CHAP. I.

THat Inland & Maritim Trade & Traf∣fick are (with Gods Blessings on mens Indeavours) the chief Pillars and •upport of all Nations, and from whence Page  2 they had their first rise and greatness is so evident that Arguments to prove it would be ineffectual; yet from the World's Ori∣ginal it had not it's perfection, nor indeed could it till Mankind increased, and by spread∣ing wide in the Earth, Peopled it's vast Immensity; nor then, for some thousands of Years was it National, but rather in se∣cret between man and man, few People knowing the Benefit of any other commo∣dities then what were of the native growth of those Countries they inhabited; nor so could Riches abound, for Coyn was for the most part useless, or indeed not mentioned till the days of Abraham the Patriarck; Exchange of Goods being the only Traffick▪ and consequently on that score few Traded for more then they had pre∣sent occasion to use, by Reason many things were not of lasting quality, and for that they for the most part Travelled from place to place. Their chiefest Riches consisted in Cattle, but at last when they Builded Ci∣ties and Towns, and found the conveni∣ency of a Settlement they extended their Traffick farther, and one City Traded with another, which still spread wider; yet long was it 'er they found means to plough the Bosom of the Sea, and to hold Commerce and Traffick with remote Nations, which no Page  3 sooner was brought to my Perfection, but Riches abounding, and Plenty Flowing in on every side, men then (and not till then) began to give their thoughts large scope, and not contented with the Portion of Earth alotted them, began to grow emulous & aspire to universal Soveraignty; as likewise to plant Colonies in (till then) unhabitable Islands▪ which had not Shipping been invented must have continued without inhabitants; as at this time (past doubt) for want of disco∣very many do in the remote Seas, especial¦ly under the Artick Pole, whose extremi∣ty renders them unaccessible, or at least un∣habitable; and of all Nations the Greeks were the first that brought Navigation to any Perfection, by which they grew o∣pulent and extended their Colonies to th• utmost Orient, acquiring the Empire of the then known World; their Fame growing every where great, nor could the Romans bring their Warlike Expeditions to any perfection till they were Lords of the Sea, and inriched themselves by Traffick, bringing into that one City the Stores of all Nati∣ons; so that from Cottages of Shepherds, who lay'd her first Foundation, she soon became Magnificent, thrusting up her Lof∣ty Spires, bedecked with Gold so high that they in a manner kissed the Clouds, and Page  4 rendered her the awfull Mistriss of the Uni∣verse; and by Trade and Industry, more then by Arms, kept up her Reputation for six hundred Years, when ranging the World to find out Countries unconquered, at last, from Gallia, or France, under the leading of Caesar, they entered Brittain; a Place then wild and rude, not knowing how to use the abundant plenty that Nature be∣stowed upon them, but refusing all manner of Dainties, fed upon Roots of Herbs, and Barks of Trees; not Tilling any Ground, nor sowing Corn, otherwise then scatter∣ing it on the untilled Surface of the Earth, and harrowing it over with Bushes, suf∣fering their Cattle, Fowl, and Fish, of which they had store, to continue useless, scarcely knowing any shoar but their own: Their Traffick, or Merchandise, for the most part amongst themselves, and that but mean; their chief Riches consisting (as Strabo saith) in Ivory-Boxes, Sheers, Onches, Bitts, Bridles, Chains of Iron, Wreaths, Glass coloured and the like, which they usually delivered to each other as currant Coyn, for what their necessity required; but no sooner had the Romans Civilized them, and instructed them in such Arts as were most sutable to their Capacities, and might stand them in greatest stead, but Page  5 they began to Build Houses (living before for the most in Huts, and going naked) and turned their Leather Boats into Tall Ships, Furrowing the Seas broad back, and discovering many Nations, to them, till then, unknown: So that by Traffick abroad, and Improvement at home, this Island grew famous, and spread it's Name to the ut∣most Limit of the known Earth; so that being rightly termed the Store-House of the Western World, all the Neighbour-Nations Traded hither; so that those Ports and Havens that were for a long time use∣less, were now filled with Ships of all Na∣tions: So that Silver and Gold was had in Abundance, and Coyns in imitation of those the Romans Stamped with the Effigies of their Kings and Princes, which then were many, each County containing two or three, and they for the most part at variance a∣mongst themselves, which gave the Romans an opportunity to become Conquerors at an easier rate then otherwise they could.

During the four hundred Years and odd that the Romans Governed here by their Lievetenants, and sometimes by their Em∣perors in Person; Rome, and after her Constantinople, the new Seat of Empire, abounded with our Stores, so that more Tribute was pay'd by this Island then by Page  6 France and Germany, tho Ten times as large; but the fame of Brittains Wealth proved her unhappyness, for the Goth breaking in upon the Roman Empire, whose spread∣ing Top was too large to be supported by the slender Bole, her Branches was torn off on every side, so that to support their own, the Romans were forced to recall their Legions, who took with them the Flower of the Brittish-Youth, and left her open to the Picts and wild-Irish, who spoiled and wasted all her pleasant Places with Fire and Sword, and after them the Saxons (who were called in to expell them) far worse, so that of a Flourishing Island, it became for many Years a place of Ruin and deso∣lation, all her Nobility Slain, and the re∣sidue of her Natives forced to betake them∣selves to the Fastnesses of Mountains, so that Strangers having grasped the Scepter, which then Multiplyed into seven, from thence called the Heptarchy of the Saxons Trade again ceased, all the Ships either Sunk or Burnt in the Ports; but no sooner was the Bloody Tempest over, but the wounded Island again began to lift up her Head. Forraign Nations again came in with the growths of their distant Soil, and so she again became a Store-House of Wealth; but especially, when the sole Monarchy was Page  7 reduced under Egbert the nineteenth King of the West-Saxons—under whom things Flourished in a peaceful manner. But soon after, as if Fate had envied her happyness, the Danes (no less Bloody then the Sax∣ons had been) made an Invasion, tempted by the glittering Wealth of this fair Isle, and never left off till they had grasped the Scepter, and reduced it to the obedience of Canute, under whom again she Flourished more then ever, and so continued to do (Trade increasing and Arts duly improv∣ed) till the Conquest by the Norman-Duke, who for a while put a stop to her aspiring, yet soon after gave incouragements to Industry by Grants, Charters, and large immunities; and from him, through the Reigns of several Peaceful Kings, the cur∣rent of her Prosperity continued. Maritim affairs being prosecuted with such Success, that our Sailers began to Plough (till then) unknown Seas, and so Succesfully that they brought home great store of Riches, open∣ing a way to those that succeeded, to bring to perfection what at this day renders us happy in all temporal Blessings.

Having thus far proceeded in general to shew what Brittain has been in her infancy, I shall now proceed to give the Reader an account of such matters as have more im∣mediately Page  8 conduced to the prosperous and Flourishing Estate, wherein she has for ma∣ny Years past remained, and does at pre∣sent remain; which chiefly, next Heaven, we must attribute to her store of Shipping, and Expertness in Navigation, so long in∣couraged by her indulgent Kings, who in Peace and War have maintained the So∣veraignty of the Seas with Navies almost incredible; so that no Neighbour-Nation durst disturb our Traffick. Not to insist up∣on King Arthure, who found out the Rus∣sian Tracts, and passed on conquering al∣most to the utmost Orient, attended by a Squadron of three hundred Ships; nor Ed∣gard his Successor, who Ploughed the Bo∣som of the deep with four hundred Sail, asserting his Soveraignty on the Main, to the admiration of the Neighbour-Nations. Nor was Canute the Puissant Danish King, then Reigning in Brittain, less formida∣ble on his watery Empire, being proud to have annexed to his Style Lord of the Ocean. Nor Edward the Confessor, less Potent in Naval forces, as appears by the many Ships of War he set forth to give Battle to his Brother in Law Godwin Earl of Kent, who kept the Seas with a great number of Ships that spoiled and wasted the Coasts of Brittain, as appears Page  9 in the Reign of that King; tho indeed Heaven at that time prevented the Shedding of English-Blood, by sending just as they were about to ingage a thick Fogg to co∣ver the Face of the Deep, so that none could see a Ships length. By this means Seamen were brought up and fitted for Navigation, in such sort that in the Non∣age of the Norman-Conquest, as is be∣fore said, Traffick abroad began to Flourish; nor was Manufacture, that Sinew of a Na∣tion, less regarded, People being incou∣raged thereto, not only by the Princes themselves with large Indulgencies, but by such Wealthy Peers and others, as more sought the good of the Publick-Weal than their own Private interest, which ever re∣dounds in the end to their profit. For tho the Poor be never so industrious, yet wanting what to Trade with, their Indu∣stry will faint; but if they have imploy∣ment to improve themselves, Lands, and all things else will be improved, and ad∣vanced to a higher Estimate, and the growth of England be made of value equal, if not exceeding any European Commodity what∣soever: So that this spot of an Island may, nay is, rightly termed the Store-House of the World, who can subsist of her self, but without whose Commodities few Na∣tions Page  10 can maintain their Grandure.

But to the purpose: The Kings after the Conquest intending to make this their constant Seat, and making little esteem of their Ancient Inheritance, the Dutchy of Normandy did not let to increase the Gran∣dure of this Kingdom, by granting large Pri∣viledges and immunities to those that were Industrious, but especially to the City of London, the chief residence of Royalty, named by many Kings, their Royal Cham∣ber: Nor was any thing thought too dear that might conduce to her Felicity, as ap∣pears by the Charter granted by King William the first, commonly called the Con∣queror, which was in these words.

William King, greeteth William Bishop, and Godfry Porters and all the Burgesses within London, French, and English, and I grant you, that I will that you maintain and injoy all your Laws, that you did in the days of King Edward (meaning the Confessor's) and I will, that each Child be his Fathers Heir; and further, I will, that no man wrong you, and so God keep you.

This free concession gave scope to Trade, being much augmented by succeeding Kings, so that Tradsemen growing numerous, they so prevailed upon the Benign Boun∣ty of the Reigning Princes, that they af∣ter Page  11 long Fraternities obtained at several times to be incorporate in distinct Bodies, or Companies, to Implead, or be Implead∣ed as one man. The account of which as it happened in divers Kings Reigns, shall in the following Chapters be set down, be∣ginning at the first of the twelve, and so to proceed in order.

CHAP. II. The Original of the Companies of the City of London, viz. the Principal twelve, of the time of their being incorporated, and by what Kings and Queens: As likewise the names of all the other Companies, as at this day they stand confirmed.

1. THe Mercers (tho then Trading for the most part in Stuffs of the Na∣tive growth) were inabled to be a Com∣pany, and Permitted to Purchase twenty pounds per Annum Lands, in the seventeenth Page  12 Year of King Richard the second's Reign, Anno Domini, 1393.

2. The Grocers (tho at that time not brought to half the Perfection that now it is) called Pepperers, before were Incor∣porated, by the name, aforesaid, in the twentieth Year of King Edward the third Anno Dom. 1345.

3. The Drapers for the most part Woollen, were Incorporated in the seventeenth of King Henry the sixth, Anno 1430. hav∣ing been a Fraternity from the time that King Edward the third so earnestly pro∣moted the Woollen Manufacture by admit∣ting the Flemins and other Nations, the free use of Manual Operation within his Dominions. That so his Subjects might learn the Craft, and not be beholden to o∣ther Nations, to work the growth of our own Country, and pay them extraordinary Rates, by the advance of Exportation and Importation; for what might be otherwise ordered to the Advantage and Glory of our own Nation by setting many thousands of Poor people on work, otherwise incapa∣ble of getting whereby to subsist.

4. The Fishmongers (a Vocation no less advantagious to this Kingdom by their in∣couragement of the Fishing-Trade, of which hereafter I shall speak) were (in Page  13 former times) two Companies viz. Stock-Fishmongers, and Salt-Fishmongers; but in the beginning of the Reign of Henry the Eight, Anno 1509. did bear their Arms as at present they do, and in the twenty eight Year of the King, Anno 1536, were United and incorporated in one Body with∣out distinction.

5. The Goldsmiths (an Ancient Craft, so I may rightly term it, for formerly those that sold worked likewise their own Plate) were Incorporated and confirmed in the six∣teenth Year of King Richard the Second's Reign.

6. The Skinners had the Favour to be in∣corporated in the first Year of the Reign of King Edward the third, Anno 1327. and were made a Brotherhood in the eighteenth of King Richard the Second's Reign.

7. The Merchant-Taylors had their first pattent of Arms granted by Sr. Thomas Holne Clarencieux King at Arms, being then called Taylors, and Linnen Armourers, viz. in the twenty first of King Edward the fourth, Anno 1480. and since Incorporated by Henry the Seventh, by the name of Merchant Taylors. viz. in the seventeenth of his Reign, Anno 1501.

8. The Haberdashers, or Hurrers, for∣merly so called were Incorporated a Bro∣therhood Page  14 of St. Catharine in the twenty sixth of Henry the sixth, Anno 1447. and by the name of Merchants Haberdashers, con∣firmed in the seventeenth Year of Henry the seventh.

9. The Salters had their Arms, and as many suppose, were confirmed in the twen∣tieth Year of Henry the Eighth 1530. be∣ing a Company of good Esteem.

The Iron-Mongers had the Favour to be Incorporated in the third Year of King Ed∣ward the fourth, Anno 1462. at which time they were greatly increased, and the Mines of our Nation much improved.

11. The Vintners, formerly called Wine-Tunners were Incorporated in the Reign of King Edward the third, after he had Con∣quered all Normandy, and by that means ingrossed most of the French Vintage; But were not confirmed till the fifteenth of Henry the sixth.

12. The Cloath-Workers had their Arms granted by Thomas Benolt, Clarenceux, in the twenty second Year of Henry the Eighth, but the time of their Incorporation uncertain.

And thus in brief, have I declared the Original of the twelve Principal Compa∣nies, upon whom the greatest Stress of Trade depends, and by whose prudent Management, and Industry, Brittain Flou∣rishes, Page  15 and at this day lifts up her Head above her Neighbour Nations.

Those that remain, are these (whose names I shall only recite, because they tend not much to our purpose, the Dyers, Brew∣ers, Leathersellers, Pewterers, Barbers, Chy∣rugeons, Armourers, White-Bakers, Wax-Chan∣dlers, Tallow-Chandlers, Cutlers, Girdlers, Butchers, Sadlers, Carpenters, Cordwainers, Painters, Curriers, Masons, Plumbers, In∣holders, Founders, Embroiderers, Poulterers, Cooks, Coopers, Bricklayers, and Tylers, Bow∣yers, Fletchers, Blacksmiths, Joyners, Plai∣sterers, Weavers, Fruterers, Scriveners, Bo∣tlemakers, and Horners, Stationers, Marblers, Wool-packers, Farriers, Paviers, Lorimors, or Lorinors, Brown-Bakers, Wood-mongers, Ʋpholsterers, Turners, Glaziors, Clarks, Wa∣termen, Apothecaries, and Silk-Throwst∣ers.

All of these are Fraternities, and most of them Incorporated and have Charters of Priviledge, and large Immunities, tho in the days of our Forefathers, many of them were not known, not having brought their several Trades and Crafts to perfection, for many of which they were obliged to be beholden to Strangers; but the Natives of this Kingdom being▪ naturally Ripe-wited and of a toward Genius, soon Page  16 became Arts-Masters, and out-did their Teachers; so that at this day, no Nati∣on under Heaven can exceed them (if the Materials be alike) in all respects.

But having given the Reader an account of the Respective Companies, whose in∣dustry at home, improve to a Miracle, what is brought to them from distant Lands, I shall proceed to give a Relation of the Respective Merchants, whose Tra∣ffick by Sea Inriches the Land, whilest the Land finds them with wherewithal to drive on their Commerce with all Nations, from whence any Valuable Merchandise is brought. But before I Lanch altogether into the Ocean, I think it would be necessary to relate the Incorporation of the Mer∣chant of the Staple, who once were the chiefest boast, and most profitable to this Nation: Nor indeed less profitable to o∣thers, as France, Flanders, Holland, Saxony, and many other Countries, the chief Mart being Established at Calis, a little before taken from the French, by King Edward the third, the profit of our English Wool then chiefly obliging the Flemings to side with us, against their Potent Neigh∣bour.

The Merchants of the Staple having been a long while a Fraternity were In∣corporated Page  17 by the aforesaid King Edward the third, and by him indowed with ma∣ny large Priviledges, tho at this day the Woollen Manufacture, being greatly increased, every one buyes his Commodity where he can find it best Cheap, so that there remaining no fixed Staple, these Merchants are not now of such Repute as formerly.

CHAP. III. Of the several English Merchants Trading into most parts, of the time of their Incorporating, and Improv∣ment of Navigation.

THe English Merchants Trading by Navigation (who by visiting re∣mote Countries, and Trafficking with the Inhabitants, bring in the store of the whole World) are chiefly these, and their Incor∣porations mostly as followeth.

1. The Merchants Adventurers, were Incorporated by King Edward the Page  18 fourth, from which time, they Traded with good Success, until the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, who, for a further incou∣ragement to their Industry, not only confirmed them, but inlarged their Privi∣ledges.

2. The Merchants of Russia or Muscovia, who having improved their Trade and Commerce in that Remote Kingdom, to the Inriching their Native Land, were In∣corporated by King Edward the sixth, greatly incouraged by Queen Mary, and had their confirmation, with an Augmenta∣tion of their Priviledges, from the ever fa∣vourer of Navigation the Bounteous Queen Elizabeth.

3. The Merchants of Elbing, were In∣corporated by Queen Elizabeth, and by her greatly incouraged; she, like a prudent Queen, and Patroness of her Country, well knowing, that by Traffick, not only her Revenues would be improved, but likewise her People be Inriched, and she rendered formidable to her aspiring Neigh∣bours, tho since upon some distast, they have left Trading in that place, and Trade at Hambourg, and other free Cities and Ports.

4. The Turky-Merchants, or Merchants of the Levant, were likewise Incorporat∣ed Page  19 by the same Queen, and were con∣firmed with a large addition, to their Priviledges by King James.

5. The Merchants of Spain, or more properly, Spanish Merchants, or such of our Nation as Traded to Spain, were Incorpo∣rated by Queen Elizabeth.

6. The East-India Merchants were In∣corporated by Queen Elizabeth, Anno 1600. from which time they have continually in∣proved their Trade in those remote parts of the World, being now one of the Wealthiest Corporations in Europe; their first rise was by imploying a Joynt-stock to build Ships (of which now they have Store) and so themselves in imitation of the Porteguese, and other industrious People, Traded to the Indies, and soon found the advantage by bringing home the same Commodities which we before were behold∣en to Strangers for at second Hand, and dear Rates.

7. In the latter end of Queen Elizabeths Reign and in the beginning of King James's, the Eastland, Greenland, and French Mer∣chants, were setled in companies and Trad∣ed with great Success, Building many Ships, and continually imploying some thousands of Persons in the Management of their Affairs, Exporting Commodities of our Page  20 growth, and bring in those of the growth of other Countries.

8. There are likewise a Company of Virginia, or West-India Merchants, whose Industry has much improved our Colonies in America, and advance the King's Reve∣nues in his Customs twenty thousand pound per Annum; which Trade into those parts has, and dayly will increase and turn to the Advantage of our Nation, and be a means of making further Discoveries in those vast Seas, in which lie hid past doubt many fair Islands, if not Continents as Rich as those which yield the Spaniard yearly so many Millions of Ducates in Gold Ore, and Bars of Silver. These and other Traders in remote parts make England Flourish, and stand the envy of her Neighbour Nations. There is likewise the Guinnie and Barbary Companies, both Rich in Shipping and Merchandise, having since their Incorpora∣tion gotten great Esteem, and much improv∣ed Navigation. And now, having given an account of the Constitution and settle∣ment of those in general that drive on the Trade, and Commerce both by Land and Sea, before I Lanch into the Ocean, to take a view of other Countries, or to describe their Trade and Traffick I shall ex∣pose to Publick view the Commodities of Page  21 my Native Country, with all the Islands and Dominions that surround it. viz. such •s are subject to the Brittish Scepter; as •lso, in due place and order. As also of •he Currant Coyns, the Weights, Mea∣•ures, and such other Matters relating to Commerce, as are available to the Com∣piling of this Treatise; and first of Eng∣•and and Wales.

CHAP. IV. Of England, and the Trade thereof in General and Particular, with a Survey of all the Measures, Weights, Currant Coynes, Inland Commerce, and what tends to Navigation. A De∣scription of the most material Counties, and of the Trade of Wales in gene∣ral.

ENgland, the Head of the Brittish Em∣pire, is in every Place so admirable abounding with plenty, that to describe Page  22 her in every part of her Trade and Beau∣tiful Situation, would exact a large Vo∣lum. Therefore I shall only in brief expose to view what is most material as to my purpose: And first, I shall begin with Cornwell, as being the remotest of the Eng∣lish Counties, or Provinces; tho it be in it self, in many places, to appearance a Barren and Mountainous Country, yet does it pro∣duce Rich Mines of Tinn, which brought to perfection, is of great esteem in all Countries. With it there is also digged Gold and Silver, tho hardly worth refining, the Earth not having heat enough to bring it to perfection; there is found likewise a Stone Transparent, naturally formed in Angles and Points like a Diamond, which was it not so common, might merit high esteem. On that Coast, Herrings and Pilch∣ards are taken in great number, which not only sustain the Inhabitants, but being dryed prove good Merchandise in Spain, France, Flanders, and Italy. The Sea Coast is adorned with many Towns, of which Falmouth is chief, being capable of recei∣ving many Vessels; nor is St. Ives of less note, yielding great store of Fish, not reckoned less yearly then four or five thou∣sand Hogsheads of Pilchards, and five hundred Barrels of Herrings, besides some Page  23 Tuns of Congerdoust, & great store of Ray-Fish, which imploys some hundreds of the Inhabitants, and inables them to provide plentifully for their Families, and reserve, as the old saying is, a Penny against a rainy day.

These Commodities, viz. Pilchards, are vended by the Hogshead, four of them making a Tun, as likewise by the thousand, they allowing twelve hundred small Tale to the thousand, and a Bar∣rel of Herrings, commonly thirty Gallons, is sold to the Merchants for eighteen Shil∣lings, twenty Shillings, or according as the fishing Season is propitious; Congerdoust is sold by the Kintale, viz. one hundred and twelve pound to the Kintale; Ray-fish are for the most part sold fresh, and that by the Dozen, at two Shillings four Pence, two Shillings six Pence, and some∣times three Shillings per Dozen, but their Dozens are extraordinary large, they al∣lowing sometimes sixty to the Dozen, but sometimes less, according to the Cu∣stom of the Place; their Weight is one hundred and twelve pound according to the Stander, their Yard and Ell equal to those of London.

Their Bushel for Grain and Salt import∣ed contains twenty eight Gallons Water Page  24 Measure, and so proportionable the greater or the lesser Measures; but their Bushel us∣ed in Publick Markets for Corns is but twenty Gallons, their Gallon agreeing with the Winchester Gallon. The Bakers in those parts are but few, and the most thing they stand in need of is Salt, Ten thousand Bushel being yearly spent in Curing their Fish.

The manner of taking Pilchards and Herrings is with Nets, but the Ray-Fish with Hooks; the first being Fished for from the first of July till the first of Janu∣ary; the second, from Michalemass till Christ∣mass; and the third and last, only in the Prime of Summer; sixty Boats, and about four hundred men being imployed therein.

Devonshire is no less Rich in Veins of Tin: adorned it is with many Towns and good Havens; as Exon, Dartmouth, and Pli∣mouth, the latter famous for producing the worthy Sr. Francis Drake. The Sea-Ports, as the former, most Subsist by Fishery.

Dorsetshire abounds in Cattle, Fertile Pastures, and Linnen Manufacture; it's chief Towns being Dorchester, and Way∣mouth.

Somersetshire is famous for the many Trading Places contained in it's Circuit, Page  25 but especially in Bristol, the second City of England for Naval Commerce, as being stored with Merchants Trading into most parts of the known World; it abounds in Riches, and the County no less in Corn, Cattle, Wool, Woollen, Cloth Serges, and other valuable Commodities, which they Trade withal to other adjacent Coun∣ties.

Darbyshire, the Head of which is the Town of Derby abounds in plenty of Corn, Leaden Mines, and other Minerals.

Wiltshire is an Inland County, but the people Frugal and industrious, their chief Commodity is Woollen-Cloth, which is dispersed all over England, and brings them a good return, maintaining at least three thousand Persons in Carding, Spining, Weaving, Shearing, Dressing, and the like; the Head of this County is Salis∣bury.

Hampshire, famous for the great Trade of Hony therein, whose chief Cities are Southampton, and Winchester.

Barkshire, is famous for Cloth-working, abounding in Cattle, Rich Pastures, Artifi∣cers, Fruits of all sorts, and all things else necessary for the Subsistance of man.

Surry, is no less abounding in all plenty than the former, and of greater Trade, by Page  26 Reason of it's nearness to the City of London, that Mouth of the Nation, by Rea∣son of which it's Inhabitants have the better opportunity to vend the growth of that County.

Sussex and Kent, abound in Fruits, Corn, Wood, Wax, Hony, Cattle, and all other necessary Commodities, which by Reason they border on the Sea, they have opportu∣nity to dispose of at good rates.

Glocestershire, is for the most part imployed in the Woollen Manufacture, Glocester being the Head City. In it are found those fa∣mous Hills of Cots-Wold on which nume∣rous Flocks of Sheep Feed, and affoard the best Wool in Europe.

Oxford, is famous for her Rich Pastures, store of Cattle, and Corn, but above all for her University in her chief City of Oxford.

Buckingham, Bedford, and Hertfordshires, are adorned with pleasant Buildings, rich Pastures, store of Corn, pleasant Rivers abounding with Fish, and Forrests of Stately Oaks, with which the Wall of the Nati∣on, viz. our Ships of War are made; nor is Venison in abundance wanting, nor any sort of Fowls common in England.

Middlesex, and Essex, the first famous for Buildings, and so long together con∣taining Page  27 the Pallaces of our Kings Courts of Judicature, and above all incompassing the famous City of London.

The second, for store of Cattle the many famous Ports, and the Commodity received by shipping, the Silver Thames Washing her Southern Shoar as far as the Hope, it abounding likewise in Corn, Cheese, Butter, and the like.

Suffolk and Norfolk, next take place; the first famous for Butter, Cheese, Cloath, Cattle, Corn, Wool, and what not: The second for Deer, Conneys, Sheep, Daries, and store of Corn; but above all, for con∣taining the famous City of Norwich, which for Industry ought to be accounted the chief Boast of England, it being seated up∣on the River Yare, from whence Yarmouth takes it's name, and thirty Miles from the Sea by Water, tho not above sixteen by Land, has little forrain Trade, save on∣ly with Holland; the chief Trade being with the City of London, the chief Com∣modities being Stuffs, and Stockings, which are made for the most part in the Ci∣ty; it not being guessed, that less then one hundred thousand pounds-worth of Stuffs every Year are sent up to London; which Stuffs making and disposing of are under the Government of two Companies, Page  28 the one called the Worstes Company, the o∣ther the Russia Company: Those Manufactures under the Government of the Worsted Com∣pany (and approved by the Wardens there∣of) have a Seal affixed to each, on the one side inscribed Norwich, on the other, such letters as stand for the Wardens Names, that are at the Sealing thereof. The other Seal has on one side these words, viz. Wor∣sted Reformed, and on the other in Figures containing the quantity of Yards the Piece contains. Those called the Russia Compa∣ny, the Manufacture, under whose Govern∣ment to be approved, by them is Sealed on the one side with these words▪ Fidelitas Artes alit.

This Suff Trade is managed by Part∣ner-Ship between the London and Norwich Merchants, great quantities whereof have been, and are exported to furnish other Nations, especially Spain, and the West-In∣dias. The Stockings here vended, are reckoned to amount to near sixty thousand pounds per Annum, being most knit by Children incapable of other Labour; so that at eight Years of Age, many of them will earn four pence or six Pence a day▪ these latter are not under any Governour, but have their Materials found them by cer∣tain Citizens, as well of that City, as of Page  29 London, which when made into Hose, are sent over Sea, most of them, to furnish the Neighbour Nations. The County like∣wise affoards Sheep, Conies, and Kine in abundance, as also, store of Corn, especi∣ally Barly; which being turned into Mault is sent up to London, as likewise into Scot∣land; all Corn is sold according to the Custom of the Country by the Score, which is twenty Cooms, every Coome containing four Bushels, and to every Score one Coom is allowed over-plus. Their Weights and Measures, both dry and wet, are consistent to the London Weights and Measures. In the like manner abound Cambridgshire, Northamptonshire, Huntington∣shire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Lincolnshire, noting∣gamshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Staf∣fordshire, Shropshire, Cheshire, Herefordshire, Yorkshire, the County of Richmond, Bishop∣rick of Durham, Lancashire, Westmoreland, Cumberland, Northumberland. And the strong Town and Territories of Barwick up∣on Tweed, all abounding in store of things necessary and convenient for the profit and pleasure of man.

In brief, England affoards more Merchan∣dise than any one Nation in Europe, as Per∣petuanas Bays, Says, Serges, Cotton, Wool∣len, Cloath of all sorts, Kersies, Buffins, Page  30 Mocados, Grogram, Sattins, Calimancates, Velvets, Plushes, Worsted, Fustains, Du∣rances, Tukes, Cony-Skins, Squiril-Skins, Fitches, Calf-Skins, Hides.

Also by Mines it produceth, first by Tin twelve hundred thousand pounds yearly, Lead eight hundred Foders yearly, Allum eight hundred Tuns yearly, Iron of all sorts eight hundred Furnaces daily, Sea Cole yearly 50000000. Chaldron yearly, Salt 300000. Ways yearly; as likewise all manner of Grain, as Oats, Wheat, Barly, Rye, Pease, &c. likewise Linnen Cloth, Tallow, Leather, Glass, and Glasses of all sorts, Venice, Gold, and Silver, Train Oyl, Salmon, Pilchards, Herrings, Conger, Ha∣berdine, Hops, Wood, Cheese, Butter, Salt-Peter, Gunpowder, Honey, Wax, A∣labaster, Wools, Yarns, and the like, too many here to insert. Nor is Wales in most parts less furnished, it consisting of the Isle of Anglesea, the shires of Flint, Denbigh, Carnarvon, Merioneth, Montgomery, Car∣digan, Pembrook, Carmarden, Glamorgan, Radnor, Brecknock, Monmouth, abounding in Cattle, Pastures, divers useful Manufa∣ctures; nor are the industry of the Inha∣bitants wanting to improve the product of their Country to the best advantage, being a frugal sort of People, insomuch Page  31 that whereever they Plant themselves they are thrifty, and increase the smallest Stock to considerable advantage.

Thus having taken a view of all Eng∣land and Wales, viz. as to Traffick, and the native Commerce, London excepted: I shall now take a view of that great Me∣tropolis, having purposely reserved her for the last, she being as Crown to the rest of the Nation, and indeed the Beauty of the Universe.

CHAP. V. The Traffick of London.

LOndon, the Mistriss of Cities, is placed upon the Banks of the River of Thames, whose Silver Ebbs and Flows continually wash her Beautiful Walls, she being sup∣posed to be eight Miles in Circuit especi∣ally if the Liberties be included, and be∣fore the dreadful Conflagration in sixty six, was adorned with one hundred twenty two stately Churches, and now not guessed Page  32 to contain less (within the Circuit of her Liberties and all) than 5 if not 600000. Souls, she being the Center of the Nation, and chief Receptacle of all Commodities, as well of the native growth, as from all Parts of the Earth, being the residence of the Merchants and Factors of all Trading Nations, abounding in the Riches of France, Spain, Holland, Denmark, Sweedland, Russia, Italy, Turky, Arabia, China, Persia, Egypt, both the Indias, and of all other Places where any Commerce is had, or from whence any Commodities are brought. For an instance of the greatness of her Trade and Traffick, I shall only insist upon the Levant Merchants, who yearly imploy four or five thousand Sailers, besides Porters, Weighers, Bargemen, Lightermen, Car∣men, Shipwrights, Cankers, and others which cannot amount to less then three thousand more, and are not adjudged to pay less than five thousand pound per Annum for Customs. The Goods they export is Cloth, Tin, &c. for which they import Silks, Cottons, Galls, Grograms, Spices, Drugs, Currans, &c. The general Traders in this City are the Companies in the _____ Chapter, who Trade for ready money by Bills of Exchange, Verbal credit; and some Trades deal one with another by Exchange Page  33 of Commodities, by mutual allowance at such prices as the Commodity bears. The general way of buying valuable Merchandise, as to Inland Trade, is by keeping Factors in the Country, or by holding Correspondence with those that make it their business to improve Manufacture or keep Fairs and Marts, there to buy up Commodities of all sorts, when advantage offers. As for Merchandise imported from other Coun∣tries, the Royal Exchange is the place most proper for Bargains, where every day, Sun∣day and other high days excepted, between the Hours of 11. and 1. Merchants of all Nations meet and discourse of their af∣fairs. The way of payment is, either to draw a Bill upon some Shop-Keeper, Mer∣chant of London, or other Wealthy Per∣son: Or upon some Correspondent beyond Sea; which Bill specifies payment upon sight, or the time in which it is to be Pay∣ed (which shall be more at large demon∣strated when I come to Treat about Bills of Exchange) or to take the Parties word for 3.6.9.12. Months, or a Bill under his Hand for performance, for which there is no certain rule, but as those who Trade can agree. There are likewise several Per∣sons imployed that are called Change-Broak∣ers, who are usually imployed to buy up Com∣modities Page  34 for Shopkeepers, as they see ad∣vantage, also to make returns of money, viz. for so much money received in London or any adjacent City, Town, or Village, you shall have a Bill to receive to the va∣lue of it in the Currant Coyn of France, Spain, Holland, or any other Neighbouring Country, where your Occasions require it. There is likewise an Office that if any Per∣son delay, to pay a Bill he has accepted, and Trifle with him that is to receive the money, or refuse to accept of a Legal Bill, you may protest against the Party or Bill, which is entered, and may at any time be seen, that so men may be cautious in accepting Bills drawn upon any such Persons: If a Merchant fail in the World, it is no sooner known, but notice is given upon the Change.

These, and many more are the ways and Customs of Managing Trade in the City of London; but these are the Principal, and what remains shall be hereafter touched as I shall see Convenient.

CHAP. VI. Of the currant Coyns of England as they have been setled by the Tower Standard, &c.

MOney being the Life of Commerce, it will not be amiss to set down the several currant Coyns of Gold and Sil∣ver, according to their true Value, and as they go currant at this day, especially Silver, but Gold not unless full Weight, by Reason old Gold is sometimes diminish∣ed by keeping carelesly.

CHAP. VI. A view of the Weights and Measures used in England, as they are Esta∣blished by Standard, and confirmed by the Laws of the Nation, and by Parliament.

THe usual Weights that pass through∣out England, are Troy Weight, and Averdupois-Weights; the former consisting of twelve Ounces, each Ounce to consist of twenty Penny Weight, the Penny Weight to consist or twenty four Grains; and this Weight is commonly used in Weighing of Bread, Gold, Silver; all Physical matters, as Electuaries, Powders, and the like; eight pounds of this Weight being reckoned to Weigh a Gallon, and from thence Multi∣plyed to any greater Measure; four Gal∣lons making a Peck, four Pecks a Bushel, and _____ Bushels a Quarter. Wet Mea∣sures are likewise derived from this Weight, both at Land and Sea, viz. twelve Troy Ounces is a Pint of Liquids, eight Pints a Gallon; which of either Wine, Beer, Page  39 or Ale, is eight pounds Troy, according to the Standard of the Exchequer, and Acts of Parliament of the XI. and XII. of Hen∣ry the seventh. And by this Rule the Coop∣ers make their Casks for all vendible As∣size, vix. a Hogshead to contain sixty three Gallons, a Tearce eighty four, a Pipe one hundred twenty six, a Tun two hundred fifty two Gallons; as likewise all Casks made for packing up Fish, as a Salmon Butt to contain eighty four Gallons, the Barrel twenty four, a Herring Barrel thirty two, an Eele Barrel forty two, a Sope Barrel thirty two Gallons, the lesser Casks to be divided accordingly.

The other Weight, viz. Averdupois, wherewith is Weighed Butter, Cheese, Flesh, Wax, all manner of Grocery, and indeed most Commodities vended in England; it consists of sixteen Ounces to the pound, and is called Garbel, by Reason a Draught or Wast is allowed to every weighing: Seven pound of this Weight is accounted to weigh a Gallon of Wheat, and so Multi∣plyed to fifty six pound the Bushel; seven pound Averdupois, is one hundred and two Ounces of Troy; from whence it is accounted that a Bushel of Wheat must weigh one hundred and twelve pound, and a quarter four hundred forty eight pounds Page  40 Averdupois, and so consequently fourteen pound Averdupois is sixteen pound eleven Ounces Troy; and as one penny Sterling is the twentieth part of an Ounce Troy, so seven pound twelve Shillings Sterling is eighty four Ounces, a half and two penny Weight of Troy, and six pound eight Shil∣lings Sterling, is eighty two pound ¾ Ounce, and one penny Weight; and from these two are the Weights of Houshold, Wheat∣en and White Bread Calculated.

The Weigh of Cheese is by Averdupois, and runs thus. The Weigh of Cheese one hundred and twelve pound Averdupois, and the two hundred containing two hundred twenty four pounds, consists of thirty four Cloves, every Clove being seven pound. The Weigh of Suffolk Cheese is two hun∣dred fifty six, and the Weigh of Essex Cheese three hundred thirty six pound A∣verdupois.

A Sack of Wool was accounted three hundred fifty four pound Averdupois: two Weighs of Wool make a Sack, and two Sacks a Last.

The last of Herrings is ten thousand, every one thousand to contain ten hundred, and every hundred sixscore, that is, before they are Barrell'd. Lead is sold by the Fod∣der, containing nineteen hundred and ½ at Page  41 one hundred and twelve per cent. Averdu∣pois. This Weight likewise of sixteen Ounces to the pound is made three several Quintars for Weighing several sorts of Merchandise; the first is of fivescore pound just to the hundred, and called one hun∣dred Sutle, whereby fine Commodities as Spices, Drugs, and the like are sold, which are accounted by the pound, and to which over and above is allowed by the Seller four pound, upon one hundred and four pound taken from the overplus, derived from the Weights of Antwerp for Spices, and called by the name of Tret. The second of the Quintars is one hundred and twelve, viz, fivescore and twelve to the hundred, by which all Gross Commodities are weighed.

The third is sixscore to the hundred, by which Tinn is weighed to his Majesties Farmers, and some other few Commodi∣ties; and is called by the name of the Stan∣nery hundred. From this Averdupois Weight, by division the Weight called the Stone, which is twofold, the long, and the short; the long is accounted four pounds Averdupois, and the short eight, but in this there is no certainty, for it differs accord∣ing to the Customs of Counties and Markets. There is an other thing in use called a Tod, some places seven pound, Page  42 others eight, and some again ten, being altogether variable. They have likewise a Clove of twenty pound, twenty eight pound, thirty two pound, and the like. There are likewise in most Markets for weigh∣ing of Flesh Stillyards used, but without the Approbation of the Buyers; they being unin∣telligible to many, and oftentimes false; first invented for the Weighing Hay, and Straw, for which uses indeed they are only proper.

Averdupois consists of sixteen Ounces, every Ounce consisting of eight Drams, and every Dram of sixty Grains; so that by it the Raw-Silk of Persia, and Turky, are sold, but then twenty four Ounces are allowed to the pound, or a pound and an half, &c.

Thus having distinguished these Weights which are of such use in this Nation, it is not amiss that I shew you what accord the one hundred and twelve pound Suttle has with other Nations, and Places of Traffick, as for the Equality of Weight tho they differ in number.

In Europe, it agrees with the Weights of Mersella, the Venetia Sotile, the Ve∣netia Gross, Sicilia, Lisbon, Florence, Anvers, Lions, Sevil, Dantzick, Bruges.

In Africa, and Asia, with the Weights Page  43 of Aleppo, Aleppo, Tripoly, Syria, Tri∣poly, Barbaria, Alexandrio-Zera, Alexan∣dria, Forfar, Forfar, Scio, Constantinople, Rhodes, Acria, Babylon, Balsola, and Ormus. And thus you see, Reader, the Industry and Im∣provement of the English Nation, which now I must leave, and take a View of Scotland.

CHAP. VIII. A view of Scotland, and the Trade thereof in General, together with the Coyns, Customs, and Increase of that Ancient Kingdom.

SCotland (by Reason of it's continuing a distinct Kingdom for so many hun∣dred Years, even till the happy Union by King James, and indeed does yet in most things, unless the Prerogative Royal) is thought worthy to be Treated of seperate∣ly, tho indeed, the North part of Brittain, and only seperated from England by the Rivers Tweed, Salway, and the Cheviot-Hills. Page  44 It's chief City is Edenburg, which contains the Kings Pallace, the Courts of Justice, & con∣sists of one great Street, of a Mile in Length; into which all the Petty Streets and Lanes open. The next chief Cities and Towns are Glasgow, (the See of an Arch∣Bishop, and an University) St. Andrews, Sterling, Perth, Aberdeen, Dondes, St. John's Town, &c.

CHAP. IX. A view of Ireland, and of the Trade, Manners, and Present State of that Kingdom.

IReland, is divided into four Provinces, viz. Lempster, Munster, Connought, Ʋl∣ster, and Meath, and is four hundred Miles in Length, and two hundred in Breadth, the chief Cities and Towns are Dublin, Kinnsail, London Derry, Limrick, Cork, Waterford, Armah, Dungannon, Marleburg, Phillips-Town, Kildare, and Tradah.

This Kingdom abounds in Navigable Ri∣vers, store of Fish, Cattle, and Hides; which are Transported into Spain, France, and Italy; Salmon are caught in such a∣bundance in July, and August, that many Servants in the places of that Fishery, Covenant with their Master upon their be∣ing hired, that they will not feed upon Page  48 Salmon, but only so many days in a Week. These they Salt and Barrel up, sending them into all the Neighbouring Countries, where they are received as good Mer∣chandise; the Herring Fishery is likewise used and improved by them, as likewise Pilchards, which are taken in August, Sep∣tember, and October; and Transported into Spain, France, and the Streights of Gibral∣tar: they have store likewise of Butter, Cheese, Calves-Skins, and other necessary Commodities: Their Corn for the most part is the same with ours, yet in value not the same, for a pound Sterling Irish, is worth, according to the Intrinsick value, no more then fifteen Shillings English, and the Shilling consequently but nine pence Sterling, six pence Irish but four pence half penny Sterling. The Exchange is pra∣ctised in the City of Dublin, but of little use as to any Transmarine Places, un∣less England, and there Principally London and Bristol, commonly running at eight pence upon the pound, or at most but one Shilling, which is but five pound per cent.

The Weights and Measures are (or for the most part) consistent to those of Eng∣land, and in fine it is a Country exceeding fertil, abounding in all things necessary for the use of man, which would turn to great Page  49 advantage, were the Inhabitants but Industri∣ous, especially in fitting out Ships for Na∣vigation; but they for the most part roave abroad, improving other Countries, and neglecting their own. Their chief Mer∣chandise are in Fish, which they send into France, Spain, England, Scotland, and other parts of Europe. And thus I shall leave this Kingdom and return, or rather Sail round Brittain, to take a View of the Islands of the Sea, or Ocean Islands.

CHAP. X. A view of the Ocean Islands, and of their Trade, viz. such as are Sub∣ject to his Majesty of great Bri∣tain.

THe Ocean Islands are scattered in the British Sea like so many Pearls to a∣dorn the Imperial Diadem, and are first, the Orcades, or Isles of Orkney, thirty two in number. The chief of which is Pomonia, which abounds in Mines of Tinn and Lead: Page  50 The next Hethy; and the other (there be∣ing only three of them of note) Shethland bearing Fruit-Trees of strange kinds. Es∣pecially those whose Blossoms dropping into the Warter become Flying Birds.

The next are the Islands of the Hebrides, in number forty four; the chief whereof is Illa, abounding with store of Venison. And Jona, famous for the Sepulchers of the Scottish Kings; as likewise Mulla, where the Redshanks inhabit, once so fearful to England; the rest are of little note.

The Islands called the Sorlings are one hundred forty five: The Principal are Ar∣math, Agnes, Samson, and Scilly, after which name all the rest are called. The Inhabi∣tants thereof Trade in Fishery, sow Corn, and addict themselves to Manufacture.

