A true and faithful account of the four chiefest plantations of the English in America to wit, of Virginia, New-England, Bermudus, Barbados : with the temperature of the air, the nature of the soil, the rivers, mountains, beasts, fowls, birds, fishes, trees, plants, fruits, &c. : as also, of the natives of Virginia, and New-England, their religion, customs, fishing, hunting, &c. / collected by Samuel Clarke ...

EXAMPLES OF THE Wonderful Works OF GOD IN THE CREATURES.

CHAP. I.

Of strange Stones, Earth, and Minerals.

1. IN Cornwal, near unto a place called Pensans, is that famous stone called Main-Amber: which is a great Rock advanced upon some other of meaner size, with so equal a counterpoize, that a man may stir it with the push of his finger, but to remove it quite out of his place, a great number of men are not able. Camb. Brit. p. 188. The like is in the Coun∣try of Stratherne in Scotland.

2. In Summerset-shire, near unto Cainsham are found in Stone-quar∣ries, stones resembling Serpents, winding round in manner of a wreath, the head bearing up in the Circumference, and the end of the tail, taking up the centre within: but most of them are headless. Camb. Brit. p. 236.

3. In Gloucestershire upon the Hills near Alderly are found certain

stones, resembling Cockles, Periwinckles, and Oisters, which seem to be the gaimsome works of nature, or such shells turned into stone. Camb. Brit. p. 363.

4. In Yorkshire, about Whitby are found certain stones fashioned like Serpents, foulded and wraped round, as in a wreath, so that a man would verily think that they had been somtimes Serpents turned into stone. Camb. Brit. p. 718.

5. Also in the same Country at Huntly Nabb, there lye scattering here and there amongst the Rocks, stones of divers bigness, so Ar∣tificially by nature shaped round in manner of a Globe, that one would take them to be big bullets made by the Turners hand, for shot to be discharged out of great Ordnance; in which, if you break them, are found stony Serpents, enwrapped round like a wreath: but most of them are headlesse. Camb. Brit. p. 721.

6. In the County of Cornwal near unto St. Neots, there are a num∣ber of good great Rocks heaped up together, and under them one stone of lesser size, fashioned naturally in the form of a Cheese lying in presse, whereupon its named Wring-cheese. Camb. Brit. p. 192.

7. In Richmondshire amongst the ragged Rocks, are found stones like unto Periwinckles, Cockles, and other shell fish. Camb. Brit. p. 727.

8. In the County of Hereford, a hill which they call Marcley-hill, in the year 1571. (as though it had wakened on a sudden out of a deep sleep) roused it self up, and for the space of three dayes together moving and shewing it self (as mighty, and huge an heape as it was) with roaring noise in a fearful sort, and overturning all things that stood in the way, advanced it self forward, to the wondrous a∣stonishment of the beholders. Camb. Brit. p. 630.

9. In Glamorganshire in a Rock or Cliffe, by the Sea side, there appeareth a very little Chink, unto which, if you lay your ear, you shall hear a noise as if it were of Smiths at Work, one while the blowing of the bellows, another while the striking of the sledge, and Hammer; sometimes the sound of the grindstone, and Iron tools rubbing against it, the hissing Sparks also of Steel-Gads with∣in holes as they are beaten, and the puffing noise of the Fire burning in the Furnace. Camb. Brit. page 643. This is called Merlins Cave.

10. At Aspley Gowick in Bedfordshire, near unto Woburn, there is a kind of earth that turns Wood into Stone: For proof whereof there was a Wooden Ladder in the Monastry of Woburn, that having lien a good while covered in that earth, was digged forth again all Stone. Camb. Brit. p. 401. I have a peece of Wood turned into Stone by that earth.

11. In Kile in Scotland, there is a Rock about twelve foot high, and as much in breadth, called the Deaf-Craig: For though a man call never so loud, or shoot off a Gun on the one side, yet his fellow on the other side cannot hear the noise. Description of Scotland.

12. In Argile there is a stone found in diverse places, which being laid under straw, or stubble, doth set it on fire, by reason of the great heat that it gathereth there. Idem.

13. It is most strange, yet true, that the Armes of the Duke of Rohan in France, which are Fusils, or Lozenges, are to be seen in the wood, and stones, through all his Country: so that if you break a stone in the middest, or lopp a bough of a Tree, you shall behold the the grain thereof (by some secret cause in nature) Diamonded, or streaked in the fashion of a Lozeng. Camb. Brit.

14. In Warwick-shire, the Armes of the Shugburies, which are starres, are found in the stones in their own Manner of Shugbury; so that break the stone where you will, and there is the exact fashion of a star in the end of it. Idem, I have some of these stones.

15. In the Kingdom of Fesse in Affrica there is a Mountain called Beniguazeval, in the top whereof there is a Cave that casteth out fire perpetually. Pur. Pil. v. 2. p. 807.

16. In Prussia there is great store of Amber, which groweth like Coral in a mountain of the North-Sea, which is clean covered with water: by the violence of the waves beating against this Rock, the Amber is oft broken off, and cast up by the Sea into their Havens.

17. About Bever Castle in Lincoln-shire, are found the stones cal∣led Astroites, which resemble little stars joyned one with another, wherein are to be seen at every Corner, five beams, or rayes, & in the middest of every ray is to be seen a small hollownesse. Camb. Brit.

18. We have Corral, Amber, Emralds, Calcedony, Pearl, Onix, Sardonix, Sardis, Bezar, Hemathist, and the Turquoise from Arabia, Indostan, and Persia. Pearls, Berils, Saphires, and Adamants, from Zeilan. Jasper, Cornelion, Agate, Heliotrope, Jacinth, and Chry∣solite, from Malabar, Narsinga, and Cochin-china. Diamonds from Bor∣neo, and Gulkunda. Gold, Silver, Rubies, Saphires, Granats, Topaz, Emeralds, Smaradg, Espinels, Cats-eyes, and Porcellane, from Pegu, Siam, Bengala, Sumatra, Japan, and China.

CHAP. II.

Examples of the rare Works of God in the Creatures. Of Trees, Hearbs, Plants, and Gums.

1. OF Date-Trees some are Males, and other Females: the Male brings forth Flowers onely; the Female Fruit, but the Flowers of the Female will not open unlesse the boughs, and Flowers of the male be joyned unto them: and if they be not thus coupled, the Dates will prove stark naught, and have great stones in them, Pur. Pil. v. 2. p. 823.

2. Neer unto the Grand-Cairo in Egypt, is a Garden environed with a strong Wall; in the Garden is a large fountain, and in the middest of it groweth the only Balm-tree bearing true balm, that is in the world: it hath a short stock or body, and beareth leaves like unto Vine-leaves, but not altogether so long. Pur. Pil. v. 2. p. 838.

3. In the Country of Indostan they have a pleasant clear liquor which they call Taddy, issuing from a spongy Tree that grows straight, and tall, without boughs to the top, and there spreads out into bran∣ches, somwhat like to an English Colewort, where they make incisions, under which they hang earthen pots to preserve the influence: that which distils forth in the night, is as pleasing to the taste, as any white Wine, if drunk betimes in the morning; and of a peircing, and medicinable quallity, excellent against the stone. But in the heat of the day the Sun alters it, so that it becomes heady, Ill-relished, and unwholesome. P. Pil. v. 2. p. 1469.

4. For Cotton Wooll, they plant seeds, which grow up into shrubs like unto our Rose-bushes: It blows first into a yellow blossome, which falling off, there remains a Cod about the bignesse of a mans thumb, in which the substance is moist, and yellow, but as it ripens, it swells bigger, till it break the Cod, and in short time becomes as White as Snow, and then they gather it. P. Pil. v. 2. p. 1470.

5. The Cynamon tree is a small tree, and low, having leaves like to our Bay-tree: In the month of March, or April, when the sap go∣eth up to the top of the tree, they cut the bark off the tree round about in length; from knot to knot, or from joynt to joynt, above, and below, and then easily with their hands they take it away, lay∣ing it in the Sun to dry, and yet for all this the tree dyes not, but against the next year it will have a new bark, and that which is ga∣thered every year is the best Cynamon: that which grows longer is

great, and not so good. P. Pil. v. 2. p. 1709.

6. In India is a tree called Arbore de Ray's or the Tree of roots, it groweth first up like other trees, and spreadeth the branches, out of which there come strings, which seem a far off to be cords of hemp, which growing longer till they reach the ground, there take root a∣gain: so that in the end one tree will cover a great peece of ground, one root crossing within another like a Maze, each of these young trees will in time grow so big, that it cannot be discerned which is the principal trunk, or body of the tree.

6. There is also a tree called Arbore-triste, or the sorrowful-tree, so called, because it never beareth blossoms but in the night-time, and so it doth, and continueth all the year long: So soon as the Sun sets, there is not one blossom seen upon the tree, but presently within half an hour after, there are as many blossoms as the tree can bear, plea∣sant to behold, and smelling very sweet; and as soon as the day comes, and the Sun is rising, they all presently fall off, and not one is to be seen on the tree, which seems as though it were dead, till evening comes again, and then it begins to blossom as it did before: its as big as a Plumb-tree: it groweth up quickly, and if you break but a branch of the tree, and set it into the earth, it presently takes root, and grows, and within a few days after it beareth blossoms, which are like Orange-tree-blossoms, the flower white, and in the bottom some∣what yellow, and redish. P. Pil. v. 2. p. 1780.

8. There is also an herb in India, called by the Portugals, Herba sentida, or feeling Herb, which if a man touch, or throw Sand, or any other thing upon it, presently it becomes as though it were wi∣thered, closing the leaves together, and it comes not to it self a gain, as long as the man standeth by it, but presently after he is gone, it openeth the leaves again, which become stiffe, and fair, as though they were newly grown: and touching it again, it shuts, and becomes withered as before, so that its a pleasure to behold the strange nature of it P. Pil. v. 2. p. 1781.

9. Pepper is planted at the root of some other tree, and runs up it like Ivie: the leaves are like the Orange-leaves, but somewhat smaller, green, and sharpe at ends: the Pepper groweth in bun∣ches like Grapes, but lesse, and thinner; they are always green till they begin to drye, and ripen, which is in December, and Ja∣nuary, at which time it turns black, and is gathered. Pur. Pil. v. 2. p. 1782.

10. The best Ginger grows in Malabar; it groweth like thin, and young Netherland Reeds, two or three spans high, the root whereof is the Ginger, which is gathered in December, and January. P. Pil. v. 2. p. 1782.

11. The Clove-trees are like Bay-trees, the blossoms at the first white, then green, and at last red, and hard, which are the Cloves; these Cloves grow very thick together, and in great numbers: In the place where these trees grow, there is neither grass, nor green herbs, but is wholly drye, for that those trees draw all the moisture unto them. P. Pil. v. 2. p. 1783.

