Travels into divers parts of Europe and Asia, undertaken by the French King's order to discover a new way by land into China containing many curious remarks in natural philosophy, geography, hydrology and history : together with a description of Great Tartary and of the different people who inhabit there / by Father Avril of the Order of the Jesuits ; done out of French ; to which is added, A supplement extracted from Hakluyt and Purchas giving an account of several journeys over land from Russia, Persia, and the Moguls country to China, together with the roads and distances of the places.

AN ACCOUNT OF SEVERAL ROADS INTO CHINA. (Book 3)

BOOK III. (Book 3)

NOtwithstanding all the great care which the Ancient Geographers took to make known unto us that vast extent of Northern Coun∣tries that lye between the Obi, and the Fa∣mous Chinese Wall, we must acknowledge that they have had but very ill Success. Some have said nothing at all concerning 'em; and others desirous to speak more then they knew, have given us their Conjectures in∣stead of real Truths. Nor have the Mo∣derns been more lucky, in regard that to outdo those that went before 'em, all that they could do was to fill up the vast wide spaces with Forests, or several horrible De∣serts.

'Tis to the Zaporoges Co∣sacks,* 1.1 that is to say, to those Cosacks that inhabit beyond the Borysthenes, that we are chiefly beholding to the par∣ticular knowledge we have of those Countries, which were anciently look'd upon as so many dreadful solitudes, into which no mortal could ever enter without exposing himself to inevitable destruction; yet are now so well known, that people Travel there with as much ease as in any other part of Europe.

These people having been subdu'd by the Muscovites, and yet unwilling to submit to the Victors, took a resolution to quit their Country, which they could not defend. To which purpose they advanc'd in great Numbers to the Volga, and so went by Wa∣ter to Cazan; from whence it was easie for 'em to advance as far as Irtibs; Whence they continu'd their March to the Conflu∣ence of Irtibs and Zobol; where they built a City which is call'd by the Name of the Last River. Afterwards they enlarg'd their Dominions, and possess'd themselves of all the Countrey that adjoins to the Ri∣ver Obi, which is properly call'd Siberia, from the word Siber, which in the Sclavo∣nian Language signifies the North.

The few Commodities which they had for the sub∣sistence of life,* 1.2 and the ne∣cessity of Vending their Sable Martins, oblig'd 'em afterwards to Accom∣modate with the Musco••••tes, and to surrend∣er themselves under their subjection, tho the Mountains and Rivers which divide the Countrey, secur'd them from all As∣saults which the Muscoveites could make up∣on 'em. And the Muscovites have made a vast advantage of this Countrey since they possess'd it, through the care which they frequently take to send their Yachutchiki, or Hunters of Sable Martins; the number of which they augment every day, by banish∣ing into the places where those Creatures are caught, not only the Malefactors of the State, but also the Officers and Boyars who have not behav'd themselves well in their Employments, or of whom they have any reason to be afraid.

Now in regard this gainful sort of Hun∣ting of these precious Creatures has engag'd 'em to advance farther and farther in bopes to discover still more lovely Martins; they have at length found out wherewith to con∣tent themselves in an Island of the River Yamour, of which they made themselves the Masters some years since, and where they have also built a Fort, which has occasion'd the present War between them and the Chi∣neses.

Now then as to the man¦ner of Sable-Hunting it is thus perform'd:* 1.3 There is a Regiment of Soldiers sent in∣to the Countrey where these costly Crea∣tures are found, which usually stays there seven years. And every week a Collonel commands a certain number of Hunters, that seek 'em out in the little Islands to which they retire. They kill 'em with a kind of Cross-bow, for fear of spoiling or endamaging the Furr, should they make use of Fire Arms. Now in regard there is an extraordinary diligence to be observ∣ed in this sort of Hunting, the Officers are permitted to let the Soldiers be concern'd in it, and to divide with 'em the surplu∣sage which they are bound to kill for the Czars profit, which makes those employ∣ments very considerable. For a Collonel may get Four thousands Crowns in seven years service, and an under Officer propor∣tionably: But a common Soldier never gets above Six or Seven hunder'd Crowns, tho he be at all the trouble.

Besides these Sable Martins, which are very plentiful over the whole extent of this vast Countrey between Muscovy and China; there is also another sort, which are of equal Value, and no less Beautiful. These are the Skins of Black Foxes, which are no where to be seen but in Siberia and Kitay:

and which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sought after with as much 〈…〉〈…〉 ••••gard they come to a sure Market, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••ear a very great Price. I know not whether it be the scarceness, or the co∣lour of the skin, that mak••s it so highly esteem'd; but when any body comes to buy one, the owner will not let it go but upon condition the Purchaser shall fill it with as many Crowns as it will hold.

Though ir is a long while, that this Trade has been settl'd in Muscovy, 'twas none of their faults, that it was not formerly as great as it i•• now. For, before the discovery of these Sable-Martins, they were contented all over the Kingdom with common Furrs; and, unless it were the Ermin-Furr, which only Persons of Quality made use of, they knew no other sort. But since the discovery of these Creatures so much sought after, which fell by chance, rather then cunning, into their hands; they have made ap∣pear such an eager thirst to satisfie their Avarice at the expence of those, whom they have found profusely fond of this sort of Ornament, that they have made no scruple to engage 'emselves in those forlorn Countries, in hopes to find wherewithal to enrich 'emselves.

By the means of all these their irregu∣lar Incursions, it was, that they laid open several New Roads, which led 'em insensi∣bly into China. Now in regard, that those,

who have happen'd to hit upon the way to the Borders of the Country, have every one taken Roads quite different the one from the other; so they have been able to inform us which are those that are most certainly to be depended on for security and shortness. And here we shall give an ac∣count of what the Relations which are kept in the Chancery of Moskow more particu∣larly instruct us.

The first Road that carries a Traveller by Land into China, is that through India and the Mogul's Country; which the great number of Robbers, and the vast Deserts that are to be cross'd over, render very dangerous, and almost impracticable. We are beholding to the Jesuits for the know∣ledge of it, whom those dangers have no way discourag'd. The Tartars of Astrakan and Bokara, have sometimes taken this Road; but then they have been very care∣ful to joyn with a numerous Caravan.

The second is that which the Merchants of Bocara take, who Travel through the Cities of Samarkan, Kaboul, Kachemire, and Tourafan, and several other Cities of the Yousbecs, from whence they go to Barantola, which the Residence of Dala••-Lama ren∣ders the most considerable of all the Cities of the Greater Tartary. But this Road is not a little difficult by reason of the Sands that are to be cross'd, and because of the

Calmoues that infest the Roads But the Muscovites make choice of this way with∣out any scruple: And they have been often known to fall down from Tobolsk to Bocara through Cazan, on purpose to Travel this Journey with the Yousbecks, notwith∣standing the easiness of going to China by the River Ohi.

The third is frequented by the Yousbeck Tartars, by the Trading Calmucs, and the Muscovites also. From Tobolsk, you ride along by the Lakes that yield great quanti∣ties of Salt near Irticks and Kama; after which you Travel for some time by Water upon the first of these two Rivers as far as a City call'd Sinkamè, where you continue your Journey by Land through the Terri∣tories of the Kalmouc's and Moguls, as far as Kokutan, which is not above Eight or Ten days Journey, from the Famous Wall which separates Chi∣na from Great Tartary. Neither is this Road without some difficulties, as want of Water, and molestation of the Calmoues, unless well provided to make a stout re∣sistance. However, the Taiso Ajonka, who is the Kan, or chief Captain of the Horde of Tartars, who have no fix'd Habitations but live after the manner of the Ancient Scythians, might, if he pleas'd, secure this way, and make it safe for Travellers, which sometimes he will vouchsafe to do for the

sake of some little Presents. And from Kokutan, you may enter into China through many Gates of this great Wall.