The Isle of Man, is a square Island, be∣ing ten Miles in Length, and as many in Breadth; the growth of it is Flax, Hemp, Oats, Barly, and Wheat, having store of Cattle and other Merchandise brought in thither by Shipping; the chief Towns are Ballacury, Russin, or Chasteltown.

The Isle of Anglesey, is accounted a Shire of Wales; and by some called the Mother of Wales, being twenty four Miles in Length, and seventeen Miles over; Fruitful Page  51 it is, even beyond report, in Corn, Fruits, Cattle, Fowl, and Fish; improved by se∣veral Profitable Manufactures: The Inha∣bitants making great store of Butter and Cheese, and send out of it yearly three thousand Head of Cattle: It's chief Town is Beaumaris, very Commodious for Ship∣ping.

Jersey is a fair Island, in Compass twenty Miles, peopled with Industrious Inhabi∣tants, yearly improving their Commodi∣dities and vending them to good advan∣tage. Trading with England and France especially, famous for the many fine Or∣chards and Gardens: the chief Towns and places of Traffick being St. Mallo, and St. Hillary; the former being nightly Guard∣ed without the Walls. From this Island twenty Miles distant is Guernsey, Sur∣rounded with spacious Harbours; and in every part Fertile, stored with Cattle, and lying Commodious for Shipping, Facing the Coast of France; and hath for it's chief Town St. Peters.

The last of the Isles Surrounding Bri∣tain, is the famous Isle of Wight, which is twenty Miles long, and twelve over, and abounds with all things wherewith England is stored, divided from Ports∣mouth but by an Arm of the Sea, lying Page  52 most Commodious for the Reception of Shipping; and for it's chief Towns has Yarmouth, New-Port, and Bra∣dring.

And thus much for the Islands of the Sea, surrounding Britain: And now I shall only take a short Survey of some things further appertaining to the Trade of Britain, and so Lanch into the Ocean, and take a view of the remotest Parts of the World, especially such as are Traded to by the English. What more remains, is an account of such Com∣modities of English-growth and Manufa∣cture, as are Exported, being Staple Commodities, and the common Cargo of outward bound Vessels.

CHAP. XI. A further Account of the Measures of England, with a true Proportion of the Weight of English Cloths.

FIrst, for the Breadth, Measure and Weight of English-Cloath, that chief of Staple-Commodities, Kent, York, and Redding Cloaths are six quarters and a half broad, and ought to weigh eighty six pounds; the Cloath in the Peice are in length thirty, and thirty four Yards. Suffolk, Norfolk, and Essex Cloaths of seven quarters wide, are eighty pounds Weight, twenty nine and thirty two Yards in Length. Worcester, Coventry, and Hereford Cloaths of six quar∣ters and a half, are in Weight seventy eight pound, and in Measure thirty, & thirty three Yards. Glocester, Oxon, and Wiltshire, and Summersetshire Cloaths, of seven quarters wide weigh seventy six pounds, and in length twenty nine, and thirty two Yards. Suffolk Sorting Cloaths of six quarters and a half wide, ought to weigh sixty four pound, and to be in length twenty four and Page  54 twenty six Yards. All sorts of Cloaths that are six quarters and a half wide, ought to weigh sixty pound, and be twenty four and twenty six Yards in length; broad and narrow Yorkshire of four quarters wide, weigh thirty pound, and in length are twenty four, and twenty five Yards. Broad-Cloath of Taunton, Dunstable, and Bridg-Water of seven quarters, weigh thirty pound the Cloath, and in Measure are twelve, and thirteen Yards. Devonshire Kersies, and Dossens of four quarters, weigh thirteen pounds, in Mea∣sure twelve, and thirteen Yards. Chequer Kersies, Grays, Striped and Plain of four quar∣ters are in Weight twenty four pound, in Mea∣sure seventeen, and eighteen Yards. Ordinary Penistons or Forrests of three quarters and a half, in Weight twenty eight pound, in Measure twelve and thirteen Yards. Sort∣ing Peniston of six quarters and a half are pounds thirty five, Yards thirteen and fourteen. Washers of Lancashire and others the Cloaths are seventeen pounds in Weight, in Measure seventeen and eighteen Yards. This Custom of assizing Cloaths at a cer∣tain Weight was first imposed for the pre∣venting defrauds in making slight sleasy, or imperfect Cloaths, and if any of the aforesaid Cloaths prove otherwise then is specifyed, Page  55 the maker, or seller, ought to allow accord∣ing to the want, either in Width, Length, or Weight, and for so refusing, may be sued for a defraud.

To bring this to perfection the Weight of Wool is thus, the Sack of Wool doth contain three hundred sixty four pounds, the Tod twenty eight pound, thirteen Tods being accounted to a Sack; every Tod being four Nales, and every Nail, seven pound: The Sack of Wool is imputed to finish four Standard Cloaths, of twenty four Yards each in length, & six Yards & half quar¦ter wide, of sixty pound Weight, commonly called Sorting Cloaths. In the Weight it is to be noted whether the Cloaths are thick Mill'd, well scoured, and throughly dryed, that the same be Measured by the Yard, and that an Inch be allowed to every Yard: And thus much for Woollen Manufacture.

And now I am entering on Ship-Board, to view the World, and to pass the unfa∣thomed Paths of the Deep. It will not be amiss to give a more full tho brief account of the Measures whereby such things are Measured as are sent on Board for the Sub∣sistance of those that go down into the Deep, &c. as thus, the English Measures for all Grain according to the Statues in that case made and provided are the Pint, Quart, Page  56 Pottle, Gallon. A Gallon being eight Pints, four Quarts, two Potles; the Peck two Gallons, the half Bushel, two Pecks, the Bu∣shel, two half Bushels, the Strike two Bushel, the Cornock two Strikes, the Quarter, two Cornocks. The Weigh either of Corn or Salt is forty six Bushels; and the Last is eighty Bushels. Note in Salt Water Measure is allowed, viz. five Pecks to the Bushel. Liquid Measures thus, the Ale Firkin to contain eight Gallons, Kil∣derkin sixteen, and the Barrel thirty two. A Beer Firkin ought to contain nine Gal∣lons, the Firkin eighteen, and the Barrel thirty six; the Kilderkin of Wine ought to be eighteen Gallons, the Barrel thirty one, the Hogs-Head sixty three, the Tertian eighty four, the Butt, or Pipe one hundred twenty six, the Tun two hundred fifty two. A Runlet of Oyl ought to be eight Gallons and a half, a Hogs-Head sixty three, a Pipe one hundred twenty six, and the Tun one hundred fifty two; tho as to Oyl in the Measure thereof, the Custom of London differs from the Statute, allowing but seven pound to each Gallon, and by that means the Tun is reduced to one hundred thirty six, and so at this day 'tis sold; and thus far having proceeded to give those that are desirous to Trade, or Traffick, Page  57 either by Land, or Sea, an insight into most of the English growth, and Manufa∣ctures; I shall now hoise up Sail and bear before the Wind, not intending to cast Anchor till my adventurous Bark arrive in the late discovered America, to take a View of the Trade and Traffick thereof, and from thence into Affrick, so to Asia, and then to Europe, all along observing the Cities, Towns, Ports, Havens, Bays, either in Continent or Island; in whatso∣ever place the English have any Traffick of note; or any other European Navi∣gators.

CHAP. XII. A View of America, of it's Pro∣vinces, and the Trade thereof.

AMerica, the so long unknown Part of the World, was first discovered by Columbus, a Genoese, at the charge of Ferdi∣nand and Isabella, King and Queen of Castile; who setting sail from Sevil, after sixty three days, discovered that vast Con∣tinent, Page  58 which was seconded by Amerious Vesputius, a Florentine, at the charge of Emanuel King of Portugal, who making a perfect Discovery of that Golden place, had the Honour to have it called by his Name. The next that made any considerable discovery, was Sebastian Cabbot, a Native of Bristol, being furnished out for that purpose by our King Henry the seventh; and since him several of our English Navigators have improved his Dis∣covery, as Sr. Francis Drake, Willowby, Candish, Burroughs, Forbisher, Davis, &c.

This Immensity is for the most part possessed by the Spaniards, and divided in∣to two parts, viz. Mexicana, and Perua∣na; and the former again divided into these following Provinces, viz. Mexico, Nica∣ragua, Quivira, Jucutan, Florida, Virginia, New-England; Nurembega, Nova Francia, Corterialis, and Estotilandia.

The Commodities of Mexico (now cal∣led Nova Hispania, the Residence of the Spanish Viceroy, and Arch-Bishop) are Gold, Silver, Sugar, Tobacco, Ginger, Tallow, Hides, and Spices; and above all, in that Province grows a Tree, called both by the Spaniards, and Natives, a Mettle Tree, the Leaves of which make Confections, Pa∣per, Mats, Flax, Mantles, Shoes, Girdles, Page  59 Cordage, and Saws, and out of the Root Issues a Juice, which being boyled is perfect Sugar; & from the Top-Branch, a Gum distills Excellent against Poysons, or Infectious Vapours. This City was taken by the Spaniards, under the Leading of Harnando Cortes, Anno 1521.

Quivira, is accounted the second Province, situate on the Western part of Ameri∣ca, first Peopled with Spanish Colonies, under the leading of Vasques Anno. 1540. It abounds chiefly in Cattle; several wh• addict themselves to the bringing them up being Masters of 30000. Head and upwards, which serve the Inhabitants with their Milk for Drink, their Flesh for Food, and their Skins for Cloaths. They have likewise some Gold, but of small value, and not worth refining.

Nicaragua, is on the South-West of Mexico, and has for it's chief City Nova-Granada. It's Commodities chiefly consist∣ing of Balsom, Cotton, Wax, and Hony.

Jucutan, discovered Anno▪ 1517, has for it's chief City Champechio; this Province yields Wood for dying Rich Colours, and likewise store of Deer and Cattle, al∣most like Elks.

Florida was discovered by Sebastian Ca∣bot Anno 1467. which at that time it was pos∣sessed Page  60 by the Spaniards, with whom the French made War till they consumed each others people, to that degree that it was abandoned by either Nation, but since re∣peopled by the Spaniards, who have built there several strong Forts. The Commo∣dities are Gold Ore, some Veins of Silver, some Spices, and Woods of value. And thus much of those Provinces the Spaniards possess. Now I shall come to Treat of Virginia and New-England possessed by the English.

CHAP. XIII. A View of Virginia, and of the Trade, Manners, Customs, and Government thereof, and of the Commodities of that Colony.

VIrginia being discovered by Sir Wal∣ter Raleigh, Anno 1584. had it's name from our Virgin Queen; it lying in height thirty five degrees North Latitude, and extends to thirty eight and a half, being planted by the English only from 37 to 34 degrees, under the Protection and Supream Authority of his Majesty of great Britain, & Page  61 having the Bay of Roanoake, and Cape Florida to the Southward, and Mary-land to the Northward. The main entrance out of Virginia into the Sea, is about 10 Leagues; the Country is full of Navigable Rivers, stored with Fish, and some of them abounding with Oysters, Crabs, and Sturgeon, many of the Rivers being 7, 8, 9, or 10 Miles over, running 140 and 150 Miles up in the Country, so that Ships Anchor with great Security, no Trade be∣ing permitted but with England. So that as soon as any Vessel arrives, the Master, or Captain, resorts to the Governour, to give him an account from whence he came, his Residence being for the most part at Jame's City lying 40 Miles up Jame's Ri∣ver; and round about the English Colony, the Indians Inhabit, whose Treacheries prove too often fatal to our Country-men, as the several Massacrees they have made can te∣stifie. Their Courts of Judicature chiefly consist of 4 quarterly Courts, the Go∣vernour and his Council being Judges, to try and determine, as well in matters Criminal, as Suits between man and man, and every year once an Assembly meet in imitation of our Parliament, to settle weigh∣ty Affairs. Their Laws are the same with ours, as likewise what Monies they have Page  62 are of English Coyn. The Soil is every∣where Fertile, and the Woods abound with Oaks of divers sorts, Black Wall-nuts, Chess-nuts, Ash, Pine, Day-Wood, Cedar, Saxafras, Mulbury, Small-nuts, Wild Grapes, and the like. The Weather is much like ours, only in the Summer continues a Month longer hotter, and are troubled with Flashes of Light'ning, dismal Claps of Thunder, and now and then a Hur∣ricane. The days are about an Hour and an half shorter in Summer, and so much longer in Winter. All sorts of English Fruits and Cattle thrive there, and their chief Com∣modities▪ amongst themselves are Horses, Oxen, Sheep, Hogs, Turkies, Geese, & Ducks. Corn of which they have store, and their Woods abound with Hairs, Roacoons, Pos∣sums, Squirrils, Wild-Cats, Foxes, Bears, Wolves, Elks, and in remote Parts some Lyons are found.

Their Corn called Indian Corn or Maiz they buy and sell by the Barrel, which Bar∣rel contains 5 Bushels, Winchester Measure, and the Indians sell their Corn, Pease and o∣ther Commodities of the like nature amongst themselves by the Baskets, each Basket containing half a Bushel.

The chief Commodities they Trade with our Merchants for, except Tobacco, of Page  63 which I shall speak anon, are Hides, Otter, Beaver, Muskats, Bear, Dear-Skins, Saxa∣fras, Black-Walnut-Tree-Planks, &c. with them and Tobacco 40 or 50 Ships are year∣ly Loaden; no Customs being lay'd upon any thing imported, or exported; but in England they pay five per cent. for all they carry over, and 2 pence per pound for eve∣ry pound of Tobacco brought from thence, and so proportionably for other Goods.

The Commodities carryed from England thither, are Linnen, and Woollen-Cloath, Nailes, Iron wrought into Tools, Sope, Starch, Gunpowder, Shot, Wine, Strong-Water, Brandy, Sugar, Spice, and the like; and when any one comes over with Servants to Inhabit, as a Planter, he has 50 Acres of Land allotted him, to manure even where he will choose, unless in such Places as are before in Possession; and for that Parcel of Land, he pays 12 pence per Annum quit Rent.

The manner of planting, and bringing to perfection their Tobacco, accounted by them the Staple Commodity of the Colo∣ny is thus; in January they sow the Seed, which is smaller than Mustard-Seed, and when it comes up, they take up the Plants, and place them upon little Hills, which is usually done in May, 4 or 5000. Hills be∣ing Page  64 contained in one Acre, every Hill con∣taining a Plant, the which when it is about 2▪ Foot high, they Crop to give more Nourishment to the Leaves, which Leaves are a Foot or two Foot long, and some a Foot broad▪ and when they are at the big∣est they cut them up Stalk and all, and hang them up in Sheads to dry, which done they strip them from the Stalks, and so bind them up in Handfuls for pack∣ing in Casks, or make them up in Rolls. An Acre of good Ground is reckoned to bear 1500 Weight of Tobacco, not less then 17000. Hogs-heads, being reckoned to be Shipped yearly for England, Scot∣land, and Ireland. Their Servants for the most part consist of Negroes, which they buy of the Merchants, that bring them thither.

CHAP. XIV. A View of New-England, and the Trade thereof.

NEw-England has for it's chief Town or City Boston, where all their Trade Centres, especially that which accrues by Navigation; a place which contains about 1500 houses Built of Brick and Timber; in it is a State House, and Congregational Meet∣ing-Houses; the Inhabitants for the most part being Presbyterians, and Independants; and are supplyed with great Quantities of Fish from Marblehead, and other places. As for Fowl, they Trade with the Indians, as likewise for Muscat, Beaver, Otter, &c. for which they deliver them Strong-Waters, Shagged-Cloath, Beads, Looking-Glasses, and the like; and thither likewise are brought Provisions from St. Martins, Long Island, Road Island, Shelter Island; and other places, they all being little spots, standing in the Sea, and have their Trade chiefly consisting in Provision. The chief Roads for the safe Riding of Shipping are Page  66 Boston, Charlestown, Salem, and Pascata∣qua.

A Mint they have, in which they Coyn English money, as 12 pence, 6 pence, 3 pence, and smaller piece, both Silver and Tinn. The Reason of setting it up, was upon the spreading of many adultera∣ted Pieces of Eight amongst them, brought from Peru; but notwithstanding the Eng∣lish Coyn, Mexico, and Sevil Royals, go currant at a Crown apiece.

Their Accounts are kept after the Itali∣an Fashion, by such as understand the way, and those that do not keep them as in old England.

Their Weights are Averdupois, and Troy; the former consisting of 16 Ounces the pound, and the latter of twelve; their hundred Averdupois is 112 pounds, and by that they weigh all their gross Com∣modities, using Troy only for Silk, Gold, and Silver. Their Measures are likewise consistent with ours.

Their chief Merchandise consists in Hogs, Oxen, Fish, Flower, Pease, Kell, or Rice, Biskets, Beaver, Muskat Skins, Otter, Pipe-Staves, Masts, and the like; and some Tobacco, for which they receive in exchange English Linnen, and Woollen-Cloath, Iron-Tools, Stockins, Shoes, Thred, Page  67 Buttons, Ribons, Lead, Puter, Tinn, small Ordnance, Gunpowder, Shot, Strong Wa∣ters, Wines, Oyls, Fruit, Salt, and the like; not taking any Customs for ought imported, except Wines, and Strong Wa∣ters, and for that not above 30 or 40 Shil∣lings per Tun; Consolage they take none, their Factorage is from 5 to 10 per cent. for Sails and returns only, and that not fixed, but as the Trader, and the Factor can agree. Sugars they have likewise, which they sell in Casks, and have not many Ships belonging to the Plantation.

Their chief Fishing consists in dry Cod, and poor Jack, which every Spring and Fall, they take by Hooks, and sell by the Quintal, or hundred Weight, each for 28. or 30 Royals, sometimes more, tho some∣times they Barrel them up; their Fraight per Tun from thence to London, is 3 pound, 3 pound 10 Shillings, and sometimes 4 pound. They have likewise an Office of Assurance, now much in request, both by the Inhabitants, and such as Trade thither. And thus much for New-England.

CHAP. XV. A View of Mary-Land, and of the Customs and Trade thereof.

MAryland is upon the main Continent of America, being an English Colo∣ny, lying between 38 and 40 Degrees North Latitude, bounded on the North by Virginia, and on the South by New-England; the great Ocean on the East, and on the West the River Pattowmeck, and was first a Colony of English, Anno 1633. and for the better Increase of Trade, tolerate the Christian Religion of what Profession so∣ever; and is held by a Governour, or Proprietor, in Fee of the Crown of Eng∣land. It abounds with fair Rivers, stored with Fish, and Commodious for the receipt of Shipping.

The usual way of Trading is Goods for Goods, and the chief of their Commodi∣ties is Tobacco; their Weights, and Mea∣sures are consonant with those of England, without any Tret or over allowance; some Beaver, Otter, and other Furs they have, Page  69 which the English that Trade thither purchase, and the Inhabitants receive them for Tobacco, and Strong-Water of the In∣dians. Mulberry Trees are there in Abundance, and some Silk. Their Customs or Taxes are but seldom taken as to the Subjects of England.

The greatest abuse that Merchants re∣ceive, is the Packing of Tobacco; which loose Packed, or either too dry or wet put up, often deceives their Expecta∣tions; therefore the only way to discover such Frauds, is by weighing it. A full Hogs-Head, well Packed, will hold 400 Weight, and never less than 300.

For their Commodities, they receive Cloath-Hangings, Stuffs, all manner of I∣ron-Ware, Strong-Water, Wine, and the like; and what they Trade with the Na∣tive Indians for, they deliver them Coats, commonly called Match-Coats, made of coarse Shagged-Cloath, viz. Dutch-Duffields, or English Hogbays, either Red or Blew.

The new Netherlands, a place Situate in 41 Degrees North Latitude, upon Hudson's River, is Inhabited by a Colony of the Dutch, who have Incroached upon the English Trade with the Natives for Beavor, Otter, Elk-Skins, Bears-Skins, Dear-Skins, and the like; for which they Page  70 deliver them Iron Instruments, and Shag∣ed Cloath, and sometimes Guns, Powder, and Rapier-Blades, the fatal Execution of which they have twice felt by two Massa∣crees, Committed upon them by the Indi∣ans, to the loss of half their Colony. Their chief Town is New-Amsterdam, indowed with many Priviledges, as the old the better to draw People thither.

Corterialis, Nurembega, and Nova Fran∣cia, are accounted Mexican Provinces, and for the most part possessed by the French, and some few Portugals. Their Trade is small, consisting only of Skins, and Furs.

Estotiland, or New-foundland, discover∣ed 1527 by the English, in Winter is so Extream cold, that it is not inhabited but by some few Natives, and all the advan∣tage (which indeed is considerable) that the English Reap thereby, is their Fishing Trade; the Fish in England being known by the Name of Newland Fish, and is taken in such abundance, that with them are furnished most parts of Europe. The manner of the Fishing thus:

The Ships sometimes 40 Sail depart from our Coast, about the end of Februa∣ry, and about the middle of April arriv∣ing there, they unrigg their Ships, and go∣ing on Shoar Build Huts; and in Shallops, Page  71 with Hooks and other Tackling, take sometimes 30 or 40 great Fish in an Hour, that is one Shallop, which they slit and dry upon Rocks, and Sandy-Banks; after which they Salt them, and in such manner con∣tinue till September; when loaden with their Fish they return and dispose of them in Spain, France and other Places to good advantage, selling them either by the hundred Weight, or by Tail; and many times they sell them before they have caught 'em; that is, Bargain for the deli∣very of them when taken; and of late there is an Art found of making Oyl commonly called New-Land Oyl.

CHAP. XVI. A View of the Peruanan Provinces, and of their Trade and Customs.

THis South part of America, is divided from the North part, by the Streights of Darien, a Neck of Land of 10 Miles over; and consists of these Pro-Provinces, Page  72 viz. Castella-Aurea, Guinnia, Peru, Brasilia and Chile.

Castella Aurea, takes its Name from the abundance of Gold that is found therein, and was first discovered by the Spaniards: The chief Cities are Portabel, and Panama, at which two Places the Viceroy makes his Residence as he sees fit, and at the Latter of which the Spanish Plate-fleet for the most part is Loaded. It abounds with standing Pools and deep Waters, and the chief Com∣modities are Spices, Drugs, Gold Ore, and Silver. About it are several small Islands, of which the chiefest are, St. Antonio, and St. Vincent, situate against Cape Verd.

Guinnia is situated under the Equinoctial Line, being fruitful in all parts, abound∣ing with rate Fruits, and so Incompassed and branched with great Rivers, that in Winter time many of the Inhabitants dwell in Trees for fear of Inundations, often cau∣sed by the overflowing of the Ri∣vers. Of this Countrey our famous Sir Walter Reighley made the first effectual Sur∣vey, and gave Name to the great River Arinoque calling it Ralinia, a River naviga∣ble for 1000 miles, and for Shallops and Wherries 2000. The chief City of this Pro∣vince is Manoa, otherwise called the Gold∣en City, of the abundance of Gold that is Page  73 found therein, most of the Trade consist∣ing of Gold-Ore.

Peru is for Gold, the richest Province of America: The Mines being more plentiful then Mines of Lead and Iron in Eng∣land, and the Riches thereof may be Con∣jectured by this: When Piscario the Spanish Captain subdued it, and took the King Pri∣soner, he proposed his Ransom, and deli∣vered to the treacherous Spaniard upon so∣lemn Promise for his Life and Liberty, as much refined Gold and Silver as amounted to ten Millions, but perfidious as he was, when he had Possession of the Treasure not∣withstanding his Oath, he slew him. The chief City is St. Michael's, inhabited by the Spaniards; the Soyl brings forth all man∣ner of Fruits, as likewise store of To∣bacco; but one thing is more admirable, on the Banks of the River Riolaplata grow Figtrees, one side of which bear Figs in Winter, and the other in Summer, and this River is 130. miles over, and 2000. in length; and in it are many Islands.

Brasile is abounding with Cattel, Corn, and has in it some rich Mines of Gold and Silver; but especially Red-Wood by us, called Brasile Wood, the Trees of which are so large, that a dozen Families will make themselves Huts and dwell in the Page  74 Branches of one Tree. It was first disco∣vered and peopled by the Spaniard, but now the Dutch have got strong footing in it, and derive a great Trade form thence, e∣specially in dying-Woods.

The manner of getting the Gold in these remote Parts of the World, are by Mining, or Washing and Fishing; As thus, they first search the ground, and finding it stockt with Ore, they dig into the Mountains, and still as they go under-prop, or Arch, so that a Mine sometimes is a Furlong under ground; their Earth they wash through Sieves, and the Mold separated, the Gold appears. Silver run in Veins or Sprigs, and therefore is got more easily. As for the Fishing for Gold, it is thus: They turn the Course of small Rivers or Brooks, at the bottom of the Golden Mountains; or with such things as take up Ballast in the Thames, drag up the Sand, and then sift it. The Gold which is found in the Rivers is washed from the Mountains, by the fierce Rains which in those parts are frequent.

As for the Islands in these and the Virgi∣nian Seas, they are many; as the Isles of So∣lomon, by some taken for the Land of O∣phir; the Isle of Margarita, in which is found many precious Stones, though void of any other Commodity; the Island of Tre∣nidado Page  75 abounding in choice Tobacco; the Island of Baccaloes, discovered by Sebastian Cabot, whose Rivers abound in Fish, and the Land with Trees bearing Fruit; the Isle of Beriguen, of which the chief City is St. John's, inhabited by the Spaniards, the Island a∣bounds with Gold, viz. the North part of it, and the South part is as much famed for fertility; the Island of Jamiaca, now an English Colony taken from the Spaniards, Anno. _____ abounds with all manner of Plen∣ty, as Sheep, Oxen, Corn, Hens, Geese, Ducks, Fruit-Trees, Sugar, Tobacco and the like, and is governed by a Governour, under his Majesty of Great Brittain; the Weights, Measures, Monies, Laws and Re∣ligion, are the same with ours, and has of late been much increased by the Trading of English Merchants thither for Pepper, and other valuable Commodities.

Cuba, Luca and Hispaniola, abound in Gin∣ger, Cassia, Mastick, Almonds, Cinnamon, Sugar, Brass, Gold, and Corn, which are brought thence, and dispersed all over Eu∣rope, and in the latter, the Land is so fertile that it will produce Herbs, and Roots in sixteen days after setting or sowing, fit for use.

Barmudos is a fruitful Island, abounding with Orange-Trees and other Fruits.

Page  76Barbados is an Island possessed by the Eng∣lish, containing in length 28. miles, and in breadth 18. and according to Compu∣tation consists of 126000. Acres of good Land, being naturally fortified with Rocks and Shelves: accommodated with several Bays and Harbours, for the safety of ship∣ping, the Principal of which is called Carlile Bay, and is Guarded by Forts and Plat∣forms, containing a large Town called St. Michael's, being a place of great Trade, before which 500. Ships may safely Ride. The next Town of Note, is Charles Town, situate on Oysten-bay, about two Leagues from the former, the Houses are built af∣ter the English fashion, of Timber, Lime and Brick, and round this Island lye other small Islands, Maevis, Monsirat, Antego, and St. Christophers, many of them inhabited by the English, others by the Dutch, French, and Native Indians; the Island of Barbados is divided into 11. Parishes, or petty Shires, out of which are chosen two Freemen Plan∣ters, to joyn with the Governour and his Council, which are 7, to discuss all impor∣tant Matters, and to make such Orders, as are necessary for the well regulating the Plant•tion, and the better to quell any In∣surrec•n that may be made by the Slaves, which are •ccounted at least 60000. a stand∣ing Page  77 Militia of two Reigments of Horse, and five of Foot, are in readiness upon all Oc∣casions, and all their Laws and Customs are Regulated by those of England. Their Re∣ligion, according as they profess them∣selves, is Protestant. Their Coyns there Cur∣rent are of divers Nations, as English, Spa∣nish, French and Dutch, upon which they set a passable Value not Coyning any them∣selves. Their Accompts are most commonly in Muscavado Sugar, according to which all other Commodities are Regulated, their Interest by reason no Law restrains it, is unreasonable, as sometimes thirty Per Cent. Their Measures for the most part Concord with those of England, only they allow but five score to the Hundred, not 112. The growth of the Island is Tobacco, Sugar, Indico, Cotton-Wool, Log-Wood, Lig∣num Vitae, &c.

The chief Season of exporting Sugars, and other Commodities of the Native growth, is from January to September, or October. Wines are imported in abundance, and are sold in publick as in England: So that there is not less then 2400. Tuns of all sorts spent Yearly, besides Spirits, and other Liquors. From this Island they transport to Virginia and Barmudos, a Liquor made of the Su∣gar Canes, &c. called Rum, and for it re∣ceive Page  78 Pork, Fish, Flower, Bisket, Pipe Staves, and the like: The Apparel of the Planters, is the same with what is worn in England; as for Customs they have none, save only for Wines and other Liquors, which are Rated at a certain quantity of Muscavado Sugar, and further are obliged to pay half a pound of Powder, for every Tun upon Entery.

Factorage or Factory-Provision is 10. per cent. 5. per cent. for Sail, and 5. for re∣turn, as also 3. per cent. for Store-House Room; if any one will export Corn, or a∣ny manner of Provision being the growth of the Island, they must ask the Governours Con∣sent; 200. English Vessels and upward Trade hither Yearly; and the usual fraight to London is 4. and 5. per Tun, when Ships are Plenty, 3. pound, when scarce, 6. or 7. pound per Tun: There is no publick Assurance-Office, nor Exchange, unless sometimes in Sugar, for which Mony is received in Lon∣don. And thus much for Barbados.

The main Land about 100. Leagues from this Island, is called Guinia, lying South∣wardly, and containeth a Colony of English planted within the River of Serenam.

Cracus lyeth 4. Leagues from the Sea∣side, and is very fruitful, having a Port, whose entrance is Guarded with two Forts Page  79 each containing 14. pieces of Cannon, and in it are several Plantations of Coquo, some belonging to the Spaniards, and some to the Indians, the latter being obliged to work for the former 3. days in the Week. And thus much for America, in particular, and indeed in general: for this new World, as it is Termed, yields little more then here I have set down; and indeed in Riches may Compare with any of the other three Parts, did the Inhabitants know how to improve the growth of the Islands and Continent accordingly; but indeed the Spaniards po∣ssessing the greatest part, use their utmost diligence to keep out other Nations, and will instruct the Natives in nothing that is Curious, lest they should leave off to La∣bour in the Mines; but thus much concern∣ing America. The Customs, Situation, and Manners thereof, in the exactest Method.

CHAP. XVII. A view of Africa, and of the Man∣ners, Customs, Trade, Weights, Mea∣sures, Coyns, and Commodity there∣of.

AFrica, one of the quarters of the World, is bounded on the North with the Mediterranean Sea, on the West with the Atlantick Ocean, on the South with the South Ocean, and on the East with the Red-Sea; and is in a manner an Island, being tyed only to Asia, with a Neck of Land of 20 Leagues over, and contains these Provinces, viz. Barbery, Nu∣midia, Lybia, Negrita, Ethiopia Interior, and Ethiopia Exterior, Egypt; and the Islands of the Sea.

The Account of the Trade, and Com∣merce of the Principal Cities, and Towns, but especially from whence any Commo∣dities are brought and Traded for by the English Merchants I shall lay down as fol∣oweth.

CHAP. XVIII. A view of Tunis, the Trade, Man∣ners, and Customs thereof.

BArbary being divided into four King∣doms, viz. Tunis, Argier, Fess, and Morocco, I shall take them in order, and first of Tunis.

Tunis is Situate near unto the great Lake, which Extends almost to the Port of Goletta; and is founded on the ruins of Carthage, being in compass within the Walls 4 Miles, and accounting the Sub∣urbs 7 Miles in circuit; and is very Popu∣lous, owning for Supream Lord, the Grand-Signeour, who governs it by a Bassaw; the Inhabitants being Mahumetans; the Houses are Builded of Square Stone, and for the most part flat. A Port it has large and Commodious for Shipping.

Their Money in Gold is mostly the Spa∣nish Doller or Royal, the Venice Chiqeen, the Spanish Pistolet, which they pass from one to another at full value, unless dimi∣nished, or light Weight in Silver, they Page  82 have the Spanish Royal, and the Asper.

Their Accounts are for the most part kept in Dollers, and Aspers.

Their Weights are the Cantar of 100. pounds, yet in Weight are found to ex∣ceed our 112, two pounds, each of their pounds being divided into 16 Ounces, and so into less, by division, viz. Each Ounce into 8 Tamins; and by this Weight, are all their Merchandise Weighed, except Silver, Gold, Pearl, &c. which are Weighed by a Cariot Weight, which is half an Ounce Troy, or Mittagals much of the same Proportion. In Weight of Cloves, and Nutmegs, they allow 5 pounds per cent. Tret or over-plus, besides the Weight of the Bags.

Their Measures for Silk, Cloath, and the like, are the Pike; there being 3 sorts of them, the first called the Cloath Pike, is 26 Inches and a half English; the second, the Gray, which is a 16th. part less, by which they Measure Silks, Sattins, Velvets, &c. The third is the Linnen Pike, and is ¼ part less then the Silk Pike.

Their dry Measures are the Coffice, con∣taining about 10 of our Bushels. The Weab 18 of which make a Coffice, and the Saw of which 12 make a Weab.

Their Liquid Measures, are the Wine Page  83 Meeter, and Oyl Meeter, the former be∣ing near 2 English Gallons and a half, and the latter near 5.

The chief Commodities are Hides, Wax, Oyl, Honey, Wool, Corn, Raisons, Dates, Anniseeds, Estrich Feathers, Sponges, Lemons, Oranges, Almonds, and Olives. For which they receive of such Merchants as Trade thither, English, and Venice, Cloath, Lead, Deal-Boards, Shot, Perpetu∣anos, Spanish Wool, Tartar, Allum, Iron, Madder, Safaparilla, Pepper, Ginger, Saf∣forn, Cinamon, Nutmegs, Cocheneel, Gold Thread, Sea-Horse-teeth, Cotton, Yarn, Venice-Pepper, French-Canvas, Gulmak, Damask, Sattain, and the like.

Their Customs upon Goods imported, unless Lead, Shot, and Iron, are 9 per cent. on the Real Value; and before any Goods can be delivered, an exact Account must be taken thereof by Officers appointed for that purpose; other charges of Goods im∣ported, besides fraight (of which no cer∣tainty) is 8 per cent. more, viz. 2 per cent. consolage. 5 per cent. provision and Broak∣age, and one per cent. for petty Charges; the Customs on Goods, that are exported (Honey, Wax, and Wool, liable to no Customs, excepted) is 5 per cent.

The Counterban, or Goods prohibited Page  84 to be exported, are Pease, Corn, Oyl, Beans, Butter, Hony, Dates, &c. tho often a Licence for Exporting the same, is secretly procured. And thus much for Tunis, in the Description of which I have describ∣ed the Trade of all the Cities of that King∣dom, as centering in this.

CHAP. XIX. A view of Argier, and of the Trade, Manners, Customs, Weights, Mea∣sures thereof, and their way of di∣viding Prizes, and selling Slaves in the Publick Market.

ARgier, that Piratical Kingdom so dan∣gerous to Merchants Trading in the Mediterranean, contains as her Principal Cities Argier and Tremesin, the for∣mer giving name to the Kingdom which is but small in compass.

The City of Argier, the common Re∣ceptacle of Turkish and Moorish Pirates, is imagined to contain 90000 Souls, in Page  85 which there are several that protest a∣gainst the Thieving Trade, and hold some Commerce with Merchants of divers Na∣tions.

Their chief Commodities are Oyls, Al∣monds, Rasins, Figs, Dates, Castile-Sope, Brass, Copper, Barbary Horses, Estrich Feathers, Hony, Wax, and Drugs.

Their Coyn is the Double, accounted of equal Value with our 12 pence or 2 sin∣gle Spanish Ryals; 4 Doubles are account∣ed a Ryal and 8/8 called by them the Olian, 5 Doubles and 35 Aspers is a Pistol Spa∣nish, 7 Doubles are accounted a Sultany, or Cheeque of Barbary Gold, and 50 As∣pers make a Double. And these are the currant Monies of the Kingdom of Ar∣gier.

The Weights are the Rotolos, or 100 pound, which makes 120 pound English, the 10 pound of the small making 6 in gross; some Commodities they likewise weigh by the Cantar; as Iron, Lead, Yarn, Wool, which Cantar is 150 Rotolos; Figs, Dates, Sope, Butter, &c. are weigh∣ed by a Cantar of 166 Rotolos: Almonds, Cheese, Cottons, &c. they weigh by a Cantar of 110 Rotolos, Brass, Copper, Wax, and Drugs, by a Cantar of 100 Ro∣tolos, Flax, by a Cantar of 200 Rotolos.

Page  86Gold, Silver, Pearl, and precious Stones, are weighed by the Mittigal, which is 72 Grains English, and is worth 9 Doubles. The Sultanie Cheeque, or Hunger Weighs 52 Grains English, being equally Valued with Angel Gold, and by the Ounce Troy, in England is worth 3 pound 11 Shil∣lings.

Their Measures of Length are two Pi∣cos, viz. the Turkish, and the Morisco Picos.

The former is divided into 16 parts and every ⅛ part, is called a Robe, and is 131/1•2 part of the English Yard, and the Custom is an Inch allowance to every Yard, and by these they Measure Silks, Woollen Cloath, and Stuffs.

The dry Measure is a Tarry, which be∣ing well heaped, makes 5 Gallons English, and by this they Measure Salt, Corn, and other Commodities.

They make their Accounts in Doubles, Aspers, Osians, and Sultanies.

Their Customs are 10 per cent. and so in all other cases, as at Tunis, when any Ship enters and cast Anchors, her Sails or Rud∣der is demanded to prevent the passing off without paying such Customs, and then not to Sail without leave from the Duan, which is the Bashaw, and his Assembly Page  87 who Regulate all affairs, which were usu∣ally these. To the Kiffa 28 Doubles, to his Chiouse 4 Doubles, to his Almia 8 Doubles, to the Bashaw Sorman, 2 Doubles, to the Draggerman 8 Doubles, to the Sackagy 8 Doubles, and for the Consuls Duty 24 Doubles.

The Piratical Trade is thus, 2 or more set out a Vessel of Prizage, or Free booty to Prey upon Merchants Ships, the which when they have taken and brought into the Port, the Owners divide the Spoil by Lot, mak∣ing the Partitions or Dividends as even as possible; as for the Captives they do the like, and if there happen to be an odd man, they either cast Lots for him, or sell him in the Market; and divide the Money, the manner of selling of them is to carry them into the Market, and place them in Stalls like Beasts, where the buyer Views and handles them; but especially their Hands, by which he is satisfyed, whether they have been Inured to Labour or not, as likewise in their Mouths, to see if they have good Teeth to bite Biskets as hard as deal Boards; and according to their Youth, Healthy Complexion and Ability of Body, they go off to the Buyer, he being ever after acknowledged for their Patron. And thus much for this Piratical Government, Page  88 too well known to Merchants, and Say∣lors who Trade in the Mediterranean.

CHAP. XX. A view of the Kingdom of Fess, and of the Trade, Customs, Weights, Measures and currant Coyns there∣of.

THis Kingdom takes it's name from the Metropolitan City, viz. the City Fess, being the Goodliest City in Barbary; adorn∣ed with 700. Moschs or Temples, of which 50 are Beautifyed, with Pillars, Jasper, and Alabaster, the chief of which called Ca∣rucen, and Seated in the Heart of the Ci∣ty contains a Mile in compass, consisting of 190 Arches, and is born up by 2500 Mar∣ble Pillars, hung all about with Silver Lamps, and hath 31 Gates, and all things else porportionable, and the City computed to contain 8600 Families.

The Commodities in General are Dates, Almonds, Figs, Rasins, Hony, Olives, Wax, Page  89 Gold, Hides, Furs, and a sort of Cordi∣vant Skins, Cotton, and Wool very fine, which is dispersed into Spain, Italy, France, and England; and of late the Inhabitants have found out the Art of making Cloath.

The Principal Money of this Kingdom, is the Xerif, or Gold Ducate, and account∣ed worth 10 Shillings Sterling; and is di∣vided into 8 equal parts.

The Weights are two, one used for weighing Gross Commodities, called the Rotolos, 64 of which are computed to Ballance our 100 Averdupois, and 100 Rot∣tolos go to the Cantar. The other is the Mittigal used in weighing Gold, Pearl, Sil∣ver, Musk, and the like; and agrees with those of Tunis, and Argier.

The long Measure is the Cavado, of which 12 are Accounted to a Cane, and 181 or 182 Cavados to make 100 Yards English.

The Customs are 10 per cent. to all Strangers, but to the Natives 2 per cent. and for what soever they hand, they must pay, whether sold or not, which makes Mer∣chants sell their Wares on Shipboard, for the most part where Customs are Payed only for what is sold. And thus much for Fess, and the Trade thereof.

CHAP. XXI. A view of the Kingdom of Morocco, the Trade, Currant Coyns, Weights, Measures, and Customs thereof.

THis Kingdom as the former takes it's Name from the chief City and Cen∣ter of it's Trade, and is very Beautiful; tho Inferious to Fess; in it is found a Burse, and Exchange, formerly much frequented by Merchants, but now for the most part taken up by Artizans. The Commodities vended there are the same with those of Fess, except Sugar, in which it more abounds.

The Coyns are the Xerif, and Ducate of Gold, valued as those of Fess. The Weights are 2 several Quintals, the one agreeing with the Canter of Fese, and the other with the Quintal of Sevil, and indeed in all things according with Fess, as being now reduced under one Government. Their Religion, if so it may be Termed, is Mahu∣metisme, and of late they have not any con∣siderable Trade with the English Mer∣chants; tho 'tis not doubted, but the ef∣fects Page  91 of the League, between his Maje∣sty of great Britain, and that Emperour may be a means to revive it, as like∣wise to inrich our Garrison of Tangier, by rendering it a Publick Mart, it being the Key of Barbary.

CHAP. XXII. A view of Numidia, and Lybia, and their Provinces; with the Trade, Currant Coyns, Manners and Customs.

NƲmidia is bounded on the West with the Atlantick Ocean, on the East with Egypt, on the North with the Mountain Atlas, and on the South with Lybia. The Country on the North part abounds with plenty, but the South by Reason of the Excessive heat, is most desert, the Inhabi∣tants build but few Houses, but in great Companies pass from one place to another, living sometimes in Woods, sometimes in Caves, according as Heat and Cold affects Page  92 them. The chief Trade is among them∣selves, for Dates, Hides, Furs, and Fruits of all sorts; Cattle they have, but have not the Art of improving them, their Coyns are few, but those they have are of Brass and Silver; their Weights and Measures for the most part Equallizing those of Fess, and Morocco; tho they are little in use, few Merchants Trading with them.

Lybia is bounded on the East with Ni∣lus, on the West with the Atlantick Ocean, on the South with Negrita, and on the North with Numidia; and is Barren for the most part by Reason the heat is Excessive; their Trade, Coyn, Weights, and Measures, are not worth mentioning; by Reason their Commerce is little, no Merchants caring to deal with the Natives, they being in a manner Savages.

CHAP. IX. A View of Negrita, or the Land of Negroes, with the Trade, Currant Coyn, Weights, Measures, and Cu∣stoms.

THis Province is Inhabited with Negroes, or Blackamoors. Bounded on the West with the Atlantick Ocean, on the East with Ethiopia Superior, on the South with Manicongo, and on the North with Lybia, containing a large Tract of Land, and is fertilized by the overflowing of the River Niger, or Sanaga; and is under the Re∣gency of 3 Kings, who have of late made 3 Kingdoms of 5, as Tombutue, Berneo, and Gouga. Each having many famous Havens, Commodious for Shipping.

The City Tombutue, from whence that Kingdom has it's Name, is Situate beyond the River Niger; and is Traded to by the English, French, and Dutch; and with∣in four Miles of it is the City Gouga, which is likewise a place of great Trade, but as for Berneo, the Inhabitants thereof are for Page  94 the most part Breeders of Cattle, and Hunters of Wild-Beasts.