12. The Nutmeg-tree is like a Pear-tree, but that its lesse, and with round leaves, the fruit is like great round Peaches, the inward part whereof is the Nutmeg; this hath about it an hard shell like wood, and the shell is covered over with Nutmeg-flowers, which is the Mace, and over it is the fruit, which without, is like the fruit of a Peach. P. Pil. v. 2. p. 1783.

13. Gumme-Lac comes most from Pegu: where are certain very great Pismires with wings, which fly up the trees like Plumb-trees, out of which trees comes a certain Gumme which the Pismires suck up, and then they make the Lac round about the branches of the trees, as Bees make Wax; and when it is full, the owners come, and break∣ing off the branches, lay them to dry; and being dry, the branches shrink out, and the Lac remains. P. Pil. v. 2. p. 1783.

14. Amber-greese, is usually cast upon the Sea-shore, which as some suppose, is the dung of the Whale; or as others, the sperme, or seed of the Whale consolidated by lying in the Sea. P. Pil. v. 2. p. 772.

15 The Herb Addad is bitter, and the root of it so venemous, that one drop of the juice will kill a man within the space of one hour. P. Pil. v. 2. p. 850.

16 Of Palm-trees, which they keep with watering, and cutting every year, they make Velvets, Satins, Taffaties, Damasks, Sarce∣nets, and such like, all which are spun out of the leaves cleansed, and drawn into long threads. P. Pil. v. 2. p. 985.

17. Frankincense grows in Arabia, and is the gumme that issueth out of trees. Idem. p. 1781.

18. In Mozambique, Manna is procreated of the dew of Heaven, falling on a certain tree, on which it hardens like Sugar, sticking to the wood like Rozen, whence its gathered, and put into jars, and is used much for purging in India. Idem. p. 1554.

19. Mastick-trees grow only in the Island of Sio: the trees are low shrubs, with little crooked boughs, and leaves: In the end of August they begin their Mastick-harvest, men cutting the bark of the Tree with Iron instruments; out of which the Gum distills uncessantly for almost three months together. Idem. p. 1812.

20. Spunges are gathered from the sides of Rocks, fifteen fathom under water, about the bottom of the Streights of Gibralter, the peo∣ple that get them, being trained up in diving from their child-hood, so that they can indure to stay very long under water, as if it were their habitable Element.

21. In Manica, is a tree called the Resurrection-tree, which for the greatest part of the year is without leaf, or greenness: but if one cut off a bough, and put it into the water, in the space of ten houres, it springs, and flourisheth with green leaves; but draw it out of the water, as soon as it is dry, it remaineth as it was before. Pur. Pil. v. 2. p. 1537.

22. There is in the Island of Teneriff (which is one of the Canaries) a Tree as big as an Oke of a middle size, the bark white like Hornbeam, six, or seven yards high, with ragged boughs, the leaf like the Bay-leaf.

It beareth neither fruit, nor flower; it stands on the side of an hill, in the day its withered, and drops all night (a cloud hanging thereon) so that it yeelds water sufficient for the whole Island, wherein are eight thousand souls, and about an hundred thousand Cammels, Mules, Goats, &c. The water falls from it into a pond made of brick, paved with stone; from whence its conveyed into several ponds, thorough the whole Island. They also water there∣with their Corn-ground, for they have no other water in the Island, except Rain-water. The Pond holds twenty thousand Tun of water, and is filled in one night. Many of our English that have been there have attested the truth hereof. Idem. p. 1369.

Concerning which Tree, Sylvester the Poet made these Verses:

In th' Ile of Iron (one of those same Seven Whereto our Elders happy name have given) The Savage People never drink the streams Of Wells, and Rivers, as in other Realms. Their drink is in the Air! their gushing spring, A weeping Tree out of it self doth wring. A Tree, whose tender-bearded-Root being spread In dryest sand, his sweating-Leaf doth shed A most Sweet Liquor; and (like as the Vine Untimely cut, weeps (at her wound) the Wine In pearled tears) incessantly distils A royal stream, which all their Cisterns fills Throughout the Island: for all hither hie, And all their Vessels cannot draw it drye!

23. Aloes growes in the Island of Socotera, which is nothing but Semper vivum, it is so full of a Rosin-like juice, that the leaves are rea∣dy to break with it: which leaves they cut in small peeces, and cast them into a clean pit made in the ground, and paved: there it lies to ferment in the heat of the Sun, whereby the juice floweth forth, which they put in skins, and hang them up in the wind to drye, whereby it hardens. P. Pil. v. 1. p. 419.

24. Indico groweth in the Moguls Country, having a small leaf like that of Sena: the branches are of a wooddy substance like Broom: It grows not above a yard high, the stalk about the bignesse of a mans thumb: The seed is included in a small round Cod of an inch long. This once sowed lasteth three years: that of the first year makes a weighty reddish Indico, that sinks in water, being not yet come to its perfection: that of the second year is rich, very light, and of a perfect Violet-colour, swiming on the water: that of the third year is weighty, blackish, and the worst of the three. This herb, when its cut, is put into a Cistern, and pressed down with stones, then covered over with water, where it remains till the substance of the herb is gone into the water: then its drawn forth into another Cistern, and laboured with staves till it be like Batter, then they

let it seeth, and so scum off the water two or three times, till nothing but a thick substance remains, which taking forth, they spread on a cloath, dry it in the Sun, then make it into balls, dry it on the sand, which causes the sandy foot: That is best, which is of a pure grain; Violet-colour, is glossie, dry, and light. Idem. p. 430.

25. Sir James Lancaster in his East-Indy Voyage, in the Isle of Som∣brero found on the Sea-sands, a young twig growing up to a tree, and offering to pluck up the same, it shrank down into the ground, and when it was by strength pulled up, a great Worm was the root of it, and as the Tree groweth in greatnesse, the Worm diminisheth: This Tree plucked up, the leaves and pill stripped off, by that time its dryed, is turned into a hard stone; so that this Worm was twice transformed into different natures, after a wondrous manner: Of these he brought home many. P. Pil. v. 1. p. 152.

26. About Saffron Walden in Essex, there grows great store of Saffron, which was first brought into England, in the reign of King Edward the third. This in the month of July every third year, being pluck∣ed up, and after twenty dayes, having the root split, and set again in the earth, about the end of September it putteth forth a whitish-blew flower; out of the midst where of there come three chives, which are gathered in the morning before Sun-rising, and being plucked out of the flower, are dried by a soft fire; and so great is the increase that commeth thereof, that out of every Acre of ground, there are made fourscore, or an hundred pound weight of Saffron, whilst it is moist, which being dryed, yeeld some twenty pound weight. And the ground which three years together hath brought Saffron, is so enriched there∣by, that it will bear very good Barley, many yeares together with∣out dung, or manuring. Camb. Brit. p. 453.

27. All along the shores of the Red-sea are abundance of Palm-Trees of a very strange nature: They grow in couples, Male and Fe∣male: both thrust forth cods full of seed: but the Female is only fruitful, and that not except growing by the male, and having her seed mixed with his. The pith of these Trees is an excellent sallet, better than an Artechoke: Of the branches are made bedsteads, Lat∣tices, &c. Of the leaves, Baskets, Mats, Fans, &c. Of the outward husk of the cod, cordage; of the inward, brushes. The fruit it beareth is like a Fig, and finally it is said to yeild whatsoever is necessary for the life of Man. It is the nature of this tree, that if never so great a weight be laid upon it, it will lift & raise up it self the more; for which it was given to conquerors in token of victory. Herb. Trav.

28. In Italy there grows an Herb called Balilisco, which hath this innate property; that if it be laid under a stone in some moist place, in two days space it produceth a Scorpion: Raimunds Mercu. Ital.

29. The Assa-Faetida Tree is like our Bryer in height, the Leaves resemble Fig-leaves, the root is like our Radish: though the smell be so bace, yet the taste is so pleasing, that no meat, no sauce, on ves∣sel is pleasing to the Gusarat•• pallats where it grows, except it rellish of it. Herb. Trav.

30 Benjamin is either pure, cleer, and white, or yellow, and streaked: This Gum issues from an high tree, small, and furnished with fruit∣lesse branches; the leaves are not unlike to those of the Olive: Pegu and Siam yeild the best.

31. The Coco tree is very rife in the East-Indies. In the whole world there is not a tree more profitable than this is, neither do men reap more benefit of any other tree than of this. The heart of the Tree makes good timber, planks, and masts for ships: with the leaves there∣of they make sails, with the rind of it they make cordage: A Gum that grows out of it caulks the ship: the fruit of it is a kind of Nut, which being full of kernel, and a sweet liquor, serves for meat and drink: much wine also it yeilds, & of the wine they make Sugar, and Placetto. The wine they gather in the spring of the year out of the middle of the Tree, from whence there runs continually a white thin liquor, at which time they put a vessel under it, and take it away full every morning, and evening, and then distilling it, they make a very strong liquor of it. Of the Nuts also they make great store of Oil: out of the tree they make Bows, Bedsteads: of the leaves also they make very fine mats, which whilest green, are full of an excellent sweet liquor, with which if a man be thirsty, he may satisfie himself: with the bark they make spoons, dishes, and platters for meat. The first rind of the Nut they stamp, and make thereof perfect Ockam: and the store of these Nuts serve for merchandise. So that out of this one Tree, they build and rig ships, furnish them with meat, drink, u∣tensils, and merchandise, without the least help of any other what∣soever. Pur. Pil. v. 2. p. 1466. and 1704.

32. Mr. Herbert in his Travels thus describes it. The Tree that bears the Coco, is strait, & lofty, without any branches, save at the very top, where it spreads its beautiful plumes, and Nuts like Pearles, or Pen∣dants adorning them. It is good Timber for Canoes, Masts, Anchors: The leaves for Tents or thatching: the rind for sailes, Matteresses, Cables, and Linnen: the shels for furniture: the meat for victualling. The Nut is covered with a thick rind equal in bignesse to a Cabbage. The shell is like the skull of a man, or rather a deaths-head, the eyes, nose, and mouth, being easily discerned: within it is contained a quart of sweet and excellent liquor, like new white-wine, but far more aro∣matick tasted: the meat or kernel, is better relished than our Phel∣berds, and is enough to satisfy the appetite of two reasonable men.

—The Indian Nut alone Is cloathing, meat, and trencher, drink, and Can. Boat, Cable, Sail, Mast, Needle, all in one. Herb. And Sylvester hath set them forth to the life in these verses. The Indian Isles most admirable be, In those rare fruits call'd Coquos commonly; The which alone far richer wonder yeilds, Then all our Groves, Meads, gardens, orchards, Fields.

