The six voyages of John Baptista Tavernier, Baron of Aubonne through Turky, into Persia and the East-Indies, for the space of forty years : giving an account of the present state of those countries, viz. of the religion, government, customs, and commerce of every country, and the figures, weight, and value of the money currant all over Asia : to which is added A new description of the Seraglio / made English by J.P. ; added likewise, A voyage into the Indies, &c. by an English traveller, never before printed ; publish'd by Dr. Daniel Cox

THE THIRD BOOK OF THE PERSIAN TRAVELS OF MONSIEUR TAVERNIER: CONTAINING The AUTHOR's Sixth and Last VOYAGE, And the ROADS Through TURKY into PERSIA, through the Northern PROVINCES of EUROPE. (Book 3)

With a Description of several Countries lying upon the Black, and Caspian SEAS. (Book 3)

CHAP. I. Of the Authors sixth and last Voyage from his setting out of Paris, to his Landing at Smyrna.

I Set out of Paris in the year 1663. for Lyons, with six several Servants of several professions, which I thought most proper for my business. I carry'd with me the value of about four hundred thousand Livers, part in Jewels, part in Goldsmiths work and other curiosities, which I design'd for the King of Persia and the Great Mogul. Being at Lyons I bought a Steel Mirrour round and hollow, about two foot and a half in Diameter, would immediately melt a Half-Crown by the heat of the Sun-beams: and if you set a Candle by it in the night, you might read, two hundred Paces off in your Bed by the reflection.

From Lyons I rode to Marseilles, and set Sail for Ligorn the tenth of January, 1664. in a small Bark, but being scar'd by a great Vessell that we saw off at Sea, we came to an Anchor in the Port of Agaïe, two Leagues from Frejus, where there stood a pittiful Fort with two or three Houses. There we also went ashore and saw a Garden, the Alleys of which were distinguish'd with rows of Citron and Orange Trees, which look'd as Green in the depth of Winter as in the midst of Summer, with several other curiosities after the mode of Italy. We were no sooner got aboard again, but we perceiv'd another Vessel making into the same Port with sull Sail. It was a Vessel which the Masters of the Forein Office at Toulon, had set out

to force all Ships that were bound into Italy to pay certain Customs, which those of Marseilles would not pay when they came into the Port of Toulon. Thereupon foreseeing that there would be mischief done, I call'd for my little Chests that con∣tain'd my Goods of greatest value, carrying some part my self, and giving the rest to one of my most trusty Servants, thinking to have skipt into a Genoa Bark that lay hard by us; but instead of leaping a-board, I fell into the Sea: where by reason of the Tumult I had perish'd without relief, had I not by good fortune laid hold of a Cable and redeem'd my self. At what time one of my Servants luckily coming to my ayd, with much ado drew me up safe again.

Having escap'd this danger, I got a-shoar with such of my Servants as I had about me, and meeting with a Bark of Frontignan that carry'd Languedock-Wine to the Coast of Italy, I hir'd him for Ligorn; and setting Sail, we first touch'd Villa-franca, and afterwards at Monaco.

At Monaco I went a-shoar, and went to wait upon Madam the Princess, who shew'd me the Rarities in the Castle; among the rest, several pieces of extraordinary Painting, several pieces of Clock-work and Goldsmiths-work. But among all her Curiosities she shew'd me two pieces of Crystal, about the bigness of two Fists each, in one of which there was above a Glass full of Water, in the other a good quan∣tity of Moss; which were clos'd in by Nature when the Crystal first con∣geal'd.

Monaco is a Castle situated upon a steep Rock, advancing out into the Sea; which advantage, together with others which it receives from Art and Nature, renders it one of the most considerable Forts in Italy.

The next day finding the Frontignan-Vessel to be deep-laden, and that it made little way, I took a Faluke, and kept along by the Shoar, which was most pleasantly adorn'd with beautiful Villages and Houses, as far as Savona; where I chang'd my Faluke, to compleat the rest of the way which I had to Genoa. Half the way we did very well, but the Wind rising, we were forc'd to put in to a great Town, where we landed; and from thence, having but nine Miles, I got in good time by Horse to Genoa. There can be no Prospect certainly more pleasing than that nine Miles riding. For on the one side you see nothing but a continu'd Row of magni∣ficent Buildings and lovely Gardens; on the other a calm Shoar, upon which the Waves seem not to beat, but lovingly to kiss.

Arriving at Genoa, I met with the rest of my Servants; and at the end of two days I embarqu'd for Ligorn, where we arriv'd in four and twenty hours.

From Ligorn I went to the Court of Florence, to wait upon the Grand Duke. By whom I had the honour to be admitted into his Chamber, where I found no body attending but one Mute, who had a long time serv'd his Highness: and I observ'd that they understood one another by Signs, as perfectly as if the Mute had had his Speech and Hearing. So that when-ever the Duke sent him into his Closet for any Papers or other thing whatsoever, he never fail'd to bring the right.

After I had tak'n my leave of the Duke, he sent me a noble Present of Wine and Fruits; but that which I valu'd more than all the rest, was a Case of Medicaments and Counter-poysons, in the composition whereof the Italians are very exquisite. And yet they did me no service; for when I came into the hot Countries their fermentation was so strong, that all the Oyls and Treacles broke their several Boxes, that I could save nothing of that precious Present.

The next day, being the twenty-sixth of March 1664, I embarqu'd with all my Servants in a Dutch Vessel call'd The Justice.

The twenty-seventh we staid in the Road, expecting the rest of the Fleet, con∣sisting of eleven Ships, two Men of War, and nine Merchant-mon; four of which were bound for Smyrna, three for Ancona, and two for Venice. About seven that evening we set Sail, and all that night the Wind was favourable, but blew hard and veer'd often; which was the reason that two of our Fleet separated from us, steering be∣tween the Isle of Elbe and Corsica, while we kept on between the Isle of Elba and Italy.

The twenty-eighth by eight in the Morning we found our selves between Porto Ferraro and Piombino, and it being fair Weather, we had a pleasant prospect of those two places. From thence we steer'd between two Ilands, the one call'd Pal∣majela, the other being nameless. About six hours after we saw Portolongone, afterwards at a distance we descry'd Monte-Christo. An hour after Noon we dis∣cover'd

Castiglon-sore, all the rest of the day we coasted by the Ilands of Gigio and Sanuti.

The twenty-ninth, with the same Wind at North-West, by Morning we disco∣ver'd the Ilands of Pontia and Palmerola, and about Evening those of Ventitione and Ischia. Night approaching, and there being no news of the Ships we had lost, instead of making the Pharo of Messina, it was resolv'd that we should steer a Course round about Messina, where we expected to overtake them. At eleven a Clock in the Evening we had but little Wind at North-North-West, so that we made not above fourteen Leagues of way.

The thirty-first the same Wind continu'd, with a high Sea; but about nine at Night the Wind chopping about to the West, we kept our former Course.

The first of April, by eight of the Clock in the Morning we discover'd the three Ilands that lye before Trepano, Levanzo, Maretima, and Favagna.

The second and third the Weather was ill, and the Wind unconstant, so that we made but little way.

The fourth, by break of day we discover'd the Iland of Pantalarea.

The fifth by Morning we found our selves within a League and a half of the Coast of Sicily, just against Cape Passaro, at what time, the Weather being fair, we had a view of Mount Gibello, all cover'd with Snow. Doubling the Cape in the Afternoon, we discover'd the Coast of Saragossa. The sixth we had little or no Wind. But the seventh in the Morning, the Weather being fair, we discover'd Cape Spartivento; and the same Wind continuing all that day, toward Evening we sail'd in view of other Ilands of Calabria.

The eighth we found our selves near to Cape Borsano, and all the rest of the day we sail'd in view of Cape Stillo and Cape delle Colonne.

The ninth we made little way. But on the tenth in the Morning the Wind coming about to the South, we found our selves at the Entry of the Gulf of Venice, between Cape St. Mary and the Coast of Greece, where the Mountains were cover'd with Snow. About ten of the Clock we tack'd to our own Course, while the Ships that were bound for Venice and Ancona entred the Gulf.

The tenth by Morning we saw two little Islands, the one call'd Fauno, the other Merlera; and were in sight of Corfu. About Noon, the Wind being at East, we kept out at Sea: and about Evening abundance of little Birds lighted upon our Cordage, of which we caught enow to make a lusty Fricassie. We also caught four Falcons, Owls, and good store of Turtles.

The eleventh and twelfth the Wind being at East, we lay hovering about the Shoar, without making any way.

The fourteenth and fifteenth having the Wind at North-West, we were two days without seeing Land, yet we caught good store of Birds.

The sixteenth the same Wind continuing, we found our selves near the Island of Zant. From eight in the Morning 'till three in the Afternoon we were becalm'd; but then a good brisk West Wind carry'd away all our little Birds.

The seventeenth and eighteenth we were becalm'd.

The nineteenth in the Morning, the Wind being at North-West, we discover'd Cape Gullo, between Modon and Coron, in the Morea.

The twentieth, with the same Wind that blew fresh, we found our selves by Morning within two Cannon-shot of Cape Matapan, which is the most Southern Cape of all Europe. About Noon the Wind coming full West, in three hours we pass'd by the Point of the Island Cerigo.

The twenty-first in the Morning, we discover'd the Islands of Caravi and Falconera on the one side, and Cape Schilli on the other hand. Two hours after, having a fresh Gale at South-West, about Evening we were in view of the Island of St. George.

The twenty-second though the Wind slackn'd, yet we made some way; for in the Morning we found our selves between the Island of Zea and the Morea, near to another Cape delle Colonne: afterwards we discover'd the Island of Negropont, and doubl'd the Cape three hours after Noon, having left sight of the Island of Andros by ten in the Forenoon.

The twenty-third the Wind blowing fresh all the night, by morning we found our selves near the Island of Ipsera. At noon we made the Point of the Island of

Chio, near to the Land; and that night we came to an Anchor near the Castle, being becalm'd.

The twenty-fourth the Wind rose at North-West, which blew us into the Port of Smyrna.

The twenty-fifth we went a-shoar, having had as quiet a passage as ever I had in my Life for twenty days together.

CHAP. II. A Continuation of the Author's sixth Voyage, as he travel'd from Smyrna to Ispahan.

WE staid at Smyrna from the twenty-fifth of April to the ninth of June; during which time there happ'nd so terrible an Earthquake, that I had like to have tumbl'd out of my Bed.

The Caravan being ready to set out for Tauris, I took with me three Armenian Servants, besides those that I carry'd out of France to serve me upon the Road.

We set out of Smyrna upon Monday the ninth of June at three a Clock in the afternoon. The Caravan rendevouz'd at Pont-garbashi, three Leagues from the City, consisting of six hundred Camels, and almost the same number of Horse. We set out the next night, two hours after midnight. As for the Road I shall say nothing, only relate some Passages that fell out by the way.

Being come to Erivan, the fourteenth of September we encamp'd in a pleasant green place between the Castle and the old Town; for we would not lye in the Inn, because we heard that several sick people lodg'd there. We staid there two days; during which time I resolv'd to wait upon the Kan, I found him in a Room made in one of the Arches of the Bridge which is built over the River, which I have describ'd already, with several Captains and Officers about him: when he had ask'd me whence I came, and whither I was travelling, he caus'd a Glass of Liquor to be fill'd me. After that I presented him with a Prospective-Glass, six pair of ordinary Spectacles, twelve other pair of Spectacles that cast several Reflexions, two little Pistols, and a Steel to strike Fire, made like a Pistol. All which pleas'd him extremely well, especially the Spectacles, for he was sixty years of age. Thereupon he commanded a Lamb, Wine, Fruit, and Melons to be carry'd to my Tent, and that I should want nothing. After that we sate down to Dinner, but I observ'd the Kan himself drank no Wine, though he press'd me to it. The reason was, because he was an Agis, that is, one that had made his Pilgrimage to Mecca; for then it is not lawful to drink Wine, or any other inebriating Drink. After Dinner, finding him in a pleasant humour, I resolv'd to complain to him of one of the Custom-Officers about an injury he had done me. For it is usual with the Customer in this place to op'n the Chests of all the Merchants, both Turks and Armenians, to the end that if they have any thing of Rarity the Kan of Erivan may see it: for many times, he buyes what pleases him best to send to the King. This Officer would not excuse me for his Custom, and therefore at my very first arrival he would have me to op'n my Chests; and because I did not do it according to his Orders, he ask'd me very rudely why I had not obey'd his Commands: I answer'd him as surlily, that I would op'n my Chest no where unless it were in the presence of the King, and that as for him, I knew him not: Upon that he threaten'd me, that if he did not find my Chests op'n the next day, he would op'n them by force; thereupon I said no more, but bid-him have a care I did not make him repent of what he had done already. This was the ground of the Quarrel, and I was about to have complain'd to the Kan; but his Nephew intreated me for the love I bare him, not to say any thing of it, and promis'd to send the Customer to me to beg my Pardon, which he did, and the Customer was forc'd to crave it heartily. To avoid the same inconvenience for the future, I desir'd the Kan to give me his Pasport, to the end I might pass Custom-free

through the Territories of his Government, which he freely and courteously granted me: Come, said he, and dine with me to morrow, and you shall have it.

The twenty-sixth of September we departed from Erivan, and the ninth of Novem∣ber we came to Tauris, taking the ordinary Road.

At Erivan two of my Servants, the one a Watch-maker, the other a Gold-smith, dy'd; I left them sick there, but caus'd them to be buried in the Church-yard belonging to the Armenians. One of them dy'd in fifteen days, of a Gangrene, which eat out his Mouth and Throat; being the Disease of the Country. Though had the Armenians known that one of them had been a Protestant, they would never have allow'd him to have been bury'd in their Church-yard.

Here observe the exact justice, wherewith the Persians preserve the Goods of Strangers. For the Civil Judge hearing of the death of the Watch-maker, caus'd his Chamber to be seal'd up, to the end the Goods might be preserv'd for the kindred of the deceas'd, if they came to demand them. I return'd to Tauris a twelve-month after, and found the Chamber close seal'd up.

We staid twelve days at Tauris: during which time I resolv'd to attend the Kan of Shamaqui, a frontler Town of Persia toward the Caspian Sea; but I found him not there, in regard it was Harvest season, at what time he goes to gather the King's and his own Duties.

Two days journey on this side Shamaqui you pass the Aras, and for two days journey you travel through a Country all planted with white Mulberry-Trees; the Inhabitants being all Silk-Weavers. Before you come to the City, you must cross over several Hills: But I think I should rather have call'd it a great Town, where there was nothing remarkable but a fair Castle which the Kan built himself; I speak of the time past: For as I return'd from this present Voyage of which I now write, when I came to Tauris I understood, that there had happen'd such a terrible Earth∣quake in the Town as had laid all the Houses in a heap; none escaping that dismal subversion, but only one Watch-maker of Geneva, and one more who was a Camel-driver. I had several times design'd to return into France through Muscovy; but I durst never adventure, being certainly inform'd that the Muscovite never permitted any person to go out of Muscovy into Persia, nor to come out of Persia into Mus∣covy. So that it was by particular connivence that that favour was granted to the Duke of Holstein's Ambassadors. This last time I was resolv'd to have try'd whe∣ther I could have open'd a Passage from Persia through Muscovy into France, but the Ruine of Shamaqui deterr'd me.

We departed from Tauris the twenty-second of November, from whence to Cashan we met with nothing considerable, but only one of the Muscovite Ambassadors upon his return into his own Country, with a small Retinue of sixty, his Companion dying at Ispahan.

Upon Sunday the fourteenth of December taking Horse by three of the Clock in the morning, the Ice bearing very well, we came to Ispahan about noon: but in regard it was slippery before day, and very plashy after the Sun was up, the Journey was both tedious and troublesom.

CHAP. III. The Road from Aleppo to Tauris, through Diarbequir and Van.

THere are two Roads more remaining to be describ'd; one through the North part of Turkie, the other through the South. The first through Diarbequir and Van, and so to Tauris; the second through Anna, and the small Desert leading to Bagdat.

I will describe the first of these Roads, and make a skip at the first leap to Bir, whither I have already led you in the Road from Aleppo.

From Bir or Beri, you travel all along the River Euphrates to Cachemé.

From Cachemé you come to Milesara, where you pay the Customs of Oursa,

when you do not pass through the City, which amounts to four Piasters for every Horse-load.

From Milesara you come to the River Arzlan-chaye, or, the Lion River, by reason of the rapidity of the Stream which falls into Euphrates.

From Arzlan-chaye you go to Seuerak. This is a City, water'd by a River, that also falls into Euphrates. It is environ'd with a great Plain to the North, the West, and South. The way which the Horses, Mules, and Camels keep is cut through the Rock like a Channel, two Foot deep, where you must also pay half a Piaster for every Horse-load.

From Seuerak you come to Bogazi, where there are two Wells, but not a House near; and where the Caravan usually lodges.

From Bogazi you come to Deguirman-Bogazi, and from Deguirman-Bogazi to Mirzatapa, where there is only an Inn.

From Mirzatapa you come to Diarbequir, which the Turks call Car-emu.