The Commodities of these Countries, are Corn, Sugar, Cattle, Rice, Fruits, Gold Sands, and Ingots; which they expose to Sail for Cloath, Callicoes, Copper, Basons, Iron∣work, Guns, Shot, Glass, Beads, and the like; but Principally Salt, of which Com∣modity that Country is deficient; but the chief Maritim parts are Guinny, and Benin, first discovered by the Portugals, and for the abundance of Gold the Country af∣foards called the Golden Coast; the Ru∣mour of which spreading wide in Europe, the English soon found it out, and after them the Dutch: and now the French have some Trade there. The manner of Trad∣ing thus: The Ships coming into the Road cast Anchor, and the Merchants or Factors going on Shoar, declare what Wares they have on Board, to the Persons called Tol∣kens, or Brokers, which live in little Huts along the Coast, and when the Moors come down with their Gold, they are in∣formed by them that such and such Com∣modities are to be had, upon which taking Boat together they come on Board, and laying by such things as they like, propose what Gold they will give for them, which if accepted the Bargain is made; and Page  95 they return with their Goods on Shoar.

The Customs are various. Particular Officers, being set in every Port, to take an Account of what is bought and sold; and every one that comes to buy, tho he buy nothing, must pay a small Stipend for his Person; upon his returning from on Shipboard, and to prevent defraud, there is still a Son, Brother, or Kinsman of the Kings, to whom the Port belongeth, to see the Toll be duly taken; and he that buyes Commodities under the value of 2 Ounces of Gold, makes his price for Customs as he can, but he that buy's above which they call a Benda, pays to the Value of an An∣gel in Gold for every Benda.

As for Coyns they have none, the Trade among themselves being for Gold-Sands, or Ingot by Weight, the fineness of which they try with Artificial Needles, in number 24; in some Places they melt their Gold, and draw it into Wire, and so cut into small pieces, the better to di∣vide it as occasion requires, and in other places they have pieces of Iron, which goes Currant instead of Mony.

Their Weights consist of Copper, the greatest of which is a Benda, containing 2 Ounces Troy, a Benda offa, or half a Benda. The Asseva which is two Pesoes Page  96 and a half, the Egebba, or 2 Pesos which is half an Ounce, and so lesser tell they come to Drams, and Scruples of Troy Weight, but their pound is found the ¾ part of an Ounce heavier than ours.

Their Measures for Cloath is a Jactam, accounted 12 Foot English, which they di∣vide into two parts; as for their Wool∣len Cloath, they cut it into long Slips, and make Girdles of it.

Formerly the Trade in those parts was very advantagious, but of late (one Na∣tions striving to outvye each other) have given them an insight into the true value of Gold, and of such Commodities as they receive for it.

The Sugar Trade which is considera∣ble, is ingrossed by the Portugals at a certain Annual rate, and no other Nation suffered to deal therein, the Sugar made there being Transported to Lisbon, is from thence dis∣percsd throughout Europe. And thus much for Negrita, and the Guinny Trade.

CHAP. XXIV. A View of Aethiopia Superior, and Inferior. But of the last especial∣ly, and of the Trade thereof, &c.

THe Superior Ethiopia, otherwise called Abasine, is a Plentiful Country Go∣verned by Prester John, and the Inhabi∣tants for the most part Christians; it abounds in Cattle, Fruits, and Minnerals, but be∣ing an Inland Province, yields little. Trade to Merchants.

The Inferior Ethiopia is bounded on the West with the Ethiopian Ocean; on the East with the Red-Sea, and contains Pro∣vinces or divisions, Ajan, Zanbiar, Mono∣motapa, Caffaria, and Monicongo.

Ajan is chiefly Traded to by the Por∣tugals, and yields store of Cattle, Wax, Hony, Corn, Gold, Ivory, &c.

Zanibra contains 15 Towns, from which 15 Petty Kingdoms take their Names, and was first discovered by the Portugals; a∣bounding in Ivory, and Gold, the chief Town being Mosambique, where they have Page  96 a Castle, and ingross the Trade for the most part.

Monomotapa is almost invironed round with Water. And is stored with Gold Mines; and Elephants of which 5 or 6000 are yearly killed for their Teeth.

Manicongo was discovered by the Portu∣gals Anno 1486. And for a long time yielded them 30000 Slaves yearly, which they carryed to Brasile to dig in their Sil∣ver Mines.

The Principal Port, and Center of all their Trade, being at Mosambique. I shall not instance the Trade thereof, because that in View of that, all the Trade of the Provinces is Comprehended.

CHAP. XXV. A View of Mosambique, and of the Trade thereof.

MOsambique is for the most part inha∣bited by Portugals, and has in it a strong Castle, wherein lives the Portugal Page  97 Captain, who has a grant of free Trade for himself, either in the Country, or in the Indies, which is not above 16 days Sail from thence; but when there, they must stay near 5 Months 'er they can re∣turn, or lose their Season; by Reason of the Mouson, as they call it, or Trading-Wind Blows all one way for so long. As for his Place it is very advantagious, yet of but 3 Years Continuance, at the Expiration of which he is obliged to go into India, and serve under the Vice-Roy.

The Commodities are chiefly Ingot, and dust Gold, or Sand Gold; which is found in abundance, there being sever•• Rich Mines adjacent, as well in the Islands, as on the Continent, where the King of Portugal keeps Factors to manage the trade, who barters, and sends Merchandise from one place to another, and so increase in the growth of each Province; nor is it less commodious for the reception of the Portu∣gal Fleet, either in their way to or from the Indies. There is found likewise Ele∣phants Teeth, Ebony, Ambergrease, &c. and from thence they carry Slaves to India.

Their Coyns of which there are but few, are the same with those of Portugal; as also are their Weights and Measures, a description of which I shall give, when Page  98 I come to take a View of the Trade of the Kingdom of Portugal.

CHAP. XXVI. A View of Aegypt, and the Provin∣ces thereof, as also of the Trade, Commodities, Coyns, Weights, Mea∣sures and Customs.

ON the East Egypt is bounded by the Red Sea, on the South with Aasia on the West with Cyrene, and on the North with the Mediterranean Sea, and Watered with the Fruitful River Nilus; which di∣viding it self into 7 Channels, and about the middle of June. Annually overfloweth it's Banks, and continues so to do for 4 days, laying all under Water; by Reason of which the Towns are seated upon Hills; and during the Inundation, their Com∣merce is by Skiffs and Boats.

This River is in Length 3000 Miles, and when it over-flows not, it portenteth some fatal disaster to the King or King∣dom; Page  99 and by this means the Land is Fer∣tilized, for as for Rain there is none. The chief Places of Traffick are Alexan∣dria, a famous Sea-Port, founded by A∣lexander the great, and Cairo commonly cal∣led Grand-Cairo, and in these Center the Trade of the whole Country. Therefore o∣mitting Places of lesser note, I shall on∣ly take a View of these two Cities, and their Commerce, with such as Trade in those parts, and first of Alexandria.

Alexandria first founded by Alexander the Great, in Expedition to Conquer the World, is the chief Maritim City of Egypt, and from all parts of the Kingdom are thi∣ther brought Flax, Hemp, Hony, Wax, Rice, Balsoms, Dates, Drugs, and Spices; and the Country in general produceth a∣bundance of Palm Trees, besides hither are brought the Plenty of Arabia, India, and Persia; as Spices, Drugs, Silks, &c. so that the Custom-House is accountable yearly for great Summs of Gold.

The nature of the Palm Trees that grow in that Country is this, they always grow in Cupples twisted, or twined, viz. Male and Female, the Female Palm only bears Fruit, and that not without the Male, for if the Male Palm be cut away, the Fe∣male will not bear; the Fruit is Cods with Page  100 Seed, and pleasant Juice, the Pith of these Trees is excellent in tast, and very nou∣rishing; of the Leaves, they make Fans, Mats, and Baskets; of the outward Husks of the Cod Cordage, and of the inward Brushes; the Fruit they bear is like a Fig which serves the Inhabitants for Meat green, and dryed for Bread.

The Weights used here are four sorts, first the Quintar of Zera, second the Quin∣tar of Forfor, third the Quintar of Zaidin, the fourth the Quintar of Mina; the first is found to be English 112 pounds, the second 93 pounds English, the third 134 pounds English, the fourth the 167 pounds English, Averdupois Weight.

The Measures are two-fold, viz. the Pico Barbaresco, which is used for the Mea∣suring of Cloath, both Linnen, and Wool∣len, and is in Length 25 ⅞ English Inches; and the Pico Turchesco, with which is Mea∣sured Silks, fine Stuffs, Cloath of Gold, &c. and is found to be 22 ¼ English Inch∣es; as for wet and dry Measures, they are of little use, the Customs being to sell by Weight for the most part.

CHAP. XXVII. A View of Cairo, and the Trade, Weights, Measures, and Customs thereof.

CAiro is a famous City, Situate in the vast Plain beneath the Mountains of Mucatun, and not above 2 Miles from the Bank of Nilus, adorned with many state∣ly Buildings, as Pallaces, Colledges, Tem∣ples, and the like; and has in it a large Burse, or Exchange of 3 Story high, the first of which consists of Ware-Houses, for Gross Goods; in the second, is laid up Musk, Amber, Silks, Spices, and the like; and in the third the Merchants who have Ware-Houses, there lodg with their Reti∣nues; which Merchants are of 6 sorts, first the Native Egyptians; secondly the Arabi∣ans, or Moors; thirdly the Merchants of Europe Christians; fourthly the Turks; fifthly the Jews, and sixthly the Christians of Affrica, as, Greeks, Armenians, &c.

The Lord of this City, and Country is the grand Signeour who governs by his Ba∣shaw Page  102 or Vice-King. The Commodities Traded for by the Europian Merchants, are Flax, Rice, Balsoms, Puls, Fruits, Cot∣tons, Sugars, Hemp, and the like; which according to the overflowing of Nilus the Soil yields in plenty, or Scarcity, so that when they have a plentiful Year; they make a Feast to Nilus, or the River God; as they Term him, and exceedingly Rejoyce thereto.

The yearly Revenue of this Kingdom, accrueing by Customs, and other ways a∣mount to 3 Millions of Sheraffes, each valued at 8 Shillings Sterling, one Million of which is sent to the grand Signeur, one for maintaining the forces of the Kingdom, and the other to enable the Bashaw to keep his Court.

The Customs are either payed in Species or compounded for at 10 per cent. only Money entred pays but one and a half per cent. but outward all Commodities pay 11 per cent. which is accounted the Soldan's Custom.

The Customs of Alexandria are farmed by the Jews at 20000 Medins per diem, which according to computation, amounts to 55000 pounds per Annum Sterling.

Their Weights and Measures, are the same with those of Alexandria. Page  103 The Currant Coyns in Egypt, are Spa∣nish Royals of 8 which they call Piastre, and Dollers the Meden the Asper the Sol∣tana, Xeriffe, and Cheqeen, the value of each as before recited.

Their Accounts are variously kept, some in one sort of Coyn, and some in ano∣ther. The chief Trade driven here by the European Christians, is by the French, and Venetians; the English having of late declined it, as having the growth of the Country or the same Commodities, at cheaper Rates in India, and Aleppo. And thus much for the Continent of Egypt.

CHAP. XXVIII. A View of the Isles of the Sea, ap∣pertaining to Africa, with their Commodities, Trade, Weight, Mea∣sures, &c.

THe Isles are these, viz. Madagascar, Zocotara, St. Thomas, the Canary I∣slands, the Islands of Assores, or Tarceras. Page  104 The first abounds in Ginger, Cloves, and Silver Mines, and was discovered by the Portugals Anno 1506. The money in use amongst the Natives are Glass Beads of Cambaia, which passes currant amongst them; their Weights and Measures are few, and those uncertain.

The second lyeth in the Mouth of the Red Sea, 10 Degrees Northward from the Equator, and yieldeth Cattle and Corn, but the chief thing Traded for is Aloes, which are sold by the Quintar, which Averdupois English is 93 pound.

The third lies under the Equinoctial, in which is a Colony of Portugals; the chief Commodity it yieldeth is Sugar, of which so much is made, as ladeth yearly 50 Ves∣sels of good Burthen; their Weights and Measures being the same with those used at Lisbone, as indeed wherever the Portu∣gals Plant themselves they impose their own Weights and Measures on the Inhabitants.

Fourthly the Canary Islands, which are 7 in number under the Protection of the King of Spain, are very Fruitful, abounding in Sugar-Canes, and those Birds we call Ca∣••ry Birds; and in Canary Wine, which takes it's name from the Islands, of which 4 or 500 Tuns are yearly exported, and dispersed over Europe. There is likewise Page  105 Wood of Excellent use for Dyers.

Hither the English trade, and for the growth of the Island Exchange Says, Serge, Bays, Linnen, &c.

Their Weights, Measures, and Coyns, are the same with those of Sevil; of which in order I shall speak.

Fifthly the Islands of Assores, or Tarce∣ras, directly under the Meridian, were first discovered by the Flemings, and a∣bound in Cattle, Corn, Wood, and the like; but are of little use, some for Har∣bouring, and re-victualling of Ships in their Voyage to the East-Indies, as are ma∣ny other small Islands, lying in that vast Ocean. And thus much shall suffice for Africa and the Trade thereof.

CHAP. XXIX. A View of Asia, and of the Trade, Manners, and Customs thereof to∣gether with the Description of their Currant Coyns, Weights, Measures, &c.

ASia Earths third Portion, is divided from Africa by the Red Sea, and Egyp∣tian Isthmus, and from Europe by the E∣gean Propontis, and Euxian Sea, by Palus Meotis, Tunais, Duina, &c. and is divid∣ed into these Regions or Provinces, viz. Anatolia, Syria, Palestina, Armenia, Arabia, Media, Assyria, Mesopotamia, Chaldea, Per∣sia, Parthia, Tartaria, China, India. And the Islands of the Sea.

Anatolia, or Natolias, is bounded on the East with Euphrates, on the West with Thracius Bosphorus, Propontis, the Helle∣spont, and Egean, on the North Propontis, Euxinus, and on the South bounded with the Rhodian, and Lycian Seas.

In this Province Smyrna, is the chief Ci∣ty of Trade, therefore passing over those of less note, I shall Center the Trade of Page  107 the whole Province, in that one City.

Smyrna, the City to which the Church of which St. John directed his Revelation, is Seated at the Bottom of a Gulgh, called the Gulph of Smyrna; where resides an English Consul, and the like for the French, and Venetians. The Principal Trade having been lately removed from Scio thither, by Reason of the advanta∣gious Harbour for Shipping. This City is under the Government of the Grand Sig∣neur, and is Inhabited by all Nations, but especially Traded to by the English, French, and Venetians. The Commodities found there, which are brought by the A∣rabians, Persians, and other Merchants of Asia, and sold to the Christian Traders in that Port, are Cotton Wools, Galls, Anniseeds, Wax, Cordovant, Cottons wrought Grogram, Yarn, Cute, Carpets, Grograms, Chamblets, Mohairs, Fruits, Drugs, and store of Persian Silk; which is brought on Camels, and Dromidaries by Land; for which they receive of our Mer∣chants in Exchange Suffolk, Essex, and Glo∣cester Cloaths, Yorkshire, and Hampshire Kersies, Lead, Tinn, Pepper, Calicoes, In∣dico, Cloves, Cinnamon, and the like; which Spices were formerly the growth of those Countries; but in the intestine Wars, the Page  108 Trees for the most part destroyed, and now supplyed by our Merchants being brought from India.

The Venetians Trade with them for Pep∣per, Cloath, wrought Silk, Velvets, and the French bring thither, Cloath, Paper, and Bullion, the latter of which they con∣vert to Coyn, Stamped with the Effigies and Motto of the Grand Signeour for the most part, and the same with what is currant all over his Empire; which when I come to take a View of Constanti∣nople, and the Trade thereof, I shall de∣scribe.

The Weights in use, is the Quintar, which contains 100 Rotolos, or 24 Oaks, which are found to be 400 Drams. They have likewise the Lodoro, being 176 Drams, and the Pound Averdupois, has appeared to be 148 Drams, and the Quintar of 42 Oaks to be 119 pound English, tho some∣times but 117.

Their Measures are two, viz. one for Linnen, and the other for Woollen, to which as before in the Weights, I shall re∣fer the Reader to those of Constantinople, they being in effect the same.

The Custom-House of Smyrna, is for the most part farmed of the Grand Signeour, and three per cent. only taken of the English Page  109 Merchants, unless upon Extraordinary oc∣casions; and altho there has been an Edict, Published by the Grand Signeour, that no Goods paying in one Port of his Domini∣ous, and brought into an other Port, shall pay any more duty, yet it is not observed, but the Merchants are obliged to compound with the Customers upon that occasion. But this Custom of 3 per cent. is only to the English, by virtue of their Treaty, for the French, Dutch, and Venetians pay 5 per cent.

The charges of the Port for Ships, before they can be cleared, are sometimes pay'd in Commodities, and sometimes in Money, as they can agree; and the most part are thus. To the Cadie 5 Pico of Venetian Cloath, and Cony Skins to leave it. To the Cadies Servant, 3 ½ Picos English Cloath, to the Cadies Caya, 3 Picos of what Cloath he shall chuse, to the Cadies Scrivan, a Chicquen in Gold. To the Cadies Page, 2 ½ Dollars, to the Mosier Bashaw, 1 ½ Picos of Cloath, to the Cadies Janizaries, a Chicquen in Gold; all of which is commonly accounted to be worth 68 or 69 Dollars. But to conclude, the Trade of this Port, is most in request for the abundance of Cotton; which grows in the adjacent parts, after this manner Page  110 about the Spring of the Year, it is sow∣ed and comes up with a Slender Stalk like Wheat; but strong as a Cane, and bears a Bearded Head, exceeding hard, but when Ripe it opens of it self, and yields both Seed, and Cotton, the first of which they Preserve to Sow again, and the lat∣ter they sell to the English and French to the quantity yearly of 20000 Quin∣tals.

CHAP. XXX. A View of Syria, and the Trade thereof.

SYria is bounded with the Mediterranean Sea on the West, on the East with Euphrates, on the South with Palestine, and on the North with Cilicia, and contains 3 Provinces, viz. Phaenicia, Caelosyria, and Sy∣rophaenicia.

In Phaenicia, are Principally found the Ci∣ties of Acria, and Sidon, where the chief Trade and Commerce is with the Vene∣tians, Page  111 and French, who Traffick with the Inhabitants for Corn, Galls, Wool, and Wax, and in the lieu thereof give them Spices, and Europian Cloath.

Their Weights are the Cantar of Acria which makes 603 pound English, and the Rottolo which is 4 pound 5 ½ Ounces Eng∣lish, and 650 Drams. Their Measures are the Brace, with which they Measure their Cloath, and other Commodities. Their Coyns, especially theirs of Sidon, and the Ryals of 8/• Spanish, and Chickqeens of Gold, the Ryal going currant for 70 As∣pers, and the Chickqeens at 108, but seldom continue long at a setled value; and thus much for the Province of Phaenicia.

Syrophaenicia, contains the City of Baruti, formerly called Julia Felix, once a City of great Trade, but of late reduced to strait∣er Limits and little Trade; all they have with Europe, is from the Venetians. Their Commodities are Wax, Drugs, some Silks, and such like Commodities common to Asia.

Their Weights is the Cantar, contain∣ing 100 Rotolo's, each Rotolo being accounted 502 pound English.

Their Measure is the Pico, 100 con∣taining 86 Venetian Braces.

Their Trade for the most parts is with Page  112 the Merchants of Arabia, Persia, and Turky, who bring thither their Merchandise, at certain Seasons, when the Carravan sets out, not otherwise daring to venture for fear of the Rovers that Rob in great Troops.

The chief Metropolis of Caelosyria, is Da∣mascus; which is the Principal Scale of Trade in that Province. Therefore so that in describing the Trade of that, the rest will be included.

CHAP. XXXI. A View of Damascus, of the Trade, Weights, Measures, and Currant Coyn thereof.

DAmascus is Accounted the Head of Syria, and is pleasantly Seated; abounding in all manner of plenty, as Grapes, Corn, Cattle, Cottons, Saffron, Steel, Raw Silk, Oyl, Honey, Wax, Balsom, Almonds, Dates, and Rice, which are all the growth of the Country, and brought thither by Page  113 the Merchants; as the chief Mart for which they receive (but mostly of the Veneti∣ans) Woollen Cloath, Tinn, Quick-Sil∣vet, Lead, Latten Wire, Plates, Brim∣stone, Allum, Beads, Bracelets, Looking-Glasses, Canvas, Furs, Sugar, Paper, Vel∣vet, Taffata, Damask, Coral, Beads, and the like; for which besides the above∣mentioned Wares, at sundry Seasons, they receive Ginger, Cloves, Mace, Sandals, Incense, Myrrh, Nutmegs, Indico, Gal∣lingal, Long-Pepper, Mirobulans, Armoni∣ack, Alloes Epatica, Cardimon, Turbith, Sanguis Draconis, Sugar Candia, Worm-seed, Zedoaria, Spicknard, Cinnamon, Tu∣tia, Benjamin, Assa Faetida, Manna, and Champhir, which are sold by the Cantar of Damasco, or the Rottolo; some Musk, Ambergrease, and Pearls, are found there likewise.

Their Weights are the Cantar, and Rot∣tolo, the former making 600 Venetian pound Sotile, and 380 pound Gross, which is accounted 416 pound Averdupois.

The Measure of length is the Pico, and is accounted 27 Inches, with which they Measure their Cloath, Stuffs, and Silks, and to each Measure allow the vantage of a Hands breadth; and in all Weights Tare of the Casks, Bags, or packing Mats. Their Coyn Page  114 is the Asper, they have likewise Currant, the Chickqeens of Gold, and some few Ryals. And thus much for Damascus, so famous of old, as is mentioned in Holy Writ.

CHAP. XXXI. A View of Aleppo, and the Trade thereof, with the Descriptions of the Weights; Measures, Manners, and Customs of that famous City.

ALeppo formerly called Aram Sobab, is Seated on a fair and fertile Plain, and Beautifyed with many stately Buildings; each Street being nightly shut up with Folding Gates, and the Merchants Caves or Ware-Houses, fortifyed with Iron Gates, the Trade of Tripoly being by the General consent of the Merchants removed hi∣ther, Merchants of all Nations making it now their Scale of Trade, tho an Inland City being Seated about 100 English Miles from the Sea; so that from the port of Page  115 Alexandretta, or Scanetaroon, the Merchan∣dise coming by Shipping, are Laden on Ca∣mels, and conveyed thither; that Country being in Subjection likewise to the Grand Signeur.

The Commodity brought by the Mer∣chants of Persia, Arabia, and India, are Drugs, Gems, Spices, Silks, &c. and the growth of the Country affordes Grogo∣rams, Galls, Grogram Yarn, Cotton, &c. there is likewise found Silk of Tripoly, Ba∣cai, Bedovin, and Damasco.

And this is the chief Scale of Trade, for our English Levant Merchants; all other of his Majesties Subjects, being prohibit∣ed to Trade thither: and by what is vend∣ed there yearly, the Reader may Judge of the profits accruing thereby, viz. 6000 Cloath and upwards, of several sorts 600 Quintals of Tinn, and not less then 100000, Ryals of 8/8 in ready Money, besides Lin∣nen, Stuffs, Furs, and other things of English growth, for all which they have large re∣turns.

The next who Trade to Aleppo of note are the Venetians, who bring thither Wire, Latten, Plates, shaven Latten, wrought Silk, Steel, Ryals of 8 Chickqueens of Gold, Crystal, Looking-Glasses, Damask, Quicksilver, Paper, and the like; for Page  116 which they receive all sorts of Cotten, both in Wool, and Yarn; as likewise Grograms, Mohaires, Drugs, Spices, Gems, Calls, Indicos, and the like; and upon the same Score, the French Trade thither, all of them having Consuls, or Vice-Counsuls Resident in Aleppo, Alexandretto, or some place adjacent to manage their affairs.

The Weights of this place, are the Rot∣tolo, Dram, and Wesno; by the latter of which little other Commodities then Per∣sian Silk is sold.

The Rottolo is 12 Ounces, the Dram, the 60 part of an Ounce; and 3600 is ac∣counted to the Wesno, yet for Silver, Gold, and Gems, they have other Weights; as the Mitigal and Carat, the former of which is 1 ½ Drams, which is Carats 24 English, or Grains 96, &c.

All sorts of Indico is there sold by the Churl, which is accounted 27 ½ Rottolos, of 720 Drams, Churls, 2 make a Chest, 327 pounds neat Indico being allowed to a Churl; 3 Ounces for dust, 3 Ounces for Single shirt, and 6 Ounces for double shirt, being over and above allowed to the Buyer.

Silk of all sorts hath allowance, from Heads of Skeins, if coarse 100 in 130 Drams per Wesno, if fine yet 60 Drams; Page  117 Musk sold by the Mittigal, out of the Cods, gives no allowance, but in the Cod •0 per cent. Drugs of the proper growth of the Country, are sold by the Rottolo of 720 Drams; and is exempted from Custom, but as for Drugs of Forrein growth they are weighed by the Rottolo of 600 Drams, as Camphir, Alloes Socotrine, &c. and pay large Customs, even as the Buyer can agree; Silks of the growth give no allowance in Tare, as being fine and clean, Opium is allowed 10 Drams in the 100.

Spices of all sorts are sold by the Rot∣tolo 720 Drams, but if ungarble, that is unseparated the good from the bad, 32 Drams in the 100 are allowed, that is 132 for 100, but if Garbled 10 Ounces only. Galls are allowed for dust, and defect 2 per cent. Aloes Epaticum, Aloes Socotrina, Assa∣faetida with the Skins, as also Bedellium allow 20 in the 100 for waste. Cinnamon, Cubebs, Cassia Fistula, Oculus Indi, Galbanum, Maces, Opium, Rhubarb, Manna, &c. al∣low 10 per 100. Camphora, Lignum Alloes, and Nutmegs allow 5 per 100.

The Measure used here is the Pico, ac∣counted 27 English Inches.

The Coyns found currant, are those common throughout the Ottoman Empire, viz. the Soltany which 80 Medines 120 Page  118 Aspers and 16 Shillings English. The Ly∣on Dollar, which is 50 Medines, 80 Aspers, and 10 Shillings English, the Ducat which is 40 Medines, 60 Aspers, and 7 Shillings 6 Pence English. Ryals of 8/• have passed 6 ½ per cent. better then Lyon Dollars 1 ½ Ryals 8/• hath passed for a Soltany.

Their Accompts are kept in Dollars, and Aspers, which go currant amongst the Christian Merchants; 80 Aspers being ac∣counted to the Dollar, and 1250 Dollars accounted 312 pound 10 Shillings Sterling.

The Customs pay'd by the English, are 3 per cent. tho sometimes more, but as it was agreed between the Mustapha A∣ga, the Receiver of Customers; and the English Consul I shall set down for the better Instruction of Young Factors, and so con∣clude the Trade of Aleppo.

The Customs thus, Kersies rated at Medines 14 3/2 per Peice at 3 per cent. Broad Cloath at 120 Medines per Cloath at 3 per cent. Cony-Skins the Bundle containing 50 Skins, at 14 Dollars. Tinn rated at 50 Rotolo's per chest, and 32 Dollars is 137 ½ Dollars. Indico at 587 Medines per chest. Galls at 12 Dollars per Rottolo. Grograms the Bale at 33 Dollars. Fidales per Quin∣tal at 33 Dollars. Cotton Wool, per cent. 33 Dollars. Quilt per Baile 50 Dollars. Page  119 Battanos per Bale 80 Dollars, Corduvants per Bale 80 Dollars, Turmerick per Roto∣lo 80 Medines, Gum Dragant per Bale 60 Dollars; all Spices, as Cloves, Mace, Nut∣megs, Cinamon, &c. pay 21 per cent. but are rated at 14 per cent. less then the same Cost; as Commodities of India, viz. Nut∣megs valued at Medines 6; Cloves per Rottolo at 160, Mace per Rottolo 220, Ci∣namon per Rottolo at 30 Medines; Pepper is charged but with half Custom, and con∣sequently rated at half less then it cost; and thus much for the Trade of Aleppo.

CHAP. XXXIII. A View of Tripoly, and the Trade thereof.

THis City, to distinguish it from that Piratical City in Barbary bearing the same name, is called Tripoly of Syria; and was formerly the Scale of Trade, but it has been of late removed to Aleppo, as is be∣fore mentioned; so that now it has little Page  120 Trade with Europe, except what the Vene∣tians find there. The Commodities vended, are Cotton in Yarn and Wool, Drugs of several sorts, Corn and some Spices. The Weight used there, is the Rottolo, of 100 pound; which has been found to be 416 pound Averdupois; allowing 52 Drams to the Ounce. The Monies currant, are As∣pers, Dollars, Lyons, and Soltinies; the Common Money of Syria; and thus much for the Trade of that Region.

CHAP. XXXIV. A View of Palestine, and the Provin∣ces, Trade, Weights, Measures, Customs, and Currant Coyn thereof.

THe Provinces of Palestine are 4, viz. Galilea, Judaea, Idumea, and Samaria. In these Provinces, the chief Cities are Ga∣za, and Tyrus; which at present afford but little Trade, and what is afforded, is carryed on by the Venetians; the Com∣modities of the former are Cottons in Page  121 Wool, and Yarn; several sorts of Drugs, and Spices. The Coyns currant there are those of Turky, the Weights used are the Rottolo, and Cantar, 100 Rotolo's going to the Cantar.

The latter, viz. Tyrus, formerly very famous for Navigation; as appears by the Description of that City in Holy Writ, but now wants that Trade, being Subjected by the Turks; so that what Trade remains is amongst themselves, or such Neighbours as do not make any great advantage there∣of; their Weights, Measures, and Coyns, are those used throughout the Turkish Dominions.

CHAP. XXXV. A View of Armenia, and the Pro∣vinces thereof, together with the Trade; as likewise of Arabia, the Provinces, and Trade thereof.

ARmenia is bounded on the East with Media, and the Caspian Sea, on the West with the River Euphrates, and the Euxian Sea, on the North with Tartary, and on the South with Mesopotamia; and divided into 3 Provinces, viz. Georgia, Colchis, and Turcomania; and is in Subjecti∣on to the Grand Signeour, and abounds in Cattle, Fruits, Corn, and such like; but has little Commerce with Merchants, e∣specially by Navigation.

Arabia is divided into 3 parts, viz. Arabia Desarta, Arabia Petrosa, and Ara∣bia Faelix. The first of which is bounded on the East with the Persian Gulph, on the West with the Red Sea, on the North with Mesopotamia, and on the South with the Arabian Ocean; and is memorable for nothing more, then the Children of Israels Page  123 wandering in it 40 Years, in their Journey out of Egypt to the Land of Promise; be∣ing altogether Barren; nor is the second less sterile, so that the Inhabitants live up∣on Robberies, and Spoil of such Merchants Goods as pass through upon Camels to Aleppo, and other Places.

Arabia Faelix differs from the former, as being Fertile even beyond Expression, exceeding the Richest Country in Asia in it's abounding with Balsoms, Mirrh, Frankincense, Gold, Pearls, Spices, Man∣na, and Drugs of most sorts which are carryed by the Merchants to Aleppo, and other Mart Cities and Towns, and from thence dispersed over the known World.

The chief Towns are Medina, and Me∣cha, famous for being the one the Birth place, and the other the Burial place of the Impostor Mahomet; as also Aden.

The Weights and Measures, are the same with those of Morocco, and Tunis; and their Coyns are the Asper, the Soltany, and Chequin, &c.

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 Page  125 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.

CHAP. XXXVII. A View of Media, and the Provin∣ces thereof, as also of their Trade, Weights, Measures, and the like.

MEdia is bounded on the West with Armenia, on the South with Persia, on the North with the Caspian Sea, and on the East with Parthia; the chief Cities are Tauris, Sultania, and Derbent; of which the former is the Metropolis, and commonly made the Summer Seat of the Per∣sian Sophy, and is conjectured to contain 100000. Inhabitants; the Trade thereof consists chiefly in Raw-Silk, of which there is store; which is Traded for by our English Merchants, and others, and what remains is sent to Aleppo, viz 2000. Summs yearly; the City affords likewise rich Carpets, and some Drugs, Spices, Cottons, Galls, Allum, and the like; it being now in the Subjection of the Persian Monarch.

The Weights and Measures, are for the most part the same with those of Babylon, Page  127 viz. the Rottolo, Cantar, and Pico; the Country round about is very Fertile in Corn, and plants, as also in the produ∣cing all manner of necessaries, for the pro∣duction of Cattle.

CHAP. XXXVIII. A View of Persia, The Province•, Cities, Trade, Weights, Measures, and Commodities thereof.

PErsia is bounded on the East with the River Indus, on the South with the main Ocean, on the North with the Caspian Sea, and on the West with Tygris, and the Persian Gulf; and is divided into 11 Provinces, viz. Persis, Susiana, Carama∣nia, Gedrosia, Drangiania, Arica, Arachosia, Parapomisus, Saccha, Hircania, and Ormus; all large Provinces.

Persis has of late changed it's name to that of Far, and is bounded with the Per∣sian Gulph, Caramania, Susiana, and Media; and abounds in rich Merchandise, especi∣ally Page  128 Silk, Drugs, and some Spices.

Casbin is now accounted the chief Ci∣ty of Persia, and lately the residency of the Sophies, and is adorned with many stately Edifices, but chiefly Beautifyed with the Bussars or Exchanges, which are ma∣ny, and stored with Rich Commodities; as Jewels, Drugs, Spices, Silks, either in Damasks, Velvets, or Raw; where like∣wise the Merchants of several Nations Trading thither, meet in the same man∣ner as at London. Their Weights, Mea∣sures, and Coyns, agree with those of His∣phan; of which in order I shall Treat, and therefore refer the Reader to View them there.

Balsara is Seated on the Persian Gulph, upon the mouth of Euphrates; and con∣tains the Commodities of Arabia, Turky, India, and Persia, by Reason of it's com∣modious Situation, and is in Subjection to the Grand Signeour, as reduced to his Obedience by force of Armes, Anno 1550. And pays Customs to his Intendant or Vi∣zar Bashaw 5 per cent. upon Cloaths, Silks, and the like; but to every 100 a Tare, or allowance of 3 pound is Customary, and their Weights is generally the Wesun ac∣counted 16 of them to the Cantar of A∣leppo.

Page  129Casan is frequented by the Merchants of India, and the Commodities for the most part consist of the Manufacture of the Ci∣tizens, as Shashes, Turbants, Girdles, Velvets, Sattins, Dammask, Ormustus Carpets, &c. and thither are brought Diamonds, Pearles, Rubies, Turquoisies, Spices, &c. and a Law there is, that all Persons a∣bove the Age of 6 Years shall give up their Names to the Magistrate; and with a Satisfactory account by what means he or she get their Livings, and if they be found in a false Tale, they are either Bat∣tooned, or put to some Publick slavery for a time.

Caramania is a Fertile Province, as to ne∣cessary Provisions, and other ways only worthy of note, for the Cloath of Gold made there; as for Gedrosia, Drangiana, Arica, Arachosia, Parapomisis, Saccha, and Hircania, they are of little note as to Trade, and therefore I shall pass them over.

Ormus the last Province of Persia, is exceedingly in request, abounding in Com∣modities of Value, and is divided by an Arm of the Sea, of 12 Miles over from the Continent, and is much frequented by Merchants, Trading in those parts. The Commodities are chiefly Carpets, Tape∣stry, Page  130 Shashes, Grograms, Mohairs, Turky Camlets, Arabian Drugs, Indian Gems, and Spices, it being the Principal Mart, or Magazine of all the Eastern Commodities; for in April and September, the Carravans come thither strongly Guarded from A∣leppo, Syria, and other Countries, taking Ship at Balsara, and bring all manner of Rich Commodities, that are to be found in the Traffick of the Mediterranean. The most advantagious Sea-ports in those parts are Jasques, and Gombroue, where the English Ships Trade for this Kingdom, as likewise the Camels, and Drommidaries of the Indian, and other Merchants that Travel by Land. Their Weight is the Dram, 96 of which make a pound Aver∣dupois. Their Measures are the Coveda, short and long; the former is accounted 27, and the latter 37 Inches, and are used in measuring the proper Manufacture of Persia.

The Monies currant are the Bessee of Cop∣per, which is 4 Cosbags, the Shahee of Sil∣ver, which is 2 ½ Bessees, 29 Cosbegs, or 4 pence Sterling; the Abashee of Silver, which is 2 Mamothis, 40 Cosbegs, or 16 pence Sterling; the Mamothis which is 2 Shahees, 29 Cosbegs or 8 pence Sterling, The Asar of Gold which is 20 Shahees, Page  131 or 6 Shillings 6 pence Sterling. The Toman of Gold which is 10 Asars, or 3 pound 6 Shillings 8 pence Sterling, as al∣so the Larrees, which are reckoned at 10 pence Sterling.

CHAP. XXXIX. A View of Hispahan, and of the Trade thereof.

HIspahan formerly called Hecatompolis, from it's 100 Gates, is one of the Principal Cities of the Persian Domini∣ons; Beautifyed with Red Marble-Walls, of prodigious height, stately Buildings, as Palaces, Seraglio's, and the like; adorn∣ed with Ivory, Ebony, Alabaster, and Car∣pets of Silk and Gold. The Inhabitants do all their business on Horseback, unless such as are Slaves; and the City abounds in the stores of India, Arabia, Turky, Rus∣sia, and China, which for the most part are brought thither upon Dromidaries; and again disposed of to such Merchants as Trade thither.

Page  132The price of Carriage is thus, 100 Maunds of Wares from Sciras to Hispahan cost 70 Sehids, and from Hispahan to Casan 60 Sehids, from Hispahan to Ormus, by Sciras 120 Sehids; and lastly from Hispahan to Tauris 40 Sehids.

The Weights are the Dram, the Mit∣tigal, and the Maund, or Maundshaw, 100 of the first make 66 ⅔ of the Second, and of the second 1200 maketh the third: the Mea∣sures are the Cavedo, long and short, and are as in the foregoing Chapter; as also the Coyns currant here agree with those of Ormus. Silks are found here in abun∣dance, both wrought and Raw. And thus much for Persia, and the Trade thereof.

CHAP. XL. A View of Tartaria, of the Trade, Weights, Measures, Currant Coyns, and Customs thereof.

TArtary the next division of Asia, is bounded on the West with Muscovia, on the South with the Caspian Sea and Hill Page  133 Taurus, on the East with the main Oce∣an, and on the North with the Frozen Sea, and is divided into 5 Kingdoms or Provinces, under the Subjection of the great Cham, viz. Precopensis, Asiatica An∣tiqua, Zagathai, and Cathaia; but for as much as the last Province, is only abound∣ing in known Trade, and yields the Com∣modities of all the rest: I shall only in∣sist upon it, and in the Description of the Trade of Cambalu, lay down what ever is to be found in that vast Country.

Cambalu is the Metropolitan of Cathai, through which Runs the River Po••sanga and is in circuit accounted 28 Miles, a∣dorned with stately Pallaces, and other Edifices, being the Seat of the great Cham; who maintains 5000 Astrologers or Wizards, and 12 or 14000 Horse for his ordinary Guard. The Merchants that Trade thither, have their Caves or Store-Houses in the Suburbs, which are in great number.

The Commodities of the Country are Rice, Grain, Ruhbarb, Coral, Silk, Wool, Hemp, and the like; they have likewise Silver Mines, and some yielding Gold Ore, yet their Coyn for the most part is made of the inmost Bark of a Mulbery Tree cut round, stamped with the Princes Seal, Page  134 and upon pain of Death, none dare Coyn any other, or refuse to take it, tho in some places they have pieces of Coral, twigs of Gold, and Salt Loaves which go at certain rates in Exchange; but the mo∣ney is as aforesaid, and those Merchants are obliged to take it for their Richest Commodities, and put it away again for such as the Country affords; they have Spices, Gems, and Drugs; but not of natural growth, but are beholden to the Arabians and Indians for them; their Coun∣try by Reason of the long continuing cold, not being capable of producing them.

Their Weights are those used general∣ly throughout the Provinces, viz. the gross Cantar, and the small Cantar; the former of which is only used in weighing Gross Goods, and is accounted 268 pound English, the small Cantar is 103 pound English.

All their Grain, and other such like Commodities, they vend by a Measure, called the Chistetto which makes 8 ½ Staios Venice.

The Measure for Silks, Stuffs, and Cloath is the Pico, 100 of which make 126 Braces Venice. And thus much for Tartary; which is mostly Inhabited by Thieves and Rovers; who rather live Page  135 by Spoil then Trade, being morose, Savage people, fit for so cold and Barren a Coun∣try, as for the most part. Therefore leav∣ing this Frozen Clime, I shall pass into India far more Fruitful and Commodi∣ous.

CHAP. XLI. A View of India, intra, & extra Gangem, of the Provinces, Trade, Customs, and valuable Commodities thereof.

INdia is bounded on the West with the River Indus, on the East with China, on the North Tartary, and on the South with the Ocean; and is divided into 2 parts, viz. India Intra Gangem, and In∣dia Extra Gangem; the first contains nine Principal Kingdoms, viz. Narsinga, Mala∣var, Ballasia, Cambaia, Mandao, Bengala, Aristan, Canora, and Dellia; and the se∣cond 7 Kingdoms, viz. Macin, Aracan, Chambaia, Couchin-china, Barma, Siam, and Page  136 Pegu. The whole Country taking its Name from the River Indus, which runs 1000. Miles ere it meets the Sea.

As for the Trade of the Indies, I shall briefly lay it down in the Description of the Principal Scales of Traffick, and first of Diu.

Diu is an Island lying about 20 Leagues distant from the River Indus, and is un∣der the protection of the King of Por∣tugal, the Portugals indeed being the first Discoverers of those Tracts; and have a very good Haven for Shipping, whither resort the Merchants of Arabia, Turky, Persia, Armenia, &c. bringing the Richest Commodities of the growth of those Na∣tions, as likwise all the Banians, Gusrates, and Rumos; that Trade in Cambaia, and from thence to the Red-Sea and Meca, bring thi∣ther their Merchandise.

The Commodities this place affordeth, are Cotton of Linnen of sundry sorts, which there are called Jorims, Sluyers, and Lamparads, and are in England called Cal∣lico's; also there are abundance of Cocus-Oyl, Indian-Nuts, Butter, Pitch, Tar, Sugar-Candia, Iron, excellent Leather Ar∣tificially wrought with Silks of all Colours; Chests, Cupboards, Boxes, of curious work inlay'd with Mother Pearl and other rare divices.

Page  137As for the Weights, and Measures of this place, I refer the Reader to the De∣scription of Goa, and the Trade thoreof; and thus much for the Town and Island of Diu.

CHAP. XLII. A View of Cambaia, of the Trade, Weights, Measures, Coyns, Com∣modities, and Customs thereof.

CAmbaia giveth a Kingdom its Name, being the Metropolis of Cambaia; and is vast in circuit, adjudged to contain no less then 800000. Inhabitants; Seated up∣on the River Indus, being a City of the greatest Trade in those Parts, and thi∣ther resort Christians, Persians and Arabians; and there both the English and Dutch have Factories. But the Natives who are called the Gensurates, and Banians, are the Richest Merchants, and greatest Traders; as like∣wise of late grown so Politick, that they have an insight into-most Commodities.

Page  138The Commodities this City and Coun∣try afford are Callico's of all sorts, Corn, Rice, Butter, Oyl, rich Carpets, fine Chests, Cupboards, Carved and Imbellished with Mother Pearl, Plates of Silver, Ivory, and the like; there are found in this Country many precious Stones of great va∣lue, as Rubies, Jacinths, Chrisolites, Amber, Jaspar, Spinals, Granads, and Agats, as likewise several Rich Drugs, as Opium, Camphora, Bangue, and Sandal-Wood; as also Sugars and Indico in abundance. The like Commodities are likewise found in Bi∣anny, Fetterbarre, Shersky, and Labore. In this Tract is the famous Port of Surrat, which at this day the Dutch make their chief Scale of Trade, and whither all the Commodities of these Countries are brought, especially those Subject to the Scepter of the great Mogul.

The currant Coyns are Mahomodies tho very Scarce, and are each accounted 12 pence Sterling, the Casanna Ruppy Esteem∣ed worth 3 Shillings 3 pence Sterling, the Jaquire Ruppe, 5 of which make 6 Casanna Ruppies, the Saway Ruppy valued at 11 Shil∣lings 3 pence Sterling, the Honde Ruppy valued at 2 Shillings 3 pence. In which and the Casanna Ruppy, the Merchants of Gusurat keep their Accounts. They have Page  139 likewise smaller pieces, which are ac∣counted 34 to the Mahmudy, and the Sahhee, which is accounted 10 Cosbegs; tho in some places they differ in value, tho the difference is inconsiderable.

