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. XI.

Of the various Names, Situation, and Bounds; the Temper of the Air; of the Seasons and Winds; of the High and Stupendious Mountains, their Advantage and Conveniency; of the Fruit∣fulness of the Valleys, occasioned by Snow upon the Hills: Of the Vegetables, Plants, and Minerals; of their Fowl, Four∣footed Beasts, and Fishes: Their Caravans, Mosques, Hum∣mums, Buzzars, Houses, and Bridges. The City Suffahaun proposed as a Patern of their Government.

PERSIA by Classick Authors is fabled to have its Name from King Perseus,* 1.1 Son of Andromeda; it was anciently called Elam by the Hebrews, and now by the Inhabitants, Phursistan.

It is sited in the Temperate Zone,* 1.2 under the Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Climates: In time of Yore the Monarchy of the whole World devolved upon it, and which is miraculous, is not quite ex∣tinguished to this day; although the Bounds of the Empire were straitned or enlarged, according to the ebbing or flowing of Fortune. In its Infancy it was mighty, for Nimrod was a Powerful Hunter, that is, a great Prince; and as it grew up it increased in Strength; but from the Grand Cyrus to Darius the Mede, it seemed to be in the Flower of its Age, when it was Mistress of all the Earth which the vast Ocean washes on this side, and the Hellespont on the other. After the Death of Alexander the Great, it was miserably divided by the Contentions of his Captains; and long since by the Incur∣sions

of the Saracens it has been declining, unless where it has healed its self towards those Parts bordering on India; by which means it has not lost much of its Modern Greatness, though the Turks within this Century have forced the Low Countries of Babylon and Mesopo∣tamia, which the Persians were as willing to resign as they to take, they being a continual Charge to defend, and no Advantage to the Persians, but rather an unnecessary Trouble: On which Reflections there is nothing forbids, but that with the Judicious Boterus we may state its Limits between the Caspian Sea, the Persian Gulph, the Lake Stoke, with the Rivers Oxus and Tigris, and the Bay and Kingdom of Cambaia; which Tract contains in it from East to West more than Twenty Degrees, and from North to South above Eighteen, whereby the Days are prolonged or shortned three Hours.

Under this Account is to be reckoned the greater part of Georgia, with the Islands in either Seas.

It is distinguished into Provinces; the exact Number whereof, as divided at present, (they as often changing Names as Governors), I have not been certainly informed.

Quintus Curtius erred something when he said,* 1.3 Regio non alia in tota Asiâ salubrior habetur, temperatum Coelum; hinc perpetuum jugum opacum et umbrosum, quod Aestas laevat; illinc Mare adjunctum quod mo∣dico tepore terras fovet. There is not a Region in all Asia esteemed healthier, the Air being temperate; on this hand the Heaven is shaded and the Vales defended by the Tops of Mountains, which qualifies the Heat; on the other, surrounded with Seas and Rivers, which by a friendly Warmth cherish the Land; for that Places near the Tropicks make some Exceptions, where in the Summer they en∣dure great Heat, not only from the nearness of the Sun (because we often observe strange differences to happen in the same Climate), but from the Sands, and Sulphurous Exhalations steaming from the Mountains, which are impregnated herewith; whenas Reason per∣suades, the Time must be hotter than in other Seasons of the Year: As also in the Midland Country the Cause holds good for its intense Coldness in Winter, and almost through every Quarter at Nights; the Penury of Vapours where the Earth is Rocky and Mountainous, the Rivers are scarce and small, the Snows lye undissolved, nor are there any Woods of that Bigness to hinder the freedom of the Blasts descending pure upon the Vales: On which account immoderate Driness invades the Mediterranean Parts, the Air is Serene and Vo∣latile, which as it is highly serviceable to the Respiration of all Li∣ving Creatures, so it mightily contributes to their Preservation as well as Generation: Moreover, from this Rarity of the Air, follows an undeniable Argument of its Frigidity, and thence a farther con∣comitant of its Siccity; from all which results a Dry Constitution; for 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; Siccitas hu∣mores facit qualitate sicciores; Driness of the Air makes the Hu∣mours drier, which the Inland of Persia enjoys from a Concatena∣tion of Causes both of Heat and Cold.

The whole Region is very fruitful of Barren Mountains,* 1.4 inclosing the Valleys, being Excrescencies of the Mountain Taurus; nor can I disbelieve in many places, but that the Plains do more than enough

abound with Plenty, since no Place is unprovided with store of all good things; but on the contrary, like the Promised Land, it over∣flows. What Archiseles relates of the Island Ithica, may be applied to this Country, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; fragosum esse quidem, sed juvencularum optimum nutritorem: That it was craggy indeed, but an excellent Breeder of Cattel; the Sheep it brings forth are prodigiously large, trailing Tails after them, of the Weight, some of them, of Thirty Pound, full of Fat, they being stalled to that pitch, that Hogs fed among us with the most Care and Skill, cut not thicker than these do, especially after Vintage, and the Cotton-Harvest, when they are turned in to crop the Leafs and tender Branches of the Vine, and gather up the scattered Seeds of the Cot∣ton, with which they thrive so infinitely, that little Flesh is to be seen, it all being converted to Suet: At other times, for want of Pasture they brouze on Shrubs and Thistles spread to and again, and in Winter are foddered with Barley-Straw, and now and then with a little Barley.

Their Neat, though small, are sleek and well-liking, whose Milk is very good for present spending, but it's better to make Butter on than Cheese. This Country has Goats in Herds, Tame ones, as well as both Sheep and Goats on the Mountains, which are Fierce and Wild, producing Bezoar; which together with Stags and Antelopes are caught by Hawks instructed for that purpose.

Their Horses,* 1.5 though they have degenerated from their Primitive Race, (inest enim Equis patrum virtus; for even in Horses the Vir∣tue of their Sires are communicated to their Breed;) still are they the best of all the East, unless the Arabian be preferred for swifter Coursers and light Horses: However for Charging Horses, and Stout Warlike Steeds, they are valued above all others.

The Asses, though little, yet will they amble with a quick Pace over Mountains where Horses cannot pass, and those used to Packs are such as no other Nation can equal. The Mules and Camels are their over Land Ships, by which they transport their Merchandise over all the Earth.

Hyrcania brings forth Wild Beasts, such as Foxes, Wolves, and Tygres, but for want of Dens and Lurking-places, and by reason of the untilled and waste Desarts being devoid of Food, is less in∣fested with them than other places; wherefore in long travelling here they go more unconcerned than in those parts where they are constantly alarmed by them, and are forced to be on their Guard, lest at unawares they should be surprized, they snorting every where securely under the wide Canopy of Heaven; and those that set upon the Flocks by chance are easily mastered by the Shepherds Curs, which are sharp Biters.