Diarbequir is a City situated upon a rising ground, on the right side of Tigris, which in that place forms a Half-moon; the descent from the Walls to the River being very steep. It is encompass'd with a double Wall; the outward Wall being strengthned with sixty-two Towers, which they report were built in Honour of the sixty two Disciples of JESUS CHRIST. The City has but three Gates, over one of which there is an Inscription in Greek and Latin, that makes mention of one Constantine. There are in it two or three fair Piazza's, and a magnificent Mosquee, which was formerly a Christian Church. It is surrounded with very decent Charnel-houses, near to which the Moullah's, Dervi's, Book-sellers and Stationers do live, together with all those other people that concern the Law. About a League from the City there is a Channel cut out of Tigris, that brings the Water to the City: And in this Water are all the red Marroquins wash'd that are made at Diarbequir, surpassing in colour'all others in the East: which Manufacture employs a fourth part of the Inhabitants of the City. The Soil is very good, and yields according to expectation; there is excellent Bread and very good Wine, nor is there any better Provision to be had in any part of Persia: more especially, there is a sort of Pigeons which in goodness excel all the several kinds that we have in Europe. The City is very well peopl'd, and it is thought there are in it above twenty thousand Christians. The two thirds are Armenians, the rest Nestorians, with some few Jacobites. There are also some few Capuchins, that have no House of their own, but are forc'd to lodg•• in an Inn.

The Basha of Diarbequir is one of the Viziers of the Empire. He has but an incon∣siderable Infantry, which is not much requisite in that Country; the Curds and Arabs which infest that Country being all Horse-men. But he is strong in Cavalry, being able to bring above twenty thousand Horse into the Field. A quarter of an hours riding on this side Diarbequir there is a great Town with a large Inn, where the Caravans that go and come from Persia rather choose to lye than at Diarbequir; in regard that in the City-Inns, they pay three or four Piasters for every Chamber, but in the Country-Inns there is nothing demanded.

At Diarbequir, you cross the Tigris, which is always fordable unless when the Snow and Rains have swell'd it; for then you must go a quarter of a League higher, and cross it over a great Stone-Bridge. Half a League on the other side of Tigris stands a Village, with an Inn, which is the Rendevous of the whole Caravan, and where they that first come have time enough to provide themselves for a Journey of nine or ten days, as far as Betlis. For though you may find Towns and Inns thick enough upon the Road, yet there is no good Bread to be met with.

When the Caravan proceeds, the first days journey is fourteen hours on Horse-back, and you come to lye at Shaye-batman, where you must pay a Piaster for every Horse-load.

From Chaye-batman you come to Chikaran.

From Chikaran to Azou, which you leave half a League from the great Road, where the Toll-gatherers take their Toll, which is four Piasters upon every Horse-load.

From Azou you come to Ziarat; from Ziarat to Zerque, where you pay a Duty of two Piasters for every Horse-load.

From Zerche to Cochakan.

From Cochakan to Carakan, a bad Inn; where you enter among the Mountains, that being full of Torrents reach as far as Betlis.

From Carakan to Betlis, a City belonging to a Bey or Prince of the Country, the most potent and most considerable of all the rest; for he neither acknowledges the Grand Signor nor the Persian: whereas all the other Beys are Tributary either to the one or the other. And it is the Interest of those two Potentates to correspond with him; for it's an easie thing for him to stop up the passage from Aleppo to Tau∣ris, or from Tauris to Aleppo; the Streights of the Mountains being so narrow, that ten Men may defend them against a thousand. Coming near Betlis you must travel a whole day among high steep Mountains, that reach two Miles beyond, with Torrents on each side; the way being cut out of the Rock on each side, where there is but just room for a Camel to pass. The City stands between two high Mountains, equally distant one from the other, and about the height of Montmartre. It is built like a Sugar-loaf, the ascent being so steep on every side, that there is no getting to the top, but by wheeling and winding about the Mountain. The top of all is a Plat∣form, where stands a Castle well built, at the Gate whereof is a Draw-Bridge. Then you pass through two great Courts, and then into a third, opposite to the Bey's Apartment. It is very troublesom to get up to the top of the Castle, and a Man must be very well Hors'd that does it. There is no other person but the Bey and his Esquire, who is permitted to ride up on Horse-back. There is one Inn within the City, and another as it were without, in which the Merchants rather choose to lye than in the other, by reason that it is ready to be overflown when the Torrents swell, that run through every Street. The Bey, beside the strength of his Passes, is able to bring above five and twenty thousand Horse into the Field; and a very considerable Body of Foot, compos'd of the Shepherds of the Country, who are to be ready at a Call. I went to wait upon the Bey himself, and made him a Present of two pieces of Satin, the one streakt with Silver, and the other with Gold: two white Bonnets, such as the Turks wear, very fine, and adorn'd with Silver at the top; together with a sute of Handkerchiffs, streak'd with Red and Silver. While I staid with the Bey, who sent for Coffee for me according to the custom, a Courier came to him from the Basha of Aleppo, to desire him that he would deliver up into his hands a French Chirurgeon that was his Slave, having been tak'n in Candia; complaining withal, that he had run away from him with the value of three thou∣sand Crowns. The Bey, who understood what belong'd to a Sanctuary, and was resolv'd to protect the French-man, school'd the Messenger so severely, that he threaten'd to put him to death if he did not get him gone presently; charging him to tell his Master withal, that he would complain to the Grand Signor of his inso∣lence; and that if he were strangl'd, he might thank himself. And indeed it behov'd the Great Turk to keep fair correspondence with him; in regard that if the Persians should at any time besiege Van, the Grand Signor must march through the Bey's Country to relieve it; who has Forces enow to oppose him if he should be his Enemy.

But to travel through the Country of the Curds is very pleasant: for if on the one side the ways are bad, and difficult to be travel'd, in other places you have a prospect of several sorts of Trees, as Oaks and Walnuts, and not a Tree which is not embrac'd with a wild Vine. Below the Mountains, in the Level, grows the best Wheat; and Barley in all the Country.

From Betlis, where you pay five Piasters for every Horse-load, to Taduan, where you pay two.

Taduan is a great Town within a Cannon-shot of the Lake of Van, in such a part, where Nature has made a Hav'n, shelter'd from all the Winds; being clos'd on all sides with high Mountains, the entry into which though it seem narrow, is very free. It is able to contain twenty or thirty great Barks; and when it is fair Wea∣ther, and that the Wind serves, the Merchants generally Ship off their Goods from thence to Van: from whence it is but four and twenty hours sail, and a very good passage; whereas by Land from Taduan to Van it is eight days journey on Horse-back. Returning back, you may also take Water at Van for Taduan.

From Taduan to Karmoushé.

From Karmoushé to Kellat.

From Kellat to Algiaoux, a small City, where you pay one Piaster for every Load.

From Agiaoux to Spanktiere.

From Spanktiere to Soüer.

From Soüer to Argiche.

From Argiche to Quiarakierpou.

From Quiarakierpou to Perkeri.

From Perkeri to Zuarzazin.

From Zuarzazin to Souserat.

From Souserat to Devan, where two Piasters are gather'd for every Horse-load, or else you must pay at Van.

From Devan to Van, where there is a Duty of two Tomans and four Abassis to be paid for every Horse-load. For though Van be in the Territories of the Grand Signor, yet the Persian Money is better lik'd than his own Coyn.

Van is a great City upon the side of a wide Lake of the same name. There is a good Fortress belongs to it, that is seated upon the top of a high Mountain which stands by it self. There is but one sort of Fish in the Lake, a little bigger than a Pilchard, of which they take great store in the Month of April. For about a League from the Lake there is a great River that is call'd Bendmahi, which de∣scending from the Mountains of Armenia, empties it self into the Lake. Now in March when the Snow melts and swells the River, vast numbers of these Fish come down the River into the Lake; which the Fisher-men observing, so stop up the Mouth of the River that the Fish cannot go back; for else they would not stay above forty days; at which time they catch 'em up in wide-mouth'd Baskets at the Mouth of the River, thinking to return; it being lawful for any man to fish. The people drive a great Trade in these Fish, transporting them into Persia and Armenia; for, the Persians and Armenians both, drinking Wine at the end of their Feasts, they then bring this Dish to the Table for a relishing-bit. The people of Van tell a Story, how that there was a certain rich Merchant who farm'd the whole Fishery, paying a good sum of Money for it to the Basha; who thereupon strictly forbad any to fish but the Merchant; whereas before it was free for any man. But when the Fishing-season came, and that the Merchant thought to have caught his Fish, he met with nothing but Serpents. So that after that time the Fishery was never more farm'd. And there seems to be something in it; for the Basha's, who are a sort of people that will lose nothing they can get, would be certain to farm the Fish again and again, were there not some strange reason to hinder it. There are two principal Islands in the Lake of Van; the one call'd Adaketons, where there stand two Covents of the Armenians, Sourphague and Sourp-kara: the other Island is call'd Limadasi, and the name of the Covent is Limquiliasi, all which Armenian Monks live very austerely.

From Van to Darcheck.

From Darcheck to Nuchar; it stands in the Territories of a Bey of Curdistan, being a paltry Village consisting of two or three little Houses. These Bey's are a kind of particular Lords, upon the Frontiers of both the Empires of Turkie and Persia, who care for neither: for they lye so secure among the Mountains, that there is no assaulting them by force. The Curds in general are a brutish sort of people; who though they stile themselves Mahometans, have very few Moullah's to instruct or teach them. They have a particular veneration for black Grey-hounds; so that if any person should be seen to kill one of them, he would be knock'd o'the Head immediately. Neither does any one dare to cut an Onion with a Knife in their presence; but it must be squeez'd between two Stones by him that intends to make use of it; so ridiculously superstitious they are.

The Bey to whom Nuchar belongs has his Toll-gatherers in that place, who exact sixteen Abassi's for every Horse-load, besides a Present which the Caravan-Bashi is oblig'd to present him, which comes sometimes to seven or eight Tomans, some∣times more: for otherwise the Bey would be sure to watch the Caravan at some scurvy place, and plunder it to some purpose. As once it happen'd to a Caravan, with which my Nephew went along in the year 1672; though he had the good luck to lose nothing more than one Camel laden with English Cloth, and another with his Provision. The Basha of Van and the Kan of Tauris took the Field with an intention to remedy these disorders: especially the Basha of Van, who perceiving that the Merchants would forsake that Road by reason of the Injuries they dayly

receiv'd, was resolv'd to make the Basha restore some part of his Goods which he had taken from the Merchants; and for the future to leave two of his Subjects in Tauris, and two in Van, that should be responsible for what mischief should be done to the Caravan. For otherwise the Merchants like this way best, as being the nearest from Aleppo to Tauris, and where they pay less Duties.

From Nuchar to Kuticlar, is a long Journey through the Mountains, by the side of several Torrents, which are to be cross'd in several places. This bad way brings Fifty i'the Hundred profit to the Bey of Nuchar; for were the Caravan to travel through Plains, or a level Country, one Horse or Camel would carry as much as two or three, and the Merchant would pay Custom for no more. Here therefore the Caravan-Bashi and the Merchants must understand one another, and agree as cun∣ningly as they can togethor.

From Kuticlar to Kalvat.

From Kalvat to Kogia.

From Kogia to Darkavin.

From Darkavin to Soliman-Sera: all which four places are very convenient Inns.

From Soliman-Sera to Kours: in that City resides a Bey, who is tributary to the King of Persia. He lives in an ancient Castle about half a League off, where the Caravan pays nine Abassi's for every Horse-load, besides a Present. But that Present consists only in Sugar-loaves, Boxes of Treacle, or Marmaled; for he stands so much upon his Honour, that he scorns to take Money. The Wine of Kours is sweet and tart.

From Kours to Devogli.

From Devogli to Checheme. About half way between these two places you cross a Plain, which upon the South extends it self a League to the Mountains, but upon the North side enlarges it self out of sight. Upon the High-way, on the left hand stands a Rock three hundred Paces in compass, and about fourscore Foot high; round about it were to be seen several Dens, which most certainly had been the Habi∣tations of those that fed their Cattel thereabouts. Under the Rock, which is hollow, appears a Fountain of clear cold Water, wherein there was great store of Fish; thousands of which would come up to the top of the Water, when a man threw any Bread into it. The Fish had a great Head, and a large Mustache. I shot a Carbine into the River charg'd with Hail-shot, upon which they all disappear'd, but presently five or six return'd wounded to the top of the Water, which we easily took. The Armenians laught at me for shooting, believing it had been impos∣sible to catch them in that manner; but they admir'd when they beheld them again turning up their bellies at the top of the Water. The Turks and some of the Armenians would not eat of them, believing them to be defil'd: but the Armenians that had been in Europe laugh'd at their Superstition, and fell to, when they were drest.

From Checheme to Davashiler.

From Davashiler to Marand; a City where you must pay sixteen Abassi's for a Camel's-load, and eight for a Horses.

From Merand to Sefian.

From Sefian to Tauris. These are the two biggest days journies throughout the Road.

Returning out of Persia this way, we could not get Bread for Money; so that we were forc'd to give the Women some Trifles which they lov'd better. Though the People are Mahometans, yet they will not spare to drink lustily.

CHAP. IV. Another Road from Aleppo to Tauris, through Geziré and other places.

FRom Aleppo to Bir or Beri, where you must cross Euphrates, days 4

From Bir to Ourfa, days 2

From Ourfa to Diarbequir, days 6

From Diarbequir to Geziré, days 4

Geziré is a little City of Mesopotamia, built upon an Island in the River Tigris; which is there to be cross'd over a fair Bridge of Boats. Here the Merchants meet to buy Gall-nuts and Tobacco. The City is under the Jurisdiction of a Bey.

Having past the Tigris, all the Country between that and Tauris is almost equally divided between Hills and Plains; the Hills are cover'd with Oaks that bear Galls, and some Acoms withal. The Plains are planted with Tobacco, which is transported into Turkie, for which they have a very great Trade. One would think the Country were poor, seeing nothing but Galls and Tobacco; but there is no Country in the World where there is more Gold or Silver laid out; and where they are more nice in taking Money that is in the least defective either in weight or goodness of Metal. For Galls being a general Commodity for Dying, and no where to be found so good as there, bring a vast Trade to the Country; wherein there are no Villages, yet it is over-spread with Houses a Musquet-shot one from another; and every Inhabitant has his quarter of his Vineyard by himself, where they dry their Grapes: for they make no Wine.

From Geziré to Amadié, days 2

Amadié is a good City, to which the Natives of a great part of Assyria bring their Tobacco, and Gall-nuts. It is seated upon a high Mountain, to the top whereof you cannot get in less than an hour. Toward the middle of the Rock three or four large Springs fall down from the Cliffs, where the Inhabitants are forc'd to water their Cattel and fill their Borachio's every morning, there being no Water in the City. It is of an indifferent bigness, and in the middle is a large Piazza, where all sorts of Merchants keep their Shops. It is under the Command of a Bey that is able to raise eight or ten thousand Horse, and more Foot than any other of the Beys, by reason his Country is so populous.

From Amadié to Giousmark, days 4

From Giousmark to Alback, days 3

From Alback to Salmastre, days 3

Salmastre is a pleasant City upon the Frontiers of the Assyrians and Medes, and the first on that side in the Territories of the Persian King. The Caravan never lyes there, because it would be above a League out of the way: but when the Caravan is lodg'd, two or three of the principal Merchants with the Caravan-Bashi according to custom go to wait upon the Kan. The Kan is so glad that the Caravan takes that Road, that he presents the Caravan-Bashi and those that go with him, with the Garment of Honour, or the Calaat, the Bonnet, and Girdle; which is the greatest Honour that the King or his Governour can do to Strangers.

From Salamastre to Tauris, days 4

In all thirty-two days journey this way from Aleppo to Tauris. But though this be the shortest cut, and where they pay least Customs, yet the Merchants dare hardly venture for fear of being ill us'd by the Beys.

Teren, whose Capital City the Persians call Cherijar, is a Province between Ma∣zandran and the ancient Region of the Persians known at this day by the name of Hierac, to the South-East of Ispahan. 'Tis one of the most temperate Countries, that has nothing in it of the contagious Air of Guilan, where the King goes for the purity of the Air, and for his sport of Hunting; besides, that it produceth ex∣cellent Fruits in many places. The Capital City whereof, which some call by the name of the Province, is of a moderate compass, but there is nothing worthy obser∣vation in it: only a League from it are to be seen the Ruines of a great City, which

had been two Leagues in Circuit. There were abundance of Towers all of burnt Brick, and Pieces of the Wall standing. There were also several Letters in the Stones which were cemented into the Walls; but neither Turks, Persians, nor Ara∣bians could understand them. The City is round seated upon a high Hill, at the top whereof stood the Ruines of a Castle, which the Natives say was the Residence of the Kings of Persia.

CHAP. V. The Road from Aleppo to Ispahan through the small Desert, and through Kengavar.