The Weights used throughout the Mo∣gul's Dominions are 3, one proper for Silk, and the other for all other Merchandise, viz. the pice which in Silk is accounted 5 ½ Mittigals, a Mittigal being about 13 Troy penny Weights, and the Sear small and great, which vary much, viz. the Sear of Surrat is 18 Pices Weight of Copper-money, and accounted 13 ½ Ounces Aver∣dupois, the Sear of Agra called the Sear. Acoberg is 30 Pices and 22 Ounces Aver∣dupois. The Sear of Agra, called the Sear Janquery 36 Pices and 26 ⅔ Ounces Aver∣dupois; and so in several other places va∣ry according to the Custom of the place. They have in use likewise 2 Maunds, a Maund small of Surrat, being 40 small Sears of that place and 33 pound Averdu∣pois, the other is 40 great Sears, which makes 54 ⅜ pound English, and these are Multiplyed into a Candil of Surrat, and Cambaia which contains 20 Maunds.

The Measures at Cambaia & Surrat are two, viz. the Cavado, long & short, the last of which is used in Measuring of Silks, and is 27 Inch∣es Page  140 English, the first is used in Measuring of Woollen Cloath, and is 35 English In∣ches; but in Agra, Labore Dilli, and Brampore, the short Cavado is found to be 32 Inches; as for Concave Measures, none are found in the Moguls Country, their Liquids as well as Grain, and other dry Com∣modities being sold by Weight. And thus much for Cambaia and the Trade there∣of.

CHAP. XLIII. A View of Goa, the Trade, Commo∣dities, Weights, Measures, Coyns, and Customs thereof, and of the Pearl Fishery.

GOa is a famous City at present, the Seat of the Portiguize Vice-Roy and Arch-Bishop; and is Seated in an Island to which it gives Name, and is the chief Mart or Scale of Trade on that part of India; for hither resort Merchants who bring the Commodities of Persia, Arabia, Armenia, Cambaia, Pegu, Siam, Bengalia, Malacca, Page  141 Java, Molucco, and China; a Port it has, Capacious for the Reception of Shipping, but those of great Burthen are obliged to Anchor at Bardes, some Miles short of Goa, by Reason of the Shallowness of the Wa∣ter, where are purposely Built Sore-Hous∣es, for the reception of such Merchandise as are brought thither, which are set to Sail in the chief Street every day, from 7 to nine in the Morning, in the nature of our Fairs in England; during which time a great concourse of Merchants and others buy up what Commodities they like best, or can agree for; and in this place all the Natives of one Craft live in distinct Streets, being injoyned under severe Penalties, not to Marry out of their own Trade, nor put their Children to any other Trade. Their Winter which consists only in terri∣ble Rains, begins about the last of April, and continues till September.

The Commodities of the growth of this Island, consist only in Palm-Trees and Co∣cus; but hither are brought Silk, Spices, Jewels, and all the Manufactures of India, Arabia, Persia, Armenia, &c.

The Weights used here, are the Quintal and Rove, the proper Weights of Portugal, and are used in weighing most European Com∣modities. They have likewise a Maund of 12 Page  142 pound Averdupois; another Weight they have proper to the Weighing of Pepper, which is here found in abundance and near∣ly corresponds with our neat hundred.

Their Measure for Grain, and the like, is the Medida of which 24 make a Maund, and 20 Maunds are 14 Bushels English. Their Measure of Length is consistent with those of Lisbon, to which I refer the Rea∣der.

As for their Coyns, they are two sorts, good and bad, so that when Merchants Trade, they as well include in their Bar∣gain, what Coyn they shall receive or pay, as what Goods they buy or sell.

The common Money is the Pardus Xe∣raphin, worth 300 Res of Portugal, or 3 Testons, which are valued at 4 Shillings 6 pence Sterling, one Pardus is worth 4 good Tangas, and one good Tangas is worth 4 good Ventins or 5 Badoves, a Ventine good is worth 18 bad Basarucos or 15 good ones, 3 Basarucos good, are 2 Res of Por∣tugal. There are currant likewise the Per∣sina Larins of Silver worth 110 Basarucos, also the Pagode of Gold worth 10 Tangas, and is accounted 8 Shillings Sterling, the Ve∣netiander of Gold worth two Pardus Shera∣phin, the St. Thomas of Gold worth 8 Tangas, the Royal of 8/• called Pardus d' Reales worth Page  143 440 Res of Portugal; as for the Larins of Per∣sia, they continue not at any setled price, but rise & fall, as the trade increases or decreases.

All the money received in way of Trade, passes through the Hands of the Sheraffs; a kind of Officers, who for a small consi∣deration for telling each Summ, are bound to make it good, either in Tale or good∣ness, &c.

Having thus far proceeded, I shall now give the Reader a Relation of the Pearl-Fishery; a View of which may be both pleasant and profitable to the Reader, as thus.

When the time of this Fishery draweth near, which is about the middle of March; the Boats go out, and let down their Di∣vers to find where the Beds of Oysters lye, by Reason they continue not always in one place; which being found, the Gal∣lies Armed, that are appointed to defend the Fisher-men from Rovers, Anchor, or Cruse at a distance from the Shoar, and then the Fisher-men set up a kind of a Wooden Village to contain their necessaries, and to Lodg in till the time of Fishing be over, and then put out their Boats or Barks, in each of which is 10 men at least, who moor∣ing by their Anchors, fasten a great Stone, or Iron Weight to the end of a Rope, and Page  144 then one of them Stripping, has his Ears and Nose stopped with Wool, dipped in Oyl, and sometimes a Sponge dipped in Oyl in his mouth, and a Basket fast'ned to his left Arm, or about his Neck; he gets astride upon the Stone or Weight, and with it Sinks to the Bottom, his Companions hold∣ing one end of the Rope, by which when he has filled his Basket, they draw him up, he giving them notice when to do so by pulling the Rope, and when he is come up, another is ready to go down; and so take it by turns till their Bark is full of Fish; which then they carry to Shoar and lay on heaps, every Boats heap by it self, and so continue diving, for the most part in 14 or 15 Fathom Water, till the middle of April, or sometimes till the latter end; by which time those they first took are opened by the heat of the Sun, which drys away the moisture; and then each Boats Crue and such others as they have to help them fall to searching for the Pearls, but find them not in every Shell, nor at all times of the same perfection; when the Pearls are gathered, there are certain Persons that View and sort them, dividing them into 4 distinctions, and accordingly set Prices on them, as they are in Largeness, Beauty and Goodness, which they discern by a small in∣strument full of holes.

Page  145The divisions of Pearls are these: The first, second, third and fourth sort, viz. the round Pearl which they call the Aja, or Ʋnja of Portugal, the wrinkled Pearl cal∣led the Aja of Bengala, the third sort cal∣led the Aja of Canora, and the 4 or worst sort are called Aja Cambaia; and when they are thus divided, great is the striving amongst the Merchants, who shall make the best purchase; for note that none are allowed to Fish for them, but such as will pay tribute and acknowledgment for so do∣ing, and indeed few there are that are ex∣pert therein. And thus much for the Pearl Fishing. As for the manner of their Sail and the Prices they are sold for in India, I shall speak hereafter.

As for the Coast of Malabar, it abounds with Pepper which is bought up by the Portugals, six months before it's Ripe, and when it comes to perfection, stored up till the Arrival of their Ships; and to this Coast are accounted these places, viz. Romes, O∣nor, Barsellor, Mongalor, Cananor, Calicut, Granganor, Cochin, Coulon, and Cape de Co∣mery.

CHAP. XLIV. A View of Musulipatan, the Trade, Commodities, Weights, Customs, and Coyns thereof.

MƲsulipatan is the chief Town upon the Coast of Chormandel, where the Eng∣lish have setled a Factory; as likewise at the Towns of Petipoly and Armagon in the same Tract, all depending upon the former; the Port and Situation being Commodious, both for the Reception of Shipping; and Temperate for English Bodies being East∣ward; the Natives are very Industrious in Manufacture, and the Soil yields plen∣ty in abundance, and abounds with most Commodities of India; from this Coast there is found driven a great Trade into Bengala, Pegu, Siam, and Malacca. In this place it is that the fine Cottons of divers colour sare wrought, and dispersed not only all over India, but throughout the World.

The Weight used on this Coast is the Candile, which in the Weight of Gross Page  147 Goods is found to be 20 Maunds, each Ma∣und being Accounted 26 pound 14 ½ Ounces English. As for Measures I find not any, they usually weighing both dry and Liquid Commodities; the Customs were once 12 per cent. but now reduced to 4. The cur∣rant Coyns along this Coast is the Pagode of Gold, the Mahomudy and Fanan of Sil∣ver, the Pagode being valued at 15 Fanans, or 8 Shillings English, a Fanan is 9 Cashees, which are accounted 6 pence ¾ Sterling, they have likewise Ryals of Spain and o∣ther Coyns, the Mamody is as is before re∣cited 12 pence English.

CHAP. XLV. A View of Satagan, the Metropolis of Bengala, the Trade of that Coast and the River Ganges, and the Commodities, Weights, Customs, &c.

THis Coast beginneth where the before-mentioned endeth, through the middle of which runneth the famous River Gan∣ges, Page  148 making a large Bay or Gulph, called the Bay of Bengala; and is under the Pro∣tection of the great Mogul, whose Coyns are currant in those Parts. As for the Ri∣ver Ganges, the Natives and many other of far Countries, imagine it to be of that Virtue, that it can cure many distempers, and by Drinking and Bathing therein, make them capable of obtaining Paradice, which Superstitious conceipt, brings many from di∣stant Places on Pilgrimage; which Creates a great Trade in Satagan, the chief City on this Coast, which is Seated on a River some distance from Ganges, up which the Tide runneth 100. Miles, and more, so swift that Boats drive with incredible speed without Sails or Oars; at the entrance of this River, is a place called the Butter, where Merchants Build Booths of Straw and Branches of Trees, against the com∣ing in of the Ships, and furnish them with all manner of Merchandise, by Reason the Ri∣ver will not admit of Ships of great Burthen so high as Satagan, the which sheds when the Ships depart, they set on fire and remove their Goods to Satagan; nor are the Commodities vended her a few, for no less then forty Ships of Divers Nati∣ons, find sufficient to Load them and some to spare.

Page  149The chief Commodities found on this Coast are Rice, Cloath of Cotton of di∣vers sorts, Lacca, Sugar, Mirabolans, Long-Pepper, Oyl of Zerseline, &c. and from this City the Merchants Trade to Pegu, Mu∣sulipatan, and Summatra; and for the most part to avoid being incommoded by the heat, they meet and Trade in the Night, and what Goods are bought here by the Natives, are carryed up the River in Boats, and sold in other Cities and Ports.

In these parts the English-East-India Company has Factories, and greatly improve themselves thereby; the Portugals likewise in this Tract have 2 small Forts, but no considerable Trade, that Nation of late much declining in matters of Navigati∣on.

The Weights and Coyns are much the same with those of Musulipatan.

Having thus far proceeded, it will not be amiss to give the Reader an Account of a strange Custom used in this Tract, which is, that if any Debtor break the day of payment by him consented to, his Credi∣tor goes to the Principal Bramen, or Arch-Priest, and procures of him a Rod, with which he makes a circle round his debtor, charging him in the Name of the King Page  150 and the said Bramen, not to depart out of it till he has satisfyed the debt, which if he does not, he must either starve there or by coming out forfeit his Life to the Laws of the Country; but this is on∣ly amongst the Natives.

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 Page  151 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 Page  152 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, Page  153 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.

CHAP. XLVII. A View of Sian, and Malacca, and of their Trades, Commodities, Coyns, &c.

FIrst in the Tract or Coast of Siam, are found the Cities of Tenaserim, and Pattana, in the last of which an English Factory is Established; but Siam is the chief, and was before it's being reduced by the King of Pegu, who besieged it with a Million and 400000. men, the chief Ci∣ty of these Parts of India, and to it as yet Merchants Trade from Couchin-Chi∣na, Macan, Cantor, Malacca, and Cambaia; as likewise from the Islands of Sumatra, Banda, and Borneo; and has divers Com∣modities brought from the Inland Cities of Page  154 Martavan, and Tenaserim, and is Situate on the famous River Menan, which runneth athwart India, and arises from the Lake Chiama; which every March overfloweth its Banks for 100. Miles, during which time the Commerce and Correspondence is held by Boats.

The principal Commodities are Cotton, Linnens of all sorts, distilled Liquors, by the Natives called Nipe, it being extract∣ed from Cocos, as likewise Benjamin, Lack, and precious Wood called by the Portu∣gals Palo-Dangula, and Calamba, mak∣ing Rich Perfumes, and is Weighed often against Silver and Gold, and the Wood Sapon used by Dyers; Camphora, Bezora-Stones and Gold in abundance, as like∣wise some Diamonds of great value, al∣so Nutmegs, Mace, and other Spices.

The Coyns currant in this Tract, are the Tail, valued at 4 Ticals, or 18 Shil∣lings Sterling; a Tical is Accounted 4 Mals, or 4 Shillings 6 pence Sterling, &c.

Malacca is Situate between Siam and Pe∣gu, and is Subject to the Portugals, as Con∣quered by them Anno 1511. and has it's Walls saluted by the River Gasa, 10 Miles broad, and abounds with the Commodities of China, Mul•oco's, Java, Sumatra, Banda, Page  155 Siam, Pegu, Bengala and the Coasts of Chor∣mandel, brought thither by Ships that carry back the Commodities of the growth of this Tract; as likewise Ships from Lisbone come yearly hither, and lade rich Merchandise. Here it is observed that the Trade-Winds continue West, and North-West from the end of August to the end of October; and in November, the Northen and North-East∣terly Winds begin to blow, which conti∣nue so to do till the beginning of April; and from May to the beginning of August, the South and South-West Wines Blow.

The Weights on this Coast, are the Cattee Babar, and the Pecul; but in Ma∣lacca only the former, which is divided in∣to 2 parts, viz. the great and the small, making the first 200. Cattees, reckoning each Cattee at 21 pound Averdupois, and the last 100. Cattees, which make 295 pound English. The Pecul is 100. Cattees of China, and is accounted 132 pound Eng∣lish. The Cattee as aforesaid used in this Tract is Accounted 21 pound Averdupois, but sometimes varies. By the great Babar, they commonly weigh Cloves, Nutmegs, Pepper, Saunders, Indico, Allum, Sanguis-Draconis, Palo-Dangula, and Comphora; and by the lesser Quick-Silver, Copper, Vermillion, Ivory, Silk, Musk, Amber, Page  156 Lignum Aloes, Tinn, Lead, Verdet, and Benjamin. As for Measures they are rare∣ly used, and indeed so uncertain, that I shall pass them over. The Coyns are those for the most part common in In∣dia, as Mahomoodies, Portugal-Rees, &c.

CHAP. XLVIII. A View of the Kingdom of China, the Trade and Commodities there∣of.

CHina is a large Kingdom, bounded on the West with India, on the North with the Wall of China, extending in Length 1000. Miles to keep out the Tar∣tars, on the South with the Ocean, and on the East with Mare del Zur, and is a very Fertile Country; Temperate and Healthful, which renders it Populous, it has great Commerce within it self, by the advantage of the many Navigable Rivers, tho their Goods are carryed for the most part in Boats made of Cane.

Page  157The Commodities it yieldeth are Wool, Rice, Barly, Oyl, Wine, Flax, Cottons, and Raw Silk; which they work into many curious Textures; here are wrought likewise many rare Stuffs, & are found all sorts of Mettals to be brought from Japan; as Gold, Silver, Copper, &c. Fruits, Wax, Sugar, Honey, Ruhbarb, China-Roots, Purslaine-Dishes, commonly called China-Dishes, Champhir, Ginger, Musk, Civit, Amber, and all man∣ner of Spices, and Salt; which last is said in one City only, viz. Cantor to yield Custom to the Prince yearly 180000. Du∣cats.

This Kingdom is divided into 15 Pro∣vinces, each Province containing 2 King∣doms, in all which as Writers affirm are contained 1597 Cities, and great Walled Towns 1154. Castles, and 4200. Burroughs without Walls Garrisoned with Souldiers; besides Villages Innumerable. The chief City being Quinsay-Pequin, walled about 100. Miles, and has in the midst of it a Lake of 30. Miles compass; in which are 2 Islands, and in them Pallaces and other fair Buildings, for the King and his No∣bles, the said King Stiling himself the Child of the Sun. And upon the Rivers which Issue from this Lake, are found 12000. Bridges, it being reckoned that the Page  158 King can make 10000. Sail of Ships, and Barks of his own which he keeps on the Rivers to Transport his Armies in time of War; the Natives for the most part Trade up and down the Rivers, and are so cauti∣ous, that they will not suffer any Stranger to inspect their Affairs, so that their Weights, Measures, and manner of Traf∣fick are not effectually known, tho the Portugals, Dutch, and Neighbouring Islanders, have of late obtained the favour of some small Commerce at Canton, Meccan, and Nanquin; but upon such strict conditions, that in some places it is Death for them to abide a Night, either in the Town or Suburbs, but must at aset Hour retire to their Ships; and the better to discover it, they have Notaries to take the Names of all that enter the Gates in the Morning, the which if the Persons owning them, do not come to see them Blotted out at the time prefixed, and afterwards be found, tho not in the City, it is present Death, except the Factor for the Portugals, who is permitted to live in the Suburbs. And to Maccan the Portuguese have a Ship of 1500. Tuns, that comes yearly from the In∣dies; bringing Oyl, Drinking-Glasses, Look∣ing-Glasses, and Velvet, for which they receive of the Chinois, the growth and Ma∣nufacture of their Country.

Page  159The Weights, Measures, and Coyns, that are used in the Places where Trade is permitted, are known to be these.

The Weights for fine Goods are the Valls and Tay, 99 Valls making a Tay of Maccan; and a Tay or Tayle is 1 Ounce and 11/16 Averdupois. Their Weights for Gold, Silver, Musk, Amber-Greece, &c. are the Tays or Tayels, by some called Tans, Mass, Condreens, Cash, Avons; which are usually marked with Ciphers for distinction sake, 10. Avos is one Cash, 10. Cash one Condreen, 10. Condreens to one Mass, 10. Mass to one Tay, and 16. Tays or Tayles to on Cattee, the Tay be∣ing as aforesaid.

All Gross Goods are weighed by Cat∣tees, Peculs, and Rotolos; 10. Cattees making 1. Pecul, 1. Pecul 128 Rotolos of Portugal, which Pecul is Accounted 131 pound ¼ Averdupois, tho here as in other Places the Weights vary.

The Coyns currant for the most part are Spanish Rotolos of •/• which they cut into several parts, and so pass them away by Estimate.

The Measures in use are the Covid of Maccan, used by the Portugals in the Mea∣sure of Stuffs and Silks, and is Account∣ed 3. Quarters of a Yard and 2 1/• Inches Page  160 and a Covid used by the Chinois, called the Covid of Chinchoses, which consists of 12 Inches, also an other Covid they have of 14 6/5 Inches. And thus much for Chi∣na, and the Trade thereof.

CHAP. XLIX. A View of the Islands, found in the Asian Seas, and of their Trade and growth.

THe Asian Islands of note are Japan, Zeilan, Moluccos, Java's, Summatra, Borneo, Celebs, and Cyprus; all abounding in rich Commodities. Of the Trade of which in brief.

Japan is Situate a small distance from the main Land of China, and is in length 600. miles, but not above 90. over in the broadest, yet obeys many Soveraigns; every King or Lord, having Power and Authority over the lives and Estates of his Subjects; the chief Towns on this I∣sland are Osacaia, Bunguin, and Meaco; Page  161 being Havens or Ports for the recepti∣on of such Vessels as come to Trade thi∣ther.

The chief Commodities consisting in Silver and Rice, of the latter there is found such abundance, that the chief Soveraign has 2 Millions of Ducats yearly, accruing by that Commodity; and in Fiando one of the Islands appertaining to Japan, the English have setled a Factory. The Weights in use are the Pecul and Cattee, the Pecul consisting of 100. Cattees, each Cattee being 21 Ounces which renders the Pecul in Cira 131 pound English, the Measures of length are the Inchin or Tat∣tamy, which is 2 ⅛ English Yards, their concave Measures are the Cocas, which is a Pint English Winchester Measure, 3 of which is a Gant, 100. Gants are an Ickgoga, 100. Icklogags are one Ickmagog, and 1000. Ickmagogs are one Mangoga. Their Coyns are the Tale, Mass, and Condery. The Tale is 5 Shillings Sterling, the Mass which contains 10 Conderies, is 6 pence Sterling; they have 2 Barrs of Gold cur∣rant likewise amongst them, which are called Ichebo, and Coban; the former of which is Accounted worth 30 Shillings Ster∣ling, and the latter 34 Shillings 6 pence Sterling.

Page  162Zelan is a fair Island, in the Gulph of Bengala, and is so Fruitful, that the Trees have continual Blosoms, green and ripe Fruit on them; and is a Portugueze Facto∣ry, tho under the obedience of the great Mogul, and in it are found Nutmegs, Clove, and Pepper Trees good store, and likewise Cinnamon, the primest sort growing in Groves, it also yieldeth many precious Stones, as Rubies, Topaz, Garnati; Spinals, and on the Coast store of Pearls are got∣ten by Fishing. There are likewise found some Mines of Gold and Silver, Iron, Brimstone, and Flax growing; and in the Woods is a Beast found, whose Bones are much of the nature of Ivory. Their Weights, Measures, and Coyns, are ei∣ther those of Portugal or India; the Na∣tives being a People of great Subtlety, and in Body the most Active in Asia.

CHAP. L: A View of the Isles of Molucco's, also the Trade, Weights, Measures, and currant Coyns there in use, and of the other adjacent Islands.

THese Islands commonly called the I∣slands of Moluccos's, are 5 in number, viz. Molucco the chief, Tarnate, Tider, Ge∣lolo, and Macian. There are likewise not far distant Benda, and 70 other Islands, all of which yield Spices, as Nutmegs, Cloves, Mace, and some Cinnamon, all growing in them; there is also in this Gulph or Sea Amboina, where the Barbarous Dutch com∣mitted Inhumane Cruelties on the English Factors, &c. and afterwards contrary to their contracted agreement, cut down and killed all the Clove Trees, in the Island of Polerone, purchased of them by the English.

The common Coyn in Moluccoes, Amboi∣na, and Benda, is the Spanish Rotolo ½, what otherwise they Barter for is in Commo∣dities.

Page  164Their Weights are the Babar and Catte, the Amboinian Babar being 200. Cattes, or English 625 pound, and is Accounted the great Babar, and in some Islands they have a Babar 10 times as much as the Amboinian Babar.

A Cattee is near 6 pound English, and 10 Cattes of Mace are Accounted a small Babar, and valued at 10 Ryals of 8, yet the small Babar of Nutmegs is 100. Cat∣tes, and valued as the Mace.

The Measures of Length are the Cubit, and Fathom, and Concave Measures for Grain and Pepper; the Canton which is near 3 Quarts English, and the Quoian, which is 800. Cantons. The chief Trade of these Islands, being of late Ingrossed by the Dutch; who have of late been found Superiour to the Portugals, who first Dis∣covered them, and held for many years the Principal Commerce with the In∣dians.

CHAP. LI. A View of the Java's, and the Trade of that Tract, of the Weights, Mea∣sures, Native Commodities, Coyns, &c.

THe Java's are two Islands, viz. the great and the less, the greater be∣ing in circuit 3000. Miles, and the lesser 2000, and by Reason of their nearness to the Equinoctial are exceeding Fruitful, and have for their chief Cities Paluban, Pe∣gar, Agaim, Balambua, Basnia, Samara, Limbrie, and others; but the chief Scales of Trade are at Sunda, Calapa, Bantum, Jacatra, now Battavia, and Japarra; in the last 3 of which the English have Facto∣ries.

The Commodities with which these I∣slands abound, are Cloves, Nutmegs, Mace, Pepper, Indian Nuts, Rice, Cattle, &c. the Pepper is Accounted the best in India; and grows in such abundance, that yearly the English buy up great store, the Islands not being judged to produce less then 10 Page  166 or 12000. Quintals; each Season there is found likewise Camphora, Frankincense, Benjamin, and precious Stones; amongst which some Diamonds of great value, for which Commodities the Natives receive Callicoes of divers Colours, Cotton, Cloath, Silks, Stuffs, Glasses, Knives, and the like; in Sunda the principal Mart of Java major, their Principal money is small Copper pieces, hung upon Strings called Caix's, and are told out by the 100, or 1000; 200 being Accounted a Satta, 5 Sattas be∣ing a Crusado of Portugal, or in English money, valued at about 6 Shillings. But the European Merchants keep their Accounts for the most part in Ryals of 8/• Spanish and pence, 60 pence going to the Roto∣lo 9/•.

The Weights of Bantam, Jucatra, Jap∣parra, and at Sunda are the Pecul, Cattee, and Babar, the Cattee contains 20 Ounces, and 100. Cattees are a Pecul, or 125 pound English, a Babar is 330. Cattees of 20. Ounc∣es and supposed to make good Weight 412 pound Averdupois.

Their Concave Measure is the Timbam chiefly in use for Rice and Pepper; and is Accounted 10. Sackfuls, or to contain 5 Peculs in Weight, so that each Sack is reck∣oned at 62 ½ pound Averdupois 2 Sacks Page  167 making a Pecul. As for Measures of length, they are rarely used here, and those that are, are consistent with those of England, Portugal, and Holland.

CHAP. LII. A View of the Trade of Summatra, and other Islands, lying in the Indi∣an Seas.

THis Island was formerly called Trapro∣bana, and then Esteemed to be the larg∣est in the World; being in length 700. Miles, and in breadth 200. Miles, and is divided by the Equator, one half lying be∣yond, and the other on this side the E∣quinoctial; which renders it exceeding Fer∣tile and Healthful, so that there are found many Rich Commodities of the Native pro∣duction, as Pepper, Ginger, Aloes, Raw Silk, Cassia, Gold, Silver, Brass, and Drugs of Divers sorts; there is likewise found a Brimstone mount that continually Burns, as likewise 2 Fountains yielding the one Balsamum, and the other Oyl; yet not a∣ny considerable store.

Page  168The chief Cities of this Island are Da∣ren, Pacen, and Andryede; the whole be∣ing divided under many Kings, and the chief Ports are Achin, Ticko Jambe, and Priuran; in most of which the English have Factories.

This Island standing not above 20 Miles from Malucca, a great part of the Na∣tive Commodities are carryed thither, that Island being in the possession of the Portu∣guize, tho of late much infested by the Dutch, who have got Footing, and Built some For∣tresses on the Sea Coast. In this Island of Summatra upon its first Discovery, the Islanders had a Barbarous Custom to eat man's Flesh; and hoard up their Sculls, which they passed from one to the other as currant Coyn, he being counted the best man that had most Sculls by him, but of late they have in imitation of the Europe∣ans, Coyned money both Gold and Silver, as the Mass worth about 12 pence Sterling, the Tale which is 16 Masses, and the Cat∣tee which is 8 Tales, or sometimes 7 ½ Tales is Accounted a Cattee, and these Coyns are currant throughout the King of Achin's Dominions, who is the most Potent Prince in the Island. Tho at Jambe Ticko, and Priaman; the European Coyns are most in use, and the Accounts are for the most Page  169 part kept in Spanish ℞ 8/8 and for their better Conveniency they divide them into 60 Deniers or pence.

The Weight used in this Island is the Babar, tho it varies according to the Cu∣stom of the place where it is used; but in the English Factories, the Babar is found to consist of 200. Cattees, each Cattee con∣taining 29 Ounces Averdupois, by multi∣plying which the Babar must contain 360 pound English Sotile Weight.

The Isle of Borneo stands in this Tract, and is crossed by the Equator, being near 2200 Miles in circuit, and is Fruitful e∣ven to a wonder, abounding with Spices and other Rich Commodities, as Nutmegs, Mace, Cloves, Agrick, Sweet-Woods, Cam∣phora, Diamonds, Gold, and the Bezoar-Stone, as likewise Cattle, and Fruits of strange tasts, and shapes in abundance, and has for it's Metropolis the City Borneo; Seated in a Marsh, after the nature of Ve∣nice, from which the Island takes its Name.

The Isle of Celebs is likewise a fair and Fertile Island lying in the same Tract and divided by the Equator, as the 2 former, and abounds with the like Rich Commo∣dities, and has for its chief Ports Durati, Mamaio, Tubon, Maccasar, &c. and is di∣vided Page  170 under many Princes or Petty Kings, and is a Factory of the English.

The Weights used in most Ports are the Ganton, Zicoyan, and Mass. The former being used both for a Weight and a Mea∣sure, and is in Weight counted 5 pound Averdupois, and in Measure 2 Gallons Eng∣lish, the Mass Weight is 4 Gantons or 200 pound English, a Zicoyan is 20 Masses or 400 pound English; and in Measure pro∣portioned by the Ganton. The currant Coyns are the Mass, Cupan, and Tail; the Mass is 4 Cupans or 4 Shillings 10 pence Sterling or thereabouts, a Tail is 16 Masses, and Accounted worth 15 Ryals of eight, and is valued at 3 pound 14 Shillings 8 pence, or 3 pound 15 Shillings Sterling, &c.

And now I might proceed to describe the other Islands in the Indian Ocean, but they being so many, that it would be too tedious, as likewise to little purpose, by Reason they yield nothing but what has been al∣ready lay'd down; many of them uninhabi∣ted, and but few of them containing any European Factories, or Traded to; therefore I shall pass them over; they being Ac∣counted, besides what I have named, no less then 126000. whose small spots bespangle or rather stud the vast Ocean.

Page  171This East Country Trade is now car∣ryed on by the English, Dutch, and Portu∣gueze, to the Inriching of each Nation, and of late mightily improved, and would be raised to a greater advantage, did not one Nation strive to outvie the other, by giving the Natives their own Prizes, for Commodities of the growth of those Coun∣tries; and by that means make them sensi∣ble of their value, of which if they had been at first kept in Ignorance, the Euro∣peans might have made their one Markets in each Port where their Factories are set∣led, and for little or nothing brought the Wealth of India into London, Amster∣dam, and Lisbon; but passing this Emula∣tion over that cannot be now redressed, I shall describe the pleasant Isle of Cyprus, so famed for it's stores and Commodious Si∣tuation, and then leave rich Asia, and return to take a view of Europe. No less abound∣ing with all things necessary for the plea∣sure and profit of men.

CHAP. LIII. A View of the Isle of Cyprus, the Trade, Growth, Weights, Mea∣sures, and Currant Coyns thereof.

CYprus so Famous in History, feigned by Poets of old, to be the residence of the Goddess Venus, is Situate in the Syrian Sea, and is a Part of Asia, being in length 200 Miles and in breadth 65, abounding in plenty of Cattle, Corn, Oyl, Wine, Sugar, Cottons, Honey, Wool, Turpentine, Allum, Verdigrease, Grograms, Salt, and abundance of other Commodities; but e∣specially in Cyprus Wood, and has for it's chief Cities Paphos, Famogusta, Nicotia, Lescara, Salines, &c. in which the Eng∣lish have a Factory for the Cotton Trade, the English Consul Resident in Aleppo, be∣ing imputed Consul of Syria and Cyprus, and hath under him a Vice-Consul, that manages the Trade of this Island for the English, who bring hither in exchange the Growth of our Country, and such o∣ther Commodities as are Vendible and most coveted by the Natives. Hither it is the Page  173 Levant Merchants Trade for most part of their precious Commodities. As for the Coyns in use they are those of the Grand-Signior, and in the same their Accounts are kept, for a View of which I shall refer the Reader to the Description of the Trade of Constantinople.

The Weight most in use is the Dram, of which 750 make a Rotolo, 100 of which make a Cantar greater by 4 in the 100 then the Cantar of Aleppo, and at Famo∣gusta there is a Cantar in use that is great∣er then the common Cantar of Cyprus by 4 in the 100; and consequently larger then that of Aleppo 8 per cent. tho sometimes the Weights vary, yet not much.

The Measures of length are two sorts, viz. the Pico and Brace, the former is Accounted 26 ½ Inches, and by this they Measure Woolen Cloath, Silk, and the like, the Brace for Linnen Cloath is 1/•6 long∣er then the Pico.

Their Concave Measure for Wine is the Cuss, 7 of which make 6 Fletchers of Venetia, or a Candy Barrel; so that a Cuss and half, and a Zant Jarre are equal in quan∣tity; the Oyl that is found here is sold by the Rotolo, each Rotolo being Accounted 1000 Drams. Corn of which there is store is sold by the Moose, 2 and a half of which Page  174 weigh one Staio of Venetia; by this Mea∣sure Salt is likewise sold. They have like∣wise a Measure for Grain called a Cossino: And thus much for Cyprus, and indeed for all Asia; this being the last place I intend to visit in this part of the World, and from whence I intend to Sail for Europe; only by the way I shall give the Reader an insight into the goodness, and as near as possible the true Value of Silver, Gold, and precious Stones; which will not be a∣miss, seeing I so lately left the Coasts where those things which are so generally coveted are acquired.

CHAP. LIV. A Description of Gold and Silver, their Intrinsick Value: The means to find out their Fineness and Allays, after the best and most exact Me∣thod.

THe Weight used in England for Sil∣ver and Gold, is the Troy pound con∣sisting of 12 Ounces, and each Ounce again divided into 150 Carots, and from thence Page  175 into 480 Grains, each Ounce of Silver fine being according accounted worth 5 Shillings 2 pence of our money, and so more or less according to the addition or diminu∣tion of allay. The pound Troy of fine Gold is Accounted worth 36 pound, the Ounce 3 pound or if very fine something more, or again less as the Allay is, as thus: The Ounce of fine Gold is valued at 3 pound, 33 Kes fine at 2 pound 17 Shillings 6 pence, 22 Kes fine at 2 pound 15 Shillings, 21 Kes 2 pound 12 Shillings 6 pence; the Ounce of 20 Kes fine is worth but 2 pound 10 Shillings, and so losing value 2 Shillings 6 pence per Ounce, as it wants a Carot in fineness in 24, or the Troy pound. Now to know the goodness or fineness of Gold and Silver upon the Touch-Stone, by way of Essay, is to procure Needles of Gold and Silver, and Copper Allay sutable to any sort of Gold and Silver in Allay, and to be of 4 sorts, viz. the first of fine Gold and Silver, the second of Gold and Copper, the third of Gold Silver and Copper, and the fourth of Sil∣ver and Copper only; the first for the try∣al of Gold, and the latter for Silver, and of these Mixtures make 24 Needles differing in fineness from each, as thus; The first must be all fine Gold without any Allay, viz. 24 Carots, the second 23 Carots of fine Page  176 Gold and one of Silver, the third 22 Carots of Gold and 2 of Silver, and so one Carot worse till there remains but one Carot of fine Gold in Mixture, with 23 Carots of Silver. And by this Rule the Gold and Copper, and Silver and Copper must be Allayed; and each Needle marked of what fineness it is. And by this means you may know the fineness of any Ingot or Piece of Gold or Silver; as thus, touch the said In∣got or Piece of Gold or Silver upon your Touch-Stone, and by it the Needle you think is nearest it in fineness; and if that suit not with it, try another till it suits with it, which when wet, will appear, and so by the mark of your Needle, you may be assured of the fineness of the Silver or Gold so touched, which is a better, easi∣er, safer, and surer way then to try it by Fire. And thus much for Gold and Silver, as to their Tryal of fineness.

CHAP. LV. A Treatise of Precious-Stones, how to know them and their true value, viz. Diamonds, Rubies, Saphyrs, &c. as also the goodness and worth of Pearles in General.

THe Weight usual in India for Diamonds and Precious Stones, were brought thither by the Portugals, called the Mange∣ar or Fanan, which differs not much from the Carot, whereof 150 Carots make an Ounce Troy; and is divided into 64.33.16.8.4.2.1. ½ ¼ ⅛ 1/16 Parts. The Mangelue or Mangear is near or altogether 5 Grains Weight, or 2 Tars ⅔ Accounted the ⅔ of 1 Carot, so that 4 Grains and 4 Tars weigh a Fanan, the Fanan being somewhat above 2 of our Carots, for 11 ¼ Fanans are 1 Mittigal. and 6 Mittiglas and ½ make the Ounce Troy; this Fanan in many parts of India goes currant for a Coyn, being E∣qually valued with a Spanish Ryal; and thus having laid down the proportion of the Weights, I shall first begin with the Dimonds, the chief of Precious Stones, Page  178 then to know a good and true Diamond take this rule. A good and right Diamond is fast and no ways porous, so that it will re∣sist the Fire, and after several hours con∣tinuance therein, come out bright as at first; and in choice of such a one▪ it must be nei∣ther Brown, Yellowish, Blewish, nor a Dullish-Black, but of a good Water-Chri∣staline; not wanting any corner when Po∣lished on a Mill, nor be too thick nor too thinn, but so as it may be set firm, and to good advantage in a Ring, or Collet without being upholden by Velvet, and such a Diamond weighing 1 Carot is worth 35 pounds Sterling or upwards.

Note when you have found out the true value of a perfect Diamond or Diamonds, this Rule is to be observed. Suppose a Dia∣mond weighing a Carot Weight be worth 40 Ducats more or less, then the 4th. part being ten Ducats is the price of a Diamond weighing half a Carot, so the Diamond weighing a Carot is worth but the 4th. part of the value of one weighing 2 Ca∣rots, viz. 40 Ducats, and that weighing 2 Carots worth 160 Ducats; and so if there be over Weight by Grains, you must di∣vide all into Grains, and then a Diamond weighing 3 Grains is worth but the 4th. part of that weighing 6. And this is a Ge∣neral Page  179 Rule, not only for Diamonds but all manner of precious Stones, according to Equality in goodness, as for Example a thick Table Diamond of the goodness a∣foresaid weighing 1 Grain is worth 1 pound 17 Shillings 6 pence, weighing 2 Grains is worth 7 pound 10 Shillings, weighing 3 Grains is worth 16 pound 17 Shillings 6 pence, weighing 1 Carot is worth 30 pound, and so proportionably to 8 Carots, yet there are some Diamonds imperfect, and not of any Extraordinary value, which are called Brut Diamonds, Naifs, Rocks, and flat-Stones, which are bought and sold at uncertain rates.

The Ruby is found in Zeilam in India, and called commonly the Carbuncle, try∣ed in the Fire to know its perfection, the which if it abide and come out Burning like a Cole and of a high Colour, it is Ac∣counted perfect; a Stone of which perfecti∣on weighing but one Carot or ½, a Fanan is valued at 30 Fanans in Callicut, and in∣crease in value as the Dimonds according to their Weight; there is another sort on∣ly called a Ruby, found in a River in the Kingdom of Pegu; but it will not indure the Fire, but looseth it's Colour▪ when put to the Tryal; there are likewise several sorts of Rubies as the Carbuncle, Ballas, Page  180 Spinal, Garnat, and Rubas; but this Ruby of Pegu is accounted the next in value to the Carbuncle, and a Ruby square table-wise, perfect, and of high Colour of 16.18.20. or 24. Carots in Colour, weigh∣ing a Fanan is worth sometimes in the In∣dia's, 100. Ducats, and in England weighing 11 ½ Carots, and of 20 Carots in Colour perfect and without Blemish, is worth 350 pound Sterling or rather more.

Saphyrs are found in Zeilam, Calucut, Ba∣singer, Canoner, and Pegu, and those are accounted best that are of a pure Azure or Sky-Colour, and in that hardness excelleth all other Stones the Diamond excepted, and according to their Colour are held in Esti∣mation; as for example, Saphyr weigh∣ing one Carot is worth 2 Fanans, one weighing 2 Carots is worth 5 Fanans, one weighing 3 worth 10 Fanans, and one weighing 4 Carots worth 15 Fanans, and so Proportionably each Fanan being Ac∣counted 2 Carots; after this manner Tur∣quoise, Topaze, Berrils, Crysolites, Jacynths, Amathists, and other precious Stones are known and valued every one according to their goodness and Weight; as for Pearls, how they are taken, I have before set down, and now I shall as far as is necessary make a report of their true value Page  181 according as they are in goodness.

The Rule to value Oriental Pearls, from a Grain in Weight to what bigness any will afford, is by the Colour, Round∣ness, Pear-Fashion, or Oval; and that is in all parts perfect, as to Water and Gloss, without Knobs, Specks, Yellowness or other imperfections, and a Pearl of this perfection weighing a Carot is worth a Ducat in India. But before I proceed fur∣ther, as to their value it will not be a∣miss to relate how they are sold, by those that have the disposing of them, viz. the Indians sell them by Sieves of Latten full of holes in number 12, one bigger then the other as to their holes, and according to the largeness or smallness, the price is re∣gulated; for those of the 10, 11, and 12 Sieve are seldom capable to be holed, and therefore are called Seed-Pearls; most fit for Apothecaries, to be used by them in their Physical Preparations; but the others for the use of Ladies, and others to adorn themselves withal; and for the price of all large Pearls, they are valued as is said by Weight and fairness, as Diamonds and o∣ther precious Stones, tho seldom before they be holed for fear of their breaking in the holing; as thus, a Pearl of one Grain is worth 7 pence, of 2 Grains 2 Shillings Page  182 6 pence, of 3 Grains 5 Shillings 7 pence, of 1 Carot 10 Shillings, and so in pro∣portion to those of greater Weight, as for Seed-Pearls, the smallest of which are Ac∣counted 4500. to the Ounce, and the larg∣est 400 or 450 to the Ounce, and com∣monly divided into 6 parts, the Prizes are these: The 6th. or smallest sort 4500 are commonly sold for 2 pound 4 Shillings the Ounce, the 5th. sort are sold for 1 pound 6 Shillings the Ounce, the 4th. sort at 10 Shillings the Ounce, the third sort at 18 Shillings the Ounce, the second at 1 pound 6 Shillings, and the first at 1 pound 15 Shillings. But note that the first is termed the sixth sort, and so Consequently the sixth the first; the Rag Pearls which are sold likewise by the Ounce, according to their bigness are divided into thirds, se∣conds, and firsts, an Ounce of which con∣taining 350 Pearls, is Accounted worth 1 pound 18 Shillings, an Ounce containing 250 Pearls is Accounted worth 3 pounds, an Ounce of 150 worth 4 pounds, and so according to their lesser quantity or num∣ber, in making the Ounce, all sorts of half round Pearls of pure Water, and Gloss are Accounted worth a round Pearl of half the Weight. And thus much for Gold, Silver, precious Stones, and Oriential Page  283 Pearls; with which I shall return to Europe, as the common Receptacle of those rich Commodities, which were of little value to the Indians, before the European Navi∣gators set Prizes thereon, and by that means taught the Natives how to Esteem them; for in the first Discovery of the In∣dies by the Portugals, they bought them for Beads of Glass, and such like Trifles, but now they are not purchased; but at Extra∣ordinary rates.

CHAP. LVI. A View of Europe of it's Provinces, Trade, Manners, Customs, Growth, Weights, Measures, Currant Coyn, &c.

THe first that offers it self on the Con∣tinent of Europe is Spain, invironed on all sides with the Seas, unless that part towards France; which is bounded by the Pyraenaean Hills, and the Fortress of Pampe∣lona on the North-West, and Perpegana on the South-East, and is divided into 12 Pro∣vinces, viz. Leon and Oviedo, which are Page  184 one, Navar, Corduba, Galicia, Biscay, To∣ledo, Murtia, Castille, Portugal, (now an in∣tire Kingdom) Valentia, Catalonia, and A∣ragon; and in General abounds with Wines, Sugars, Oyls, Mettals, Liquorish, Rice, Cork, Silk, Wool, Oranges, Rosin, Steel, Almonds, Raisins, Lemons, Anchoves, An∣niseeds, Figs, Soda, Barrilla, Honey, Wax, Shumack, Iron, Tuny-Fish, Saffron, Soape, and Carianders; so that into the Trade of 3 or 4 of the Principal Cities and Ports, I shall reduce the whole Trade of the King∣dom and it's Provinces.

Passing over Leon, Ovideo, and Navar, as Provinces little adddicted to Commerce, I shall proceed to Sevil, the chief City of Trade in the Province of Corduba, and in∣to the Trade of that City reduce the Trade of that Province, which is Account∣ed the most Fertile Province of all Spain.

CHAP. LVII. A View of Sevil, the Trade, Weights, Measures, Customs, and Currant Coyns thereof.