What wouldst thou drink? the wounded leaves drop wine. Lackst thou fine linnen? dresse the tender rine. Dresse it like Flax, spin it, then weave it well, It shall thy Camrick, and thy Lawn excell. Longst thou for Butter, bite the poulpous part, For never better came to any mart. Do'st need good Oyle? then boult it to, and fro, And passing Oyl it soon becometh so. Or Vinegar? to whet thine appetite; Why, Sun it well; and it will sharply bite. Or want's thou Sugar? steep the same a stownd, And sweeter Sugar is not to be found. 'Tis what you will; or will be what you would: Should Midas touch it, sure it would be gold. And God, all-good, to crown our life with Bayes, The Earth with plenty, and his Name with praise, Had done enough, if he had made no more But this one plant, so full of choicest store; Save that the world (where, one thing breeds satiety) Could not be fair, without so great variety.

32. The Plantan Tree is of a reasonable height; the body about the bigness of a mans thigh, compacted of many leaves, wrapped one upon another, adorned with leaves in stead of boughs from the very ground, which are for the most part about two ells long, and an ell broad, having a large rib in the middle thereof. The fruit is a bunch of ten, or twelve Plantans, each a span long, and as big almost as a mans wrist; the rind being stripped off, the fruit is yellowish, and of a pleasant taste. Pur. Pil. p. 416.

33. The Cedars of Mount Libanus grow higher than Pines, and so big, that four or five men with their armes can but fathom them; the boughs rise not upward, but stretch out a cross, largely spread, and thickly enfolded one in another, as if done by Art, so that men may sit, and lie along upon the boughs: the leaves are thick, narrow, hard, prickly, and alwayes green; the wood is hard, incorruptible, and sweet smelling; the fruit like the Cones of Cypress, gummy, and marvellous fragrant. Pur. Pil. v. 2. p. 1500.

34. In Africa are many Palmeta trees, whence they draw a sweet, and wholsome Wine, by cutting, or boring holes into the body of the Tree, into which a Cane is put that receives the sap, and conveys it into Gourds: It tastes like white Wine, but it will not last above four and twenty hours. Idem.

35. In New-Spain there are many trees which they call Manguey: It hath great, and large leaves, at the end whereof is a strong, and sharp point, which they use for pins, and needles, and out of the leaf they draw a kind of thred which they use much to few with. The body of the Tree is big, which when it is tender, they cut, and out of the hole proceeds a liquor which they drink like water, being fresh, and

sweet. This liquor being sodden, becomes Wine, which being kept till it be sower, makes good Vinegar: Boil it it a litle more than for Wine, and it makes a fine Syrup; and boil it till it be thick, and it makes Hony. Idem. v. 3. p. 957.

36. There is a certain Tree in New-Spain called Tunalls, in whose leaves breed certain small worms, which are covered with a fine web, compassing them in daintily. This in the season they gather, and let it drye, and this is that Cochenille, so famous, and dear, wherewith they Dye in grain. Idem.

37. The Jack, or Giack is an high tree, and uneasy to be ascended; the Jack for shew and bigness resembles a Pumpeon: without, it is of a gold yellow, mixt with veins; within, its soft, and tender, full of golden coloured cloves, each full of kernels, not unlike a great French Bean, but more round, each of them hath an hard stone within it, the fruit is somewhat unpleasant at the first taste; tis glutinous, and clammy in the mouth, but very restorative, and good for the back.

38. The Ananas is not inferiour to the Jack in bulk, and round∣nesse: It ariseth from no seed, or sowing, but from a root like an Artichok: when they are ripe they shew themselves, and are not a∣bove two foot high: without, it is covered with a drie rind, hard, and skaley; within, its wholesome and pleasant, and though a little of it seems to satiate the appetite, yet the stomach likes it well, and its easie of digestion.

39. The Duroyen is somewhat like the Jack, in shape round, the in∣ward vertue, is far greater than the outward beauty: at first opening it hath an unpleasant smell: the meat is whitish, and divided into a dozen cells, or partitions, filled with stones as big as Chesnuts, white and cordial. Its a fruit nutritive, and dainty, and may well be called an Epitome of all the best, and rarest fruits in the the Orient.

40. The Arec-tree is almost as high as a Cedar, but more like the Palmeto: I'ts of a fuzzie, hollow substance, adorned at every top with Plumes, wherein the fruit hangs in clusters; its in shape and bigness like a Wallnut; white and hard within; hath neither taste, nor smell: they never eat it alone, but wrap it in a leaf of Bettle, and are frequently chawing of it: some adde to it a kinde of Lime made of Oister-shels, it cures the Chollick, removes Melancholly, kills Worms, provokes lust, purges the maw, and prevents hunger. Its much used in the East-Indies.

41. The Palmeto-tree is long, strait, round, and soft, without leaf, bough, or branch, save at the top, and those are few, green, and sedgie: under which branches there appear certain codded seeds: Both the Male, and Female bear blossoms, but the Female only beares fruit, and yet not that, unlesse a flowring branch of the Male tree be yearly inoculated: The leaves serve for many uses. At the top of this tree there is a soft pith, in which consists the life of it: for that being cut out, the Tree dyes. This pith is in bignesse like small Cabbage, in taste like a nut kernel, and being boiled it

eats like a Colly-flower. But of more value is the Palmeta Wine, which is sweet, pleasant, and nourishing in colour, and taste not un∣like Muskadine: It purges, cures obstructions, and kills the Worms. If it stand two dayes in the Sun it makes good Vinegar. The Wine is thus gotten. They cut a small hole in two or three Trees that grow together, which in a short time are filled with the sap that issues in them, which with a Cane, or Quill, they draw forth. Pur. Pil.

42. In Summersetshire, near unto Glastenbury, in Wiral Park was that famous Hawthorn tree, which used upon Christmas day to sprout forth as fresh as in May; but now its cut down. Camb. Brit. p. 227.

43. In the Marishes of Egypt grow those sedgie reeds, called Pa∣pyri, whereof formerly they made Paper, and from whence ours that is made of rags assumed that name. They divide it into thin flakes, whereinto it naturally parteth: then laying them on a Table, and moistening them with the glutinous water of Nilus, they press them together, dry them in the Sun, and then they are fitted for use. Pur. Pil. v. 2 p. 898.

CHAP. III.

The wonderful works of God in the Creatures. Of strange Fountains, Rivers, and Waters.

1. IN the Bishoprick of Durham in Derlington field, there are 3 pits of a wonderful depth, called by the Vulgar Hell-Kettles, in which the water by an Antiperistasis, or reverberation of the cold air, striking thereupon, waxeth hot; which pits have passage un∣der ground, into the River Teese, as Archbishop Guthbert Tonstal ob∣served, by finding that Goose in the River which he had marked, and let down into these pits. Camb. Brit. p. 737.

2. In Yorkshire, neer unto Knasburow Castle is a Well, in which the waters spring not up out of the veins of the earth, but distil, and trickle down, dropping from the Rocks hanging over it, whence its called Dropping-Well: into which, what wood soever is put, it will in a short space be turned into stone. Camb. Brit. p. 700.

3. In Caermardenshire, neer unto Careg Castle, there is a fountain that twice in four and twenty hours ebbeth, and twice floweth, re∣sembling the unstable motions of the main Sea. Camb. Brit. p. 650.

4. In Westmerland, hard by Shape, there is a Well, or Fountain, which after the manner of Euripus ebbeth, and floweth many times in a day. Camb. Brit. p. 762.

5. In Ireland is a Fountain, whose water killeth all those Beasts that drink thereof, but hurteth not the people, though they usually drink of it. Ortelius.

6. Near unto Lutterworth in Leicester-shire, there is a spring of water so cold, that in a short time it turneth straws, and sticks, into stone. Camb. Brit. p. 518.

7. In Derbyshire in the Peak-Forrest not far from Buxtone, is a Well which in a wonderful manner doth ordinarily ebb, and flow, four times in the space of one hour, or thereabouts, keeping his just tides. Camb. Brit. p. 558.

8. Also in the same Country at the spring head of Wie there rise, and walm up, nine Fountains of hot waters, commonly called Bux∣ton Wells, very sovereign for the stomach, sinews, and whole body. Camb. Brit. p. 557.

9. In Scotland on the bank of Ratra neer unto Stang's Castle, there is a Cave, wherein the water distilling naturally by drops from the head of the Vault, is presently turned into Pyramidal stones; and were not the said hole or Cave, otherwiles rid, and cleansed, the whole space as far as up to the vault, would in a short time be filled therewith. Camb. Brit. Scotl. p. 48.

10 In Scotland in the Countrey of Murray, there is a River called Naes, the water whereof is almost always warm, and at no time so cold that it freezeth, yea, in the most cold time of winter, broken ice fal∣ling into it, is dissolved with the heat thereof. Defcrip. of Scotl.

11. Also in Galloway, the Loch called Loch-Merton, is of such a strang nature, that the one half of it doth never freeze in the coldest winter. Descrip. of Scotl.

12. In Lenox is a great Loch or Meer, called Loch-Lowmond, in length twenty four miles, and eight in breadth, wherein are three strang things: First, Excellent good Fish without any sins: Secondly, a floating Island whereon many Kine feed: And thirdly, Tempestuous waves rageing without winds, yea, in the greatest calms. Desc. of Scotl.

13. There is a certain Island called Lounda in the Kingdom of Con∣go, wherein is no fresh water (being a very sandy ground) but if you dig but the depth of two or three hand breadths, you shall find sweet water, the best in all those Countryes: and (which is most strang) when the Ocean ebbeth, this water grows brackish, but when it flows to the top, it is most sweet. P. Pil. v. 2. p. 989.

14. Not far from Casbine, the Regal City in Persia is a fountain of a strang, and wonderful nature, out of which there continually spring∣eth, and issueth a marvellous quantity of black Oil, which serveth in all parts of Persia to burn in their houses, and is usually carried all o∣ver the Countrey upon Kine, and Asses, whereof you may often meet three or four hundred in company. P. Pil. v. 2. p. 1431.

15. About three days journey from old Balylon, is a Town called Ait, and neer unto that is a valley of pitch very marvellous to behold, wherein are many Springs, throwing out abundantly a kind of black substance, like unto Tar, and Pitch, which serveth all the Country thereabout to staunch their barques and boats with: every one of which springs makes a noise like to a Smith's Forge in puffing and blowing out the matter, which never ceaseth day nor night, and the

noise is hard a mile off: the Moors call it Hell-mouth. P. Pil. v. p. 1437.

16. Clitumnus is a River in Italy, which makes all the Oxen that drink of it, white. Fulk. Meteor. Lib. 4.

17. The River Melas in Boeotia makes all the Sheep that drink of it, black. Plin.

18. The Fountain of Jupiter Hammon, is cold in the day time, and hot at midnight.

19. The Fountain of the Sun hath its water extream cold, and sweet at noon; and boiling hot, and bitter at midnight. Plin. lib. 2. c. 103. Augustine.

