A new account of East-India and Persia, in eight letters being nine years travels begun 1672 and finished 1681 : containing observations made of the moral, natural and artifical estate of those countries ... / by John Fryer ... ; illustrated with maps, figures and useful tables.

CHAP. VIII.

Brings us in the midst of Winter from Spahaun to Gombroon; The Caun's Pranks there: The Hot Baths at Genoe: The Equinox and Seasons attending are somewhat parallel betwixt this Coast and the Indian: A New Agent arrives.

THE Agent of Persia having left Gombroon to go to fill up the Chair at Surat, the Second at Spahaun was obliged to re∣pair thither to take care of the Company's Concerns there; with whom, I being now Recovered, on the 10^th of January, with a French Chirurgeon in our Company, in the depth of Winter we set forth for the Persian Gulf.

We return'd the same way,* 1.1 Travelling only in the Day time till we came to Esduchos, where because the Snow had shut up the Valleys, we were forced to leave it on the right, and go about by the high Road, not frequented in Summer time so much by light Horsemen, as now, there being no Passage the other way; wherefore our Entertainment this Journy is less Hospitable, and the Caravan generally more rude, it being the usual Tract for Camels and their Drivers (they most an end providing only for themselves) and better Guests being seldom or never expected; so that in all probability we might expect to encounter Hardships; but the Silver Bait procu∣red all things that Man could furnish us with; and we met with no other Difficulties than what the Weather created us.

Against which we guarded our selves by good warm Furs,* 1.2 which are some of Sables, Fox-Furs, or Sheeps-Wool artificially Crisped, and others for Servants of Sheep Skins undressed, and their Coats lined therewith, the shaggy Fleece remaining untouched; and over all, to prevent the sharp Winds deglubating us, we Housed our selves Cap-a-pee under Felts, or Yaupengees, kneaded into Coats with Sleeves, with a Scapular to pull over our Heads and Face; a well fixed Nose being hardly Proof against such cutting Cold. Whether these Coats we wore against this Season, might not be such as our

Saviour is said to have on, (these being Seamless and the Wear of the Poor People) I remit to our Casuists.

From Esduchos to Chuldestan,* 1.3 is Eight Pharsangs, whither we came in a Day, by the help of our Shooters, or Poo••men guiding us; whose Bells our Horses followed, when we durst not peep out to di∣rect them. Here a large Camel, raging with Lust for the Female, as his Keeper was ••eeding him, with Past of Barly Meal made into Balls, he got his whole Arm into his Mouth, and had not there been present a great many ready for his Relief, he had been de∣stroyed by him: This Fury lasts F••••cy Days, when they Foam at the Mouth, and are very Unruly, at other times nothing being more Governable.

From hence to Obedah are Six Pharsangs;* 1.4 it is a large Village abounding with Vineyards, which reach as far as Zermaw, Four Pharsangs farther; hitherto we Travelled Carpet-way, all the Ground being covered with Snow, and most an end the Sun obscured, and sometimes the Clouds falling in fle••cy White Rain, as the poor Indians express it, who were almost starved to Death by the exces∣sive Cold, and stormy Blasts from the Mountains.

At Cona••••••aw,* 1.5 Eight Pharsangs more, it began to clear up (though we seemed to carry the Winter with us, there having been little afore our Arrival); and at D••hid, Six Pharsangs more, we left the Plains on the Hills all along Planted with Vines, to ascend the piled P••••••••cae, now covered with Snow, horribly bleak, and pe∣rilously cold with frosty Winds, that either Pole might possibly be more tolerable, they being fenced with Thicker Air, this being so sharp that it passed our skill to keep our Skins whole; for if the Sun did favour one side, the other side was shaved with cruel Blasts; nor did that fare better which was exposed to the scorching Beams; that had we not been provided with the Pomatum mentioned before (the Butter of the greater cool Seeds) we had been in a sore con∣dition; but Anointing our Hands and Face going to Bed, the next Morning healed them.

At Conacurgu we found a Bridge necessary to pass upon the dissol∣ving of the Snow from the Ridges of the Hills,* 1.6 and tracing the Mountains, we came in Eight Ph••••sangs 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Mushat; notable for the Scpulchre of one of their Twelve Apostles to their false Prophet; here we were glad to take up in a Farmer's House, in an Apartment whereof having caused a Fire to be kindled, where I was to lie, my Servant, after I was in Bed and asleep, hulking about the Fire, fell with his Felt Coat, being Drowsy, upon the Embers; which Burn∣ing made such a smother, that I was almost stifled in the close Room before I could find the Way out; yet he lay Snoaring and unconcerned, when I could not get rid of the stench in my Throut some Days after.