The fourth supposes, that you pass through Tobolsk and go by Water upon the Obi, and the Szelinga as far as the City of Szelingui, from whence you Travel by Land through the Countrey of the Monguls. From this last-mention'd City it will re∣quire Eight weeks time to reach the place where the Kan of Bechroesaim, and the Cou∣toussta-Lama reside. From whom, by the Intermediation of some few Civilities, you may obtain Guides and Carriages, and a good Convoy to carry you to China. This Road the Muscovites have held ever since the war between them and the Chineses near the River Yamour; and it is the safest and most commodious way of all the rest. Only you must make provision of Water and Wood in some places: And though you may sometimes meet upon the Road with Robbers, they are neither so Cruel nor so numerous as in other parts.

The fifth is that which the Envoy of Muscovy, Spartarius made choice of for China; and then you must pass through Si∣beria to get to the City of Nero-Zinki upon the River Szilk••; after that you go to D••uri not far from the Kiver Naiunai, from whence you continue your Road to Che∣ria that lies upon the entrance into China.

The distance is equal from Nerc Zinski to Dauri, and from Dauri to Cheria.

If you will believe this Relation, of which I have thus far given a faithful Copy, this Road is as safe as it is short; for that from Nerc Zinski to the River Argus that falls into the Yamour, you shall meet all along with the Yachutchiki, or Martin-Hunters: After which you pass through the Terri∣tories of certain Monguls, who are terri∣bly afraid of the Muscovites. But it is not probable there is now so much security, as formerly, in passing through those Monguls; for that Travellers at this time either take a little higher through Albazin, and fetch a compass to get from thence into Chi∣na, or a little lower, passing from Szelingui, through the Territories of Beckroesaim.

The sixth is also through Nerczinski and the Mongul; from whence you Travel on to the Lake Dalai; or you may go from Nerczinki to the Lake in one Week. There you meet with the Emperor of China's Subjects, who have manur'd all the Lands that lye about the Lake; from which you may go in three Weeks to China upon Wa∣gons drawn with Oxen. Out of this Lake Dalai it is, that the River Argus, a very fair River, takes its rise. It is Navigable all along, and carries you by Water to the River Yamour, into which it falls. Near the River Argus are several Mines of Silver

and Lead; and there it is that a consider∣able Tayso whose Name is Sebdenkan resides, who is bound to find Convoys for the Mus∣oovites that Travel for China three times a year, and to secure the Road that they may Travel it in so much the shorter time.

To all these Relations we ought to join one more, which affords us a very ample knowledge of all the People that inhabit the Countries joining upon China, which was imparted to us by a person of good Reputation, who had it out of the Treasu∣ry of Moskow, and to which so much the more credit may be given, because it agrees exactly with the Annals of China which are at the end of Confucius's Philosophy, Print∣ed but a while since by Father Couplet the Jesuit, and which is also conformable to the Report of all such Travellers who have try'd the greatest part of all those Roads of which we have made a description.

The first Nation is that of the Bogdoi,* 1.4 by the Chineses call'd the Eastern Tartars, and whom the Monguls call Niouchi, or Nuchi. Their Country is of a very large extent, under several Tayso's, or Kans. There is in Bogdoi, a particular Province which the Muscovites call Diutchari, and the Monguls Diourski. It is seated between the Eastern Seas, and the great Rivers Chingala, and Yamour. The people that inhabit it, tho tri∣butary

to China, were not formerly very well known: For in regard they had no Prince of their own, they were not look'd upon as very considerable. Nor were they indeed either truly known or fear'd, till they had made an Invasion into China, and subdu'd Six Provinces. At what time they had made themselves absolute Masters of that spacious Empire, had not the Yousbecks come to succour the Chineses, or rather ex∣pell'd the Bogdoi and settl'd themselves in their Places.

Which when they had done, they set upon the Throne the Family of Ivena; which after it had Reign'd till the Year 1368. was expell'd by the Chineses, who then Enthron'd the Family of Tayminga. That Family sway'd the Scepter peaceably till 1644, at what time the same Diutchari re-enter'd China, and at length utterly sub∣du'd it. Chunchi, their Prince was the first Emperor of that Nation, and the Chief of the Family of Taitsingua, who Reigns at present in China.

In all the Province of Bogdoi, you shall meet with none but houses of Earth, as al∣so in the Province of Dauri; which people drive a great Trade in Sables and Black Fox-Skins, as likewise in Ginseng Roots: But they are not rich in Cattel; their Horses are very small; nor do their owners ever shooe 'em. As for the people themselves,

they resemble altogether the Krim Tartars, both in Features of Face, as in Stature and Proportion of Body: But they are much more Polite and Civiliz'd, by reason of the Great Trade which they drive with the Chineses.

To speak properly, they are of no Re∣ligion; yet you shall see several among 'em that wear Crosses, which they call Lama's. And indeed they have a great inclination to the Christian Religion, and there are not a few who are already become Catholicks. They have no kindness either for the Mahu∣metans, or the Nestorians, because they for∣merly succor'd the Western Tartars when they were repell'd by the Chineses. How∣ever, since that time, the Mahumetans have settl'd themselves in China, insomuch that there are a great number of 'em at P••king, where there are Seven Mosques without the City; and where they also speak the Persian Language more commonly then that of Turky.

As for the Language of the Bogdoi, 'tis very like the ordinary vulgar Speech that is spoken in Persia; their Characters also very much resemble one another; but they write and read from the top downward like the Chineses, and moreover they have above sixty Letters in their Alphabet.

The Rivers of Argus, Yamour, and Chin∣gala, afford great Store of Rubies and

Pearles, which the People continually fish for. Altho they are not ignorant of Guns and Powder, yet they are not much in use among 'em, whether their great Artillery which is but very leudly cast, are too trou∣blesome to be mov'd from place to place, or whether it be that they find no great Effects of 'em, because their Powder, the Com∣position of which they understand but by halves, is but of little strength. And it is observ'd, that the Tartars, who are become Masters of China, begin to degenerate from their ancient Valour.

Next the Eastern Tartars, lies a vast and spacious Coun∣try to the West, which is call'd Mongul.* 1.5 It begins at the Western Sourses of the River Yamour, and extends it self to the Calmouc Tartars, Westward, confining upon Turquestan to the South-East, and upon China to the East, and they are seperated from the Culmouc's by wide Desarts, which are as good as so ma∣ny Ramparts. They have three Princes, whom they call Kan's or Tuiso's, and who are all three of the same Family; so that they keep a good Correspondence together; Civil Wars very rarely happen among 'em. On the other side, they frequently send Presents one to another, and when any on of 'em is attacqu'd, the rest immediatly arm to his Relief. The chiefest of these

Kans is call'd T••hetchinga, whose Territo∣ries border upon Bogdoi and China. But you see neither Town nor Villages, only certain Houses dispersed here and there, and those very few in number. So that these Mon∣guls are continually making Incursions round about the Lake Dalai, or into the Lands that lye upon the River Szelinga. this Kan has several Taiso's under him, among whom is the Becroesain Kan, who borders upon the River beforemention'd.

