The merchants map of commerce wherein the universal manner and matter relating to trade and merchandize are fully treated of, the standard and current coins of most princes and republicks observ'd, the real and imaginary coins of accounts and exchanges express'd, the natural products and artificial commodities and manufactures for transportation declar'd, the weights and measures of all eminent cities and towns of traffick in the universe, collected one into another, and all reduc'd to the meridian of commerce practis'd in the famous city of London / by Lewis Roberts, merchant.

OF ASIA, AND THE Provinces and Cities of Trade THEREOF.

CHAP. XL. Of ASIA, and the Provinces thereof.

* 1.1ASIA, the Third Division of the World, is separated from EUROPE by the Egean Propontis, and Euxine Sea, by Paulus Maeotis, Tanais, Duina; and from AFRICA by the Red Sea, and the Aegyptian Isthmus, as I remembred in the beginning of this Work. * 1.2Five notable things have made this Country famous, and have given it the Garland of Supremacy over all the other parts of the World. First, the Creation of Mankind: Secondly, the Birth of our Saviour; his Miracles wrought, and place of his sufferance: Thirdly, the Actions memorized by the holy Pen-men of the Old and New Testament: Fourthly, the famous Monarchies of the Babylonians, Assyrians, Persians and Medes: And Fifthly, being the common Mother of us all, from whence innumerable troops of men issued to people the other parts of the uninhabited World, of which see other Authors further at large.

The Principal Regions of ASIA, are,

• 1. Anatolia.
• 2. Syria.
• 3. Palestina.
• 4. Armenia.
• 5. Arabia.
• 6. Media.
• 7. Assyria.
• 8. Mesopotamia.
• 9. Chaldea.
• 10. Persia.
• 11. Parthia.
• 12. Tartaria.
• 13. China.
• 14. India.
• 15. The Islands thereof.

And of these in brief according to my first intention.

CHAP. XLI. Of Anatolia, or Natolia in general.

* 1.3ANatolia is limited on the East with the River Euphrates; on the West with Thracius Bospho∣rus, Propontis, Hellespont, and the Egean; on the North with Pontus Euxinus; on the South with the Rhodian and Lycian Seas. In this Country was anciently accounted 4000 Cities and Towns, those seven famous amongst the rest, to whom St. John dedicated his Revelation; but now the ruines of them are hardly to be seen, and the Provinces that are found in this Region are these: First, Cilicia; Secondly, Pamphilia; Thirdly, Lycia; Fourthly, Caria; Fifthly, Ionia; Sixthly, Lydia; Seventhly, Molis; Eighthly, Phrygia minor; Ninthly, Phrygid major; Tenthly, Bithynia; Eleventhly, Pontus; Twelfthly, Paphlagonia; Thirteenthly, Gala∣tia; Fourteenthly, Cappadocia; Fifteenthly, Lycaonia; Sixteenthly, Pisidia, and Armenia major. Of these in order.

CHAP. XLII. Of Cilicia, and the Cities thereof.

* 1.4CIlicia is not found at this day to have any Town of note or consequence in it, save Alex∣andria, built by Alexander the Grea••; * 1.5and to distinguish it from, Alexandria in Aegypt, is named Alexandretta, now known to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by the name of Scanderone, a famous Haven Town, serving for the scale to Aleppo, for all such shipping as come thither, either out of the Ocean or Mediterranean, and where the English, French and Venetians have their Vice-Consuls to protect their Merchants Goods and Ships, and where all Merchandize are either landed or laden that go to or from Aleppo; of which, it will be more proper that I enlarge when I come to speak of Aleppo, which is seated in Syria, as I shall shew hereafter.

CHAP. XLIII. Of Pamphilia, Lycia, and Caria.

* 1.6ALL these have not any thing now worthy note in them, conducing to Trade and Mer∣chandizing, save the abundance of those Goats, upon whom grows that Wooll whereof is made the Chamlets and Grograms, of which I shall have cause to speak more at large, when I come to treat of the Trade of Angora; and in the interim it is to be noted, that these Provin∣ces having lost their former names, are now known to us by the name of Garamania, and are at this present under the command of the Grand Signior.