The Day following, we by Two Bridges crossed Two Rivers more, or it may be the same that run to Bindamire; and in a rainy wet Day took up our Lodgings at Zevan, but Five Pharsangs, and the next Day saw Pers••polis again; entring the Plain by Two Pillars, upon whose Cornish was delineated double-headed Horses as far as the Chest; leaving those Ruins Quintus Curtius so much Celebrated,

despoiled of their Riches, we went through Meergoscoon, at the back∣side whereof the Plain was covered all along with Wild-Fowl, which were so Tame they would almost permit us to knock them on the head with our Sticks, not offering to stir till we came on them, they being not used to be disturbed.

At Night we reached Zergoon, through slippery and slabby Way, and the Day after we brought with us the first Snow to Siras.

Here we rested Five Days,* 1.7 having lost Two Mules and One Pack∣horse out of Seven and twenty, and One Houshold-Servant out of Ten that attended us; another we left behind at Moxutebeggy, who was our Cook; and had it not been for the French Chirurgeon, we had been put to our shifts, he both shooting and dressing most of our Victuals after the most exquisite French Way of Cookery: Nor must any of us at this time take State upon him; for our Servants, not used to such Weather, became rather an Impediment than Help to us; listless, and loth to stir, but always crowding in among us, cringing, and never at ease but when about the Fire; not to be rowz'd on any occasion; rather looking for Service from us; by whose Slothfulness we became as lowsy as Beggars, their huge Shags har∣bouring such Vermin, and they by no means being to be drove out out of our Company, but laid themselves a-nights on the same Floor with us. In this short space the Sun began to recover Strength, dissolving the Snow as fast as it fell.

Having shifted our Lowzy Companions, they began to brisk up by degrees, as they felt the Warmth to increase upon them: Here our Interpreter, a Georgian Soldier, and a Carmelite Friar, joined us; (the French Chirurgeon being bound for Bunder Reek, left us): And the 29^th of January, shaking off the hospitable Impertinencies of such as followed us out of the City, we gained that Night Bobba-Hodge; and the next Day travelled Fasting, for the Execrable Death of the Martyr Charles the First; which something discountenanced the Carmelite, seeing a Table spread, as Customary, at Noon, and not an Englishman to eat a Bit, or drink a Drop; but being informed of the Reason, he was more amazed, saying, He wonder'd at our Strictness, since on their Fasting-days they were allowed a Buccado of Sweetmeats and a Glass of Wine before Noon, and at Noon a small Repast, and so likewise in the Afternoon, but at Night a good plentiful Supper: With the latter part we promised we would agree with him, but for the other we thought there was no great Restraint put upon Nature.

On the last Day of the Month we found Caifar, a pleasant Village, bearing the first Fruitful Palm this Way, where the Myrtle and the Orange-Tree is always Green, yielding Flowers in Blossoms, Ripe and Green Fruit all at one and the same time: Here springs up the Bell-Flower, Violet, and Primrose; so that we may now sing with Horace;

Solvitur acris hyems gratâ vice veris & Favoni,* 1.8 'Ac neque jam stabulis gaudet pecus aut arator igni, &c.

Favonius Breath sharp Winters Ice doth thaw; Beasts leave their Stalls, Plough-swains their Fires forgo; Nor are the Meadows White with Drifts of Snow. Now Cytherea under Cynthia's Shine, Danceth around, and lovely••Graces join With Nymphs, the Earth in measured Strains to beat, Whilst Vulcan in his glowing Forge doth sweat. Now with Green Myrtle crown thy sleek oyl'd Head, Or Flowers, which the mellow Earth doth spread. To Faunus now in Groves I do advise, Either a Kid or Lamb thou sacrifice.

Which Counsel we took, not out of an Epicurean Fancy, to live merrily, because of the common Necessity of Death, as in this Ode he exhorteth Sextius; but to compensate for our past Labours, and enable us the better to undergo this troublesome Journy: Here we indulged in a never-dying Green Orchard, mixing the Flavour of the Oranges, which are as good as grow, with our new Siras Wine, exhilarating our selves with the true Relish, and Natural Sweets of this delightful Rural Seat.