Wild Fowl, both for Wing and Water,* 1.6 are brought forth in great Plenty of all sorts, near the Fountain-heads, and Inundations of the melted Snow, falling not into Channels, but overspreading the Bot∣toms, where they dissolve, whereby they seldom stretch into Rivers at length, but stagnate in the Low Grounds, which they wash.

In which Washes sometimes are spawned Mud-Fish,* 1.7 and such as Fens and Lakes are famous for. The Caspian Sea nourishes Salmon,

Trouts, and Sturgion, and the Persian Gulph sends abroad much Fish for salting; the Rivers are not very full, nor are they stocked with great Variety.

Bread••Corn in many places admits a threefold Crop,* 1.8 and generally without that Toil by Water-Courses as between the Tropicks, the Rains in most places bestowing a more welcome Nutriment; but more especially from the white Spume of the Celestial Waters (with which the Hills are coated all the Seasons of the Year), in Winter crusted by Frost, in Summer (by reason of the Sun's Heat, and more exalted Motion) thawed, thereby constantly distilling on the humble Vales an inexhausted Store, as wealthy as what flows from Aemus Tops to enrich the Thessalian Fields.

Where these Supplies are not so lasting (or altogether wanting) as nearer the Zodiac, there often under Ground a Vault is continued for many Leagues, with open Pits at a fit distance to let in the Air, and the Water carried deep to keep it from tasting of the Salt Sur∣face (after the manner of common Sewers in our great Cities), which it would do, were not the Wells Mouths left open: For Houshold Service Rain-Water is only used.

In all this Country neither Oats nor Grass are found, because lon∣ger Time is required to their springing up, than either the Intervals of Heat or Cold will grant; for no sooner does the Spring enter, than the Sun defaces their Verdure by parching up the Blades of either; and when Autumn claims Preeminence at its Equinox, then no soon∣er do they peep out, than they are nipped by the Recess of the Innate Heat: Wherefore no Green Meadows or spangled Fields are here ex∣pected, but such as are created by indefatigable Labour, unless they be hoped to be seen in Vintages, or under Groves or Orchards, or by Rivulets sides gliding from the declining Hills.

The first are set generally on Fruitful Ridges of the Eastern Mounts,

—Denique apertos Bacchus amat Colles—Virg. Georg. 2.

The latter are the frequent Advantages to Villages, and the sweet Pleasure of the larger Towns; where Trees and Flowers grow up together, that the one may yield a safe shelter to the other, against the Extremes of Heat or Cold; in both whose Prime a fragrant Blandishment conspire no less, than to entice the willing Senses: But for Elegancy of Culture and choice of Slips, I see them not over emulous; which Neglect gives just occasion of Wonder, since their Worldly Happiness is placed in fine Gardens, which no Nation ap∣pears to me more to Idolize.

For Fuel,* 1.9 the combustible Heath is more common than flourish∣ing Trees for Timber; but for Sallads it yields all that are desirable, both Herbs and Roots; and some of the most Medicinal Plants are of the Natural Growth of this Country.

There is an heavy Tax laid upon Tobacco,* 1.10 though it be the choicest in these Parts.

To these Blessings for Pleasure,* 1.11 Necessity, and Physick, are added others for Profit: Gums, the most Rich, distil every where: From Carmania, Goats-Wool (as much to be prized as Jason's Golden Fleece)

with which our Hatters know well how to falsify their Bevers; and the Natives how more honestly to weave both Cloth and Carpets very fine, which they sell at dear Rates. The Flocks and courser Wool of their Sheep stand them in some stead, they kneading it into Felts, for Seamless Coats for the ordinary sort of People, for their common wearing; and their Skins with the Wool on, are both an Ornament and Safeguard against the roughest Weather: But Lambs-skins with their crisped Wool are of more Credit, (they being excellent Artists to make them keep their Curl), and not disdained to be worn by the chiefest Gentry; of whose Leather they make good Merchandise, it being esteemed better than Turkish, their Tan∣ners being expert at dressing, not only these and Kid, but other Hides of larger size, which therefore are bought up with Greediness by all Foreigners, for their real Excellency.

Goats and Camels, after other good Services performed, be∣queath their Hair to their Weavers, of which they make water'd Camlets.

But above all, the Wool-bearing Cotton-Shrub renders by its Wealthy Down those Riches which are deeper digg'd for.

Nor does the Silk-worm lay it self out less for the Publick Weal, while it spins out its own Bowels, until nothing be left within its Cask but Air; contrary to the Trite Saying of Aristotle, Ex nihilo nihil fit; Out of Nothing comes Nothing; for by the Industry of this Infect, the first Foundation of the Persian Silks, Velvets, and Rich Embroider'd Carpets, are laid, with which the greatest part of the habitable World do Pride themselves.

And since we descend to these busy Tutors of Mankind, who up∣braid the slothful and oscitantly idle, let us step through the Mo∣narchy of the Bees, and taste the Sweets they suck from Nature's ample Storehouse, and see how they return with Thighs laden with Honey, to stock themselves, and build their Mansionss to nourish their young, and enough to spare to feed Mankind besides; and in their Last Testament make the Persians Legatees, by leaving them huge Cakes of Wax.

Let's look a little lower,* 1.12 and ransack the Deep, and we shall find the Persian Pearls excelling all others that are generated in Sea-shells, from which Beds are brought forth Ʋnions, adorning the Necks and Ears of the greatest Princesses, and the Crowns and Diadems of the mightiest Emperors, begot at certain Seasons of the Year in the Flesh of Oysters, as the Concrete Grains or Hardness in Swines-Flesh (I suppose scrophulous Tumors), by the Dew of Heaven, says Tertullian. Whence if it Thunders or Lightens, says Pliny, the Oysters are straitned, or miscarry; but others render it quite con∣trary: So that I should leave their Original as disputable here as ever, if no Belief could be fixed on Experience, which confirms their Increase to be chiefly owing to the Virtue both of Showers and Thunder.

Before we launch too far,* 1.13 let us examine with what Faculties this Land is endued: Indeed it is blessed with many more than at first landing the Superficies does promise; for besides the already enume∣rated Excellencies, it is not altogether a dead Soil, though it be

right enough termed so by Paracelsus, speaking generally; for it is not to be understood as comprehensible in the Element, but as it subsists and lives impregnated in the Microcosm, it receiving its Foe∣cundity through its Virtue, whereby it vegetates, and takes upon it the Nature of Minerals, Stones, Gaults, or Clay, and of Animals, as well as Plants. We having yet but lightly turned up the Glebe, have hardly given the Potter his handful of White Marble to form into Vessels without Fucus, deservedly challenging the Superiority; unless the Ancient Chinese would restore the true Porcelin, which they cannot, it requiring the Growth of some Ages, which their late Civil Wars and Tumults has forbidden to be effected, while they wreak their Anger on these Treasuries, to the Ruin of their Enemies, and the utter loss of their own Reputation in that Point.