I Will describe this Road as if I were to return from Ispahan to Aleppo. This Road lies through Kengavar, Bagdat, and Anna, where you enter into the Desert, which I call The little Desert, because you get over it in far less time than the great Desert that extends Southwards to Arabia the Happy, and where you may often find Water, all the whole Journey being not far distant from the River Euphrates. A man that is well mounted may ride this way from Ispahan to Aleppo in three and thirty days, as I have done, and perhaps in less, if the Arabian, whom you take for your guide at Bagdat, knows the shortest cut through the Wilder∣ness.

The Horse Caravans travelling from Ispahan to Kengavar are fourteen or fifteen days upon the Road; but being well mounted ten or twelve in a Company, you may Ride it in five or six days. The Country through which you travel, is very fertile in Corn and Rice, it produces also excellent Fruits and good Wine, especi∣ally about Kengavar, which is a large Town and well peopl'd.

From Kengavar to Bagdat I was ten days upon the Road. The Country is not so fertile but very stony in some parts. And it consists in Plains and small Hills, there being not a Mountain in all the Road.

Now for a man that travels quick, the Road lies thus:

From Ispahan to Consar.

From Consar to Comba.

From Comba to Oranguié.

From Oranguié to Nahoüand.

From Nahoüand to Kengavar.

Fron Kengavar to Sahana.

From Sahana to Polisha, or the Bridge-Royal, being a great Stone Bridge.

From Polisha to Maidacht.

From Maidacht to Erounabad.

From Erounabad to Conaguy.

From Conaguy to Caslisciren.

From Caslisciren to Iengui-Conaguy.

From Iengui-Conaguy to Casered.

From Casered to Charaban.

From Charaban to Bourous.

From Bourous to Bagdat.

There are some, who instead of passing through Kengavar, take Amadan, one of the most considerable Cities of Persia in their way, and so from thence to Toucheré; but the way is longer; and according to the Road which I have set down, you are to leave Amadan to the North upon the right hand.

Between Sahana and Polisha you leave the only high Mountain in all the Road to the North. It is as steep and as straight as a Wall, and as high as you can see; you may observe the Figures of men clad like Priests, with Surplices and Censors in their hands, and yet neither can the Natives tell you, nor any person imagin the meaning of those Sculptures. At the foot of the Rock runs a River, over which there is a Bridge of Stone.

About a days journey beyond the Mountain you meet with a little City, whose situation, the Streams that water it, the good Fruits that grow there, and parti∣cularly the excellent Wine which it affords, render a most pleasant Mansion. The Persians believe that Alexander when he return'd from Babylon dy'd in this place, what-ever others have writt'n that he dy'd at Babylon. All the rest of the Country from this City to Bagdat is a Country of Dates, where the people live in little Hutts, made of the Branches of Palm-trees.

From Bagdat to Anna you ride in four days, through a desert Country, though it lye between two Rivers.

Anna is a City of an indifferent bigness, that belongs to an Arabian Emir. For about half a League round about the Town, the Lands are very well manur'd, being full of Gardens and Country-houses. The City for its situation resembles Paris; for it is built upon both sides of the River Euphrates; and in the midst of the River is an Island, where stands a fair Mosquee.

From Anna to Mached-raba is five days riding, and from Mached-raba to Taïba, five days more.

Mached-raba is a kind of a Fortress upon the point of a Hill, at the Foot whereof springs a Fountain like a large Vase, which is very rare in the Deserts. The place is encompass'd with high Walls, defended by certain Towers, and in which are little Hutts where the Inhabitants keep their Cattel, of which there is great store, but more Mares and Horses than Cows.

Taïba is also a fortifi'd place in a level Country, or a high Bank of Earth and Brick bak'd in the Sun. Near to the Gate a Fountain springs out of the Earth, and makes a kind of a Pond. This Road is most frequented by those that travel through the Desert from Aleppo or Damas to Babylon, or from Damas to Diarbequir, by reason of this Fountain.

From Taïba to Aleppo is but three days journey; but these three days are the most dangerous of all the Road for Robbers, in regard that all the Country is inha∣bited only by the Bedouïns, or Arabian Shepherds, who make it their business only to plunder and steal.

Now to take the same Road from Aleppo to Ispahan, it lyes thus:

From Aleppo to Taïba, days 3

From Taïba to Mached-raba, days 5

From Mached-raba to Anna, days 5

From Anna to Bagdat, days 4

From Bagdat to Bourous, days 1

From Bourous to Charaban, days 1

From Charaban to Casered, days 1

From Casered to Conaguy, days 1

From Conaguy to Cassiscerin, days 1

From Cassiscerin to another Conaguy, days 1

From Conaguy to Erounabad, days 1

From Erounabad to Maidacht, days 1

From Maidacht to Sahana, days 1

From Sahana to Kengavar, days 1

From Kengavar to Nahoüand, days 1

From Nahoüand to Oranguie, days 1

From Oranguie to Comba, days 1

From Comba to Consar, days 1

From Consar to Ispahan, days 1

So that whether you travel from Aleppo to Ispahan, or from Ispahan to Aleppo, you may easily ride it in thirty days.

From whence I make this Observation, That a man making it but two days more from Alexandretta, and finding a Ship ready there to set Sail for Marseilles, with a fair Wind he may travel from Ispahan to Paris in two months.

Another time, having an occasion to go from Aleppo to Kengavar, and so to Bagdat; and from thence, so through the Desert; at Bagdat I met with a Spaniard that was travelling the same way, with whom I luckily met to bear half the Charges of the Guide; which as soon as we had hir'd for sixty Crowns, we set forward from

Bagdat; the Spaniard, and I, and our Arabian, who was afoot, walk'd about Pistol Shot before our Horses. From thence to Anna we met with nothing remarkable, but only that we saw a Lyon and a Lyoness in the Act of Generation: Whereupon our Guide believing we had been afraid, told us, that he had met them oft'n, but that he never found them do any harm.

The Spaniard according to the humour of his Nation, was very reserv'd, and contenting himself with an Onion, or some such small matter at meals, never made much of his guide; whereas I was mightily in his favour, in regard there was never a day pass'd wherein he did not receive of me some good business or other. We were not above a Musquet Shot from Anna when we met with a comely old man, who came up to me, and taking my Horse by the Bridle; Friend, said he, come and wash thy feet and eat Bread at my House. Thou art a Stranger, and since I have met thee upon the Road, never refuse me the favour which I desire of thee. The Invitation of the old man was so like the custom of the people in ancient times, of which we read so many Examples in Scripture, that we could not choose but go along with him to his House, where he Feasted us in the best manner he could, giving us over and above Barly for our Horses; and for us he kill'd a Lamb and some Hens. He was an Inhabitant of Anna, and liv'd by the River, which we were oblig'd to cross to wait upon the Governour for our Passports, for which we paid two Piasters apiece. We staid at a House near the Gate of the City to buy Provisions for our selves and our Horses; where the woman of the House having a lovely sprightly Child of nine years of age, I was so taken with her humour, that I gave her two Handkerchiefs of Painted Calicut, which the Child shewing her Mother, all we could do could not make her take any Money for the Provisions we had agreed for.

Five hundred paces from the Gate of the City, we met a young man of a good Family, for he was attended by two Servants, and rode upon an Ass, the hinder part of which was Painted red. He accosted me in particular, and after some Compliments that pass'd, Is it possible, said he, that I should meet a Stranger, and have nothing to present him withall? He would fain have carry'd us to a House in the Country whether he was going; but seeing we were resolv'd to keep our way, he would needs give me his Pipe, notwithstanding all the excuses I could make, and though I told him that I never took any Tobacco; so that I was constrain'd to accept of it.

About three Leagues from Anna, we were going to eat among the Ruines of certain Houses, and had thought to have lain there 'till midnight, when we perciv'd two Arabians sent by the Emir, to tell us that he had some Letters which he would put into our own hands to the Basha of Aleppo, to which purpose he had order to bring us back. There was no refusing, so that at our coming into the City the next day we saw the Emir going to the Mosquée, mounted upon a stately Horse, and attended by a great number of people afoot, with every one a great Poniard stuck in their Girdles. As soon as we saw him we alighted, and standing up by the Houses, we saluted him as he pass'd by. Seeing our Guide, and threatning to rip up his Belly; Ye Dog, said he, I will give ye your reward, and teach ye to carry Strangers away before I see them. Carry them, said he, to the Governours House 'till I return from the Mosquée. Returning from the Mosquée, and being seated in a spacious Hall, he sent for us and our Guide, whom he threatn'd again for carrying us out of the Town without giving him notice. But the Governour pleaded his excuse, and appeas'd the Emir. After that he sent for Coffee for us, and then caus'd us to open the Budget that we carry'd behind our Horses, to see whether there were any thing that pleas'd him or no. In my Budget were two pieces of Calicut exquisitely painted, for two Coverlets of a Bed; two pieces of Handkerchief of Calicut; two Persian Standishes beautify'd with Japon Varnish; two Damascene Blades, one inlaid with Gold, the other with Silver. All which he lik'd, and made me give him. In the Spaniards Budget he found nothing but a few old Clothes: But afterwards being known to have had some Diamonds about him, the French Consul at Aleppo sentenc'd him to pay me half the charges of what I gave the Emir.

The Prince satisfi'd with what he had tak'n, gave order that we should be fur∣nish'd with all necessary Provisions for our selves and our Horses: but being provided

before, we only took three or four handfuls of excellent Dates, to shew that we did not slight his kindness.

Between Anna and Mached-raba is the Guide to take special care so to order his Stages, as to come every morning to the Wells by break of day, for fear of meeting the Arabs, that come to fetch Water there by that time the Sun is up, who are apt enough to be injurious to Travellers.

At Mached-raba I saw one of the most beautiful Virgins that ever I beheld in my life. For I had given a Piaster to an Arab to get me some Bread, and going to see whether it were bak'd, I found the Virgin putting it into the Oven, who being alone, made me a sign to retire. There I also saw a Colt of that wonderful shape, that the Basha of Damas had offer'd three thousand Crowns for it.

Coming to Taïba, we did not go into the Town, but lay without under the Walls. Only our Arab went in and brought us chopt Straw for our Camels. The Governour of the Town came along with him, and demauded twenty Piasters of every one, for certain Duties which he pretended payable to him. We knew there were but four due, and refus'd to pay any more; but the Arab having a mind to put a trick upon the Spaniard, gave me a wink, intimating to me that I should not trouble my self: Thereupon the Governour incens'd goes back to the Town, and by and by returns with an Iron Chain; and had certainly carry'd the Spaniard fetter'd to the Fort, had he not laid down the twenty Piasters. For my part, I was discharg'd for my four Piasters, according to custom.

Drawing near to Aleppo, the first Houses that we came at bordering upon the Desert, were the Houses of the Arabs and Bedoüins; the second of which being the Habitation of a Friend of our Guide's, I deliver'd my Horse to the Guide, to whom I had sold it before at his own earnest request; for I was resolv'd to go a-foot to Aleppo: and therefore that I might save the Custom of a parcel of Turquoises that I had about me, I put them in the Pouches which I carry'd behind my Horse, and threw the Pouches into a little Chest, as if they had been things of no consequence; and desir'd the Man of the House to keep them a day or two. The Arab told me, that were it all Gold it should be safe; and indeed when I sent for them within a day or two after, I found nothing missing.

When I came to Aleppo, the English Consul ask'd me what news from Ispahan: I made answer, that he must of necessity know better than I, in regard the English President there had sent away an Express to him while I was there; and that he went away with two Capuchins and an Arabian Guide. Thereupon the Consul mis∣trusting some mischief was befal'n them, requested the Basha to lend him some of his Sokliers; who readily granted him eight Men, part Arabians, part Bedoüins. These the Consul order'd to disperse themselves upon several Roads in the Wilderness, to see if they could meet with any tidings upon the Way. In a short time two of them return'd with two little Pouches, in one of which was the Packet of Letters. They reported also, that in a by-place between Taïba and Mached-raba they saw the Bodies of four dead Men lying upon the Sand. One of them which was in black Clothes, being hack'd and mangled in a most miserable manner; but the Bodies of the other three were entire, though run through in several places. Some time after the persons themselves that did the fact told both at Diarbequir and Damas, how it came to pass. For certain Merchants of Damas going to Diarbequir, perceiv'd four Men early in the morning at certain Wells where they were to stop; whereupon they sent two of their Company before to know who they were. But the Austin-Frier having a little parcel of Diamonds about him, and believing them to be Thieves, inconsiderately let fly his Gun and kill'd one of them immediately upon the place: the Merchants seeing one of their companions dead, fell all at once upon the other three, cut the Austin-Frier to pieces, and slew the rest; and so without rifling them pursu'd their Journey.

From Aleppo I went to Alexandretta, and there embarqu'd in a Vessel of Mar∣seilles, with a favourable Wind, 'till we came to make the Coast of Candy, where we were becalm'd for two days. One morning by break of day we discover'd a Pickaroon, whereupon seeing we could not avoid being fetch'd up by him, we made ready. He made two or three shot at us, which did us no other harm but only touch'd the Beak-head of the Ship. Our Gunner made a shot at him, which brought down his Top-gallant; a second went through and through the great Cabin,

and caus'd a great disorder in his Ship, as far as we could discern with our Prospective-Glasses. But when the Wind began to blow fresh, the Pirate, who had enough of us, and had discover'd another Vessel which perhaps he thought better prize, made all the Sail he could from us toward the other Vessel. Thereupon we pursu'd our Voyage with a fair Gale, and came to Malta.

From Malta we departed seven or eight in company, in two of the Pope's Gallies, staying three days at Syracuse, and one at Messina; where our Company increasing, we hir'd a Feluck for Naples. But as we were coasting by the Shoar to the Port of Naples, so terrible a Tempest surpriz'd us near to Paolo, that we were forc'd to put in there upon Palm-Sunday. The next day we went to see the Covent of St. Francis of Paolo; the way to it lying between a high Mountain on the right, and a Precipice on the left hand. This Mountain leans so, that it seems to be tumbling down; and there is a good height upon the Rock the seeming print of a Hand, which as the report goes, was the print of St. Francis's Hand, who sustain'd it a whole day, and kept it from falling. From Paolo we went to Naples, were we arriv'd upon Easter-eve; and as we enter'd into the City, the great Guns went off round the City, in honour of the Resurrection. At Rome we all separated, according as our Business led us.

CHAP. VI. Another Road from Constantinople to Ispahan, by the Euxin or Black Sea; with some Remarks upon the principal Cities thereabouts.

THere are three Roads yet remaining, leading out of Europe into Persia or the Indies. That of Constantinople, all along the Coasts of the Black Sea; that of Warsovia, crossing the same Sea at Trebisond; and that of Mosco, down the Volga, which has been amply describ'd by Olearius, Secretary to the Embassy of the Duke of Holstein. In this and the next Chapter I shall describe the Way from Constantinople, all along the Black Sea, and that from Warsovia; not knowing any person that has hitherto mention'd any thing upon this subject. And first of all I will give a short Description of the principal Places that lye upon that Sea, as well upon the side of Europe as of Asia, with the just distances of one Place from another.

The principal Cities upon the Black Sea, on the Coast of Europe.

From Constantinople to Varna they count it two hundred Miles, four of which make an Alman League; miles 200

From Varna to Balshinké, miles 36

From Belshinké to Bengali, miles 70

From Bengali to Constance, miles 60

From Constance to Queli, miles 25

Near to this City of Queli the great Arm of Danow throws it self into the Black Sea. Here is the grand Fishery for Sturgeon.

From Queli to Aquerman, miles 50

The City of Aquerman belongs to a Kan of the lesser Tartary; but it is not the place of his residence, for he keeps his Court at Basha-Serrail, twenty-five miles up in the Land.

From Aquerman to Kefet or Kaffa, miles 350

This is a great City, and a place of great Trade, wherein there are above a thousand Families of the Armenians, and about five hundred Greeks. They have every one their Bishop, and several Churches. St. Peter's is the biggest, very large and very beautiful; but it falls to decay, because the Christians have not Wealth

enough to repair it. Every Christian aboue fifteen years of age, pays a Piaster and a half tribute to the Grand Signor, who is Lord of the City; and he sends a Bashae that lives in the ancient City call'd Frink-Hessar. However the Kan of the Lesser Tartary extends his Jurisdiction as far as the Gates of Kaffa.

From Kaffa to Assaque, miles 70

Assaque is the last City in Europe, belonging also to the Grand Signor. By it runs a great River of the same name, the other side being in the Territories of the Duke of Muscovy. Down this River come the Cossacks that do so much mis∣chief to the Turks. For sometimes they come with threescore or fourscore Gelia's which are a kind of Brigantines, the bigger sort of which carry a hundred and fifty men, the less a hundred. Sometimes they divide themselves into two parts, one of which makes Havock toward Constantinople, the other Ravages the Coast of Asia, as far as Trebizond.

The Coast of Europe bord'ring upon the Black Sea is 861 miles in length.

The chief Cities upon the Black Sea on the Coast of Asia, which is 1170 miles in length.

From Constantinople to Neapoli, miles 250

In this City are made the greatest part of the Galleys and Vessels that belong to the Grand Signor.