In these Territories it is, that the Coutousta Lama has his Residence. This Coutousta, who to speak properly, is no more then the Vicar of the Dalaè-Lama, or Lama-Lamalom, is the Patriarch of the Monguls, who adore him like a Deity, as having an extraordi∣nary Veneration for all the Lama's. The same Mongul's keep a good Correspondence with the Muscovites, by reason of their Neigh∣bourhood to Siberia. They are naturally very mild, and addicted to peace; 'tis very rare to see 'em quarrel one with another; or if any contest arises among 'em, the Coutousta, who follows 'em whereever they ramble, appeases the difference either by his own Authority, or by such Judges as he ordains among 'em whereever they cluster together. They are very wealthy, especially, in Cattel, and drive a great Trade with the Muscovites. For their Country is wa∣ter'd with a great number of Rivers, that

wonderfully enfertilize their Medows and Pasturages, and all empty themselves into the Szelinga; and would they but take the pains to manure their Lands, they would bear all sorts of Fruit.

The Second Kan is call'd Octieroikan; and the Third D'Ian-Gari; but in regard there is no great Commerce driven with these two last, they are nothing near so well known as the former. The Monguls have a great Antipathy against the Bogdoi, because they made themselves Masters of China; but they can do 'em no harm, because they are not acquainted with the use of Fire-Arms.

The Calmoucs* 1.6 possess all that vast extent of Country that lyes between Mongull and the Volga as far as Astrakan, and they are divided into an infinite number of H••rdes, which have every one their particular Kan.

The Principal of all these Kans,* 1.7 is he who is call'd Ot∣chiourtican, who pretends to be descended from the Fa∣mous Tamerlain. He is very Potent, and therefore forces the Muscovites and the Yous∣becks to pay him a certain Tribute, or else he would be continually Harrassing their Countries. 'Tis also reported that he is very Magnificent, that he goes always clad in White, and never eats but serv'd in Gold Plate. We saw at Moscow a French Officer

who had been in the Tent of this same Kan, when he lay at Astrakan, at the Head of a Hundred Thousand Tartars to demand his Tribute, who confirm'd all that has been said concerning his Magnificence, only that he never saw him make use of either Gold or Silver Plate.

The Calmoucs have no Cities nor fix'd Habitations, but only live in Tents made of Felts, which are very neat, and very commodious; nor is there any Nation so nimble at Camping and Decamping in an instant as they, there being no Nation so much accustom'd to it, in regard they ne∣ver stay long in a place, and are always ma∣king Incursions.

They are all Idolaters, as well as the Mongulls, and all the rest of the Nations of Great Tartary as far as the In∣dians; and every one of these Pagan Nations acknowledge for the Head of their Religion the Dalaè-Lama,* 1.8 or Lama∣lamalow, except those of Bokara and Samar∣kand, who make Profession of Mahometism.

This Impostor has his Residence in the Kingdom of Sanshut, which extends from the Mongulls, the Calmoucs, and Turquestan, between China and Persia to the Indies. The Capital of his Territories is the City of Ba∣rantola, where there is a Temporal Prince also call'd Deva; but the Dalaè lives in a

Fortress call'd Beatalaè, that stands very near the same City. 'Tis not to be imagin'd how he is in a manner worshipp'd over all Tartary. They send from all parts to de∣sire his Benediction, and when he goes in∣to China, he is receiv'd with more then or∣dinary Honours.

The Jesuit Adam Schall us'd all his en∣deavours to disswade the Emperor from go∣ing to meet him, or to pay him any respect. But the Emperor, as much convinc'd as he was that the Dalaè was an Impostor, durst not follow the Jesuit's Counsel, but after he had heap'd upon him all imaginable Ho∣nours and Favours, sent him back loaden with Magnificent Presents.

The Tartars are fully per∣swaded that the Dalaè never dies,* 1.9 but that he renews like the Moon. To make this out, so soon as the Dalaè lyes at the point of Death, they that are about him, make diligent search for a Lama, the likest to him that possibly they can find, and so soon as the Head of their False Religion is dead, they set him up in his Room, and carefully conceal the deceas'd Body, which they affirm to be renew'd in his Successor. M. Tavernier reports the same thing of the King of Thebes; but there is some probabi∣lity that he was misinform'd, he not ha∣ving been upon the place, as the Muscovites

who make this Relation were, and who drive a very considerable Trade with the Tartars; from whom they learnt moreover, that this Dalaè is never suffer'd to be seen by any body, unless they are willing to pay him all the Honours which they give him themselves; prostrating themselves before him, and adoring him as a God. This Re∣lation adds, that the Chineses call the Tar∣tars Totai, because they have not the Letter R in their Language. Nor do I know why we call 'em Tartars, seeing that in Poland, Muscovy, and even in Tartary it self, they abridge the Name, and call 'em only Ta∣tar.

It appears by what I have said of the Kingdom of Tan∣chut,* 1.10 that the Dalaè-lama is without all contradiction that same Famous Preste-Iean, con∣cerning whom Historians have written so variously. In a word, since that Title, and whatever many Authors have said of him, can be attributed to no Person more justly then to this Dalaè-lama, 'tis more natural to acknowledge him in this Country of Asia, where he has always been, then to seek him out in Habyssinia, where he never was.

'Tis also an understanding Observation of F. Kirker, who in his Polite Piece, touch∣ing the Particulars of China, after he has de∣scrib'd

the Manners and Customs of the different people that encompass that wide Empire, demonstrates the Ingenuity of the Portugueses in the search which they have made after this so extraordinary Prince, and so well known in the world under the Name of Preste-Iean, of whom they pub∣lish'd so many particular things.

To clear this part of History which is al∣together perplex'd, and at the same time to undeceive those who may have suffer'd themselves to be prepossess'd by all those fabulous Tales that have been utter'd a∣broad as real Truths, they are to under∣stand, that while the Portugueses were in search of the East-Indies, Iohn the Second sent one of his Subjects, by Name Peter de Coulan, to discover 'em by Land, and parti∣cularly charg'd him to inform himself where that same Preste-Iohn, so much talk'd of in Europe reign'd, yet not knowing in what part of the World his Empire lay.

The design of Iohn the Second was to have made an alliance with him, perswa∣ded as he was, and according as he had heard it reported, that he was a potent Prince, and profess'd the Christian Religi∣on. In obedience to his Princes Orders Pe∣ter de Coulan pass'd into Asia, and penetra∣ted a great way into India, where he learnt many things of great importance and curi∣osity: But notwithstand all his diligence,

he could not hear of Preste-Iohn, nor meet with any body that could tell any Tidings of him; only coming to Caire, in his re∣turn homeward, he heard, that in Ethiopia, beyond Egypt, there reign'd a Rich and Po∣tent Prince. Who every time he shew'd him∣self in publick, had a Cross carry'd before him, and that he was a declar'd Protector of the Christians.

Now in regard these Marks agreed with the Character that had been given him, to discover the Prince he was in search of, there needed no more to perswade that Traveller into a belief of what he most of all things in the world desir'd to know. So that he made no farther doubt but that Pre∣ste-Iohn was that same Monarch of the Abys∣sins, and he believ'd it so truly, that he wrote his Discovery into Portu∣gal without any farther Examination▪ Nor were they more scrupulous at Lisbonne, where the news was receiv'd with a great deal of joy and applause. Upon which they who sail'd into Africa the fol∣lowing years, prepossess'd with this Opini∣on, contributed not a little to confirm it by their Relations; so that as false as it was, the Mistake was soon spread all over Europe.

Now though this same stupid Error was refuted by several learned persons, and tho the falshood of it might be easily discover'd

by what Damian de Goez, Nicolas Godigno and Baltazar Tellez have written of it, as being perfectly inform'd of every thing that concern'd Ethiopia, where they had been long resident, yet I cannot forbear to ob∣serve with F. Kirker, that the Latin Chronology of the Kings of Habyssinia makes no mention of Preste-Iohn; and therefore all the Authors of any Antiquity that have taken occasion to mention him, still place him in Asia, tho they cannot agree in what part of the World he reign'd, no more then they can about the original of his Name.