20. There is a River in Palestine called the Sabbatical River, which runs with a violent and swift stream all the week; but every Sabbath it remains dry, Joseph. de Bel. Jud. l. 7. c. 24. Some question the truth of this.

21. In Idumae•• is a Fountain called the Fountain of Job, which for one quarter of the year is troubled and muddy; the next quarter bloo∣dy, the third green, and the fourth clear. Isiod.

22. The River Astaces in the Isle of Pontus uses sometimes to over∣flow the fields, after which whatsoever sheep, or milch-Cattle feed thereon give black milk. Plin. l. 2. c. 103.

23. Furius Camillus being Censor in Rome, the Lake Albanus be∣ing environed with Mountains on every side, in the time of Autumn when other Lakes and Rivers were almost dry, the waters of this Lake after a wondrous manner began to swell, and rise upwards, till at last they were equall with the tops of the Mountains, and after a while they brake thorow one of those Mountains, overflowing and bearing all down before them till they emptied themselves into the Sea. Plut.

24. The River Dee in Merionneth-shire in Wales, though it run through Pimble-Meer, yet it remaineth intire, and mingles not its streams with the waters of the Lake. Cam. Brit.

25. Ana a River in Spain, burieth it self in the earth, and runneth under ground fifteen miles together, whereupon the Spaniards brag that they have a bridg whereon ten thousand Catle feed dayly.

26. Pliny tells us of a Fountain called Dodon, which always decrea∣seth from midnight till noon, and encreaseth from noon till mid∣night.

27. He also tells us of certain Fountains in an Island neer Italy, which always increase and decrease according to the ebbing, and flowing of the Sea.

28. Aristotle writeth of a Well in Sicilie, whose water is so sharp, that the Inhabitants use it instead of Vinegar.

29. In Bohemia neer to the City of Bilen is a Well of such excel∣lent water, that the Inhabitants use to drink of it in a morning instead of burnt wine. Dr. Fulk.

30. In Paphlagonia is a Well, which hath the taste of wine, and it makes men drunk which drink of it; whence Du-Bartas,

Salonian Fountain, and thou Andrian Spring, Out of what Cellars do you daily bring The oyl, and wine that you abound with so? O Earth, do these within thine entrals grow? &c.

31. Aelian mentioneth a Fountain in Boeotia neer to Thebes, which makes Horses run mad if they drink of it.

32. Pliny mentioneth a water in Sclavonia which is extream cold, and yet if a man throw his cloath cloak upon it, it is presently set on fire.

33. Other waters there are which discolour the fleeces of the sheep which drink of them: whence Du-Bartas,

Cerona, Xanth, and Cephisus do make, The thirsty flocks that of their waters take, Black, red, and white: And neer the crimson deep, Th' Arabian Fountain maketh crimson sheep.

34. And again.

What should I of th' Illyrian Fountain tell? What shall I say of the Dodonean Well? Whereof the first sets any cloathes on fire; Th' other doth quench (who but will this admire) A burning Torch: and when the same is quenched, Lights it again, if it again be drenched.

35. In the Province of Dara in Lybia, there is a certain River, which sometimes so overfloweth the banks that it is like a sea, yet in the Summer it is so shallow, that any one may passe over it on foot. If it overflow about the beginning of Aprill, it brings great plenty to the whole region; if not, there follows great scarcity of Corn. Pur. Pil. v. 2. p. 823.

36. In the Kingdom of Tunis neer unto the City El-Hamma, is a hot River, which by diverse Channels is carried through the City, the water of it being so hot that few can endure to go into it, yet having set it to cool a whole day, the people drink of it. Idem. p. 821.

37. In Africa, there is a River called Margania, and by it a salt spring which turns all the wood is thrown into it, into hard stone. Idem. p. 1547.

38. The River Meander is famous for its six hundred windings, and turnings, in and out: whence that of the Poet,

Quique recurvatis ludit Maeander in undis. Maeander plays his watry pranks, Within his crooked winding banks.

39. Groenland in the Hyperborean Sea, was discovered Anno Christi

1380. it hath in it the Monastery of St. Thomas situate in the North-East part thereof at the foot of a Mountain, where there is a River so hot, that they use to boil their meat in it, and it serves for other such purposes as fire doth with us, Isac. Chron. p, 275.

40 The river Hypanis in Scythia every day brings forth little bladders, out of which come certain flies which are thus, bred in the morning, are fledge at noon, and dye at night. Fit Emblems of the vain, and short life of Man.

41 The famous River of Nilus in Egypt useth once in the year to over∣flow her banks, whereby the whole Country is watered. It usually be∣ginneth to overflow upon the seventeenth of June, and increaseth daily, sometimes two, sometimes three fingers, and sometimes half a cubit high on a day. The increase of it is known by a Pillar erect∣ed in a Cistern, whereinto the water is conveyed by a Sluce; which Pillar is divided into eighteen parts, each a cubit higher than the o∣ther. If the water reach no higher than to the fifteenth cubit, they expect a fruitful year: if it stay between the twelfth, and fifteenth cubit, the increase of that year will be but mean. If it reach not to the twelfth, its a sign of scarcity. If it rise to the eighteenth, the scarcity will be greater, in regard of too much moisture. This Ri∣ver continueth forty dayes increasing, and forty dayes decreasing. Pur. Pil. v. 2. p. 838.

42. Another thing is wonderful, which is this: In the Grand Cairo (which is the Metropolis of Egypt) the Plague useth many times to be very violent, till the River begins to overflow its banks, at which time it doth instantly cease. So that whereas five hundred a day dyed the day before, not one doth die the day following. Idem. p. 897.

43. In the County of Devon, not far from the Town of Lidford, at a Bridg, the River Lid is gathered into a strait, and pent in be∣tween Rocks, whereon it runneth down a main, and the ground dai∣ly waxing deeper, and deeper under it, his water is not seen, only a roaring noise is heard, to the great wonder of those that pass by. Camb. Brit. p. 199.

44. In Warwickshire, at Nevenham Regis, three fountains arise out of the ground, strained through an Allom Mine: the water whereof carrieth the colour, and tast of Milk, which cureth ulcers in the blad∣der, or kidneys caused by the stone, and provoketh urine abundantly; Green wounds it cleanseth, closeth up, and quickly healeth; being drunk with salt it looseth, and with Sugar it bindeth the belly. A∣bout fifty years ago these Wells were famous, and in great request, many resorting to them, and the water by others was sent for far and near. Idem. p. 562.

45. In Herefordshire, a little beneath Richards Castle, Nature, who never disports her self more in shewing wonders, than in waters, hath brought forth a pretty well, which is alwayes full of little fish bones, although they be drawn out from time, to time, whence its common∣ly called Bone-Well. Idem. p. 619.

46. In Yorkshire, upon the Sea-shore by Sken-grave, when the winds are laid, and the weather is most calm upon the Sea: the water lying level and plain without any noise: there is heard here many times on a sudden, a great way off, as it were, an horrible, and fearful groaning, which affrights the Fishermen at those times, so that they dare not launce forth into the Sea. Idem. p. 720.

47. Pliny tells us of the Fountain Chymaera, that is set on fire with water, and put out with earth, or hey. Plin. nat. Hist. Lib. 2. c. 106, 107.

48. The same Author also tells us, that in the hot deserts of India grows a certain kind of Flax that lives in the fire, and consumes not: we have seen (saith he) table-cloathes made of it, burning in fires at feasts, by which they have been cleansed from their stains, and spots, and made whiter by the fire than they could be by water.

49. At Belgrad in Hungary, where Danubius, and Sava (two great Rivers) meet, their waters mingle no more than water and Oil: not that either flote above other, but joyn unmixed; so that near the middle of the River I have gone in a boat (saith Sir Henry Blunt in his voyage into the Levant) and tasted of the Danow, as clear, and pure as a well; then putting mine hand an inch further, I have taken of the Sava, as troubled as a street-channel, tasting the gravel in my teeth. Thus they ran sixty miles together, and for a dayes journey I have been an eye-witness of it.

CHAP. IV.

The wonderful works of God in the Creatures. Of strange Fishes.

1 ANno Christi 1204. at Oreford in Suffolk, a fish was taken by the Fishermen at Sea, in shape resembling a wild man, and by them was presented to Sir Bartholomew de Glanvil, Keeper of Oreford Castle. In all his limbs and members he resembled a man, had hair in all the usual parts of his body, only his head was bald. The Knight caused meat to be set before him, which he greedily de∣voured, and did eat fish raw, or sod: that which was raw he pressed with his hand, till he had squeezed out all the moisture: He uttered not any speech, though to try him, they hung him up by the heels, and grievously tormented him. He would get him to his Couch at the setting of the Sun, and rise again at the Sun-rising. One day they brought him to the haven, and let him go into the Sea, but to prevent his escape, they set three rows of very strong nets before him to catch him again at their pleasure: but he, straitwayes diving to the bottom, crept under all their nets, and shewed himself again to them, and so often diving, he still came up, and looked upon them that stood on the shore, as it were mocking of them.

At length after he had sported himself a great while in the water, and there was no hope of his return, he came back to them of his own ac∣cord, and remained with them two months after. But finally, when he was negligently looked to, he went to the Sea, and was never after seen, or heard of. Fabians Chron.

2. Anno Christi 1404. some women of Edam in the Low-Countries, as they were going in their barks to their cattel in Purmer-Meer, they often saw at the ebbing of the water, a Sea-women playing up and down, whereat at the first they were afraid, but after a while, incou∣raging one another, they made with their boats towards her, and the water by this time being not deep enough for her to dive in, they took her by force, and drew her into the boat, and so carried her to Edam, where in time she grew familiar, and fed of ordinary meats: and being sent from thence to Herlem, she lived about fifteen years, but never spake, seeking often to get away into the water. Belg. Com∣mon-Wealth. p. 102.

3. In the Seas, near unto Sofala are many Women-Fishes; which from the belly to the neck are very like a woman▪ The Females have breasts like womens, with which also they nourish their young. From the belly downward they have thick, and long tails, with fins like a Dolphin: the skin on the belly is white; on the back rougher, than a Dolphins. They have arms, which from the elbows end in fins, and so have no hands: the face is plain, round, and bigger than a mans, deformed, and without humane semblance: They have wide mouths, thick hanging lips like a Hound; four teeth hanging out almost a span long like the tusk of a Boar: and their nostrils are like a Calves. Pur. Pil. v. 2. p. 1546.

4. Upon the coasts of Brasile are often found Meer-Men, which are like unto men of a good stature, but that their eyes are very hol∣low.