From Neapoli to Sinabe, miles 250

From Sinabe to Ouma, miles 240

From Ouma to Kerason, miles 150

From Kerason to Trebisond, miles 80

From Trebisond to Rise, miles 100

From Rise to Guni, miles 100

The City of Guni belongs half to the Grand Signor, and half to the King of Mengrelia, with whom he keeps a good Correspondence, because the greatest part of the Steel and Iron that is spent in Turkie comes out of Mengrelia through the Black Sea.

The only good Ports upon the Black Sea from Constantinople to Mengrelia, are,

Quitros, Sinabe, or Sinope, Onnye, Samsom, Trebisond, Gommé.

The Haven of Quitros is very deep, and the Vessels lie shelter'd from the winds, but the entrance into it is very bad, which only the Pilots of the place, or they who have often accustom'd themselves to that Trade can only find out. It seems that anciently there had been most stately Buildings round about the Port; and several noble Pillars are to be seen all along the shore, not to speak of those which have been Transported to Constantinople. Near the City toward the South stands a high Mountain, whence there flows good store of excellent Water, which at the bottom gathers into one Fountain.

To go from Constantinople for Persia by Sea, you must embark at Constantinople for Trebisond, and many times for Rise or Guni, which are more to the North. They that Land at Trebisond go directly to Erzerom, which is not above five days Journey off, and from Erzerom to Erivan or Tunis. But there are few that will venture upon this Sea where there is no good Anchorage; besides that it is subject to prodigious Tempests, from which there are very few good Ports to defend them; which is the reason it is call'd Cara-denguis, or the Black Sea: The Eastern people giving to all things, mischievous and dangerous, the Epithet of Black.

They that are Bound for Rise or Guni, go to Testis the Capital City of Giorgia, and thence to Erivan, for though the way be bad, yet it is far better and smoother than the Road to Tauris.

The principal places from Teflis to Erivan are these, together with their re∣spective distances.

From Teflis to Soganlouk, leagues 3

From Soganlouk to Senouk-kupri, leagues 7

From Senouk-kupri to Guilkac, leagues 7

From Guilkac to Daksou, leagues 6

From Dakson to Achikent, leagues 6

From Achikent to Dillou, leagues 6

From Dillou to Yazegi, leagues 6

From Yazegi to Bicheni, leagues 4

From Bicheni to Erivan, leagues 2

From Erivan you keep the ordinary Road to Tauris.

CHAP. VII. The Road from Warsow to Ispahan, over the Black Sea, and from Ispahan to Mosco; with the Names of the principal Cities and Islands of Turky according to the vulgar pronunciation, and as they are call'd in the Language of the Turks.

FRom Warsow upon the left hand of the Vistula, the ordinary residence of the Kings of Poland, to Lublin, days 6

From Lublin to Iluove, days 5

There all the Bales are open'd, and the Customers take Five in the Hun∣dred for their Merchandize.

From Iluove to Jaslovieer, days 12

This is the last City of Poland toward Moldavia, where if you sell any quantity of Goods, you must pay Five per Cent.

From Jaslovieer to Yashé, days 8

This is the Capital City of Moldavia, and is the Residence of the Vaywood which the Grand Signor sends to govern in the Country. There they open all the Bales, and there is a Roll of what every Merchant ought to pay, which may amounts to Five per Cent.

From Yashé to Ourshaye, days 3

This is the last City of Moldavia, where there is no Custom to be paid.

From Ourshaye to Akerman, days 4

Here they never open the Bales, but they take Four in the Hundred.

From Akerman to Ozou, days 3

Here they never open the Bales, but the Custom amounts to Two per Cent.

From Ozou to Precop, days 5

Neither do they here open the Bales, but trust to the Merchant's word, and the Customs amount to Two and a half per Cent.

From Precop to Kaffa, days 5

Nor are the Bales open'd here, but the Custom comes to Three per Cent.

Thus from Warsow to Kaffa the Journey takes up one and fifty days, in the Wagon, which is the manner of Carriage in those Countries. All the Customs amount to Eighteen and a half per Cent. to which you must add the Carriage, and Passage by Sea to Trebizond; where you pay three Piasters for every Mules-load, and four for every Camels-load.

Observe by the way, that the Armenians do not usually take shipping at Trebizónd, but go to another Port more to the West, upon the same Coast, where they never pay above a Piaster and a half for a Camels-load. This Port, call'd Onnie, is a very good Haven; and there is another a little farther off, call'd Samson, which is no bad one, but the Air is unwholsom and dang'rous.

There is also another Road from Warsow to Trebizond, shorter by three days journey.

From Warsow to Yashé, according to the Road already set down, days 31

From Yashé to Galas, days 8

All Merchandize is Tax'd at this place, and the Duties are tak'n at Galas, ac∣cording to the Note which the Merchant brings from Galas. Galas is a City of Moldavia.

From Galas to Megin, days 1

The Bales are not open'd here, but the Merchant pays three and a half, or four per Cent.

From Megin to Mangalia, days 8

This is one of the four Ports to the West upon the Black Sea, and the best of all.

The three others toward the South upon the Coast are Kavarna, Balgik, and Varna. At Mangalia they demand but half a Piaster for every Bale. Crossing from thence to Trebisond you have five days Journey to Erzerom.

Now to the Road of Muscovy; which having been exactly describ'd by Olea∣rius, going into Persia, I will describe it returning out of Persia.

Having led the Reader to Shamaqui, I will return home from thence.

From Shamaqui to Derbent, days 7

Derbent, which the Turks call Demir-Capi, is the last City within the Juris∣diction of the Persians; by which there runs a River which is call'd Shamourka.

From Derbent to Tetarck, days 8

By this Town runs a River which is call'd Bocan.

From Tetark to Astracan they hire small Barks with a dozen Oars. All along the shoar the Osiers grow so very thick, that they afford shelter for the Barks in fowl weather. If the Wind serve they will put up a little Sail and be at Astracan in four or five hours; but if they only Row, they cannot be there in nine.

When you Embark upon the Caspian Sea, where you only creep along by the shore, you must provide your self with Water for the three first days, in regard the Water is bitter and ill tasted all along the Coast all that while; but for the rest of the Voyage it is very good. If you carry heavy Goods, you may hire large Boats to save charges.

When you come to Astracan you unlade your Goods; at what time the Officer comes, and sealing up every Bale, causes them to be sent to the Merchants lodg∣ing. Three days after the Customer comes to op'n the Bales, and takes five per Cent. If the Merchant hap'n to want money, and takes it up at Astracan to pay again at Moscow, he pays sometimes thirty per Cent, according to the rate of Gold Ducats.

If a Merchant have any Diamonds or any other Jewels, and let it be known, he pays five per Cent. But if a Merchant have any Jewels or any other rarities, and tells the Governour that he intends to carry them to the Grand Duke; the Governour sends a Convoy with him either by Land or Water, that costs him no∣thing; and moreover sends a Courrier before to the Court to give notice of his coming. There is very good Wine at Astracan, but better at Shamaqui, where I advise the Traveller to provide himself.

From Astracan to Moscow you take Shipping in great Barques that make use both of Oars and Sails rowing against the Tide, and weigh what ever you put aboard, to a very Coverlet. Generally you pay for every pound fourteen Caya, or three Abassi's and a half, and an Abassi makes eighteen Sous and three De∣niers.

In Muscovy they reck'n the way neither by leagues nor miles, but by Shage∣rons, five of which make an Italian mile.

From Astracan to Courmija, Shagerons 300

From Courmija to Sariza, sha. 200

From Sariza to Sarataf, sha. 350

From Sarataf to Samarat, sha. 200

From Samarat to Semiriskat, sha. 300

From Semiriskat to Coulombe, sha. 150

From Coulombe to Casan, sha. 200

This is a great City with a stout Fortress.

From Casan to Sabouk-sha, sha. 200

From Sabouk-sha to Godamijan, sha. 120

From Godamijan to Niguina, sha. 280

Niguina is a large and well Fortifi'd Castle.

From Niguina to Mouron, sha. 300

From Mouron to Casin, sha. 100

From Casin to Moscow, sha. 250

So that from Astracan to Moscow they count it sha. which makes 590 Italian miles. 2950

At Sarataf you may go ashore, and so by Land to Moscow. When the Snow is gone you travel in Wagons, but when the Snow lies, in Sledges. If a man be alone, and that his Goods weigh not above two hundred pounds Paris weight, they put them into two Bales; and laying them upon the Horses back set the man in the middle, paying for Carriage as much as from Astracan to Moscow.

From Sarataf by Land to Inserat, days 10

From Inserat to Tymnek, days 6

From Tymnek to Canquerma, days 8

From Canquerma to Volodimer, days 6

Volodimer is a City bigger than Constantinople, where stands a fair Church upon a Mountain in the City, having been formerly the residence of the Emperours them∣selves.

From Volodimer to Moscow, days 5

In all, days 35

Observe by the way that they never go ashore at Serataf but in case of necessity, when the River begins to be Frozen. For from Serataf to Inserat is a Journey of ten days, in all which time there is nothing to be had, either for Horse or Man. The Custom is the same at Moscow as at Astracan, that is Five per Cent. All the Asia∣ticks, Turks, Persians, Armenians, and others, lodge in a sort of Inns: but the Europeans lie in a place by themselves altogether.

The Names of some Cities and places belonging to the Empire of the Grand Signor, as they are vulgarly call'd, and in Turkish.

COnstantinople after it was taken by Mahomet the second, the twenty-seventh of May, 1453. was call'd by the Turks Istam-Bol; Istam signifying Security, and Bol, Spacious, large, or great, as much as to say, Great Security.

Vulgar.	Turkish.
Adrianople,	Edrené.
Burse,	Brousa.
Belgrade,	Beligrade.
Buda,	Boudim.
Grand Caire,	Mesr.
Alexandretta in Egypt,	Iskendrié.
Mecca,	Meqquie.
Balsara,	Basra.
Babylon,	Bagdat.
Nineveh,	Moussoul.
Nisibis,	Nisbin.
Edessa,	Ourfa.
Tiqueranger,	Diarbequir.
Eva-togea,	Tokat.
Teve Toupolis,	Erzerom.
Shamiramager,	Van.
Jerusalem,	Koutsheriff.
Damas,	Cam.
Tripoli in Syria,	Cam Taraboulous.
Aleppo,	Haleb.
Tripoli in Barbary,	Taraboulous.
Tunis,	Tunis.
Algier,	Gezaiir.
Candy,	Guirir.
Rhodes,	Rodes.
Cyprus,	Kebres.

Chio,	Sakes.
Methelin,	Medilli.
Smyrna,	Izmir.
Troy,	Eski Istamboul.
Lemnos,	Limio.
Tenedos,	Bogge-adasi.
Negropont,	Eghirbos.
The Dardanels,	Bogaz-ki.
Athens,	Atina.
Barut,	Biroult.
Seyde,	Saida.
Tyre,	Sour.
St. John of Dacres,	Acra.
Antioch,	Antexia.
Trebizond,	Tarabozan.
Sinopus,	Sinap.

In the Fortress of Sinopus, at the lower part of the Wall there is a Stone to be seen, where there is an Inscription in Latin abbreviated, with the word Rome in it; whence some conjecture may be made that the Romans built it.

The Mediterranean Sea,	Akdeniis.
The Ocean,	Derijay Mouhiit.
The Black Sea,	Kara-Deniis.

CHAP. VIII. Remarks upon the Trade of the Island of Candy and the principal Isles of the Archipelago, as also upon some of the Cities of Greece adjoyning; with a particular Relation of the present Con∣dition of the Grand Signor's Galleys, belonging as well to the Isles as to the Continent.

Of the ISLAND of CANDY.

OUT of the Island of Candy Strangers export great store of Wheat and Sallet-Oyl, all sorts of Pulse, Cheese, yellow Wax, Cottons, Silks, but more especially Malmsey, wherein consists its chiefest Trade. When Vintage draws near, the Country-people that are to gather the Grapes wrap their Feet in a piece of a Boar's Skin, which they tye together upon the upper part of the Foot with a piece of Pack-thred, to preserve their Feet from the violent heat of the Rocks upon which they are to tread. Those Skins are brought out of Russia by the Russes, that bring Botargo and Caviare to Constantinople, where they have a vast vent for it all over Turkie, Persia, and Ethiopia; where they that follow the Greek and Armenian Church, eat little or nothing else all the Lent. By the way take notice, that the Turks make a certain Glew out of Sturgeon, which is the best in the World, so that whatever is fasten'd with it, will rather break in another place than where it is glew'd. They make it thus: When they have caught a Sturgeon, they pull out his Guts, and then there remains a Skin that covers the Flesh; this Skin they take off from the head to the belly. It is very clammy, and about the thick∣ness of two Sheets of Paper, which they roll as thick as a Man's Arm, and let it dry in the Sun. When they use it, they beat it with a Mallet, and when it is well beat'n they break it into pieces, and steep it in Water for half an hour in a little Pot.

When the Venetians were Masters of Candy, they that had committed any Crime which deserv'd Death, if they could get out of the Island before they were appre∣hended,

went directly to Constantinopole, to beg their pardon. For you must know, that no person but the Ambassador of the Commonwealth of Venice had the Pri∣viledge to pardon Crimes committed in Candy. For example, when Signor Der∣visano was Ambassador for the Commonwealth of Venice at Constantinople, a Candiot having a desire to lye with a Woman by force, she told him she would sooner eat her Child's Liver than yield to his Lust. Whereupon, the Villain enrag'd he could not compass his design, took his opportunity, kill'd the Child, cut out the Liver, and made the Mother eat it, and then slew the Mother also. Upon this he fled to Con∣stantinople, to beg pardon of the Ambassador, and obtain'd it there: But the Ambassador at the same time wrote word to the Governour of Candy to put him to death at his return; having only granted him his Pardon, to preserve his Priviledge. And indeed, to speak truth, the Candiots are the most wretched people under Heaven.

Of the ISLAND of CHIO.

THE City of Chio, which gives the Island its Name, contains about thirty thou∣sand Inhabitants; where there are little less than fifteen thousand Greeks, eight thousand Latins, and six thousand Turks.

Among the several Greek and Latin Churches, the last of which hath continu'd ever since the time that the Genoeses possess'd the Island, there are some indifferent handsom Structures. The five principal Latin Churches are the Cathedral, and the Churches belonging to the Escolantines, the Dominicans, the Jesuites, and the Capuchins. The Turks have also their Mosquees, and the Jews their Synagogue.

Four Miles from the City, near to the Sea-side is to be seen a vast Stone, which was cut out of some Rock; it is almost all round, only the upper part, which is flat, and somewhat hollow; round about the upper part, and in the middle, are places like Seats, cut into the same Stone; of which there is one higher than the rest, like a School-master's Chair; and Tradition reports that this was Homer's School, where he taught his Scholars.

In this Island there is such an infinite number of Partridges, that the like is not to be found in any part of the World. But that which is a greater Rarity is this, that the Natives breed them up, as we do our Poultry, but after a more pleasant manners, for they let them go in the fields all the day long, and at night every Country-man calls his own sevèrally home to Roost by a particular Note, whither they return like a Flock of so many Geese.

There are great quantities of Damasks and Fustians wrought in the Island of Chio, which are transported to Grand-Cairo, and to all the Cities upon the Coast of Bar∣bary, Natolia, and particularly to Constantinople.

Three Leagues from the Island of Chio, upon a Mountain to the South there grows a peculiar sort of Trees; the Leaves are somewhat like a Myrtle, their Branches so long that they creep upon the ground; but which is more wonderful, that when they are down, they rise again of themselves. From the beginning of May to the end of June, the Inhabitants take great care to keep the Earth under the Tree very clean; for during those two Months there issues out a certain Gum from the joynts of the Branches, which drops upon the ground; this is that which we call Mastick, and the Turks, Sakes, according to the Name which they give the Island. The Island produces great store of this Mastick, which is spent in the Seraglio of Constantinople, where the Women continually chew it, to cleanse and keep their Teeth white. When the Mastick Season draws near, the Grand Signor every year sends a certain number of Bestangi's to take care that it be not exported, but be pre∣serv'd for the use of the Seraglio. If it be a plentiful year for Mastick the Bestangi's that cull out the lesser sort to sell, put it into little Bags and seal it up; which Bags being so seal'd, are never question'd by the Custom-house Officers. The Island also yields very good Turpentine.

Of the ISLAND of NAXIS.

THere is not one Port belongs to this Island; the Vessels that are Bound thi∣ther for Trade, being forc'd to stay in the Haven of the Isle of Paros, call'd Derion six miles from Naxis, which is one of the best Havens in the Archipelago, able to contain a thousand Ships. There are the ruines of a Wall still to be seen that made a Mole, where four or five Galleys might ride. There are also the ruines of several Houses of the ancient Dukes, the Stables standing almost whole, all Arch'd, and built of Marble. These Dukes were also Lords of twelve other Islands. As for the Island it self, it is well stor'd with Villages, and has three good Cities, Barequa, Qüsa, and Falet.