A Modern Author imagins Preste-Iohn to be a Corruption of Preste-Arkan, that is to say, King of the Adorers. Others with as little reason derive it from the Latin, Pretio∣sus Iahannes. Some would have it to be, that as the Name of Caesar was common to all the Roman Emperours, so Iohn was no less common to these Princes we speak of; and that they bore that Name in honour of the Prophet Ionas, to which the Eastern peo∣ple afterwards added the Title of Priest, or Preste; not that these Kings were really dig∣nifi'd with the Sacerdotal Character, but because they had usually a Cross carry'd be∣fore 'em, as Protectors of the Christian Re∣ligion.

But Scaliger's Conjecture seems to me more probable then all the rest, where he

says, That Preste-Iean was a corruption of the Persian Word Prestegiani, which signi∣fies Apostolic; that it was very likely that the Europaeans who traffick'd into the East, having heard confusedly of that Prince, whom they heard frequently call'd Padischah Prestegiani, gave him by chance the Name of Preste-Iean, which sounded very like to Pre∣stegiani, of which they understood not the real signification.

As to the part of Asia, where Preste-Iean reign'd, methinks there is no reason to doubt of it, considering what the Ancient Authors have written. For upon a strict examination it will be found, that the greatest part of these Authors place him in that vast Country which extends it self from the Mogul, towards the East and North as far as China: Which is that▪ which St. Anto∣nius sufficiently makes appear in the Third Tome of his History, where speaking of the Tartars, he observes that their Emperor sent a puissant Army under the command of his Son, to subdue those people that inhabited the lesser India; which Conquest being ac∣complish'd, the victorious Tartars advanc'd against the Christians who inhabited the Greater, or the Upper India; but that their King call'd Preste-Iean by the Vulgar, ha∣ving drawn his Forces together, march'd a∣gainst 'em, and overthrew 'em.

This is also that which Paul the Venetian, who knew the Country better then any bo∣dy, tells us more distinctly, as having resi∣ded several years at the Court of the Great Kan of the Tartars: For the Kingdom of Tenduc, or as others read it, Tanchut, this Kingdom, I say, where Marcus Paulus pla∣ces Preste-Iohn, is still in being, if we may believe those who have travell'd through it, and lies between China and the Empire of the Great Mogul. Which perfectly agrees with the Sentiments of those who have made Preste-Iohn to reign in Kitay; seeing that as I have already observ'd, it is not to be thought that by Kitay the Ancients meant China only, or some particular King∣dom; it being sufficiently probable that they comprehend under that name all the Coun∣try that lies between Obi, the Volga, and China, as the Muscovites understand it at this day.

The only thing▪ that seems to raise some doubt in what we have said concerning Pre∣ste-Iohn is this; that Preste-Iohn and the people under his subjection were Christians, whereas the Country that lies between the Mogul and China is now full of Mahometans and Idolaters. But certain it is that things were not always in the same posture as now they are, but that the Christian Religion once flourish'd in these barbarous Countries, where now Infidelity prevails.

'Tis known that St. Thomas, after the Apostles had made a division of the Uni∣verse among themselves, departed from In∣dia, to cultivate those Unbelievers; that he penetrated into the most remote parts of it, and dy'd at length at Meliapor. And some Authors have written, not without some probability, that China it self receiv'd the Gospel by the Ministry of that Holy Apo∣stle. However it were, there is no questi∣on to be made, in my Opinion, but that the Faith might be dispers'd in Countries more on this hand toward the West, in re∣gard there is a Country which the Moors, profess'd Enemies of the Christians, still in derision call Kiaferstan, or the Country of the Infidels, the Inhabitants of which are call'd Christians of St. Thomas to this day; who tho they have forgot their Anci∣ent Christianity, yet still retain certain Cu∣stoms that sufficiently demonstrate what Re∣ligion their Ancestors profess'd. For beside that they baptize their Children, they have painted in their Churches, and beare upon their Foreheads three Crosses of a Red Colour, being a Tincture squees'd out of Sanders-Wood.

But tho it might be true, that presently after the Birth of Christ, the Gospel might not be promulgated in these Barbarous Countries, yet certain it is that it was preach'd there in the succeeding Ages. The

celebrated Monument that was found in China in 1625. near the City of Siganfu, is an invincible proof of what I say. For it is observ'd, that Six hunder'd years after Christ, the Syrian Priests having scatter'd themselves all over Asia, had divulg'd the Christian Law in the Extremities of the World, where their Zeal for the Glory of God drew 'em. And Hay••on, a Christian Author, who was of the Blood Royal of the Kings of Armenia, testifies, That in the Thirteenth Age, Tartary was full of Chri∣stians; that Cublai their Emperor embrac'd the Christian Faith; and that his Brother who had been a Christian for some time, enter'd into a Religious War for the sake of Religion, against the Caliph of Babylon, won Palestine from the Mahometans, reinthron'd the King of Armenia, being expell'd his Territories by those cruel Enemies of Chri∣stianity, restor'd to peaceful freedom those people whom the Infidels had proscrib'd and banish'd, and rebuilt a great number of Churches at his ow costs and charges; and all this at the sollicitation of the Princess his Wife, who glory'd in being descended from one of the Three Kings that came to adore Christ, when but newly born.

This was the same Hae••on, who wrote to St. Lewis, when he lay in Cyprus at the time of his first Expedition for the recovery of the Holy Land. St. Antonin also, in whose

History may be seen that Letter of the Tar∣tar Prince, observes that St. Lewis sent him, under the Character of Ambassadors, two Monks of the Order of St. Domini••, with very rich Presents, among which was a piece of the true Cross, and a Canopy of State of an extraordinary value, upon which were embroider'd in Gold, the prin∣cipal Mysteries of the Life of Christ.

This happen'd in the year 1256. and about forty or fifty years after, that is to say, toward the beginning of the fourteenth Age, several Franeiscan Monks being sent to the Great Kan, visited all parts of the Kingdom of Thibet, which is next to that of Tanchut, and converted a great number of Infidels and Pagans.

Father Andrada, a Porteguese Jesuit, tra∣velling also into these Countries in 1624. reports that the people had still an Idea of the Christian Mysteries, tho confus'd and corrupted; that they us'd among them∣selves a sort of Confessiion, feeble Remain∣ders of the Faith which they had formerly embrac'd, and which by degrees was utter∣ly extinguish'd.

There is no doubt then, after what has been said, but that the Kingdom of Tan∣chut, not having been always Idolatrous as now it is, the Delaè-Lama who at present resides there, may be the true Successor of the famous Preste-Iohn, who reign'd there

formerly; and it is no less probable, that that same Monarch happening to change as the Religion corrupted, became sometime after Head of a new Religion which dege∣nerated at last into Idolatry.

'Tis true, that he is not a Temporal Prince; but that may be the effect of the Wars and Revolutions that happen in all Kingdoms. However it were, he is still in high veneration among all the Eastern peo∣ple, who acknowledge him for the Head of their Religion. And that which is farther remarkable is this, that he bears the Name of Lama, which in the Tartar Language sig∣nifies a Cross: And the Bogdoi, who con∣quer'd China in 1644. and who are subject to the Dalaè in all matters of Religion, wear always Crosses about 'em, which they call Lama's also, and for which they have an extraordinary Respect, which sufficient∣ly demonstrates that they were formerly instructed in those Mysteries, of which that sign is in some measure an eternal Memo∣rial.

