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. XLVI. A View of Pegu, and the Trade, Cu∣stoms, Weights and Coyns, of the Coast thereof.

PEgu is divided into two parts. In the one the King and his Nobles reside, in the other the Artificers, Merchants, and Mariners; that wherein the former reside is called the New-Town, and where the latter Inhabit the old-Town; about which is a Moat of exceeding breadth, in which are many Crocadils kept purposely, and all the Walls Beautifyed with Turrets, Guilded with Gold; the Streets are fair, and set on each side with rows of Palm-Trees, to keep off the Sun from such as

Pass through them; and upon the Arrival of the Ships, by the help of the Monson or Trading Wind, great is the concourse of Merchants, who come from the Coast of Cormandel and other Places, bringing Pointados, wrought Cotton, and other Merchandise from Maecca, whence come se∣veral great Ships laden with Damasks, Woollen Cloath, Velvets, and Cheqens. From Malacca Vessels Arrive laden with Pepper, Porcelan, Sanders, Camphora, and other Rich Commodities. There Arrives several Vessels likewise from Sumatra, with Pepper, and other Commodities, who for the most part Anchor in a Port called Cosmia, not far distant from the City; as for the Customs they are narrowly look∣ed into by Broakers, who are imployed for that purpose, and have two per cent. out of all Commodities, paying Custom for their own share, and are bound to sell the Merchants Goods for them, and to make good what debts they contract, or false money they take upon that occasion, and in their dealings they are very Just; as likewise they are bound to find Lodgings and Ware-Houses for Merchants; their con∣tracts are made in Publick, yet in such a method that none but the parties concern∣ed can tell what is done, for by putting

their Hands under a Carpet, and squesing such and such Joynts, they know each o∣thers meanings without speaking a word, which is registred by the Broaker, if they come to a conclusion, in Leaves of Trees, used there instead of Paper.

When a Merchant-Stranger comes thi∣ther, the Governour sends several Maids to him, to take his choise, which done he must agree with her Parents; and then she serves him, during his stay for both Wife and Servant, and when he departs, pay∣ing what he agreed for, she returns home, and if afterward she be marryed, and he comes to that place, he may have her dur∣ing his stay, her Husband not in the least making a Scruple thereof, and when he departs, he may send her to her Hus∣band.

The Native Commodities in this Tract, are Gold, Rubies, Spinals, Saphirs, Sil∣ver; which are digged at a Place called Caplan. There is likewise store of Benja∣min, Long-Pepper, Lead, Rice, Niper-Wine, and Sugar, the growth of the Country not being liable to Custom.

The currant Coyn of this coast is the Gausa, made of Copper and Lead, and is Coyned by any that list, so they state it to a certain Weight, which if it be not,

it is soon discerned by the Broakers or Tellers who reject it, and that Weight is called a Biso, and is accounted for ½ Ryal of 8/8 or 2 Shillings 6 pence Ster∣ling.