The New atlas, or, Travels and voyages in Europe, Asia, Africa, and America, thro' the most renowned parts of the world ... performed by an English gentleman, in nine years travel and voyages, more exact than ever.

CHAP. XVII. Travels through divers Countries into China, and a satisfactory Account of all that is re∣markable in that Kingdom.

IN our Passage to China, for brevity sake, I shall not be particular in every thing I saw, as not be∣ing remarkable in such wild and desart Countries. Let it suffice then, that setting out we passed over vast Plains, Rivers, Mountains, and Rockey ways, in danger of wild Beasts and Robbers, there being but few, and those inconsiderable Towns, till we came to Athec, where recruiting with Provisions, and refreshing ourselves, we Travelled on in much the like ways to Passaur, and so by several small Towns till we came to a City called Capherstam; the Country it stands in is very Fertil, producing good Wine, and one thing I observed, that they go to their Temples in Mourning Weeds; and 25 days Journey from this, we came to Gtrideli, in 20 days more to Cabul, and so to Ciracar, and Paroua, the last Town in the Mogul's Territories, after which we were often forced to pay Tribute to petty Princes

that govern'd the Cities and dependancies in our way. Then to Aingharan we journied over exceed∣ing high Mountains, and leaving that place, came to Calcia, then to Gialalabath; here recruiting, we passed to Talhan, and Cheman in the Kingdom of Sa∣marhan, and by a troublesom way from thence, came to Badasciam, and Chiarchiumar, where we re∣sted for some time, and then kept on our Journey to Serpanel, and so entered the Country of Sarcil, full of Villages, and in 6 days passed over Ciecialith, a vast Mountain covered with Snow, in which Pas∣sage some of the company perished with Cold, and in a tedious Travel attained Tanghetar, in the King∣dom of Cascar, and passing Jaconich, came to Hiar∣chan the Royal City, where, for a good Sum, the Master of the Caravan obtained the King's Passport to further our Journey more quietly: Then we kept our Journey through Jocil, Hancialix, Aleghet, Ha∣gabateth, Egriar, Marcetelec, Thalec, Horma, Thoan∣tac, Mingrieda, Capetalcol, Zelan, Sarc, Guebedal, Cam∣basci, Monsersec, Ciacolo, and Ascu; we passed these by a very tedious way, over Stones, Sands, and the De∣sarts of Carcatha, and so to Oitocarach, Gazo, Cascia∣ni, Dellai, Seregabedal, Ʋngan, and Cucia, then to Pucian, and Turphan, a Fortified City; thence to Aramuth, and so to Camul, the last City of the King∣dom of Ciales, and from Camul to the North Wall of China, through which we had admission at a place called Ciaicum, after a 6 Months Journey, and so passed to the City of Socive, and thus being entered China, I shall proceed to speak of it, as far as I could learn, during my stay there.

As for the vast Kingdom of China, it has gone under many Denominations, as the Princes has been pleased to new Name and call it, as they severally ascended to the Throne: Under the Reign of the first King it was called Tae mim que, that is, The Kingdom of great Brightness, and by several other Names. But when the Tartar, whose Race are now in the power, Conquer'd it, they called it Tai Ciroque, A Kingdom of great Purity; and since it was called

Chin, to which the Portugueses, the first Europeans Trading there, adding an A, it has since amongst us been called China, and so it is generally accept∣ed.

It is seated in the extremities of Asia towards the East, and lies under 20 Degrees from North to South from the Fortress of Cai Pim, placed on the Frontiers of the Province of Pekim, in the Latitude of 41, to the Meridional point of the Island of Hai nan, in 8 Degrees of the Elevation, and to the South of the Province of Quamtum, so that according to the Chi∣nese account, it is from North to South 5750 Li or Furlongs, which make 575 French Leagues, at 25 to a Degree; and from Po point, a Sea-Port Town in the Province of Che-Kiam, to the extreami∣ty of the Province of Suchven, in a streight Line from East to West it is 426 French Leagues, though Geographers taking it another way, make it much longer, viz. from the last place to the North-west of the Province of Leaotum, called Caiyven to the last City of the Province of Yunnan, called Cin-tien-Kiu-min-Fat, and so the length is accounted 750 French Leagues, and the breadth taken from Tam Chan, the most easterly place of the Country of Lea∣otum, joyning to the Kingdom of Corea, to Tum-tim to the Westward of the Province of Xensi, it is 500 French Leagues.

This vast Kingdom, or Empire, contains 15 Pro∣vinces, larger than some considerable Kingdoms, mostly Rich and Fertile, which are ranked accord∣ing to their Antiquity and Precedency, in this Or∣der, by the Chineses.

Pekim, Nankim, now called Kiam-nan, Xensi, Xan∣tum, Ho-nan, Xansi, Chekiam, Kianosi, Huquam, Su Chu∣ens, Fokien, Quamtum, Quamsi, Yunnan, Quei Cheum, and Xantum; many of these have Towns commo∣diously on the Sea, and others on great Rivers and Lakes, the whole Country being plentifully water∣ed, by which means it is exceeding Fertil, and saves them abundance of Land Carriage.

