The present state of England. Part III. and Part IV. containing I. an account of the riches, strength, magnificence, natural production, manufactures of this island, with an exact catalogue of the nobility, and their seats, &c., II. the trade and commerce within it self, and with all countries traded to by the English, as at this day established, and all other matters relating to inland and marine affairs : supplying what is omitted in the two former parts ...

CHAP. XXXVI. A View of Assyria, Mesopotamia, Chaldea, &c.

ASsyria is bounded on the North with Armenia, on the East with Media, on the West with Mesopotamia, and on the South with Persia; and is famous for its Metropolis, the great City Ninive; which is now ruined by War, but is a Pro∣vince where at present little or no Trade is driven, and therefore I shall the more lightly pass it over.

Mesopotamia is in subjection to the Otto∣man Empire, and has for its chief City Carumite, the Seat of the Turkish Bashaw, but is of little note as to Trade.

Chaldea is famous for comprehending the great City of Babylon, now called Bagdet, Builded first by Nimrod, and afterwards inlarged, to the circuit of 60 Miles, by Semiramis whose Walls were 200 Foot high, and 75 Foot broad; and is saluted by the River Euphrates, and at this day keeps Cor∣respondence with Aleppo, by Carravans, and

Camels; so that it retains a considerable Trade: and what is worthy of note, their advice to and from distant places, is re∣ceived by the means of Pigeons, which is in this manner effected; When the Hen sits, they carry the Cock a days Journey, and then fast'ning a Letter about his Neck, let him go, who immediately Flyeth Home, and there the Letter is received by such as watch his return, and so by degrees bring them to such perfection, that in 24 Hours, a Letter will be carryed 100 or 150 Miles. The Commodities of this Place, are the same with those of Aleppo, and their Weights, the Dram, Mittagal, Rottolo, and Cantar; the Rottolo being 1 pound 10 Ounces English.

Their Measure is the Pico, which is found to be 27 Inches English, and their Coyns those usual throughout the Turkish Empire, and therefore 'tis needless to repeat them.