THis City is Situate in the Province of Corduba, and accounted 6 Miles in compass, adorned with many stately Build∣ings, and is an Arch-Bishop's Sea, account∣ed next to Toledo the richest in Spain; through it runs the River Baetis dividing it into 2 parts, over which is a Stately Bridg, which renders the City very Commodious for Trade, and from hence it is for the most part, that the Spanish Fleet sets out for the West Indies, and at their return unlaid their rich Commodities, as Silver, Tobacco, Ginger, Cottons, Sugar, Ferrinand, Bucque-Wood, and Wood of Brasil, Sarsafrax, Galbanum, and other Drugs of great va∣lue; and for the King of Spains use, are in these parts brought up and kept 30000. Gennets; nor are bare Customs of this City Accounted to amount to less then half a Million of Gold yearly.

The Merchants generally keep their Page  186 Accounts in Maruedies, of which 375 are Accounted to a Ducat of Exx 11 Ryals, every Ryal being 37 Maru, and some Strang∣ers residing there keep their Accounts in Ryals of 34 Maru.

The Coyns currant are the Ducats of Gold of Sevil, and are as aforesaid valued by the Spaniards worth 375 Maru, or 5 Shillings 6 pence Sterling, as likewise the Ryal of Castile which is worth here but 34 Maruides and valued at 6 pence Sterling, a Dobra currant is of Carlin Coyn 81/87 Ma∣ruedies.

A Dobra of Castile is valued at 375 Mar. or a Ducat in Gold, the Castilian of Mer∣chandise is worth 485 Mar. or 7 Shillings Sterling.

Their Weights are the 3 Kintars, the first consists of 112 pound, and is divided into 4 Roves of 28 pound a Rove, the second is 120 pound, composed of 4 Roves of 30 pound each, and the third being the greatest, is composed of 4 Roves of 36 pound the Rove, and accordingly con∣tains 144 pound, and is the common Kin∣tar of Sevil, and 100 pound Weight of this place has often made 102 pound of London.

Their Measure of Length is the Vare, 100 of which have been found to make 74 Ells of London.

Page  187The Measure by which Oyl is sold is the Rove, 64 of which make a Venetian Mia∣ra and 40 or 41 of the said Roves make a Pipe, the Rove being 8 Somers, a Somer containing 4 Quartiles, a Quartile being the •/6 part of a Stoop of Antwerp, and 2 Pipes or 81 Roves are 25 or 26 Florence Bar∣rils, or 252 English Gallons, tho in Sevil the Gage of Pipes are Accounted but 118 Gallons the Pipe.

Corn is Measured by the Caffise, which is 28 Satos of Florence; from Sevil it is that the fine Spanish Wool is brought, as also Cordavant-Leather; in these parts, but especially at Almeria, great store of Raw Silks are gathered, it being the prim∣est of all other, and is Accounted worth by the pound Morisco 18 Shillings Flo∣rence, or 1020 Maruedies, which amount to 30 Ryals. And thus much for Sevil and the Trade thereof.

CHAP. LVIII. A View of Malaga, the Trade, Cu∣stoms, Weights, Measures, and Coyns thereof.

MAlaga is Situate in the Province of Granado, on the Shoar of the Me∣diterranean Sea, being Accommodated with a commodious Haven for the reception of Shipping, being very Fruitful in every part of it's Territories, abounding in Wine and Raisins known by it's Name, as likewise many delicate Fruits, Corn, Cattle, and what else can make a Country desirable; they have likewise store of Sugar, Almonds, Oyls, &c. for which they pay Customs outward, tho they be Commodities of the natural Growth, viz. 7 per cent. Cochineel and such like Commodities pay outward 10 per cent. and all other Commodities of the Growth but 5 per cent. and those that are carryed from Port to Port 2 pound per cent.

The Weights of Malaga is the 100. di∣vided into 4 Roves of 25 pound each, and to every pound 16 Ounces, and the 100 Page  189 pound of Malaga, called commonly the Kintar of Malaga, is found to make 112 pound 5 Ounces English, tho sometimes less according to the nature of the Com∣modity.

Their Concave Measures are the Rove and Somer, the first making 8 of the last, so that 25 Roves go to a Pipe, which con∣tains 100 English Gallons, by these only Wine and Oyl are Measured; as for Grain it is Measured by the Hanock, which is divided into 12 Almodos, and is 12 Gal∣lons English weighing upon the Strike 129 pound.

The Measure of length is the Vare of 27 ⅞ Inches.

The Coyns currant are Ryals, to one of which is computed 34 Marnedies or 6 pence Sterling, and Pistolets of Gold, each being worth 23 ½ Ryals, that is, the single Pistolet, the double Pistolet which are here likewise in use being worth 27 Ryals.

CHAP. LIX. A View of Alicant, and of the Trade, Measures, Weights, Coyns, &c.

ALicant is Situate on the Banks of the Mediterranian, in the Province of Murtia, and is by Reason of it's commo∣dious Haven of late become a great Scale of Trade in those parts, affording deli∣cate Wines and other Commodities in much request, being of late the Scale to the City Valentia, and affords of its Na∣tive growth Liquorish, Rasins, Wines, So∣da-Barrilla, Sugar, Drugs, Bass-Mats, Ropes, Sope, Anniseed, and many other Merchantable Commodities; which are Traded for by our English Merchants, and bought partly for money and partly for Commodities of the growth of our Nation.

And at Alicant the Merchants keep their Accounts in Livers, Solds, and Deniers, 12 Deniers making a Sold, and 20 Solds a Liver, which is Accounted worth 5 Shil∣lings Sterling, the Sold being Accounted 3 Pence, and the Denier a Farthing.

The Weights in use are the Cargo and Rove, 10 of the latter making the former, Page  191 and of these Roves there are two sorts, one computed 18 Ounces, and the other 12 to each pound, and by that means tho one be reckoned 36 pound, and the other but 24, yet in Weight they are equal as to the number of Ounces; and by these are sold Pepper, Rice, Almonds, Cloves, Cin∣namond, and the like; by the Cargo is weighed all Gross Commodities, it con∣taining 280 pound English. There is sometimes used a Quintal of 96 pound A∣verdupois, and by it Drugs are weighed.

The Measure of Length is the Vare, which wants a ⅙ part of the English Yard. The Liquid Measure for Wine is the Can∣tar, which is about 3 Gallons English, and the dry Measure for Corn is called the Chaffise, and is near 3 Bushel English.

The Customs for the most part are rat∣ed at 11 Deniers per centum Livers, and is payable at 8 Deniers to the Duana and 3 Deniers to the Sisa, payed as well by the Buyer as Seller as often as Goods are bought, sold, or bartered; for so that the Buyer and Seller pay between them 9 per cent. And thus leaving Alicant, I return to take a View of Madrid, Accounted the Principal City of Spain.

CHAP. LX. A View of Madrid, of the Trade, Coyns, Weights, and Measures there∣of.

MAdrid is Situate in the Provinces of Castill, and of late become famous, for being the place where for the most part the Spanish Court resides; and in it the Mo∣nies that are dispersed over Spain have their Original. This City abounds with all manner of Commodities, that either Spain, India, Barbary, Arabia, Persia, Egypt or other Countries affoard; as Spices, Gold, Silks, Drugs, Stuffs, Jewels, Drugs, and the like. The Native Commodities of this Province are Honey, Allum, Wine, Oyl, Fruits, Salt, &c.

The Measures and Weights are those common throughout Spain, but by Reason all the Coyns of the Kingdom Center here, I think it not amiss to set down their Names and true values.

1. The Ducat of Castil is worth 375 Maruedies.

2. The Castiliano 485 Maruedies.

Page  1933. The Florin of Castile is worth 265 Maruedies or near 4 Shillings Ster∣ling.

4. The Ducat Count or Quento of Marue∣dies is a Million.

5. The Count or Quento of Maruedies is Ducats 2666 2/3• and at Dobra is accounted worth 2739 ••/73 Dobras, the which accord∣ing to computation amounts to 733 pound 6 Shillings 8 pence Sterling.

6. The Ryal Single of Castile is worth 34 Maruedies or 6 pence Ster∣ling.

7. The Quento of Mar is worth 3258 Ryals and 3 Maruedies.

8. The Crown of Castile is worth 323 Maruedies.

9. The Ducat of Spain is 5 Shillings 6 pence of our money, the Ryal is 6 pence and the Maruedie about the bigness of one of our Farthings.

In this City when they give money up∣on Exchange, they commonly agree to be repayed in Ducats of Gold, or to the same value in Gold or Silver, for the most part by Weight to prevent the taking base money, with which Spain abounds, so that should they not take this course, they would often lose 4 or 5 per cent.

In this Province are yearly 4 Fairs or Page  194 great Marts, viz. at Medina Del Campo which lasts 50 days, at Medina de Riosecco which lasts 30 days, at Medina del Campo again which lasts 50 days, and lastly at Villa Lyon which lasts 20 days.

These Fairs, viz. the 3 first are Fairs of Exchange: And when they make pay∣ments they make them in Banco not say∣ing forth, and they are to remit in Ducats de Oro, in Oro Largo and forth of Banco, and when they agree forth of Banco, and for ready money there is got 1 per cent. and when they agree for Ducats of Gold or the worth of them, it is understood that the worth if the payment be not pay∣ed in Ducats, is to be payed in Maruedies at 375 to the Ducat. And thus much for Spain and the Trade thereof. And now I shall take a View of the Trade of the King∣dom of Portugal in her chief City, viz. Lis∣bon one of the 3 chief Scales of Europe.

CHAP. LXI. A View of Lisbon, the Metropolis of Portugal, of the Trade, Growth, Weights, Measues, Coyns, and Cu∣stoms thereof.

LIsbon is the Metropolis of the Kingdom of Portugal, commodiously Seated up∣on the Banks of the River Tagus, the City and Suburbs being 10 Miles in compass, and not imagined to contain less then 38000. Families, Beautifyed with 67 Tow∣ers placed upon the Walls and 22 Gates; all the Houses being Built Magnificent, and indeed the People given to great In∣dustry, but especially to Navigation, as appears by the many Discoveries they have made; they being the first that Dis∣covered the Eastern Tract even to the In∣dias, and there by Trade and force got Foot∣ing, and shewed the way to England and Holland; who have now brought it to per∣fection, even to the great Inriching either Nation, and of all the Commodities brought from India, and other parts of the World by the Portugals, this City is the Scale, for Page  196 hither come yearly the Spices of Arabia, the Silks of Persia, the rich Commodities of China, and the Gold, Silver, precious Stones, and Spices of India; and especially Pearls, the Fishery thereof remaining for the most part in the right of the King of Portugal, which being brought to Lisbon, and after∣wards dispersed throughout Europe. To this City Flows the Trade of the whole Kingdom and also that of Spain; from which Kingdom it is now separated as formerly.

The Weights of this City, and conse∣quently of the whole Kingdom are Prin∣cipally the small and the great Cantars, the Latter of which is divided into 4 Roves, and each Rove contains 32 Reals which is 128 pounds, at 14 Ounces per pound, and of Flo∣rence Weight is computed 149 pound, their small Quintar for Pepper and Ginger is be∣tween 110 and 112 pound English, the Rove or Quartern being 27 ½ and sometimes 27 •/4 pound, but the great Quintal is 15 or 16 per cent. more than our 112 pound.

The Quintar commonly called the King's Quintar used in his Contractation House for weighing the Spices and Drugs of India is 114 pound English, and the great Cantar of Lisbon is mostly computed 130 pound Eng∣lish, &c.

Page  197The Measures of length used in this Ci∣ty are the Coueda, which is the third part of an English Yard, and the Ware which wants but a Nale of an English Ell; by the for∣mer they Measure Woollen Cloaths, &c. and by the latter Linnen, &c.

The Concave Measures of Lisbon is the Alquire, 3 of which are found to make an English Bushel, and 5 a Spanish Han∣nep. They have an other Measure by which they meet their Salt called Muy, which is 60 Alquires, and 2 Muys and 15 Alquires are a Tunn Bristol Water Mea∣sure.

The Custom inward is 23 per cent. that is, to the Dechima 10, to the Sisa 10, and to the Consolado 3, and outward Merchants pay only 3.

The Coyns are the Croisado of Gold, computed to be worth 400 Reas. The Ducat of Portugal which is ten Reals and accounted 5 Shillings Sterling or the Croi∣sado. The Ryal which is 40 Reas and ac∣counted 6 pence Sterling. The Golden Mirle which is worth 1000. Reas and ac∣counted 2 5/2 Ducats, the Ducat is 2 ½ Ryals or 15 pence Sterling. The Vintin which is 20 Reas or 3 pence Sterling, the single Ryal of Spain which is 2 Vintines; there are likewise the Coyns of Spain pas∣sable Page  198 in this City, but seeing they are not the proper Coyns of Portugal, I shall pass them over as having already mentioned them in the Description of the Trade of that Kingdom. And now leaving Portugal, I shall pass into the Kingdom of France, and in viewing the Trade of some Cities there∣of, give a Summary account of the whole Kingdoms Commerce, both Inland and by Navigation.

CHAP. LXII. A View of France, the Provinces, Trade, Customs, Weights, Mea∣sures, and Currant Coyns, reduced in∣to the view of the Principal Trad∣ing Cities of that Kingdom.

FRance is a large and Fertile part of Eu∣rope, bounded on the North with the Brittish Ocean, on the West with the Aqui∣tanian Sea, on the South with the Medi∣terranian, and on the East with the Pirenae∣an Hills and River Rhine; and is divided in∣to several Provinces, the Trade of which I shall instance in these following Cities, Page  199 viz. Burdeaux, Rouen, Paris, Lyons, and Marselia, of these in order.

Burdeaux is Situate on the Banks of Ge∣ronde, being the Principal City of the Province of Aquitain; and is placed in a very Fruitful Soil, especially for Wines: The Principal Vineyards of France being accounted in its Neighbourhood; of the Grapes therein growing, are made Whitewines and Claret in abundance; and of late all Palled Wines and such as other∣wise are foul & not Merchantable, they Lmi∣beck off into Brandies, which for the most part is vended in England, and Holland. They have likewise several Vineyards yield∣ing Grapes that make Sweet-Wines, com∣monly called high Country Wines, the which lest it should hinder the Sail of the other, they prohibit to be sold in their City till Christmass day; when the high Country Merchants bring it in, and sell it to Strang∣ers there resident; and such is the Custom of the place, that that Vessel or Lighter that first sets her Head on Shoar, is accounted free from Impost or Custom, yet must in lieu thereof for that day give Wine on Free-cost, to such as come on Board to Drink it. To this City it is that our Eng∣lish Merchants Trade, and from whence they yearly bring 20000 Tuns of Whitewine, Page  200 Claret Sweet, and Brandy Wines in times when no prohibition is layed, this City formerly for many Years having been English; there are found great quantities of Prunes of the Neighbouring growth, and some other Commodities, tho these are the chief, and to this place monies are remitted, for which mostly the Inhabitants Trade not as in other places ef Traffick, freely bartering Goods for Goods. Their Ac∣counts are kept for the most part in Li∣vers, Sold's, and Denies; as indeed through∣out the Kingdom. Their Weight is the pound, 100 of which are reckoned a Quin∣tar, or 110 English, 90 ¾ pound being 100 pound English. Their Measure of length is an Auln accounted 42 English Inches, their Wines are computed by Hogs-Heads and Tearces, viz. Claret and White∣wines, and their Brandy by Punchings of no certain Gauge.

CHAP. LXIII. A View of Rouen, and the Trade thereof.

ROuen is the Principal City of Nor∣mandy, being the Parliamentary Seat of that Province, and is Seated on the Banks of the River Sein; all its Territo∣ries being Fertile, and it abounding with rich Merchandise, as well of other Nati∣ons as the Growth of the Kingdom of France, and is visited by most of the Mer∣chants of all the Northern Kingdoms Trading in the Growth of France; the place affording of natural Growth and Native Manufactury, fine and coarse Linnens, Buck∣rams, Paper, Cards, Wine, Stuffs, Combs, &c. for which the Inhabitants or such French Merchants as send their Commodities thi∣ther to be vended, receive of the English Kersies of Devonshire and Yorkshire, Bays of Coxal, Cottons of Wales, Pepper, Gauls, Yarn, Tinn, Lead, Fish, &c. but of late they have got a Custom to Trade for Sterling, many Commodities being allowed at no other Exchange.

Page  202Their Accounts are kept in Solds, Li∣vers, and Deniers. As for Weights here is principally found the Kings Beam called the Viconte, which exceeds our long hun∣dred, viz. 112 pound 14 per cent. so that it makes English, 126 pound, tho sometimes less. Their Measure of length is the Auln, accounted 46 Inches or somewhat more, by which they Measure Woollen, and Linnen Cloath, and in this Measure they allow 24 for 20 called the Merchants Auln; this City affords great store of Canvas for the Sails of Ships and such like uses, which is likewise Measured by the Auln, and has al∣lowance as aforesaid, tho not unless great quantities are bought. In this City 3 Fairs are yearly held, at 2 whereof Liberty for 15 days is granted to buy and Transport all Commodities of the growth Custom-free, provided the Commodities be laden and fallen down the River, to a Place limited within 15 days after, or else to pay Custom as at other times, the first of which be∣gins the 3d. day of February and ends the 18th, the second begins on Whit-Monday and lasteth 15 days, the third begins on the 23 day of October and continues 8 days only, and is not Custom-free as the for∣mer.

As for the Concave Measures they are Page  203 few, and such as are common throughout France, and of which I shall hereafter speak. Therefore in this Chapter I willingly Omit them.

CHAP. LXIV. A View of Paris, the Metropolis of France, and of the Trade, Weights, Measures, Coyns, Customs, exchan∣ges, and Commodities there Vend∣ed.

PAris is the Principal city of France, and is accounted 10 Miles in Circumference, being Situate on either side the River Sein; that River Gliding smoothly through it, thereby rendering it more Commodious for Traffick; tho through the Sloath of the Inhabitants it is not improved to the ad∣vantage it might be, yet here are found Commodities of the growth of the whole Kingdom, as likewise of most Nations tho in no abundance.

The Commodities exported hence are Linnens, Paper, Cards, Combs, Stuffs, Thread, Plushes, &c. for which they re∣ceive Page  204 English Cloath, Stockings, Lead, Tinn, Bays, old Shooes, Silks of Italy, and some Indian Commodities. The Inhabi∣tants are for the most part Gentry, and therefore not addicted to Manufa∣cture.

The Weights of Paris are the Quintal, which is accounted 100 pound Gross, but found to make 100 pound of London Suttle 2 per cent. more or less, and is of Lyons Weight of 16 Ounces 116 pound, and Venetian Sottle 144 pound, 100 Sottle in Venice making Sottle of Paris Weight but 62 •/2 pound of 15 Ounces to the pound, the Cargo or great Quintal of Paris is 300 pound of Troy Weight, yet makes in Florence 487 pound. The Concave Mea∣sures for Wine is the Cistern, which con∣tains 8 Pints or a French Gallon, 96 of which are accounted a Tun.

The Measures of length are two, one for Linnen, and the other for Silks, and are much about the length of the vantaged and unvantaged Aulns, but seldom used in Gross, by Reason in this City Silks, Stuffs, &c. are sold by Weight, which to the buyer is advantageous by Reason he cannot be imposed on with slight Silks, and Stuffs, but that what it wants in goodness will be made out in Measure.

Page  205This City is the chief Standard of Coyn for the whole Kingdom; therefore in this I shall give a particular account of most French Coyns currant; first the Denire, 2 of which make a Double, and twelve a Sold, and 20 Solds a Liver, by some cal∣led a Frank, and in these three, viz. Solds, Deniers, and Livers, the accounts of that Kingdom are for the most part kept. There are Peices of 8 Solds, each Piece being the 1/• part of a Silver French Crown, 64 Sold's being accounted a French Crown, and 4 Sold's which is of 3 Livors Turnois Pieces of 21 Solds, 4 Deniers being the 1/8 part of the said Crown commonly called Testons, and the ½ and ¼ thereof, and as the Quar∣ter Crowns were at first raised from 15 Solds to 16, and thereby the 60 Solds to 64; so in the like proportion, were the Testons raised; the Golden Coyns are the Crown of 3 Livers or 60 Solds, the Crown of the Sun being 3 Livers 16 Sold or 76 Solds, and the Pistol, each Liver being ac∣counted 12 pence Sterling; there are like∣wise Crowns of 6 Shillings Sterling, but these monies, as indeed most Forrain Coyns, do rise and fall according to the Plenty and Scarcity of Silver and Gold, or more pro∣perly at the pleasure of the Prince whose proper Coyns they are. As for the Ex∣changes Page  206 I shall refer them till I come to Treat in General of the nature of Ex∣changes.

CHAP. LXV. A View of Lyons, and the Trade thereof, &c.

LYons was once the famousest Mart of France, and a great Scale of Trade, but by Reason of its Incommodious Situ∣ation, in wanting a Port or Navigable Ri∣ver for great Ships, it has given place to the Haven Towns, yet continues some Trade, especially Inland, being Seated on a Fruitful Soil, Fertilized by the Branches of the Rivers Rhoan and Soame, the chief Manufactory of Silks in the Kingdom of France being setled in it, which when wrought is sent through Europe, the Inha∣bitants having Commerce with Marselia, the chief Port for the residence of Ship∣ping. Here Exchanges are practised, the Bankers or Merchants of Venetia, Florence and Naples, having Factors resident in Lyons for that purpose, and hither it is that the Page  207 English Merchants bring Lead, Tinn, Bays, Cony-Skins, &c. to Exchange for the growth of the Province; the Accounts are kept as in other parts of the Kingdom. The Coyns currant being the same with those of Paris.

The Fairs are 4, in which all payments either by Exchange or Merchandise are made, and all payments run from 3 Months to 3 Months, if agreed to in a Publick place or Burse appointed for that purpose; the first of these Fairs begins immediately after the Octaves of Easter, the second, the first Monday after the Assumption of the Bles∣sed Virgin, the third the day after All Souls, the fourth the day after Epiphany, each continuing 15 days; all Exchange business is done, and all Bills of Exchange are made and dated in one day, and within 2 days following, they settle the rate of Exchange, and by these Fairs they limit their payments, and the time allowed in their Bills from hence to Venice, Florence, and Rome, is com∣monly 30 days, to Naples and Valentia 25 days; and so consequently according to the distance of the place it is payable at, tho agreement be made for longer time it is of∣ten granted.

The Weights most in use is the Kings Beam of the Custom-House, and the 2 Page  208 Town Beams, the King's Beam is found to be 100 pound the Quintal, and is greater then the largest of the Town Beams by 8 per cent. and by the Weight thereof all Cu∣stoms are Proportioned. This large Town Beam for Gross Goods is accounted like∣wise 100 pound of 16 Ounces to the pound, the third Weight is known by the name of the pound of Mark, and is only used in weighing of Silks containing 100 pound of 15 Ounces, being the least of the three.

The Measure of Lyons is the Auln which is 46 English Inches, 7 of them being found to make 9 English Yards, and 100 pound of London Suttle is found to make in Lyons 96 2/2 pound Silk Weight, and one Liver or pound Sterling of London is 10 Livers Tur∣nois. And thus much shall Suffice for Lyons and the Trade thereof.

CHAP. LXVI. A View of Marselia, the Trade, Weights, Measures, Coyns, and Cu∣stoms thereof.

MArselia is a fair Port, and the prin∣cipal Place of Trade in Provence, whither resort many Merchants; and from which Port the Ships Sail that maintain the Trade with Turky, Barbary, Spain, Italy, Flanders, and England, tho in∣deed not much, the French Nation not affect∣ing Navigation, but rather choose to improve the growth of their own Country, for which they have brought home to 'em, the Com∣modities and growth of all Nations. The Exchange that is wanting here, is supplyed by the currant and intercourse of Lyons, it be∣ing Governed thereby in matters of Trade.

And hither the English bring Bays, Cloath, Lead, Tinn, Herrings, Pilchards, Newland-Fish, Affrican Hides, Wax, Calves-Skins, Salmond, &c. and in Exchange receive Oyls, Wines, Verdigreese, Paper, Linnen, and other Manufactures, & at this Port they have free Licence to Transport Spanish Ryals of 8/8 Page  210 which are found in abundance, and by that means preserve their Trade with Turky, and other Places of Traffick in the Medi∣terranean, from whence they bring Silks, and some spices; but of late have not been so venturous as formerly, for fear of the Pirates, by whom they have sustained with∣in a few Years dammages to the value of 3 Millions of Crowns, which has much im∣paired their Traffick in those parts.

The Accounts here are kept in Deniers, Solds, and Livers, and in Ryals of 8, which sometimes are Inhaunced to a ¼ part more then their true value.

The Weight is Originally the pound of 16 Ounces, 100 of which make the Quin∣tal, and 3 Quintals the Cargo, the Quintal is found to make English 88 ½.

The Measure of Length is the Cane, which they divide into 8 Palms, which are found to be 2 ⅛ English Yards.

The concave Measure is the Mine, of which the Sack of Leghorne makes 1 •/3.

The Customs outwards are 1 ¼ per cent. and inwards 3 ¼ per cent. this is meant of Com∣modities of the growth of the Country, but if Pepper, Ginger, Indico, and such like Commodities be imported; they pay the Kings Customs, which are 15 per cent. And thus I shall conclude the Trade of Page  211 France, and proceed to take a View of Italy and the Trade thereof.

CHAP. LXVII. A View of Italy, and the Trading Ci∣ties thereof, together with their Manner of Traffick, Weights, Measures, Coyns, &c.

ITaly is bounded with the Alps, the Ioni∣an, Tyrrhenean, and Adriatick Seas, and is exceeding Fertile lying in a Temperate Clime, and is divided into 10 Provinces, viz. the Kingdom of Naples, the Dukedom of Florence, the Dukedom of Millain, the Dukedom of Mantua, the Common-Wealth of Venice, the Dukedom of Ʋrbin, the Prin∣cipality of Parma, the estate of Genoa, the estate of Luca, and the Papacy. Of the chief City or Town of Trade of each in order.

CHAP. LXVIII. A View of the City Naples, and the Trade thereof, together with the Weights, Measures, Coyns, Cu∣stoms, &c.

IN Describing the Trade of this City from whence the Kingdom takes its Name, I shall lay down what is found of value or Merchantable throughout the Pro∣vince.

The City of Naples is a fair City and accounted 7 Miles in compass, formerly called Parthenope, and is now Governed by a Vice-Roy to the Behoof of the King of Spain, and yieldeth divers Mettals brought from adjacent Mines; likewise Saffron, Raw and wrought Silk, Oyls, Anniseed, Brim∣stone, Argals, Corn, Cattle in abundance and other things of value; for which they receive out of England Bays, Says, Serges, Cloath, Lead, Tinn, Herrings, Pilchards, and Newland-Fish. There is found like∣wise the growth of Spain, Portugal, and many East-Indian Commodities, and it was formerly a City of great Traffick. The Page  213 Country generally abounds in Mulberry-Trees, and other pleasant Fruit-Trees.

The Weights of this City, and conse∣quently of the whole Kingdom, are the Roto∣lo and Cantar, 100 of the former making the latter, which is accounted 196 pound English Averdupois Weight, as likewise in Goeta they have a Cantar, by which all Gross Commodities are weighed which is reckoned 254 pound of Leghorn.

The Measure of Length is the Cane di∣vided into 8 Palms, nine of which Palms make the Auln of Lyons, and the Cane is 18 ½ English inches.

The Concave Measures of Naples are the Salmo and Staio, by which they Measure Oyl, Wine, Corn, &c.

The Customs are for some Commodities 2 ½, for other 4 ½ per cent. more or less, as the Vice-Roy gives order to these that are appointed to receive them, the King of Spain receiving yearly for Customs upon the Oyls of Gallipoly, adjacent to this Kingdom one hundred thousand Ducats.

CHAP. LXIX. A View of the City of Florence, the Trade thereof, Comprehending the whole Trade of the Florentine Dominion.

THe City of Florence gives name to the Provence or Dukedom of Florence, and is a very fair City, Seated near the Ri∣vers Arne and Chian, Beautifyed it is with many stately Edifices, and much addicted to Merchandizing; the Duke being accounted the richest and chiefest Merchant in Italy, and is now more commonly known by the Ti∣tle of great Duke of Tuscany. The Com∣modities are very rich, the famous Port of Leghorn being Governed in Trade by this City and Pisa. For hence for the most part come the Merchandise that are there found, as Marble, Rice, Wines, Oyls, Silks Raw, and wrought, Sattins, Taffatas, Velvets, Grograms, Plushes, Stuffs of curious Tex∣ture, for which they receive of our Mer∣chants, Pepper, Mace, Cloves, Indicoes, Callico, Lead, Tinn, Cloath, Bays, Says, Serges, Perpetuanos, &c, the Inhabitants for Page  215 the most part being very rich by Reason of the great Banks maintained in this Ci∣ty, where is practised exchange from all parts.

Their accounts are kept in Livers, Solds, Deniers, 12 Deniers making a Sold, and 20 Solds accounted a Liver, and some in Crowns, 7 ½ Livers making a Crown; they have currant in Trade, the Florence Ducat worth 7 Livers, each Liver accounted 9 pence Sterling.

The Weight is the Quintal or 100 pound of 12 Ounces the pound, and is found to make 98 pound English. The Measure of Length is the Brace, 100 of which has been known to make 49 Ells English, and the Cane which is 4 Braces, but all wrought Silks are here sold by the pound.

Wine is sold by the Cogno, which is 10 Barrels, 40 Metadels, 20 Flasks, and each Barrel to weigh 120 pound.

Oyl is sold by the Orcio, which is a Bar∣rel, and accounted 85 pound Weight, Grain is sold by the Moggio, which is 24 Staios, each Staio accounted 5 pound, Salt is sold by a Staio of 72 pound. And thus much shall Suffice for Florence.

CHAP. LXX. A View of Millain, of the Trade, Weights, Measures, Coyns, Customs, and Commodities thereof.

THe City of Millan being the Center of the whole Dukedom, in all re∣spects, I shall only insist upon it.

Then this City is the fairest of Lomber∣dy, being seven Miles in compass, and Fur∣nished with all Commodities of the growth of the Dukedom, nay of all Italy, being now in Subjection to the Spanish King; the chief Commodities are Oyl, Wine, Rice, Corn, Raw Silk, which is wrought by the Inhabi∣tants into curious Fabricks, Chambets, Fu∣stians, Gold Thread, and Iron; which are dispersed over all Italy, Savoy, France, Flan∣ders, Holland, England, &c.

Their Accounts are kept in Deniers, Solds, and Livers, which are in effect Pence, Shillings, Pounds, &c. and their other cur∣rant Coyns are the Ducat of Gold, which is worth about 100 Solds of that money, the Crown of Gold of the Sun, which is worth 97 Solds. The Italian Gold Crown which is worth 5 Livers.

Page  217The Ducat of Gold of 5 Livers, and 18 Solds is worth 6 Livers Imperial, the Du∣cat Imperial is esteemed worth 4 Livers. The Ducat of Millain or Imperial of 4 Livers is accounted in exchange 101 Solds the Ducat, and sometimes in Merchandise 110, and in way of Trade the Coyns of Spain, and France, are here Currant.

The Weight used here is the pound, 100 of which make a Quintal, which is account∣ed 70 pound English.

The Measures of Length are the Bra∣ces, one for Cloath, and the other for Silk, the 100 Braces of the last containing 43 Ells of London.

The Customs for the most part the same with the other Cities of Italy.

CHAP. LXXI. A View of the Dukedoms of Man∣tua, and Urbin, and of their Trade, Weights, Measures, &c.

OF the Dukedom of Mantua, the Ci∣ty of that Name is the chief, and is a fair and strong Place, on 3 sides invi∣roned with a wide Lake, through which runneth a Stream or River into the fa∣mous River Poe, and is surrounded with pleasant Pastures and Fruitful Gardens, Or∣chards, and Vineyards; but the Trade as to Merchandise, is inconsiderable for want of a Harbour or Haven, for the re∣ception of Shipping; only here are found several Fabricks of Silk, as Taffatas, Sattins, &c. also Watered Chamblets; the Accounts are kept as in Millain, and their money much the same unless the Ducatoon which is 115 Solds of Mil∣lain.

The Weights of Mantua are the Peso, which is 25 pound, and the Quintal which is 100 pound, making English 71 pound A∣verdupois.

Page  219The City of Ʋrbin from which the Dukedom takes its Name, is Seated un∣der the Appennine Hills, and has 2 famous Sea-Ports, viz. Pisauro, and Fano, where formerly our Merchants held considerable Commerce, but of late it is decayed, yet some Trade is still held there, especially by such as go Trading Voyages; who there find the growth of most Parts of Italy, for which they exchange Cloath, Tinn, Spices, and some Drugs. Their Accounts are kept in Deniers, Solds, and Livers, and the rest of the Coyns those for the most part currant throughout Italy.

The Weights are the pound, and the Quintal, 100 of the former making the lat∣ter, and is found to be 77 pound of London Averdupois. The Measures of length are the Braces, one for Cloath, and the other for Silk, 94 of the former making 100 of Venice, but the Venice Brace for Silk renders the Ʋr∣bin Brace for Silk 102 or 103, &c.

CHAP. LXXII. A View of the Common-Wealth of Venice, and of the Trade, Weights, Measures, Customs, Coyns &c.

THe City of Venice gives Name to the Territories, and has been and yet is famous for Trade by Navigation, being so Commodiously Seated for the reception of Shipping, that nothing can be more; as thus, it is Seated at the bottom of the A∣driatick Sea or Venetian Gulph, upon 72 Islands 5 Miles distant from the main Land, and is defended against the rage of the Sea by a Bank of 20 Leagues, through which are cut several passages for Boats, but no Ships are capable of passing but at Mala∣mecco, the mouth of which is guarded with strong Castles; and at the Castles of Lio, the Sea runs through most of the Streets, so that the commerce is held by Boats and Bridges, 12000 of the first, and 4000 of the last; and as for the Inhabitants they are naturally addicted to Merchandise, and once made their City the Store-House of Page  221 the Commodities of India, Persia, Arabia, Egypt, and Greece, being both Politick and Powerful at Sea, so that for those Com∣modities, most European Merchants Traded thither as the Principal Mart of the World, but of late the English, Dutch, and Portugals have found the way to purchase them at the first hand, and by that means much im∣paired the Traffick of that Common-Wealth, yet still they have Factories at A∣leppo, Constantinople, and Alexandria, and Trade in Silk, Spices, Drugs, &c. but the chief Commodities found here are Cloaths of Gold and Silver, Wine, Oyl, Woollen Cloath, Paper, Anniseeds, Agal, Looking-Glasses, Drinking-Glasses, and Quick-Sil∣ver, for which the English Merchants Trading thither, exchange Bays, Furs, Perpetuanos, Lead, Tinn, Cloves, Nut∣megs, Pepper, Ginger, Serges, Says, Woollen Cloath, Herring, Pilchards, Sal∣mond, and Newland Fish, Indico, &c. and serves for a Mart to Austria and upper Germany.

The Weights of Venetia are 4, the first and greatest is called the pound Gross, and 100 pound with which they weigh Wool, Brass, Iron, Copper, Flesh, Fish, and other Gross Commodities. The second is the Golden Weight in use for weighing Gold, Page  222 Silver, Precious Stones and Pearls only, and is called the Mark consisting of 8 Ounces, and each Ounce of 144 Cariots; the third is applyed to the Weight only of Gold and Silver Thread; the fourth is the pound Sut∣tle, with which are weighed Silks, Drugs, Spices, Cottons, Cotton-Yarn, viz. by the 100 Weight composed of the Suttle pound, 100 pound Gross being of this Sut∣tle pound 158 pound, and so on Proporti∣onablely; but in Gold and Silver Thread 100 pound Gross is Suttle, but 116 pound 8 Ounces, the Mark of Gold 8 Ounces, and from these our English Traders have derived their Weight commonly called Venice Weight, 100 pounds of Venice Sut∣tle make of London Weight 64 pound, and Gross 106 pound.

The Liquid Measures for Wine are the Amphora, the Bigonsa, the Quart, the Sachio and Lyre, viz. the Bigonsa 4 of them make the Amphora, and each Bigonsa is 4 Quarts, and 1 Quart is 4 Sachi, each Sachi being 4 Lyras, and each Lyra a pound Weight, tho in Gross the lesser Measures hold not out; as for Oyl it is sold both by Weight and Measure, the Weight is called the Staliero, and the Measure the Miaro, and is 40 Mire which is Gross Weight, 120 pound, one Mire by Weight is 30 pound 3 Ounces, Page  223 and by Measure 25 pound. Corn is sold by the Staio, each Staio being Gross 132 pound of Venetian Weight.

The Accounts are kept several ways ac∣cording to the Pleasure of the Merchant, as sometimes in Ducats, and Grosses, ac∣counting 6 Livers, and 4 Solds to a Du∣cat or 24 Grosses, others again in Solds and Grosses.

As for their Exchanges, to their great advantage in way of Trade, they make a difference between their money payed for Merchandise, and that returnable upon Bills, the disproportion being between 20 and 21 per cent. their Customs are Extraordinary, especially upon the English Trading to Zant for Currans, which is in Subjection to that Seignory, both upon Goods imported and exported, the which has caused the decay of Trade, and was the main Reason of re∣moving the Scale of Trade to Leghorn, a place no ways so Commodious nor abounding in Commodities of the Native growth.

CHAP. LXXIII. A View of the Principality of Par∣ma, and of the Trade, Weights, Measures, Customs, &c.

PArma the chief City of this Principali∣ty gives it a Name, and is a pleasant Ci∣ty abounding with all the Commodities of Italy, as Silks, Stuffs, Oyl, Wine, Cop∣per, Rice, Corn, &c. and as for the Weight used in the City, it is the pound of 12 Ounces, 100 of which make about 60 Suttle English. The Measure of length is the Brace, concording with the Brace of Flo∣rence. The Coyns are Deniers, Livers, and Solds, in which their Accounts are kept. But having thus far proceeded, I shall here take a View of the famous Port of Leghorn, and of the Trade thereof.

CHAP. LXXIV. A View of Leghorn, the Trade, Cu∣stom, Weights, Measures, and Coyns, &c.

LEghorn the Principal Port, and Scale of Trade in the Mediterranean Sea, is Si∣tuated on a large Plain, and accomodated with a good Harbour for the reception of Shipping, so that almost the whole Scale of Trade is removed from the City of Ve∣nice thither; it is now a part of the Floren∣tine Dominion, having some time past been purchased by the Duke of Tuscany for 120000 Ducats of the Genoese, and from him received large Priviledges and Immuni∣ties, being inlarged by a new City Build∣ed to the old, and by Reason of the small Customs taken there; it is of a Nest of Pirates, Murtherers, &c. who formerly In∣habited it, become famous throughout the World; in this Port the great Duke keeps his Gallies, and here are found all the sorts of Commodities Italy yields, the Trade of it being as aforesaid regulated by Florence and Pisa, and to this Port are brought the Page  226 Commodities of England, Spain, France, Holland, India, Arabia, Persia, Egypt, and other Countries.

The Accounts of Merchants in Leghorn, are kept in Livers, Solds, Deniers, 12 Deniers being a Sold, and 20 Solds a Li∣ver, and their other monies are the same with Florence, except Quadrins and Cra∣ches, 8 Craches being accounted worth 6 pence Sterling, and of Quadrins 60 to a Liver, tho sometimes a different value is fixed upon the Mony of either place, but it continues not long.

The Weights are the same with Flo∣rence, viz. the pound of 12 Ounce, 100 of which make a Quintal, which is compu∣ted to make 75 pound English, and by this they weigh their Gross Commodities. An other Quintal they have of 150 pound, which makes of London Weight 113 pound, as also an other of 160 pound making with us 121 pound, by which they weigh Fish, woolls, &c. The Kintar of Allum is at Leghorn 150 pound, but in England found to make but 143 ⅞ pound, the Kintar of Sugar 15•, the Kintar of Fish 160 pound, and make Eng∣lish Weight proportionably.

The Measures are the Brace and Cane, 4 of the former making one of the latter, each Brace being 23 Inches English, 100 Page  227 Braces making 60 Yards or 48 Ells.

The Concave Measures for Corn and Salt, are the Stare, the Sack, and the Sal∣mo, 3 of the first making one of the second, and 3 ⅔ of the second making one of the third, which is a London Quarter; they have a Measure likewise called a Maggio, which contains 8 Sacks.

The Custom of this Port is, that any Merchant may Land his Goods without paying any Custom, so be they are sold with∣in a Year; but if not, he must pay Custom; but if for the better disposal of Commo∣dities, they are sent into any other part of Tuscany, they must pay Custom at Pisa.

CHAP. LXXV. A View of Genoa, the Weights, Mea∣sures, Coyns, and Trade thereof.

THe Metropolis of the Republique of Genoa, is the City of Genoa from whence the Territories have Name, and is 8 Miles in compass, being Commodiously Situate for Commerce, and has been for∣merly a City of great Trade; but of late Page  228 the Citizens are turned Userers, which has put a stop to their Navigation, and the Excessive Customs upon Goods imported, deters Merchants from Trading thither to any purpose. The Merchantable Wares that are found in this City are Silks, Stuffs, Damasks, Drugs, Wine, Oyl, and some Fruits, for which they receive the growth of the Countries, whose Merchants Trade thi∣ther. Their Accounts especially as to Mer∣chandise are kept in Deniers, Solds, and Livers, 12 Deniers being a Sold, and 20 Solds a Liver, which is 16 pence Sterling. Their other Coyns for the most part Con∣cord with those of Florence.

The Weights are the pound of 12 Ounc∣es, and Quintal, 100 of the former mak∣ing the latter, which is accounted the Quin∣tal Suttle, the Gross Quintal being 150 pound, and makes Suttle Weight of Lon∣don 105 pound, and by the Gross Quintal are sold Anniseeds, Honey, Rice, Brass, Lead, Tinn, Sope, Wools, and other Weighty Commodities.

The Measure of Length is the Cane, found to make 9 Palms or 4 Braces of Florence, which is used in the Measuring Stuffs and Silkes, and for Measuring of Linnen, the Cane is 10 Palms, 100 of which Palms have rendered 27 English Page  229 Yards, and consequently one Cane of Genoa is 2 ⅞ Yards English.

Corn is sold by the Mine, each Mine paying Custom 6 ½ Solds, and Weighs 270 pound, 2 ½ of which are found to be a Harwich Quarter.

Oyl is sold by the Barril, 7 ½ of which make a Neapolitan Butt.

Wine is sold by the Mesorole, 5 of which make a Botta Dimena of Na∣ples. All Goods entering the River or Port pay Consolato of the River 6 Denier per Liver, which is payed by the Buyer, if a contract be not before made with the seller for the discharge thereof. And thus much for the Republique of Na∣ples.

CHAP. LXXVI. A View of Luca, and the Trade there∣of.

LƲca is the principal City of the Re∣publique, and is Situate on the River Serchio, being 3 Miles in compass, and so adorned with Trees; that such as pass a Page  230 far off think it to stand in a Wood. The most Merchantable Commodities here found are Silks, as Damasks, Sattins, Taffatas, &c. which are here made and sent to other Cities of Italy, and for them have return∣ed the growth of most Countries.

Their Accounts are kept in Solds, De∣niers, and Livers of Picoly as in Florence, and their monies for the most part the same, it having formerly been a City of considerable Trade, but now of little note.

The Weights are two, the one the Bal∣lance Weight, by which all Goods are bought and sold, the other the Weight by which Merchants pay their Customs, be∣tween which there is observed 12 per cent. difference, the Ballance Weight, the pound containing 12 Ounces, the 100 thereof has been found to make of Lyons Weight 72 ½ and the Customers Weight 81 ½ the Mea∣sure of length is the Brace, which is 23 English Inches, 100 Braces of this Place be∣ing found to make 50 English Ells. As for Liquid or Concave Measures, they use not any in way of Merchandise. Therefore I shall pass them over.

CHAP. LXXVII. A View of the Papacy, and the Trade thereof.

THe Papacy containeth several stately Cities, but none of any considerable Trade as for Merchandise therefore I shall Summ up all in Describing, the Trade of Rome, once the Mistriss of the World, but now her Splendor is much abated.

Rome is Situate on the Banks of Tiber, adorned with 750 Towers placed on her Walls, and is accounted to contain 466000 Families, and in it are found these Merchan∣dise, viz. Corn, Oyl, Wine, Gloves, Al∣lum, Lutestring, Kid-Skins, and curious Fabricks of Silk, for which they receive from England Lead, Tinn, Bays, Says, Stuffs, Pilchards, Herrings, Newland Fish, Calves-Skins, Salt, Salmon, Tallow, Wax, &c. which are for the most part Landed at Civitaveccia, and from thence carryed up the River Tiber in Boats to Rome.