5. Captain Richard Whitburn in his description of Newfound-land, writes that Anno Christi 1610. early in a morning as he was standing by the water side, in the harbour of St Johns, he espied a strong Creature swimming very swiftly towards him like a women, looking chearfully upon him: Her Face, Eyes, Nose, Mouth, Chin, Ears, Neck, and Forehead were like a womans. It was very beau∣tiful, and in those parts well proportioned, having hair hanging down round about the head: He seeing it come within a pikes length of him, stepped back, whereupon it dived under water, swimming to a∣nother place, whereby he beheld the shoulders, and back down to the middle, which was as square, white, and smooth as the back of a man; from the middle to the hinder part it pointed in proportion like a broad-hooked Arrow: Afterwards it came to a Boat wherein some of his men were, attempting to come in to them, till one of them struck it a full blow upon the head: Others of them saw it after∣wards also.

6. About Brasile are many Meer-Men, and Meer-Women, that have long hair, and are very beautiful. They often catch the Indians as

they are swimming, imbracing them, and kissing them; and clasp them so hard, that they crush them to death, and when they per∣ceive that they are dead, they give some sighs, as if they were sorry Pur. Pil. v. 4. p. 1315.

7. There are also another sort of them, that resemble Children, and are no bigger, that are no ways hurtful. Idem.

8. The Torpedo is a strange kind of fish, which a man holding in his hand, if it stir not, it produceth no effect; but if it move it self never so little, it so torments the body of him that holds it, that his arteries, joints, sinews, & all his members feel exceeding great pain, with a cer∣tain numness, and as soon as he layeth it out of his hand, all that pain, and numness, is gone also. P. Pil. v. 2. p. 1183. See more of it afterwards.

9. In Sofala are many River-horses, as big as two of our horses, with thick, and short hinder legs, having five clawes on each fore-foot, and four on the hinder; the mouth is wide, and full of teeth, four of which are above two spans long a peece; the two lower stand up∣right; the two upper are turned like a Boars tush; they live in the water, but feed on the land upon grass: they have teats wherewith they nourish their young ones: Their Hides are thicker than an Ox∣es; they are all of an ash-colour Gray, with white strakes on their faces, or white Stars in their foreheads. Idem. p. 1544.

10. In the mouth of the River of Goa, there was taken a fish of the bigness of a Cur-Dog, with a snout like an Hog, small eyes, no ears, but two holes in-stead thereof: It had four feet like an Elephant: the tail was flat, but at the end round, and somewhat sharp: It snort∣ed like a Hog; the Body, Head, Tail, and Legs, were covered with broad Scals as hard as Iron, so that no weapon could peirce them: when he was beaten, he would rowle himself round like an Urchin, and could by no strength be opened, till he opened of his own accord. Idem. p. 1774.

11. There are also Toad-Fishes of about a span long, painted, ha∣ving fair Eyes: when they are taken out of the water, they snort, and swell much: their poison lies only in the skin, and that being flaid off, the Indians eat them. Idem. p. 1314.

12. The Cuttle-Fish hath a hood alwayes full of black water, like Ink, which when she is pursued by other fishes that would devour her, she casts it forth, which so darkens and foileth the water, that she thereby escapeth. Idem.

13. There are a sort of fishes, whose wonderful making magnifi∣eth their Creator, who for their safety hath given them fins, which serve in-stead of wings: they are of such a delicate skin interlaced with fine bones as may cause admiration in the beholder: These fishes are like to Pilcherds, only a little rounder, and bigger: they flye best with a side wind, but longer than their wings are wet, they can∣not flye; so that their longest flight is about a quarter of a mile. The Dolphins, and Bonitos do continually hunt after them, to prey upon them: whereupon for safety they take the air: but then there is a Fowle called an Alcatrace, much like a Hern, which hovers in the air to seize upon them.

Incidit in Scyllam qui vult vitare Caribdim.

Out of the frying Pan into the fire, as our Proverb hath it.

14. There is often a strang fight in the Sea between the Whale and his enemies, viz. The Swordfish, and the Thresher. The Swordfish is not great, but strongly made, and between his neck and shoulders he hath a bone like a Sword, of about five inches broad, and above three foot long, full of prickles on either side. The Thresher is a bigger fish, whose tail is broad, and thick, and very weighty. The fight is in this manner; the Swordfish placeth himself under the belly of the Whale, and the Thresher above with his tail thresheth upon the head of the Whale, till he forceth him to give way, which the Swordfish perceiv∣ing, wounds him in the belly with the Sword, and so forceth him to rise up again. In this manner they torment him, that the fight is some∣times heard above three leagues off, the Whales roaring being heard much further, his onely remedy in this case is to get to the shore, which he laboureth to do as soon as he sees his enemies: for then there can fight but one with him, and for either of them hand to hand he is too good. Pur. Pil. v. 4. p. 1377.

15. Mr. Herbert in his East-Indy voyage, relates of a Shark taken by one of their men, that was nine foot and an half in length, and they found in her paunch fifty and five young ones, each of them a foot in length, all which go out and in at their pleasures: She is armed with a double row of venemous teeth: and is guided to her prey by a little Musculus, or Pilot-fish that scuds to and fro to bring intelligence, the Shark for his kindnesse suffering it to suck when it pleaseth.

16. The Sea Tortoise is not much differing from those at land, only her shell is flatter: by overturning them they are easily taken, being hereby dis-enabled either to sink, or help themselves: they taste wate∣rish, and cause Fluxes: they superabound in eggs, one of them having in her neer two thousand, which eggs are pale, and round, and will never be made hard with boiling. Herberts Travels. p. 26.

17. In the Indian Sea is an Eagle-fish, whose eyes are five quarters asunder, from the end of one fin to the end of the other are above four yards: Its mouth and teeth resemble a Portcullis: it hath a long small tail, and it is rather to be wondered at then to be eaten.

18. In Le-Maires voyage about the world, a certain fish, or Sea monster, with an horn, struck against the ship with such violence, that shook it, whereupon the Master looking overboard, saw the Sea all bloody, but knew not what should be the cause, till coming into Port-Desire, where they cleansed and trimmed their ship, they found seven foot under water, a Horn sticking in the ship, for bignesse, and fashion like an Elephants tooth: yet not hollow, but all solid of hard bone, which had pierced through three double planks, and was entred into a rib of the ship, it stuck about half a foot deep in the ship, and by great force was broken off, which caused that great monster to bleed so much as discoloured the water. Pur. Pil. v. 1. p. 90.

19. The Mannaty is a strange fish resembling a Cow: Her face is like a Buffalo's, her eyes small and round, having hard gums instead of teeth: they feed much on the shore, which makes them taste like flesh of veal: their intrails differ little from a Cows: their bodies are commonly three yards long, and one broad, they swim slowly wanting fins, in the place whereof they have two things like paps, which are their stilts when they creep on the shore to graze, where they sleep long, sucking in the cool aire: they cannot keep under water above half an hour. The stone generated in their head is most esteemed, being soveraign against choller adust, the stone collick; and dissenteryes, if beaten small infused in wine, and drunk fasting. Herb. Trav. p. 26. See more afterwards.

20. The Carvel comes of the foam of the sea, every where floating upon the surface of the Ocean, of a round form, throwing abroad her strings like so many lines, which she can spread at pleasure, therewith angling for small fishes, which she catches at leasure: you may call her a Sea-Spider: for when she sees her web too weak, she can blow an infectious breath foaming death, or such a sting as if she had bor∣rowed it from a Scorpion. Idem.

21. In the East-Indies is a trade wind, which they call a Briese, or Monson, which blows West all April, May, June, July, August, and part of September, and East the rest of the year: Only on the East of Su∣matra, it blows five months East, and five months West, and the other two variable. This is well known to our East-Indy Merchants.

22. The Torpedo is a Fish like a Bream, but somwhat thicker: some Marriners having one of them in a net, went to take it forth, but one of them presently cryed out that he had lost the use of his hands, and armes: another that was bare-legged putting his foot to it, lost the sence of his leg: but after a while their feeling returned again: where∣upon calling their Cook, they bade him to take and dresse it, who laying both his hands thereon, made grievous moan that he felt not his hands: but when its dead it produceth no such effect, but is good meat. Pur. Pil. p. 1568.

23. About Jamica in the West-Indies, is a Fish called a Manati which is of a strange shape, and nature: It brings forth her young ones alive, and nourisheth them with Milk from her teats, feeding upon grass in the fields, but lives for the most part in the water: the hinder-parts of it are like unto a Cow, and it eats like veal. Idem. v. 3. p. 930.

24. In Brasile are Oxe-fishes, which are very good meat: For head, hair, skin, cheeks, and tongue, they are like Oxen: their eyes small with lids to open and shut; which no other fish hath: It breatheth, and therefore cannot be long under water: Instead of fore-feet, it hath two arms of a cubit long, with two round hands, and on them five fin∣gers close together, with nails like a mans; under these arms the female hath paps wherewith she nourisheth her young, she brings forth but one at once. It hath no fins but the tail, which is also round and close: their bones are all maffie, and white like Ivory: of this Fish they make great store of sweet Oil: they feed most upon the land. Idem. v. 4. p. 1313.

25. In Sir Fran. Drakes voyage about the world, when they came to the Island of Celebes, which is wholly overgrown with wood: amongst the Trees night by night, they saw infinite swarms of fiery worms flying in the air, their bodies no bigger than of our English Flyes, which made such a shew, and gave such a light, as if every twig or tree had been a burning candle. In which place also were great store of Bats, as big as large Hens. Pur. Pil. v. 1. p. 56.

26. In Captain Saris his voyage to Bantam, about mid-night, they fell into the strangest, and fearfullest water that ever any of them had seen, the water giving such a glaring light about the ship, that they they could discern letters in a book thereby, whereas a little before it was so dark, that they could discern nothing. This made them fear that it had been the breach of sunken ground: But finding that they had failed half an hour in it, and saw no alteration, they perceived at length, that it was a multitude of Cuttle-fish that made this fear∣ful shew. Pur. Pil. p. 352.

CHAP. V.

The wonderful works of God in the Creatures. Of strange Fowls, and Birds.

1. IN one of the Scottish Islands there is a rare kind of Fowl un∣known to other Countrys, called Colca, little lesse than a Goose: They come thither every year in the spring, hatch, and nourish their young ones: About which time they cast all their feathers, and become stark naked all their bodies over, and then they get them∣selves to the Sea, and are no more seen till the next spring: Their feathers have no quill, as other feathers have, but are all like unto Down, wherein is no hardnesse. Descr. of Scot.