Lapis Tutiae & Manatae from Carmania;* 1.14 and the best Brimstone from the County of Lhor.

Bole, famed for its Power by the general Consent of all the Phy∣sicians in the World, is carried from Armenia and its Neighbouring Territories, for their Use.

Deeper in the Bowels of the Mines,* 1.15 the Turquoise (the most lively of any) endures the Rape of those that search for it.

But the Lapis Lazuli,* 1.16 vulgarly called the Armenian Stone, is imputed to be a Native of that Region; for the true Lapis Lazuli is brought hither only by the Tartars inhabiting beyond the Caspian Sea; and then, but when they come on Embassies to the Suffee, (for others of their Nation are not permitted to expatiate the Uni∣verse, or wander from their own Homes, nor for Strangers is it law∣ful to enter their Dominions): Wherefore neither can they trans∣port it on this side, nor on the other side will they hold any Cor∣respondence with these: However it happens, under these Difficul∣ties and Restraints the Armenians sometimes do attempt to acquire it, leaving no Stone unturn'd to purchase it; and having once gained it, they suck thence as much Profit, as they please to value the Hazard of the Enterprize at, wherein they use little Conscience; whence it comes to pass it is sold for such vast Rates to the Europeans. From this Stone is made that Colour they name Ʋltra-marine Blue, though the Azure be made of the German Stone: It is besides com∣mended for purging all Melancholy Affects.

The Mountains produce Marbles hard enough to endure the Polish,* 1.17 if they knew how to bestow it; yet besides the Monuments of Per∣sepolis, where Statues and Columns are beholden for their Splen∣dor to that Science, and the Dens and Caves Mouths of the old Gaurs bear some deformed ones, (unless the King's Palaces have some Tanks, and the Princes and Great Men some Gate-Posts and Lintels smoothly polished), few others are seen; for what reason I know not, unless their Religion prohibit, or they delight more in Brick and Muddy Walls, though less durable, or that it is so decreed by Fate, even as Things or Times naturally decline from bad to worse: Thus it is, from Marble Cities they are now become hardly Brick; by which means the most sumptuous Tombs of the foregoing Emperors hardly declare to the succeeding Generation in whose Memory they were intended.

As the Mountains bring forth Marble, so the Earth dispenseth Hot Baths and Mineral Waters for their Commodity;* 1.18 in like manner, Natural Mummy, and a Liquid Bitumen in the Lake from whence Semiramis took Cement to unite the Wall she built round Babylon; and from about Thirty Mountains near the same place about Scha∣machia, as it is conjectured, springs the famous Naphtha.

At the Foot of the high Mountain Barmuch are found several sorts of Minerals,* 1.19 with which its prodigious Womb is pregnant: But at finding of these, as their Ingenuity is slow, so for certain they are less apt to put themselves upon extraordinary Labours in Spagyrical Ope∣rations; having hitherto been content with the dull Metals of Lead and Iron, had not lately Hermes Wand directed them to the Scru∣tiny of a Copper Vein; from whence they reap not greater Emolu∣ment than the Hollanders do Detriment: For formerly as they brought great Quantities from Japan, that turned to good Account, now that Trade falls off; and whereas before it yielded them besides Cloth of Gold and Silver, Silks and Velvets, Carpets and other Ma∣nufactories, which they are obliged by Compact to take off their hands every Year, to the entire Sum of Fifty thousand Thomands, all which they more than cleared, carrying away moreover several Tuns of Gold and Silver in Coin; at present they can but just pay, and make even the aforesaid Indenture.

About Siras are to be digged Mines of Gold and Silver, but they quit neither Cost nor Pains, wherefore they have laid aside the far∣ther Inquest into them.

Hitherto we have run through a spacious Field, though perhaps not every where equally fortunate in every thing; for,

Hic Segetes, illic veniunt foelicius Ʋvae Arborei foetus alibi.—

Here Corn grows best, there Vines do flourish more; Woods in another place produce their Store.

Though for the most part this is an hospitable Soil, cherishing in its Matrice whatever is kindly sowed.

And this Increase is continued without any notable River,* 1.20 that hath either Breadth or Depth for to bear laden Vessels of any Bulk: For, as Varenius writes, the manner whereby any Rivers of conside∣rable or indifferent Bigness exist, are twofold; either from the con∣junction of many Rivulets into one Stream, or that they flow from great Lakes; the former of which every one hinders, while they draw every Brook to their own Use; so that instead of filling large Channels, they almost drein them quite, which might otherwise merit to be called great Rivers; to wit, that of Siras and Persepo∣lis, which washing its Plain, makes a long Journy before it mixes with the Salt Sea: And lastly, the River at Suffahaun, which never runs with a full Current, only about the Autumnal Quarter, when sometimes by Rain, but always by the dissolved Snows after Summer is over, the Husbandmen breaking down their Dams, purposely rai∣sed to keep the Waters up for the sake of the Rice, the Waters being

let loose, return to the Main Channel, and raise themselves to the Brims of its Banks, otherwise passable in most places: This first way failing, we shall see what Supply is to be expected from the Lake Stoke, which lies too low to ascend the High Countries; and for the Caspian Sea or Lake, I doubt not it will appear as impossi∣ble, if it be true what is said in behalf of it, That many mighty Rivers empty themselves into it, which it receives without the least Augmentation, and therefore cannot return their Kindness recipro∣cally.

Which being consider'd,* 1.21 this Land is chiefly beholden to whole∣some Springs of Living Water, to quench the Thirst of Plants as well as living Creatures, which are to that End bestowed on them apart by a more Liberal Providence, than either of the former by a joint Consent.

Notwithstanding the impending Clouds,* 1.22 they are mostly without Rain; and though they lowre some Weeks together, they rarely drop Moisture.

The sudden Gusts and impetuous Blasts from the Mountains hin∣dring them,* 1.23 oftner cause near the Maritime Coasts, Hurricanes of Wind, and wonderful Tempests of Sand, so Thick and Black, that the Clouds raised thereby benight the very Day, and while the Storm lasts (which is not long) induces a Darkness to be felt; and the Fury over, it leaves the Effects of a Fired Air: Unless when the Seven Stars arise on this Horizon at the beginning of Spring, when a mellifluous Dew lies not long on the Trees and the Plants,* 1.24 before it be concrete into the choicest Manna.

And although at stated Times the Snow does furnish them with Water, yet it suffers in nothing more than in extreme Drought. Which is the reason Eminent Cities and Market-Towns stand not thick, but are at vast distances one from another; nor are the Villa∣ges less straggling, two scarcely falling under the Eye from the Tops of their highest Mountains, excepting in some few of their Wealthi∣est Plains.

