bahar.

This great Bahar is 50 Barrotes, every Barrote being 12½ li. ha∣berdupois.

They have also in some of these Ilands a greater Bahar, being ten times the former quantitie, making 6250 li. English.

A cattee is 100 Rialls of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 almost 6 li. English.

Ten cattees of Mace is called a small Bahar of Maces, and of the value of 10 Rialls of eight.

100 Cattees of Nutmeggs, is a small bahar of nuts, and is of the aforesaid value of 10 Rialls of eight.

100 Cattees of Maces is called a great bahar of maces.

And 1000 of Nutmeggs is accounted a great bahar of Nutmeggs.

And note that 10 bahars of nuts is accounted for 1 bahar of maces usually throughout all the Ilands.

A cattee of maces being commonly worth 1 ℞ 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

And 10 cattees of Nutmeggs commonly worth but also 1 ℞ 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

The Inhabitants finding now their native commodities reque∣sted by all other Nations, who come from farre Regions to traf∣fique with them for the same, have daily learned new experi∣ments of traffique and commerce; and whereas in former time

they exchanged their cloves, &c. for cotton cloth & such like to cloth them, which yet is in some use amongst them; yet now they be∣gin to know the worth of silver, and the value of the Riall of eight, •…•…nd how that hath power to bring and provide to them all other •…•…ecessaries whatsoever.

Their measure of length is distinguished by fathoms and cubits, * 1.323 •…•…orrowed from their late Masters the Dutch and Portugalls.

But their dry measures for corne, graine, rice, &c. is called a Can∣•…•…on, making about 5½ pints English.

A Quoian is their greatest measure, and is 800 Cantons.

It is to be noted here, that the Ilands of Molluccos were first dis∣covered by the Portugalls in their Navigations to these parts, and •…•…fterward finding them rich in Cloves, by little and little got foo∣•…•…ing therein, partly by faire meanes, but principally by building of Forts and Castles in divers of them for the better obtainement •…•…nd preservation of the brave trade of these Ilands: but of latter •…•…eares, the Hollanders envying this their ingrossing of this rich •…•…ommoditie, indevoured to supplant them, or in default of means •…•…nd power to effect that, so to plant themselves, that they might •…•…artake and share with them in the Cloves, Nutmeggs, and Maces, •…•…he onely commodities these Ilands are found to produce, which •…•…y their policie, valour, and craft, at length hath so well succee∣ded with them that now they are Masters and Commanders over many Forts and strong Castles in these Ilands; as at Mallayo, Tal∣•…•…ucco and Tacuma, in the principall Iland of Ternate, at Mariero in * 1.324 Tidoro, at Nassaw in Timor, Mauritus and Tabiliola in Machian, and which is intirely the Hollanders, 2 in Banda, 2 in Amboina, Barnefelt, in Bachian, and sundry others, seated here and there through the most convenientest and best ports for trade and ship∣ping in all these Ilands; so that now being become more strong, potent, and daring, they have coped with the Portugalls in divers incounters by Sea and land, sometimes winning and sometimes loosing, according to both their force and fortunes; in all their occasions, adding violence to trade, trading peaceably where they can∣not otherwise choose, and robbing and pilfering when and where they can∣not otherwise make up their mouths to profit; in which practise of trade and theevery or theevish trade, I leave them and these Ilands, and come next to Iava.

CHAP. CIIII.

Of IAVAS, and the Trade thereof.

IN this tract is found Iava major and Iava minor, the grea∣ter being in compasse 3000, and the lesser 2000 miles; * 1.325 the nearnesse of these two Ilands to the Aequator, ma∣keth these Counties so wonderfull fertile, that they are termed the Epitome of the world. The chiefe Cities here are Pala•…•…∣ban, Mega, Pegar, Agaim and Ballambua; and in the lesser Iava, Basnia, Samara, Limbri, and others, but their principall trade is driven at Sunda calapa, Bantam, Iacatra now baptised by the Dutch Batavia, and lastly, Iaparra; in which three last, the English have residencie and Factories.

The commodities of these Ilands, is Rice in abundance, Oxen, * 1.326 kine, hoggs, sheepe, Indian nuts, and all provisions for food; also all kinds of spices, as Cloves, Nutmegs and mace, which the natiue Mer∣chants transport to Mallacca and other neighbouring Ilands in great measure, also pepper in great quantitie, esteemed farre bet∣ter than that of India or Mallabar, principally growing about the straights of Sunda, of which there is yearly laden hence about ten thousand Quintalls English; it hath also much Frankinsence, Benja∣min, Camphora; also Diamonds, and many other precious stones, which are found therein.

The fittest and most proper commodities for these Ilands trade, are divers and different sorts and colours of cotton linens, which * 1.327 are made at Cambaia, Cormandel, and Bengala, called Serasses, Sa∣rampuras, Cassus, Sa•…•…eposas, blacke cannequins, red Turrias, and di∣vers other sorts found made in the places abovesaid.

Here the Hollanders are found to be Masters of Iacatra, of late * 1.328 yeares called by them Batavia, the best and greatest Port of their trade and rendevous in these parts, where by little and little they have so fortified themselves, that they prescribe lawes to the In∣habitants, and indevour to debarre, both English and all other from injoying any benefit of the trade thereof.

In Sunda (which I account here as the principall mart Towne and in a manner the greatest in Iava major) they have no other * 1.329 kinde of money than certaine copper pieces minted, which they call Caixa, in the middle whereof is a hole to hang them on strings, for commonly they put 200 or 1000 upon one string, wherewith they make their payments, as by this following account.

A Satta is 200 Caixas.

Five satas is 1000 Caixas, which is a crusado Portugall money, or about six shilling starling.

The Merchants of Europe here resident keepe their accounts * 1.330 in R 8/8 and pence, accounting 60 pence to the R 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Spanish.