Near this Island within a stones throw, there is a curious piece of Antiquity still to be seen. It is a flat Rock, as big about in compass as the ancient Court of the Louvre. In the middle of this Rock it was that the Temple of Bacchus was built all of Marble, of which there is nothing but the Foundations that remain. The Gate is still standing made of three Stones, whereof two make the sides, and the third lies across. From the Isle to this Rock there is a fair Stone Bridge of Free∣stone, upon each side whereof are to be seen the Pipes that convey'd the Wine into the Temple, that was drank at the Feast of Bacchus. Naxis also is the Island that produces the best Emeril.

As to the Inhabitants themselves, if the Husband or Wife happens to dye, the Survivor never stirs out of the House in six Months after, upon any business how urgent soever, no not to hear Mass. There are both Latins and Greeks in the Island, but the latter are the most numerous. There is a Latin Arch-bishop, and Canons belonging to the Metropolitan Church, with two Religious Houses, one of Capuchins, and the other of Jesuites: The Greeks also have their Arch-bishop.

The Island of Naxis is sixscore miles in compass, being one of the fairest and pleasantest Islands in the Archipelago. The ancient Dukes made it their residence, whence they command the greatest part of the Cyclades. There is great plenty of White Salt made in Naxis, and it produces excellent Wine both White and Claret, which caus'd the Inhabitants to build a Temple to Bacchus, who according to their ancient Tradition chose that Island for his Habitation. The Island produces excel∣lent Fruits, feeds great store of Cattle, and abounds in several other things neces∣sary for human support. There are also in it large Woods full of small Deer, and frequented by a great number of Eagles and Vultures.

Here follow the names of the Cyclades, as the people of the Country pronounce them.

• 1. Deloa or Sdilis.
• 2. Giaroa.
• 3. Andros.
• 4. Paros.
• 5. Nicaria.
• 6. Samoa.
• 7. Pathmoa.
• 8. Olearoa.
• 9. Sitino.
• 10. Rhena.
• 11. Miconoa.
• 12. Tenoa or Tino.
• 13. Sciroa or Sira.
• 14. Subiuma.
• 15. Syphnus or Sifante.
• 16. Nixcia.
• 17. Chios or Scio.
• 18. Astypalea.
• 19. Amorgus or Amorgo.

Of the Islands of Zea, of Milo, of Paros, and other Islands of the Archipelago.

ZEA is an Island wherein there is nothing remarkable, and from whence there is nothing to be Exported but Valanede, to dye Leather withall. Neither are there any Goods Imported into it but what the Pirates bring in, which are very few, in regard the Islanders are careful to provide themselves other∣where.

Milo affords nothing but Millstones to grind Wheat, which are carry'd to Constan∣tinople.

Paros where there is no Trade neither, has nothing remarkable in it but one Greek Church, very well built all of Marble, call'd Our Lady's Church.

As for the Islands of Sifante and Miconoa, in regard there is nothing of Trade in either but only with the Pirates, who sometimes touch there, if there be any Con∣suls that live there, it is only to buy their stol'n Goods.

Of the City of Athens, Corinth, Patras, Coron, and Modon.

THE City of Athens is about four miles distant from the Sea, and contains two and twenty thousand Inhabitants, twenty five thousand Greeks, five or six thousand Latins, and a thousand Turks. Among all the Antiquities that yet remain, those in the Castle are the best preserv'd. The Castle stands upon a Hill, upon the North descent whereof some part of the City stands. It encloses a very fair and spacious Temple, built all of white Marble from the top to the bottom, supported by stately Pillars of black Marble and Porphiry. In the front are great Figures of Armed Knights ready to encounter one another. Round about the Temple, except upon the Roof, which is all of flat Marble Stones well order'd, are to be seen all the famous Acts of the Greeks in small carving, every Figure being about two foot and a half high. Round about the Temple runs a fair Gallery, where four persons may walk a-brest. It is supported by sixteen Pillars of white Marble upon each of the sides, and by six at each end, being also pav'd and cover'd with the same Stone. Close to the Temple stands a fair Palace of white Marble, which now falls to decay. Below the Castle, and at the point of the City toward the East, stand seventeen Pillars, the remainder of three hundred, where anciently, they say, stood the Palace of Theseus first King of the Athenians. These Pillars are of a prodigious bigness, every one eighteen foot about. They are proportionable in height, but not all of a piece, being thwarted most of them by Stones of white Marble, one end whereof rests upon one Pillar, and the other upon that which follows it; which was the support of the whole building. Upon the Gate, which is yet entire, are to be seen these words upon the front without.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

The City of Athens was assuredly the City of Theseus.

Within-side of the same City these other words are Engrav'd.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

The City of Athens is the City of Adrian, and not of The∣seus.

There are in Athens several other pieces of Antiquity which are well worthy to be seen.

Corinth, which formerly made such a noise in the world, is now a Village of some five or six and twenty houses, but all of them the Habitations of rich Greeks. The Town lies at the foot of the Castle, which is seated upon an inaccessible Rock guarded by the Greeks, commanded by an Aga. Corinth Exports great quantities of Currants.

Patras does the same, which is all the Trade of those two places.

Coron and Modon drive a Trade in Sallet-Oyl, which is so good and so plentiful, that several English, Dutch, and other Ships are load'n away with it from thence every year.

There are Consuls in Athens, Patras, Coron, Modon, and Napoli of Roma∣nia.

The Athenian Merchants buy up Tissues, Velvets, Satins, and Cloth, with which they serve other Countries adjoyning. The Commodities which Foreigners export from thence, are, Silks, Wool, Sponges, Wax, Cordivan-Leather, and Cheese. Which is all that can be said in few words, of the Trade of all these Places.

A Particular Relation of the Gallies belonging to the Grand Signor, as well at Constantinople, as in the Isles and other Parts of the Empire.

FOrmerly there lay in the Road of Constantinople above a hundred and fifty Gal∣leys: But the Grand Visier perceiving that so great a number did but cause confusion, and that the Captain-Basha could not conveniently take so great a burden as to look after such a number, he gave order that no more than twenty-four should lie in the Port of Constantinople; sending the rest to other Ports, as well of the Con∣tinent, as the Islands.

At present the Number of the Grand Signor's Gallies is fourscore, thus distributed under the Command of their several Beys or Captains.

At Constantinople, twenty-four under the Command of the Captain-Basha, or Ad∣miral of the Sea; who when he goes out upon any Expedition, sends to the rest to meet him according to Orders. When he goes in person to Sea, he gives to every one of his Slaves, besides their ordinary Habit a kind of Cassock of Red Cloth, and a Bonnet of the same colour. But this is only in the Admiral's Gally, and at his own Cost. His Gally carries usually 366 Slaves, and to every Seat of the Row∣ers, a Bonne Vole. These Bonne Voles are certain Volunteers that freely offer them∣selves to the Service of the Admiral, and there is great care taken for their being well paid. Their Pay is 3500 Aspers for their Voyage, which generally continues seven or eight Months. They feed as the other Slaves; but if they Row negligent∣ly or lazily, they are beaten worse than the Slaves; for the Volunteers have nothing to do except it be to Row: But the Slaves are put to several other Duties. Take notice also that the Volunteers that serve in the General's Gally, have 500 Aspers more than those in the other Gallies, that is to say, 4000 Aspers for their Voyage, which comes to 40 Crowns.

The Reer-Admiral carries Two hundred and fifty men, as well Slaves as Volun∣teers. That Galley and the great Tefterdar's or Treasurers, are the best provided of any in the whole Fleet: For the Reer-Admiral Basha has his choice to take four of the best men out of every Galley for his own, or else to receive 3500 Aspers for every man, which is paid by the Captain of the Galley; which makes him the richest of all the Beys.

The great Tefterdar's Galley is one of the Twenty four Galleys of Constantinople, and he sends a particular Treasurer, in the quality of a Lientenant, to command her. That Command is very much contested for, in regard that Galley is very well provided with all things; and for that all the Captains Court the Tefterdar, who, when the Galleys return to Port, rewards them according to their Merit.

The Janizary-Aga's Galley is of the same number; but he never goes to Sea, always sending one in his room.

The Bey of Rhodes, that takes upon him the Title of Basha, has eight Gal∣leys.

The Bey of Stancho, an Island about an hundred Miles from Rhodes, Lieutenant to the Bey of Rhodes, has one Galley.

The Bey of Sussam, a small Island near Scio, has one Galley, and his Lieutenant another. These Galleys are generally appointed to watch the Maltesi, and Li∣gorn.

The Bey of Scio formerly had but three; but since the War with Candy, he has had six.

The Lieutenant of the Bey of Soio has two Gallies. There be also three other Beys in the Island of Scio, who have no dependance upon the Basha of Scio, but buy their Provisions where they can find it best cheap.

The Bey of Smyrna and his Lieutenant have two Gallies; but they can do nothing without the Orders of the Bey of Scio.

The Bey of Metelin has two Gallies.

The Bey Cavale, a small Bay, twelve Miles on this side the Dardanells, upon the Coast of Europe, has one.

The Bey of Nestrepont, seven.

The Bey of Napoli in Romania, five.

The Bey of Coron, one.

The Bey of Modon, one.

The Bey of Famagosta, six.

The Bey of Alexandria in Egypt, five.

The Bey of Canée, two Gallies.

The Bey of Candia, one.

The Bey of Castel-Tourneze or Navarin, two Gallies.

All these Gallies make up the number of Fourscore.

The light Gallies carry not above 196 men; the four men that are wanting of two hundred, being the Bey's profit.

Every Captain is allow'd thirteen thousand Piasters for his Provision; and every Christmas he gives to every Slave a pair of Breeches, and a Cassock of course Cloth, with a scantie kind of a Cloak.

Every Slave has every day a pound and a half of good Bread, and nothing else. But upon Friday, which is the Mahumetans Snnday, they have hot Pease, or Beans, or Lentils boyl'd in Butter. They receive also sometimes the Alms of the Greeks, when they lie in any Port. But at Constantinople they fare somewhat better; for twice a week, as well the Turks, as the Greeks and others, come to the Bains, and be stow their Charity of Rice and other good Victuals. The Bains is the name of the place where the Sea-men are kept when they are not at Sea.

Sometimes when they are to go to Sea, they will counterfeit themselves sick or lame; but they are so narrowly observ'd, that it serves them to no other purpose than to procure to themselves the more Blows.

CHAP. IX. a Relation of the present State of Georgia.

GEORGIA, which others call Gurgïe, or Gurgistan, extends Eastward to the Caspian Sea; and upon the West is bounded by Mountains that part it from Mengrelia. Formerly it was a Kingdom, all the Inhabi∣tants whereof were Christians, of the Armenian, and of the Greek Church; but of late the Mahometans have got footing among them. And the King of Persia having fill'd them full of Divisions, has made two Kingdoms of it, which he calls Provinces; over which he has plac'd two Governors. They are ge∣nerally Princes of the Countrey, who must turn Mahometans before they can be ad∣mitted to that Dignity. When they are advanc'd, they take upon them the title of Kings; and while they have any Issue, the King of Persia cannot dispossess their Children.

The most Potent of these two Kings, is he that resides at Testis, who in the Lan∣guage of the Country is call'd the King of Cartele. The present King is the last that has continu'd a Christian, with his four Sons; the Eldest of which, the King of Persia having entic'd to Court, partly by Promises, and partly by Presents, has won to Mahumetism. Immediately thereupon, he caus'd him to be declar'd King of the other Province.

These two Kings have each of them a Guard of Mahumetan-Horsemen under their own pay; and at present I believe there are in both Kingdoms near upon 12000 Mahumetan Families.

The King of Testis coyns Mony in the King of Persia's Name; and the Silver which he coyns, is in Spanish Reals, French Crowns, and such other Money, which the Armenians bring out of Europe for their Goods. As to the Justice of the Countrey, neither the King himself, nor the Mahometans have any thing to do

with it. A thief is acquitted, paying seven-fold what he has stole; two parts whereof go to the Party robb'd, one part to the Judges, and four parts to the King. If the Thief has not wherewithal to make restitution, he is sold: If the Product do not yet equal the Sum, if he have a Wife and Children, they first sell the Wife, and if that will not do, then they sell the Children: But if the Party robb'd be so merciful, as to forgive the Thief his share, then neither the King nor the Judges can demand any thing for their share. If a man commit a Murder, they condemn him to die, and deliver him up into the hands of the Kindred of the Party slain, to do Execution as they please themselves. However, it is in their power to par∣don him, if he be able to give sixty Cows or more to the next a-kin to the Party kill'd. In matter of Debt, a Creditor has power to seize upon all the Estate of the Debtor; and if that will not satisfie, he may sell his Wife and Children.

The Christians of Georgia are very ignorant, especially in Matters of Religion. They learn that little they know, in the Monasteries, as also to write and read; and generally the Women and Maids are more knowing than the Men; not only be∣cause there are more Religious Houses for Women than for Men, but also because the Boys are bred up to labour, or sent to the Wars. For if a Virgin grows up, and happens to be handsom, some one or other presently endeavors to steal her, on pur∣pose to sell her into Turky, Persia, or the Territories of the great Mogul. So that to prevent their being stoln, their Fathers and Mothers put them very young into Nunneries, where they apply themselves to study; wherein, if they attain to any proficiency, they usually stay as long as they live: After that, they profess, and when they come to a certain Age, they are permitted to Baptize, and to apply the holy Oyles, as well as any Bishop or Arch-Bishop can do.

The Georgians are very great Drinkers; and Nature has fitted them a Countrey that produces good store of Wine. They love the strongest Drinks best; for which reason, at their Feasts both men and women drink more Aquavitae than Wine. The women never eat in publick with their Husbands; but when the man has invited his Friends, the next day the Woman invites her She-companions. And it is observ∣able that at the Womens Festivals there is more Wine and Aquavitae drank than at the mens. The Guest is no sooner enter'd into the Dining-room, but he is present∣ed with 2 or 3 Dishes of Sweet-meats, and a Glass of half a pint of Aquavitae to excite his Appetite. They are great Feeders upon Onions and Herbs, which they eat raw out of the Garden. The Georgians are also great Travellers, and very much addi∣cted to Trade; they are very dext'rous in shooting with Bow and Arrows, and are accounted the best Souldiers in all Asia. They compose a great part of the King of Persia's Cavalry, who keeps them in his Court at peculiar pay, and relies very much upon their fidelity and courage. There are several also in the Service of the Great Mogul. The Men are very well complexion'd. and very well shap'd; and for the Women, they are accounted the fairest and most beautiful of all Asia; and therefore out of this Countrey it is that the King of Persia chooses all his Wives, being not permitted to marry a Stranger. Teflis, where the Women have more liberty than in any part of Asia, is the Capital City of Georgia, well situated, large and well built, where there likewise is a great Trade in Silk.

CHAP. X. A RELATION of the present State of Mengrelia.

MEngrelia extends from a Chain of Mountains, that separates it from Geor∣gia to the Black-Sea, and is now divided into three Provinces (every one of which has their King. The first is call'd the Province of Imareté, or Bassa-Shiouk, the king whereof pretends to a superiority over both the other, which is the reason they are often at War, and that with so much cruelty, that when they have tak'n any Prisoners of either side, they fell them into Turkie. They are so accustom'd to sell one another in this Country, that if a man or his wife have any occasion for money, they will go and sell one of their Children, and many times they will exchange a Child for Ribands or other Toyes at the Mercers Shops.

The second Province is that of Mengrelia, and the King of this Province is call'd the King of Dadian.

The third is the Province of Guriel, the King of which Province is call'd the King of Guriel.

The Province of Mengrelia was formerly subject to the King of Bassa-Shiouk, who sent thither a Governour, which is call'd in their language Dadian.

One of those Governours being a person of wit and courage, gain'd so far upon the affection of the People, that they chose him for their King.

The chief of the Province of Guriel, seeing how the Dadian had obtain'd the King∣dom, following the Example of Mengrelia, shook off the Yoke of the King of Bassa-Shiouk, and chose another King among themselves, who keeps his Soveraignty to this day, by the support of the Grand Signor. For when the Dadian rebell'd he enter'd into an Alliance with the Grand Signor, and oblig'd himself to furnish him every year with such a certain quantity of Iron, upon condition that if the King of Bassa-Shiouk should war upon him, he should furnish him with twenty thousand Horse. Of which the Turk was very glad, finding thereby the Country of Mengrelia divided, which being united, was able at any time to have disturb'd him with an Army of fifty thousand Men.

The King of Bassa-Shiouk coynes money of the same bigness and weight with that of the King of Persia. But in regard it is not so fine metal as that of the King of Persia, he would have much a doe to make it pass in the trade between his Subjects and the Persians, which is very great, had he not found an expedient by putting the King of Persia's name upon the Coyn as well as his own, which makes it pass without any diffi∣culty. He would also put the Grand Signor's Name upon his Coyn, but that the Turk coynes none but small money, or Aspers, excepting only some Ducatts which he coines at Cairo. The King of Bassa-Shiouk, as well as the King of Teflis coynes all sort of forreign money.

These three Kings of Bassa-Shiouk, Mengrelia and Guriel, are Christians also. And when they go to war, all the Ecclesiastical Persons attend them; Arch-bishops and Bishops, Priests and Monks: not so much to fight as to encourage the Souldiers.