The Chineses brag much of the Original of their Kingdom, and some of their Books place it many thousand Years before the Creation of the World; but most agree, it has preserved its form of Govern∣ment during the Reign of 22 Families, and from them have descended 236 Kings, during the space 4034 Years, for so long they allow it to have been a Kingdom; yet there is amongst them another more probable account, viz. This account reduces the beginning of it to about 400 Years after the General Deluge, and if any pretend to dispute it by Writing, or word of Mouth, it is enough to en∣danger their Lives, for they look upon it as a dispa∣ragement to their Kingdom, as being the proudest, and most conceited People of all Nations, thinking themselves the best in the World, and that all others are insignificant to them, making in their Maps Chi∣na very spacious, and other Countries like little Rocks in the Sea, and they hold a firm opinion, that Europe is no more than 2 small Islands; they also hold, all their Neighbours for Barbarians, and paint them in Monstrous and Ridiculous Forms, and to make them seem Cowards, though they have often experienced them to the contrary, they report and paint them as little Pigmies, who tie them∣selves in bundles when they go abroad, least the Ea∣gles and Kites should carry them away; and when any one argues learnedly to them, they start, as in a surprize, demanding whether they have their Books in their Country, and when the Strangers Answer no, they reply, why then how came you by that Learning? They hold their Religion the purest and ancientest of all the Religions in the World; How∣ever, it is to be believed, that their Chronicle is the ancientest that is to be found, and is so well connect∣ed, the Reign of one King hanging so well to the other, that it cannot reasonably be suspected to have been Written upon trust, by Conjecture, or Imagi∣nation.

They divide the Heavens into 28 Constellations, and China into so many parts, allowing each part

one, and leave none for any other Nation; and in brief, they give their own most lofty and magnifi∣cent Titles, but to Foreign Countries, most barba∣rous, scornful, and degrading Names, to exalt their Kingdom by the disparaging others, which Pride I am apt to believe proceeds from their Ignorance, though some of the Nobles are more moderate and discreet, but then it is such as have Travelled a∣broad, though but a few of them are permitted, and even these dare not speak much in the praise of other Countries, least they should be looked on as under∣valuers of their own, and consequently as Enemies. Some of their Kings have had the vanity to stile themselves Child of the Sun, and Emperor of the World. They are, however, a very industrious Peo∣ple, as appears by their vast and stately Edifices, Manufactures, and other curious Matters, for there are no idle People in the Kingdom, the Lame, Blind, and Deaf employ themselves in one business or other, as they are capacitated, and get a living by it, inso∣much that they have a Proverb, which says, There is nothing in China cast away; and let it be ne∣ver so vile, it may turn to Profit one way or other in the City of Pekim, which is the chief of the King∣dom. Many thousands of Families live only by ma∣king and selling Card-Matches, and Wicks for Can∣dles, and as many by what they pick up about the Streets. They have in every City a Bell, and a Drum-Tower, on which Watchmen strike, to give the Hours, and the quarters in the Night-time, and both the Drum and Bell are exceeding large, being heard many Miles, answering one another in a Mu∣sical Harmony. They burn an Incense made of Sweet Woods and Perfumes in their Chambers, and before their Pagods, making Candles of the same and other mixtures, which in burning cast a fragrant smell; and some they make so large to place in their Temples before their Idols that they will continue burning 20 or 30 Days and Nights, and burning to certain windings and marks, they, by that, distin∣guish Hours and Days, in burning such and such ex∣act

proportions; and those that burn them in their Chambers, when they would rise at a certain Hour, tie a little Brass weight by a String to a mark that specifies the Hour, and the string burning, the weight falls into a brass Bason set under it, and strikes like a Larum-Watch.

They have many other curious devices, as Cha∣riots that will run swiftly without Horses, only a Man that sits in it turning a Winch, which by cer∣tain Springs turns the Wheels round with great Rapidity. But passing over things of this Nature for the present, I will proceed to describe, in some measure, the City of Pekim, the Metropolis of Chi∣na, where the King has his chief Court.

This famous City is seated in a Plain, forming a vast Square, each of its sides being 12 Chinese Fur∣longs in length; it has 9 Gates, 3 upon the South side, and 2 upon each of the other sides: it is now Inhabited by the Tartars, and their Troops are divi∣ded into the 8 quarters, or, as they call them, Ban∣ners. But considering, under the preceeding Kings, the numerous Inhabitants had not a sufficient place to contain them, though the Nine Suburbs answer∣ing to the Gates were as big as Cities. There was a new City built like the old one, square in Form, having its North side joyning to the side of the old one; this has 7 Gates, and every one a Suburb an∣swering to it, so that taking that in, with the Suburbs, it is of a vast circumference, yet many who have writ of it, have made it much larger than it is; the one and the other are divided into 5 Jurisdictions, or Tribunals, of which I shall speak hereafter. The principal Streets run to the 4 direct Points, or Winds; they are long, streight, and broad, so well propor∣tioned, as if they had been marked out with a Line. The little Streets run all from East to West, being very fair, and divide the spaces between the great Streets into equal and proportionable Islands, hav∣ing each a particular Name, and there is a Catalogue to be sold of them, with Notes and Directions, that Strangers, and those whose business it is to go on

Errands, may the easier find them, for they are very numerous.