But the Checquer-work of this World prepared other Business for the succeeding Day, bringing us over high Rocks, made plain by Cost and Pains: Here on the Tops of Mountains we only saw the Snow; however, the Winds blowing off thence, made us feel our quaking Joints struck through with horrid Numbness; by which means nothing more frequently happen'd, than one quarter of an hour to be seized with shivering Blasts; and when they were over, the Sun by its powerful Heat another Quarter to scorch our Skin, exposed to his Rays; by which sudden Alterations, not only our Hands and Faces were vexed, but our whole Bodies suffered Lan∣guishment, as Ovid before us had tried in his Exile.

Cum modo Frigoribus premitur, modo solvitur Aestu Tempore non certo, corpora Languor habet.

After we had run this Gantlope,* 1.9 the West Winds setting in, the Season grew more mild, and the 5^th of February we set out long before Day, which hitherto we had not done; and in our way found sprouting between Bonaru and Rhadar, Sanctonicum, Wormwood, Maudlin, Tansy, Sowthistles, White Horehound, or rather Hermo∣dactyl, bearing such a Flower as Saffron, on which the breeding Bezoar-Goats do feed; the Lilly of the Valley, as also, which is rare, Grass, or rather a kind of Grass like our Moss, or such as we see grow among Pavements after a Shower of Rain with us: This was admired by our Interpreter, as if no Place in the World ex∣celled this; which must be imputed to the home-bred Temper of those Persians who never stir abroad, or the nescio quâ dulcedine cun∣ctos, which adopts a Fondness of their own: In which I pronounce these People happy; for they have small regard either to Foreigners or their Countries, in respect of their Native Soil or Abilities, con∣ceiting

themselves superlative in every thing: And from this Habit of Affectation, I have often, I confess, declared them the French in these Parts, though they raise themselves a small degree from the Traditions and Rudiments of the Old World.

In the middle Way between Pokutal and Bury, we were threatned with Showers, but got in before they fell: This Caravan Ser Raw, since the time of our being here, is almost Thunder-struck a-pieces; and Lhor has endured the shock of two terrible Earthquakes.

From whence the Air daily thicken'd in the Atmosphere,* 1.10 and the Sweat began to pour through our Pores, which in a more subtle Air we could not perspire, though Urine flowed there more plenti∣fully; for a Thin Air gathers and contracts the Pores, forbidding the Efflux of Heat or Spirits, constraining the Matter which otherwise would gently breathe forth, precipitating the Serum through the Urinary Conduits, and separating it from the Blood, either by Colla∣tion in the Reins, or by virtue of some particular Ferment, accord∣ing to the Doctrine of the Learned Willis.

At Cormoot we met a Lion and a Spotted Deer carrying up as Pre∣sents to the Sophi from the Mogul:* 1.11 The Lion seemed rather a Cata∣mountain, than such a Majestick Creature as ours in Europe, being nigher a Dun Colour than a Dark Red, without Beard, nor haired all from the Head down to the Crest and Thighs; about the Lips it had Bristles like a Cat, and when the Keeper streaked it, it would make a Noise much the same as a Cat when she purls: These are kept to set upon Bulls before the Emperor, which they do sneaking∣ly, coming behind them to leap upon their Quarters, which one of our right bred English Mastiffs would scorn to do; a true Bull dog being too hard a Match for one of these Lions, which has often been proved at the Court of Persia, to the Commendation of their Courage.

Hereabouts the Locusts have for these Three Years successively made such waste, that they are almost famished for want of Dates; and though this Town used to supply other Parts, they are forced to seek Sustenance elsewhere for themselves.

On Valentine's Eve, two Days before we could see the Sea, we per∣ceived its Stench, the Sun being up some time every day, before he could dispel the Vapours raised thence.

The French Agent came to us at Band Ally,* 1.12 before the Cock∣crow on the 15^th of February, and at Noon the Dutch Commodore welcomed our Return, and conducted us to Gombroon from the Caun's Garden; as did all the Merchants congratulate our Arrival, as well as all the Ships in the Road saluted us upon our entring the Factory.