The most principal Cities I have seen, are Gombroon, and Bunder-Congo, two great Ports in the Gulph of Persia, famous for Traffick on that side of the World. Lhor, the Granary for these Ports. Je∣rom, excelling in Dates. Siras, like another Phoenix-sprung out of the Ashes of Persepolis, which still retains the Dignity and Majesty of the Metropolis of Persia, strictly so called; after the same man∣ner as Ispahaun, Spahaun, or Suffahaun, most properly is of Parthia; only so much the more Honourable, by how long it shall please the Emperor to fix his Throne there.

Those Cities which Fame has brought to our Ears,* 1.25 are Casbin, ano∣ther Royal City, bordering on the Caspian, sicklier than Spahaun, tho it exceed it in Plenty of all things. Taberez, i. e. Taurus in Arme∣nia, not far from Mount Ararat, now the Seat of the Chief Pa∣triarchate; it is conterminous to the Turks, and the most Trading Empory on that side. For weaving and transporting Silks and Vel∣vets, Gillan stands in the first Rank; in the second, Sherwan. Jouscan sells excellent Wool, and from Mushat is brought the best Iron and Copper, these being Cities in Carmania. At Derab is the true Pissa∣sphaltus:

At Nerez, Assa Foetida: At Shabanat are the best Bezoar-Stones.

The Buildings of their Cities are of Three Sorts,* 1.26 the Houses being diversified in respect of the Place, Time, and Persons; for the Forms of those of the Citizens, Nobles, and Peasants, are not all alike: As those in Sandy and Hot Places are of one Shape, and those in Rocky, Stony, and Cold Parts of another: So likewise the Anniversary Mu∣tations in any of these, make them fit their Habitations for those Quarters.

The Palaces of the Potentates are built mostly after this manner: Towards the Street appears little or no Frontispiece, more than the Porch, which makes a square stately Building, arched at top, under which is a stately Balcony, open on every side, over the Hastle, which compasses neat Apartments, and are defended from the Sun's Heat by large Umbrelloes or Penthouses, stretching themselves wide to draw in the cool Air, the embowed parts whereof are fretted, and the out-parts shine with Blue inlaid with Gold: The Casements, or Folding-doors rather, sparkle with Glorious Panes of Glass of several Colours, and declare the Workmanship of the Carvers; as does the outside Slates the Skill of the Tilers in Glazing and Painting, as well as the Marble Facing the Ingenious Design of the Surveyor.

From the Portal runs on each hand round the Garden a Mud-Wall very high, though not very thick, which another Wall thwarts just in the middle, from the Porch to the main Building, thereby to part the Mens Quarters from the Womens; the latter whereof encloses the Kitchen-Garden; the other is destined for Fragrant Plants, Aro∣matick Flowers, and outstretching Trees for Pleasure, as well as bearing Fruit for Use. The Houses are so contrived, that in the Summer they are open Banqueting-Houses, refreshed with Fountains as they sit in Frisco, which descend thence to all the Quadrangles by Water-Courses. Since the greatest part of this Empire is not far off the Northern Tropick, it is therefore no wonder it should com∣plain of Heat, especially in the Summer, at which Season the Sun strikes the Earth more directly with its Rays; for which cause, amongst all of them, Aquaducts and Fountains in the very Rooms below Stairs, are mightily prized, with Water-works playing to cool the burning Particles of the incensed Air; and the whole Structure is constituted so, that it may receive these Refreshments every way it is capable: Wherefore they defend their Dwellings from the Sun, and are constantly sprinkling Water around their Seats from these Currents; and from their Tops have many Breathing-places to re∣ceive the Wind, which are so fixed, that whatever Breezes stir, they shall suck them in, and transmit them to all the Rooms of the House, as they list.

In Winter, if they be remote from the Sea, they shut up their open Halls and Parlours, and make them close Apartments, by let∣ting-down those Umbrelloes that shaded them in Summer, to keep them warm in the cold Winter, till its Severity be past, spreading all the Floor with Quilts thick and warm, and kindling Stoves in all their Bedchambers: These also are of a different Model from those nearer the Sea, They being mostly flat, These arched: Their Roofs

are made of Wood fetch'd from India, with transverse Beams upon Clay walls, or Stone with untempered Mortar, till they come to the just Altitude of their Houses, when the Interstitia or Spaces be∣tween Beam and Beam are filled with Palm-Leafs neatly laid and painted, which serve for Cieling.

It is universally common to Spherical, Arched, or Plain Buildings, to lay vast Loads of Mud at top; and what is more wonderful, only with Mud and Clay, they will rear most spacious Arches, without other matter of Assistance; whereupon either against Snows or Rains, should they continue (which they never do long) they would make but faint Resistance; for being soaked thoroughly, they would re∣solve into their first Entity: Whence in great Snows, to defend and keep their Dwellings standing, they shovel it all from the Tops of their Houses into the Lanes, and thereby obstruct the Passages of their most Publick Streets, when the Snow has not fallen above two days, and also endanger the Foundations; which the Rich bet∣ter secure by Brick Bottoms, than the Poor, whose Fabricks often totter on such occasions: However, they have a better Opportunity against Fire, their Mansions affording little combustible Substance for that to feed on.

The Citizens are not so sumptuous as the Nobles; and the Villages are content with Cottages, with either Plain or Arched Roofs, nei∣ther presuming to exalt them to an unbecoming Height, in regard of either of their Stations: Their Casements are latticed, not going to the Price of Glass, which is Foreign, and for that reason scarce. Concluding then with these Tenements, we are brought to view on what Basis their Government stands: For the Welfare and Support of Cities, are the Observation of their Laws;

Salus Civium in Legibus consistit.

Wholsome Laws the City's Safety are, Against all Violence the surest Bar.

Justitia una alias virtutes continet omnes.

Justice alone all other Virtues holds.

And as a Patern of all their Politicks, I shall propose Spahaun (or rather Suffahaun,* 1.27 as by and by shall be declared), not only the Head of Parthia, but of the whole Nation; which Region by Mercator is named Arac, placed between Media, Persia, Carmania, and Hyrcania: By some is is called Charasan; by the Inhabitants, Airoon; it lies al∣most under the Fifth Climate, in Thirty seven Degrees of Latitude North, and Eighty six of Longitude East; the Days differ Three Hours in the Course of the Year: Nor are the Seasons so calm and sedate, that they should be esteemed temperate, so as not to exceed in either Extreme, where in Summer they must use Caves, Vaults, and Grottoes, and in Winter Stoves and Hot-houses.

The Air is very rare at Spahaun, and the Wind drying: The City has no need of Walls, where so many Marble Mountains stand as a

Guard, or Bulwark of Defence; it has indeed a Tower, but it is a Mud one, rather serving as an Armory, than to be relied on as a place of Strength; so that I shrewdly suspect whether ever this were the Hecatompylos of Ortellius, as is related by more than one. The Circumference of the Body of the City I guess may measure Seven Miles; but if the dispersed Gardens and Seats of the Great Men, with the Palace Royal be brought into that Computation, we must allow it as many Pharsangs.