The weight at Bantam, Iacetra, Iapparra, and at Sunda, is the Pi∣cull, * 1.331 the Cattee, and Bahar.

A Cattee being lesse than the Cattee of Macau, containes but 20 ounces English, and the other 20¾ ounces.

A Picull is 100 Cattees, and consequently is 125 li. English.

A Bahar is 330 Cattees of China, of 20 ounces as abovesaid, and may make in England 412 li.

Their measure for length is (——) * 1.332

Their dry measures for graine, rice, and pepper, is a Timbam, and containes ten sackes, principally used in Pepper and Rice, consi∣sting of 5 piculls; so that by this computation each sacke should containe in weight 62½ li. English, two sackes for a Pecull.

The common prices of commodities as I finde them here obser∣ved, * 1.333 are pepper of Sunda, is sold by the sacke weighing ½ a picull or 45 Cattees of China, each cattee being 20 ounces English, at 5000 Caixas, and when it is at highest at 6 or 7000 Caixas, maces, cloves, nutmegs, white and blacke Benjamin and Camphora, are sold by the Bahar, good mace commonly sold for 120 thousand Caixas; the Ba∣har and good cloves after the same rate, but bad and foule cloves, are sold at 70 or 80000 caixas the Bahar; Nutmeggs commonly sold for 20 or 25 thousand Caixas the Bahar, white and black Benjamin sold for 150 or 180 thousand Caixas, and if extraordinary good, 200 thousand the bahar; but how farre these agrees with the now common currant rates, I referre to the better experienced.

CHAP. CV.

Of SUMATRA, and the Trade thereof.

SUMATRA, anciently Traprobana, and Salomons sup∣posed * 1.334 Ophir, was esteemed the biggest Iland in the world, but moderne experience hath found the con∣trary, being onely 700 miles long, and 200 miles broad: The Aequator cutteth through it, so that the Sunnes vicinitie, makes it abound in severall precious commodities * 1.335 for traffique, as first it hath Pepper in abundance, whereof above

twentie Shippes of burthen is hence yearly laden; also Ginger, Aloes, Cassia, raw silke, gold and silver, brasse, and some other drugges. This Iland is subject to many Princes, the principall whereof are the Kings of Pedor and Achin; it is here a custome that the na∣tives doe eate their slaine enemies, and did earst account their sculles for a great treasure, which they exchanged for other ne∣cessaries, he being accounted the richest man that hath most store of them in his house, this custome is almost extinguished, for the trade of Merchants from other Countries thither, of late yeares having brought silver and gold in request amongst them, hath made them since know better.

In this Iland is found a hill of brimstone continually burning, and two very strange and admirable Fountaines, the one yeelding pure * 1.336 and excellent Balsamum, and the other most excellent Oyle.

The chiefe Cities of this Iland, is Daren, Pasen, and Androgede, the habitation of so many Kings, but the principall places and parts for trade knowne to the Europeans, are Dachem or Achim, * 1.337 Ticko, Iambe and Priaman, all maritime and good harbours; where the English are found to have residence and Factories; also Pedir, Campar and Manancabo, to the which the Portugalls gene∣rally doe trade; but the Inhabitants for the most part transpor∣ting the native commodities of this their Iland to Mallucca, which is not distant above twentie miles of, are not much troubled with the Portugalls Commerce; though in lieu of them the Dutch have of late got footing and built Fortresses amongst them, to their as great trouble, vexation, and slavery.

Within these few yeares these Ilanders were not knowne to have any coines currant in payment for Merchandise amongst them, * 1.338 but the sculls of their slaine enemies, as I said before, which they accounted as their greatest treasures, and with which their bar∣ters and exchanges for things necessary were made; but now of late the King of Achin in imitation of other adjoyning Princes, and the so neere neighbourhood of Mallacca, now in possession of the Portugalls, have coined moneys, which in these dayes are ob∣served to be these:

A Masse, which is here accounted for 4 Cappans, which is 12^d starling.

A Taile is 16 masses or 3⅕ R. 8/8 or starling money 16 shil.

A Cattee is 8 tailes in ordinary account, and worth 25⅗ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Spanish or 6li. 8 shil. starling, and sometimes in exchange from hence to other adjacent parts, they account 7¼ and 7½ Tailes to one Cattee.

In other parts of this Iland, as Iambe, Tico, and Priamon, they * 1.339 have no coines of their owne, but the most currant is the Spanish R〈◊〉〈◊〉, in which the Europeans keepe their accounts, and for distin∣ction divide •…•…t to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…0 deniers or pence to a R. 8/8.

The common weight through all Sumatra is a Bahar, but yet * 1.340 •…•…ound to vary in many places, and consisteth of Cattees, which in greatnesse also varieth, and from thence commeth the difference, •…•…ut in Achin, Praman, Ticcou and Iambe, where the English reside, •…•…he Bahar is found to be in each of these places 200 Cattees; every •…•…attee is 29 ounces English, so that by this computation the Ba∣•…•…ar must make 360 li. English sotile.

The measures here in use are (——) * 1.341

CHAP. CVI.

Of BORNEO Iland, and the Trade thereof.

THe next Iland in this Tract is Borneo, and is equally di∣vided * 1.342 by the equinoctiall into two parts, putting as it were a bond betweene the dominions of the King of Borneo on the Northside, and of Laus on the South, in compasse accounted above 2200 miles, and held the greatest of all this ocean.

The Countrey doth yeeld in great abundance, the wood which we call Camphora; also that wood knowne by the Portugalls by the * 1.343 name of Polad' aguila; and also that costly sweet wood which is called Callamba, which being good is weighed against silver and gold: also here is found some gold, diamonds, nutmegs, maces, agarick, and other spices; and great abundance of that excellent antidote, which in Europe is called the Besar stone.