Since our Departure from Gombroon,* 1.13 the Caun has been playing his Pranks, having expended vast Sums to buy off his former Offences and Rapins committed in his Government, and endeavouring now by unjust means to reimburse himself: Wherefore no sooner was our Agent come to Port, but he caught our Broker, a Rich Banyan, and clapt him into Prison, contrary to the Royal Mandat granted him, extorting from him Five hundred Thomands, denying Leave for our Agent in the mean time to go Aboard Ship, in order to embark for his Presidency at Surat; begirting the House with Soldiers, lest he

should clancularly get away, as he had plotted, and which at last he did, adorning the first Step to his new Province with a foul Dis∣grace; when he might have done more honourably as the Dutch did, by defending their House, and driving away the Guards, keeping their Broker safe in their House, sending a Courier on purpose to ac∣quaint the Emperor; with Orders to let him know, That if this Caun were not removed, he must give them License to be gone.

Whilst these things were transacting, Two Stout Ships from Ba∣tavia, well appointed with Men and Arms, came before Gombroon, when the Caun began to comply; and our Two Ships sent to fetch the President, sneak'd away, doing nothing. Upon our Arrival at Port the Flemish Ships were braving it in the Road, and the Caun, to hinder our protesting against his Proceedings, was very humble, and sent to let us understand he would upon the English Account submit to any thing: Wherefore to avoid being deluded by his pre∣tended Friendship, which we were not strong enough to affront; and fearing we should have been used as Properties to an Arbitrament, we feigned Excuses to leave the Town for Asseen.

There was not in this Contest a Banyan left in Town,* 1.14 they shifting for themselves as soon as they foresaw the Storm a coming, removing all to Congo, under the Caun of Lhor, for Refuge, when they saw the Death of the Laws, when no Sanctuary could be had, nor no Pro∣mises nor Oaths were obligatory, Religion made a Stale, and their Houses likely to be made a Prey: Being invited to return, and asked a reason for their Desertion, they gave the Tyrant the same Answer the Fox did the Lion.

—Quia me vestigia terrent, Omnia te adversum spectant sed nulla retrorsum.

For the Caun in his Cups (which indeed being sober he has more than* 1.15 once repeated) transgressed not only the Bonds and Ties of Govern∣ment, but even of Humanity, perpetrating those Wickednesses which are only essential to Salvages, though never but once called to reckon for them; which once had like to have forfeited his Head as well as Place.

The Story is this: Having cruelly butchered one of these Hea∣thens to possess himself of his Wealth, by ripping up his Belly, inso∣much that his Entrails issued forth with his Blood, he was so brutish and hard-hearted as to sport at the Misery of this helpless Wretch, fallen into the bloody Hands of this Merciless Hellhound: His Friends not being able to deliver him by Force, made use of a directer way to Revenge, and engaged by their Money the great Favourites at Court; thinking no other means so proper to restore to them the Loss of their Assassinated Relation, as by procuring the Overthrow of the Caun: Which while they were endeavouring, and had cast him under a Cloud, yet they failed in that Power, whereby he was able to fight against them with their own Weapons, he squeezing them here, while the Great Men drained them like Courtiers, let∣ting their Suit fall in the Mid-way; so that while they flagged in their Bribes, he recovered on their Ruin: The King being only in∣formed

of some Misdemeanor, but never instructed with Truth enough to ordain a total Deprivation, or a Punishment equal to the blackness of the Crime: On which score it is the Banyans at this time shun his Dominions, as a Pilot would Charibdis, or any ••••ock he is certain to split on.

We being at Asseen,* 1.16 the busy Birds in Rearing and Contriving their Nests and Tenements, became Emblems of Self-preservation; nor were we less taken with productive Nature, that lets not the most unfit Soil want her influence as far as it is capable to bring forth, she not being Idle, even in this place; which as it delighted our Minds, this being the moderatest Season, so we had some pleasure afforded for the exercise of our Bodies, as Hunting the Wild Boar, which fatten themselves chiefly on Dates, and are therefore worth the Toil and Danger of Assailing; and for to secure the Fl••cks, it is no less meritorious to Chase the Wolf, for which, not only Bows and Arrows, Sword and Gun, but Spears, Pikes, and Dogs are called in to gain the Conquest; these are Martial Explo••s▪ the Timerous Hare and Antilope require not all these Weapons, but only giving them the Law of the Field.