The Coyns here and through the Pa∣pacy, are the same that are currant in most parts of Italy, the Pope having so ordain∣ed, that his Incomes may be the more.

Page  232The Accounts are kept in Crowns, Ju∣lios, or Paulos, Baiochos, and Quatrins, the Weight is the Quintal or 100 pound which makes 80 pound English, tho some∣times they weigh by a Quintal of 160 pound, and 150 pound, according to the fineness or Grosness of the Commodity.

Their Measures of Length are 2, one for Linnen and the other for Woollen, the one a Brace, and the other the Cane, 30 Canes making 100 Braces. Corn is sold by the Rugio, which is 7/18 Mine of Genoa. And thus much shall suffice for Rome, and indeed for all Italy, from whence I must pass into Flanders and take a View of the Trade thereof.

CHAP. LXXVIII. A View of the Trade of Flanders, and Holland, of the Weights, Measures, Coyns, Customs, Commo∣dities, and Traffick of them, re∣duced into the View of Antwerp and Amsterdam.

THo Flanders and the Netherlands are divided into 17 Provinces, viz. 4 Page  233 Dukedoms, as Limburg, Luxemburg, Gel∣derland, and Brabant, 1 Marquisat, 7 Ealr∣doms, as Artois, Flanders, Hanault, Nemurs, Zutphen, Holland, and Zealand, 5 Borro∣nies, as Westfriezland, Ʋtretch, Overysel, Machlin, and Groving; yet the Trade of all these may conveniently be reduced into what is found in Antwerp and Amsterdam, the one famous for having formerly been the chief Scale of Europe, and the other for the present commerce held there. Of these in order.

Antwerp is Situate upon the River Scheld, that River sending forth eight Channels to Water the City by running through her Streets, and has been formerly accounted a great Scale of Trade, insomuch that all European Merchants brought their Commo∣dities thither to vend, the acquirement of which Trade was principally by the means following, first by Reason of 2 free Marts, yearly holden for 45 days, in which no Person Trading there could be Arrested in his Goods or Person for Debt or other∣wise, secondly by Reason the Portugals dis∣covering the East Indias Anno 1500. di∣verted the course of Trade driven by the Venetians from Alexandria, and the Red-Sea to Lisbon; and so kept a Factory at Antwerp, and exposed to Sail all Indian Page  234 Commodities which drew most of the Trading Nations of Europe to Trade thi∣ther, exhausting the Trade of Bruges where the English Merchants Adventurers before resided; the third and last cause was the Wars between Charles the fifth Empe∣ror, and the French, which obliged the Nobility, and Gentry for safety to re∣move their Families thither, who after∣wards being taken with the pleasantness of the place would not remove, but Built them stately Houses, and made that City for the most part the Place of their resi∣dence.

The cause of the decay of Trade in the City of Antwerp, was the Wars with Spain, in which Merchants were Pillaged, their Ships taken, &c. the Abridgement of Pri∣viledges, and the Trade which the English and Dutch found in the East-Indies, bring∣ing home in their own Bottoms, what be∣fore they were obliged to the Portugals for; but as it is at this Day, a pretty Trade is driven in the City, most of the Neigh∣bouring Countries bringing in their Growth and Manufacture.

The Commodities found in Antwerp, are Wines, Silks, Arras-Hangings, Spices, Drugs, Fruit, store of Corn, Woollen Cloath, some Oyl, and the like; brought out of Page  235 its Neighbourhood, and the Adjacent Pro∣vinces.

The Accounts of Antwerp are kept in Livers, Solds, and Deniers, which they reckon Pounds, Shillings, Pence, 12 De∣niers making a Sold, and 20 Solds a Li∣ver or pound Flemish, tho worth no more then 12 Shillings Sterling, or as they com∣pute it 240 Grosses, 12 Grosses being a Sold, and according to these Values on Coyn they make their Exchanges. The other currant Coyns are Doits, 4 of which make a Stiver, and 10 Stivers make 1 Shilling Sterling. 2 Blanks make a Stiver, and half 6 Stivers make the Flemish Shilling, 28 Stivers make a Guilder, which is 3 Shil∣lings 4 pence Flemish, so that 100 pound Flemish is found to make but 50 pound English, &c.

The Weight is the pound of 16 Ounces, 100 of which pounds make their Quintar, and the Quintar found to be 104 pound English. So that from this allowance or over Weight, many imagine that the Tret of London had its Original.

The Measure of length is the Ell, 100 of which are found to make 60 London Ells in the Measure of Linnen Cloath. They have likewise an Ell for Measuring of Silk, which is 1 ½ in the 100 less then the Cloath Ell.

Page  236Beer is sold by the Barrel, which in Brabant and Flanders, is accounted 54 Stops, each Stop being 2 Quarts English.

Their Corn they sell by the Vertules 23 ½ of which are a Last of Amsterdam, and 10 ¼ Quarters London Measure.

Wine is sold by the Ame, the Stop and the Butt, 1 Ame making 50 Stops, and one Stop 6 pound, so that the Butt is 300 Stops or 6 Ames, the Wine Stop being accounted 3 ⅓ Quarts of London Wine Measure.

The Exchanges are very great, by Reason most of the Bills of Spain are drawn upon the Merchants and Traders of Antwerp, for the disbursement of mo∣ney, for the maintainance of the Army, that is for the most part kept on Foot in the Provinces.

CHAP. LXXIX. A View of the City of Amsterdam and of the Trade, Coyns, Weights and Measures thereof.

AMsterdam is a fair City, and Seated on the River Tay, which on the North side of it Flows like a large Sea, when on the South the River Amster running through 3 Lakes▪ enters its Streets and falleth into the River Tay aforesaid.

And by the addition or a new City to the old, it is become Commodious and strong; and by the advantage of the Ri∣ver passing through all Land-carriage is saved, the Boats in the 5 Principal Streets coming up to the Doors, especially where the Merchants Ware-Houses are. The Inhabitants are generally Prompt to Navi∣gation, and have so improved themselves thereby, that most of the Citizens are Merchants, and have Vessels of their own, or venture in other Vessels, wholly relying •pon the advantage that Accrues by Trad∣ing in forrain Countries, as wanting Land to improve their Stock at home, so that Page  238 of late it has been observed they put out their Money to Interest in England and France, to more considerable interest then it will allow in their own Country; 4 or 5 per cent. being great interest there, which is so ordered that by such means, People may be the willinger to venture in way of Trade by Merchandise, which returns them for the most part 50. per cent. and all charges pay'd.

The Commodities found in Amsterdam, as Silks, Cloath, Woollen, and Linnen, Stuffs, Drugs of all sorts, Spices, Dies, Oyls, Allum, Brimstone, Gold and Silver-Thread, Wines, and indeed all sorts of Commodities that are found of any use in the known World, but the chief Com∣modities that the Country affords, which may properly be called the Growth or Manufacture, are Cattle, Butter, Cheese, Flax, Corn, Linnen Cloath, Coarse Wool∣len Cloaths, Tapestry, Pictures, and all sorts of Fish, but especially Herrings, of which they make an Extraordinary advan∣tage, imploying in the Season for that Fishery 6000 Persons.

The Weight commonly used in Amster∣dam is the pound of 16 Ounces, 100 of which make 107 of Antwerp, and of Lon∣don 110.

Page  239The Measure of length is the Ell, 134 of which make 100 Yards of London, or 100 London Ells make 167 1/• Ells of Am∣sterdam.

Their Concave Measures are for Corn, the Last, the Barrel, the Muyden, the Sack, the Archeteling, and the Sheple; as thus, 24 Barrels make the Last, each Barrel con∣taining 1 1/•2 Muydens, a Muyden containing 1 2/24 Sacks, each Sack being 3 Archetelings, or 3 21/29 Shepels 108 Shepels, making the Last.

The Measures for Wine, Oyl, Beer, and other Liquids, are for the most part the same with those of England; and therefore I shall pass them over.

The Coyns in which the Accounts are kept, are the same with Antwerp, viz. Li∣vers, Solds, and Deniers, the Liver or Pound Flemish being 12 Shillings Sterling, 6 Florins make the Flemish pound at 20 Sti∣vers per Florin, so that 120 Stivers are the Flemish pound or 12 Shillings Eng∣lish, 5 Stivers being 6 pence Sterling or 5 Solds Turnois, a Gross is 6 Deniers, a Carolus Gulden is 20 Stivers or 2 Shil∣lings Sterling, or 2 Sols Turnois. And besides these all the currant Coyns of Eu∣rope pass here according to their true va∣lue, as they again may be payed for Mer∣chandise Page  240 to the Merchants of the Coun∣tries, to which they are proper. And thus much for Antwerp and Amsterdam, as also for all the Provinces and Cities of the Netherlands, the Trade of which being in∣cluded in what I have lay'd down; so that from hence I shall pass into Germany, to take a View of that large Empire, the Trade of which I reduce into a few heads, or deliver it in the Description of the Trade of the Principal Cities.

CHAP. LXXX. A View of Germany, its Provinces, and the Trade thereof.

HAving thus far proceeded, as I hope, to the content of the Reader, I shall Survey the Empire of Germany, which is bounded on the North with Denmark and the Danish Seas, on the East with Prusia, Poland, and Hungary, on the South with the Alps, and on the West with France and Belgium, and abounds in Silver Mines, Cop∣per, Lead, Tinn, Iron, Corn, Wine, Al∣lum, Quick-Silver, Linnen, Woollen, Silks, Stuffs, Cattle, Corn, and other Commo∣dities Page  241 all of its own Growth and Manu∣facture.

The Cities and Towns of the Empire, may by good Right be divided into 3 parts, as first the Hans-Towns, which enjoy large Privileges and Immunities, and are com∣puted to be about 70, which for the most par are accommodated with Navigable Ri∣vers, and abound in rich Manufactures. Secondly those called the Imperial Cities, which are imputed free Cities, by Rea∣son of their great Priviledges, above the rest in Coyning money, barring any acknow∣ledgement of Subjection unless to the Em∣peror, whom they only do acknowledge for their Protector, and in lieu of it pay an annual Tribute, being 60 odd in num∣ber. And thirdly those that are under the Subjection of the Electoral Princes, which are commonly called Principalities.

The Rivers by which these Towns for the most part are inriched are 4, viz. the Danube which running 1500 Miles receives about 58 Navigable Rivers, and at last disimbogues it self into the Euzine or Black-Sea. The River Rhine which after passing through Germany, and Belgia for 800 Miles falls into the German Ocean, the River Albis which is large and Navigable for near 400 Miles, and the River Odera, which passing Page  242 300 Miles through the Country falleth into the Baltick Sea.

There are likewise several other Rivers of note, that greatly contribute to the Fertilizing the Country, but these being the chief, I shall pass over the rest, un∣less the Description of some Cities require the mentioning of them.

CHAP. LXXXI. A View of Strasburg, and the Trade thereof.

STrasburg is an Imperial free City, Seat∣ed upon a fair Plain, about a furlong from the River Rhine, over which they have lay'd a Bridge, and a Channel cut which conveys Ships and Boats to the City, which is 8 Miles in compass, adorned with many stately Buildings; and amongst the rest a Cathedral, whose Steeple is for cu∣rious Architect accounted one of the 7 Wonders of the World, and by Reason of the Generosity of the Inhabitants towards Strangers, there is great resort thither, especially of Lutherans, Calvinists, &c. but above all it abounds in Handicrafts or Ar∣tizans Page  243 who find great incouragement, and by their Labour is the common Stock improved; tho since its falling into the Hands of the French King, they have not proceeded with such Alacrity as formerly, by Reason of the little assurance they have of keeping what they acquire by their La∣bour.

The Commodities Traded for hither are Linnen Cloath, Iron, Diaper, Rhenish Wine, Copper, Wax, and Hemp, for which they receive out of England Tinn, Lead, and Woollen Cloath; out of Spain Fruits▪ Wines, Oyls, Salt, and Wool; and out of Italy Silks, both Raw and wrought.

The Weights are two, viz. the Gross and Suttle, where upon Tryal it has been found, that the 100 pound Suttle of London has made Incirca 70 in 71 of the Gross of Stras∣burg, which Gross Weight is 16 Ounces to the pound, and the Suttle but 12 Ounces, by the latter of which all Indian Com∣modities are weighed, as Nutmegs, Cloves, Cinnamond, Drugs of all sorts, Indicoes and rich Dies. The Measure of length is the Ell, which is about 38 English Inches; as for Concave Measures they use but few, and those the same with other Cities of the Empire, of which anon I shall have occasion to speak.

Page  244The currant Coyn is the Bobemico, Gross, or Blaphace, which is 3 Crutfers, one Crutfer being 2 pence, one penny 2 Hel∣lers, and one Heller 2 Orchines. And in these Coyns all the Accounts are kept.

CHAP. LXXXII. A View of Vienna, and of the Trade, Weights, Measures, Coyns, &c.

VIenna is one of the fairest and strong∣est Cities of the Empire, and for the most part the Imperial Seat, having on the North of it the River Danow; which di∣viding into 3 Streams causes, as it were, an Island ere it again unites; and over the Streams are 3 Stone Bridges of 15, 29 and 57 Arches, all the Streets are adorned with stately Buildings, and in the City many Merchants reside, who have their Factories in Venice, Florence, Genoa, &c. and by that means it abounds in rich Com∣modities of all Nations, especially Sattins, Damasks, Taffatas, Velvets, Cloath of Gold and Silver, Drugs, Spices, Wool, Lead, Iron, Copper, Flax, Wine, Oyl, Wax, Page  245 Tallow, Furs, and the like; which is dis∣persed into the Neighbourhood to supply the Towns and Cities of less note.

The Weight is the pound, which in the Sale of some Commodities is divided in∣to 32 Coets, and in others into 128 Quints, and by some again into 512 Fennings, of this pound 100 makes the Quintar, which in London is found to make between 122 and 123 pound.

The Measures of length are 2, one for Linnen, and the other for Woollen, the 100 Yards of London, are found to make 103 Ells of Vienna Linnen Measure, and of the Woollen Measure 113 Ells.

The Coyns currant are the Rhenis Guilder worth 28 ½ Silver Missens Gross, or 36 ½ Lubeck Shillings, 7 ½ of which make one of our Shillings, the Imperial-Doller which is worth 33 Lubeck Shil∣lings, the common Guilden worth 28 Lu∣beck Shillings, and the French Crown worth 44 Lubeck Shillings, &c.

By Reason of the Emperors residing here, there is a great Exchange, which is by Rix Dollars of 8 Shillings Flemish, and by Du∣cats of Gold of 12 Shillings Flemish.

CHAP. LXXXIII. A View of Hamburg, of the Trade, Weights, Measures, Coyns, and Commodities thereof.

HAmburg is an Imperial City, Seated on a large Plain, and has on the South side the River Elve, being Accom∣modated with a fair Haven, cross which is cast a Chain to hinder Ships from entering without Licence; and on the North-East side, some distance from the Walls of the City runs the River Alster, and is adorned with many fair Buildings, fortifyed with strong Walls, Ditches, and Bulwarks. The Trade at present is very considerable, by Reason of the residence of our Merchants there, and the Factories held in other parts, it being the Key as it were of that part of Germany, whither the Inland Towns bring their Commodities to vend, as Quick-Silver, Stuffs, Silks, Cloath, Wine, Wax, Cor∣dage, Corn, and the like; most Ita∣lian Commodities are found here, and great quantities of the Growth of Spain, and here the English vend Cloath, Iron, Tinn, Lead, Drugs, Spices, and the like, Page  247 receiving for them the Growth and Manu∣factures of the Empire.

The Weight is the pound; 120 of which are accounted the Quintar, which is divided into 3 parts or denominations, viz. the 12 Stone of 10 pound to the Stone, 300 pound are accounted the Skip pound, which is the second, & that which is call'd the third, is 20 Lispound of 15 pound to the 300, which may be said to be one Quin∣tar of 120 pound, and another of 300 pound.

The Measure of length is the Ell, by which all Woollen, Linnen, and Silks are Measured, 100 of which are accounted t• make in London 48 Ells for Linnen, and th• 100 Yards of London to be 162 or 163 of Hamburg Yards. The Concave Measure is the Scheple 90 of which make the Last of Corn in this place, tho 83 are found to do the same at Amsterdam, or to produce 10 Quarters of London Measure.

The Merchants exchange for London by the pound Sterling, and from all other places upon Rix Dollers of 50 Shillings Lapisto or 54 Stivers. A Doller is here not∣ed to be worth 3 white pence, each white Penny to be 18 Shillings, each Shilling 12 pence, and each penny two Hellers. And thus much for Hamburg and of the Empire.

CHAP. LXXXIV. A View of Denmark, and of its Trade, together with the Commodities, Weights, Measures, and Coyns thereof.

DEnmark is bounded on the East with the Baltick Ocean, on the West with the German Ocean, on the North with Sweeden, and on the South with the Ger∣main Empire; and contains Cimbrick Cher∣sonese, the Islands of the Baltick, and part of Scandia, which are divided into seve∣ral Provinces; the which for Brevities sake I shall pass over, and reduce their Trade into the 2 Principal Cities. And of the Islands I shall treat in their order. And first of Copenhagen, and the Trade there∣of.

Copenhagen is the Metropolis of Denmark, and the Seat of the Danish Kings, for the most part, being Commodiously Seated on the Sea-shore, and provided of a safe and goodly Haven, for the reception of Ship∣ping, being strongly Fortifyed and Beau∣tifyed with a Castle and other stately Edifices, which are for the more part possessed by Merchants that Trade there, Page  249 for the Growth and Manufacture of the Kingdom, which chiefly consists in Hides, Tallow, Fish, Bucks-Skins, Armour of all sorts, Furniture for Shipping, Corn, Cat∣tle and the like; for which they receive Drugs, Spices, Tinn, Lead, Gold, Silver, Silks, Woollen and Linnen Cloaths, &c.

The currant Coyn is the Dollar and Shil∣ling, one Danish Shilling making one Lu∣beck Shilling, and 66 Danish Shillings ac∣counted to the Dollar, which is 5 Shillings Sterling.

The Accounts in this City are kept by Merchants, in Marks of 16 Shillings Da∣nish.

The Exchanges are practised by Rix Dol∣lars, to the value as aforesaid.

The Weights and Measures of this Kingdom; I shall Summ up in the next Chapter, by Reason the difference of Weights and Measures in this City, and the rest little or nothing vary.

CHAP. LXXXV. A View of Elsinore, and the Trade there∣of.

ELsinore is Situate upon the Straight leading to the Sound, and greatly frequented by Seamen; by Reason of the Extraordinary passage through the Straight, for which every Vessel pays to the King of Denmark a considerable Summ for permis∣sion, no Ships being otherwise capable to pass by Reason of the Castles that Guard that pass on either side, viz. Coronsburg, and Elsburg, the latter being in the Kingdom of Norway; on the East side of the Sealand near to Elsinore, the King has a Pallace for his Summer Recreation, which has a Prospect over the Sea, and 'tis reported that this Tole or Duty arising upon the passing and repassing over Ships into the Sound and Baltick, amounts to more then all the Crown Revenues besides. The Commo∣dities vended here are for the most part Fish, Cattle, Corn, Oyl, Beer, Cordage, Masts, Sails, and the like, for fitting out, and revictualling Ships, for which they re∣ceive the Growth of England, Holland, Ger∣many, Page  251 and France; the Monies currant here are the same with those of Copenhagen.

The Weights are as in Copenhagen, and in most parts of the Kingdom, the great and shall 100, the former being accounted 120 pound to the 100, and the latter 112 pound, being accounted 12 Stone of 10 pound to the Stone; they have likewise a Skip-pound of 32 Stone of 10 pound the Stone, or 20 Lispound of 16 Mark pound is a Skip-pound, and 20 times pounds 16 are 320 pound.

The Measures of the Kingdom in General are for Length, are the Ells for Woollen, Linnen, and Silks, 160 of which are ac∣counted to make the 100 Ells English. As for Concave Measures they are little in use unless for Corn. The Trade of this King∣dom by Navigation is but small, they sel∣dom Sailing out of their own Seas, or at most, no further then the German, British, and Mediterranean Seas or Oceans. Therefore I shall desist from any further Survey thereof, and pass over the Staight to take a View of the Kingdom of Norway, now Subject to the Danish Scepter.

CHAP. LXXXVI. A View of the Kingdom of Norway, and the Trade thereof.

NOrway is bounded on the West and South with the Ocean, and on the East and North with Lappia, and the Dofrine Mountains, and abounds in Firr-Trees, which are brought into England in abun∣dance and serve for Masts, Boards, and Building Houses; the other Commodities are Stock-Fish, Furs, Train Oyl, Cor∣dage, some Rossen and Sail-Cloaths. The Towns by Reason of the coldness of the Clime and Dampness caused by the Sea are but few, the chief being Nidrosia and Ber∣gen, once a famous Mart, but now reduc∣ed to nothing in respect of Trade, the Trade that it had having passed through several Cities, is at last setled in Amster∣dam, and what Trade does remain is from the Ships that pass this way to Mosco∣via.

The Weight most in use is the pound, 100 of which renders 92 London Averdu∣pois Weight, tho of late they have got a Custom to Weigh in a String, which is Page  253 very uncertain, rendering sometimes more, sometimes less. Their Measure of Length and Concave Measures, the latter of which is for the most part used in Measuring of Salt, are agreeable to our Yard and Bu∣shel.

The Commodities vended here are Bays, Says, Linnen, Wine, Spices, Sugars, Gun∣powder, Lead, Tinn, Iron, and such like. And thus much may suffice for Norway, leaving which I shall proceed in this Nor∣thern Tract, and take a View of Sweed∣land, the Trade of which I shall reduce into the Principal City of that Kingdom, viz, Stockholm.

CHAP. LXXXVII. A View of Sweedland, of its Pro∣vinces, and Trade reduced into the Trade of the City of Stockholm.

SWeedland has on the East Muscovia, on the West the Dofrine Hills, on the North the Frozen Ocean, and on the South the Baltick, and contains 5 Provinces, viz. Goth∣land, Sweeden, Lappia, Bodia, and Finland, in the former of which is found Stockholm, Page  254 the Metropolis of the Kingdom; and Seated in a Watery Marsh in the nature of Venice, and is much frequented with Merchants, being for the most part the Regal Seat, so that to it Flow all the Commodities of the Kingdom; which are chiefly Buck-Skins, Goats-Skins, Ox Hides, Barly, Tallow, Malt, Tar, Pitch, Rosin, Furs, Lead, Cop∣per, Silver, Iron, Wax, Honey, and the like; and for its advantageous Situation, it is much Traded to, having a Channel capable of receiving Ships of any Burthen; and so well guarded with Castles of Extraordi∣nary Strength, that no Ship can pass in nor out without lieve first obtained; the Build∣ings are pleasant to behold for their Anti∣quity and fine Devices; a place being pur∣posely erected in the Principal Street, for the conveniency of Merchants, and the lay∣ing up such Commodities, as they either have to vend or have purchased; so that in this City are found the Growths and Manu∣factures of almost all Nations.

The currant Coyn of this Kingdom is the Dollar, which is divided into 8 Marks, and each Mark into 2 Clippings, each Clipping being accounted 9 ½ Stivers Fle∣mish, and in exchange the Dollar is only used.

The Weight is the pound 116 of which Page  255 is found to make the 100 pound of Lon∣don; they have likewise 2 Skip-pounds, the one the proper Skip-pound of Stock∣holm, which is 320 pound of the before mentioned pound, the other is 340 pound and proper to Dantzick. Of which in order I shall come to Treat.

The Measure of Length is the Ell, 166 of which are 100 Yards of London Measure, sometimes more sometimes less; for this is the Rule, they take a Piece of Rope, and Measure it by the bigness of a mans Head, which they call their Ell, so that according to the largeness or small∣ness of the Head, by which they take their Measure, the Measure is found to consist.

Their Concave Measures are of little use, unless for Corn and Mault, and those are Measured by a Loop, 23 of which make a Last in Amsterdam, and in London 10 Quar∣ters. And thus much shall Suffice for Sweed∣en, and the Trade thereof.

CHAP. LXXXVIII. A View of Moscovia, and the Trade there∣of, reduced into the Trade of Mosco, the Principal City of that large Domini∣on.

MOscovia is bounded on the West with Lituania and Livonia, on the East with Tartary, on the North with the Fro∣zen Ocean, and on the South with the Cas∣pian Sea, the Ottoman Empire and Palus Maeotis, and is Branched with many large and Navigable Rivers, as Tanais, Duino, Boristhenes, Onega, and Volga, and is divided into 9 Provinces, as Novogradia, Valadomi∣ra, Plescovia, Rhesen, Servia, Parmia, Can∣doria, Petrosa, and Moscovia; from whence all the Country takes its Name.

These Provinces abound in Corn, Cat∣tle, Furs, Hides, Flax, Hemp, Whales, Grease, Canvas, Ropes, Cavier, Tallow, Honey, Wax, Venison, Flax, Hemp, and Fish. The Trade being begun by the English about the Year 1575 in general, tho before some Vessels of Private Mer∣chants had Traded thither, and found out the Commodities since so much sought af∣ter; Page  257 and upon the increase of Trade in these parts, a Society of Merchants in London, are incorporated by the Name of Muscovia Merchants, having setled a Facto∣ry at Archangel.

Mosco the Metropolis of Moscovia, is Seated on the River Mosca, which falls in to Tanais; this City is reckoned 6 Miles in compass, and is for the most part the imperial Seat, being much Beautifyed since it was Burnt by the Tartars, upon their invading the Moscovite Empire; and here the English Merchants find kind enter∣tainment, unless in Troublesome times, as of late it happened upon the murther of the Czar, in which general Calamity ma∣ny suffered in their Goods; but now things are again reduced to a quiet and setled con∣dition, so that Trade again begins to Flo∣rish, the Country affording great store of Furs, as Beaver, Otter, Sables, White, Black, Red, and Dun Fox-Skins, with many others of the like nature; which are sold by the Timber, Weight, or Tale, be∣ing highly valued of late by the Natives, who perceiving the desire Merchants have for them, learn thereby to set prices on them accordingly.

The Merchants Accounts are kept here Divers ways, as those of England in Ru∣bles Page  258 and Pence, called by the Natives Mus∣kofkins, 200 of which make a Ruble, which is rated at 2 Rix Dollars, the Dutch by Rubles, Grevens, and Muscof∣kins, 20 pence being accounted to the Gre∣ven, and 10 Grevens to the Ruble which is only an Imaginary Coyn.

The currant money is the Capeck worth a Stiver Flemish, and something more in value then an English penny, 10 of which make a Greven, whi•h is worth 12 pence Sterling, and the Ruble 10 Shillings Ster∣ling, 3 Capecks is called an Altine, by which name all receipts of Bargain, and contracts are made, 33 Altines and one Capeck making the Ruble.

At Archangel there is exchange practised, and the price of monies Russ as the Plenty or Scarcity will allow, for sometimes the Rubles in exchange pass for 11 Shillings 6 pence Sterling, the Receipts being in August, to return in London about the lat∣ter end of December.

The Weight most in use is the Pood, by which all fine Goods are weighed, as Silk, Beavor, Wool, and the like; but for Gross Goods they have a Weight cal∣led a Berzovet accounted 10 Poods or the Russ Ship-pound computed to be 360 pound Averdupois, so that all Goods bought by Page  259 this Weight, are accounted to be 10 per cent. profit, so that many have reck∣oned the Goods so bought to pay the Fraight with over Weight; and all Goods bought by the Pood are reckoned 10 per cent. less.

The Measure of Length is called the Archin, and is accounted 28 English Inch∣es, so that the 100 Archings are suppos∣ed to produce Incirca 78 Yards of London Measure.

Oyl they sell by the Barrel, each Bar∣rel being accounted ½ a Hogshead, and Tar by the Hogs-head; as for Concave Measures I observe, they are but rarely in use by way of Trade, by Reason of the small quantities of Commodities the Empire affords, that are proper to be Measured thereby. Therefore I shall put a conclusion to the Trade of Moscovy, and proceed to a View of Poland.

CHAP. LXXXIX. A View of the Kingdom of Poland, to∣gether with the Trade, Weights, Mea∣sures, and currant Coyns thereof.

POland is bounded on the East with Bo∣risthenes, on the West with Vistula, on the North with the Baltick Ocean and Sinus Trinicus, and on the South with Hun∣gary; and is divided into 10 Provinces, viz. Luconia, Lituania, Volinia, Samogita, Podolia, Russia Nigra, Prussia, Podtasia, Masovia, and Poland; these Provinces are Branched with several Navigable Rivers Vistula, Reuben, Bog, Mimel and others, and has for its Metropolis Cracovia. Into which I shall reduce the Trade of this King∣dom.

Cracovia is the Metropolis of Poland, Situate on the Banks of the River Vistula, which is Navigable for near 400 Miles, being as it were incompassed with distant Mountains, and fortifyed with strong Walls and fair Buildings; being the Seat of the Kings of Poland, and is found to produce the Commodities of the whole Kingdom, as Tar, Rosin, Pitch, Hemp, Page  261 Wax, Honey, Barly, Oats, Amber, Tal∣low, and Hides, which Commodities are sent up the River; and distributed to such Merchants as come to Trade for the Growth of the Kingdom. There are likewise found Furs of divers sorts, some Minerals, and the like; for which the Inhabitants re∣ceive the Commodities of divers Nations which are brought both by Land and Sea.

The Coyns of this City, and consequent∣ly of the Kingdom, are the Ducat of Gold called the Polander; which is accounted 70 Polish Gross. The Silver Guilden which is worth 30 Polish Groshe or 2 Shillings Sterling, a Dollar in Specie is worth 4 Polish Groshes, but in all contracts of buy∣ing and selling, the Doller is accounted 36 Groshe, a Crietszar is worth 3 Pot-chanels, 18 Deniers make one Groshe, a Groshe of Poland or Bohemia is worth 7 Whites, 16 Whites make one Ort, 4 0rts make a Dollar, and a Dollar is accounted 4 Shillings 4 pence. The Weight is the pound, 136 of which is accounted the Quin∣tar, which is found in London to render 114 pound, and the 100 of London yield∣eth 120 of Cracovia, but the common pound is reduced to a Stone of 40 pound, 10 of the said Stones being accounted the Page  262 Skip-pound. The Measure of Length is the Ell, 20 of which are 10 English Ells, but their Linnen they sell by the Shock, the Shock being 57 ½ English Ells.

And to this City it will not be amiss to add Elbin, once a Scale of Merchandise, where the English Merchants had a Facto∣ry, being here known by the Name of the Merchants of Elbin, but since this City has fallen into the Hands of the King of Poland, it has lost the great Trade it had upon the Abridgement of the Liberties and Priviledges it enjoyed, during its being in the possession of the Teutonick Knights, so that now it only is famous for what it has been, and not for what it at present remains, the Trade being dispersed into several Eastland Cities, or Hans Towns, but from Danzick especially are brought Soap-Ashes.

The Weights are the Pound and Stone, 40 pound making the Stone, and 40 of those Stones make the Ship-pound, which is 400 pound, and 100 pound of London is found to make 120 of Elbin. Their Last of Wheat is reckoned to weigh 5200 pound. Their Measure of Length is the Ell, 163 of which make 100 London Yards. In this Tract is found Coninsberg, Rhiga, Stetin, Stralesond, and Revel, from the former Page  263 of which the Amber is brought, as for the rest they little differ in Commodities and manner of Trade from Cracovia: Where∣fore for Brevities sake, I shall pass them over, and take a View of Hungary and the Trade thereof, &c.

CHAP. XC. A View of Hungary, and the adjacent Provinces, and of their Trade, Weights, Measures, Coyns, and Commodities of the Growth and Manufacture.

THe Kingdom of Hungary is bounded on the East with Transilvania and Valachia, on the West with Austria, on the South with Sclavonia, and on the North with Poland, and is of it self exceeding Fertile, abounding in Cattle beyond credit, but by Reason of the continual Wars with the Turks, it standing as the Bulwark of Chri∣stendom, no great matter of Trade relating to Merchandise is found there; the little that it consists in, is Hides, Tallow, Wax, Honey, Copper, Tinn, Corn, Wool, Fruits, Fish, Skins, and some Silver Mines, which (since the ci∣vil Disenssions caused by the continual Ban∣dying Page  264 of the two parties under pretence of Religion, and the incouragement of those intestines Broyls by the Grand-Sig∣neour) have been thrown in many of them, and thereby render useless Buda, and many of the Principal Cities being now in the Hands of the Turks, and is so Seated upon the River Danube, that it hinders the free Commerce by Boats and great Vessels; that was formerly very advantagious to the Hungarians; so that leaving its to reco∣ver its Trade, by Submiting to its right∣ful Soveraign the Emperor of Germany, and not longer trust the Flattery of the perfideous Ottomans. I shall take a View of Dacia and Sclavonia.

Dacia, is bounded with the Euxine, on the East, and on the West with Hungary, on the North with the Carpathian Moun∣tains, and on the South with Greece, and is divided into these Provinces, viz. Tran∣sylvania, Moldavia, Servia, Valachia, Russia, Bosna, and Bulgaria, all subjected to the Grand-Seigniour, and are Branched and Fer∣tilized with these Rivers, viz. Danubius, Alata, Salvata, Cockle, and Morus, besides others of lesser note.

The Commodities found in the several Provinces are Cattle, Wax, Honey, But∣ter, Cheese, Tallow, Wool, Silk, Cloath, Page  265 Mines, of Gold and Silver, Salt-Pits, Wines; and Mountains of Brimstone, which Commodities they send to Constan∣tinople, Aleppo, and other Marts of the Turk∣ish Empire, and receive in exchange the Commodities of all Nations, as for Weights and Measures, they are rarely in use, they selling and buying for the most part by those of the Marts, whether they resort with their Commodities; their Coyns are those currant throughout the Ottoman Em∣pire. Of which I shall come to speak, in the View of Constantinople.

Sclavonia is bounded on the South with the Adriatick Sea, on the North with Hun∣gary, on the West with Italy part, and on the East with the River Drinus, and a Line that passes from thence to the Sea; and is chiefly divided into 2 parts, viz. Illyria and Dalmatia, the name of the former being lately by the Turks, changed into that of Windismark, the which abounds in Butter, Cheese, Cattle, Corn, Oyl, Wine, Hemp, Wool, Wax, Honey, Tallow, Iron, and the like. Of Dalmatia, Rhagusa is the Prin∣cipal City, so that I will not be amiss to reduce the Trade of that Province, which is not Extraordinary into its Metropolis.

Rhagusa formerly called Epidaurus, is Seated on the Adriatick Shoar, and was Page  266 once a Common-Wealth of great Traffick, and the first in those parts that Furnished out Ships of War of considerable force, with which they awed their Neighbours, and gave Laws in those Seas, but since the English and Dutch Navigators have turned the currant of Traffick another way, and drained those parts of the Commerce that was wont to Flow in upon them like the Ocean. The Inhabitants are no ways considerable, yet the Commodities of the Province are found there, as Honey, Wax, Horses for War, Hides, Tallow, Silver, and Gold unrefined, some Amber, Corral and the like, but of small value; for which they receive of those English, that make Trading Voyages, Hampshire Carsies, and other Coarse Cloath, Lead, Tinn, and such like; and that mostly for provision.

The Coyns in use here is the Gross, 59 of which are accounted a Sultany, or 8 Shillings Sterling.

The Weight is the pound 100 of which make 80 pound English, which is the Quin∣tal of Rhagusa. Their Measure of Length is the Brace, according with the Venetian Brace, thus, 100 Braces of Rhagusa of the Cloath Brace, are 120 in Venice of the same, and of the Silk Brace 116 of Venice make the 100 of Rhagusa. And thus leaving Hun∣gary, Page  267 Dacia, and Sclavonia, I shall pass in∣to Greece, and take a Survey of the Trade of that once famous Empire.

CHAP. XCI. A View of Greece and of the Trade there∣of, Comprized in the Trade found at the famous City of Constantinople, to∣gether with the Weights, Measures, Cu∣stoms, and Coyns thereof.

GReece famous for being once Mistriss of the Vniverse, is bounded on the South with the Ionian Sea, on the North with the Mountain Hemus, on the East with the Hellispont, Aegean Sea, Propontis, and the Thracian Bosphorus, and is Ferti∣lized by these considerable Rivers; viz. Ce∣phius, Erigon, Alicmon, Sirmon, Alicus, and Nisus, and is divided into 8 Principal Pro∣vinces, viz. Peloponnesus, Achaia, Epirus, Al∣bania, Macedonia, Thessalia, Migdonia, and Thracia, all of them replenished with Cities of note; but seeing their Trade Cen∣ters in Constantinople, thither I shall re∣fer it.

The famous City of Constantinople, once Page  268 the Seat of the Roman Eastern Empire, and now of the Ottoman Emperor, for the most part is Seated upon a large Stream, that passeth from the Euxine to the Medi∣terranian Sea, commonly called the Black and White Seas, so that by such means Ships from either Sea have a free passage, which causes a quicker return then otherwise could be made, by Reason from one part or other the Wine rarely fails: It Fronts likewise Asia, receiving most of the Commodities by Sea and Land that are found in that large quarter of the World, and stands as it were the Bulwark of Europe, lastly founded by Constantine the great, and made the Seat of the Roman Empire as aforesaid, being taken after a long Siege by the Turks Anno 1453, who ever since have possessed it, it being Build∣ed in a Triangle, having the 2 large Angles Bordering on the Sea, and the other stretch∣ed into the Land, and is incompassed with a Triple Wall, upon which are divers Towers, and the Walls themselves Guard∣ed by deep Ditches, and Cannons all a∣long the works to the Sea; the Buildings for the most part are very stately, but especially the Grand-Signeours Pallace, on the point of the Angle, being surrounded with a Wall of 3 Miles in compass, and Page  269 strong works furnished with great and small Artiliry.

This City is the common Mart for all Commodities of the Empire, receiving & dis∣persing inwards and outwards the growth of each Province: And hither the Merchants of London first began to Trade Anno 1586, and in a short time found such incourage∣ment upon Queen Elizabeths sending an Ambassador to mediate on their behalf; that they soon obtained to be incorporated by the said Queen, and growing in Trade, were confirmed by King James, with an Augmentation of their Priviledges, and then by King Charles the first, under the Title of the Merchants of England, Trading in the Levant Seas, or Levant Merchants, up∣on whose account a Leiger Ambassador re∣mains at Constantinople, to protect the Com∣panies Factories, and take care that right be done them, who before his departure from England, is always approved of by his Majesty, but himself and retinue have their charges defrayed by the Company, which Honourable trust now remains in the right Honourable the Lord Shandois, they have likewise several Consuls to protect their Factories throughout the Empire, who keep Janizaries, Druggermen or Interpreters, Secretaries, and Ministers, Page  270 with other the like necessary attendants in Sallary, being permitted free exercise of Religion: And hither it is at present that the English are found the Principal Trad∣ers, tho the Venetians, French, and Dutch, by sundry devices have indeavoured to in∣sinuate themselves, into the good opinions of the Turkish Merchants; who are ac∣counted 4 kinds, viz. the Native Greek, the Turks, the Armenians, and lastly the Jews. The chief Commodities found here are Grograms, Mohairs, Chamlets, Persian-Silk, wrought and unwrought Gold, Car∣pets, Anniseeds, Cumminseeds, Cottons, Galls, Pepper, Jndico, Nutmegs, Cinamon, Mace, and Drugs, these last being the Commodities of the East-India's, are brought cheaper and better from thence, therefore not Traded for by the English at Constan∣tinople, but rather carryed by them thither, and exchanged for the Growth of the Em∣pire, as likewise Lead, Tinn, Cloath, Furs, as Martins, Cony-Skins, Sables, Titchues, and the like; at the change of every Am∣bassador, the Company make a present to the Grand-Signeour, which is levyed by the Company themselves by way of im∣position, the like are the French, and Dutch obliged to do upon some occasion, and for the support of their Factories and Ambas∣sadors.

Page  271The Accounts are kept in Dollars and Aspers, a Dollar being computed 80 Aspers, tho sometimes in way of Merchandise 100 Aspers are accounted to the Dollar, and and 120 Aspers to the Sultany.

The Coyns currant in this City, and consequently throughout the Empire are the Sultany of Gold, agreeing with the Venice Chequin, or is as aforesaid 120 As∣pers, the German Dollar, the Ryal of 8/8 Spanish, currant at 80 Aspers; the Lyons Dollar is currant at 75 Aspers, the German Sesetine at 70 Aspers, and indeed any Coyn if found good Gold or Silver is currant in Constantinople, and most parts of the Empire; a Policy used to procure plenty of Coyn, for the maintainance of the Jan∣izaries and others, in pay of all Nations.

The Weights are the Grain, 4 of which make a Quillat, a Dram which is 16 Grains of which all greater Weights are composed by Multiplication: as a Yursdrome is 100 Drams, and found to be 1 pound Sotile of Venice, or 72 Mittigals: a Lodero is 176 Drams, or 19 ½ Ounces Averdupois: an Oake is 400▪ Drams accounted 2 pound 11 ½ Ounces: 100 Lodero's are accounted 24 Oaks; and compose the Quintar of Constan∣tinople, which has been found to render be∣tween 118 and 120 pound English Suttle. Page  272 A Batman is 6 Oaks, or 16 ⅓ pound Eng∣lish, by which all Silks are bought, and according to these all other Weights of the Empire are regulated.

The Measures of Length are the Pico's, which are 3. The first for Cloath which is accounted 26 ½ Inches.

The second for Grograms, Chamlet, and such like, containing 24 Inches, so that 24 of these Pico's are found to make 16 Eng∣lish Yards. The third is the Linnen Pico, which is the former doubled. To none of these is any advantage allowed as in Eng∣land.

The Concave Measure is called the Kil∣low, by which for the most part Corn is Measured, 8 ⅔ of which are observed to make the London Quarter, Wines, Oyls, and almost all Liquids are sold by the Me∣ter, weighing 8 Oaks, and is about ⅔ of an English Gallon, as indeed most Commodities are sold by Weight.

The Customs payed by the Italians, French, and Jews, outward and inward are 5 per cent. the Turks themselves pay nothing, the Eng∣lish and Dutch pay 3 per cent. inward, and the like outward, which is payed in Specie, unless the Merchant does compound with the Customer for money; and further it is to be observed, that, besides these Customs, Page  273 there is by agreement payed 1 ½ per cent. up∣on all pondrous Commodities, and 1 up∣on all Measurable Commodities, which is to be defrayed between the buyer and sel∣ler, but if a Turk be one, his part is remit∣ted, and this is levyed for the Maintain∣ance of a Hospital founded by Sultan Ach∣met, which duties are farmed by an Emine or Farmer call'd the Grand-Seigenors re∣ceiver, and are most commonly payed the one half in Aspers, of 80 Aspers to the Dollar, and the other in Sultanies of Gold, or otherwise as the Merchants and Cu∣stomer can agree. And thus having at large described the Trade of this great City, I shall proceed to take a View of the Islands of note, lying in the Egean, Ionian, Mediterranian, and Adriatick Seas.

CHAP. XCII. A View of the Islands in the Ionian, Ege∣an, Mediterranean, and Adriatick Seas; with a Description of the Trade, Weights, Measures, Coyns, and Commodities of the Growth and Manufacture of the most con∣siderable of them.

THe Islands in these Seas are many, therefore I shall only name those of little note and insist upon the chief.

First then there is found the Island of Te∣nedos, abounding with Wines.

The Isle of Samothracia, commodious for the Harbouring Ships.

Lemnos from whence comes that Antidote, called Terra Sigilata, or Terra Lemnos, then Scio or Chios, abounding in Trees, from which they distill Mastick, which Commodi∣ties the Grand Signeour claims as his right.

Next the famous Island of Rhodes, which by Reason of its commodious Situation in the Ocean, is found to be a Place of great resort. In the chief City from which the Island takes name, is a considerable Mart, affording Corn, Wines, Oyls, Rasins, Wax, Honey, Cotton, Cordovants, Cotton Wools, Page  275 and Cotton Yarn, Dimities, Vermilions, Damask, Stuffs, Silks, and the like; be∣ing the Commodities of divers Islands in those Seas, and here some Factories are maintained; and the Accounts kept in Aspers of Turky, and the other Coyns for the most part the same. The Weight is the Rotolo, 100 of which makes the Quintar or 536 pound English. The Measure of Length is the Cane, which is found to be 84 Inches of English.