Being at Constantinople the first time I travell'd into Persia I saw there an Embassa∣dor from the King of Mengrelia, whose behaviour gave all the Franks occasion of laugh∣ter. The Present which he made the Grand-Signor was in Iron and Steel, and a great number of Slaves. The first time of his Audience, he had a train of above 200 Persons. But every day he sold two or three to defray his expences; So that at his departure, he had none but his Secretary and two Vassals more left. He was a man of presence but no wit: and every time he went to visit the Grand-Visier, he presum'd to wear the white Bonnet which all the Franks wonder'd at; when they saw that the Grand Visier wink'd at it. For should any other Christian have done so, he had been most certainly put to death, or constrain'd to turn Mahumetan. By which it was apparent how much the Grand Signor valu'd the Friendship of the King of Mengrelia, and how careful he is of offending those that are sent from his Court. He knew those People suffer no affronts, but upon the least word presently draw; besides that there is nothing to be got by provoking them.

This Embassadour going once upon a visit into the Country, returning home was

surpriz'd with a Storm, whereupon he pull'd off his Boots and carri'd them under his Coat, choosing rather to go bare - foot to his lodging, then to spoil his Boots.

Another time, it being the custom of all Catholick Ambassadors to go to Mass to the Covent of Grey Friars in Pera, upon St. Francis's day, the Mengrelian Ambas∣sador after Mass was done, coming out of the Church, and seeing several baubles which the Pedlers expose in the Cloyster upon that day, bought a Tin Ring, two or three small Looking-Glasses, and a Pipe, which he put in his mouth, and went piping all the way i'th Street, as Children do coming from Fairs.

But to return to the matter, you must take notice that there are not only Iron Mines, but also Mines of Gold and Silver in two places five or six days Journey from Teflis, the one call'd Soiianet, the other Obetet. But the mischief is, the people can hardly be got to work there, for fear the Earth should tumble down, and bury them in the Mine, as it has many times happen'd.

There is also a Mine of Gold near to a place which is call'd Hardanoushé, and a Mine of Silver at Gunishé-Koné, five days Journey from Erzerom, and as many from Trebisond.

As for the people themselves both Georgians and Mengrelians, they never trouble themselves about the jgnorance and viciousnes of their Priests, or whether they be able to instruct them or no. The richest among them are they which are in most credit, and absolutely give Laws to the poor. There are also some heads of the Church, that assume such a jurisdiction over the people, as to sell them both to the Turks and Persians, and they choose out the handsom'st Children, both Boys and Girls, to get the more money, by which authority also the great men of the Country enjoy Marry'd Women and Maids at their pleasure. They will choose out their Children for the Bishops while they are yet in their Cradles; and if the Prince be dissatisfi'd at it, all the Clergy joyns with him that makes the choice, and then together by the Ears they go. In which Skirmishes they will carry away whole Villages, and sell all the poor people to the Turks and Persians. And indeed the custom of selling men and women is so common in that Country, that a man may almost affirm it to be one of their chiefest Trades.

The Bishops dissolve Marriages when they please, and then Marry again after they have sold the first. If any of the Natives be not Marri'd to his fancy, he takes another for such a time as he thinks fit, for which he pays her all the while as the Turks do. Very few of these people know what Baptism means. Only two or three days after the woman is brought to bed, the Priest comes and brings a little Oyl, mumbles over a few Prayers, and then anoints the Mother and the Infant, which they believe to be the best Baptism in the World. In short they are a people of no Devotion at all, neither in their Ceremonies nor in their Prayers. But there are great store of Nunneries, where the young Maids apply themselves to their Studies, and after such an age, whether they stay in the Nunneries or betake themselves to the Service of any of the great Lords, they Confess, Baptize, Marry, and perform all other Ecclesiastical Functions, which I never knew practis'd in any other part of the World beside.

CHAP. XI. Of Comania, Circassia, and of certain people which they call Kalmouchs.

COmania is bounded toward the East by the Caspian Sea; Westward by the Mountains that divide it from Circassia; Northward it lies upon Muscovia; and Southward it is bounded by Georgia. From the Mountains that bound upon the North-East to Tercki, which is the River that parts Moscovia from Comania, it is all a level Country excellent for Tillage, and aboun∣ding in fair Meadows and Pasturage. However it is not over-peopl'd, which is the reason they never Sow twice together in one place. The Climate is much the same

as between Paris and Lion, where it Rains very much; and yet the Country people have cut several Channels from the Rivers to water the Grounds after they have Sow'd them, which they learnt from the Persians. Those Rivers fall from the Sou∣thern Mountains, being not at all tak'n notice of in the Map. There is one among the rest a very large River, which can be forded at no time. They call it Coyasou, or The thick water, in regard it is continually muddy, the stream being so slow, that they can hardly discern which way it runs. It falls gently into the Caspian Sea to the South of the mouth of Volga. Not far from this River, in the months of Octo∣ber and November, all along the Shore of the same Sea, you may see vast shoals of fish about two foot long. Before, they have two legs, like a Dog's legs, behind in∣stead of legs they have only claws. Flesh they have none, but only fat with a bone in the middle. Now in regard they are but flow pac'd when they come upon Land, the Country people easily knock them on the head, and make Oyl of them; which is the greatest Trade they have.

The people of Comania, commonly call'd Comouchs, dwell for the most part at foot of the Mountains, because of the Springs so plentiful in those places, that in some Villages you shall have above twenty or thirty. Three of these Spings meeting to∣gether, make a stream strong enough to drive a Mill. But this is not the sole reason, for there is Water enough in the plain. But in regard they are a people that only live upon the spoil and plunder of their Enemies, and of one another, as they are in continual fear of being set upon, they love to dwell near the refuge of the Moun∣tains, whither they fly with their Cattle upon any occasion of danger. For all the people round about, as Georgians, Mengrelians, Cirkassians, Tartars, and Mus∣covites, live altogether by rapine, and continual In-roads into one anothers Countries.

There are another sort of people which are call'd Kalmouchs, that inhabit upon the Coast of the Caspian Sea between the Muscovites and the Tartars. The men are strong, but the most deformed under Heaven. Their faces are so flat and broad, that there is the bredth of five fingers between each Eye. Their Eyes are very small, and that little Nose they have is so flat, that there is nothing to be seen but two little holes instead of Nostrils. Their Knees also and their Feet turn inward. When they go to the Wars, they carry their Wives and their Daughters, if they be twelve years of age, along with them, who fight as couragiously as the men themselves. Their Arms are Bows, Arrows, and Skains, with a great wooden Mace at the Pummel of their Saddles; their Horses being the best in all Asia. Their Captain is of some ancient Family, but they more particularly choose him for his valour. The Duke of Muscovia sends them presents every year, to preserve their friendship, which presents consist in Cloth. And he grants them free passage through his Territories, when ever they have a mind to invade the Mengrelians, Georgians, or Cirkassians, at which sport they are much more dexterous than the lesser Tartars. Sometimes they advance into Persia, as far as the Province of the Usbekes, which is a part of Great Tartary, ranging up as far as Caboul and Canda∣har. Their Religion is particular to themselves, but they are great Enemies to the Mahumetans.

As for the Comouchs or people of Comania, they are Mahumetans, and very pre∣cise ones too. They are under the protection of the King of Persia, who makes great account of them, in regard they defend the Passes into his Country on that side against the Kalmouchs. They are habited both men and women like the Lesser Tartars, fetching all the Silk and Calicut which they use out of Persia; for as for Cloth, they are contented with what they make in their own Country, which is very course.

Circassia is a pleasant good Country, and full of variety. There are Plains, For∣rests, Hills, and Mountains abounding in Springs, some of which are so large, that some of them will serve seven or eight of the neighbouring Villages. But on the other side, in all the Rivers that proceed from these Springs, there is not a fish to be seen. Flowers they have in abundance, especially fair Tulips. There is a sort of Strawberry also with a short stalk, of which five or six grow in a bunch; the least are as big as a small Nut, of a pale yellow Colour. The Soil is so fertile, that it brings forth without any great trouble a vast plenty of all sorts of Fruits. Nor do the people need any other Gardens than their Fields which are cover'd with

Cherry-trees, Apple-trees, Pear-trees, Walnut-trees, and all other useful Trees of the same nature: but their chiefest Wealth consists in Cattel, but especially in well-shap'd Horses, not much unlike the Spanish Gennets. They have also an abun∣dance of Goats and Sheep, whose Wool is as good as that of Spain; which the Mus∣covites fetch away to make Felts. They neither sow Wheat nor Oats, but only Barley for their Horses, and Millet to make Bread; nor do they ever sow twice in the same place: not but that the Land is good enough to bear Wheat, but because they love Bread made of Millet better. They have very good Fowl, and Venison, and Wild-Fowl more than they know what to do withal; which they never hunt with Dogs, nor fly their Hawks at; for their Horses are so swist and so good, that they will tire the Beast, and force him to lye down and yield. Ev'ry Horse-man has a Rope with a sliding-knot ready at the Pummel of his Saddle, which they are so dextrous to throw about the neck of the Beast that begins to be weary, that 'tis twenty to one if they miss him. When they have kill'd a Dear, they cut off the legs, and breaking the Bones, eat the Marrow, which they say is the best thing in the World to strengthen the Body. When they go to steal Cattel, they carry along with them great Cows-horns stuft with boyl'd Tripes cut in small pieces; then watch∣ing their times when the Herdsmen are asleep, when the Dogs begin to bark, they throw to ev'ry one a Horn, with which the Dog presently runs away: and so while the Shepherds are asleep, and the Dog is busie to get the Meat out of the Horn, which is there ramm'd in on purpose, the Thieves drive away what they please.

The Drink of the Sherkes is Water and Bosa. Bosa is a Drink made of Millet, as intoxicating as Wine, which they want in the Country.

The Men and the Women, Boys and Girls go habited all alike, and their Habit is a colour'd Robe of Fustian, with a kind of large Petticoat underneath; with this they wear a little pink'd Wastcoat that reaches down to their Thighs; and over that a Cassock of course Cloth that reaches down to their Knees, girt about their Wasts with a Cord. The Sleeves of the Cassock are op'n below and above, and sometimes they pin them behind their Backs. They wear no Beards 'till they are sixty years of age. And as for their Hair, neither Men nor Women, Boys nor Girls, ever wear it longer than the tips of their Ears. The Men, both young and old, shave the middle of their Heads about the bredth of two Fingers from the Forehead down to the Nape of the Neck: and then instead of Hats or Head-clothes, both Men and Women wear only a little Bonnet of the same Cloth as the Cassock, made like a Night-cap. 'Tis true, when the Maids come to be marry'd there is some distinction upon their Heads; for then they fast'n to the hinder part of their Heads a round piece of Felt, which they cover with a white Veil very artificially pleated. Their Breeches are ty'd below their Knees, and reach to their Ancles; their Shooes, which are of Cordovan, both upper and under Leather, have but one seam upon the upper part of the Foot, being light, and cut like a pair of Pumps.

As for their Beds, they take several Sheep-skins and sow them together, and then stuffing them full of Millet-leaves, make a kind of Quilt. Now when they beat the Millet, the Leaf comes to be as small as the Chaff of Oats; so that when the person rises off from the Quilt, the Quilt rises and swells again of it self. Their Cushions are of the same Make, only sometimes they are stuft with Wool.

The People are neither Christians nor Mahometans, all their Religion consisting in some Ceremonies which they perform with the greatest Solemnities which they can imagin: for at that time old and young of all Ages and Sexes, and all the whole Town must be there at the place appointed, unless impotency or sickness excuses them. I call them Villages, for in all these Countries their is neither Fortress nor City: and as for their Villages, they are all built after the same Model, round, with a Piazza in the middle, according to the Figure.

[illustration]

THE PLATFORME OF ONE OF THE VILLAGES OF THE COMOU••

CHAP. XII. Of the Ceremonies and Customs of the People of Comania and Circassia.

THe Principal of all the Feasts which the Comouchs and Sherkes or Cirkassi∣ans make, is that which they make at the end of Autumn, after this manner. Three of the ancientest of the Village are appointed to ma∣nage it, and to discharge themselves of a Duty impos'd upon them in the company of all the people. These three old men take a Sheep or a Goat, and having mutter'd certain Prayers over the Beast, they cut the throat of it: after they have drest it very clean, they boil it whole, all but the Gathers, and them they roast. The Sheep being boil'd, they set it upon a Table, and carry it into a large Barn, where the People are appointed to meet: There the three old men stand upright before a Table, and all the People, Men, Women and Children behind them. When the Table upon which the Meat stands, is brought in, two of the three old men cut off the Legs and the roasted Gathers, and hold them up above their heads, and the third holds up a great Cup of Bosa in the same manner, to the end the people behind may see them. When the people see the Meat and Bosa so lifted up, they prostrate themselves upon the ground, and so continue till all the rest of the Meat be set up∣on the lesser Table, and that the old men have said some few word. Then the two old men that held up the Meat, cut off two little pieces, and give each of them a piece to him that holds the Cup, which being done, they take each of them a piece for themselves. When they have all three eaten of the meat, the old man that holds the Cup, drinks first, then gives the two old men to drink, first to him upon the right hand, next to him upon the left, never letting go the Cup all the while. This first Ceremony being thus accomplish'd, the two old men turn toward the Assembly, and go and present both of the Meat and the Drink, first to their Chief or Lord, then to all the people, who equally eat their share, both men and women. That which remains of the four feet, is carry'd back to the Table, and the three old men eat it. This done, they go and place themselves at the Table, where the Mutton is set, where the oldest of the three taking the Head, eats a little Morsel; after him, the second, and next to him, the third does the same. Then the first old man commands the rest to be carry'd to the Lord, who receives it with a great deal of respect, and after he has giv'n it to his next a-kin, or the Friend whom he loves best, the Head is giv'n from one to another, till it be eat'n up. This being done, the three old men begin to eat of the Mutton a bit or two, and the Lord of the Village is call'd, who comes with his Bonnet in his hand, in a trembling posture; to whom, one of the old men presenting a Knife, he cuts off a piece of Mutton, and eats; and having drank a Cup of Bosa, he returns to his Seat. After him, all the people, according to their turns in quality, do as much; and then, for the Bones the Children go to∣gether by the ears among themselves.

They have another Feast before they begin to Mow their Meadows; at which time all the people of the Village, that have wherewithal, take every one a Goat, (for in their Ceremonies they esteem Goats better than Sheep) and for the poor, they join eight or ten together for a Goat. Let them be Goats, Sheep or Lambs, when they are all brought together, they cut their Throats, and then flea off the skin, leaving the four feet and the Head in it. Then they stretch the Skin with sticks that cross from one foot to the other, aud set it up on a Pole fix'd in the Earth, the top whereof enters into the head of the Beast, as is to be seen in the Figure of the Village; and as many Beasts as there are kill'd, so many Poles are planted in the midst of the Vil∣lage, with every one a particular Skin upon it; to which, every one that passes by, maks a profound obeysance.

Ev'ry one having boil'd his Goat, brings it into the void place in the middle of the Village, and sets it upon a great Table with the rest. There is the Lord of the Village with his Servants, and sometimes the Lord of some other Village is invited. Now all this Victuals being upon the Table, three of the oldest men of the Village

sit down and eat a Bit or two: Then they call the Lord of the Town, and if there be any other Lord, they come both together, with some other of the Seniors of the Parish; who being set down, eat up one of the Beasts, which the old men had set apart for them; the rest is divided among the people, sitting upon the ground.

There are some Villages where you shall have fifty Goats and Sheep, or Lambs and Kids, kill'd together at one time. As for their Bosa, there are some that bring above 200 Pints; others more or less, according to their quality. All the day long they eat and drink, and sing and dance to their Flutes a dozen together, which are in some measure harmonious, as consisting of several parts, and decreasing propor∣tionably from the Treble to the Base. When the old men have solac'd themselves with eating and drinking, they go home, and leave the young people, Men and Wo∣men, Boys and Girls to be merry by themselves: They stay as long as there is any Drink; and the next day they go early to Mowing.

They have other Ceremonies particular only to their Families. Once a year in every House they make a Cross after the Form of a Mallet, about five Foot high, the two Sticks that compose the Cross, being as big as a man's Arm. This the Master of the House sets in the Evening near the Door in his Chamber, and calling all his Family together, gives them every one a lighted Wax-Candle. Then first he fixes his own to the Cross, next his Wife sticks hers, and so all the Children and Servants: If the Children be so young, that they cannot do it themselves, the Father and Mo∣ther do it for them. If one of the Candles burn out before it be put out, 'tisa Pro∣gnostick that he or she that fix'd it there, shall not live out their year. If the Can∣dle falls, then he whose Candle it was, shall be robb'd, or be forc't to fly for his Life.

If it thunders, all the people run out of the Village, and the young people of both Sexes set themselves to singing and dancing in the presence of their Elders: And if any one be Thunder-struck, they bury that person honourably, believing him to be a Saint. Besides that, they send over all the Countrey for a white Goat, which they breed up and keep in the Village where it happen'd to thunder, having it in great veneration, till thundring in another place, the people send for it thither also. If the Thunder fall upon any of their Houses, though it kill neither Man, Woman, Child, nor Beast, all that Family shall be kept upon the publick stock all that year, without being ty'd to any Labour but of Singing and Dancing. These people, during that time, go from Village to Village Dancing and Singing at peoples Doors, but never going into their Houses; for which the Inhabitants are bound to bring them out something to eat.