At Genoe are wholsome Hot Baths,* 1.17 whose Fame made us pierce Twenty Mile nigher the high Mountains than Asseen, yet seeming to overshadow Gombroon; these Baths arise between the Promontories facing India, half a Mile out of the great Road to Carmania, out of several places in a deep Bottom rather than a Valley, and where they have their source also: As they slide along they Line the Earth with a Mossy Slime tinctured with a yellow Sulphureous Green; under which are Stones of live Brimstone exhaling a Nitrous Scent, stinking like that Water the Mariners call Bilge Water; their Taste was a Brackish Sweet, not Nitrous; to the sight they are Clear and Perspicuous, of a Citrine Colour (or like Lie well Boiled) from their Transparency, by the reflecting of the slimy Matter at the Bot∣tom; for otherwise taken up in a Vessel not subject to be tainted by them, they are Diaphanous; Extracted by Fire there remains a Salt, both Vomiting and Purging, more violent than Vitriol or Antinomy.

For as Galen Teaches, Lib. Nat. fac. 2do. Salt things Elaborated by immoderate Heat, are troublesome to the Stomach: They are not so hot as Boiling Water, but rather by the mildness of their Heat they cause Transpiration, that if you please to stay longer in them, Sweat may be raised to the highest degree: The most usual space of tarrying in them, is from Half an Hour to an Hour, and then betaking themselves to a Warm Bed, lie an Hour o•• Two longer well covered, or as the Spirits serve, which is repeated, Three, Se∣ven, or Nine times; as if God delighted in an Odd Number, as may be observed in the Pool of Bethesda, or of Naaman's Washing in Jordan.

They are held good against all humoral Chronical Distempe••s,* 1.18 and Remedy inveterate Ulcers, Cleanse and Hea•• Old Sores, Ease Aches▪ and Pains of the Limbs, Joints, and Membrances for which they are much frequented: In places where they bubble up they cast a Spume of many Colours; which those troubled with Scabs, or

〈…〉〈…〉 the part affected; which, they say, works Miracles.

If Silver be cast into it, or receive the Vapours, it looks like Cop∣pers which 〈…〉〈…〉 like the Steam from a Pot of Water s••••thing over the Fire; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 chief Spring seems to flow out of an hollow 〈…〉〈…〉 the Earth; which whether it be 〈…〉〈…〉 required to make it so, I 〈…〉〈…〉 height, capable of 〈…〉〈…〉 but the ••ides are jagged and 〈…〉〈…〉 always cautioned to have a 〈…〉〈…〉 Hole, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Well, a Square 〈…〉〈…〉 that are most 〈…〉〈…〉 rapid and pellucid 〈…〉〈…〉 Saltness and swift Stream.

On its Banks grow Palm-Trees, not so long liv'd as elsewhere, if by the decayed Trunks any guess may be made; Hounds-Tongue, 〈…〉〈…〉 and little Fishes live in them.

Nokada Biram,* 1.19 the 〈…〉〈…〉 Broker, and Toc••••sey, our Banyan, have 〈…〉〈…〉 an handsome Hospital: That of the 〈…〉〈…〉 Square▪ Capped with Four round 〈…〉〈…〉 the middle, with Two Rows 〈…〉〈…〉 made his more close, upheld by Nine 〈…〉〈…〉 in the middle, with a stately 〈…〉〈…〉 a close Gell behind, commodious to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in, 〈…〉〈…〉 for Rain Water; they being both neat and durable Wor••••.

Here 〈◊〉〈◊〉 large 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Discourse, which we will only touch upon; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that little leisure afforded us before our Re∣turn, concerning these Natural Baths, and those Artificial ones every wherein use among the East••rn People: As for the first Principles of things, though among the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Contentions of Philosophers there be 〈…〉〈…〉 we shall at present insist on the Four∣fold one of 〈…〉〈…〉 nor can 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from hence apprehend any of them 〈…〉〈…〉, but as the Searchers into Na••••res Secrets have delivered it defined unto us.

Water 〈…〉〈…〉 Cold 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Moist Body,* 1.20 in which principally 〈…〉〈…〉 living Creatures Swim and have their Being and receive 〈…〉〈…〉 much Glearer and more Lympid it is, by so 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it is the 〈…〉〈…〉 to all 〈◊〉〈◊〉. From whence the Approbation of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Aph. 24. Lib. 5. the lightest Waters ••••e soonest 〈…〉〈…〉; whence he concludes them the Clearest, 〈…〉〈…〉 since all Waters (except ••ain-Water, which also is the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 exhaled) are inclosed, or at least 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by the Earth, they are subject to a perpetual agitation of Particles, in greater or lesser quantities▪ or in different places,