The fairest of these Streets is called Cham gan Kiai, or the Street of Perpetual Repose; it is about 30 Fathom broad, and of a vast length: The Houses are low built, which, they say, is done in respect to the King's Pallace, that it should appear more magnificent, though besides the King's, there are Pallaces belonging to the Nobility very stately, yet they are built backward, so that nothing but a great Gate appears to the Street. The old and new City are crouded with swarms of People, as the Shops are with store of rich Commodities, so that one would suppose there was a continual Fair held in it.

The King's Pallace is seated in the midst of the City, and Fronts towards the South, as almost all others do in this Country; it is encompassed with a double enclosure of Walls, in form of a long square; the outward enclosure is extraordinary high and thick, plaistered on both sides with a curious red Plaister, and covered with a small Roof of varnish∣ed Brick of a Gold Colour; the length of it from South to North is 8 Chinese Furlongs; it has a Gate in the middle of each side, composed of 3 Portals, the middlemost never being opened but when the King passes, and these have a Guard upon them, but not very considerable; there are also many E∣lephants kept in a spacious place for service, and to divert the King, where are Stables compleatly fur∣nished for them, and no Persons that have any con∣siderable deformity are suffered to enter the Pallace; the inner Wall that immediately incloses the Pallace is very thick, and high built, embellished with well contrived Battlements, and extends from North to South 6 Furlongs, and a Furlong and an half in breadth, and the Pallace is about four Miles three quarters in circumference; it has 4 Gates with large vaulted Arches, those to the South and North being like to them of the first Inclosure, and upon the An∣gles of the Walls are 8 Towers of an extraordinary

bigness, and good Architecture, Varnished with beautiful red, and adorned with Flowers of Gold, covered with Tiles of a Gold Varnish, and there are Guards kept in them all, except Madarin's of the Tribunals within the Palace; and the Officers of the King's Houshold are forbidden to come within this Wall, unless they shew a little Table of Wood, plated with Ivory, wherein their Names, and the places they serve in are set down, with the Seal of the Mandarin to whom they belong. It has a cu∣rious More round it full of Fish, and every Gate a Draw-Bridge, unless the South, which lies over an Arch. In the vast space between the two Walls are many stately Palaces that might suit the entertain∣ment of great Kings, they being richly adorned with pollished Stone, and curious Gilding.

On the East side close by the Wall runs a River, over which are several Bridges of Marble, with Draw-Bridges in the middle of them: On the West where the space is large, there is a lake full of Fish, 5 Furlongs and a quarter in length, made in the Form of a Bass-Viol; where it is narrowest there is a very beautiful Bridge which answers the Gates of the Wall, at the end of which stand Triumphant Arches of 3 Arches a piece, very Majestick, and of excellent Workmanship. The Lake is environ∣ed with little Pallaces, or Houses of Pleasure, partly on the Water, and partly on the Land; and on the Lake are many beautiful Barges for the King's use; the remainder of the East and West spaces not ta∣ken up by the Lake, are beautified with Palaces, and the Officers Houses, all very Stately and Magnifi∣cent, as also of those of Artificers that belong to the King's Pallace.

The inward Pallace is low built, according to the fashion of the Chineses, containing many Pallaces, or Courts, one within the other, so that it seems a little City of Pallaces, guarded by a great number of Turrets, or Towers; and particularly in the King's Apartment is to be seen nothing but gilded Cielings, Pillars inlaid with Ivory and costly Stone;

his Throne is exceeding Rich and Magnificent, va∣lued at many Millions, by reason of rich Stones and Gold that adorn it: There are also some Temples erected within this enclosure, and so many other things, that it would require a Volume to describe them particularly.

Besides the Temples in the Pallace, the King has 7 others, in which he Sacrifices once a Year, viz. 5 in the New, and 2 in the Old City, very large, and exceedingly beautified with Gold, and costly Paintings. In the first of these called Tien-Tam, or the Temple of Heaven, he Sacrifices to Heaven at the time the Sun comes to the Winter Solstice, Of∣fering Hogs, Oxen, Goats, and Sheep, which is done with great Solemnity and Humility, the King laying aside his Golden Robe, yellow Vesture, and precious Jewels, and putting on a plain Habit of Black, or Sky-coloured Damask. The second Temple is called Ti-Tam, or the Temple of the Earth, and here the King before he is Crowned, Sa∣crifices to the God of the Earth, and then putting himself into the Habit of a Ploughman, he Ploughs a little piece of Ground with a varnished Plough, drawn by 2 Oxen with gilded Horns, and in the mean time the Queen and her Ladies dress him a homely Dinner, which they Eat together. To the North of these stands another Temple, called Pe Ti∣en-Tam, or the North Temple of Heaven, he Sacri∣fices at the time of the Summer Solstice, and at Vernal Equinox he Sacrifices in a Temple to the East, called Ge-Tam, or the Temple of the Sun, and at the Autumnal Equinox, at the Western Tem∣ple, called Yue Tam, or the Temple of the Moon; and to prepare for the Sacrifices, there is a Fast held in Pekim for 3 days, during which time, no Flesh nor Fish is to be eaten, under great Penalties; and this they say they do in a thankfulness for the Bene∣fits they receive from the Earth, by the Seasons of the Year, and the influence of Heaven.