The next Island that offers, is the fa∣mous Island of Candia, which cost the Turks so dear a purchase. Therefore I shall not think it amiss to describe its Commodities, Weights, and Measures.

CHAP. XCIII. A View of the Isle Candia and other I∣slands.

THe Isle of Candia is Seated in the Mouth of the Egean Sea, and is now in sub∣jection to the Grand-Signeor, being ex∣ceeding Fruitful and affords considerable Commodities, as Muskadels, Fine-Sugars, Gums, Honey, Wax. Dates, Oranges, Li∣mons, Page  276 Olives, Rasins, Corn, Cattle, Fish, and the like; containing several Cities of note as Candia; from whence the Island has its name, Canea, Rhettmio, Sittia, and Suda, being a Haven capable of receiving 1000 or 1500 large Vessels, and before the Ve∣netians lost it, their Coyns were currant throughout the Island, and their Weights the Quintars Suttle and Gross. The Gross 100 of Candia rendering 110 of the like Gross Weight of Venice, or 118 English pound, and 100 pound Suttle of Candia, 114 pound of Venice Suttle, or 76 pound English. The Measures of Length are the Pico's, one for Cloath, another for Silk, and their Measure for Wine called the Me∣stach; but the Turks have since their con∣quest made some alteration in the Weights, Measures, and Coyns which as yet are not come to my knowledge, I not having been there since the reduction.

In the Ionian Sea are also found the Isle of Cerigo, abounding with Marble, the Strophades or Strivalia, the Cursalari Islands, and Corfue, the last of which abounds in Wax, Honey, Oyl, and Wine, Stuffs, Silk-Fabricks, &c. There is likewise found St. Mairo, Ithaca, Zeffalonia, and Zant, the 3 latter of which are famous for the Cur∣rans found growing there in abundance, and Page  277 from thence dispersed throughout Europe, but mostly spent in England, wherefore I shall somewhat inlarge in describing the Trade thereof.

CHAP. XCIV. A View of Zant, Zeffalonia, and Ithaca, together with their Trade, Commodities, Weights, Measures, Coyns, &c.

THe Commodities that these Islands prin∣cipally afford are Honey, Wax, Oyl, Wine & Currans, being Subject to the Signeo∣ry of Venice; and hither it is that the Eng∣lish Trade for Currans, now being of great use; and from whence they yearly bring 3000 Tuns or upward, which at first they bought for small matters, but the Veneti∣ans seeing that Fruit so much coveted, be∣gan to inquire into the use they were put to, the which when they found, and there∣upon imagined the English could not Sub∣sist without them, the better to recover the lost Trade of Venice; that State im∣posed a Tax of 5 Ducats upon every 1000 Weight, which is since Augmented, not∣withstanding the Custom payed in England Page  278 with this Proviso; that the Currans be laden in a Vessel that comes purposely to lade that Commodity, but if She Landeth her outward Fraight in Venice or ⅔ part thereof, and then goeth to Lade at any of these Islands, the Customs then are mo∣derated.

For the Growth of these Islands; the English Merchants Exchange Cloath, Per∣petuano's, Serges, Lead, Tinn, Herrings, Newland-Fish, and Pilchards, tho the great∣est Trade is for Spanish Ryals; all the o∣ther money currant amongst the Islanders, being the same with that of Venice. The Natives keeping their Accounts as in Venice, tho Merchants Strangers often keep theirs in Dollars, which are those Ryals of 8/8 and Gassets 80 to the Dollar.

The Weight is the pound of 12 Ounces, 100 of which pounds make the Quintar, and agrees with Venice, thus the 100 pound Suttle of Venice make but 63 ½ pound of these Islands, and the Gross hundred of Venice renders but the common 100 pound. Currans are bought by the 1000, which 1000 Weight is reckoned to make 1070 pound English, tho of late by the careles∣ness of the Factors, or defraud of the Island∣ers, it is found much less.

The Measures of Length are the two Brac∣es, Page  279 the long and the short, the long is for Woollen and Linnen Cloath, and the short for Silks, the former being found 27 Eng∣lish Inches, and the latter to be 6 in 7 per cent. lesser.

Oyl is sold by a Measure called the Li∣ver, and is computed to weigh 13 pound English, 10 of which make a Candia, Bar∣rel. Wine is sold by the Jar 3 ½ of which make the Candia Barrel. Corn they sell by the Bechelo 3 of which are accounted the Starro, and should weigh 44 pound, &c.

The Customs raised upon the Commo∣dities of these Islands yearly, are between 40 and 50000 Chequins of Gold; which are the Income of the Signory of Venice.

The Islands found in the Adriatick Sea are Absertides, Cherso, Vegea, Grissa, Leli∣va, Cursola, Brassia, Lissia, and Zara, which yield Wine, Corn, Oyl, Cattle, and the like; but enjoy at this Day little or no Trade, except Zara the chief of them. And therefore I shall pass them over, and enter the Mediterranean, to take a View of the Islands Seated therein.

CHAP. XCV. Of the Islands in the Mediterranian Sea, and the Trade of the Principal of them.

IN the Mediterranian Sea are found these Islands viz. Sicilia, Malta, Corsica, Sar∣dinia, Majorica, and Minorica, of the chief of which in order.

Sicilia is the chief of these Islands, com∣puted 700 Miles in circuit; Fertilized with many Navigable Rivers, and adorn∣ed with many fair Cities, and is divided in 3 Provinces as Vallis-de-Nota, Masara, and Mona. In this Island is found the Flaming Mount Aetna, and Mount Hiblia, in which is found great store of Honey, but for Brevities sake, I shall reduce the Trade of this Island into that of Messina the chief Port thereof, which stands oppo∣site to Regio in Calabria, the Island being divided from Italy by a narrow Frith or Channel, commonly called the Fare of Mes∣sina, and formerly accounted dangerous for Sailors, by Reason of a Rock on the one side, and a Sand on the other, known by the names of Scylla and Charibdis.

This City for some Years past, has been Page  281 Garisoned by the French, which put a stop to Inland Commerce, by Reason that the other Cities were in possession of the Spani∣ard, but since their abandoning it, the Trade is again returned, many Merchants of note residing there, and by Reason of its Com∣modiousness for the reception of Shipping, it has acquired a great Trade, so that hi∣ther are brought the Commodities of the whole Island, as Wines, Oyls, Wax, Ho∣ney, Saffron, Sugars, Corral, Agates, Pu∣mice, Corn, Cattle, Hides, Skins, Cavear, Tuny Fish, and the like; so that altho Pa∣lermo is the chief City and residence of the Spanish Vice-Roy, yet this is the chief Scale of Trade.

The Merchants keep their Accounts in Ounces, Tarries, and Grains, one Ounce making 30 Tarries, and 1 Tarry 20 Grains, and by the same they account their mo∣ney, viz. one Ounce or 30 Tarries is 5 Florins or Carlins, 12 Carlins making the Florin, one Tarry is accounted 12 Solds, 6 Deniers, or one Carline, the Carline being 10 Grains or 12 Livers, one Grain is 6 Pi∣cholis, and is 7 ½ Dew money of Siciliano, one Pancto is 8 Picholis, and the Ducat of Gold is worth 13 Tarries, and this money is cur∣rant throughout the Island.

The Weights of Messina are two, viz. Page  282 the Gross Cantar, by which they weigh all manner of Gross Commodities, the small or Suttle Cantar 10 pound less then the former, and is 100 Rotolo's of 30 Ounces, or 2 ½ pound Siciliano pounds, the former having been found to make 196 in 198 pound English, 20 Peso's being accounted the Suttle Cantar, and 22 the Gross Can∣tar.

The Measure of Length is the Cane, di∣vided into 8 Palms or 81 ½ Inches London Measure.

The Concave Measures are the Salmo and Tomelo, 16 of the latter making the former, which is accounted 11 ¼ Staio's of Florence, Oyl is sold by the Cantar, which is 2 ¾ Barrels Florence, and hath been found to render in Weight 180 pound English.

The Custom of this place and of the I∣sland in general, is for the most part 9 and 10 per cent. upon all Sollid goods, but Fish and other Edible Commodities pay 12 per cent. and all Commodities of Weight imported, whether they are sold or not sold; pay 3 per cent. at Messina, and remov∣ing from Ship to Ship, pays 3 per cent. and sometimes 3 ¼, all Merchandise conveyed out of the Island at the Port of Messina, pay 6 ⅓ per cent. unless when the fair is, and Page  283 then according to a Custom granted, some Commodities pay less then other some, as for instance, Silk pays but 3 per cent.

The Islands of Malta, Corsica, and Sardi∣nia, afford store of Oranges, Limons, Citrons, Honey, Wax, Oyls, Figs, Rasins, Wines, Honey, Allum, Box-Wood, Iron, Hides, Cheese, Cattle, and the like; but are not much Traded too. And therefore I shall forbear to describe them further.

Majorica and Minorica, the former 300 Miles in circuit, and the latter 250 are Seated in the Mediterranean, 9 Miles distant from each other; and abound in Corn, Oyl, Wine, Fruits, Drugs, which are yearly lad∣ed for England and other Countries; but especially Oyl. Their Monies are for the most part those currant in Spain. Their Weights 2, viz. the Rotolo and Cantar, 100 of the first making the last called Bar∣baresco, which there is 117 pound making in London 110 pound, they have likewise another Cantar of 104 pound, called the Cantar of Majorica, they likewise sell some Commodities by the Cargo, as Pepper Gin∣ger, Cinnamond, Nutmegs, Rice, and the which Cargo is 3 Cargo's, of 104 pound. The Measure of Length is the Cane, found to make 67 in 68 London Inches. The The Oyl Measure is the Quartano, 12 of Page  284 which make the Odor, and 212 that of 126 Gallons which is a Tun of Oyl, according to London Gauge, and the Customs and o∣ther charges are reckoned to 2 pound 7 Shillings 6 Pence per Tun.

In this Sea are the Islands of Javisa, afford∣ing store of Salt, as also the Isles Lipara Promentary, Pantcleria, Caprea, Ischia, Pro∣gitue, Elba, Gages or Cales, with some o∣thers of smaller note, affording Cattle, Corn, Olive, Oyl, Wine, Gapars, Cave∣re, Oranges, Limons, Citrons, Fish, and the like; most of them in the possession of the Spaniard. And thus leaving the Me∣deterranian, I shall enter the North Oce∣an, to take a View of the Islands not as yet mentioned in this Treatise.

CHAP. XCVI. A View of Greenland, and the Whale Fishe∣ry, with an account of several Islands in the Northern Seas.

GReenland or Gronland is Seated under the Frozen Zone; doubtful whither an Island or a Continent, by reason part of those Seas are not Navigable upon the account Page  285 of the Mountains of Ice that Float there∣in, and for that none ever yet passed o∣ver Land to the extent of that dismal Coun∣try; where from the 14 of October to the 12 of February no Sun appears, but the Moon shines as in England, and for 3 Months and a half, in Summer time they have no Night, as for humane Inhabitants there are none; yet the Woods and Caves a∣bound with Bears, Foxes, and Dear, and the Voyages the English make thither, are upon the account of the Whale Fishery, Whales in abundance being found in those deep Seas, the Ships seting out in May, and Arriving in June at Green-Harbour and Bell-Sound. They set up their Caldrons Pres∣ses and other necessaries, then put again to Sea, and when they perceive the Whales coming by the rising of the Water, they send out Skiffs with Hasping-Irons and Ca∣bles; when the men therein taking their advantage strike the Whales, who no sooner find themselves wounded but Plunge to the Bottom, those in the Boat giving them Rope, and by their Sinking know where they will rise; and give notice to the Ships who stand off for fear of being overset, when they rise with horrible Bellowing, they make towards the Shore spouting Blood and Water; the Reason of their so doing Page  186 is to indeavour the rubing out of the I∣rons upon the Sands, but in vain for then by force of Cables they draw them on shoar, and their cut out their Pulps, of which they make the Oyl, and their Fins, of which our Whalebone is made by drying and prepar∣ing; so that sometimes one Whale is found to yield 3 Tuns of Oyl, and half a Tun Weight of Whalebone. Here it was that several Persons were left a whole Winter (the Ship going away during their Hunting up in the Country) and lived in a Hutt upon Bears-Flesh, Venison, Wild-Foxes, Birds, and the Greens or pressings of the Whales, till next year the Ships came a∣gain, and fetched them off. For 7 Months, all the Seas are Frozen over, and the Country is covered with Mountains of Snow.

In this Tract is Nova Zembla, where the Pole is elevated 76 degrees, and whither the Dutch yearly resort to Fish for Whales, and such other Fish as yield matter for Oyl. It abounds in Dear, Wild-Foxes, and the like as Greenland; and in it likewise not long since several Dutchmen were forced to Winter, & suffered great Extremity by Rea∣son of the excessive cold. There are found likewise Sr. Hugh Willoughby's Island, called Queen Elizabeths Foreland; likewise Freez∣land, Page  287 Iceland and others of lesser note, but by Reason of the excessive cold, few of them are Inhabited, and the chief Com∣modities they yield are Ling, Cod, and Fish Oyls.

And thus according to my promise hav∣ing taken Survey of the Trade of all the known part of the Ʋniverse, as near as can be gathered from long experience and cre∣dible Authority, I shall return with Joy to Tread my Native Soil, and there take a View of what yet remains in relation to Trade and Commerce. And first I shall be∣gin with Exchanges, that one necessary part of all Navigational and Inland Com∣merce.

CHAP. XCVII. A View of the Practice of Exchanges in Ge∣neral, and the advantage accruing there∣by.

THat Exchanges are a Principal part of Merchandise, it is most certain, and has been so found for 200 Years p•st, tho not brought to perfection till of late Days. The places most apt for Exchanges are Page  288 those where many Merchants of divers Nations reside; and have frequent meetings in relation to Trade, and Prizes of Com∣modities, whose returns are Subject to great Exchanges, which are ever advantageous to the place where they are Practised. Now some places there are that have Exchanges in themselves, yet are compelled to de∣pend upon other places; having only cer∣tain times or Fairs appointed by the Cu∣stom of Exchangers, in which, or to which Bills of Exchange are either expired, re∣newed, or dated, one of which is Placentia; and indeed all Towns in Countries where there is more then one Exchange establish∣ed, the Metropolis or Principal Exchange gives Rules, and Rates to the rest; provid∣ed the Coyns be of equal value and good∣ness, nor indeed tho many places have at∣tributed the name of Exchanges, yet that Exchange remains not so much in Esse as in the will of the Merchants, Bankers, and Exchan∣gers, in whose Power it is to assign the place as they think convenient; and for the most part pitch upon Principal places, where their Bills are sure to have a quick dispatch. Now there are several Cities that exchange in one and the same Monies, Coyns, and Denomination; as Naples, Lechie, Bar∣ry, the two latter included in the former, Page  289 Palermo, and Messina, comprehended in Si∣cilia; Valentia, Saragosa, and Barselona in Cattalonia; Sevil, Alcala, and Medina-del-Campo in Castilia; Frankford, Colona, Norem∣burg, and Augusta in Germany, with many other of less note. But exchange now from a Plain and easie Method is reduced to so many mysterious Points, that it is extraor∣dinary difficult to understand it aright in all places, therefore I shall only lay down such Particulars as chiefly concern English Merchants; and are conducing to the Trade of the Brittish Empire. The first thing then that is to be observed, is the true value of the Coyn of the City, or Port where you make your exchange, which is not to be taken according to the value of the Coyn as it is currant, but according to its Weight and fineness, and so the return may be proportionable; but if Bills are drawn to pay a Merchant residing in any place where the Coyn is currant, and he dispo∣ses of it for Commodities of the Growth, or Manufacture of the Country, then it matters not how the Coyn has been in∣haunced above its true value, by Reason it is currant, tho perhaps should the Coyn be carryed into an other Kingdom, it might redound to the loss of the receiver a third part; and this equallizing Coyns of divers Page  290 Nations by Ballance I called a Par, by which all Coyns of Silver or Gold espe∣cially, are reduced to an equal value; as for example, Placentia exchanges with Lon∣don one Crown of currant money there for 1 Shilling 6 pence ½ ob. Sterling, Lyons the Crown currant for 2 Shillings 8 pence Sterling, Rome exchanges her Ducat 87 ½ pence Sterling, Genoa her Crown of Gold at 83 pence Sterling, Millain her Crown of Gold 84 pence ½ ob. Sterling, Venice her Ducat at 60 pence Sterling, Florence her Crown at 80 pence, Luca her Ducat at 67 pence Sterling, Naples her Ducat at 66 ½ pence Sterling, Lechy her Ducat at 6 pence Sterling, Bary her Ducat at 62 pence Ster∣ling, Palermo her Ducat at 78 pence Ster∣ling, Messina her Ducat at 72 pence Ster∣ling, Valentia her Ducat at 72 ½ pence Ster∣ling, Saragosa her Ducat at 73 pence Ster∣ling, Barsalonia her Ducat at 72 pence Ster∣ling, Sevil her Ducat at 72 pence Ster∣ling, Lisbon her Ducat at 69 pence Ster∣ling, Bolonia her Ducat at 67 pence Ster∣ling, Bergamo her Ducaton at 67 pence Ster∣ling, Frankfort, Noremburg, Augusta, and Viena (in all which Cities one and the same Coyn is currant) Exchange their Florin at 50 pence Sterling; all these Cities and Towns London exchanges within broken numbers Page  291 (that is by pence) at the rates aforesaid, and so Multiplies into greater Summs as occasion requires, but with Antwerp and Collen, Amsterdam, &c, in whole number, as one pound Sterling for 34 ½ Flemish Shillings, and proportionable for greater Summs.

Again in London and throughout all Eng∣land Exchangers and Merchants keep their Accounts in Pounds, Shillings, Pence, and cast them up as is done in other places, by Solds, Livers, and Denire, viz. 12 pence to the Shilling, and 20 Shillings to the pound, and are found to exchange with Transmarine Cities thus, viz. to allow 64 pence Sterling, for the Crown of Placentia 64 pence Sterling, for the Crown of Ly∣ons 66 pence Sterling, for the Ducat of Rome 65 pence, for the Crown of Gold of Genoa 64 2/4 pence, for the Crown of Gold of Millain 50 pence, for the Ducat in Ban∣co of Venice 61 pence, for the Crown of Florence 53 ½ pence, for the Ducaton of Luca 50 pence, for the Ducat of Naples 50 ½ pence, for the Ducat of Lechy 51 pence, for the Ducat of Bary 57 ½, for the Du∣cat of Palermo 56 ½, for which Ducat of Messina one pound Sterling, for 34 ½ Shil∣lings Flemish, with Antwerp and Collon 57 ½ pence, for the Ducat of Valentia 59 Page  292 pence, for the Ducat of Saragosa 64 pence, for the Ducat of Barselona 59 ½ pence, for the Florin of Frankford 52 pence, for the Ducaton of Bergamo 53 ⅓, for the Ducaton of Bolonia 53 ½ pence, and for the Ducat of Lisbon 53 ½. And thus the currant Ex∣change is setled, and continues unless in times of War, when Princes to Inrich their Cof∣fers, make an Inhaunsment upon the cur∣rant Coyns in their respective Domini∣ons, and at other times when the Banker or Exchanger takes the advantage of the Par∣ties necessity, upon whose Accounts the ex∣change is to be made.

The Terms of paying Bills of exchange in London with other Cities, are commonly these. To Venice at 3 Months after date, and so upon return to Antwerp at one Month after date; and so back to Genoa at 3 Months, and so back to Lyons for the Fair, and so from Fair to Fair as the Custom of that City is; to Pisa at 3 Months after date, and so back to Placentia, from Fair to Fair according to the Custom of the place; to Florence at 3 Months after date, & so upon return to Rou∣en and Paris at one Month after date, and so back; and these Bills are currant money, insomuch that many Millions are pay'd by Bills without telling any money, Merchants passing the Bills to one another by assign∣ment Page  289 as currant Coyns, of which Bills their Presentations, Intimations, Accepta∣tions, Protests, and Returns, I shall in the following Chapter, expose to the View of the Reader.

CHAP. XCVIII. A Discourse of the Forms of Bills of Exchange, how they ought to be drawn, presented, payed or protested in default; with a caution against delays, and the danger thereof, according to the Law and Custom of Merchants.

A Bill of Exchange in it self is held so excellent a speciallity, and carries with it not only as it were a command∣ing Power to pay; but is for the most part ob∣served and satisfyed with all due regard, tho drawn by a Servant upon his Master, such a high esteem being ever had for the quality thereof, that nothing in the way of Trade can be more, for upon it depends the reputation of the Drawer & Accepter: So that those who fail in the payment of accepted Bills, wound their credit by suffering Pro∣test to be made, which soon gets Wind Page  294 and spreads wide upon the Exchange, and not only so but obliges the Acceptor to pay the char••• of the Protestant return, and cal•s into question the credit of the draw∣er.

Of bills of exchange there are two sorts, as 〈◊〉 and Inland, viz. the former drawn upon •. Merchant Banker, &c. Liv∣ing beyond the Seas, the second upon a Merchant Banker or other Person living in the same Country, tho distant from the place where the Bill is drawn; as to make a Bill payable at London, for money taken up at Bristol; each having equal force ought to have due observance alike.

As to an Exchange, four, three or two Persons may make it thus, 2 at the place where the money is taken up, and 2 at the place were it is payable, first the deliverer, secondly the taket, thirdly the Person that is to take the money, and fourthly the party upon whom the Bill is drawn. 3 Persons thus, first the taker, secondly the deliverer, and thirdly the Person on whom the Bill is drawn.

2 Persons, first the Drawer, and second∣ly the Party on whom it is drawn, the for∣mer making his Bill payable to himself or order, which may of Exchange is very advantageous as well to Merchants as other Traders.

Page  295There is another sort of Exchange cal∣led a dry exchange, which is practised thus, if a Person have occasion for 100 pound, he goes to a Banker who takes a Bill of Exchange of him to be payed at Lyons, or Paris at double or treble Usance; tho the Drawer has no Correspondence in either of the Cities, then the Bill growing due, the Banker receives a Protest for non-pay∣ment, upon which the Drawer in London must pay the money with costs, which is a Trick to evade the Statute against Extor∣tion.

There is likewise a feigned Exchange which is thus, the Banker agrees to lend me money upon Bill of exchange payable at Amsterdam, yet between our selves it is payable here, which if I pay at the time appointed, I receive my discharge accord∣ing to agreement, but if I make default, then the Banker Writes to his Friend at Amsterdam, who sends him a Bill of Ex∣change for the like Summ owing him here, so that I who borrowed the money, am obliged to pay the cost of the exchanges and other charges.

Another Exchange there is called the petty Exchanges as thus, to exchange 20 Shilling in Silver, for 21 Shillings in Brass or Copper, which is the most inconside∣rable. Page  296 And thus much for the several sorts of Exchangs.

CHAP. XCIX. Of the Pair in Exchange, and the Forms of English, Dutch, and French Bills of Exchange.

THe Pair is nothing more then an E∣qualizing or reducing Coyns of several Kingdoms, to an equal value, let there be never so much difference in the Pieces, &c. By which means a Bill may be drawn to pay a just Summ in any place where Ex∣change is made, either by Tale or Weight, as from Middleburrough, Lisle, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam: For our pound Sterling is returned or exchanged 33 ½ Shillings Fle∣mish, which make 10 Guilders at 2 Shil∣lings Sterling; each Guilder or 10 Livers Turnois, and so in other Countries, our Pence according to reckoning and Equali∣ty are exchanged.

The Form of an English Inland Bill.

The Form of an Outlandish Bill in English thus.

And so the second and third at double or treble Usance, if the first be not pay'd, or if it be, so be it that the party to whom it is directed, owe the Drawer so much money as is required.

The Form of a French Bill from Paris.

The Form of a Dutch Bill is thus.

If any Bill be negotiated by Exchange or the money taken in, and so to be Assign∣ed over to another Man, the Assignment must be Written on the back side of the Bill thus.

Pay the Contents on the other side here∣of to Mr. James K. or Assigns for the value received of Mr. William G. London 6 No∣vember 1682. Arthur N. and if James K. do likewise Assign the same Bill for his ac∣count, then it requires to be Written only thus.

Pay the contents hereof to Mr. Thomas L. And so in effect upon all Bills.

CHAP. XCX. Several useful observations to be carefully noted, in the Management of Bills of Ex∣change.

OBserve to note in your Book the Name of the place of aboad of the Person who presents the Bill, keep Cop∣pies of the Bills sent to get accepted, make the direction of Bills on the inside, and all for the Reasons following.

First by knowing the place of Aboad of him that presented the first Bill, he may be the better excused, if he except against the second Bill from the same Hand, before the first be satisfyed.

Secondly by taking Copies of Bills sent to get acceptance, you may know how Ex∣changes go in all places, and at the same time to know without any great trouble, on whom you are to call for your money, and what Day.

Thirdly to make the direction of Bills on the inside, will give larger Scope to Write this Assignment on the back side.

4ly. Every Person who receives a Bill to get it accepted, whether for himself or Page  301 another must, tho some hold the contra∣ry, present the said Bill in due time; that the Person who is to accept it, may order his affairs accordingly, and not be surpriz∣ed with the presentation of a Bill, just when it becomes due.

5ly. If a Bill be protested after accep∣tance, it does not clear the party who was faulty in non-payment, but renders him lyable to pay the charges; and exposes him to an Action at Law, to which before he was not lyable, nor is the Drawer cleared, but obliged to see the Bill satis∣fyed.

6ly. Times of payment are according to the distance or Custom of the places, where the Bills are drawn, & were payable, as has before been briefly touched, as from London to Antwerp, Midelborrough, Rotterdam, Lysle, Rouen and Paris, at a Months Usance.

7ly It is dangerous to draw a Bill payable to the bearer, by Reason if a Bill should happen to be lost, any Person might bring it for acceptance or payment, therefore the safest way is to make it payable to a particular man, or his order; for otherwise if it should be payed to the wrong party, and the Bill received, he on whom it is drawn, is not lyable to pay it again unless a Fraud be proved.

Page  30281y. A Bill of Exchange is held so Au∣thentick, that it requires no witness, nor is it requisite that any Person unless the Per∣son that receives it be present at the Writ∣ing thereof, or that any one be present, when the party who accepts it under-writes his name, for if any Person either Draw∣er or Subscriber should deny his Hand, it may be easiely proved by comparing his Letter or Books of Account, and if that be proved his credit is inevitably ruined.

9ly. If you receive an Outland Bill pre∣sent it presently, and if it be refused pro∣test without delay, and send it back to the Drawer with Protest, which will be for the advantage of both. Twenty four Hours is the longest time, that you are obliged to give any Merchant to consider whether he will or not, and after that, it is at your pleasure whether you will protest or give longer time, and after protest advice ought to be given to the Drawer by the first Post.

10. If a Bill be drawn on two Persons, and not to them or either of them, but joyntly, yet if one do accept it and the other refuse it the Bill ought to be pro∣tested.

11. If a Bill be presented to any Per∣son, and he by word of mouth, desires Page  303 it may be left in his Hands, and does Ver∣bally accept it, altho he afterwards refuse to Subscribe it, yet such an acceptance is valid, and he may be Sued upon due Protest, tho Protest must not be made till the money becomes due.

12. If a man accept a Bill for part and not for the whole, alledging he has no more in his Hands; the Person to whom the money is payable, may receive the part and give an acquittance for so much as he receives, but must enter Pro∣test for non-payment of the rest, and send it away as soon as the party refuses to ac∣cept for the whole.

13. The Drawer is Master of the Bill till it becomes due, and may Countermand it by sending an Express to the party, who has accepted it not to pay it without fur∣ther order, which order must be made, and passed before a publick Notary, and noti∣fyed to the party that hath accepted the Bill, but if the money be pay'd it is past re∣covery.

14. A Bill of Exchange may be pay'd at Usance single, double or treble, that is length of time according to the quality of the Person; the occasion or difficulty of passage by Reason of different Seasons, but general Usance is accounted a Month from Page  304 the Date of the Bill, each month tho dif∣ferent in number of Days being accounted, the Month required on that occasion.

15. A Bill payable at Days sight, is from the Day after it is accepted, else Pro∣test ought to be made. If an accepted Bill be lost, yet it will not Bar the payment, but may be Sued for as if the Bill were in be∣ing, nor is the party who accepted it bound to pay a second Bill, before the first be dis∣charged, unless the second Bill be directed to the party who lost the Former in lieu thereof.

16. When a Bill is accepted, there is no revoking it, but it must be either payed or Protested; tho sometimes it hap∣pens that the Acceptor and the Party to whom the Bill is payable, do conclude upon longer time then the Bill specifies, or to take it by Parcels; yet if he doubt the honesty of the Acceptor, the Presentor must nowithstanding make Protest, or the Acceptor may refuse further payment, and yet not lye lyable to be Sued.

17. If a Bill be directed to a party, and he be out of Town, not leaving any Warrant of Attorney, to impower his Wife or Servants to accept it; and another Mer∣chant to support the Drawers credit, will accept and pay it, yet Protest must be made against the party on whom it was drawn for non-acceptance.

Page  30518. In some cases half Usance is allow∣ed, especially in Inland Bills, which is ac∣counted 15 Days.

Note that all Bills must be Protested 3 Days after they become due, it being dangerous to exceed that time, altho one of the Days happened on a Sunday, yet tho the 3 Days are expired, 'tis not at all unne∣cessary to Protest.

19. Bills payable at a fixed Day, are not meant one, and the same Day if they come from any place where the new Style is practised, because the old and new ad∣mits of ten Days difference. As for Example, if a Bill be dated new Style payable on the 10 of March, it is not payable till the 10 of March old Style, which is the 20th. of March new Style.

20. A Wife or a Servant cannot accept a Bill of Exchange, unless the Husband or Master impower them by a Warrant of At∣torney so to do, or that formerly they have accepted Bills with his good liking, and by him discharged.

21. If a party on whom a Bill is drawn, live at a distant City or place of Exchange, from him that is to receive the money, he must go himself or send the Bill down to some Friend to get it accepted, which if not accepted, Protest must be entered, if it Page  306 be a place of Exchange, or by the help of a Letter of such refusal, from the Friend who endeavoured to get it accepted, Protest may be made at London, tho the party live at Southampton, but if accepted and your Bill returned when it becomes due, if it be made payable at london, you must expect there your money, or enter Protest for non-payment.

22. If a Merchant that accepted a Bill prove non-Solvent, and absent himself from the Exchange; you must before the Bill be due, cause demand to be made by a Notary for better Security, and in default thereof cause Protest to be made, and send away the Pro∣test by the next Post to the Drawer of the Bill, who must defray the charges of such Protest, and all Protests must be made be∣tween Sun and Sun, that is, between Sun Rising and Sun Setting; other Hours being accounted unseasonable, and held amongst Merchants Illegal.

23. If a Protest be returned to the Drawer or Indorser, he must get an able man to under-write the Protest, and ob∣lige himself to make speedy payment with Costs and Rechange, but if the Protest be returned for want of payment, and you have had Security already upon the Protest for non-acceptance or want of better Se∣curity, then upon receipt of your Protest Page  307 •or non-payment, you may only acquaint the Drawer or party that took up the money, and tarry out the proportion of time, at which the Bill was made payable, to be accounted from the time it fell due, before you demand your Principal money, with the Rechange and charges of the par∣ty who drew the Bill or his Security, which according to the Law of Merchants, they are bound to satisfy either joyntly or severally.

24. When you have an accepted Bill protested for want of payment, keep the Bill, but send away the Protest, by which means the money is recoverable of the Draw∣er.

25. If a Bill be delivered to a party to be accepted, and yet by the carelesness or otherwise of the party that received it in order to accept be Lost, then must he who brought it demand a note under the Hand and Seal of the Merchant, &c. who received the Bill for the payment of the money, at the Day specifyed in the Bill, upon a second Bill if it come to hand, or if not upon the note it self, and if such note be refused to be given, then the party who should receive the mo∣ney upon the lost Bill, must enter protest and send it away, and when the money be∣comes due upon the lost Bill, he must make Page  308 demand of it, and for non-payment enter Protest a second time, and send it away, or if he have a note, yet if it be not payed at the time therein limited, he must Protest as upon a Bill of Exchange.

26. If a Person send a Bill to a Friend of his to get it accepted, tho drawn upon no particular Person, but a Blanck left to put in the parties Name that will accept it, it is according to the Law of Merchants suffi∣cient.

27. If a Bill be drawn by one Merchant upon another, upon the account of a third man; he upon whom it is drawn has liber∣ty to chuse whether he will accept it upon the account of the third Person, or on his account who drew it; but then he must go before a Publick Notary, and declare his intent, of which the Notary must make an Act indue Form to be sent away to the party whom it concerns; and he must also cause an Act to be made for payment there∣of when it becomes due, declaring that he will pay it for the Honour of the Drawer, but upon no other account then is the Draw∣er accountable to him for the Summ specifyed in the Bill.

28. If a Bill be drawn upon a Merchant, who after acceptance for want of money, or otherwise fails to pay it when due, another Page  309 Merchant for the Honour of the Drawer may pay the Bill, yet Protest must be made against him that made default, and sent a∣way, and the safest way in that case is to have the receipt for discharge of the Bill Writ∣ten under the Protest, and to keep the ac∣cepted Bill as an Evidence against him who failed in the payment thereof.

29. If a party dye between the time of acceptance, and the time money becomes due upon a Bill, you must go to the place of his last aboad, when the money becomes due, and demand it of the Executors, and if payment be refused, you must Protest as you would have done if the party were living.

30. If the party dye to whom a Bill is payable before it become due, altho the Will be not proved, nor Letters of Administra∣tion taken out, yet you must demand the money when due, offering at the same time Security to save the Payer harmless from the Executors or Administrators, and if upon such offer payment is refused, you must Protest for non-payment.

31. If a Bill be drawn upon a Person, and upon inquiry no such Person can be found, you must have your Bill Protested in due Form.

32. If when you go to get your Bill Page  308 〈1 page duplicate〉 Page  309 〈1 page duplicate〉 Page  310 accepted, no Person can accept it be at home, and that at 2 or 3 goings, you must enter Protest, either for non-acceptance or non-payment; either at his dwelling House or Lodging in his absence, which accord∣ing to the Law of the Merchants is suffici∣ent, for he ought at Seasonable times to attend his own business, for there is no avoiding Protest, whether absent or pre∣sent.

33. If the Figures and words at Length in a Bill of Exchange disagree, then you ought to be guided by the words at Length and not by the Figures.

34. If a Name be mended or words in∣terlined, and the Bill be accepted, tho it is a foul fault in the Drawer, yet it is not an excuse sufficient for the Acceptor to refuse payment, but if the party who accepted alledge that it has been mended, or interlined since he accepted, he must prove it, the which if he do he may re∣fuse payment, till a second Bill comes to Hand.

35. If a Bill be made payable Positive∣ly to a Person by name, then an Assignment will not be available; for it must be the very man spec•fyed to whom the Bill must be pay'd, lest by paying to a wrong party, you are obliged to pay it again in your own wrong.

Page  31136. If a Bill come to any party to get it accepted, and by an oversight it be not di∣rected to any Person by name, yet in the Letter of credit, the party to whom it was intended be mentioned; then must it be presented in order to its being accepted, and if the party for want of his name on the Bill refuse to accept it, then Protest must be made for the Drawers Omission; and he is lyable to pay the charges.

37. If a Bill be accepted, and protested for non-payment, yet if the Drawer do satisfy the contents of the Bill, he that ac∣cepted the Bill is discharged, as to the party to whom the Bill was due, but must nevertheless stand ingaged to the Drawer; and if a Bill be by one Person Assigned over to another, if the first Person be sa∣tisfyed, the Bill becomes useless, nor can it by Law be recovered.

And thus much for Bills of Exchange, and now I shall only proceed, to give the Reader an insight into the nature of Letters of Credence, and so conclude this one great and necessary part of Merchants affaires.

CHAP. CXI. Of Letters of credit, and to what intent they are drawn.

THere are divers sorts of Letters, that pass between Merchants and Merchants, or Merchants and their Factors. As Letters of Commission for buying and selling, Let∣ters of advice, Letters of Fraight, and Let∣ters of Credit; the latter of which are properly such as are Written to furnish mo∣nies by Exchange, upon the credit of him that Writes them, so that by virtue of the Letter or Letters so Written, the Mer∣chant or Banker that Writes the Letter or Letters, are bound as firmly, as if they had given Bond to satisfy by Bill of Ex∣change; or otherwise any Summ or Summs of money, taken upon them by those Per∣sons specifyed therein. And these Letters are two sorts, the one General and the o∣ther special.

The first is when I Write my open Let∣ter to all Merchants, &c. who shall Furnish such and such Persons upon my Letter of credit, wherein I do bind my self, that what Monies shall be delivered unto such and such Page  313 parties therein specifyed, within the time limited at such and such rates, or as the Exchange is currant; I will repay by Bills of Exchange or otherwise: and if any one should refuse to pay Bills for monies receiv∣ed upon his Letters of credit, yet those Letters being produced, and proved to be his, are as binding as Hand and Seal, and stand as good in Law.

The special Letter of credit, is directed to a peculiar Person, and is of force equal with the former; as for the Forms of the General Letters of credit, they are vari∣ous and sutable to the occasion of the Wri∣ter, but the form of a special or particular Letter of credit may run thus.

CHAP. CXII. A Survey of the Customs, commonly called Tonnage upon Wines of the Growth of France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, &c. also upon Beer, Perry, Cider, Vinegar, Rape, &c. together with the nature of such Customs or Tonnage, declaring where they are due and where not.

THe Wisdom of the Nation assembled in Parliament Anno 1660, having tak∣en Page  315 into their consideration the condition of Merchants Trading into Forrain parts, that they were frequently Robbed, and spoiled by Pirates and Picaroons, and Ships of War of divers Nations, under pretence of Letters of Reprizal. They the better to prevent such outrages, thought it con∣venient to Grant his Majesty a Subsidy of Tonnage and Poundage, payable upon all Merchandise imported or exported, unless Herrings and some other Fish therein ex∣cepted. The better to inable his Majesty to maintain at Sea several Ships of War, for the securing and convoying Merchants Ships to and from the divers Ports and Places, whither they are bound or have a∣ny Commerce, and to over-awe and keep un∣der such Pirates and others, as would o∣therwise grow numerous, and obstruct all Naval Commerce, the Principal Commo∣dities paying Tonnage and Poundage, com∣monly called Customs. I shall here recite, and for the rest, refer the Reader to the Book of Rates, rated by the advice and approbation of most of the eminent Mer∣chants of England; and since published and confirmed by Parliament.

As for Tonnage every Tun of Wine of the Growth of the French King or Crow• of France, that shall come into the Port of Page  316 London or the Members thereof by way of Merchandise; being the proper Goods of a natural Born Subject, pays eight pounds 10 Shillings the Tun; or being the proper Goods of an Alien or Stranger, it pays 10 pound, and so lesser or greater quantities proportionably; but into any other Port of England, the Native pays 20 Shillings less, and the Stranger the like per Tun.

Muscadels, Malmasies, Cutes, Tents, A∣licans, Bastards Sacks, Canaries, Mallagoes, Maderoes, and other Wines; of the Growth of Levant, Spain or Portugal, or any of the Islands or Dominions belonging to them, or any of them which shall be brought in∣to the Port of London, as Merchandise, &c. by a Native, shall pay the Summ of 7 pound 10 Shillings the Tun, a Stranger nine pound, and into any other of his Majesties Ports 20 Shillings less, the Pipe or Butt, by either Native or Alien, for Rhenish Wine of the Growth of Germany; also note that always the Stranger pays 30 Shillings in the Tun more then the Native is to pay, the Ancient duty of Butlerage which is 2 Shillings in the Tun; and in these Duties or Customs is included, the Duty formerly of 20 Shil∣lings per Tun, upon all Wines of the Growth of the Levant, by Strangers known by the name of Southampton Duties, for which sort Page  317 of Wines the Stranger is to pay to the use of the Town of Southampton, 10 Shillings for every Butt or Pipe, as for prize Wines they pay no Customs.

Note that if any Wines be imported, and within a twelve month exported; they are not lyable to pay the Additional Duty, or if it be pay'd it is to be returned, viz. 4 pound every Tun of French Wine, and every Tun of Wine of the Growth of Ger∣many or Madera, 3 pound brought into the Port of London, as in Statute 12 of Car. 2, it more at large appears.

And all such Wines as are Landed at a∣ny of the out-Ports, and afterwards brought into the Port of London by a certificate, shall pay so much more Custom as was pay'd short of the Duty in the Port of Lon∣don.

For every Tun of Beer to be exported in Ships, English built, must be pay'd 2 Shil∣lings, and for every Tun exported in any other Ship 6 Shillings. If at any time there shall chance Goods to be exported or im∣ported, not mentioned in the Book of Rates, agreed on by the commons, Intitled the rates of Merchandise, and that by such omission there is no set value on them, then it shall be Lawful for the Customer in being to levy twelve pence in the pound, Page  318 upon such Goods according to the true va∣lue: which value is to be given by the Mer∣chant or owner upon Oath, before the Cu∣stomer, Collector, Comptroller, Surveyer, or any two of them.

If Vineger, Perry, Rape, Cider, or Ci∣der-Eager, be imported by a Native from Forrain Parts, he pays 6 pound 10 Shil∣lings the Tun, but by an Alien only 6 pound, but if they shall again export any such Liquids, then 3 pound 10 Shillings the Tun shall be repayed to the Native, and 4 pound 15 Shillings to the Alien. There is likewise imposed on Wines, Vine∣ager, Cider and Beer 10 Shillings per Tun, and on Brandy and Strong-Water 20 Shil∣lings per Tun. For Coynage-Duty, and the money that arises by this Duty, is to be payed at the Custom-House, to the Collectors and other Officers, to be by them kept a∣part from other monies; and payed quar∣terly into the Exchequer without Salary or Fee, and if neglect be made in the pay∣ment of this Duty, the Goods are Forfei∣table; but note if that within a twelve-month, they are Transported, then the mo∣ney so pay'd is to be returned according to Statute the 18 of Car. 2. There is like∣wise an Excise or Impost upon Forrain Li∣quors imported, viz. upon Beer or Ale, Page  319 six Shillings the Barrel, Cyder or Perry the Tun 10 Shillings, Brandy or Strong-Waters perfectly made 8 pence the Gallon, and by the 15 of Car. 2, if any of these Goods be Landed before these Duties are payed, Warrant Signed, and in the ab∣sence of the Officer, they are forfeitable. And thus much for Tonnage, the next thing then that I come to Treat of is Poun∣dage.

CHAP. CXIII. A Survey of the Custom commonly called Poundage, according to the Book of Rates, and such other Customs and Priviledg∣es, as are for the profit of the Mer∣chant.

POundage is a Custom Established by Act of Parliament made in the 12 of his now Majesty, whereby the Book of Rate called the Rates of Merchandise, is approved and confirmed, that is a Subsidy granted to his Majesty of the 20 part of all Goods im∣ported or exported, viz. 1 Shilling in the pound, according as they are Rated in the said Book, and for Goods not found Rat∣ed Page  320 in the aforesaid Book, according to the value Sworn to by the Merchant, as it is mentioned in the foregoing Chapter. As likewise a Subsidy of Woollen Cloaths or old Drapery; agreed on by the Commons-House in Parliament, assembled and Signed by the Hand of their Speaker, an account of which take as followeth.

Every Native shall pay for each short Cloath containing in Length not above 28 Yards, and in Weight not exceeding 64 pound, White or Coloured, by him to be Shipped or carryed out of the Kingdom, 3 Shillings 4 pence, being after the Rate of 2 Farthings ½ Farthing the pound Weight, and after the same Rate for all other sorts of Cloath of greater Length and Weight, not allowing above 28 Yards, and 60 pound to a short Cloath, viz. for every pound Weight over and above 64. pound 2 Far∣things and ½ Farthings, and for all other lesser Cloaths to be allowed to the short Cloath; but note if a Stranger do export any short Cloath containing 28 Yards, and in Weight not exceeding 64 pound, either White or Coloured, he shall pay 6 Shillings 8 pence, besides the old Duty of one Shilling 2 pence, and after the same Rate for all short Cloaths, and Cloaths of greater Length and Weight; for a de∣scription Page  321 of the several sorts of which, I refer you to my Observations upon Woolen Manufactory, in the 11 and 12 Chapters of this Treatise.