2. In the North Seas of Scotland are great loggs of Timber found, in which are ingendred after a marvellous manner, a sort of Geese, called Claik-geese: and they do hang by the beak till they are grown to perfection, and then they receive life and fall off: they are many times found, & kept in admiration for their rare manner of Generati∣on: They are very fat, and delicious to be eaten. Idem. Some question the truth hereof.

3. Storks are so careful of their parents? that when they grow old, and so are unable to help themselves, the young ones feed them: and when in passing the Sea their wings fail them, the young ones will take them on their backs, and carry them over. And this is re∣markable about them.

4. The Town of Delph in the Low-Countries is so seated for the breeding, and feeding of those Birds, that it is hard to see an house wherein they do not build. In this Town upon the third of May, Anno Christi 1536. a great fire happened when the young Storks were grown pretty big: the old ones perceiving the fire to approach to their Nests,

attempted to carry away their young ones, but could not, they were so weighty, which they perceiving, never ceased with their spread wings to cover them, till they all perished in the flames together. Belg. Common Wealth. p. 63.

5. In America there are certain small Birds called Viemalim, with small and long bills, that live upon the dew, and of the juice of Flow∣ers, and roses, like Bees: their feathers are of very curious colours: they dye, or sleep every year in October, sitting upon the bough of a Tree in a warm place, and in Aprill following, when the Flowers are sprung, they awake again. I have one of them.

6. In the Arabian Deserts there are great store of Ostriches, that go in flocks, and often affright passengers that are strangers, with their fear∣ful schr••eches, appearing a farr off like a Troop of horsmen. Their bodies are too heavy to be born up by their wings, which, though uselesse for flight, yet serve them to run with greater speed, so that a swift Horse can scarce overtake them: whatsoever they finde, be it stones or iron, they greedily swallow it down, and concoct it: when they have laid their eggs, (which are as big as a Culverin Bullet) they forget where they left them, and so return no more to them: but they are hatched by the heat of the Sun in the warm sands: hence those expressions, Lam. 4. 3. The Daughter of my people is become cruel, like the Ostriches in the wildernesse: whereupon she is made the Embleme of folly, Job 39. 14. &c. She leaveth her eggs in the earth, and warmeth them in the dust, and forgets that the foot may crush them, &c.

7. In Brasile there is a little bird, which they call The risen, or Awa∣ken Bird, because it sleeps six months, and awakes the other six. It hath a Cap on its head of no one colour, but on what side soever you look, it sheweth Red, Green, Black, and other colours, all very fine, and shining: the Breast also shews great variety of colours, especially Yellow, more fine then Gold; the Body is Grey, and it hath a very long small Bill, and yet the tongue is twice as long as the Bill: it flyes very swiftly, and makes a humming like a Bee. It always feeds flying. Pur. Pil.

8. In Socotera there are Bats, whose bodies are almost as big as a Co∣nies, their Heads are like Foxes with an hairy Furr upon them: In other things they are like our Bats. One of them being killed by some English, his wings when they were extended, were an ell in length. their Cry is shril and loud. Idem.

9. In Italy are the Flies Cantharides, which by day are of a Green shining colour, but in the night they shine in the Air, like flying Glow-Worms, with Fire in their Tailes. Raimunds Mercu. Ital.

10. In China there is a Fowl of a prodigious shape, and bignesse: It is three foot high: the body being exceeding great, more than a man can fathom: their feathers are all white like a Swans, their feet broad like Fowls that swim: their neck half a fathom long, and their beak half an ell, the upper part of it being crooked. From the nether part of the beak there hangs a very great and capable bag of a yellow gol∣den colour, resembling Parchment. With these Fowls the Natives

use to fish, as we do in England with Cormorants. They will catch fish with great dexterity, and when they have filled their great bag, which will hold divers fishes of two foot long a peece, they will bring them to their Masters. Pur. Pil. v. 2. 1643.

11. In the African Desarts is a certain Fowle called a Nesir, some call it a Vultur. Its bigger than a Crane. In flying it mounts very high, yet at the sight of a dead carkass, it descends immediatly. She lives long, and in extream old age looseth her feathers, and then return∣ing to her nest, is there fed by the young ones of the same kind. Idem.

12. Near unto the Streights of Magellane, there is an Island called Penguin Island, wherein are abundance of Fowls called Penguins that go upright, their wings, in stead of feathers, are only covered with down, which hang down like sleeves faced with white. They flye not, but walk in paths of their own making, and keep their divisi∣ons and quarters orderly. They are a strange Fowle, or rather, a miscellaneous creature, of Beast, Bird, and Fish: but most of Bird. Pur. Pil. v. 1. p. 536.

13. In the Isle of Man, there is a sort of Sea-Fowles called Puffins, they are of a very unctious constitution, and breed in Cony-holes (the Conies leaving their burrows for that time) they are never seen with their young, but very early in the morning, and late in the e∣vening: they nourish their young (as it is conceived) with Oil drawn from their own bodyes, and dropped into their mouths; for that be∣ing opened, there is found in their crops no other sustenance, save a single Sorrel-leaf, which the old give their young (as is conjectu∣red) for digestions-sake; the flesh of them, whilst raw, not savoury, but powdered, it may be ranked with Anchoves, and Caviare; pro∣fitable they are in their feathers, and oil, which they use much a∣bout their Wooll.

14. the Isle of Mauritius is a Fowle called a Dodo; Her body is round, and extream fat, which makes her pace slow: few of them weigh less than fifty pound: Her Wings are so small, that they can∣not lift her above the ground: Her head is variously dressed, the one half-hooded with downy black feathers; the other wholly naked, of a whitish colour, as if a transparent Lawn had covered it: her bill is very hooked, bending downwards, the breathing place being in the midst of it, from which part to the end, the colour is light green, mixt with a pale yellow: Her eyes are round, and small, and bright as Diamonds: her cloathing is of the finest down; her train is of three or four short-feathers, her legs thick, and black; her tallons sharp; her stomach so hot, that she digests stones, or Iron, as doth the Ostrich.

15. In Lincolnshire there is a Bird called a Dotterel, so named of his doltish foolishness: Its a bird of an apish kinde, ready to imitate what it sees done: they are caught by Candle-light by the Fowlers ge∣stures; for if he put forth and arm, they stretch forth a wing: if he sets forward a leg, or hold up his head, they likewise do the same:

In brief, whatsoever the Fowler doth, the same also doth this fool∣ish bird, until it be caught within the net. Camb. Brit. p. 543.

16. There is an Island called Bas, bordering upon Lathaien in Scot∣land, unto which there resort a multitude of Sea fowls, especially of So∣land Geese, which bring with them such abundance of Fish, that, as it is reported, an hundred souldiers that lay there in Garrison for defence of the place, fed upon no other meat, but the fish that was thus brought to them: And the said Fowls also bring such a num∣ber of sticks, and twigs, wherewith to build their nests, that thereby the inhabitants are also abundantly provided of fewel for the fire: and such a mighty gain is made of their feathers, and oil, that no man would scarcely beleeve it, but he that hath seen it. Camb. Brit. of Scotland. p. 12, 13.

17. In Magallanes voyage about the world, the King of the Island of Bacchian sent the King of Spain two dead birds of a strange shape: they were as big as Turtle-Doves, with little heads, and long bills, long small legs, and no wings, but in-stead thereof certain long fea∣thers of divers colours, and tails like Turtle-Doves: all their other feathers were of a tawny colour; they flye not, but when the wind blows; and they call them Birds of God. Pur. Pil v. 1. p. 44.

18. In Sofala in the East-Indies is a kinde of Bird called Minga, green, and yellow, very fair, about the bigness of a Pigeon, which never treads on the ground, their feet being so short, that they can scarce be discerned: they settle on trees, of the fruit whereof they live: when they drink, they flye on the tops of the water; and if they fall on the ground, they cannot rise again; their flesh is fat and savoury. Idem. p. 1546.

CHAP. VI.

The wonderful works of God in the Creatures. Of strange Beasts, and Serpents.

1. WHilst Sir Thomas Row, our English Ambassador, was at the great Moguls Court, he saw many stately Elephants brought before the Emperour: some of which being Lord-Elephants (as they called them) had their chain bells, and furniture of gold, and silver, each of them having eight, or ten other Elephants waiting on him: they were some twelve companies in all, and as they passed by, they all bowed down before the King very handsomely. Pur. Pil. v. 1. p. 550.

2. Though these Elephants be the largest of all beasts, yet are they very tractable, unless at such times when they are mad through lust: some of them are thirteen, and some fifteen foot high; their colour is usually black, their skins thick, and smooth without hair; they de∣light much to bathe themselves in water, and are excellent swim∣mers,

their pace is about three miles an hour; of all Beasts they are most sure of foot, so that they never stumble, or fall to indanger their rider: they lye down, and rise again at pleasure, as other beasts do; they are most docible creatures, doing almost whatsoever their Keeper commands them. If he bid one of them affright a man, he will make towards him, as he would tread him in pieces; and yet when he comes at him, do him no hurt: If he bid him abuse, or disgrace a man, he will take dirt, or kennel-water in his trunk, and dash it in his face, &c. Their trunks are long, grissely snouts hang∣ing down betwixt their teeth, which (as a hand) they make use of upon all occasions. Some Elephants the great Mogul keeps for execu∣tion of malefactors; who being brought to suffer death by that migh∣ty beast, if the Keeper bid him dispatch the offender presently, he will immediately with his foot pash him in peeces: If he bid him tor∣ture him slowly, he will break his joynts by degrees one after ano∣ther, as men are broken upon the wheel.

2. An English Merchant of good credit being at Adsmeer (a City where the great Mogul then was) saw a great Elephant daily brought through the Market-place, where an Hearb-woman used to give him an handful of hearbs as he passed by. This Elephant afterwards be∣ing mad; brake his chains, and took his way through the Market∣place; the people being affrighted, hasted to secure themselves, a∣mongst whom was this Hearb-woman, who through fear, and haste, forgat her little childe. The Elephant comming to the place where she usually sate, stopt, and seeing a child lye about her hearbs, took it up gently with his Trunk, and without harm, laid it upon a stall hard by, and then proceeded in his furious course. Idem. p. 1472. The Males Testicles lie about his forehead: the Females teates are betwixt her fore-legs; they carry their young two years in their wombs: conceive but once in seven years: they are thirty years be∣fore they come to their full growth, and fulfil the accustomed age of a man before they die.

3. As Pyrrus King of Epyrus was assaulting the City of Argos, one of his Elephants called Nicon. i. e. Conquering, being entred the City, perceiving that his governour was stricken down to the ground from his back with terrible blows; ran upon them that came back upon him, overthrowing friends, and foes, one in anothers neck, till at length, having found the body of his slain Master, he lift him up from the ground with his trunk, and carrying him upon his two tush∣es; returned back with great fury, treading all under feet whom he found in his way. Plut. In vita Pyrri.