The Journy to it is difficult in Bands, Troops, or Companies, by reason of the uneven Way encompassing every side for many Miles together; therefore to attempt coming to it with an Army or Warlike Force, must not be ascribed to Prudence of Conduct or Valour, unless there should arise another Alexander (which must be imputed to his good Fortune, rather than Prowess or Virtue) hairbrain'dly resolute to undergo no Repulse, tho the Exterprize sur∣pass all human Probability: For it must unavoidably fare with him literally, as it did hyperbolically only with Xerxes his Host, who are reported to have been so numerous as to drink whole Rivers dry as they passed; what then would Cisterns of Rain-water do, or now and then a small Brook, to quench the Thirst even of an ordinary Detachment, not likely to put so Populous a City in the least Con∣sternation? But to find Food in such Bye and Desolate Paths for any considerable Force, would be past possibility, unless at the Expence of a Miracle. By these Bars, whereby the Passes are easily secured (an Handful of Men being able to withstand an Host) and the Avenues inaccessible, the Hostile Arms of the Turks have been put to a stop, who otherwise would have set no Bounds to th••••r Desires, could they have conquered these Obstacles, whereby they would at the same time have carried the Empire too.

The small Attendance we carried up to Spahaun, was demonstra∣tion enough of this Truth; for though we fared well, yet it was tiresome, and few else meet with the like Conveniences, they being assured that we would more than reward their readiness to provide for us, whereby we the better overcame those Straits, which prepa∣red an Entrance into the large Field where this invincible City lay open to us; deriving its Annual Nutriment from a clear River, which it bestows plentifully from its hollow Womb: But that which it bears the Bays away for, is its being seated in the very Heart of the Empire.

For sake whereof,* 1.28 its Founder (or at least, Adorner) Shaw Abas the Great, advisedly chose it for his Imperial Throne, that thence he might more readily disperse his Mandates, and be assisting by his Auxiliaries, to any suffering Part, assaulted by the bold Incursions of his Enemies; irradiating like the Sun in the Firmament (by the In∣fluence of his Power) all within the Sphere of his Government: So that while the utmost of his Dominions are seasonably supplied with the comfortable Warmth of his Protection, he safely resides within, invulnerable from Foreign Strokes, and reigns in this his Capital City without Controul. And as the Founders of Old Rome promi∣sed Eternity to their Empire as well as City, in digging up a Man's Skull, and thence, as from the best Omen, were encouraged; as

not being persuaded the Capitol could be a fit Basis for the Monar∣chy of the World, unless it were built on the Foundation that was so luckily offered them: So from the same Auspicious Sign Shaw Abas presaged the like happy Event, building a Pillar of his Enemies Heads, raised as a Trophy to his Valour. What else is August in Suffa∣haun, are the remaining Products of his Brain, more truly than Mi∣nerva was said to be the Offspring of Jove.

The magnificently-arch'd Buzzars, which form the Noble Square to the Palace; the several Publick Inns, which are so many Sera∣glios; the stately Rows of Sycamores, which the World cannot pa∣rallel; the glorious Summer-houses, and pleasant Gardens, the stu∣pendious Bridges, sumptuous Temples, the Religious Convents, the College for the Professors of Astronomy, are so many lasting Pyra∣mids and Monuments of his Fame; though many of them begin to sink in their own Ruin, for want of timely Repair; such is the fatal Calamity of human Structures, Time corroding the most durable: But to speak properly and truly, the Cause of so early a Decay is the slothful Nature, and disregard of their Forefathers Honour, that possesses the improvident Persians, lest any thing tending to perpe∣tuate their Memories, should by reviving their Virtues be made use of as a Reproach to their instant Supineness; and for that reason they let all fall to the Ground, never offering to underprop a decli∣ning Building.

This City has Caesar for its principal Patron;* 1.29 under him the Caun, who is President of the Province, or County-Sheriff, (who is ever one of the Prime Nobility, and of the highest Rank among the Courtiers ••lways on Duty near the Emperor's Person, that he may be ready to give an account of his Charge upon demand, and at hand to introduce all Addresses that concern his Office to represent; being as it were a Skreen between so high a Majesty, and the meanness of the Popularity under his Protection, lest they should intrude too pro∣phanely, or be struck blind by the too bright Rays of an Absolute Power) is interposed as a fit Medium, to qualify by a suitable Intercession the necessary distance each Condition ought to be kept at, to maintain the mutual Benefit expected on both sides. Whilst he is thus employed, and receives the greatest Profits of his Lordship, he deputes his Lieutenant to the Trust of governing, who transacts all in his Name, as his Chief Vicar.

But the Suffee's Vicar-General is by his Place the Second Person in the Empire,* 1.30 and always the First Minister of State, called by them Etimundoulet, The Chief Slave; under whose Jurisdiction the Provinces of lesser Note do fall, and are at his disposing immediate∣ly next the Emperor's; whose Cauns or Dukes therefore are obliged to constant Residence in their several Districts; and if it fortune that at any time they have Business with the Emperor, they apply them∣selves to the Etimundoulet, as to the Lord Chancellor of the whole Kingdom, to whose Management they commit themselves and their Cause; who cannot be absent from their Metropolis at any time, be∣fore they have constituted a Ganizeen, which is an Under-Sheriff, who, thereby transmit their Authority to him, only reserving the Ho∣nour to themselves.

All these Prefects in their Dominions behave themselves after the Example of the Emperor himself,* 1.31 in respect of Grandeur as well as Rule, only remembring they are but Tenants at Will, and therefore fail not to present their Master and his Family with the First Fruits of the Growth of each Province; which Annual Commemoration is a Monitor of their Homage and Fealty to their Supreme Lord, which he exacts as a due Debt, and they pay as an acknowledgment of their Servitude to him; in which as long as they continue in his Grace, at every New-Year's Day he sends them a Livery, or Robe of Honour, to be retained his Slaves, which they receive as a Mark of the highest Favour; and to be called a Goloomy Shaw, The King's Vassal, is the highest Apex of their Ambition.

Subordinate to the forementioned Officers,* 1.32 is the Droger, or Mayor of the City, or Captain of the Watch or the Rounds: It is his Duty to preside with the Main Guard a-nights before the Palace-Gates, and thence to make Excursions through the City, to disperse, secure, and apprehend Idle and Vagrant Persons, that can give no Account of themselves, to punish Offenders of that nature, and to keep the Peace.

In all their Buzzars, which are locked up in the dead of the Night, there are Watches to prevent Thieves, at the common Expence of every Shopkeeper.