Salt out of Scotland into England pays a ½ penny the Gallon, all Logwood imported pays 5 pound the Tun.

The Parliament taking care that Ships of force should be imployed by Merchants, have imposed on all Merchandise imported or exported, from and to the Mediterra∣nean Sea beyond Malaga, in any Ship not having 2 Decks and 16 Guns, allowing two men to each Gun, for such default one per cent. on all Merchandise that contrary to the express words of the Act, shall be import∣ed or exported, Ships laden or half laden with Fish only excepted.

There are likewise divers Duties paya∣ble Aliens for Goods imported in Aliens Ships, commonly called Navigation Duties, by the Act of Navigation made in the 12 of Car. 2.

And note that in all cases where Petty Custom inwards is payable, it is understood of the fourth part of a Subsidy, according to the Book of Rates of 5 pound per cent. and is called Parva Customa, granted to King Edward the first; the Merchants Strangers agreeing to pay to him and his Heirs 3 Page  322 pence in the pound, for every pounds worth of Goods, imported or exported.

There is another Custom called the Ali∣ens Custom, for all Fish, Oyl, Blubber, Whale-Bone or Whale-Fins, not being caught in Vessels of which the English are Proprietors; they are to pay double Cu∣stom. There is likewise an Impost to be payed for several sorts of Salt-Fish or dry∣ed Fish, not imported in English Vessels be∣longing to English Proprietors, or not hav∣ing been taken in such, as appears at large in the Statute of the 15 of Car. 2, intitled an Act of Trade.

Likewise all sorts of Forrain Coyn, or Bullion of Gold or Silver, may be export∣ed without paying any Duty or Fee for the same, entry being first made at the Cu∣stom-House, as also Precious Stones and Pearls of all sorts.

Any Person may import from any part beyond the Sea in English Ships, Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmegs, Mace, &c. into England, Wales, Guernsey, Jersey, &c. paying the Customs always, provided they before the lading thereof, give notice to the Commis∣sioners or Farmers of the Customs, how much they intend to lade, and the name of the Vessel in which they design to import it, and procure a Licence under their Hands, Page  323 or any 3 of them, if Goods are Wreck∣ed and the Lord Seises them, yet they ought not to pay Custom, unless in some Extra∣ordinary cases. Upon the exporting and importing of most Commodities, Fees are claimed over and above Custom. In the Port of London, the Members and Creeks there∣unto belonging, viz. to the Officers of the Petty Custom outwards of the Subsidy outwards, Petty Customs inwards Subsidies inward, great Customs, Clarks Fees, in∣wards and outwards the Kings Waiters being 18 in number. The Register of the Kings Warrants. The Usher of the Custom-House. The Saugers of French Vessels chief Search∣er, and the Kings 5 under-Searchers in the Port of London, and his 2 Searchers in the Port of Graves-End, were likewise entered in a Table which was setled and allowed of by the Commons Assembled in Parliament, and signed by their Speaker; at which time the Question being put, that for all such Goods as payed not one pound Custom in∣wards or outwards, there should be but half Fees taken for Cocquets, Debentures, Warrants, Fransieres, Certificates, &c. and it was resolved Affirmatively.

Societies or Companies that Trade in one Joynt-Stock, and make but one Single-En∣tery, tho the Adventurers are many, yet Page  324 the Fees do not hinder, but the Officers and Weighers may receive such Gratuities, as the Master or Merchants will allow them out of their free Will.

All Goods valued in the Book of Rates at 5 pounds, and paying Subsidy but 5 Shillings, or under, shall pay no Fees.

If any English Merchant shall Land Goods out of one Ship into another (altho the Receipt of the Subsidies be distributed into several Offices) yet he shall pay but for a Single-Entry.

The Goods appertaining to Partners, are to pass as if they appertained to one single Person. Fish taken by the English men in English Bottoms, whether inward or outward pay no Fees.

Post-Entries under 5 Shillings inward pass without Fees, but if above 5 Shillings and 40 Shillings, then pay 6 pence, but exceeding 40 Shillings then full Fees.

The Merchant for all Goods that are opened, and not entered above 10 Shillings Custom shall pay Fees; he shall likewise pay for weighing all Goods short entered above 20 Shillings Custom, but if duly entered, then he is to be at no charge.

Note that the Merchant is to be allow∣ed for Tare, viz. abated in the Customs; which Tare upon all Commodities to which Page  325 it is allowable is setled by the Customers, and fixed in a Table not to be any ways altered, without the consent and appoint∣ment of the Commissioners-Farmers, such under-Officers as they shall impower, as the General Surveyers of the Ware-House, &c. And thus much shall Suffice as to Cu∣stoms and order of Fees upon the Subsidy of Poundage; untill I come to speak some∣what more of the Priviledges and Customs of the City of London; and now I shall proceed to give the Reader an insight into the nature of Policies of Assu∣rance, now greatly in Request amongst Mer∣chants.

CHAP. CXIV. Of Policies of assurance, their Original, their Legality, Nature, Quality, and of the great Incouragement they give to Navi∣gation, &c.

MOst are of opinion that this way of insuring, was first invented by the Romans, and Suetonius will have it that Clau∣dius Caesar was the first contriver thereof, and by that means so incouraged Merchants, Page  326 that they ventured into the till then sup∣posed innavigable Seas; proposing to themselves that if they escaped with their Lives, tho both Ships and Goods were lost, they should not be much indammaged.

All assurances are either Publick or Pri∣vate, the first are those that are entered in the Office or Court of Assurance, for the Conveniency of Merchants kept upon the Royal Exchange in London; where any one may have knowledge of what Cargo is in∣sured and of the Premio. The last is in Pri∣vate between man and man, and not enter∣ed in the Office, and are of equal Validity at common Law, but by the Statute of the 43 of Elizabeth, only those that are enter∣ed in the Court of Assurance can be tryed and determined there, the other being left to the common Law only. These Assuran∣ces are divers of sorts, some being made for places general, others certain; those upon certain places or Ports are made upon Goods laden, which if they miscarry before they are safely Landed at the place agreed on, the Insurer must make good as far as he has insured, but upon certain notice of their safe Arrival, he may demand the Premio a∣greed on, and the Policy is then void, and the like upon Goods inward bound, or ac∣cording as the Merchant and Insurer can a∣gree.

Page  327A General Ansurance is when a Ship goes a Trading Voyage, taking in at one Port and vending at another; so that the Insurer is lyable to any damage she sustains till she returns in safety to the Port from whence She sets out, that is in her Cargo only, unless the Ship and her Appurtenances are insured, which are frequently included, tho then the Premio runs higher.

Goods sent by Land may likewise be in∣sured, tho that seldom happens; or if any Person fears being taken by the Turks or Moors, he may insure his Person of a cer∣tain Premio, and then if he be taken, the insurer is obliged to Ransom him: that is, pay so much money as is insured, some∣times the Assurers insert in their Policies lost or not lost, that is, when Ships have been a long time abroad, and no advice of their being in any Port, but then the Premio runs high as 30, 40, and sometimes more per cent. for if the Ship be lost at the time the Poli∣cy is Subscribed, yet so much as is insured must be made good, but then it must be contrary to the knowledge of him that in∣sures, or otherwise it will be accounted a Fraud.

If any Person assures a Rotten Vessel for more then She is worth, and then going out of the Port or Harbour, She Privately Page  328 causes to be Wrecked or Sunk, if it can be proved it is a Defraud, and he who Sub∣scribed the Policy, is not bound to make satisfaction, but it is observed of late that seldom any one Person will insure a whole Ship; but Subscribe 50 pound, 100 pound or more at a certain Premio, currant at the time of assuring; which when the adven∣ture is Born they receive; but if a loss hap∣pens, the Premio is deducted together with the usual Abatements; so that the insured seldom receives more then 80 pound in the 100 pound, and many now adays are so adventurous, that they will ensure against Heaven and Earth; Stress of Weather, Storms, Enemies, Pirates, Rovers, and all other Casualties. If a Merchant ensures a Ship, he only names in the Policy of such a Burthen, then if She be lost the Insurers are bound to make the Ship only good, and not the Wares: If the Wares be insured it matters not whether each particular is mentioned in the Policy, but in general up∣on the chief Commodities, and all other Commodities laden or to be laden for the ensured.

If a Ship be Ensured and take Fire 'ere She break Ground, the Assurers in such a case are not lyable to make Restitution, unless the words be in the Policy at such Page  329 a Port, or from such a Port, unless She had first broken Ground, and had been forced back again by Storm.

If a Ship be Ensured and prove Leaky, and the Master for preservation of the Car∣go, lade it into another Ship, and that Ship be lost, the Ensurer is not bound to make the Cargo good, unless in the Policy it is mentioned, untill the Goods by the said Ship or any other should be safely Landed at such a place, naming it.

It is held that if a Person Ensure more Goods then he has on Board, and several Persons Subscribed the Policy, yet the first Subscribers are only bound to pay the loss if they miscarry, and those that Subscribed over and above the value of the Goods, remitting their Premio 10 Shillings per cent. reducted for their Subscriptions are discharged: If a Cargo be Ensured to such a Port there safely to be unladed, and her Cargo is sold on Board, the Property be∣ing altered, if the Ship afterwards miscarry, the Ensurer is not obliged to make it good, if the buyer agrees for the Fraight to be car∣ryed to any other Port.

If Goods be Ensured, and the Ensured contrary to the knowledge of the Ensurer, Lades prohibited Goods, by which the Ship may become forfeited, then the Ensurer Page  330 is not lyable to make good the Cargo, unless after the lading of such Goods they are prohibited.

If any Goods be damaged in the Ship by neglect of the Master or Mariners, the Ensurer is not bound to make Satisfaction. And further 'tis always expedient to prevent differences that may arise between the En∣surer and the Ensured, that the Bills of lading consist of three parts, one to be sent over Sea, the other left with the Master, and the last with the Lader.

This Office or Court of assurance, was erected by the Statute of the 43 of Eliza∣beth, Chap. 12, whereby the Judges or Com∣missioners appointed to determine differen∣ces arising, were the Judges of the Court of Admiralty, the Recorder of London, two Doctors of the Civil Law, two Barristers, eight discreet Merchants or any five of them, and that they or the Major part, should have Power to hear, examine, order or decree all such causes in a Summary way, without pleading or expence, and to have Power to Summon Parties to Examine up∣on Oath, commit to Prison upon disobedi∣ence, or the like; but this way being found tedious, because so many parties as made a Court, were not at all times to be Conve∣ned, it was taken into consideration, and Page  351 in the 12 of Car. 2 Chap. 23 Enacted that 3 Commissioners should make the Court viz. a Doctor of the Civil Law, a Bar∣rister of 5 Years standing, and a Merchant, &c. who have Power to Act in all cases, after their being Sworn before the Lord Major; and if the Witness refuse to come upon the first Summons, and tender of reasonable charges, upon the second Sum∣mons they may imprison them for such their contempt, or give costs, and commonly differences come to an Issue in a Fort∣night, their proceedings being as well out of Term-time as it.

The Judgments are there given upon mature deliberation, by Persons well Skil∣led in Marine affairs; and if the Sentence be supposed unreasonable, then the Lord Chancellor or Lord Keeper, may upon an appeal determine the same; tho no appeal from thence can lye before the whole mo∣ney is deposited, and the full cost payed to the appelled. So that it prevents the trouble of taking up the Party by Execu∣tion, against whom the Decree has passed, and a further advantage is, they may in this Court decree against 20 Ensurers at once, which at common Law must be Sued di∣stinctly, tho the Execution cannot lye a∣gainst Body and Goods, but against either as at Common Law.

Page  332And lastly if a private Policy of assu∣rance, be lost, and no Entery be found, it is like a Burnt Deed, unless strong Evi∣dence be produced; as likewise a Copy of the same: but if it be a Publick Policy, then the Entery is sufficient Testimony for this Court to take Cognizance of.

CHAP. CXV. The Original of the word Bottomery, and the Signification thereof, together with the Commodity and Discommodity accruing thereby.

FOenus Nauticum or Bottomery, is by the Dutch called Bomery, Bodmery, or Boddemerii; from the Keel or Bottom of a Ship, the Part being taken for the Whole, and was called by the Ancient Britains Bodo or Bo∣dun, the bottom of a Ship, Signifying the bottom or the Cargo therein contained, the which as Land is mortgaged for certain Sums of Money taken up thereon, and is bound to satisfy the same at return, with such interest as is agreed on the Statute of usury, in that case being excluded by Rea∣son of the Hazard the Lender runs; for Page  333 in many cases money is taken up thus. I lend 100 pound upon a Ship, to receive 150 if the Ship arrives safe at such a Port, but if She chance to Miscarry, my money is lost, and many times Masters of Ships could not set out, if they did not in this nature take up Monies; for which them∣selves, their Ship or Cargo become Pledges; but some Persons have taken hold of this occasion to Bar the Statute of usury: thus they get the Party to feign he has a Ship bound for Amsterdam or any such Port, making a special obligation to pay the mo∣ney again at so much per cent. at a reason∣able time Granted for the return of the Ship; and if She do not in that time return the money to be pay'd notwithstanding, but certain it is if a Person have 500 or 1000 pound lying by him, and knows of an ingenious Merchant or Master of a Ship, who is fitting out for a Voyage, and is Slen∣derly stocked, and he lends him this money to buy such Commodities as will vend in the places whither he is bound, running the Risque to have nothing, if the Ship miscarry, and 30 per cent. Interest, if She re∣turn safe, it is altogether as profitable for the merchant as Master; as to take up mo∣ney at Brokerage, and to Ensure his Ship or Cargo. And if the Merchant or Ma∣ster Page  334 makes double return of the said mo∣ney he gets sufficiently, as well as the Venturer, and this cannot be accounted usury.

There is yet another way both profita∣ble and Honourable, as thus, suppose a Per∣son puts a stock into the Hands of a Com∣pany or Society, which is termed a per∣petual stock, the Principal being never to be recalled, tho it may be often sold for good advantage, but he that put it in or buys it receives still his dividend, which produces sometimes twenty and sometimes more per cent. and the Hazard only is if the proportion of the stock that goes out be lost, he must abate, un∣less by remitting the dividend he will keep up the stock. And 100 pound in the East-India Company has been of late sold at 180 or 190 pound.

CHAP. CXVI. Of the Rights and Priviledges of Owners, and Proprietors of Ships, according to the Laws Marine and Common, together with di∣vers Rules to be observed by such as are Partners in Ships, fitted out upon Fraight or otherwise.

IF there be several Partners, or Owners of a Vessel, and one refuses to Furnish her out, according to his proportion, or to suffer her to go the Voyage intended by the other, he must sell his part, the which if he refuse to do or to set a price thereon, the other Partners may set her out, and refuse to let him have any part of the profit accruing thereby; only if the Ship be lost, they must make good his part according as it shall be valued; but if it happen the Major part of such Owners re∣fuse to set out any such Vessel, wherein they have equal propriety, they cannot be compelled, but then such Vessel is to be valued and sold, and the like where any of the partners prove deficient or unable to set her forth.

The Master is to be chosen by the Own∣ers, and so he had need, for they are ly∣able Page  336 to the Merchants for all dammages, he or his Marriners shall suffer or cause to be done in any Port, Haven, or on the main Ocean; both by the Law Marine and common Law of England, and they must sue the Master for reparation.

If a Ship be broken up with an intent to convert her Timber to other uses, and then the parties mind alter, and they will have her rebuilt with the same; the pro∣perty by that means is altered, and the Partnership dissolved: If a man take Planks of another mans to mend his Ship, yet the property remains in the owner; but if a man take Timber designed to Build a Ship, and build a Ship, the property of the Ship shall remain in him whose Timber it was, and not in the Builder: But if the Timber was not designed for the Building a Ship, it is otherwise; if a Master of a Ship take up monies for refitting or victualling his Ship, & there be occasion for so doing, the owners must pay it, but if there be no oc∣casion, they are not bound so to do.

If a man gets possession of a Ship, hav∣ing no Title thereto by the Law Marine, he shall pay dammages; such as shall be prov∣ed to be sustained by the unjust detaining of it from the right owner. If a Ship is Fraighed out, and in any Port an Imbargo Page  337 is lay'd thereon, it Bars not the Owners from the Recovery of their contract for Fraight: If any one shall be killed by a fall on Shipboard, in a fresh River, being within the Body of a County, the Ship is accounted a Deodand, and becomes Seisable, tho in such cases it is not strict∣ly observed; but if any one fall and be killed on the Ocean, it is otherwise, for there by Reason of storms or the like, it is supposed such Accidents cannot be a∣voided.

CHAP. CXVII. Ʋseful Instructions to be observed by all Ma∣sters of Ships, in the Management of their affairs, and the preventing the Penalties they may incur through Ignorance, &c.

IF a Master of a Ship be intrusted with Goods, and they be imbeselled either in Port or upon the main Ocean, he's Respon∣sible to the Owners or Merchant, and must make them good; nay if a Ship be Fired by carelessness, the Master lies lyable to make both the Ship and Fraight good, nay tho Goods sustain any other dammage, by the neglect of the Master, he is bound to Page  338 make them good, for he is Exercitor Na∣vis, and is either by the Marine and com∣mon Law, lyable to answer for the neglect or Misdemeanour of his Mariners; but if a Ship be taken by an Enemy, founder, or be lost in a Storm, the Master is not lyable to make satisfaction. If a Master send off his Boat to receive Goods at a Wharf, and they be imbeselled, he must make them good. If a Master lades Goods on Board any of the Kings Enemies Ships, tho his own be Leaky, and by that means such Goods are seised, he becomes lyable to make satisfaction to the Owner, nor at his Pe∣ril ought he unknown to the Merchant or owners to Ship prohibited Goods; and if when he is home-ward laden, he enter or lye by in any Creek, unless driven in by Tem∣pest, and by that means the Cargo becomes Seisable, he shall answer it to the Owner, by Reason he ought to have entered one of his Majesties great Ports; nor must he Sail with false Colours, carry false Coc∣quets or other Papers, for if by such means the Goods are involved in Trouble, lost, or the like, he lies lyable to make Restitution. He must not lade the Ship a∣bove the Birth-mark, set Sail with insuf∣ficient Rigging, stay in a Port, unless up∣on an extraordinary occasion, if the Wind Page  339 stands fair for his prosecuting his Voyage, unless it be Tempestuous Weather; or re∣fuse in any Port to pay due Custom, by which any damage may befall the Merchant or Owners, upon pain of his making satis∣faction for the same: if he sends Goods to a Wharf in close Lighters, and send his Mariners to watch them; then if they be im∣bezled, he is bound to make them good, but on the contrary the Wharfenger must be accomptible. If when a Master brings a Ship into any Port, and through his neg∣lect She suffers damage, he is lyable to ans∣wer for it. A Master may sell or impawn part of the lading for money, to mend on refit the Ship, if She be in any danger, but may not do it to defray any charges of his own: no Master is to import or export any Commodities from any of his Majesties Plantations, but in English or Irish bottoms, or bottoms belonging to the Natives of those Plantations, and that in such a case, the 3 Fourths of the Mariners be likewise English upon pain of Forfeiting the Ship and Goods. These and many Obligations are binding upon a Master, both by the Laws-Marine, and Common. The Mari∣ners being accountable to the Master, the Master to the Owners, and the Owners to the Merchant, for all damages sustained by Page  340 neglect of their respective duties or Breach of contract.

CHAP. CXVII. Of Fraight and Charter part, according to the Laws, Common, and Marine, with use∣ful observations thereon.

FRaight is commonly agreed on between the owners and the Merchant, by a Writing of Charter-party, wherein are concluded the particulars of the contract; and if there be no such Writing but only earnest given, then if the Merchant recant 'tis held by some, nay and often observed that he only loses his earnest, and that if the owners recant they lose double earnest; tho many learned in the Law are of opi∣nion, that an Action for dammage, if any be su∣stained by such revocation will lye; if a Merchant should hire a Vessel, and not have his Goods ready at the time appointed, and the Vessel lose the Season of the Passage, or a Ship hired be unfiting to Sail, so that the Merchant must either lose the passage of his Goods, or lade them on another Vessel, dammage may be recovered by an Action at common Law.

If a contract be made to such a Port, the Page  341 Fraight full laden, and the Ship has broke Ground; altho the Merchant revoke his intentions, yet the Fraight is by the Law Marine due. If in a Voyage a Ship without the neglect of the Master be disa∣bled, he may lade the Goods on Board a∣nother Vessel, and if that Vessel be cast a∣way, he is not lyable to make satisfaction, if he can prove his own Ship was in a sinking condition, had not the Goods been taken out of her; but if this latter appear not he is lyable, unless both of the Ships are cast away: If a Ship be laded in Gross, and no particular number of Tuns mentioned, yet the Merchant shall pay the Summ agreed for. If Pirates set upon a Ship and take part of the lading, yet if the other part be carryed safe to the Port concluded on in the Charter part, Fraight for the whole is due.

If any one Fraight prohibited Goods with∣out the knowledg of the Master or Own∣ers, and they be seized in any Port, or the Ship be detained, the Merchant shall pay Fraight notwithstanding. If a passenger die in the Ship, and none claim his Goods in a Year and a Day, they shall be divided be∣tween the Master, his Mates, and the Cloaths are to be brought to the Ship-Mast head, and after an appraisement made to be Page  342 distributed amongst the Mariners, as a re∣ward of their care for seeing the Body put into the Sea; if Fraight be contracted for Transporting of a Woman, and She by the way be delivered, there is no Fraight due for the Infant.

If the owners Fraight out a Ship, and af∣terwards take into it Goods secretly con∣trary to the knowledge of the Merchant, by the Law Marine he loses his Fraight, and if in such a case any of the Merchants Goods be cast overboard in stress of Wea∣ther, the owner must make them good, but this is only when a full Fraight is a∣greed for, but if the owner be not privy to such Goods bringing in, he is not lyable for the defaults of others to the damage a∣foresaid.

By Law the lading of a Ship is tacitly bound for the payment of Fraight, if a Ship put into any Port then that in which She was Fraighted for, and there receives damage, the Owner or Master shall answer the same to the Merchant; for the Charter party ob∣liges the owners to deliver them safe at the Port therein mentioned, unless Ene∣mies or Storms prevent it, and if a Ship suffer damage by Reason of defect in Tack∣ling, the Owners or Master are bound to make it good.

Page  343If Goods are sent aboard in general it must be specifyed so much, or such Goods as are accustomed for such a Voyage. If a Ship be Fraighted for so many Tuns, and She will not bear them, then there is no more Fraight due, then the Ship is com∣puted to be of Burthen, or for so many Tun as are sent on Board; but if a Ship be Fraighted by the great, and no certain Burthen mentioned, then the Summ agreed upon must be pay'd, or if a Ship be Fraighted for 200 Tuns over or under, 5 Tuns are the allowance either over or under and no more.

If Wines be Fraighted, and by the way a great part of them Leak out, yet the Fraight is due, the defect being in the Cask; tho some are of opinion, that unless eight Inches of Wine be left in each Cask, it is in the Election of the Fraighter, whe∣ther they will pay Fraight or throw the re∣mainder up to the Master for his Fraight. If a Ship be taken in War, and afterwards retaken and proceed on her Voyage, the property is not altered, but when the Voy∣age is performed the Fraight becomes due. If any one contract with a Mariner for Fraight, who is not impowered by the own∣ers, and loss happens, that Mariner is Sub∣ject to an Action only, and the Master or Owner free: If a Ship agree for so much Page  344 per Month to be pay'd at her return, and She upon her return be cast away, yet the Fraight is to be pay'd for so many Months, as She was abroad on that occasi∣on, as Mariners that dye at Sea, &c.

CHAP. CXIX. Of Wrecks what may properly be termed such according to the Laws Marine, and Common, with Instructions for owners and Masters in case of a Wreck.

A Wreck is properly when a Ship is cast away, and no live thing escapes to Shoar; and then those upon whose Grounds the Goods are cast by the Sea, ought unless they are Perishable to keep them a twelve-month, to see if any will claim them; and if any do take such Goods, and contrary to the known Laws convert them to their own use, they are upon Conviction of the same, to pay four times the value to the owner, and as much to the King; but if the Goods are Perishable, then the Sherif, Cor∣roner, or Bailif, in whose Jurisdiction they are found may sell them, but must be accoun∣table for so much money, to those that can make out the Goods were theirs; and to pre∣vent such Wrecks as much as may be, all Page  345 Fisher-men upon severe Penalties are forbid to Fish with Lights in the Night. But if Goods Wrecked be not owned or Sued for within a Year and a Day, they fall to the King's Exchequer by the Law of Oleron, and the Islue must be tryed before the Judges of the Wrecks; always provided this Law do not extend to Pirates, Sea-Rovers, Ro∣bers, Turks, or Enemies to the Christian Faith, and if any who unjustly detains any such Wrecked Goods, shall refuse to deli∣ver them, or satisfaction to the full value, he shall be Imprisoned, and if a Lords Bailiff be therein found to offend, the Lord is ob∣liged to deliver his Balif's Body to the King. And as for Custom, Wrecked Goods rarely pay any, but if the Ship be cast away, or all the Goods or the Major part of them saved, in such a case they pay an easie Custom, as the Labour of saving them was more or less difficult, and in that case light Goods as Silver and Gold, according to value shall pay less then heavy and Gross Goods. All Wrecks of Whales or great Sturgeon are properly the Kings.

There are other sorts of Wrecks as Flotsam, Jetsam, and Lagan or Ligan; the former is when a Ship is Sunk, and the Goods are found Floating on the Sea. The second is when a Ship is about to sink, and to endea∣vour Page  346 to save her, the Goods are cast into the Sea; notwithstanding which the Ship Perish∣es, and the third is when Goods are cast o∣ver to lighten the Ship and She perishes not, but a Buoy is fixed to note the place, that so they may be possibly recovered, especially such Goods as sink down-right, in these cases the King shall have Flotsam, Jetsem, and Lagan; provided the Ship perishes, or when the owners of the Goods are not known; but when the Ship Perishes not they belong to the Merchant, who upon proof will re∣cover them. These three are commonly the Kings grant, within the high and low Wa∣ter marks by prescription, as it appears by those in the West Countries, who prescribe to have Wrecks as far as they can see a Humber Barrel.

If a Ship be ready to Perish, and all the men for preservation of their Lives escape in their Long-Boat; yet if the Ship drive afterward into any Port, it is no Wreck; and the like if a Ship be taken by Pirates, and after taking out the Men and Goods turned it a Drift.

All owners claiming Wrecks, must make their Proof by their Cocquets or Marks Personal, Testimony upon Oath or the Books of Entery in the Custom-House, and if any such Wreck belongs to the King, the Page  347 party must Sue out a Commission to hear and determine, and that by the Oaths of twelve men, or else he may bring his Acti∣on at Law, and make his proof by Verdict, but let him be careful that such his Action be brought within a Year and a Day, or it will not lye; all Flotsams, Jetsams, and Legans appertain by grant of Charter to the Lord high Admiral, and must be decided if found upon the high Sea, in the Court of Admi∣ralty. Wrecked Goods tho such as are pro∣hibited, are not Forfeitable, by Reason they were not brought in but by the Wind and Tide, contrary to the will of the Owner, as by Law is supposed.

If the Wreck happen by the negligence or fault of the Master, he is lyable to make Satisfaction, but if otherwise the Owners and Fraighters sustain the loss.

CHAP. CXX. Of Averidg and Contribution, according to the Law Marine, if Goods are cast overboard in a storm, &c. and what Goods may in such a case be Ejected, and what not.

IF when a Ship is Fraighted, and at Sea a storm arises, the Master if he finds the Ship in danger, may by the consent or ra∣ther Page  348 by consulting his Mariners throw such heavy Goods overboard, as may tend to the Lightning or saving the Ship, and if the Mariners refuse to consent, then it is Law∣ful for him to command it to be done; always provided that he throw over the coarsest Goods, and those that are most Ponderous, and in that case the rest of the Goods in the Ship, shall contribute to those thrown over∣board; the Sailers Cloaths and Provision ex∣cepted. If they are thrown over before half the Voyage is made, then the contribution shall be according to what the Goods cost, but if when above half the Voyage then proporti∣onable to what those that remain are sold for. But upon the arrival of the Ship at the Port intended, the Master and Part of his Crue must swear that such Goods were thrown over for the preservation of the Ship, and the rest of the Goods; and if af∣terwards the Merchant bring his Action a∣gainst the owners or Master, they may plead the special Matter, which will remain in Bar to the Plaintifs proceedings; but if any of the Ships Tackling be lost, no Ave∣ridge or Contribution shall be made, unless the Masts be cut by the Board, &c. or if a∣ny Goods be secretly brought into the Ship, contrary to the knowledg of the Master and Purser, be ejected, no contribution shall be Page  349 made: And by the Law Marine, the Master may refuse (in case of ejection) to deliver the remainder of the Goods before the Con∣tribution is setled, or if in a storm part of the Goods are dammaged, without any neg∣lect of the Master or Sailers, such Goods for so much as they are dammaged, ought to come into the contribution.

If two Ships meet and strike each other, and if it can be proved that either of them did it willfully or by carelesness, then that Ship shall satisfy the damage received by the other, but if either Ships crew Swear their inno∣cency, then the dammage is to be Levyed proportionable between them; if any Eje∣ction of Goods happen by the indiscretion of the stowers in lading the Ship above the Birth mark, or the like; then the Master or Owners ought to make satisfaction. If when a Vessel is entering a Port or otherwise part of the Goods be put into a Lighter or Ship-Boat, and the Boat be cast away, there Contribution must be made; but if the Ship be cast away, and the Lighter or Boat saved, then no Contribution; for note where the Ship at any time Perishes, tho a great part of the Goods be saved, yet they allow no Contribution.

If a Ship be taken by Pirates or Enemies, and the Master contracts with them for Page  350 the dismission of the Ship at such a Summ of money, and till the same be pay'd yields himself Prisoner, in that case Contribution must be levyed upon the Ship, and lading for the Ransom of the said Master; and so where a Pirate by consent takes part of the Goods to spare the rest, Contribution must be made, but if he takes them by force or at his own pleasure, then no con∣tribution is to be made, unless the Mer∣chants yield so to do after the Ship is Robbed, but if taken by an Enemy, Letter of Marque or Reprisal the contrary. If Jew∣els be on Board in a Box and not discover∣ed, and they be cast overboard, Contribution shall be for no more then they appeared, viz. a Parcel. If any thing in a storm be cast into the Sea, and afterward recovered, then Contribution shall be made for no more then the damage sustained. The Ma∣ster and Purser in case of a storm shall con∣tribute towards Goods Ejected, for the pre∣servation of the Ship and Passenger for such Wares as they have; and if they have no Wares, then for their Cloaths, Rings, &c. according to estimation.

Contribution is to be pay'd for a Pilots Fee, for bringing a Ship safe into any Harbour where she is not bound.

If the Master of a Ship, after he has Page  351 received his Complements, takes in Goods contrary to the knowledge of the Mer∣chant, and part of the Merchants Goods in case of a storm are thrown overboard, then the Master is lyable to make Satisfaction.

If Contribution be setled, and the Mer∣chant will not consent to pay it, the Ma∣ster may refuse delivering the Goods, and if an Action be brought, he may Barr the Plaintif by pleading the special matter, yet in a storm there are some Ladings, which ought not to be ejected. As Pieces of Or∣dnance, Ammunition, or Provisions for the relief of a City Besieged, or in danger so to be, for there the Law implyes, that the Subject ought to prefer the good of his Prince, before his own life.

CHAP. CXXI. A View of the Port of London, and of the Customs, Priviledges, Exemptions, and Revenues of that great City according to the Charters, Grants, &c. of several Kings of England.

SEeing the Port of London is the Princi∣pal Port of this Kingdom, it will not be amiss to set down the Priviledges and Customs thereof, and what Revenues by Page  352 way of Exportation and Importation, ac∣crues to the Honourable City in order to support its Grandure.

First then the Port of London, as by Ex∣chequer setled and declared, extends from the Promontory or Point, called the North Foreland, in the Isle of Thannet. Thence Northward to the Nase Point beyond the Sunfleet upon the Coast of Essex, and so continues Westward up the River of Thames; and the several Channels, Streams, and Rivers falling into it to London-Bridge. The usual known Rights, Liberties, and Priviledges, to the Ports of Sandwich and Ipswich, and their Members excepted, and in regard that Ships did formerly come up to the Port of London, and unlade in seve∣ral obsure Creeks at Staires, to defraud his Majesty of his Customs, it was there∣fore ordained, that a Commission should be forthwith Issued out of the Exchequer, to af∣fix and nominate all such Wharfes, Keys, and other places as his Majesty by virtue of such Commission should appoint, in pursu∣ance of which his Majesty has been pleased to Nominate and Constitute as Lawful Keys, Wharfs, &c. these following for the Land∣ing of Goods, Merchandise, &c. viz. Brew∣ers-Key, Chestors-Key, Wool-Dock, Porters-Key, Bear-Key, Wiggons-Key, Youngs-Key, Page  353 Ralphs-Key, Smarts-Key, Lyons-Key, Buttolf-Wharf, Hammons-Key, Cocks-Key, Fresh-Wharf, Billingings-Gate, and the Bridge-House. The former of the two latter being appointed a common open place for the Landing or bringing in of Fish, Salt, Vi∣ctuals, or Fuel of all sorts, Fruit of all sorts, Grocery excepted; all Native Mate∣rials for Building, and for exporting the like, but no other Merchandise; and the latter, viz. the Bridge-House is appointed for the Landing of Corn for the City store, tho under pretence of the same several Persons at this Day Landed their proper Corn; moreover there are these Keys, viz. the Custom-House Key, some Stairs on the West side whereof are declared not to be places for Lading or Shipping of Goods. Sabs-Dock has a pair of Stares not held Law∣ful for the Landing or lading of Merchan∣dise. The like has Dice-Key, Summers-Key, and Gaunts-Key; tho otherwise allow∣able. Therefore it is to be supposed those Stairs that are accepted against were built for Conveniency, since the declaring them free places of lading, and Landing Mer∣chandise.

These Keys, Wharfs and Docks, yearly produce a great Income to the City of London, by Scavage, Portage, Packing and Water-Bailage.

Page  354As first Scavage being an Ancient Toll or Custom, taken by the Majors, Sherifs, &c. for Wares shewed or offered to Sail within their Precincts, consists of two parts, viz. that which is payable by the Denizen, & that which is payable by the Alien or Strang∣er; and that all Persons Subject to such Duties, may not be imposed on by such as take them, there are Tables mentioning each particular set up and approved of by the Lord Chancellor, Treasurer, President, Steward, and two Justices of the Common-Pleas; and by them Subscribed or some four of them at least, and are to be levyed on Goods inwards and outwards.

As all Goods mentioned in the Table of Scavage, and not included in the Table of Rates, shall pay after the rate of one penny in the pound, according as they are expres∣sed or valued in his Majesties Book of rates, and all others not expressed therein, shall pay the same rates, according to the true value.

All private Bulks of eight Inches square, are by the third Article annexed to the Book of rates; reputed Timber and valu∣ed at 3 pence the Foot, 50 Foot being accounted the Load, valued at 12 Shillings 6 pence, and the duty for one Load is one half penny and half a Farthing.

Page  355Package is another duty, which is like∣wise •itted and •ted in a Table called 〈…〉 of Pa• Duties, and all the 〈◊〉 •ies the• mentioned pay one 〈…〉 •ording as they are 〈…〉 Majesties Book of ••tes, 〈◊〉 •ers not mentioned therein shall 〈◊〉 the rate of one penny in the pound according to their true value.

For every Entry in the Packers Book, and for Writing Bills of each Entry out∣wards they pay 12 pence.

All Strangers are to pay the Labour∣ing Porters for making up their Goods ac∣cording to Custom.

Strangers must also pay the Water∣side Porters belonging to the Package-Of∣fice, such Fees for Shipping and Lad∣ing as for several Years past they have done.

The Packers and Waterside-Porters, have Tables expressing the Duties paya∣ble; and such Goods as are not menti∣oned therein must pay according to their true value, so much in the Pound as a∣foresaid for Package and Porterage-duties o∣ver and above.

Another Ancient duty there is called Water-Bailage, which for many Years past the City of London have claimed and received for all Goods and Merchan∣dise Page  356 imported from any part in the Realm, or out of the Realm, into the Port of London: and so the like duties with a little alteration, for all Goods ex∣ported out of the Port of London, un∣less the Goods or Merchandise of Free∣men, who are exempted from paying this Du∣ty, tho many Freemen for Reason best known to themselves notwithstanding do voluntarily pay it; but of late there has been considerable Debates, whether the same be due or not, tho no Clause in the Act of Tonnage or Poundage, does any ways Bar those duties.

All Lighters, Wherries, Fisher-Boats, &c. occupying the River of Thames, with∣in the Limits of the Cities Jurisdicti∣on, confirmed by their Charter, pay Summs of Acknowledgement or Duty for the same, which amounts annually to a considerable value. All Markets within the Precincts of the City, pay the Duty of Toll to the behoof of the City.

The Citizens of London, viz. those that are Resident are exempted from the Custom or Impost called Prizage, which is, that out of ten Tuns of Wine the King is to have one, paying for it 20 Shil∣lings, but Citizens must not own any Wines so imported under Colour, to se∣cure Page  357 Strangers from paying Prisage. If a Freeman live in another City, and send Wines to unlade at the Port of London; he shall not be capable of this Priviledge, but must be resident as aforesaid, for by a private Act in the 24 of Hen. 6 com∣plaint was made, that the Lord Major would make Strangers Citizens; whereup∣on it was there declared, that this Benefit to be discharged from payment of Prisage, extended not to such Citizens as were made so by Gift, but such as were Legally Citi∣zens, according to the true, intent and mean∣ing thereof, by Service or Adoption, and resident in the said City; and 'tis further observed that if any Merchant not a Citizen break Bulk, tho he deliver but part of his Cargo, yet the Duty is to be levyed upon all, as if all had been unladen. And this Privi∣ledge likewise enjoy the Inhabitants resident in the Cinque-Ports.

Butherage, as I have before said, is 2 Shillings per Tun, upon Wines imported by Strangers; but the English are exempted from that Duty. And thus much for the Priviledges, Customs, &c, of the City of London, in relation to Trade.

CHAP. CXXII. A Survey of the remaining Ports of Eng∣land, their Members, Creeks, &c. with a relation of their Legalities touching Ex∣portation and Importation, together with what Commodities may be Exported, when sold at the Port where they shall be laded at certain rates.

THe other Legal Ports of England, their Members and Creeks are these, Ips∣wick, has Members, Malden and Colche∣ster, Creeks, Leigh-Burnham, West-Mersy, East-Mersy, Brickly, Wivenhoe, Maintree, and Harwich. The Port of Yarmouth has Members, Woodbridge, Alborough, Sowold, Blacking, and Creeks, Orford, Dunwick, Walderswick, and Lestoffe. The port of Lynn, has Member Wells only, Creeks, Burn∣ham, Hitcham, Croskeys, and Wisbich. The Port of Boston, has Creeks, Spolding, Tos∣dick, Wainefleet, Numby-Chaple, Thethethorp and Salt-Fleet. The Port of Hull has Members, Grimsby, Bridlington, and Scar•••••gh, and one Creek ••ly, viz. Sainthorp. The Port of New-Castle has Members, Whitby, Stock∣ton, Har•lepool, Sunderland, and yields Creeks, Middleborough, Seatondelaval, and Blith-Nook. The Port of Barwick has Creeks, Aylemouth, Warnewater, Holy-I∣sland, Page  359 and the East-Marches containing the Coast of Northumberland, bordering upon Scotland. The Port of Carlisle, has for Member, Whitehaven; for Creeks, the West-Marches containing the Coast of Cumberland, bordering on Scotland, Work∣ington, Raving-Glass, and Milinthorp. The Port of Chester, has Members, Lancaster, Boulton, Liverpool, Aberconway, Bewmaris, and Carnarvan; Creeks, Pit of Towdrey, Graung, Wyrewater, Preston, Riblewater, Sankey-Bridge, Fradsham; the South shore of the River Mersy, to the Red-Stone, Hilbree, Dawpool, Neston, Burtonhead, Bag∣hill, Mosten, Holy-Head, Amlogh, Pulhel∣ly, and Barmouth. The Port of Milford has Members, Aberdony, Cardigan, and Pembrook; Creeks, Aberustha, New-Port, Fiscard, Haverford, West-Tenby, Carmar∣then, Lanelthy, and North-Burys. The Port of Cardif has for Member, Swan∣sey; Creeks, South-Berrys, Nealth or Briton-Terry, Newton, Alberthaw, Penarth, New-Port, and Chepstow. The Port of Glocester has for Creeks the River Severn, from the Bridge North to Kings-Road. The Port of Bristol has Creeks, Pill, and Ʋphill. The Port of Bridg-Water, has for Member, Min∣head. The Port of Plimouth has for Mem∣bers Padstow, St. Jues, Pensance, Helford, Page  360 Falmouth, Fowey and Lowe; Creeks, Penrin, St. Maures, Fruro, Salt-ash, and Cowsland. The Port of Exeter has Members, Ilfra∣comb, Barustable and Dartmouth; Creeks, Clo∣velly, Appledore, Biddiford, Tincomb, Star-Cross, Bear and Seaton, Topsham, Pouldram, Syd∣mouth, Lympson, Exmouth, Aylemouth, Salt∣comb, Brixham, Torbay, and Totnes. The Port of Pool has Members, Lyme and Wey∣mouth; Creeks, Bridgport, Charmouth, Port∣land and Lulworth. The Port of South∣ampton has Members, Corves and Portsmouth; Creeks, Swaridge, Wareham, Christ-Church, Hinington, Yarmouth, New-Port, and Ems∣worth. The Port of Chichester has Mem∣bers, Arundel, Shorham, Lewis, Pemsey, Ha∣wing, Rye and Hyth; Creeks, Pagham-Point, Selsey, Brighthemston, New-Haven, Seaford, Winchelsea, Lyd and Rumny. The Port of Sandwich has Members Dover, Feversham, Milton and Rochester; Creeks, Deal, Rums∣gate, Margate, Whitestable and Quinb•∣rough.

These Ports or Publick places are those to which the Officers of the Cu∣stoms are appropriated, which contain and include the Guidances, and Privileges of all the Members and Creeks to them appertaining; being the places appointed for the Lading, and unlading Merchan∣dise.

Page  361The Members are such places as for∣merly enjoyed Custom-Houses, and have yet Offices or their Deputies attending; they being accounted Lawful places of Lading or unlading all Commodities unless such as are prohibited.

The Creeks are places where Officers do or formerly have given their Atten∣dance by way of Prevention, not out of Duty or Right, and are not accounted lawful places to Land or Lade any Goods without Licence or sufference from the Port or Members, under which any such Creek or Creeks is placed; all which as they be at present accounted at the Cu∣stom-House, are as aforesaid being respe∣ctively in the Body of the Counties, and consequently out of the Jurisdiction of the Admiralty; in case any thing more then ordinary is done, or sustained in any of them. And now I shall only inform the Reader, that Commodities of English Growth and Manufacture, may be export∣ed when sold in England at certain rates, according to the Statute made in the 12 of Car. 2. and so put an end to this Work.

Gunpowder when it exceedeth not the price of five pound per Barrel, may be exported; Wheat, Rye, Pease, Beans, Bar∣ly, Page  362 Malt, Oats, Pork, Beef, Bacon, But∣ter, Cheese, and Candles; when they do not exceed the Prizes following at the Ports where they are Laded at the time of their Lading, viz. Wheat the quarter forty Shillings, Rye, Beans and Pease the quar∣ter twenty four Shillings, Barly and Malt the quarter twenty Shillings, Oats the quar∣ter sixteen Shillings, Bief the Barrel fifty pound, Pork the Barrel six pound ten Shillings, Bacon the pound six Pence, But∣ter the Barrel four pound ten Shillings, Cheese the pound thirty Shillings, Can∣dles the dozen pounds five Shillings, pay∣ing the respective rates according as they are set down in the Book of rates; al∣ways provided that his Majesty may when he sees occasion, prohibit the Exportati∣on of Gunpowder and other Ammuniti∣on.

And thus Reader, have I with much Labour Sailing through many Tempestu∣ous Seas, once again cast Anchor in safe Harbour; hoping this Work may be ad∣vantageous unto many, and useful unto all who are any ways concerned in Trade or Commerce, whether by Navigation or o∣therwise, the which if it does, I have ob∣tained the end of my Design.