A true description of the mighty kingdoms of Japan and Siam written originally in Dutch by Francis Caron and Joost Schorten ; and novv rendred into English by Capt. Roger Manley.

What Traffick and with what Nations.

THe Trade of this Country (which is but small in respect of the vastness of it, and it abounds with all sorts of Merchandise) is carried on by Strangers, the principal where∣of are the Chinesses, who from the first peo∣pling of this Empire to this day, have been constant frequenters of their yearly Marts. The Spaniards and Portugals have been ac∣quainted with this People above an hundred years; the English but of late, who finding but little profit and great expences, abandon∣ed this Traffick again. The Siammers and Camboiders used also to arrive with a ship or two, though not now so often as formerly. Lastly the Netherlander got footing there, where they have seated themselves fast enough, and traded these forty years. The principal Commodities, as well those which Strangers bring, as such which are of the growth of the Country, are all brought to the great City of Meaco, which is the Staple of the whole Empire; it is here that the Merchants and Factors, from every part of the Land, do as∣semble, bringing with them such things as

their several Provinces do produce, which they sell or change for others which they stand in need of. These Merchandises are carried sometimes two or three hundred miles to and fro, over hills and dales, all upon horses, whereof they have an incredible number. The Traffick consists of all sorts of wares, as well for the pride as use of man; Strangers bring yearly four or five thousand Picols of Silk, each Picol weighing one hundred twenty five pounds weight, besides a great quantity of wrought Silks; two hundred thousand Harts∣skins; one hundred thousand Rochvellen∣skins; a great abundance of Hemp, Cloth, Cotton, and red Wool; Carpets to sit upon, Pewter, Quick-silver, and all sorts of Drugs; Nutmegs, Peper, Musk, Sugar, Porcelan, Camphier, Borax, Eliphants-Teets, red Co∣ral, and all sorts of small Wares, which the Chineses bring thither.