4. The Lion hath the Jackall for his Usher, which is a litle black, shag-haired beast, of the bigness of a Spaniel, which when the even∣ing comes, hunts for his prey, and comming on the foot, follows the scent with open crye: to which the Lion as chief Hunt gives dili∣gent ear, following for his advantage: If the Jackall set up his chase before the Lion comes in, he howles out mainly, and then the Lion seizeth on it, making a grumbling noise, whilst his servant stands

by barking, and when the Lyon hath done, the Jackal feeds on the relicks Idem. p. 1575. See more afterwards, Example seventeen.

5. The Panther hath a very sweet smell, so that other Beasts are much taken therewith, but they are terrified with the ugly deformi∣ty of his face; and therefore as he goes he hides that part between his legs, and will not look towards them till he hath gotten them within his compasse, which when he hath done, he devours them without mercy: so deals the Devil with wicked men, strewing their way to Hell with variety of worldly delights, and profits (the thorns of affliction must not touch their flesh, nor Hells terrors come within their thoughts) till he hath made them past feeling, then he devours them. Plin. nat. Hist. L. 8 C. 17.

6. The Rhynoceros is so called because of the horn in his nose: he is a large beast, as big as our fairest Oxe in England: His skin lyeth plated, and as it were in wrinkles upon his back: Their Horn, Teeth, Claws, yea flesh, and blood, are good against poyson, which, as is conceived, proceeds from the Herbs which they feed on in Bengala, where are most store of them.

7. The Camelopardalus is the highest of Beasts, so that a man on horseback may ride upright under his belly, his neck is long, so that he usually feedeth upon the leaves of trees: his colour is white and speckled, his hinder legs are shorter than his former, so that he cannot graze but with difficulty. P. Pil. p. 1381. He is also called a Jaraff.

8. In India is a certain beast called a Buffelo, which is very large, hath a thick and smooth skin, but without hair: She gives good milk, and her flesh is like Beefe. Idem. p. 1469.

9. In the same Country also are certain wild Goats, whose Horns are good against poison, Pur. Pil. p. 472.

10. In the Country of Indostan in the East-Indies, are large white Apes, as big as our Grey-hounds, which will eat young Birds, where∣upon Nature hath taught their Dams this subtilty: they build their Nests on the utmost bowes at the end of slender twigs: where they hang them like Purse-nets to which the Apes cannot possibly come: yet many times with their Hands they will shake those boughs till the nests break, and fall down, and then they will devour them. Pur. Pilgrimage p. 1475.

11. The Camelion is of the shape, and bigness of a Lizzard, it is a deformed lean, and crooked creature, having a long and slender tail, like a Mouse, and is of a slow pace. It lives only upon Flys. It chan∣geth colours according to the variety of places where it comes. It is a great Enemy to venemous Serpents; for when it sees any lie sleeping under a Tree, it gets upon a bough just over the Serpents head, & void∣eth out of its mouth, as it were a long thred of spittle, with around drop hanging at the end, which falling on the Serpents head, imme∣diately kills him P. Pil. p. 848.

12. There was lately found in Catalunia, in the Mountains of Cerda∣nia, a certain Monster, that had humane shape as far as the waste, and downwards it was like a Satyre: He had many heads, Arms, & Eyes,

and a mouth of extraordinary bigness, wherewith he made a noise like a Bull: His picture was sent by Don John of Austria (now Go∣vernour of the Low Countrys) to the King of Spain, and afterwards many Coppies thereof were drawn, and sent abroad by Ambassadors, and other persons to several Princes, and States in Europe. Hist. of this Iron age.

13. In Brasile is a certain Beast called a Tamandua or Ant-Bear of the bignesse of a great dog, more round than long, and the tail above twice so long as the body, and so full of hair that under it he shelters himself from rain, heat, cold, and wind. His head is small; and hath a thin snout: his mouth round, with a tongue three quarters of a yard long: he is diligent in seeking Ant-hills, which he tear∣eth with his claws, and then thrusts in his long tongue, upon which the Ants run, and when it is full, he licks them in; and this is all his food. Pur. Pil. v. 4. p. 1301.

14. The Armadillo is of the bignesse of a Pig, and of a white co∣lour: It hath a long snout, and the body is covered with shels like Plates, wherewith they are armed: for they are so hard that no ar∣row will pierce them except in the Flanks, where they are softer: their flesh is good to eat, they dig holes in the ground with their snouts, in which they lye. Idem.

15. The Porcupine hath bristles, or quils, white and black, of a span and an half long, which they can cast: and they have this qua∣lity, that where one of these bristles enters into the flesh, if it be not pulled out presently, it will work it selfe quite through; they are of a good flesh, and taste.

16. The Civet-Cat exceeds the Castor for bignesse, her head is lit∣tle, her eyes clear; hath a long muzzle; sharp, and offensive teeth. Her hair is parti-coloured, harsh, and bristley, yellow above, and whiter downwards; The pocket wherein the Civet is bred is neer the geni∣tory, which is taken forth with a spoon or stick; But when she is wild, she casts it forth of her own accord, and by the scent it is found by the passengers.

17. The Lyons in Affrick, are more fierce than in colder Coun∣tryes; here was one of their skins brought into England, which from the snout to the top of the tail, contained one and twenty foot in length. They engender backwards as do Camels, Elephants, Rhinoce∣roses, Ounces, and Tygers. They spare such men as prostrate them∣selves to them, and prey rather upon men than women, and not at all on Infants, except compelled by hunger. His tail is his Scepter, by which he expresses his passion. He shrinks not at danger, except some covert of woods hides him from witnesses, and then he will take the benefit of flight, which otherwise he seems to disdain.

18. The Hyaena hath no joints in her neck, and therefore stirs not her neck, but with the bending of her whole body. She hath one continued tooth through her whole mouth.

19. In Africk are many wild Asses, whereof one male hath many females, and he is so jealous, that he bites off the stones of the young

males, if the suspicious female prevent him not by bringing forth in a close place.

20. The Dabuh is a simple Creature, like to a Wolf, but that his legs and feet are like to a mans, they which know his haunt, with a Taber, & singing, will bring him out of his den, and captivate his ears with their Musick, whilst another captivateth his legs with a rope.

21. The Zebra is a very beautiful Creature, resembling a curiously shaped horse, but not all out so swift, all over-laid with party colou∣red laces, and guards, from head to tail.

22. In Sofala there is a certain creature called Inhazaras as big as a hog, & somewhat like, with thin black hair, having on his hinder feet five fingers like unto a mans, and four on his forefeet; they live meer∣ly upon Ants, by thursting their tongues which are two spans and an half long into an Ant-hil, whereon the Ants running, they pull them into their mouths, and so eat them: some call them Ant-Bears. Pur. Pil.

23. There is in Affrica a certain monster called Pongo, in the whole proportion like unto a man, but that it is bigger. It hath a mans face, hollow eyes, long hair upon the brows, his face and ears being without hair: but his body is all hairy of a dunish colour, &c. He differs from a man only in his legs, which have no calves: he goes alwayes upright upon his legs, and he carries his hands clasped in the nape of his neck, when he walkes upon the ground: They use to sleep in trees, and live upon fruits and nuts. Idem. v. 2. p. 982.

24. In Congo there is a strange Creature as big as a Ram, that hath wings like a Dragon, a long tail, and great chaps, with diverse rows of teeth: They feed upon raw flesh. Idem. p. 1003.

25. In Affrica there is a beast called a Dabuk, in bignesse and shape, resembling a Wolf, saving that his legs & feet are like a mans. He u∣seth to take dead men out of their graves, and eat them. Idem. p. 847.

26. In the Kingom of Mexico there are Kine, with bunches on their backs, about the bigness of our bulls, having little horns, and more hair on their foreparts than behind, which is like wooll: On the back∣bone they have maines like horses, and long hair from their Knees downward, with much long hair on their throats: They are meat, drink, shooes, houses, fire, vessels, and their masters whole substance.

27. Other Creatures there are as big as horses, which the Spaniards for their fine Wooll call Sheep: One of their horns usually weigheth fifty pounds. P. Pil. v. 4. p. 1561.

28. In Virginia is a beast called a Possown, the female whereof hath a bag under her belly, from whence she letteth forth her young ones, and taketh them in again at her pleasure. Idem. p. 1772.

29. In Socotera are Sheep, whose tails weigh twenty eight pounds a peece, which therefore are usually cut off from the Ewes, least they should hinder their breeding.

30. In the Great Mogols Countrey there are Asses with horns, where∣of they make diverse sorts of drinking cups, of excellent vertue. Some judging them to be the right Unicorns horn. Idem. p. 436.

31. Most certain it is, that the Irish Cows will not give down their

Milk, unless their own Calves be set by their sides, either alive, or else the skin of the dead Calf must be stuffed with straw, and set by them. Camb. Brit. of Ireland. p. 1145.

32. In the Island of Orknay the Ewes are of such fecundity, that they bring forth constantly two, and many times three Lambs a peece; There be neither ravenous nor venemous creatures there; nor if trans∣ported thither, will they live in that Island. Description of Scotl.

33. There are three sorts of Camels: the first sort are gross, and tall of stature: these will usually carry one thousand pound weight a peece; when they are to be loaden, being beaten on the knees, and neck with a cudgel, they will kneel down; and when they feel their load sufficient, they will rise up again of themselves. The second sort of them have two bunches on their backs, and are fit either for burthen, or to ride on. The third sort are of a slender, and low sta∣ture, called Dromedaries, unfit for burthens, but they excel in swift∣ness, so that in the space of one day they will travel one hundred miles, and will so continue for eight, or ten dayes together, with very little provender; and they will abstain from drink, eight, ten, and sometimes fifteen dayes together, without any inconvenience, as they travel through the Deserts.

34. Musk is taken from a little reddish beast, that they beat with many blows in one place, that so the blood may gather into it: and when the skin is by this means swoln, and full of blood, they bind it strait, that the blood may not issue forth, and being put into one, or more bladders, its dryed on the beasts back, till the bladder fall off of it self; and so that blood after a month becomes excellent musk. Pur. Pil. v. 2. p. 1500.

35. Amongst the Blackmoors, there is a strange beast called a Car∣buncle, which is seen only by night, having a stone in his forehead that shineth incredibly, and giving him light whereby to feed: But when he hears the lest noise, he presently lets fall over it a skin, which he hath as a natural covering, least his splendor should betray him. Pur. Pil. v. 1. p. 416.

36. In Abassia are Kine with horns like unto Harts-horns: O∣thers there be that have but one Horn in the midst of their fore∣heads of about a span and an half long, turning upward. Pur. Pil. v. 2. p. 1495.