In the sixth Temple called Ti vam miao, or the Temple of the past Kings, is a rich Throne, and

the Statues of all the Kings of China, from the first King, named To hi to Xum Chi, Father to the present Prince; here the King performs an Annual Ceremony to his Predecessors. The seventh Temple is called Chim-Hoam Miao, or the Temple of the Spirit that guards the Walls; but here the King never Sacri∣fices, but appoints Mandarins, and other Nobles, to do it at his Charge, so that the Ceremony is per∣formed with much Royalty; and in every City there is such a Temple Dedicated to the same end.

Having proceeded thus far, I shall entertain you with an account of his Pomp, and Magnificent At∣tendance, when he goes out of his palace; and this he rarely does but upon two occasions, viz. either to Hunt, and take the Air, or to Sacrifice, unless necessity forces him to the Wars; upon these occa∣sions he takes a Guard, and all the Nobles that are near have notice, and attend him in their best Equi∣page; they most consist of between 12 and 13000, adorned with Embroideries of Gold, Silver, and precious Stones, their Horses traped with the same, and all their Servants that attend, at a distance, in very rich Attire.

First, there appear 24 Men with large Drums, in two Files, then the like number of Trumpets in the same manner, next as many with long Staves, varnished with red, and adorned with gilt Folinges; then 200 Halberdiers, the Heads of their Halberds being like a Crescent; these were followed by 100 Men carrying Maces of gilt Wood, with Staves as long as a Launce; then 2 Royal Poles, called Cassi, varnished with Red, and gilded with Flowers at both ends; after these 400 large Lanthorns richly adorned, with many curious pieces of Workman∣ship; these were followed by 400 Flambeauxs curiously Carved, and made of an odoriferous Wood that burns long, and casts a curious shining light; then 200 Launces fringed and adorned with the Spoiles of Wild Beasts; these are followed by 24 Banners, on which, in Gold, and Rich Imbroi∣dery are represented the Signs of the Zodiack, which

the Chineses divide into 24, contrary to us; after these come 56 Banners, with 56 Constellations painted on them, under which they comprehend the whole number of Stars; then 2 large Flabels, supported with Poles, and gilded with Suns, Birds, Beasts, and other Things; these are succeeded by 24 Umbrellos richly adorned; then 8 sorts of rich Utensils for the Kings ordinary use, as a Table-Cloth, a Bason and Eure of Gold, &c. after these 10 led Horses all white, Traped with Imbroidery of Gold and precious Stones, followed by 100 Lanciers, and on both sides them the Pages of the King that particular belong to his Chamber, and in the middle, between them, the King himself, with an Air very Majestick and Stern, mounted on a stately Steed, covered with a rich Umbrello, cost∣ly, beyond the belief of such as have not seen it, shading both the King and his Horse; he is followed by petty Kings, the Princes of the Blood, and a great number of the Principal Nobility in their richest Attire, and ranked according to their De∣grees; then 500 young Gentlemen belonging to the King, followed by 1000 Footmen clad in red Robes, Embroidered with Stars and Flowers of Gold and Silver; then succeeds an open Chair, or Litter, carried by 36 Men, attended by another close Lit∣ter as big as a handsom Room, carried by 120 Men; then 2 vast Chariots, each drawn by 2 Elephants; after these another large Chariot drawn by 8 Horses, and another which is less, by 4; these have very rich Caparisons lined with Silk, and the Governors in costly Liveries, each of them attended by an Of∣ficer and 50 Soldiers; next to these follow 2000 Mandarins of the Learned Tribunal; and to close all, 2000 Military Mandarins, with the King's Train: The People every where receive him with profound Veneration and Respect, many Kneeling, and others lifting up their Hands, with Prayers for his Prosperity.