It is plentifully stored with many faire Townes and harbours, as Cabura, Taioparra, Tamorutas and Borneo, the Metropolis and * 1.344 most magnificent above all the rest, containing 25 thousand In∣habitants, and seated in a Marish of the Sea, after the manner of Venice. Also Socodana, where many diamonds are found, and where the English some yeeres past had a factory and residence, as also the * 1.345 same in Beniermasa, another good Port in this Iland.

I have not met with the coins currant here in payment for mer∣•…•…handize, nor yet with the weights and measures in use in this Iland; therefore must referre the same to the better experienced, and to the traders thither.

CHAP. CVII.

Of CELEBS Iland, and the Trade thereof.

THe Iland Celebs is the next in this Tract, not farre di∣stant from Borneo Iland, through part of which run∣neth * 1.346 the Equator, yeelding by the vicinity of the Su•…•… the same commodities proper to Sumatra, Borneo, Gilolo and others, seated under the same line; it is sub∣ject to severall Princes, and injoyeth some eminent Townes frequented by European Merchants, for the sake of their rich commodities, as Durati, Mamaio, Tubon and Maccasar, the * 1.347 chiefest Port for the trade and commerce of this Iland, and where the English have a residencie and factory, and following their observations made in this place, I find,

Their coines currant here in use is found to be the Mass, Cup•…•… * 1.348 and Taile thus valued.

A taile is accounted for 16 masses in currant value, and is reck∣ned to be worth 15 rialls of eight.

A mass is a gold coine, as is the taile, and wants somewhat of 5 sh. or a riall of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Spanish.

And this mass is 4 cuppans, each cuppan esteemed to be about 14^d starling money; and by this calculation the taile should make star∣ling 3 li. 14 sh. 8 d. and by the account of R 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at 5 sh. starling, the taile is 3 li. 15 sh. starling.

The common weights in use is the Ganton, Zicoyan and Masse, * 1.349 thus agreeing with the English weight haberdepois.

The Ganton is both a weight and measure, in weight it is found to be about 5 li. English, and in measure about two English gallons.

A Mass in weight is 40 Gantons, which is 200 li. English, or 80 gallons English.

A Zicoyan is 20 Masses in weight, which is 4000 li. English, or 800 Cantons of this place.

To proceed to the rest of the Ilands in these Seas, is a worke past my skill, or I thinke most mens els, considering the multitude thereof, the Philipins being discovered by the Spaniard in Ann•…•… * 1.350 1564, being in number 110 thousand, as some Authors report. Over against China are also found 7448 Ilands, and about India 127000 great and small more, which in many places stand so •…•…igh one to another, that they seeme not onely to such as are afarre off to touch and to be all as one firme land, but whosoever passeth be∣tweene

them, may with his hands touch the boughes of the •…•…es, both on the one and on the other side. Many commo∣•…•…es are found growing upon these Ilands, with which the In∣•…•…itants of many of them, maintaine a Traffique with their •…•…ghbours; the knowledge whereof I leave to the better ex∣•…•…ienced.

Now forasmuch as Portugals, Dutch and English have of late * 1.351 •…•…ares discovered those Countries of India, and that some of them •…•…ve since setled themselves by Forts and Castles there: It will •…•…t be improper I should here survey their strengths and holds •…•…ilt for defence, and their factorie setled for traffique throughout is continent of Asia and the Ilands thereof. The Portugals •…•…en were the first that brake the ice, and in Anno 1498 departing •…•…om Lixborne, under command of Vasco di Gamma, doubled the •…•…e of bona Esperance, which hath proved so successefull to them •…•…ce that time that they have mastered, conquered and fortified •…•…emselves beyond that cape in Soffala, Quiloa, Mosambique, Mom∣•…•…a, and in Ormus in the Persian gulph, lately againe lost. In In∣•…•… they have the Castles and Townes of Diu, Daman, Basain, •…•…aul, Goa, Honor, Barsola, Mongalor, Cananor, Cronganor, Cochin •…•…d Colan. In Silon they have Collumbo, bragging of one of the •…•…st Ports of the World, on the coast of Cormandell; they hold •…•…egapatam and S. Thomas: In Bengala they have Porto pequenio, and •…•…rto grande, and Serapure; also Serone, Mollucca; and some holds 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Mollucca Ilands, Macao, and Nungasarke in Iapan and divers •…•…hers; in all which they are found to be both strong, powerfull, •…•…nd great, and masters of all the rich traffique of these places, •…•…hich thus for 100 yeares very neere, they have both peaceably •…•…nd quietly injoyed at their owne termes and conditions, till the •…•…utch disturbed them, who seconded them in the trade of India, •…•…ho were the next who envying, that this rich streame should •…•…nely run his current to Lixborne, and that all the pretious commo∣•…•…ities of India should first salute Portugall, set out from Amsterdam * 1.352 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Anno 1595, and have since so well played their cards, and plea∣•…•…ed as some alledge so strongly with Cannon law and steele argu∣•…•…ents, that within 30 yeares they have found themselves to be Masters and commanders. In these Countries and Seas of 28 Forts •…•…nd Castles, and of 44 or 45 factories, for the preservation and pro∣•…•…ecution of their trade and government; the names and draughts of which, some of their owne Nation have published to their no lit∣•…•…le honour, and no small estimation; so that it may be imagined •…•…hat their flood and the Spaniards ebbe, will in few yeares bring the Indies to be more theirs then the Portugals, notwithstanding their so long possession.