37. There is in the Country of Mexico a kinde of sheep, which all things considered, is a beast of the greatest profit, and least charge that is: For from them they draw meat and cloathing: They use them also to carry all their burthens, having need neither of shooes nor saddles, nor yet of Oats, so that they serve their Masters for nought, feeding only on Grass which they find in the fields: There are two kinds of these creatures, the one bearing Wooll, the other are bare, which are the better for burthen; they are big∣ger than great Sheep, and less than Calves; they have long necks like a Cammel. They are of divers colours, some white, some black, and others grey, or spotted; Their flesh is good meat, but

that of their Lambs is best: Of their Wooll the Indians make cloath some courser, other finer like half-silk; they also make Carpets, and Coverings, and other exquisite works of it, which last long, and have a very good gloss; they die it into sundry colours: upon these the Spaniards carry their bars of silver; one of these sheep carrying about an hundred and fifty pound weight.

37. In the stomach, or belly of this beast, is found the Bezar's stone; sometimes one alone, sometimes two, three, or foure: They are different in form, greatness, and colour; some like Filbeards, o∣thers like Walnuts: Some as big as Pigeons Eggs, some as big as Hens Eggs: In form some are round, some oval, and of other formes. For their colour, some are black, some white, some grey, dark green, and some as if they had been gilded: they are all made of divers filmes, and skins one upon another. P. Pil. v. 3. p. 969.

38. There is in Italy the Tarantula (a kind of Serpent) the venome whereof hath such an operation, that whosoever is stung with it, fal∣leth a dancing, and capering, and nothing can allay it but Musick. Raimunds Mercu. Ital.

Examples of Dogs love to their Masters.

39. When the Athenians quit their City, and betook themselves to Sea, upon Xerxes his invasion of Greece, Xantippus the Father of Pericles had a Dog, which for sorrow that his Master had left him behind him, cast himself after him into the Sea, swimming still by the Gallies side wherein his Master was, till he came to the Isle of Salamina, where so soon as the poor Cur landed, his breath failed him, and he dyed presently. Plut In vita Themist.

CHAP. VII.

Admirable Works done by the art of man.

1. PRotogenes the Rhodian, an exquisite Painter, bestowed seven years in drawing a most curious picture, which when Apelles beheld, he stood amazed at the excellency of the workman∣ship, so that for a while he could not speak, but afterwards he said, This is an admirable work, and of huge labour, yet he wants an Ora∣tor to extol his workmanship to the skies. When King Demetrius besiedged the City of Rhodes, he took the suburbs, and in them this picture, whereupon the Citizens sent to him, requesting him not to deface it; to whom he answered, That he would sooner burn the Picture of his Fa∣ther, than hurt a peece of such admirable Workmanship. Diod. Sic. Plut.

Glasses malleable.

2. Anno Christi 1610. amongst other rare Presents sent from the Sophy of Persia, to the King of Spain, were six drinking glasses so ex∣quisitely tempered, that they could not be broken. Turk. Hist. p. 1273.

Stone-henge Described.

3. About six miles from Salisbury, upon the plains, is to be seen a huge, and monstrous peece of work, such as Cicero calleth insanam substructionem. For within the circuit of a ditch, there are erected in the manner of a Crown, in three ranks, or courses, one whithin ano∣ther, certain mighty, and unwrought stones, whereof some are twen∣ty eight foot high, and seven broad; upon the heads of which, others like overtwhart peeces do bear, and rest cross-wise with tenents, and mortesses, so as the whole frame seemeth to hang, whereof its com∣monly called Stone-henge. Camb. Brit.

4. In Westmerland hard by Shape, there be hung stones in form of Pyramids, some of them nine foot high, and fourteen foot thick, rang∣ed directly as it were in a row for a mile in length, with equal distance almost between them. Camb. Brit. p. 762.

Mausolus his Tombe Described.

5. Artimesia Queen of Halicarnassus, when her husband Mausolus dyed, built him a stately Tomb, accounted for the rare workmanship, and costly magnificence one of the worlds Wonders. It was five and twenty cubits high, and supported with six and thirty curious pillars, of which Martial thus writeth:

Are nam vacuo pendentia Mausolaea, laudibus immodicis Cares ad astra ferunt.

The Mausolaea hanging in the skie, the men of Caria's praises Deifie.

6. When Sir Thomas Row was Ambassador there, the Great Mogul built a stately Monument for his Father: it was about twenty years in building, and three thousand men working daily at it: it was built square, three quarters of a mile in compass: it was made with seven heights one above another, and each narrower than other, till you come to the top where the herse is: At the outward Gate is a most stately Palace, and Gardens walled about, at least three miles in com∣pass; all built at a vast charge. Pur. Pil. p. 226.

7. Mr. Herbert, who saw it afterwards, thus describes it. It consists (saith he) of four large squares, each about three hundred paces

long, the matter is Freestone polished, having at each Angle, a small Tower of party coloured Marble. Ten Foot higher is another Tarras, on each side beautified with three such Towers. The third Gallery hath two Towers, on each side. The fourth, one. The fifth, half, and a small square Gallery mounting to a Royal Pyree, within which is the Mummy of Ecbar; bedded in a Coffin of pure Gold. The whole structure is built in the midst of a spacious and curious Garden, surrounded with a Wall of red stone, and planted with beautiful and odoriferous flowers.

Porsennah's Tomb Described.

Porsenna King of Hetruria••, not far from the City of Clusium, built for himself a Monument of square stone, each side of it was three hundred Foot broad, and fifty Foot High; within which square Basis, there was an inextricable Labyrinth, into which whosoever adventured without a Clue, could find no passage out. Upon this square he erected five Pyramids, four in the corners, and one in the midst; in the bottom they were seven∣ty five Foot broad, and each of them one hundred and fifty Foot high, on the top was one Brass Circle, and covering for them all, from which there hung Bells fastened with Chains, which being moved with the Winde, gave a sound a far off: Upon this brazen Circle stood other four Pyramids, each of them one hundred Foot high; and upon them (being covered with a∣nother plain) were again erected five other Pyramids, the height whereof my Author was ashamed to name: So foolishly did he waste the wealth of his Kingdom, that in the end the commendation of the Artificer should be the greatest. Pliny out of Varro; and Greaves out of him.

8. In the Great Moguls Country, from Agra to Lahar (which are the two chief Cities in this Empire) is about four hundred English miles: The Country in all that distant, being even without Mountains or Hills: And the High-way betwixt them, is planted on both sides with Trees, like unto a delicate walk. P. Pil. v. 2. p. 1468.

The Trees are Mulberry-trees. And in all this way, ever and anon, are Inns built by several Kings, and great men, for the Entertainment of stran∣gers: In which you may have a Chamber for your self, room for your Hourse, and Horse-meat, but little for your Servant: When a man hath ta∣ken up his Lodging, no other may dispossess him. In the Morning about break a day, all make ready to depart, at which time the Gates are opened, and none suffered to depart sooner for fear of Theeves. P. 520.

The first Invention of Printing.

9. Laurence Jans, a rich Citizen of Harlem in the Low-Countries, walking forth one day into the neighbouring Woods for recreation, began to cut in pieces of wood the Letters of his Name, Printing them on the back of his hand; which pleasing him well, he cut three or four Lines which he beat with Ink, and printed them upon Paper, wherewith he much joyed, and determined to find out another kind of Ink more fastening, and hold∣ing, and so with his Kinsman Thomas Peterse, found out another way to

print whole Sheets, but of one side only, which are yet to be seen in the said Town: Afterwards he changed his Letters of Wood into Lead, and after that into Tin, and so by degrees this famous Art of Printing grew to perfection. Belg. Common-Wealth. p. 57.

11. Some say that John Guttenburg of Strasburg, was the first Inventer of it, Anno Christi 1440. In which City he first practised it, and removing from thence to Mentz, there perfected it. They say that Tullies Offices was the first Book that ever was printed. P. Ramus Schol. Math. L. 2.

12. It doth with wonderful celerity convey Learning from one Coun∣try, and Age, to another.

Imprimit ille die, quantum vix scribitur anno.

The most famous Printers were.

13. Aldus Manutius, and after him Paulus his Son in Venice. In France, Crispinus, Henry Stevens, Father to Charles; and Charles to Robert; Ro∣bert to Henry, and Henry to Paul, all Printers.

14. Christopher Plantine of Antwerp, was a most Famous and Learned Printer.

15. Frobenius, that was Erasmus his Faithful Printer.

16. Daniel Bombergus, an excellent Printer of the Hebrew Bible, and many other Hebrew Books, &c.

The first Invention of Guns.

17. A German Fryer of the Order of St. Francis, called Bertholdus Swart, being very studious of Chymistry, as he was one Evening (for the finding out of some Experiment) very busie in tempering Brimstone, Sul∣phureous powder of dryed Earth, and certain other Ingredients in a Mor∣ter, which he covered with a stone: When it grew dark, he took his Tin∣der-box to light him a Candle, a Sparke whereof by chance flying into the Mortar, caught hold of the Brimstone, and Salt-Peter, and firing, with a sud∣den flash blew up the stone. The cunning Chymist gues••ng what it was which wrought this effect, never left till he found out the certainty, and then taking an Iron Pipe, he crammed it full of the same Ingredient, together with some stones, and so putting fire to it, he saw that with great fury, and noise it discharged it self: Soon after which, he communicated this his In∣vention to the Venetians, who, having been often vanquished by the Geno∣wayes, did by the help of these Bombards, or Guns, give them a notable dis∣comfiture. Anno Christi 1380. Bucholtz.

18. At Middleburg in Zealand, in the Steeple of the Abby-Church, there is a Bell of eighteen thousand weight to strike the Hours on, and twenty four small ones which serve for the Chymes. Belg. Common-wealth. p. 162.

A Description of the situation of Utrecht in the Low-Countries.

Utrecht in the Low-Countries, is so situated, that one may go to what

Town he please of fifty, that lye round about it in one day. And in a Sum∣mers day, if one go early from Utrecht, he may dine at any one of twenty six Towns, where he pleaseth, and return to his own House to Supper. Idem. p. 200.

Trajan built a Bridge over the River Ister, or Danow, containing twenty Arches, each Arch being one hundred and fifty Foot high, sixty thick, and one hundred and seventy Foot distant one from another: So that the whole length of it was four thousand seven hundred and seventy Foot, which was almost a mile long. The River was very deep, and swift, and the bottom not firm ground, neither could the stream be diverted any other way; all which made the Work far more difficult, and admirable.

Ancus Martius, the fourth King of Rome, built a Wooden Bridge over the River Tybur, yet without Nails, or Pins, so that in times of War it might be taken down: Afterwards Aemilius the Consul built it of stone: And last∣ly Antoninus Pius the Emperour built it of Marble.

FINIS.

Soli Deo Gloria.