as they flow through the several Caverns or Cavities, so they partake of several conditions in their passage; which distinguishes them, as Sea-Water, River-Water, Rain-Water, Spring-Water, Well-Water, Salt, Bitter, Vinous, or Warm Waters, deriving their Name 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, constantly arising Hot out of the Ground from the nearness of some Hot Minerals; and for this reason it is almost all of them have an Hot and Dry quality, whereby they help Moist and Cold Tempers most of all; which Faculty Platerus at∣tributes to the nature of Lime; which leans on the Sentence of Aristotle, who in his Second Part, Chap. 2. says, there is left in Lime a kind of Mother, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Adusta fere omnia habent aliquid cali∣ditatis, ut calx, cinis, &c. Almost all Burnt things have remaining in them something of Heat. But to let that pass as not being much to the purpose: All Waters, in general, participate of the Mixture and Nature of those Places through which they take their Current, though all do not alike strike the Senses, because some have a lesser Tincture than others; and Heterogeneous Particles confounded, or confused, in a larger Vehicle, are not so easily perceived by the Tongue; which proves no more than this, That whatever Water has a singular propriety from the common Water, must come under the denomination of Mineral Water.

Which,* 1.21 with Varenius, we draw from a threefold Fountain, viz. from Corporeal, Spiritual, and a Mixture of either; those which run through Subterranean Meanders, in which the Metalline Earths are not over dense, they carry with them the Grains of those Mi∣nerals, and therewith beget the first Corporeal Waters.

If the Ores are less dense, as Vitriol, Sulphur, and Salts, which dissolve of themselves in Water, these create the second Class of Cor∣poreals, or Mixed.

And those in their passage which are impregnated with the Fumes of these Minerals, are, as it were, rectified Spiritual Waters, and make the most refined Order of them all.

Out of these Three proceed Mineral Waters, which are either Golden, Silver, Tin, Lead, or Iron, Waters; Waters of common Salt, Aluminous, Vitriolated, Bituminous, Sulphurious, or Anti∣monial: Waters of several Earths, Stones, Lime, Chalk, and Ochre, Cinnabar, Marble, Alabaster, and last of all, Mercurial Waters.

The differences are to be referred to the individual Species of every Water,* 1.22 as far as relates to their Essence; but because to inferior Capacities such do not so readily occur, they are made more familiar by Sower, Bitter, and the like: The Explanation whereof, both as to their Causes and Generation, is the Business in hand.

Sea-Waters, Salt or Bitter (Bitterness being only an exalted de∣gree of Saltness) come rather from the Pores through which they are strained, than from the grosser Particles remaining after the heat of the Sun has Boiled off the Flegmy parts: Rain-Waters extracted by Rarefaction, are again Condensed, and become Sweet in their falling: River-Waters vary according to their Colour and Taste from the Qualities of those Conduits through which they take their Course, as do Spring-Waters, which have a double Origination;

either from the Deep, or from Above; the one from the Ocean, the other from Snow or Rain; for by an obscure Conveyance, the Wa∣ter of the Sea issues through the Bowels of the Earth, leaving both Salt and Bitter Taste behind, and forces it self in nature of a Syphon up to the highest Clifts, as is demonstrated by those Hydraulick En∣gines commonly known among us, supposing at the same time the Sea to equal the Tallest Peak the Land can brag of.

Sower Waters have for their Progenitors Vitriol and Alum, (not the Smoke of Sulphur) either of which are imbued with Acidity or Acerbity, whereas Sulphur enjoys neither; which is found true, however the Chymical Spirit of Sulphur drawn off, as also of Salt, become so sharp. But to obviate that, If Sowerness must be beholden to the Sulphurious Vapours, how comes it to pass that all Hot Baths have not that very Taste? Which both sufficient Authority and Ex∣perience prove to have their Entity from these Two Causes.

1. By the Admixture of Sulphurious Effluviums, while the Water creeps through these Mines, for to break out of the Fountains from which they are strained.

2. From Fumes, Vapours, or Exhalations, within the Earth, where the Brimstone is Pure or Impure, as from Pit-Coals, Am∣ber, &c.

But these Waters of Genoe, as far as I could gather by Spagyrical Solutions, have to their Sulphur an Addition both of Antimony and Nitre, whence arise their sweet Salt, and fore-recited Operations.