Besides the numerous Vessels in Seaports, on Lakes, and Rivers, many of which have places in

them like Rooms and Chambers, wherein the People belonging to them live and breed. The number of those that are appointed to carry Provisions to the Court are near 1000; those that are to attend the Mandarins are very numerous, and the rest, with∣out great difficulty are not to be numbered, for all the Lakes, Rivers, and Ports are so full of Vessels, that they seem so many floating Towns, or Cities, and no less than 4 Millions of People are imploy∣ed in their Navigation. Their Rivers are many, and exceeding large, so that on the River Kiam, which is called the Son of the Sea, one may Sail for 3 Months. The Vessels that are only to bring the King's Habits, Silks, Stuffs, &c are 365, for eve∣ry day he has a Change of rich Garments. What shall I say? The People adore him as a God, and think all the valuable things on Earth too little for him, and therefore it would be endless to describe all the Magnificence that attends his State, and eve∣ry thing he is served withal. Let it suffice then, that no Prince on Earth that ever I saw, or heard of, equals him in Grandeur, for his Subjects look on him as the Son of Heaven, and that it is not only their Duty, but a main incumbent of Religion to Honour him in all they can. They bring their Timber, mostly by the Rivers, not in Vessels, but in Floats, some of 3 Leagues length, fastened to∣gether with Rushes and Osiers, and on the Floats are little Wooden Houses for those that guide them to lodge in by turns, and dress their Provisions: And indeed they bring plenty of all things by their Rivers and Lakes, which stores their Cities and Towns very plentifully, which are very numerous, for according to their own Printed Account, of those walled in are 4402, which are divided into two Orders, Civil and Military; the first of these comprehend 2045, of which 175 are Cities of the first Rank, which the Chineses call Tin; 274 of the second Rank, which they call Cheu; 288 which they call Hien; 205 Royal Hosteries, or places of Entertainment of the first, and 103 of the second

Rank; and these are Govern'd by Mandarins, who, in their Governments are a kind of Viceroys.

The Nobility of this Kingdom, as generally ta∣ken, is no more than an illustrious Grandeur that has continued for several Ages, but these are subject to many casualties, for when the Reigning Family expires, they are generally put to Death, because they are very powerful in the Country, and give a jealous suspition, so that new upstarts are put in their Room, which renders those more safe who ac∣quire this Honour, by the Gown or Military Em∣ployments, because that Honour is recalled at plea∣sure, and the Grand Child seldom enjoys that, or their Estate. There is but one of the Ancient Fa∣miles now remaining that I could here of, viz. that of the Famous Confucius, who was Born under the third Imperial Family, called Cheu, 551 Years be∣fore the Birth of Christ; and this Family has great Priviledges above others, as to be exempted from Taxes and Tribute in the Provinces they Inhabit. They give a Title of Honour of a lower Degree to their learned Men: and Philosophers are in great Veneration amongst them, and to some of them they have given the Epethite of Saint, and give the same Veneration to their Memory as to their Pagods, though they take it as an affront to be taxed with it, for they call them Kings without Command, by which imploy they were worthy of Crowns for their Learning, Virtue; and Wisdom, but desteny prevented them. Confucius, a Learned Man among the Chineses, who, though long since Dead, is ad∣mired and adored amongst them: He modeled their Law, or Rule, to be observed, into nine Maxims, which he called Chum••yum, or the Golden Medio∣crity, wherein he lays down, that a good Prince ought to have 9 Qualities, or Virtues. 1. To Go∣vern himself well that he may show a good Exam∣ple to those he Rules over. 2. To Honour and Cherish Learning, and learned Men, and to encou∣rage Virtue, frequently to consult and converse with the Learned, on the Affairs of the Kingdom.

3. To Love and highly respect his Kindred, the Princes of the Blood, and to grant them the Fa∣vours and Rewards they merit. 4. To be Courte∣ous and Respectful to the Nobility in general, and give them their due deserts. To incorporate him∣self in a Friendly and Amicable manner with all his Subjects, to equalize his Heart with theirs, and to regard and esteem them as his own proper substance and Person. 6. To Love his People with a true Affection, unmixed with Distimulation; to rejoyce at their Prosperity, and be afflicted at their Mis∣fortunes. 7. To invite to his Court, and encou∣rage Artists, for the quick dispatch of publick and private business. 8. To Treat carefully, and with all civility, Embassadors sent from Foreign Princes, that they may see in Words and Deeds, the effects of a Princely and Generous Mind. 9. To Cherish and Embrace all, that he may engage them to him, to be the Bulwarks and Fortresses of his Kingdom. And these Rules well practised may serve other Kings, to render them great and happy.

The King has a Privy, or Supream Council of the Learned Mandarins in his Pallace, who are cal∣led his Council of State, which is the most Honou∣rable Dignity in the Kingdom; these consult and transact all the weighty Affairs, and these have se∣veral Magnificent Halls in the Pallace, wherein they meet, to consult according to their Degrees; and when he advances any one to this Dignity, he adds to his Name, the Name of one of these Halls. Besides these, there are 11 other Tribunals of Man∣darins, 6 for Ecclesiastical and Civil, and 5 for Military Affairs: The first of these are called Lo-pu, and the last Ʋ-fu, and these are of ancient Instituti∣on, the Chineses dating it 2000 Years before the Birth of Christ; and to these Tribunals People re∣pair for the determining their Affairs, and for Re∣dress; besides, they dispose of Offices and Trusts, and confirm Honour and Dignities. Their Power is great, for they have a jurisdiction almost over all that belongs to the Court, and it is absolute over all

the Provinces, so that they are much feared, and dreaded, because they can place and displace at pleasure, and examine into all Frauds and Abuses to the Crown, and into Ecclesiastical matters. They are fearful of doing any injustice, by reason there is a Mandarin, in the nature of a Controller, or O∣verseer to every Tribunal, who examins publickly or privately all that is done, and if he finds any in∣justice or disorder, he is bound to make the King ac∣quainted with it; he is called Coli, so that seldom any Corruptness or Partiality is found amongst them, and if it be, the Offender is severely punished. There are some other dependent Tribunals in Pe∣kim, and to every one of the Provinces there belongs a Supream Tribunal, which has the oversight of in∣feriour Courts, so that business is managed and dis∣patched with little difficulty.