Besides these different sorts of Tartars,* 1.11 of which I have spok'n, there are others who are called Ostiaki, Bratski, Iacuti, and Ton∣gusi, who are scatter'd all along the Lakes and Rivers that lye between Siberia and the Country of the Monguls. But in regard they have all the same Physiognomy, and

use the same Language as the Calmoucs, 'tis very probable that they are only some se∣parated Hordes, that having been domesti∣cated by degrees, by conversation with the Muscovites, at length became subject to their Dominion. They are all swarthy complexion'd, but more inclining to Olive-Colour then Black. Their faces are usually broad, falling in below, and jutting out above; their eyes are small, but sparkling and full of fire; their noses short and very flat, with little hair either upon their upper Lips, or Chins: Their Stature somewhat above the common size, well set, and clean limb'd, with an Air stern and resolute, without any thing of Cruelty or Savageness. Their Habits are for the most part all alike, consisting of several Sheep-skins sow'd to∣gether, which they fit to their bodies in the form of Vests, and gird about their Wastes with a Cord, wherein hangs their Bow and Quiver, with which they go al∣ways arm'd. They shave their Heads to the very Crown, where they preserve a Tuft thick enough to make a double lock, one of which hangs down before, the other behind; having no other covering for their heads, then a round Bonnet of the same with their Habits, on the top of which they wear a Tuft of Red Silk, or of some other Colour: Which is the mark by which you may distinguish the different Hordes;

every one having a particular Colour to difference the one from the other. But they that live in the Places where the Martins are taken, make themselves Garments of those Furs, as also of Dogs-skins, of which they keep a vast number; and sometimes they join both together, and make the one serve for a Lining to the t'other, wearing the Sables, tho the richer and more beauti∣ful, innermost, and the Dogs-hair outer∣most; not believing it just, that the Dog who stops and catches the Martin, should be debas'd below the Martin, but that he should be always preferr'd after his death before his Enemy, which he vanquish'd when alive.

It may be easily judg'd by the Enumera∣tion▪ which I have made of the different sorts of Tartars▪ which inhabit all the Coun∣trey that lies between the Obi and China, that the Muscovites, being assisted by the Co∣saques, found no great difficulty in opening a way from Siberia to this great Empire. For in regard they met with no body that would, or was able to dispute the Passage with 'em; and moreover, for that the peo∣ple, which they had subdu'd either by mildness, or by force of Arms, had some kind of Correspondence with all the Hordes that are dispread on both sides, by their means they have made all their Discoveries, and at length have advanc'd by different

Roads to the very Confines of China, where they have also built some Fortresses, the better to secure their Conquests.

The farthermost of all these Fortresses is Albazin,* 1.12 not above three weeks jour∣ney from Pekin, tho it be a∣bove three months Travel remote from Moscow. It is seated upon the River Yamour; which was the occasion of the present War between the Chineses and Muscovites; while both the one and the other claim'd a Right to fish for the Pearls, of which that River produces great store; and hunt the Martins, that are very nume∣rous in an Island of that River.

But in regard of the vast distance be∣tween that Frontier and Moscow, will not permit the Muscovites to send Recruits suf∣ficiently considerable to support a War, which the nearness of it to China, renders easie to the Tartars who are Masters of it, the Czars thought it more expedient to propound an Accommodation, then to ex∣pose an Army to all the Hazards and Hard∣ships which of necessity they must undergo, before they can get to the Confines of the Empire. Nor did the Chineses refuse the Proposals that were made 'em. They sent an Ambassador a good way beyond the Great Wall that separates their Territories from the Western Tartars, and join'd two

French Jesuits with him, of the number of those whom the K. of France sent about six years ago to the extreme parts of the world, to serve the Ambassadors as his Interpre∣ters; but as yet we know not the success of the Negotiation.

If we may judg by a Letter which a German Officer who was then in Garison in a place upon the River Yamour, wrote to one of his Friends at Moscow, who impart∣ed it to us, 'tis very probable, that those Affairs are more embroil'd then ever. But in regard that Letter is before the last En∣deavours of the Muscovites to obtain a Peace, and for that their Ambassador was not then arriv'd at the appointed place of meeting, there is little heed to be given to what that Officer then wrote: however, it gives us a good account how affairs stood about four years ago.

We thought, said he, that the Ambassador sent from Peking some days since, was come with a design to conclude a Peace with us: But we have been surpriz'd at the Proceedings of that Ambassador, who after he had stopt three days near Albazin, without proposing any thing, retir'd of a sudden. We make no question therefore, that being arriv'd upon the Frontiers with a great army, but that the War will be soon rekindl'd, and prove more bloody then before; so that we stand very strictly upon our Guards, &c.

From Dauri upon the Confines of China, Iu∣ly 15. 1688.

But whatever may be the Issue of the War, we may assure our selves by what I have said, That the Road from Muscovy to Chinae, is no Chimera nor impracticable thing; and that it would be likewise the most commodious and shortest way, were there but never so little reliance upon the Muscovi••es, who after several Journeys have made themselves such absolute Masters of all the Roads that lead thither, that they take indifferently sometimes one and some∣times another, according as their occasions prompt 'em.

I know, they did not presently accomplish their design, and that it cost 'em a world of Trials and Experiments, before they could find out all the means to secure them∣selves and others in their passage; but in regard they spar'd for nothing to bring about this Discovery, and that they have been careful from time to time to send away Supplies of Hunters to view and take an account of Countries through which they thought new ways might be open'd, they have so levell'd and remov'd all Difficulties, that they make no more of going to China, then of travelling to Arch-Angel or A∣strakan.

This Reflection, which some perhaps would not vouchsafe themselves the leisure

perhaps to make, when they imagin'd the way from Moscow to Peking neither safe nor easie, may serve to adjust and reconcile the several Ruttiers or Cards that have been drawn these several years ago; and to ex∣plain at the same time, after what manner divers Ambassadors sent from one Court to another, came to spend some more time then others, in this Journey, which some have finish'd in four or five months, while it has cost others near eighteen.

In short, The principal aim of the Mus∣covites in these sorts of Ambassies having always been to discover the vast extent of Land that lies between their Territories and the Empire of China, 'tis no wonder, if they who were entrusted with this affair, travelling as they did like true Adventu∣rers, rather then sedulous Ambassadors, have shew'd less earnestness to arrive with speed at their journey's end, then to consi∣der the nature of the Countrey through which they travell'd, and the course of the Rivers which they met with upon the Road.

'Tis to be thought, that 'twas in this manner that the Knez Theodore Iacowitz Boicow travell'd from Tobolsk to Peki•• in 1653. at what time the Czar sent him his Ambassador to China: For in regard he mounted up the River as he did, as far as the Springs of the Irtish, I know not what

should make him turn out of the way so much to the right hand, had he not had private Orders rather to mind looking after the Establishments all along the River, then to treat with the Chineses, for whom the Muscovites had little or no esteem at that time.

However it were, the Merchants who are more for their own then the Czar's In∣terest, perform this Journey at present so safely,* 1.13 and in so little time, that for the most part they never take up above four months in going to Pe∣king, and returning to Mos∣cow. And this we learnt about three years since from certain Merchants who set out of Peking after they had heard Mass in the Jesuits House, upon St. Peter and St. Paul's day, and got to Mos∣cow much about All-holland-Tide, the same year, where they staid till the end of Win∣ter, to join the Caravans at Zobalsk, from whence they duly set out every year.

After all these convincing Proofs and De∣monstrations, upon which I thought my self bound to insist thus particularly as I have done, I make no question but the Rea∣der will abandon all the false Idea's which he had conceiv'd touching the distance of Eu••ope from China, and suffer himself to be convinc'd, that of all the ways that lead to

that flourishing Empire, that which the Mus∣covites make choice of now-a days, is both the safest and the shortest.