Besides these Baths,* 1.23 which are rare, there are more commonly Balneo's to be hired at easy Rates; of which I shall say no more than of the Benefits received by them (not to note the Injunction of their Law); when Bodies are parched by intolerable Heat, and the Dust galls and frets the Skin by Travel, then are they not only cleansed, but highly refreshed by bathing in sweet Water; so that they are convenient both in Dry and Moist Airs; for in Dry, without these they could no more breathe, than those Aristotle testifies of, could with∣out Bags of Water on the Top of Olympus; and in Moist, they are as necessary to wash Dirt and Sand out of the Pores of their Bodies.

As for the Medical Intent, many Distempers caused by Fulness of Humours, or ill-bred Chyme, are expelled by this Exorcism; but the Grand Expectation relating to Venereal Diseases, is baffled and defeated by a groundless Fallacy.

On the Day of the Vernal Equinox,* 1.24 we returned to Gombroon, when the Moors introduce their New-Year Aede, or Noe Rose, with Banquetting and great Solemnity.

The Air,* 1.25 which at Spahaun is ••o Serene that it leaves no Impurity upon Metals, is of another Temper here, all things contracting Soil and Tarnish, be they never so carefully preserved from the daily Increase of a thick corrupting Air. Which proceeds from the Reign of the South Wind usual at this Season, from whence the Brain and Nervous Offspring suffer under an unnatural Moisture; 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; Capiti aqua est perniciosa, Hern. Paraph. in Part. Hyp. Aph. 22. Lib. 5. Sicut Aph. 5. lib. 5. The South Wind dulls the Hearing, and Quick∣ness of Sight, brings Listlessness and an Unweildiness over the whole Body: To which Inconveniences, not only of the Wind,

Sand, and eating of Dates, we may add the constant feeding upon Fish also, as an Enemy to the Eyes; for by such Food the Body is filled with putrid Humours, whence proceed Malignant Fevers, Gout, Falling-sickness, and an Iliad of Distempers. The reason to be ren∣dred for all this, may be, Because the Strength of the Nerves con∣sist in a Mediocrity of Heat; for what comes nearest to Heat, agrees better with their Constitution; but what brings Moisture is most pre∣judicial, according to the Mind of the great Author of Physick, Aph. 16. lib. 5. Which notwithstanding, as every Nature is disposed, so it is affected with this or that Disease: For the Fountain of all Maladies, with their several kinds, spring either from the Irregu∣larities of Air or of Diet, since we are nourished by both, and can no longer live than while we breathe and suck in Air, than we can subsist without Food: Such therefore as the Air is, such are the Spi∣rits and Humours generated thereby; such as the Humours, such are the solid Parts of the Body, and in general the whole Microcosm.

By Repletion therefore of the Brain, the Optick Nerves are debi∣litated and clouded by the Impurity of the Innate and Adventitious Air: The beginning of the Nerves being filled with Humidity, not only the forementioned Sicknesses, but Ulcerous and Foul Sores, by the aptness of the Air at this Juncture combining with other con∣curring Accidents, make an open Way for their Procreation. Hence the Maritime Coasts, from the filthy Exhalations and nasty Vapours diffusing themselves, impress a Dyscrasy, or undue Mixture over the Mass of Blood: To wit; As if the Sulphurous Saline Particles should be exalted, a Rankness of Temperament follows; by which means the Spirits are depress'd, and the Blood alter'd into a sickly corroding Habit, for want of liberal Evacuation through the Emunctuaries, and so are quite degenerated. As we see, for instance, now daily, the Clouds hovering about the bottom of the Mountains, so the Hu∣mours profligated no other way, settle in the extreme Parts, till they break out into ungovernable Ulcers, Scurvy, and the like.

To avoid therefore the Stench of the Port, as well as Commu∣nication with the Caun, we often exchange Gombroon for Asseen, which now is perfumed with Jasmine of all sorts, Roses, Violets, and Prim∣roses, with other fragrant Flowers; here grow also the Black Hore∣hound, Spurge, Catminth or Nepe, Liverwort, the lesser Centaury, Hedg Mustard, Wintercress, Grunsel, Field-Poppy, Broom, Goose∣foot, Arach, Cichory and Dill: The Barley growing here is now fit for the Scythe, being their first Harvest. In this Place as we rode to take the Air through Stony and Barren Places, we met a Channel of living Waters, brought from the Mountains (whence it breaks forth) by an Aquaduct, sometimes over little Bridges, some∣times piercing the very Mountains, at the Cost of the Dutch Banyan (the first of this Tribe of Men that deserves Praise for his Contempt of Money, lavished in many Places for the Publick Utility), to the Dutch Garden, where it disembogues its self into a great Stone Ci∣stern, for the use of the Farms on that side of the Town.