The English Nation are the last and least in this trade and disco∣•…•…ery, * 1.353 for they imitating onely the Portugals and Dutch in the due •…•…ules of the prosecution of a trade, but not in the prosecution of

the natives; begun their discoveries in Anno 1600, under the com∣mand of S r. Iames Lancaster, with 4 Shippes, the Dragon, Hector, Asenton and Susan, whose indeavours have since by the blessing of GOD, and the good government of that company so well suc∣ceeded, that they have sent forth above 30 Fleets or voyages; and have setled their residence and Factors in 20 or 24 severall place•…•… of note, as at Ormus and Iasques, in the entrance of the Persian gulp•…•…, under the Persian Monarch at Cambaia, Surrat and Agria, and o∣ther places in the great Moguls Countrey, at Musulapan, Armago•…•… Petipoly, Pottana, Siam and other places on the coast of Cormandel•…•… and the continent of Asia: at Achin, Ticko, Iambe and Prianian, o•…•… the Iland Sumatra, at Bantam, Iaccettra and Iaparra on the Iland 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Iava, at Socodana, and Benier masa on the Iland Borneo; at Mogass•…•… in the Iland of Celebs, at Palleron on the Iland Banda, at Firando i•…•… Iapan; and lastly in Amboina, Hitto, and other of the Molucco•…•… which they quietly injoyed, untill the traiterous and bloody mind•…•… Dutch did butcherly betray their lives, purposely to deprive them of th•…•… trade, and to satisfie their unsatiable blood-thirstinesse; as is extant 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the passages of that act in severall languages in the World.

These are then the onely three European Nations that now con∣tend and get share amongst them; the traffique and commodities of these easterne Countries, the Portugals making Lixborne the scale of the East India commodities; the Hollander making their Am∣sterdam the staple for their parts, and the English London for their emporium; which within these late yeeres, notwithstanding the sundry crosses and losses, is increased to that height and eminency, that these Merchants doe not onely furnish Italy, but also Constan∣tinople, Aleppo, Smyrna, and other parts of Turkey, with all those Indian commodities, which within lesse then these twenty yeeres, they brought from thence into England, to the prejudice of Syria and Aegypt, and to the enriching of the English subjects in general: as hath been most judiciously and at large demonstrated (by that right honourable Knight S^r. D. D. in severall particulars; as first by the riall founders thereof; secondly by the equitie and justice of the trade; thirdly by the honour arising thereby to the English na∣tion, in the strength added to the Navie Royal of this land; fourthly by the former fortunate successe of it, and the profit that may be yet reaped thereby to the whole Kingdome, and to the fellowship of that societie; besides the increase of Mariners, and of arts and knowledge; fifthly, by farre discoveries and hopes of propagation of religion in those yet heathenish Countries.

But leaving thus the Indian Ilands, and the further survey ther∣of to those late Masters of that trade, I will proceed in what is yet resting to passe through, as belonging to Asia, which are the Ilands of Ciprus and Rhodes, seated in the mediterranean Sea, to which I shall now hasten.

CHAP. CVIII.

Of CIPRUS Iland, and the trade thereof.

THe Iland of Ciprus is accounted also belonging to A∣sia, * 1.354 and scituated in the Syrian Sea; in length 200 miles, in bredth 65; and is 60 miles distant from the shoare of Cilicia, and 100 from the maine land of Syria.

This Iland is said to afford materialls to build a Ship from the keele to the topsaile, and fitted for the Sea, either •…•…s a Merchants vessell for transportation of goods, or as a Princes •…•…or warfare.

It affordeth also these commodities, as wine, oyle, corne, sugars, cot∣•…•…ns, * 1.355 honey, wool, turpentine, allum, verdigrace, salt, grograms, and o∣•…•…her commodities.

The chiefe Cities of this Iland are Paphos, Famagusta, Nicosia, Lescara, Salines, and some others; in which Iland the English have a factorie, for the onely trade of cottons here in use; and the English * 1.356 consull resident in Aleppo carryeth the title of consull of Syria and of Ciprus, in which place hee hath a vice consull to supply his occa∣sions for the preservation and maintenance of the English tra∣ding hither; which are onely the Company of Merchants cal∣led the levant or Turkey Company, as included within their pri∣viledges.

The moneys of this Iland currant I need not mention, nor * 1.357 yet their accounts, as being the coines of the Grand Signiors, and their accounts kept after the same denomination as in Con∣stantinople.

The weight in use through this Iland is the dram, 750 whereof is * 1.358 the Rotolo, and 100 whereof makes a cantar, which is accounted 4 per cent. greater than the common cantar of Aleppo; and is by cal∣culation of such as have resided there 80 ounces haberdepois, or 5 li. the Aleppo rotolo yeelding by this computation 4 li. 13 ounces, or 77 ounces: and the quintall or Cantar of Ciprus by this account should be 500 li. sotile; but I find some observations made, that upon some commodities that the 100 Rotolos of Ciprus have made in London 510 and 512 li. The Rotolo of Ciprus containes 750 drams: and the Rotolo of Aleppo is accounted 720 drams, and 62½ drams makes 1 ounce, & 6½ ounces make here an Oake: but note that the can∣tar

of Famagusta, is 4 per cent. greater then this generall cantar of the Iland, which is above 1½ ounces per Rotolo. * 1.359

This common cantar of Cyprus, I find thus to respond with the Citie of Venice and other places.

Rotolos 100 of Cyprus, makes sotile U•…•… 780 li. and of gross 480 li. which by this computation should bee about 522 li. English: but I imagine this is accompted the c•…•…tar of Famagusta, which is 8 per cent. greater then that of Aleppo, which deducted, being 42 li. there resteth 480 li. haberdepois, the weight rendred of Aleppo; so that Rotolo 21 in circa, makes 100 li. gross, and Rotolo 13½ doe make 100 li. sotile; and Rotolo 1 is 7½ sotile or 4 li. 8 ounces gross of Uenice weight.

Againe, I find these observations made on the weights of Cyprus, * 1.360 for cottons, viz. 100 Rotolos of Cyprus cottons, hath made in Venice 750 li. which is 30 li. lesse then the aforesaid notes which are meant of Famagusta, and hath made in

Naples	671 li.
Bollonia	627 li.
Montpelier	678 li.
Barcelona	564 li.
Sivill	589 li.
Paris	448 li.
Marselia	567 li.
Genoa	710 li.
Florence	656 li.
Milan	678 li.
Avignon	570 li.
Bridges	555 li.
Rome	631 li.
London	506 li.