But besides these Advantages, which are not a little to be consider'd, the conve∣nience of carriage contributes very much to mitigate the Fatigues inseparable from these sorts of Journeys. Usually you set forward from Moscow toward the end of February; and in regard the Snow by that time is become more beaten and solid, by reason of the great number of Sledds that pass continually to and fro at that time, far more then at the beginning of the Winter, Travellers in less then three Weeks get to the Capital City of Siberia, tho it be eight hunder'd Wersts, or three hunder'd and fifty French Leagues off.

There they stay some time for the thaw, to take the Sudais, or Vessel which carries 'em by Water in the Rivers which they meet with on this side, and beyond the Obi; which thaw if it happens later then usually, then they continue their Journey by Land till they come to a H••rde of Tartars, who are call'd Ostiaki, and are subject to the Muscovites.

There they change their manner of carri∣age, and take a new sort of carriage much more nimble and commodious then the for∣mer which are sent back to Tobelsk: For whereas the Sledds made use of by the Mus∣covites

are always drawn by one Horse, whose keeping is somewhat troublesome and chargeable, to the other Sledd they on∣ly fasten a Reine Deer, such as the Samoedes make use of in their Winter-Travels; and to make 'em go more swift, they tie a great Dog behind, that scaring the poor Beast with his barking, sets her a running with that speed, as to draw her Burthen no less then forty Leagues a day.

But that which is more wonderful as to these sort of Sledds,* 1.14 they are also dri∣ven along by the Wind some∣times over the Land cover'd with Snow, sometimes over the Ice of frozen Rivers, as our Vessels, that sail upon the Sea. For in regard the Country beyond Siberia is open and extreamly level as far as Mount Gaucasus, the people who inhabit it making use of this advantage to spare their Beasts, have so order'd their Sledds, as either to be drawn along by the Reine-Deer, or else to carry Sails, when the Wind favours 'em.

This manner of Carriage is so much the more commodious, in regard you meet with no interruption in your Travels. For as in a Barque you have recourse to Oares, when the Wind slack'ns, or proves contra∣ry, so the Deer and the Dog labour when

the Air is calm, but are put into the Sledd when the Wind serves to drive it along.

Thus, so long as the Ice continues to bear, you come to the River Genessai, where the Muscovites have built a City of the same Name for the convenience of Travellers; and there it is that you take Boat to re∣mount the two great Rivers Tongusi, and Augara, which rise out of the Lake of Baikala,* 1.15 and which are commonly allow'd to be 500 Wersts in length, and forty broad. 'Tis said, that the Water of this Lake is extraordinary clear; and that notwithstanding the depth of it, you may clearly discern the colour of the Stones that lie at the bottom.

It is encompass'd with several high Moun∣tains, where the Snow lies all the Summer long, as well as in the midst of Winter. And doubtless this it is that constrains Travellers to spend many times seven or eight days in crossing it, tho it be not above eight Leagues over. For this Lake being, as it naturally ought to be, the general Rendezvouz of various Winds that blow through the hideous Rocks with which it is environ'd, 'tis to be thought that when they happen to blow from several points at the same time, they must put the Vessels which they meet, to a great deal of trouble, and that it requires and extraordinary forefight, or

good luck, to prevent a stop for some time.

After you have quitted this Lake, if you please you may enter into a River call'd Sche∣ling••, and then going still by Water, you meet about fifty Leagues from the mouth of it, with a City of the same Name, which the Muscovites built to facilitate the passage of their Car••vans: or if you rather chuse to land immediately after you have cross'd the Lake, then you find your self among the Monguls that lie to the South, of whom you buy Mules and Dromedaries to continue your Journey to the first City of China, to which you come after fifteen days tra∣vel.

After this manner the most part of the Muscovite Merchants travel, that traffick with the Chineses. By which 'tis plain, that all the Countries that were formerly but confusedly known under the Name of the Grand Tartary, are neither so desert, nor so untill'd, as people to this day imagine; and that the not taking the benefit that might have been taken by a narrower search, has been a considerable loss; those Countries being water'd with a great many fair Rivers, and furnish'd with so many valuable Com∣modities as are daily discover'd.

Not to speak of Rubarb, Azure-stone, and Castors, which are very plentiful among the Yousbecks and Monguls; the Sables and

Black-Foxes that are taken all along the Ri∣vers of Obi, Tongusi, and Angara; the Gin∣seng-Roots, the Pearls and Badian which the River Yamour- affords, the Silver and Lead-Mines near Argus, the Muscovites have found out, more especially in the Lands that advance more to the North, several other Rarities, wherein they drive a considerable Trade.

Besides Furs of all sorts, which they fetch from all Quarters, and of which the sale is so great, that the City of Gen••ssia alone pays every year to the Grand Duke's Treasury fourscore thousand Roubles custom, which amounts to near Sixscore thousand Crowns of French Money; they have discover'd a sort of Ivory, which is whiter and smother then that which comes from the Indies.

Not that they have any Elephants that furnish 'em with this Commodity (for the Northern Countries are too cold for those sort of Crea∣tures that naturally love heat) but other Amphibious Animals,* 1.16 which they call by the Name of Behemot, which are usually found in the River Lena, or upon the Shores of the Tartarian-Sea. Several teeth of this Monster were shewn us at Moskow, which were ten Inches long, and two in Diameter at the Root: Nor are the Ele∣phants Teeth comparable to 'em, either for

beauty or whiteness, besides that they have a peculiar property to stanch Blood, being carried about a person subject to bleeding. The Persians and Turks who buy 'em up, put a high value upon 'em, and pre∣fer a Scimiter or a Dagger Ha••t of this preci∣ous Ivory before a handle of Massy Gold or Silver.

But certainly no body better understands the price of this Ivory, then they who first brought it into request; considering how they venture their Lives in attacking the Creature that produces it, which is as big and as dangerous as a Crocodile.

They were beholding for the discovery of this to the Inhabitants of a certain Island,* 1.17 out of which, if the Musco∣vites are to be believ'd, issu'd the first Colonies that ever peopl'd America. And thus much we learnt upon this subject from the Vayvode of Smolensko, whose Name was Mouchim Pouck∣him, a person of as great a wit as a man can well meet with, and perfectly acquain∣ted with all the Countries that lie beyond the Obi, as having been a long time Inten∣dant of the Chancery of the Government of Siberia.

After he had ask'd us in a Discourse which we had with him, in what manner we thought that America came to be first

peopl'd, upon the general Answer which we gave him, grounded upon the common Opinion; he gave us to understand that he had a Conjecture more probable then any of ours.

There is, said he, beyond the Obi, a great River call'd Kawoina, into which a∣nother River empties it self, by the Name of Lena. At the mouth of the first River that discharges it self into the Frozen-Sea, stands a spacious Island very well peopl'd, and which is no less considerable for hunt∣ing the Behemot, an amphibious Animal, whose Teeth are in great esteem. The Inha∣bitants go frequently upon the side of the frozen Sea to hunt this Monster; and because it requires great labour and assiduity, they carry their Families usually along with 'em. Now it many times happens, that be∣ing surpriz'd by a Thaw, they are carry'd away I know not whither upon huge pie∣ces of Ice that break off one from another. For my part, added he, I am perswaded that several of those Hunters have been carry'd upon these floating pieces of Ice to the most Northern parts of America, which is not far off from that part of Asia which juts out into the Sea of Tartary. And that which confirms me in this Opinion is this, That the Americans who inhabit that Country which advances farthest toward

that Sea, have the same Physiognomy as those unfortunate Islanders, whom the over-eager Thirst after Gain exposes in that manner to be Transported into a Fo∣reign Climate.