They have made prodigeous Works in this Coun∣try to secure the Rivers within their bounds, yet notwithstanding, sometimes encreased by the vio∣lent Rains, they break out to the destruction of vast numbers of People, Cattle, and Houses, as it hap∣pened in the Year 1668, after violent Rains, which almost destroyed the new City of Pekim, and they had much ado to secure the Flood from overturning the Walls of the old City, and in this Deluge which was accompanied by an Earthquake, for it had a long time before been a very dry Season, near a Million of People perished; and though many got upon Trees, Hills, and Out Houses, they were there starved for the most part, for want of Boats to fetch them off, and the rapid Flood tumbling Rocks along with it, broke down two Arches of the Famous Bridge, which is about a Furlong over: This Bridge is the most beautiful in China, but not the largest; the River overflowing is called Hoen Ho, or the Muddy River, because the rapidness of its Stream, carries with it a great quantity of Earth, tore from the Banks and Windings, which renders it muddy all the Year, but it is little Navigable, by reason of the many Cataracts, or Falls in it; yet

for bringing vast Stores to Pekim from the Southern Provinces, a Canal is opened 3500 Chinese Fur∣longs, through several Provinces, accommodated with 72 Sluces, every one having large Folding-Gates, and these are only open in the day time, some of them being very difficult to pass with Barks of great Burthen, because the Falls are great; but they are drawn up against the Stream by the strength of 4 or 500 Men, and let down in the like manner, with many Ropes fastned to them, to prevent setting on the Piles, or plunging, and they are guided by long Poles, with Iron Heads at the end. The Cha∣nel begins at Tum Cheu, about 2 Leagues and an half from Pekim, where there is a River, with the Currant of which, Vessels drive till near the Sea, and then it falls into another, through which Vessels Sail, till they come to the Chanel; and Sailing a¦bout 25 Leagues, a Temple presents it self, called Fuen Hui Miao; or, The Temple of the Spirit that di∣vides the Water; hither they Row against the Stream, but when they come at the Temple they Row with the Stream, for on the East-side, about half a days Journey is a large Lake between high Mountains; this Water swells a great River that bent its course towards the Sea on the East, but they stopped up the out-let, and with prodigious labour cutting through the Mountain, opened a Canal by which they brought the Water to the Temple; in that part they hollowed 2 other Canals, one towards the South, and another towards the North, with so true a proportion and regular Line, that the Waters com∣ing to the middle before the Temple, take leave of each other, one running to the North, and the other to the South in one and the same Canal, which is ve∣ry admirable, and discharges it self into a large ra∣pid River, called the Yellow River, the Water being so coloured by the yellow Earth on the Banks, and Gold coloured Sand and Slime at the bottom; upon this River they Sail 2 Days, and then entering a∣nother Pass to another Canal running towards the City of Hoaingan, and running by and through ma∣ny

Cities, comes to Yamcheu. The vast Wall of China that excludes the Tartars, is no less to be look∣ed on as a work of Wonder; it runs from East to West, and in length 405 Portuguese Leagues, mak∣ing 33 Degrees 10 Minutes, reaching from the Ci∣ty of Cai yean, Seated in the extreamity of the Country, called Leao Tum, to that of Canso, or Can cheu, Seated on the borders of the Province of Xensi in a streight Line, for should the turnings and windings in the Mountains be reckon'd it would make much more; it is guarded by 1327 Towers and Fortresses; the Wall is 2 Fathom thick, and 4 in heighth, built mostly of Stone, though in some places Brick appears, where it is supposed to be mended or altered, so that were it vigilently guard∣ed, and no Treachery, which too often happens by the Captains of the Watches, being bribed with part of the Plunder, the Tartars would be too feeble to surmount it, for upon this Wall and Frontier only, there are 90254 Men kept in Arms and Pay, and those that keep the Watch-Towers give the Signal of the Enemies approach by a Flag in the day time, and in the Night by Fire.

These are but part of the King's Forces, for the Auxiliaries that lie ready to march to their assistance, are in a manner innumerable, for the Horse only a∣mount to 989167, and the Foot are many more, their Pay yearly amounting to 5034714 Livres, though they in some sort maintain themselves by their Industry, and no doubt as great, if not a great∣er number guard on the other Borders, so that there are several Millions in Pay, for in the Kingdom there are 2357 Fortified Places, beside a great ma∣ny that are Garrisoned upon almost inaccessible Mountains and Rocks, that being strong by nature, have no Walls.