The next in Office is the Questor Zygostates,* 1.33 or Clerk of the Mar∣ket, known among them by the Title of Calenture; he fixes the Price of Corn, has the Oversight of all Bakers, Cooks, &c. and by his own Authority can not only confiscate their Goods to the Poor, but mulct with loss of Life such Offenders as are notoriously irre∣claimable otherwise; many times throwing a Baker into his own Red-hot Furnace, that vends poysonous Corn, or cheats in the Weight; and the Cook into his own Boiling Caldron, for imposing on the People Carrion, or ill-nourishing Flesh, found in Highways or Ditches: Thus deals he with Malefactors of this Batch. Besides, he is Receiver of all the Rents of the City, and pays it into the King's Treasury.

The last Person to be treated of is the Cazy,* 1.34 or Publick Justiciary, who will deserve a special Treatise by himself, and therefore is to be reserved for a fitter season.

But in the mean time we may observe,* 1.35 That by such Cyclops as these are formed the Thunderbolts of the Almighty Jove, whereby he both makes the whole Olympus shake, and preserves the Laws of every private City as well as Country to which they belong. As all things by a Natural Tendency move from the Circumference to the Centre, so from the Confluence of all Nations of the World hither, it becomes the Chief Empory, as well as an Exemplar of their Go∣vernment; although it hath declined much since the Europeans have discovered the way by Sea to India: For long before that it was the Storehouse and general Market for Indian Wares as well as its own; and by consequence, as it was the Staple of the Universe, it was the common Receptacle of all the Money ebbing and flowing from all Parts: But this Bosphorus being stopped, from a Sea it became a

Lake, in which Riches do now stagnate, not circulate, or at least not with that Force they did before.

However, as long as the busy Merchant from the uttermost Coasts, gapes after its Commodities to advance his Pelf, and for his sake the Publick Buzzars are kept in better Repair than less-frequented Buil∣dings, it must be allowed it is so far from a Total Decay of Trade, that few Cities in the World surpass it for Wealth, and none come near it for those stately Buildings; which for that reason are kept entire, while others made of Lime and Slate, belonging to private Persons, hardly last their Founders Lives, for want of timely Care.

For the Citizens rather chuse to dwell in a tottering House,* 1.36 than appear lavish in Costly Building or Apparel, for fear their Governors should suspect they have too much Riches, when they are sure ne∣ver to be at rest till they have dived into the bottom of their Trea∣suries; which Extortion is returned by the King upon their Rulers, whereby the Emperor's Treasure grows exuberantly great: Which is the cause the Citizens so often lay up their Talents in Napkins, since it is a Crime to expose their Wealth by specious or luxurious Shews, according to the accustomed Pride of Wealthiest Corpora∣tions among us.

Whence it proceeds that only Courtiers and Soldiers in this Coun∣try,* 1.37 who are maintained by Annual Pensions, are permitted to live gallantly; whose regard of the Publick Utility is rarely so much considered, as to spare any thing from their manner of enjoying themselves, either to adorn or benefit the Cities in which they reside: On which ground it is, that their best Cities seldom have splendid Edifices to commend them, from mean or private Hands; though in the Suburbs of their Capital City Spahaun, there are many by the Rivers side, both of the Nobles and the Emperors stately Palaces.

But what celebrates it most, are the covered Buzzars, or Market∣places, continued through the whole City; and the Inns of Stran∣gers, occupying them in the time of their Business; their Baths, Temples, and Convents, which have Stipends to support them from being an Eyesore and Blemish in their principal Places; all which deserve a particular Description.

And therefore I shall begin with their Inns,* 1.38 or Caravan Ser Raws, which are divided into Three Species, both in respect of their Site and Form, as well as Matter, through the whole Empire. Those near the Sea-shore for Seven Days Journey or thereabouts, are com∣monly of this Figure; they are reared of unpolished Stones, on an Area Three Foot high, to keep out the Horses, and leave an out∣ward Space for Servants to lye on, whereon are erected Four Pillars, which support Four bowed Roofs, surrounding an Hemispherical Arch in the middle, where at each side over head are large open Windows (or Doors rather) to receive the Air, and at every Cor∣ner of the Square, Forms within a separate Apartment for their Men of Note, which are in open Cloysters; and without, Four more, close, for those that connot endure the Air, or for their Women; every Quarter has a wide Entrance or open Gate to add to its Airy∣ness; to which Inns are no Stables or shady Places for the Beasts of Burthen, unless there happen to be Trees, which is a great chance in

such Sandy, Wild, and Desert Places. To the most famous of these now and then happens to be an Host provided with Necessaries for Travellers, slenderly provided to furnish them at easy Rates with Cheese and Fruit, Bread and Barley, the first whereof the Poor make their Meals on, and their Beasts on the latter: But they must dress both their Victuals and their Beasts themselves, for he affords neither Cook nor any other to the best that come, no more than to the lowest; offering at no more than to sell Mans-Meat and Horse-Meat.

They mostly nest in common,* 1.39 and observe no distinction among themselves either at Church, in the Bath, or in the Caravan Ser Raw; he that comes first, is first served, none give way to another; where∣by there is in the same Inn a multitude of all sorts, Footmen, Horse∣men, Merchants, together with an hideous Confusion of People within, and the Noise of Beasts, Packers, and Servants.

Notwithstanding which, if a Foreign Ambassador with a great Retinue arrive, or any of their Nobles (whom they only respect as Men among them) pitch his Tent, or take up his Quarters with them, these will remove, and proffer him Room, seeking Lodgings on the Outward Lodge, or Advance-Border of the Caravan Ser Raw for themselves; but then this must be esteemed a great Mark of their Compliance, and indeed almost forced, they usually stomaching such a Disturbance with frowning Countenances, and sometimes open Revilings.

This Form, after Seven Days travelling, is from an huddled Stack of Buildings expatiated into a large Square in the middle of the Area, where in the Summer-time both the Cattel and Packs are shut in by Doors lock'd a-nights, and open'd early in the Morn, to keep in the straying Troop together, and for the safety of their Bundles, lest any should be stollen: In the heart of this Square is raised a place as large as a Mountebank's Stage, where the Gelabdar, or Master Muliteer, with his prime Passengers or Servants, have an opportunity to view their whole Caphala.

This Office in Turky is held a Place of Trust and Honour,* 1.40 he being Captain of all the Troops going together, and hires Soldiers, and lists them in his Pay, being a Churlish Nabal to Christians; but he is here of no other Account than to look after his Number of Mules, Camels, or Asses, and to see they bring their Lading safe where consigned, and often becomes subject himself to Bastinadoes on the Soles of the Feet: Whereas the other in his Journey takes upon him a kind of a Bassaship, and never fails to lay any Miscarri∣age or Misfortune on the Bones of the Fringi, or Franks: But it is otherwise here, because of the Rhadary undertaking to secure Tra∣vellers; which is easily done in an entirely-subjected Empire, not liable to Treacherous Insults of Ravening Thieves in Companies, as they are to the Wild Arabs and other Outlaws.