The truth whereof, I referre to the triall of the experienced.

Measures of length are heere two sorts: first, the pico, by which is sold all woolen cloth, and silke accounted 26½ ynches, and the * 1.361 brace, by which is sold linnen, being 〈◊〉〈◊〉 longer then the pico a∣bovesaid.

The 100 picos rendring in Venice 125 woolen braces and 116 of silke braces.

Wine is sold here by the Cusse, 7 cusses makes 6 fetches of Venetia, which is a candie barrell, so that a cusse and a halfe, and a Zant jarre, * 1.362 are of one and the same bignesse.

Oyle is sold by the Rotolo, which weighs 2½ oakes which is ac∣compted for 1000 drams. * 1.363

Graine is sold by a measure called the moose, which weigheth 40 oakes, and 2½ mooses, or 100 oakes makes one staio in Venetia. * 1.364

Salt is sold by the Moose; 1000 mooses heere of salt, makes 14 Mooses in the accompt of Uenetia. * 1.365

Also some graine is sold by the coffino, 100 whereof making 24 in 25 steras of Venetia, which is () bushels English.

In this part of Asia (following the opinion of Authors) is * 1.366 the Iland of RHODES seated, formerly the habitation of the Knights of S•…•…. IOHN, now a Beylque of the Turkes, and where for the commodiousnesse of the Port, there is maintained a squadron of his Galleys yearely imployed, to cleare and protect those Seas: matter of trade presenting heere, I have heere wil∣lingly omitted, and placed the same amongst the Ilands of the Archipelago; to which place I referre the Reader, and who de∣sires to see further thereof.

CHAP. CIX.

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

TO conclude then the Trade and Traffique of ASIA * 1.367 in generall; it is comprehended within a few prin∣cipall Cities thereof: as first, in the Grand Signiors Dominions in Aleppo, Smyrna, Constantinople, Alex∣andria, Balsara, and Baruti, and Damasco: in Persia Dominions, in Sciras, Ormus, Casbin, Gilan, and Hispahan: and in India and these Coasts, at Goa, Mallacca, Siam, Pegu, Cochin, Calicut, Mesulapatan, and the Ilands of Iava, Iapan, Sumatra, Mo∣luccos: in Tartaria, in Astracan, Capha, Sarmacand, and Cam∣balu, &c. The Turkish Nation affoords not many Merchants of note; yet some are found that from Constantinople doe drive a Trade by Sea to Venice, Cairo, Trapesond, Capha, and some few o∣ther places; and some againe that with Caravans by land drive a Trade from Aleppo, Damasco, and Aegypt, to the Red Sea, and to Mecha; but these I may more properly account Arabians then naturall Turkes, who in generall have beene esteemed in times past, and yet are more industrious and better vers'd in all manu∣all Arts, then in the mystery of Merchandizing; but now they have well neere lost that attribute, and wholly addict themselves by reason of their grand Signiors tyranny, to no further trade then what necessitie doth for the most part compell them, therefore not much worth here further consideration.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Notes

• * 1.1

  ASIA.
• * 1.2

  Five notable things in Asia.
• * 1.3

  Anatolia.
• * 1.4

  Cil•…•…cia and the Cities thereof.
• * 1.5

  Scanderone, or Alexandretta
• * 1.6

  Pamphilia, Lycia, and Caria.
• * 1.7

  Ionia and the Cities thereof. Ephesus.
• * 1.8

  Smyrna.
• * 1.9

  Smyrna, and the trade there∣of.
• * 1.10

  Commodities of Smyrna.
• * 1.11

  The coines of Smyrna and ac∣compts.
• * 1.12

  Weights usuall of Smyrna
• * 1.13

  Measures of Smyrna and Scio.
• * 1.14

  Customes of Smyrna and Scio by the English.
• * 1.15

  By Venetians and French.
• * 1.16

  Port charges of a Shippe.
• * 1.17

  Lydia, Eolis, Phrygia.
• * 1.18

  The first Merchants.
• * 1.19

  Minor.
• * 1.20

  Troyes ruines, ruin'd.
• * 1.21

  Major. Gordion.
• * 1.22

  Midium.
• * 1.23

  〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.24

  Bithinia and the Cities thereof.
• * 1.25

  Bursia and the trade thereof.
• * 1.26

  Commodities of Bursia.
• * 1.27

  Coines and Weights of Bursia.
• * 1.28

  Measures of Bursia.
• * 1.29

  Customes of Bursia.
• * 1.30

  Pontus.
• * 1.31

  Pompeys Pillar.
• * 1.32

  Paphlagonia and Galatia.
• * 1.33

  Angora.
• * 1.34

  Grograms trade.
• * 1.35

  Weights and Measures of Angora.
• * 1.36

  Cappadocia.
• * 1.37

  Amasia,
• * 1.38

  Trabesond.
• * 1.39

  Minerall Salt.
• * 1.40

  Liconia. Pisidia. Armenia.
• * 1.41

  Ararate.
• * 1.42

  Commodities of Anatolia.
• * 1.43

  Trabesond.
• * 1.44

  Weights in Trabesond.
• * 1.45

  Measures in Trabesond.
• * 1.46

  Syria.
• * 1.47

  Phaenicia and the Cities thereof.
• * 1.48

  Acria and the trade therof.
• * 1.49

  Weights of Acria.
• * 1.50

  Measures of Acria.
• * 1.51

  Coines.
• * 1.52

  Sidon.
• * 1.53

  Commodities▪ of Sidon.
• * 1.54

  Coines com∣mon in Sidon
• * 1.55

  Weights of Sidon.
• * 1.56

  Measures of Sidon.
• * 1.57

  Syrophoenicia.
• * 1.58

  Baruti and the trade thereof.
• * 1.59

  Coines cur∣rant in Baruti.
• * 1.60

  Weights of Baruti.
• * 1.61

  Measures of Baruti.
• * 1.62

  Amano and the trade thereof.
• * 1.63

  Celosyria.
• * 1.64

  Damascus and trade thereof.
• * 1.65

  Coines of Da∣msco.
• * 1.66

  Weights of Damasco.
• * 1.67

  Measures of Damasco.
• * 1.68

  Commodities of Damasco.
• * 1.69

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 upon all commodities in Da•…•….
• * 1.70