In the 15 Provinces there are 332 Famous Bridges, 2096 Mountains famous for their being cut into the shapes of Monsterous Idols, for their Fountains, Minerals, or Fruits, their Waters, such as are Lakes full of Fish, hot Fountains wonderful∣ly

Medicinal, large Navigable Rivers and Streams, are 1472.

There are 1099 pieces of Antiquity to be seen, as Statues, Paintings, and curious Vessels; 1159 Towers and Triumphal Arches erected at Sundry times, to the Memories of those that were renown∣ed in War, Learning, or Virtuous Actions; 272 Publick Libraries, stored with variety of Books, many of them covered with Gold and Silver Plate, adorned with precious Stones.

There are yet remaining entire 709 Temples, which the Chineses have Erected at several times to the Memory of their Ancestors, of curious Archi∣tecture, large and beautiful, and the Names of those to whose Memory they were Erected affixed on Pil∣lars and in these the several Families of the deceas∣ed Assemble at a prefixed Day, and prostrate them∣selves on the Ground, in token of Love and Vene∣ration; then they burn Incense, and afterwards make a splendid Feast at several Tables, richly set forth.

They account 480 Temples of Idols exceeding Rich and Magnificent, beside many of lesser Note, attending on these are 300000 Bouzes, a kind of a Religious Order amongst them, some Married, and others not permitted, besides a great number that Travel up and down, called Licentiates, having their Licenses to Authorize them from the Tribu∣nal of the Ceremonies.

Their Mausoleums, or Tombs, are very stately, to the number of 680, besides many of lesser Note; but they Bury their Dead after they have kept them as long as they please without the Cities, according to the manner of the Eastern Countries; their Cof∣fins are very Rich, so that one of them sometimes costs 1000 Crowns. The Catacombs of the Gran∣dees are stately Arched Vaults in Mountains, or Plains, over which, when the Body is in, they raise a little Mount, planting Fragrant Trees in good or∣der on it: Before this they Erect a large Altar of white pollished Marble, or Alleblaster, fixing Can∣dlesticks,

one upon it, and one on each side. They Place Statues, or Figures, in Rows, representing a History of the deceased's Actions, and are very curious Artists in resembling Passions of Grief, Joy, Fear, &c. to the Life. The Chineses reckon 3036 Men Famous for their Virtues and Valour; Two hundred and eight Virgins, and Widows, Renowned for Piety, Chastety, &c. whose Memories are Cele∣brated in their Stories, and Poesies; they are also honoured with Titles, Temples, Inscriptions, and Triumphal Arches.

There are in this Kingdom 32 Princes, or petty King's Pallaces, resembling that of the King's, but much less. The Cities are Govern'd by Mandarins, as I before hinted; and when any one gets the King's Letter to the Tribunal to be admitted, the Names of the Cities are Written on thin Boards which are cast into a Vessel, and on their Knees they draw, and he whose Name comes up is allotted the Go∣vernment of that City; yet there is jugling in this, for the Tables are so, where Money is given, that they seldom fail of a rich City, though it is but for a set time, viz. 3 Years, least they should corrupt Justice, or gain on the Affection of the People to raise Rebellion; however, they are Reverenc'd like petty Kings, and abundance of Royal Hosteries are built in Cities, and on the Roads, to entertain them in their Travels, at the King's Charge, where every thing is in a Magnificent readiness, when they know there is a Mandarin on the Road: There is also places for the Entertainment of the Curriers, and to furnish them with fresh Horses.

The Mountains yield Gold and Silver, and there∣fore the Country is stored with Treasure, though Gold indeed is more a Merchandize than a Coin a∣mongst them; the presents therefore that they make are excessive, as 10, 20, or 30000 Crowns at a time. The King eats in Gold Plate, and all his Nobles, and those that are invited, at a vast number of Tables in Silver and Porcelain, so that the Fur∣niture

at a great Feast amounts to 5 or 6 Millions, for there are Cups set with Diamonds, and other Stones of vast value; some are entire Stones, very Rich, and the Noble imitate the Court, as far as their Ability will allow them, they being very Rich, for they usually get in their 3 Years Government, as Viceroys of Provinces, or Mandarins of Cities, a Million of Crowns; and those that are of the Council of State, called Calaos; or, the upper Tri∣bunals, much more by Bribery; for though they protest against it, and there are severe Laws in this Case, no Office passes the Seal without a considera∣ble sum of Money underhand.

There is in this Kingdom vast quantities of Cop∣per, Tin, Iron, and other useful Metals, of which they make great Guns, Idols, Statues, Dishes, Cups, and other Things: their Workmanship is very fine; of Copper and Tin they make vast quantities of Money, with little holes in the middle to string the pieces, and so they pass as ready told, in 500, or 1000 on a String; and 1000 of their Deniers is given for a Chinese Tuel, or Crown. Their Ex∣change is made in Bank, or places appointed for that end; on one side this Money is the Name of the Reigning Prince, and on the other that of the Tri∣bunal that caused it to be Coined. Their Gold and Silver is not properly to be called a Coin, as being only cast into Ingots like Boats of different weights and value; some of those of Gold are vallued at 20 Crowns, and those of Silver at half a Crown, and some more.