In Winter-time there are Stables capacious of holding Four hun∣dred Carriers Horses together with their Burthens, on the backside of little Chambers, fronting the Peristylium or Cloyster'd Entry, all black with Smoke when they retire into them in the Winter; lying else before them on open Cloysters, which are so many Anticham∣bers

to every one of them, and at first appearance make a Piatza, were not every distinct Arch on each side separated by a Party-Wall, being all alike, and did not the Middle Arch of each side make a diffe∣rence by a more spacious and exalted distinction, each answering the Loftiness of the Porch within, though that rises higher into an aspiring square Tower, with lightsome Summer-Chambers aloft, which makes a Magnificent Entry; and thence the Covering of the Caravan runs on a plain Terras, convenient for the whole Number of Guests to spread their Carpets, Matrasses, Plads, or Beds, for lodg∣ing in the Night time.

Since the Architecture to these in View and Variety (by their alternate Chambers and Cloysters,* 1.41 which by distinct Arches keep their due Order) is no deformed sight, it yields besides a double Utility, for the defence of Strangers against both the Injuries of Heat and Cold: And those of them that are built of Stone or Brick, have not once only stood it out in the nature of strong Forts against their Opposers, but have many times been made tenable, being stored with Ammunition and Provision.

Those nearer Spahaun have most an end the same Form or Shape below, but are oftner tubilated than tabulated above, and are made of Mud for the most part; but in Spahaun its self, where Strangers abide longer, they are more splendid, and larger than any where else; for to this lower Order we have been describing, they add ano∣ther, and sometimes a third, which bear Proportion and exact Syme∣try with each other.

Their Temples represent no great Bulk to the Beholders,* 1.42 nor exalt themselves much towards Heaven, unless some Obelisks, which are sometimes joined with, at other times separate from them: But most an end they observe this Form; The Foundation being laid in a Square, the Roof is supported by four Pillars, in whose middle a great Cupilo lifts up its Head, which the Priests visit Day and Night at every Fourth Hour to call the people to Prayers; the Whole par∣ticipates more of Mosaick than any other Work. In the Dome is no Ornament, nor Seat; on the Ground Mats are strewed; any manner of Carving or Representation whatsoever is banish'd hence.

From the Pomaerium to the outward Court they ascend by Steps, where they bare their Feet, alluding to the Command in Moses his Vision, Pull off thy shooes, for the place whereon thou standest is holy Ground. As soon as they have washed themselves in the Porch, where always is a Baptistery, or Tank for that purpose, they pluck off their upper Garments, especially if they be Cloth of Gold, for Gold also is to them Nigess, i. e. unclean; wherefore they cast from them Gold Rings, or whatever is set in Gold, not being suffered either to sleep or pray with them upon them; but at the same time they open their Silver Phylacteries and Rosaries, wherein in Aggat are engraven some Scraps of their Alcoran, and uncovering their Heads they enter their Churches, and fall down on the Ground, and as they recite their Prayers, often kiss the same, always bowing towards the rising and setting of the Sun, and agree with the Indian Moors in saluting their Genii, and then they depart; unless on their Sabbath-day, which is Friday every Week, the Mullah detain them by a Preach∣ment,

or with a Chapter out of the Alcoran,* 1.43 which he undertakes to expound by a large, and, no doubt, learned Periphrasis, to whom on the South-side they have appropriated a Pulpit raised on Steps, if it may be said to be one without any Desk or Rails, on which he sits, not stands, it being placed in an Oratory apart.

Sometimes they pass about by little Portals to the Door of the Temple, such an Ostle being left open, as we see in great Gates of Noblemens Houses, that he who is about to go in, must first take heed lest he break his Shins, before he stoop to make his Entrance: This Place carries something solemn about it; when it is shut up, the Pulpit receives a small Light through Grates instead of Windows.

The Colleges in Spahaun are mostly founded and endowed by Royal Donation,* 1.44 partly by others.

There are Twenty or Thirty Fair Ones that have Incomes, and many more whose Mannors are devolved by a tacit Prescript into Secular Hands. To every College there is a President over the Stu∣dents, and another over the Fabrick, who lets out the Chambers, and receives the Rents, disposing them as he pleases, and displacing at pleasure: Every Chamber has One, Two, Three, or more Stu∣dents, where they sit and lye; to this the ordinary Door stands for a Window; there are no Forms or Benches, more than an old Moth-eaten Carpet, not fit for a Gypsy's Mantle, for to use, either for Repose or other purpose.

The Number of Scholars in each depends upon the Number of Chambers, and the Constancy of the Revenues, there being in some not above Forty, in others from an Hundred to an Hundred and fifty: He who is elected into these, lives sparingly and sepa∣rately, not eating in common Halls, having no more allowed than two or three Gosbeeks a Day, which is about so many Stivers or Far∣things, from the President; if these are not enough, then he assigns the Transcription of such and such Books to his Aid, for which they are paid. There are also three, four, or more Servants in con∣stant Salary from the College, which any Student may of Right command to buy Fruit for their Food, and fetch them other Neces∣saries; who sometimes, Illiterate as they are, go away with some of the College Revenues, and are reckoned among the Students; being fitter to shooe Horses, or drive a Wain with Vespasian's Cha∣rioteer, than to share in that Character.

Their Balneos or Hummums are the most sumptuous,* 1.45 which are in all their Cities, always hot; and it is lawful for every one of both Sexes, on stated times of the Day to bath for a small Price: The Prepositor of each House gives Notice to all Comers by blowing an Horn, when the Houses are ready to attend them; of which there are innumerable destined to these uses, each striving to outshine the other; insomuch that no time either of Day or Night passes, but you shall hear perpetual Noises of Horns to invite you to them; for no sooner is the Fire kindled under them, but they let every one know by those loud Instruments.

In which Places the Treatment is alike to all; for as before was said in the Church and Inns, so in the Hot-Houses all things are com∣mon to all: Wherefore if any one desire to be freed from the Vul∣gar

Rout, he must hire an House for a whole Day; which may be done, if he pay the usual Expence and Income of that Day, which Christians are always obliged to, where they have not Balneos of their own to resort to; for the Persians presume too Pharisaically on these Baths, judging thereby all their Offences to be washed away; according to that of Lactantius, Flagitiis omnibus inquinati veniunt, & semet sacrificasse opinantur, si cutem laverint; tanquam libidines in∣tra pectus inclusas, ulla amnis abluat aut maria ulla purificent: They come polluted with the heinousest Sins, and think when they have washed they have attoned by a sufficient Sacrifice; as if any River or Sea could purify their Lusts included in their Hearts.