There is a day in the Spring, when all that have been struck'n with Thunder, meet together in the Village where the white Goat is kept; who has always a Cheese hang∣ing about his Neck as big as a Parma-Cheese. This Goat they take and carry to the Village of the chief Lord of the Countrey. They never go in, but the Lord with all the rest of the Village coming out, they all together prostrate themselves before the Goat. Having said some Prayers, they take away his Cheese, and immediately put another in its place. The Cheese which was taken away, is at the same time cut into little pieces, and distributed among the people. After that, they give the Strangers to eat, and bestow their Alms upon them; so that by this wandring from Village to Village, they get good store of Money.

They have among them but only one Book; and it is as big as one of our largest Folio's, and it lies in the hands of an old man, who has only the priviledge to touch it. When that old man is dead, they choose another old man to keep the Book; whose Duty it is to go from Village to Village, where he hears of any sick people. He carries the Book with him, and after he has lighted up a Wax-Candle, and put the people out of the Room, he lays the Book upon the Stomach of the sick person, opens it, and reads in it, then blows over it sev'ral times, so that the Breath passes toward the mouth of the Party: Then he causes the party diseas'd to kiss the Book several times, and as often lays it upon his head, which is a Ceremony of half an hour. When the old man goes away, one gives him a Beef or a Heifer; another gives him a Goat; every one according to their Quality and Estate.

They have also Old Women that take upon them to cure the Sick. These Women feel the body of the sick party, all over, but more particularly they handle and grope that part where the distemper lies: during which time they let go several belches out

of their mouthes, and the more sick the party is, the louder and thicker, they fetch their belches. The standers by hearing them belch in that manner and fetch such vilanous sighs from their stomacks, believe their friend to be dangerously ill, and that the louder the Women belch, the more ease and comfort they receive; but whether they do or no, the women are well payd for their pains. When any one feels a pain in the Head, they send for the Barber, who gives two cutts upon the Head across with the rasor, and then poures Oyl into the wound. For they believe the Head-ache proceeds only from a wind beeween the flesh and the bone, for which the Incision opens a paslage to let it out.

At their Funerals they that are the near Relations or Friends of the dead, some cut their faces, and other parts of their Bodies with sharp flints, others prostrate themselves upon the ground, and tear their hair; so that when they return from the Burial, they are all of a gore blood: However, notwithstanding all this affliction, they never pray for the Dead.

As to their Marriages: When a young man has seen a Virgin which he has a liking to, he sends one of his friends to agree with her Parents or her Tutor, what he will give for her. Commonly the guist consists in Horses, Cows or some other sort of Cat∣tel. When the agreement is made, the Parents and Kindred of the party thereby con∣tracted, together with the Lord of the place, go to the House where the Virgin lives and bring her to the Bridegrooms House, where there is a Feast ready prepar'd; and after they have made merry, and sung, and danc'd for a while, the Bride∣groom and Bride go and lye together, without any other Ceremony. If the Man and Maid are of two Parishes, the Lord of the Village where the Man lives, accompany him and his Kindred to the next Village altogether, to fetch the Bride from thence.

If a Man and the Wife have no Children, he is permitted to take several Wives one after another till he have Issue. If a marri'd Woman have a Gallant, and that the Husband should come and find his Wise a bed with him, he goes away again without saying a word, and never takes any further notice of it. The Woman also in the same case, does the like by the man. Nay, the more Gallants a Woman has, the more she is respected: And it is a common custom when they fall out, to taunt one another, that if they were not ugly, or ill natur'd, or diseas'd, they would have more Admirers than they have. The People are of an excellent Complexion, especially the Women, who are extreamly fair, and finely shap'd, and keep their beauty till five and forty or fifty years. They are very laborious, and work themselves in the Iron Mines, which they melt afterwards and forge into several Tooles and Implements. They make abun∣dance of Embroidery of Gold and Silver for their Saddles, their Quivers, and their Pumps, as also upon the Calicut of which they make their Handkerchiefs.

If the man and the woman happen to quarrel often together, so that they cannot be reconcil'd: the Husband complaining first to the Lord of the Place, He sends for the Woman, and having giv'n order to sell her, gives the Man another. But if the Woman complain first, the Man is serv'd the same sawce. If a Man or Woman be a disturber of their Neighbours, if the Neighbours complain to the Lord, he presently causes the party to be apprehended and sold to the Merchants that buy Slaves, for they are resolv'd they will live in quiet.

They that take upon them the quality of Gentlemen, sit still, do nothing, and speak very little. In an evening they ride out, and meet some twenty or thirty together to go a stealing. Nor do they rob only their Enemies, but their Neighbours, from whom the chief prey which they take are Cattle and Slaves. All the Country-people are Slaves to the Lord of the Village where they live, whom he imploys to till his Land, and cut Wood for him upon occasion, of which they spend vast quantities. For not be∣ing very warm clad, they keep fire all night in the places where they sleep.

CHAP. XIII. Of the lesser Tartars, call'd Nogaîes, bord'ring upon Co∣mania.

THE lesser Tartars have a very ancient race of Horses, which they breed up even to Superstition; so that it would be among them an act of Sacriledge to sell them to strangers, as being not a little curious how they sell them to one another. These are the Horses which they ride, fifty or sixty in a Troop together when they go a thieving; and sometimes a hunder'd together, when they design any Incursion upon their Enemies. When the old Men come to be infirm and impotent, if they know any stout young Man that is a Souldier, they will lend him one of their Horses (if he have none of his own) to make an Incursion, upon condition to have half of the Booty. Many times they run up as far as Hungary, near to Comora and Javarin. These Horses, partly by nature, partly by early custom, will travel four or five days together with a handful of Grass giv'n them once in eight or ten hours, and a little Water every four and twenty hours. But they never go a robbing with them 'till they come to be seven or eight years old: besides that, they must undergo a very severe education ere they make use of them in those hardships. Their Bit is only a piece of Iron with a Buckle on each side, to which they fast'n the Bridle and Head-stall. For eight days together they put under the Saddle a bag of Gravel or Earth. The first day the Sack is a Horse-man's weight; and so they add to it every day, 'till it come to be double the weight at the end of the eight days. As they increase every day the weight upon the Horses back, they abate every day the Horse's Provender and Drink. During these eight days, they get up and walk the Horse two or three Leagues. The next eight days, they abate every day of the weight, 'till the Sack be quite empty. Proportionably also they abate him of his Meat and Drink as in the first eight days, and every day take up the Girt a hole shorter. The three or four last days they afford the Horse neither Proven∣der nor Drink, according as they find him able to endure hunger and thirst, and the labour which he is to undergo. The last day, they work him 'till he be all over of a Sweat; then they unbridle and unsaddle him, and pour upon him the coldest Water they can meet with. That done, they lead him into a field, and tye him by the leg with a Cord, at such a length as they intend he shall feed; yet still from day to day allowing him more Rope, 'till at last they let him loose, and feed with the rest of the Horses. This terrible fasting and labour, during which time, that little which they do eat and drink, they eat and drink with the Bit in their mouth, brings them to be so lean and out of flesh, that their very bones are ready to start out of their skins: So that if any one should see them in that miserable condition, that does not know the nature of the Horses, would think they would never be fit for good service. The hoofs of these Horses are so hard that they never shooe them, and yet they will leave the prints of their feet in the Earth, or upon the Ice, as if they had been shod. These Tartars are so curious in having Horses that will endure labour, that so soon as they see any handsom Colt in their Breed, they presently take him up, to school him as I have related: but hardly ten in fifty endure the tutoring.

As for their Diet, 'tis a great advantage for these Tartars to ride a Mare, in regard they drink the Milk. They that ride Horses, carry along with them a little Bag full of pieces of Cheese dry'd in the Sun; they have also a small Boracho of Goat-skin, which they fill with Water where they meet with it, into which they put two or three bits of their hard Cheese, which softens with the motion of the Horse, the Boracho being ty'd under his Belly: and thus the Water becomes a kind of sowr Milk, which is their ordinary Drink.

As for their Instruments of Cookery, every Horse-man has a large wooden Ladle hanging at the Pommel of his Saddle, out of which the rider drinks himself, and gives his Horse likewise to drink. They that encounter them, can hope for no better Booty

than their Horses; but they are very hard to be tak'n; for when one of these Horses perceives that his Rider is slain, he follows those that fly with all the swiftness ima∣ginable. Beside that, those Horses being carri'd into other Countries, are presently spoil'd, and come to nothing.

Their Cloathing is only a Sheep-skin, which in Winter they wear with the wool next their Bodies; in the Summer turning the other side. They that are the Nobi∣lity of the Countrey, wear Wolves-skins, with a kind of Shirt, and Breeches of course Fustian of divers Colours, which the Taylor gets little credit by sha∣ping.

Their Women are very white and well proportion'd, but their Faces are broad, and their Eyes little, so that by thirty years of Age they become very deformed. There is not a man but has two or three Wives, which they never choose but out of their own Tribe. Every Tribe has a Chief; who is one of the Nobility of the Countrey, and carries for his Banner a Horse-tail fasten'd to a half-Pike, and dy'd into the Co∣lour belonging to the Tribe. When they march, every one knows where to place himself, and how much ground they ought to take up for their Tribe and their Cattel; one Tribe never encroaching upon another.

The Women and Maids are generally clad in a large Shirt that reaches down to their feet. Upon their Heads they wear a large white Vail, their Foreheads being bound about with a large black Handkerchief ty'd in five or six Rolls. The Noble sort of Women and Maids wear over this Vail a Bonnet open behind, which comes down upon their Foreheads like a three-corner'd Cap: One of these Points stands up in the midst of the Forehead, lin'd with Velvet, Satin, or Cloth of Gold, and set with small pieces of Gold and Silver, and false Pearls, of which they also make themselves Bracelets: Their Breeches are of single-colour'd Cloth, and for Shoes and Stockings, they only wear a Cordovan Boot of what Colour they please, neatly sew'd.

When a young man intends to marry, it behoves him to give the Father and the Mother of the Maid a certain quantity of Horses, Bullocks or Cows, or other Cat∣tel, which is done in the presence of the greatest part of the ancientest of the Tribe, and a Moullah beside. When the Agreement is made, the young man has the liber∣ty to see his Mistress, but not till then: For before, he has only the information of her Mother, his Sisters, or such Women as were his own Friends. Besides the three Wives which the man is allow'd to take, he may keep several female Slaves; but the Children are still slaves, and can never inherit. These Tartars are of a ve∣ry hot constitution, though not so hot as the women. Both the one and the other are very fair-haird; but the men have little or no Beards: So that if there be any one that has more Beard than ordinary, and can but write and read, they make him a Moullah.

These people have no Houses, but live in Tents, or in Waggons which are drawn after them where-ever they go. The Tents are for the old people and little Chil∣dren, with their Slaves that attend them. The young women ride in Waggons clos'd up with Boards, and to let in the Air, upon one side they open a Window that is made like a Lattice. In the Evening they are permitted to spend a little time in the Tents. When the Girls have attain'd to the age of ten or twelve Years, they never stir any more out of their Waggons till they are married, not so much as for the necessities of Nature; but in the middle of the Waggon there is a Plank to be taken up; and if it be in a place where they stay, a Slave presently comes and cleanses all underneath. The Maidens Waggon is easie to be known, as being painted with Flowers; and generally there is a Camel ty'd to the Tail of it, besmear'd with several colours, and several Nosegays or Posies of Flowers stuck about the Head of the Beast.

The young men have also every one their Chariot, wherein they only carry a Bo∣racho of Horse-skin, containing about 38 Quarts, which they usually fill with Mares-Milk, which is very sowr. They have also every one another Waggon next to that wherein they ride themselves; wherein they carry several Boracho's full of Cows-Milk, which is very sowr. At Meals they drink this Milk: But before they powr it out, they stir it in the Boracho with a great Stick, that the Curd may mix with the thin Milk. But the Mares-Milk is only for the Master and Mistress, though before they drink of either, they mix it with water. When a Friend comes to see

them, they fetch out their dri'd Cheese, which they call Kourout, and breaking it into little Bits, eat it with fresh Butter. At their Feasts they sometimes kill old Sheep, sometimes old Goats. But for their Horses they never kill them but at the Funerals of their Kindred, at the Birth of a Child, or at their Marriage-Feasts, or lastly, when their Friends return laden with Spoil from any incursion, and are stor'd with Slaves. They never drink any thing but Mares-Milk or Cows-Milk, and when they can get neither, they will endure thirst for three or four days together before they will drink Water, being always grip'd with a terrible Colick when they drink it. They never eat any Salt, being of an opinion that it is naught for the Eyes. They live long, and are very strong, and seldom sick; nor do they refuse any Diet but Swines-flesh.

Their Countrey is very level; only for some few Hills in some places. They have great store of Pasture-grounds, and every Tribe has their peculiar Wells to water their Cattel. In the Winter they lodge upon the banks of great Rivers, near to Woods and Marishes, suffering their Herds to feed at liberty. When the Snow is very deep, the Cattel scrape it away with their seet to come at the Grass, though they meet with very little else but Reeds and Bushes. In the mean while the men cut down the Woods, make great Fires, and employ themselves in Fishing. There are some parts of these Rivers where the least Fish they take is about four or five foot long; and some there are above ten or twelve foot in length. Some they dry in the wind, and preserve against Summer; some they smoke in holes which they make in the Earth: As for the smaller sort, they boil them, and eat them without Salt or any other seasoning. When they have eat'n their Fish, they scoop up a large wooden Ladle full of the Fish-water and gulp it down. As for Bread, there is no talk of it in their Countrey.

When they are not at Wars, or are but newly return'd from any Incursion, they spend their time in Hunting; but cannot endure any other Hounds except Greyhounds: So that he must be a very poor Tartar indeed that do's not keep a Greyhound. Take notice however by the by, that these petty Tartars, concerning whom I have last discours'd, are certain people adjoyning to Comania, which the Turks, Persians and Mengrelians call Nogaies; who may be well reckon'd among the number of the petty Tartars, in regard they are all under one Prince, whom the Grand Signor appoints King over all Petty Tartary, and who receives his investiture at Constantinople.

These Tartars are all Mahumetans. Nor have they any Physitian among them; making use only of certain Simples of which they have a traditional knowledge. When the sick person lies in any extremity, they send for a Moullah, who comes with the Alcoran, which he opens and shuts three times, saying certain Prayers, and lay∣ing it upon the sick person's face. If by chance the sick person recover, they at∣tribute his recovery to the Sanctity of the Alcoran, and present the Moullah with a Sheep or a Goat: If he die, all his Kindred meet and carry him to the Grave with great Testimonies of Sadness, crying continually Alla, Alla. When he is interr'd, the Moullah mutters certain Prayers ov'r the Grave, and is paid for his pains according to the wealth of the Heirs. For the poor he generally spends three days and three nights in that exercise; for the rich he as usually spends a Month, never stirring all the while from the Grave; and sometimes sev'n or eight.

When any one of them is wounded, they use no other Salve but only boil'd Flesh, which they apply hot to the wound. If the wound be deep, they thrust in a piece of Fat as hot as the wound can endure it; and if the person be able to kill a Horse, the wound is cur'd so much the sooner; for the Flesh and Fat of a Horse are much more medicinable than the Flesh of any other Creature.

Were it not the Custom of the Tartars to buy their Wives when they marry, there would be fewer Whores. But in regard there are an abundance of poor young men that have not wherewithal to buy Wives, they never marry at all. This is that which makes so many Souldiers among them, and emboldens 'em to invade their Neigh∣bors, and to get something whereby they may be enabl'd to buy them a Wife. For the Virgins they are nev'r to be defil'd, being always shut up in their Waggons: But for the Women they are oft'n debauch'd, appointing their private Meetings, when they go to fetch water for their Cattel, when their Husbands are a-hunting, or look∣ing after their Herds. Nor is it a hard thing to conceal it from their Husbands, in regard the Tartars are not in the least prone to Jealousie.

By the way take notice, that the Nogaies, though they live almost after the same man∣ner as the Tartars, and are under the same Prince, yet they perfectly hate them; reproaching them for effeminate, because they live in Houses and Villages, whereas the true Souldier should live in Tents as they do, to be ready upon all occasions.

They that run a-foot, as well in these Countries, as in Persia, when they are wea∣ry, take Walnuts and bruise them, and then rub the Soles of their feet with them before the fire as hot as they can endure it, which presently makes them fresh again.

Having thus done with all the several Roads; here follows an Alphabetical Table of the Longitudes and Latitudes of all the Principal Cities of the whole Empire of Persia.

THE LONGITUDES and LATITUDES OF THE Principal Cities of PERSIA, according as the Geographers of those Countries place them.

A.