All these Plains bear Indian Shrubs,* 1.26 such Milky ones as we have described there; but near the Head of the Channel, in an Hollow made by the falling of the Water in the Rains, grows Willow-wort;

Lysimachia cum flore albo quinque foliis expanso è rubescente calice prognato floret; which discovers a Participation or Communication of this side of Persia with India: But that which farther confirms it, is, that as in our Way home we made Nabond our Road, a Fishing-Town a Pharsang to the Eastward of Gombroon, on the Brink of the Gulph, we found two Temples after the Custom of the Idolatrous Indians, where a Devote of theirs had drawn a great Concourse, at the Re∣port of his Fasting Nine Days; which being ended, the rich Bany∣ans made a Feast and Presented him with Gifts; for which he return∣ed them an Ear of Grain spiked, in that time Sown before their Mammon, or God, with a Silver Head, which they bore away as a thing Sacred.

Here are many Tombs of their Religious Men, who are wholly devoted to their Superstitions; and because of the diversity of in∣huming them, I shall give you the manner as I received it; A round Pit, in fashion of a Well, being made, they place a stone of Ormus Salt for him to stand on, and another weighty one is put on his Head; a Lamp being lighted, they lay Bread and a Jarr of Water by him, and give him a Staff in his Hand with some Deneiros for his Journy; then they cover the Hole with Molds, and build a Turbi∣nated Tomb, without any Hollow more than for a burning Lamp.

Thus as this part bears the fruits of their Superstition, so the Earth brings forth the Weeds of their Idolatrous Worship; the Arbor de Rais by the Portugals; by the Banyans 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, for the Reverence paid by them to it, the Banyan-Tree: Besides this, this Soil yields good Mango's, Water Melons, and Sweet Onions, with that rank Poyson Dutry, nighest our Solanum Lethale.

At our return from our Country Delights to Gombroon, we found it clear of the Caun, he being absent, otherwise no Grist was like to come to the Shaw Bunder; for during his stay no Banyans could be invited hither; but no sooner was he gone, than they came to their Stalls, as Sheep do after the fear of the Wolf is over, to their wonted Pasture.

About the beginning of April Fifteen Tall Ships,* 1.27 with Gallies of the Portugals, appeared in this Gulf to terrify the Arabs; and about the middle of the same Month, the same Ship that carried off the President, brought us a New Agent; who being sickly, was willing to leave the Port with all expedition, to be at Spahaun before the Heats; which Journy commenced after an almost total Eclipse of the Moon, notified to us by the loud Musick and constant Hubbub continued all the while.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Valleys filled with Snow.
• * 1.2

  We defend our selves with Furs.
• * 1.3

  At Chu••destan a Camel Mad with Lust.
• * 1.4

  Obedah, a Town of Vineyards.
• * 1.5

  Conacaraw and D••hid.
• * 1.6

  Conacurgu and Mushat.
• * 1.7

  The Cold Weather makes our In∣dian Servants useless.
• * 1.8

  Ode IV. ad Sextium.
• * 1.9

  We begin to lose the Win∣ter.
• * 1.10

  The Air grows thick.
• * 1.11

  Our English Mastiffs ma∣ster their Li∣ons.
• * 1.12

  Returned to Gombroon▪
• * 1.13

  The English President af∣fronted by the Caun.
• * 1.14

  The Banyans fly.
• * 1.15

  His Tyranny.
• * 1.16

  Going to Asseen.
• * 1.17

  We Visit the Hot Baths at Genoe.
• * 1.18

  Their Virtues.
• * 1.19

  Two Hospi∣tals Built at the Charge of Two Banyans.
• * 1.20

  All Waters partake of the Conditions of the Earth they pass through.
• * 1.21

  Mineral Wa∣ters distin∣guished from Common.
• * 1.22

  Their differ∣ences.
• * 1.23

  The Medical Benefits of their Baths or Hummums.
• * 1.24

  Noe Rose.
• * 1.25

  The Air moist.
• * 1.26

  Indian Plants grow here.
• * 1.27

  The Portugal Fleet and our new Agent arrive.