We might add to what the Vaivode told us, that there are also in that part of Ame∣rica several of those Creatures that are so common in Muscovy, more especially Bea∣vers, which might have been Transported thither after the same manner. And this Conjecture seem'd to me to be so much the better grounded, in that it is frequently to be seen in Poland, that such great pieces of Ice keep whole and entire, from Warsaw, till they come to fall a great way into the Baltic Sea. But it would be requisite, for the better confirmation and assurance of a matter of this importance, to be well in∣form'd of the Language of those People that so nearly resemble the Islanders in Face and Body; for if there were any thing of Affinity between their Languages, me∣thinks there should no farther question be made of the Conjecture.

We might have learnt many other Curio∣sities of this Vaivode, who without doubt is the most Accomplish'd Person in all Mus∣covy, but that we were afraid of awaking his jealousie by multiplicity of Interrogato∣ries: And besides, we observ'd by some an∣swers

which he made us, that he was fear∣ful of creating himself trouble at Court, where his extraordinary Merit had already rais'd him many Enemies, and therefore we forbore to press him any farther.

Some People perhaps may wonder, con∣sidering the great numbers of Rivers which come from China, that the Muscovites take no more benefit of the advantages that seem to offer themselves for setling a more safe and easie Trade then that by Land with the Chineses and Iapanners; but in my opinion they ought not to be blam'd for preferring the course they take before any other. For beside that they have but very little Experi∣ence in Sea Affairs, they have met with Obstacles never to be surmounted in those Rivers, whose Names are hardly known in Europe.

To make out this yet more apparent, you must know, that there are in the Coun∣try that lyes beyond Siberia, four principal Rivers that fall into the Frozen Sea, or the Sea of Tartary, and into the Sea of Iapon; not to speak of an infinite number of o∣thers that discharge themselves into the latter, as may be seen in the Map of Siberia, which is a faithful Copy of that which is preserv'd in the Chancery of Moscow.

The most Westerly of all these Rivers is Obi, after which as you Travel to the East

you meet successively with Genessai, Lena and Yamour. But as considerable as they are either for the abundance of Water, or the extent of their course, there are so many in∣conveniences to surmount, if you go by Water, and so many hazards to undergo at the mouths of every one, that the Mer∣chants always rather chuse to Travel by Land into China then to go by Sea.

For to speak something in particular of every one of these Rivers;* 1.18 the Obi is ex∣treamly dangerous at the mouth of it, by reason of the horrid heaps of Ice with which it is pester'd almost all the year long; and the Muscovites still bear in mind the misfortune of the Hollanders, who by reason of their being engag'd too far in the Frozen Sea lost several of their Ships toward Nova Zembla.

The River of Genessai, be∣sides the inconvenience which is common to it with the Obi,* 1.19 has one particular, which con∣sists in Nine Water-falls, which the Mus∣covites call Poroki, or Poroges, and are distant several Leagues one from another; and therefore because there would be a necessi∣ty of unlading the Vessel as many times as there are Water-falls to pass, the Merchants have reason sufficient to avoid all that trou∣ble,

and take a more convenient Road.

'Tis true the course of the River Lena is more uniform, but the mouth of it is no less difficult and dangerous to pass then that of the Obi; for though it be not so much pester'd with Ice, yet the great number of Rocks and Shelves will afford no safety for Vessels of very small Burthen; only some flat-bottom'd Gondola's will venture to pick up certain black and white Fish which they find among the Rocks, and make use of for several occasions.

As for the Yamour, which is the most Ea∣sterly of all, and falls into the Sea of Iapon, though it have none of those annoyances, that render the other Rivers unpassable, yet in that part where it mixes with the Sea', there grows such a prodigious num∣ber of Sea-Bulrushes, that you would take the mouth of it for a real Forest. An Ob∣stacle, that might perhaps be remov'd were the Rushes like those, which commonly grow in our Rivers▪ But the People have assur'd me, that they are of such an exces∣sive bigness, that a man can hardly grasp one of 'em with both his Arms; by which you may guess that it would be as great a labour to clear that passage, as to cut down and grub-up a whole Forest.

However these Rivers, notwithstanding they are so full of Obstacles and Difficulties,

yet are of great use to the Muscovites for the more commodious crossing those vast Coun∣tries that lye between Siberia and the Em∣pire of China: For besides that they Travel more easily over 'em, when they are Fro∣zen, then they can by Land, where the Roads can never be so level, they are much more conveniently Navigable toward their Sources, then toward the end of their Courses. And though you may meet with some Falls of Water in rowing upward a∣gainst the Stream, yet they are neither so deep nor so dangerous as those that are near∣er the mouths of the Rivers.

But that which is more remarkable where these Water-falls are, is this, that all the circumjacent Air seems to be as it were Embalm'd, casting forth such a pleasing Fragrancy round about, as if the most ex∣quisite Persumes had spread themselves over all the adjoining Fields. If what those Travellers assure us, from whom we learnt these particulars, be true, 'tis no difficult thing to unfold this Riddle. For they af∣firm, that on the tops of those Rocks that cause these Water-falls, there grow most Odoriferous Flowers, and those in great abundance. To which may be added, that as ordinary Perfumes never diffuse their Odours more powerfully then-when they are frotted, or held to the Fire, so the Air

being thus persum'd, diffuses a stronger scent, being agitated and heated by the motion of the Water precipitating with such a rapidness, then that which exhales in places where there is nothing but an undisturb'd and quiet calm.

Here it is that I ought to say something of Siberia, had I any thing particular to ob∣serve concerning it; but there is nothing remarkable that distinguishes it from the rest of the Provinces of Muscovy, unless it be the excessive Cold it is subject to, by reason of the extraordinary elevation of it. Moreover, as I have sufficiently observ'd how the Muscovites won it from the Cosaques, I have nothing more to add to what I have said, but that any man may be easily con∣vinc'd by the multitude of Towns and Vil∣lages that are in it, that that same Province of Muscovy is not so wild nor so desert as it is commonly thought to be.

Moreover, what I have hitherto discours'd concerning the different Roads that lead to China, and the various Countries through which a Traveller must pass in his way thi∣ther, are sufficient, if I am not mistak'n, to give the Reader at least some Idea of the greater Tartary, so little known to this day, and concerning which no man dares over-curiously inform himself in Muscovy for fear of giving a Jealousie to that Nati∣on,

on, the most distrustful and suspicious of any other perhaps in the World; so that we were forc'd to observe our measures to discover that little which I have made known. And 'tis very probable, that, had we come to Moscow in a Conjuncture less favourable, we had not learn'd so much. But in regard the Muscovites werethen designing to send an Em∣bassadour into France, to sollicite the King to enter into the League, which they were then about to conclude with Germany and Poland against the Ottoman Empire, we gave our selves a little more liberty to obtain those Informations we desir'd, then at another time we durst have done.

But as the Embassy encourag'd us to be less reserv'd in our inquisitiveness, so the Muscovites made use of it as a reason and pretence to refuse the Passage we had been requesting ever since we arriv'd at Moskow. However, that their Ambassador might be the better receiv'd in France, they made it their study to find a fair pretence to be civilly rid of us, and at the same time to engage us to return back into France, there to represent the advantages that might ac∣crue to our Nation by a free Passage through Siberia. Nor was it long before they met with one to their wish. For having learn'd by the Commissioners who examin'd us, according to custom, that we were come

out of Persia into Muscovy without any Let∣ters of Recommendation, nor indeed without any Passports; they told us, That since they could not have any assurance in us, in regard we had no Authentick Testimonials, 'twas a great trouble to 'em, that they were forc'd to refuse us, what they plainly saw we requested only out of our Zeal for the Glory of God, and the Salvation of Souls; that they were deeply sensible of all the Hardships we had endur'd in so tedious a Journey, upon no other motive then that of the Conversion of the Chineses: But in regard they were oblig'd by the Maxims of their State, not to grant free Passage through their Territories, but to Persons that they knew, we were not to think it strange that they requir'd some As∣surances from us before they allow'd us that Permission.