  Agreement of the weight of Damasco with other places of trade.
• * 1.71

  The agree∣ment of the Rotolo of Da∣masco with some other places.
• * 1.72

  The agree∣ment of the pico of Damas∣cus with some other places.
• * 1.73

  The trade of the Uenetians to Damasco.
• * 1.74

  Measures of Damasco.
• * 1.75

  Aleppo and the trade thereof.
• * 1.76

  Scanderone.
• * 1.77

  Commodities of Aleppo.
• * 1.78

  Weights of A∣leppo.
• * 1.79

  Wesnos redu∣ced into Roto∣los in Aleppo.
• * 1.80

  Aleppo with Venetia.
• * 1.81

  Aleppo notes of weighing.
• * 1.82

  Indico.
• * 1.83

  Silkes.
• * 1.84

  Muske.
• * 1.85

  Druggs.
• * 1.86

  Silke of Da∣masco.
• * 1.87

  Spices.
• * 1.88

  Galles.
• * 1.89

  Spices.
• * 1.90

  Coines of A∣leppo.
• * 1.91

  Accompts in A∣leppo.
• * 1.92

  Measures in Aleppo.
• * 1.93

  C•…•…stomes in Aleppo.
• * 1.94

  The generall Trade of Alep∣po surveyed in its particular colours.
• * 1.95

  The English the prime tra∣ders to Aleppo.
• * 1.96

  Scanderone.
• * 1.97

  The Venetians the s•…•…ond.
• * 1.98

  The French the third.
• * 1.99

  The agree∣ment of the cantar of Aleppo with other places.
• * 1.100

  The agree∣ment of the 100 picoes of Aleppo with o∣ther places.
• * 1.101

  Tripolis in Syria and the Trade thereof.
• * 1.102

  Weights of Tripoli.
• * 1.103

  Measures of Tripoli.
• * 1.104

  Coines in Tripolis.
• * 1.105

  Palestine.
• * 1.106

  Galilea.
• * 1.107

  Iordan.
• * 1.108

  Samaria.
• * 1.109

  Idumea.
• * 1.110

  Gasa and the Trade thereof.
• * 1.111

  Commodities of Gasa.
• * 1.112

  Coines of Gasa.
• * 1.113

  Weights of Gasa.
• * 1.114

  Of Tyrus and the ancient Trade therof.
• * 1.115

  Ierico.
• * 1.116

  Ierusalem.
• * 1.117

  Armenia.
• * 1.118

  Colchis.
• * 1.119

  Dioscuria.
• * 1.120

  Georgia.
• * 1.121

  Turcomania.
• * 1.122

  The kingdoms under the Turk.
• * 1.123

  Arabia.
• * 1.124

  Deserta.
• * 1.125

  Bolsora.
• * 1.126

  Petrosa.
• * 1.127

  Faelix.
• * 1.128

  Medina Talnabi and Mecha.
• * 1.129

  M•…•…cha, and the trade there∣of.
• * 1.130

  Coines in Mo∣cha.
• * 1.131

  Weights in Mo∣cha.
• * 1.132

  Measures in Mocha.
• * 1.133

  Aden, and the Trade thereof.
• * 1.134

  Assyria, Mesopo∣tamia, and Chal∣dea.
• * 1.135

  Mesopotamia.
• * 1.136

  Paradise.
• * 1.137

  Chaldea.
• * 1.138

  Babylon, now Bagdate.
• * 1.139

  Babylon, and the trade ther∣of.
• * 1.140

  •…•…igeons Letter, or newes Car∣riers.
• * 1.141

  Comm•…•…dities of Babylon.
• * 1.142

  Coines of Ba∣bylon.
• * 1.143

  Weights of Ba∣bylon.
• * 1.144

  Measures in Ba∣bylon.
• * 1.145

  Media and the Cities thereof.
• * 1.146

  Sultania.
• * 1.147

  Tauris.
• * 1.148

  Derbent.
• * 1.149

  The Weight of Derbent is the Mone, which is 3 li. 11 oun∣ces Venice so∣tile.
• * 1.150