These Houses are beneath the Earth, only some little round Globes embellish'd with Painted Glass peep out above the Ground to give Light, and are well clos'd, lest the ambient Air should offend by too forcible a Ventilation through any neglected Crevise: They are built with divers distinct Cells one from another, in which Men sit, are rubbed, and cleansed: Immediately within the Porch is the greatest Cell, or rather a large Room, where they d'off their Cloaths, and being undressed leave their Garments; in the middle of this Place is a Cystern of cold Water coming into it by several Pipes: All the other Cells are so conveniently framed, that every one may breathe a different Air as to the degrees of Heat, such as may suit with the divers Temperaments of several Bodies, since every Constitution re∣quires not the same Bath: For as Galen has left it written in lib. 7. Morb. Med. Some want an Hot, others a Tepid, and others a Cold Bath, as Hectical Habits declare.

The Pavements are all Marble, on which, the more Hot Water is thrown, the more it increases the Heat, although at the same time the Subterranean Fire be as Hot as it can be: On these Marble Floors they at last extend themselves, when they think they have tarried in long enough, that the Barbers, whose business it is, should wind and turn every Limb and Joint of the Body, before, behind, and on every side, with that Dexterity and Slight, that it is admirable to behold them perform it; whereby they leave no Muscle, Nerve, or superficial Joint, either unmov'd, or not rubb'd: Then with a course Hair-cloth and Hot Water they scrape off all the Filth and Sweat; and last of all by a Depilatory they take clean away all manner of Hairs growing either in Secret Parts, or any Emunctuary to cause either nasty Smells, or troublesome chasing.

When they retire to put on their Cloaths, (this is to be only un∣derstood of Great Men) there waits them a Collation of Fruit, Sweetmeats, and variety of Perfumes, as Rosewater, Rackbeet, and the like, with all befitting Attendants, besides the usual Servitors, to administer either Coho, Tea, Tobacco, or Brandy, if faint. When they are dress'd, they emplaister their Feet and Hands with a Red Paste, which wonderfully helps sweaty and moist Palms, as also stinking Feet.

These things being premised, the Benefits coming from the use of these are, when the Body is inflamed and dried by immoderate Heat, it is finely refreshed by sweet Water, and the Pores become moisten'd; the farther prosecution of which Advantages having been spoken of

before, I refer you thither, and proceed to the other Houses of Re∣sort, which are only for the Men, and not for the Women.

Their Coffee-houses,* 1.46 where they sell Coho, better than any among us, which being boiled, has a Black Oil or Cream swimming at top, and when it has not, they refuse to drink it: Hither repair all those that are covetous of News, as well as Barterers of Goods; where not only Fame and common Rumour is promulged, but Poe∣try too, for some of that Tribe are always present to reherse their Poems, and disperse their Fables to the Company; so true is it, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Ex Otio Negotium, That their Business pro∣ceeds from Idleness.

They are modell'd after the Nature of our Theatres, that every one may sit around, and suck choice Tobacco out of long Malabar Canes, fasten'd to Chrystal Bottles, like the Recipients or Bolt-heads of the Chymists, with a narrow Neck, where the Bole or Head of the Pipe is inserted, a shorter Cane reaching to the bottom, where the long Pipe meets it, the Vessel being filled with Water: After this sort they are mightily pleased; for putting fragrant and delightful Flowers into the Water, upon every attempt to draw Tobacco, the Water bubbles, and makes them dance in various Figures, which both qualifies the Heat of the Smoke, and creates together a pretty Sight.

At Night here are abundance of Lamps lighted, and let down in Glasses from the Concave Part of the Roof, by Wires or Ropes, hanging in a Circle.

The Buzzars having been mentioned before, I shall only add, That however Great all their other Buildings are, yet these carry away the Glory from them all; as much as the Halls of the Ci∣tizens of London exceed Noblemens Houses about the City, being the Work and Business of Joint-Stocks; and their Shews and Entertain∣ments are as Pompous as Princes, however sparingly they live at their own Homes: For these being the joint Advantage both of the Emperor and his Subjects, he encourages their forwardness in adorn∣ing these, though he suppresses all their Extravagancy of Garb, or Exorbitancy in Building, if it bears not with it the becoming Design of giving him the greatest Share of Honour in the Foundation.

Their Bridges are made either of Brick or Stone, and want neither for Skill or Ornament in their Contrivance; and are chiefly built for Ostentation, or to preserve their Memories, as their other great Buildings are: They are of more Use to join divided Rocks for Pas∣sengers, than to lay over Rivers; the former of which are more frequent in the Road to the Port than the other.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Its Names.
• * 1.2

  Situation and Bounds.
• * 1.3

  Temperance of the Air.
• * 1.4

  High Moun∣tains.
• * 1.5

  Their Four∣footed Beasts.
• * 1.6

  Wild Fowl
• * 1.7

  Fishes.
• * 1.8

  The Valleys made fruitful by the Snow from the Hills.
• * 1.9

  Plants.
• * 1.10

  Tobacco.
• * 1.11

  Manufacto∣ries.
• * 1.12

  Persian Pearl•• the best.
• * 1.13

  Gombroon Ware made of Earth, the best, next China.
• * 1.14

  Lapis Tuti••e & Manatae, and Brimstone. Bole.
• * 1.15

  Turquoise Stone.
• * 1.16

  Lapis Lazuli.
• * 1.17

  Marble.
• * 1.18

  Naphtha.
• * 1.19

  Minerals.
• * 1.20

  Rivers.
• * 1.21

  Springs.
• * 1.22

  Little Rain.
• * 1.23

  Showers of Sand.
• * 1.24

  The Dew turned into Manna.
• * 1.25

  Cities.
• * 1.26

  Houses.
• * 1.27

  Spahaun pro∣posed as a Pa∣tern of their Politicks.
• * 1.28

  Shaw Abas well advised in his Choice of Spahaun for the Imperial City.
• * 1.29

  The Cauns.
• * 1.30

  Etimundoulet, or Chancellor.
• * 1.31

  A Ganiseen is Deputy to the Caun.
• * 1.32

  The Droger.
• * 1.33

  The Calenture.
• * 1.34

  The Cazy.
• * 1.35

  Spahaun the chief Empory.
• * 1.36

  The Citizens humbled.
• * 1.37

  Courtiers and Soldiers live great.
• * 1.38

  Their Cara∣vans.
• * 1.39

  No Priority at Church, Bath, or Cara∣van Ser Raw.
• * 1.40

  The Gelabdar not so esteem∣ed in Persia, as the Caphala Basha in Turky.
• * 1.41

  They may make Forts of their Cara∣vans.
• * 1.42

  Their Tem∣ples.
• * 1.43

  Chap. XI.
• * 1.44

  Colleges.
• * 1.45

  Hummums, or Balneos.
• * 1.46

  Their Coffee-houses.