• A Amoul is in 72 Degrees, 20 Min. of Longitude, 36 deg. of Latitude. The Lands about this City abound in Prunes.
• Abeher, in 74 deg. 20 min. Long. 36 deg. 15 min. Lat. 12 Leagues from Casbin, a small City; but the Land is good about it.
• Absecun, in 79 deg. 15 min. Long. 37 deg. 10 min. Lat. A small City in an ex∣cellent Soil.
• Abdehil, in 60 deg. 20 min. Long. 36 deg. 24 min. Lat. The Inhabitants are most Christians, and there are many ancient Churches in it. It depends upon Sul∣tany.
• Ahwaz, 70 deg. 15 min. Long. 31 deg. 15 min. Lat. A small City half ruin'd, in the Province of Belad-Cowreston, in a Soil that yields excellent Fruits.
• Arbella, 69 deg. 50 min. Long. 36 deg. 20 min. Lat. A small Champaign City, where Provisions are Cheap.
• Ardevil, 62 deg. 30 min. Long. 38 deg. 15 min. Lat.
• Ardeston, 77 deg. 10 min. Long. 33 deg. 7 min. Lat. Famous for the Copper Vessels that are there made.
• Arion, 74 deg. 32 min. Long. 32 deg. 25 min. Lat. One of the three places where Olives grow in all Persia.
• Assed-Abad, 63 deg. 40 min. Long. 34 deg. 50 min. Lat. A small City toward Amadan.
• Ava, 75 deg. 10 min. Long. 34 deg. 40 min. Lat. This is a very small place.
• Azadkar, or Yevin, 82 deg. 15 min. Long. 36 deg. 32 min. Lat. A City in a great Plain, where there are above four hundred Channels under-ground.

B.

• Bab El Abab, or, the Gate of Gates; call'd also Demir-capi; or, the Gate of Iron. The Tartars call it Monjou: 75 deg. 15. min. Long. 45 deg. 15 min. Lat. It has been formerly a strong place.
• ...

• ... Badkeist, 85 deg. 32 min. Long. 35 deg. 20 min. Lat. A small, but most pleasant City, and well built.
• Baste, 80 deg. 15 min. Long. 29 deg. 15 min. Lat. A City in the Province of Kerman, where in Summer the Mornings are very cold, the Afternoons hot; yet the Air very good.
• Bafrouche, see Mahmeter.
• Beylagon, 63 deg. 52 min. Long. 41 deg. 20 min. Lat. A City toward the Caspian Sea, in a Country abounding in Corn and Fruit.
• Balk, 91 deg. 36 min. Long. 38 deg. 10 min. Lat. Three days journey from Moultan.
• Bem, or Bembe; 74 deg. 15 min. Long. 28 deg. 20 min. Lat. Thought to have been built by Caliph Mouktadar, near the great Desert of Bersham.
• Berdoe, 63 deg. 15 min. Long. 35 deg. 30 min. Lat. It lyes surrounded with Pasture-grounds, which breed great store of Cattel.
• Berzendé, 63 deg. 14 min. Long. 37 deg. 40 min. Lat. Here are made a sort of course Druggets for ordinary people.
• Beston, 79 deg. 15 min. Long. 37 deg. 20 min. Lat. It lyes in a Country abounding in Corn and Fruits.
• Bimonoheer, 74 deg. 10 min. Long. 37 deg. 30 min. Lat. Here is great Trade for Silk.
• Bost, 91 deg. 28 min. Long. 32 deg. 16 min. Lat. A great City, to which be∣longs the fairest and strongest Castle in all Persia.
• Bourou-Jerdé, 74 deg. 30 min. Long. 34 deg. 20 min. Lat. Famous for Saffron, and for being the native City of many Learned Men.

C.

• Chemkon, 63 deg. 15 min. Long. 41 deg. 15 min. Lat.
• Chiras, 78 deg. 15 min. Long. 29 deg. 36 min. Lat.
• Chirvan, or Erivan; 63 deg. 15 min. Long. 38 deg. 32 min. Lat. Here all the Silk-Caravans rendevous; and it is one of the richest Kanats or Governments in Persia.

D.

• Dankon, 78 deg. 15 min. Long. 30 deg. 15 min. Lat. A bad Town, in a bad Soil.
• Darabguired, 80 deg. 15 min. Long. 30 deg. 15 min. Lat. In several parts round about this City they meet with Salt of several colours, as red and green, black and white. Here they also make long-neck'd Glass-Bottles, which are very curious work; nor are they without Sider to fill those Bottles, in regard of the great plenty of Apples thereabouts. Near to the City there is a Sulphur-Mine, and great store of Mummy, very much esteem'd in Persia.
• Debeston, 80 deg. 15 min. Long. 38 deg. 15 min. Lat. This is not properly a City, but a great many Villages joyn'd together.
• Deras, 79 deg. 30 min. Long. 31 deg. 32 min. Lat.
• Devinmaat, 62 deg. 5 min. Long. 38 deg. 40 min. Lat.
• Din Ver, 63 deg. 15 min. Long. 35 deg. Lat. A City in a fruitful Soil, stor'd with Mosquees.
• Doulad, 74 deg. 15 min. Long. 37 deg. 50 min. Lat. The Country about is full of black Mulbery trees.
• Dourak, 74 deg. 32 min. Long. 32 deg. 15 min. Lat. Here they make the loose Cassocks without Sleeves which the Arabians wear. Near to this City the Rivers Tigris and Euphrates, meeting at a place call'd Hellá, make a Marsh, where grow the Reeds of which the Eastern people make their Pens.

E.

• Elalbetem, 87 deg. 15 min. Long. 37 deg. 15. min. Lat.
• Eltiib, 70 deg. 15. min. Lon. 32 deg. 15. min. Lat.
• Enderab, 93 deg. 15 min. Long. 32 deg. 15 min. Lat.
• ...

• ... Erivan, see Chirvan.
• Espharaïen, 81 deg. 40 min. Long. 37 deg. 15 min. Lat. The Country about it abounds in Pears and Apples.
• Estakré, 78 deg. 30 min. Long. 30 deg. 15 min. Lat. The ancient City in the Province of Fars, properly Persia; in a Soil abounding in Vines and Date-trees.
• Esterabat, 75 deg. 35 min. Long. 36 deg. 50 min. Lat.

F.

• Ferah, 18 deg. 15 min. Long. 39 deg. 15 min. Lat. Built by Abdalla the Son of Taher, in the time of Maimon Reshid, Caliph of Berni-Abbas.
• Ferouzabad, 82 deg. 32 min. Long. 30 deg. 10 min. Lat. Anciently call'd Hour∣becthion.

G.

• Girefte, 73 deg. 40 min. Long. 31 deg. 10 min. Lat. One of the biggest Cities in the Province of Kerman. The Trade of the City consists in Hones and Wheat.
• Girrcadegon, vulgarly Paygon, 75 deg. 35 min. Long. 34 deg. 15 min. Lat.
• Goutem, 74 deg. 46 min. Long. 37 deg. 20 min. Lat. A little City, full of Silk-Twisters.

H.

• Hamadan, 75 deg. 20 min. Long. 34 deg. Lat. The Country about it breeds great store of Cattel.
• Hasn-Eltaf, or, The Center of Beauty; 72 deg. 32 min. Long. 34 deg. 40 min. Lat. At this day almost ruin'd.
• Hawas, 75 deg. 40 min. Long. 33 deg. 15 min. Lat.
• Heaye, 74 deg. 35 min. Long. 31 deg. 50 min. Lat.
• Helaverde, 91 deg. 30 min. Long. 35 deg. 15. min. Lat. Built by Abdalla be∣fore mention'd.
• Herat, 85 deg. 30 min. Long. 36 deg. 56 min. Lat. A City in the Province of Carassan, where Sultan Heussein-Mirza founded several Colledges for Youth.
• Hesn-Medi, 78 deg. 45 min. Long. 32 deg. 5 min. Lat.
• Hessne Ebneamadé, 70 deg. 45 min. Long. 26 deg. 20 min. Lat.
• Hurman, 85 deg. 15 min. Long. 32 deg. 30 min. Lat. A small City, in a bad Air.

I.

• Jemnon, 78 deg. 15 min. Long. 36 deg. 40 min. Lat. The Trade of it is in Copper Manufactures.
• Jend-Babour, 75 deg. 5 min. Long. 31 deg. 15 min. Lat. A very strong place, famous for the Tomb of Melek-Yakoub-Sha, King of Schiras.
• Irson, 80 deg. 35 min. Long. 36 deg. 50 min. Lat.
• Ispahan, or Hispahan; 86 deg. 40 min. Long. 32 deg. 40 min. Lat.

K.

• Kaar, 78 deg. 40 min. Long. 42 deg. 32 min. Lat.
• Kashan, 76 deg. 15 min. Long. 34 deg. 40 min. Lat.
• Kafre-Chirin, 71 deg. 50 min. Long. 34 deg. 40 min. Lat. Built by Noushirevon-Aadel, surnamed the Just; and upon the acts and deeds of this King is all the Mora∣lity of the Persians founded.
• Kaien, 83 deg. 20 min. Long. 36 deg. 32 min. Lat. Said to breed the choicest Wits of all Persia.
• Kalaar, 76 deg. 25 min. Long. 37 deg. 25 min. Lat. One of the chiefest Cities in Guilan.
• Kalin, 87 deg. 5 min. Long. 35 deg. 35 min. Lat. In an excellent Soil for Cattel and Fruit.
• Karkoub, 74 deg. 45 min. Long. 32 deg. 15 min. Lat.
• Kasbin, 75 deg. 40 min. Long. 36 deg. 15 min. Lat.
• ...

• ... Kasre-le-lehous, or Kengavat, 76 deg. 20 min. Long. 33 deg. 35 min. Lat.
• Kazeron, 88 deg. 30 min. Long. 28 deg. 30 min. Lat. The Country about produces Oranges, Limons, and Cypress-trees.
• Kerah, 86 deg. 40 min. Long. 34 deg. 15 min. Lat.
• Kerman or Kirman, 81 deg. 15 min. Long. 29 deg. 50 min. Lat.
• Kervak, 87 deg. 32 min. Long. 34 deg. 15 min. Lat.
• Kirmonsha, 63 deg. 45 min. Long. 34 deg. 37 min. Lat.
• Kom, 75 deg. 40 min. Long. 35 deg. 35 min. Lat.
• Kouh de Mavend, 74 deg. 15 min. Long. 36 deg. 15 min. Lat. the smallest now, which was once the largest City in Persia.
• Koucht, 83 deg. 40 min. Long. 33 deg. 20 min. Lat. In a soyl excellent for Corn and good Fruits.
• Koy, 60 deg. 40 min. Long. 37 deg. 40 min. Lat.
• Kevachir, or Verdechir, 80 deg. 30 min. Long. 28 deg. 15 min. Lat.

L.

• Lahijon, 74 deg. 25 min. Long. 37 deg. 15 min. Lat. The Trade of the Town consists in Stuffs, half Silk, half Cotton, call'd Teftile.
• Loussek, see Toussea.

M.

• Maameter, or Barfrouche, 77 deg. 35. min. Long. 36 deg. 50 min. Lat.
• Mehrouyon, or Behbehon, 75 deg. 15 min. Long. 39 deg. 35 min. Lat.
• Meraqué, 71 deg. 20 min. Long. 37 deg. 40 min. Lat. It stands in one of the Gardens of Persia.
• Merend, 63 deg. 15. min. Long. 37 deg. 37 min. Lat.
• Mervasaé, 87 deg. 32 min. Long. 34 deg. 15 min. Lat. in a fertile Country for Corn and Fruit.
• Merverond, 88 deg. 40 min. Long. 34 deg. 30 min. Lat. in a fertile Country.
• Mesched, look Touss.
• Moukon, or Derbent, 20 Leagues from the Caspian Sea, 63 deg. 15 min. Long. 37 deg. 40 min. Lat.
• Mourjan, 84 deg. 15 min. Long. 37 deg. 15 min. Lat. A City well peopl'd, wherein there are several Mosquées, and fair Piazza's.

N.

• Nacksivan, or Nachevan, 61 deg. 32 min. Long. 39 deg. 40 min. Lat.
• Natel, 77 deg. 40 min. Long. 36 deg. 7 min. Lat. in a fertile Country for Pastu∣rage.
• Nehavend, or Nahoüand, 73 deg. 45 min. Long. 34 deg. 20 min. Lat. The Country people aver this City built before the Loufon, or the Flood.
• Neher-Terij, 75 deg. 00 min. Long. 32 deg. 40 min. Lat.
• Nessah, 84 deg. 45 min. Long. 38 deg. 40 min. Lat.
• Nichabar, 80 deg. 55 min. Long. 36 deg. 20 min. Lat.

O.

• Oujon, 61 deg. 35 min. Long. 32 deg. 24 min. Lat. To this City finely seated, belongs a fair Castle.

R.

• Rachmikdon, 87 deg. 34 min. Long. 35 deg. 15 min. Lat.
• Rem-hormous, 74 deg. 45 min. Long. 31 deg. 45 min. Lat. In this City Selmon, Haly's Foster Father was born.
• Rey, 76 deg. 20 min. Long. 35 deg. 35 min Lat. In the best Soil of all Persia, for Wheat, Fruit, and Pasturage.
• Roudbar, 75 deg. 37 min. Long. 37 deg. 21 min. Lat. in the Province of Guilan.
• Royon, 71 deg. 36 min. Long. 36 deg. 15 min. Lat. in the Province of Mazandran.

S.

• Saassour, 86 deg. 20 min. Long. 35 deg. 15 min. Lat.
• Saron, 76 deg. 20 min. Long. 36 deg. 15 min. Lat. In the Province of Guilan.
• Sary, 78 deg. 15 min. Long. 36 deg. 40 min. Lat. Seated among the Copper-Mines.
• Sebzevoar, 81 deg. 5 min. Long. 36 deg. 15 min. Lat. Near this City the people gather great quantities of Manna.
• Semiron, 71 deg. 30 min. Long. 34 deg. 40 min. Lat. A pleasant City stor'd with good Water and Fruits.
• Serijr-el-lan, 63 deg. 15 min. Long. 45 deg. 50 min. Lat.
• Serkess, or Serakas, 85 deg. 35 min. Long. 36 deg. 15 min. Lat. A pleasant City for Scituation, and plenty of Waters.
• Sermeghon, 87 deg. 37 min. Long. 37 deg. 32 min. Lat. In a fertile Soil, yet not very plentiful.
• Serveston, 78 deg. 15 min. Long. 29 deg. 15 min. Lat. In a Soil abounding with Gardens.
• Servon, 79 deg. 15 min. Long. 32 deg. 15 min. Lat. In a Soil abounding with Wine and Dates.
• Surjon, 74 deg. 40 min. Long. 30 deg. 20 min. Lat. Where the best Persian Car∣pets are made, and Shaads, or Girdles of Goats Hair curiously wrought.
• Sohreverede, 73 deg. 36 min. Long. 36 deg. 5 min. Lat.
• Ssouss, 73 deg. 45 min. Long. 32 deg. 15 min. Lat.
• Sultanie, 76 deg. 15 min. Long. 39 deg. 40 min. Lat. Where the Mornings and Evenings are very cold; all the rest of the day very hot.

T.

• Taberon, 80 deg. 34 min. Long. 35 deg. 20 min. Lat.
• Talikon, 88 deg. 15 min. Long. 36 deg. 32 min. Lat. In a Country plentiful in Corn, Fruit, and good Water.
• Tauris, otherwise call'd Ssernerdehi, 63 deg. 15 min. Long. 39 deg. 10 min. Lat.
• Tebess, 80 deg. 40 min. Long. 38 deg. 15 min. Lat.
• Teflis, 60 deg. 15 min. Long. 43 deg. 15 min. Lat.
• Toukon, 82 deg. 45 min. Long. 38 deg. 40 min. Lat.
• Touss, or Meshed, 82 deg. 30 min. Long. 38 deg. 40 min. Lat.
• Toussea, otherwise call'd Loussek, 85 deg. 40 min. Long. 37 deg 50 min. Lat.

Y.

• Yesd, 79 deg. 15 min. Long. 32 deg. 15 min. Lat.
• Yevin, see Azadkar.

Z.

• Zemma, 89 deg. 14 min. Long. 38 deg. 35 min. Lat. In a Country abounding in all forts of Cattel.
• Zenjon, 73 deg. 36 min. Long. 36 deg. 5 min. Lat. Famous for its antiquity, and formerly the Persian University.
• Zertah, 79 deg. 30 min. Long. 32 deg. 30 min. Lat. The biggest City in the Province of Belad-Ciston, abounding in Wine and Shell-fruit.
• Zour, 70 deg. 20 min. Long. 35 deg. 32 min. Lat. A City in the same Pro∣vince.
• Zouzen, 85 deg. 15 min. Long. 35 deg. 39 min. Lat. In the Province of Ma∣zandran.
• ...

• ... Zourend, 73 deg. 40 min. Long. 31 deg. 15 min. Lat. In the Province of Ker∣man, where there is great store of curious Potters ware; where also grows the Root Hanna, with the juice whereof the Persians dye their Nails, and the Breasts and Tails of their Horses.

The End of the Third BOOK.