  Tauris and the trade thereof.
• * 1.151

  Gilan & Bilan. Sumachia. Arasse.
• * 1.152

  Persia and the Provinces thereof.
• * 1.153

  Persis Far.
• * 1.154

  Commodities of Persi•…•….
• * 1.155

  Casbin and the trade thereof.
• * 1.156

  Three excel∣lencies in Cas∣bin.
• * 1.157

  Commodities of Cosbin.
• * 1.158

  Balsara and the trade thereof.
• * 1.159

  Customes paid at Balsara.
• * 1.160

  Prices of com∣modities in Bilsara.
• * 1.161

  Weights used in Balsara.
• * 1.162

  Measures of Balsara.
• * 1.163

  Cusestan.
• * 1.164

  Casan and the trade thereof.
• * 1.165

  Commodities of Casan.
• * 1.166

  Policie of Ca∣san.
• * 1.167

  Caramania.
• * 1.168

  Gedrosia, &c.
• * 1.169

  Sciras and the trade thereof.
• * 1.170

  Bindamir.
• * 1.171

  Ormus and the trade thereof.
• * 1.172

  Ormus restored to the Persian by the English valour.
• * 1.173

  Orders of Ca∣ravans from Syria to Bal∣sara.
• * 1.174

  Iasques. Gombrone.
• * 1.175

  Coines currant in Gombrone and Iasques and Ormus.
• * 1.176

  Weights of Ormus, Gom∣brone and Ias∣ques.
• * 1.177

  Measures of Ormus, Iasques, and Gombrone.
• * 1.178

  P•…•…ia.
• * 1.179

  Hispahan and the trade thereof.
• * 1.180

  Carriage of Commodities by Caravans.
• * 1.181

  Prices com∣mon of Com∣modities in Spahan.
• * 1.182

  Coines cur∣rant in Persia.
• * 1.183

  Accounts kept in Persia.
• * 1.184

  Weights cur∣rant in Persia.
• * 1.185

  Measures used in Persia.
• * 1.186

  The Trade in generall of Persia.
• * 1.187

  Iasques and Combrone Ports belonging to the Persian, and where the En∣glish resort to.
• * 1.188

  Tartaria.
• * 1.189

  Procopensis.
• * 1.190

  Caffa and the T•…•…ade of it.
• * 1.191

  Coines cur∣rant in Caffa.
• * 1.192

  The weight of Caffa.
• * 1.193

  The Measures of Caffa.
• * 1.194

  Accounts in Caffa.
• * 1.195

  Astracan and the Trade thereof.
• * 1.196

  The Weights of Astracan.
• * 1.197

  Measures of Astracan.
• * 1.198

  Corne and
• * 1.199

  Wine.
• * 1.200

  Tartaria Asiatica
• * 1.201

  Tartaria anti∣qua.
• * 1.202

  Rubarbe.
• * 1.203

  Zagathai.
• * 1.204

  Sarmacand.
• * 1.205

  Cathai.
• * 1.206

  Cambalu.
• * 1.207

  Commodities of Cathai.
• * 1.208

  Cambalu, and the Trade thereof.
• * 1.209

  Exendu, and the largenes thereof.
• * 1.210

  Coines currant in Cambalu, and through Tar∣taria Of the barke of mulbery trees.
• * 1.211

  Of corrall po∣lished.
• * 1.212

  Of salt in loaves hard∣ned.
• * 1.213

  India, and the Provinces thereof.
• * 1.214

  Commodities of India.
• * 1.215

  Ganges.
• * 1.216

  Narsinga. 1.
• * 1.217

  Malavar 2. Ballasia. 3. Cononor.
• * 1.218

  4 Cambaia.
• * 1.219

  5 Mandao.
• * 1.220

  6 Bengala.
• * 1.221

  7 Aristan.
• * 1.222

  8 Canora.
• * 1.223

  9 Dellia
• * 1.224

  India extra Gan gem.
• * 1.225

  I Macin Lignum Uitae.
• * 1.226

  2 Aracan. Ava.
• * 1.227

  3 Camboia.
• * 1.228

  4 •…•…auchin China.
• * 1.229

  5 Barma.
• * 1.230

  Siam
• * 1.231

  7 Pegu.
• * 1.232

  Commodities of India in ge∣nerall.
• * 1.233

  The Merchants in generall tra∣ding in India.
• * 1.234

  Diu and the trade thereof.
• * 1.235

  Commodities of Diu, and that Coast.
• * 1.236

  Of Cambaia and the trade thereof.
• * 1.237

  Commodities of Cambaia.
• * 1.238

  Surrat and Ba∣roche, and the trade thereof.
• * 1.239

  Coins of Cam∣baia and Mo∣guls Country.
• * 1.240

  Accounts kept in Surrat and Cambaia.
• * 1.241

  Weights in Cam∣ba•…•…a, Surrat, A∣gria, and the Mog•…•…lis Do∣minions.
• * 1.242

  Amadever.
• * 1.243

  Me•…•…sures in Camba•…•…a, Sur∣rat, Agria, and M•…•…s C•…•…∣trey.
• * 1.244

  Iabore.
• * 1.245

  Amadabar.
• * 1.246

  Tutta.
• * 1.247

  Lowribander.
• * 1.248

  Goa, and the trade thereof.
• * 1.249

  Com•…•…es o•…•… Goa.
• * 1.250

  Coines curt•…•…nt in Goa.
• * 1.251

  Sheraffs.
• * 1.252

  Weights of Goa.
• * 1.253

  Measures of Goa.
• * 1.254

  The order how they fish, and trade for Pearles.
• * 1.255

  The generall Trade of the Coast of India.
• * 1.256

  Daman. Basas•…•…. Chaul.
• * 1.257

  Coast of Mal∣labar, and the trade thereof.
• * 1.258

  Cananor.
• * 1.259

  Calicut.
• * 1.260

  Cochin
• * 1.261

  The manner of the f•…•…rming of the pepper in India by the Portugals.
• * 1.262

  Chi cro•…•…o abra∣zia •…•…oca strin•…•….
• * 1.263

  The Ships of pepper depart from Co•…•…n a∣bout the moneths of December and Ianu•…•…ry.
• * 1.264

  Musulipaton and the trade of the coast of Chormandel
• * 1.265

  Commoditi•…•… of the cost of Cormandel.
• * 1.266

  Coines cur∣rant in Musu•…•…i∣patan and coast of Cormandel.
• * 1.267

  Armagon.
• * 1.268

  Weights cur∣rant in Mesula∣pa•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 co•…•… of Co•…•…mandel.
• * 1.269