They added, to mitigate the extremity of our sorrow occasion'd by this denyal, that we had a fair opportunity to return in∣to France, for that they were just a sending thither one of the Principal Lords of the Court; and therefore if we would take the advantage of going along with him, he should make it his business when we came home, to joyn with us, in order to the procuring from our King such Passports and Recommendations as were necessary

for the success of our Enterprize.

How much in vain soever we knew it to be to signify the least reluctancy to their complemental Proposal, we ceas'd not however to press 'em with all the importu∣nity imaginable, not to expose us to so many delays, and consequently to those great ex∣pences which they might so easily spare us; that since they were convinc'd of the Kings sincere Zeal for the Service of God, they had no reason to question but that they would do him a most acceptable kindness, in facilitating the means for us to go and Preach the Gospel in the remote extremities of the Earth.

But notwithstanding all this, having re∣ceiv'd a precise Order to be gone, which Prince Gallichin also imparted to us in the Czar's Name, there was no farther con∣tending; we must resolve to depart, and prepare our selves for a Voyage quite dif∣ferent from what we had design'd some years before. Nevertheless, we would not Embark in company with their Ambassa∣dor: For in regard we mistrusted the suc∣cess of his Negotiations in France, we thought it our surer course to manage our business by our selves, rather then to con∣cern him with us in the least.

To this purpose, we went to wait upon him before we left Moskow, nor was he

sorry to see us. And therefore being wil∣ling to inform himself before his departure of several things in relation to France, he sent us Sleds about Ten a Clock at Night, to the end he might discourse us more freely at Night, and to avoid his being check'd by the Court, which prohibits all the Boyars, who have any Employments, to have any Communication with Foreigners, under any pretence whatever.

We staid with him near Three Hours; and in regard he ask'd us with a great deal of Civility what course we thought was most proper for him to take, to the end he might be kindly receiv'd in France; we told him frankly, That one of the surest ways, was to shew an open-hearted genero∣sity and impartial disengagement in all his Conduct; without which, people under his Character were never esteem'd in the French Court; and there was no question to be made, but that for want of these precautions, his Predecessors had not met with that satisfaction with which they flat∣ter'd themselves. But whatever we said, we found him but very little enclin'd to listen to us upon that Subject; and all the while we were discoursing with him, his People were busy below in the Court, la∣ding several Waggons with Furrs, the sale of which we knew to be the principal end of his Ambassy.

Now in regard there is but very little Money stirring in Muscovy, nor indeed any at all to be seen but what comes out of Foreign Countries; it behoves 'em there∣fore, since they have not enough to Trade among themselves, to fetch it in by the Sale of their Furs of all sorts into Foreign Parts, which is the best Revenue the Czars have. For which reason it is, that they cannot live without sending into remote Countries a Numerous Troop of Mer∣chants, under the protection of an Ambas∣sador, who, besides that he defrays their Charges in all Countries where he goes, frees 'em also from the Payment of Custom, which would eat up a great part of their Gains, were they oblig'd to pay the rigor of what might be demanded from 'em.

'Tis true, the person, of whom I spake, and who is one of the most considerable Princes of Muscovy, and one of the best headpieces in the Empire, would not have been sorry perhaps to have seen himself rid of this same Train of Merchants luggage, which he readily foresaw would be prejudi∣cial to him in the conclusion; and, as he is a person in love with Honour beyond the common rate of the Muscovites, he would have been glad to have been in condition to support his Character. But the interest of the Court, to which it

behov'd him to sacrifice his own, would not permit him to do otherwise then had been practis'd all along. So that he was oblig'd to put himself at the head of several Merchants, who then assume the Title of Gentlemen: A Title however, which they can easily throw aside, when they are to act the Pedlers in the Sale of their Skins.

Two days after this Nocturnal Visit, we departed from Moskow in company with a Muscovite-Boyar, who was returning home to his own house upon the Frontiers of Li∣thuania; and who, having been formerly a Roman Catholick himself, preserv'd a kind∣ness still for us that were so.

Yet, notwithstanding that the Muscovites refus'd to let us pass thorow their Terri∣tories, we did not despair of reviving our designs upon the Promise they made us, to grant us the favour that we demanded, so soon as they should understand, that our King approv'd our enterprize. And with this prospect it was, that my Companion and my self took the way of Poland, in company with the Muscovite-Boyar, already mention'd, who shew'd us all the Civilities imaginable upon the Road; no less kind to a Dominican Fryer, that Travell'd along with us, being entrusted with Letters from the Cha of Persia to the Pope and the Em∣peror.

The Letter to the Pope was enclos'd in a Purse of Cloth of Gold, and that to the Emperor in another of Cloth of Silver. And the substance of both was an Answer to certain Letters, which those two Poten∣tates had written at the same time to the Persian Monarch, exhorting him to take the benefit of the success, wherewith God had bless'd their Arms, to recover those Places, which the Turk had wrested from the Per∣sian some years before. But the Cha, it seems, was unwilling to regain his losses at the expence of his ease and pleasure, to which he sacrific'd all other considerations in the world. Besides that, the Atamadoulet, or Prime Minister of the Persian Empire, could by no means be induc'd to make War against the Ottomans; whether it were, that he were doubtful of the success, or whe∣ther he were willing, that the Grand Signior should think himself beholding to him, for having diverted so furious a storm from his Empire; And perhaps, more then this, he was no less glad of the oppor∣tunity to testify to the Ottoman Sultan, the Devotion, which he had for the Religion of the Sunni, as much a Persian as he was; and notwithstanding, that the Duty of his Em∣ployment bound him to be, at least in out∣ward shew, one of the most Zealous De∣fenders of Aly's Sect.

But whatever reason the Cha of Persia had, not to be swai'd by all the reasons which the Embassadors from several of the Europe∣an Princes laid before him; certain it is, that his Answer to the last Letters, which he receiv'd from 'em, imported no more, but that there was still a vail before his eyes, that hinder'd him from seeing clearly into all those Affairs, that were propounded to him. And this was the purport of those, wherewith that German Dominican was en∣trusted, in whose company we cross'd one part of Muscovy, Lithunia, together with the White-Russia, and parted at length at Warsaw, where we arriv'd the 12th. of March in the Year 1686. about Eleven Months after Father Barnaby and my self set out of Irivan.

The End of the Third Book.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The Cosacks Zaporoges, the first Discoverers of the Countries beyond the O∣bi.
• * 1.2

  Why they sub∣mitted to the Muscovites.
• * 1.3

  The manner of Sable-Hun∣ting.
• * 1.4

  The Bogdoi.
• * 1.5

  The Country of the Monguls.
• * 1.6

  The Calmoucs.
• * 1.7

  The Kan of the Calmoucs.
• * 1.8

  The Dalaè-lama Patriarch of the Idola∣trous Tartars.
• * 1.9

  Tartars be∣lieve the Dalaè never dies.
• * 1.10

  The Delaè-lama is the Fa∣mous Presse-Jean.
• * 1.11

  Other Tartar People.
• * 1.12

  Albazin three weeks journey from Pekin
• * 1.13

  Muscovites never spend a∣bove four months in going to Peking and returning to Moscow.
• * 1.14

  Sledds that Sail▪ by Land with the Wind.
• * 1.15

  The Lake of Baikala.
• * 1.16

  The Behe∣mot furnishes the Musco∣vites with Ivo∣ry.
• * 1.17

  The first Colo∣nies that peopl'd America came out of Tarta∣ry.
• * 1.18

  The Mouth of the Obi dange∣rous.
• * 1.19

  Genessai no less inconveni∣ent.