When they bury their Dead they burn a great ma∣ny gilded Ingots, which they call Loans of Gold and Silver, vainly fancying the Ashes turns to Cop∣per in the other World, and serves their Friends to purchase Houses, Horses, and Provision, likewise to bribe the evil Spirits that they should not injure them, and that so the good Spirits may be Fee'd, to hasten their Transmigration, suffering their Souls to enter into Men, and not into Beasts.

There is abundance of curious white Silk, and Wax in China, and by reason of the vast Silk Ma∣nufactures made all over the Kingdom, the Ancients stiled it the Silken Kingdom, so that many Vessels and Caravans are loaded with it for other Countries. Most of the Men, nay, the very Lackeys, and the Women all of them wear Silk, and the richer sort have it Embroidered with Gold, Silver, Pearl, and other Ornaments.

The fine Wax peculiar to China, is not made by Bees, but a little Fly as big as a Flea lays an Egg that breeds a Worm, which piercing the Wax Trees to the Pith it issues out and hangs upon the Bran∣ches like drops of Dew, and by the Sun and Wind, is hardened and whitened, in such quantities, that it serves the Court, the Nobility, and Temples, to make fine transparent Tapers.

Furs are in this Kingdom in vast quantities, and almost every one wears a finer or coarser sort of them, as they are able, for the Linning of their Gar∣ments, Seats Chairs, Couches, &c.

To mention the several sorts of Fruits and Pro∣visions, would be almost endless, they have all∣most all we meet with in Europe, and a large addi∣tion of what we have not in variety of Fruit, especi∣ally of delicious tast. During 3 Months of Win∣ter, they have vast store of Game, and on the Ri∣vers they pitch Nets 200 Yards long, and set dead Wild fowl on their feet, as if they were alive, for stakes to decoy the living; as Ducks, Phesants, Wild Geess, &c. of which, and other Fowl, so many are taken, that they are sold for little or nothing. They have 3 sorts of Bears which they Hunt, one called the Man bear, the other the Dog bear, and a third the Pig bear, because their Snouts and Faces a little resemble these. Their Paws boiled and well ordered, are a great dainty among the Chineses, and the Tartars much admire their Fat, which they eat: These are scarce, but for Deer, wild Boars, Ellands, Hares, Conies, and the like, they are in vast plenty in most of the Provinces.

After all this, the Weather is piercing cold in the Winter Season, and very hot in the Summer; so that in the former, they keep Fires in Stoves, and in the latter, retire the better sort into cool Vaults and Cellers. Their Firing is a kind of a Stone-coal dug in the Mountains, and sometimes in the Plains, except in Woody Countries, and they are at great charge in Carriage: It gives as violent a heat as Charcoal, and the heat is very lasting. They sleep on Mats, or Carpets, and in the Day-time sit together in clusters on them, the better to preserve the Heat, for the Colds are sometimes very Exces∣sive; the richer sort have Beds, and the Stoves are under the floors of their Rooms, which sometimes by reason of the excessive Heat take Fire, burning the House, and surprizing in the suddain Flames, all that are sleeping in it.

The Chineses that they may be Magnified by Strangers, take a pride to be very civil to them, and give them the upperhand at their Feasts, seat∣ing themselves according to their Degrees; yet the Eldest give place to those who come from the remo∣test parts.

When any Ambassador arrives from the Day, his Embassy is allowed till his departure; he is fur∣nished with all manner of Provisions, Horses, Let∣ters, Barks, and lodged in the Royal Palace, where every two days the King sends him a sumptuous Entertainment of all sorts of Varieties. They take great care, and a kind of pride in their Apparel, the poor among them going very Neat and Decent. The learned Men affect a grave Gesture, and count it a sin to appear in any thing contrary to the Rules of decent Behaviour and Urbanity.

The Women affect Modesty, Chastity and Ho∣nesty, keeping themselves covered, so that when they present any thing to their nearest Relations, they lay it down, their Hands being covered with their Sleaves, and retire with Silence: They rarely stir abroad, and are exceeding Submissive and Obe∣dient towards their Husbands, there being nothing,

they command them, though never so difficult, but they willingly Enterprize.

Upon their Festival Days, they have a great num∣ber of Illuminations, and Fire-works, representing divers Creatures and Figures in the Air; so that on a Hill at a distance, one would think all the Cities were on Fire. The Lanthorns in the Pallace, and Royal Halls, are vastly Big, viz. 20 Cubits, and sometimes more in Diameter, holding 100 Lamps, or Tapers, so that they cast a glorious Light, and Figers turning in them by the force of the Smoak, represent in swift motions many curious Actions, as Fights, Dances, Hunting, Hawking and the like.