  Satagan and the trade of the coast of Ben∣gala.
• * 1.270

  Commodities of the Coast of Bengala.
• * 1.271

  Weights and measures of the coast of Bengala.
• * 1.272

  Custome in India for Deb∣tor•…•….
• * 1.273

  Pegu and the trade of the coast thereof.
• * 1.274

  Aracan.
• * 1.275

  Macca.
• * 1.276

  Pegu.
• * 1.277

  River of Mar∣taban.
• * 1.278

  Strange man∣•…•…r of buying 〈◊〉〈◊〉 selling in •…•…gu.
• * 1.279

  Maids let out to serue both by day and night service to Merchants.
• * 1.280

  Coines currant in Pegu.
• * 1.281

  Martavan.
• * 1.282

  Of Siam and the trade of the coast thereof.
• * 1.283

  The fortune of Sam and Pegu
• * 1.284

  River Menan.
• * 1.285

  Commodities of Siam and Pattana.
• * 1.286

  Coines •…•…ant in Siam, and the Coast.
• * 1.287

  Coines at Po∣tana.
• * 1.288

  Mallacca, and th•…•… trade the•…•… of.
• * 1.289

  Monsons at Mallacca.
• * 1.290

  Coines of the Citie Mal∣lacca.
• * 1.291

  Weights used in Mallacca.
• * 1.292

  Weights of Mal∣lacca.
• * 1.293

  China, and the Provinces ther∣of.
• * 1.294

  Commodities of China.
• * 1.295

  The greatnes of China.
• * 1.296

  Quinsay.
• * 1.297

  Nanquin.
• * 1.298

  Ten thousand saile belong∣ing to the King of China in one River.
• * 1.299

  Maccau and the tra•…•… thereof.
• * 1.300

  A particular Ship yearely touching here from Goa to Iapan.
• * 1.301

  Commoditi•…•…s of Maccau and Canton.
• * 1.302

  Commodities fit for China.
• * 1.303

  Coines of Chi∣na and Maccau
• * 1.304

  Weights of China, Maccau.
• * 1.305

  Ilands of Asia and the Trade thereof.
• * 1.306

  Iapan Iland and the Trade thereof.
• * 1.307

  F•…•…rando.
• * 1.308

  Coines cur∣rant in Iapan.
• * 1.309

  Weights in Iapan.
• * 1.310

  Measure of lengthin Iapan.
• * 1.311

  Measure for Rice and grain in Iapan.
• * 1.312

  Iland Silon and the Trade thereof.
• * 1.313

  Commodities of the Iland Silon.
• * 1.314

  Adams hill the Silon Paradise.
• * 1.315

  Siloners ex∣cellent tum∣blers.
• * 1.316

  Ilands Moluc∣cos and the Trade thereof.
• * 1.317

  Commodities of the Moluccos
• * 1.318

  Clovesaboun∣dance.
• * 1.319

  Amboina Ilands
• * 1.320

  The matchles v•…•…lany of the Du•…•…h in •…•…he Amboina Iles.
• * 1.321

  Coines cu•…•…∣rant in Molluc∣co, Banda, Am∣boina, &c.
• * 1.322

  Weights of Mollucco, Am∣boina, &c.
• * 1.323

  Measures of Molluccos, Ban∣da, Amboina, &c. Dry measures in Molluccos, &c.
• * 1.324

  Dutch Forts and trade in Amboina.
• * 1.325

  Iavas and the trade thereof.
• * 1.326

  Commodities of Iava Ilands.
• * 1.327

  Commodities of India fit for Iavas.
• * 1.328

  Batavia alias Iaccettra.
• * 1.329

  Coines cur∣rant in Iava, Sunda, Bantam, Iacatara.
• * 1.330

  Accounts in Iava, Bantam, Iacettera.
• * 1.331

  Weights in Ia∣va, Bantam, Ia∣cettra, Iaparra, Sunda.
• * 1.332

  Measures in Iava, Bantam, Iacetra, Iapar∣ra, Sunda.
• * 1.333

  Prices of com∣modities in Iavas.
• * 1.334

  Sumatra and the trade thereof.
• * 1.335

  Commodities of the Iland Sumatra.
• * 1.336

  Rarities found in Sumatra.
• * 1.337

  Achin, Tico, Iambe, and Priaman, Eng∣lish Factories in Iava.
• * 1.338

  Coines cur∣rant in Su∣matra, Achin, Priaman, &c.
• * 1.339

  Accounts kept in Iava.
• * 1.340

  Weights of Su∣matra, Achin, Priaman, Iam∣bee.
• * 1.341

  Measures in Sumatra.
• * 1.342

  Borneo Iland, and the trade thereof.
• * 1.343

  Commodities of Borneo Iland
• * 1.344

  Townes of Borneo Iland.
• * 1.345

  Socodana and Beniermasa En∣glish Factories in Borneo.
• * 1.346

  Iland Celebs and trade thereof.
• * 1.347

  Maccas•…•… the English Facto∣ry in Seleb•…•….
• * 1.348

  Coines cur∣rant in Celebs and Maccasar.
• * 1.349

  Weights in Ce∣lebs and Mac∣casar.
• * 1.350

  P•…•…pins
• * 1.351

  The Portugals the first Ma∣sters of the trade of East India, 1498.
• * 1.352

  The Hollan∣ders became sharers in 1595.
• * 1.353

  The English Nation the last traders in∣to India, in An. 1600.
• * 1.354

  Iland Ciprus and the trade thereof.
• * 1.355

  Commodities of Ciprus.
• * 1.356

  English consul at Ciprus.
• * 1.357

  Coines of Ciprus.
• * 1.358

  Weights of ci•…•…rus.
• * 1.359

  Note Fama∣gusta.
• * 1.360

  Weights of Cy∣prus compared with other places.
• * 1.361

  Measures of Cy∣prus.
• * 1.362

  Of Wine.
• * 1.363

  Of Oyle.
• * 1.364

  Of Graine.
• * 1.365

  Of Salt.
• * 1.366

  Iland Rhodes seated amongst the Iles Arche∣pelago.
• * 1.367

  Of the Trade in generall of ASIA.