CHAP. XLIV. Of Ionia, and the Cities thereof.

* 1.7IOnia is the next Province, wherein is that ancient famous City of Ephesus much ruined from its ancient recorded beauty, famous for the direction of an Epistle by Saint Paul to the In∣habitants hereof: famous also for the Temple of Diana: and lastly, famous for the burial of St. John the Evangelist, who went here alive into the grave. But this City is now become a poor Village, and retains no monument of her pride, that I could find in Anno 1624. but a porch of a Graecian Church of black Marble, wherein is excellently engraven the life of our Saviour Christ, much admired by all Artists.

* 1.8But now the only City of Trade in this Province is Smyrna, one of the places that strove for the birth of Homer, and wherein was found one of those Churches whereto St. John dedicated his Revelation, seated in the bottom of a Bay or Gulph, known to our Seamen by the name of the Gulph of Smyrna; and where there is a Consul resident for the English, as also for the French and Venetians to protect their Merchants and Trade, where in Anno 1619. in matter of Traffick, I noted these things.

CHAP. XLV. Of Smyrna, and the Trade thereof.

* 1.9THE principal Trade of this City was within these few years transported hither from the Island Scio, where the Consuls abovesaid had their residence, and from thence are intitled Consuls of Scio and Smyrna, but by reason that scale both for sales and investments had then a dependency upon this, it was found more proper and less chargeable to remove their abode and warehouse hither, and by that means this became the principal Port, the goodness of the Harbour much furthering the same, being both under the command of the Grand Signior, and within these latter years much inriched by the trade of English, French, and Dutch; the Vene∣tians drive great trade here under French Colours still.

* 1.10The Commodities that are found here to abound, and that are hence transported into other Countries of Christendom, are Cotton Woolls, which in great plenty grow in the adjoining Plains of this City; also Galls for Diers, Anniseeds, Cordovants, Wax, Cotton, and Grogram Yarn, Cute, Carpets, Grograms, Chamlets, M••hairs, and some Fruits and Drugs; raw Persia Silk is likewise hither brought by Land from Persia; and all other Commodities found in Turky, or of that

growth is here to be had, and the Commodities here vended from England are Cloths of Suffolk, Essex, and Glocester, Kersies of Yorkshire and Hampshire, Lead, Tin, Callicoes, Pepper, Indico, and other Spices, which within these late years we had formerly from this and other places of Turkie, and which now, by the commodity of the East-India Trade and Navigation, we carry to them; and from Venice is brought some Cloth, Paper, Silks, Velvets, &c. and from France some few Cloths and Paper, &c. great store of Bullion, which never returns into Christendom more, carried the greater part by the Armenians and Persians to their native Countries, and there melted down into a light Standard.

* 1.11The Coins current of Smyrna are those of Constantinople, and generally those of all that Em∣pire, which I shall shew when I treat of that City, and for that cause here omit it; and their Accounts they also keep here in the same nature with them, and therefore refer you to that place in both these Particulars.

* 1.12The Weights of Smyrna and Scio, for they agree both in one, is the Quintar, which contains 100 Rotolo's, or 42 Oaks, and every Oak being 400 drams, and every Lodro being 176 drams, and the pound Averdupois hath been found to be 148 drams, and the Quintal of 42 Oaks above-said, which produceth 119 l. English, but in many Commodities it is found to answer but 117 l. so that in circa 9¼ drams is 1 ounce English Averdupois.

They have here in use two Measures, one for Linnen and another for Woollen, but be∣cause they nearly agree with Constantinople, I will refer the same to that place.

* 1.13The Customs paid by the English here and throughout all Turkie, by virtue of their Capitu∣lations with the Great Turk, is only three per Centum; and oftentimes the Custom house of Scio and of Smyrna is in one mans hands; and though by their Capitulations it is so agreed, that those Goods that have once paid Custom in one port, should not pay any more being thence Exported to any other place of his Dominions, and that Commands have been granted to that end by the Grand Signior at several times; yet the justice of that Countrey is so defective in this particular, that the Commodities landed in Smyrna, and paying their three per Centum, and afterward transported to Constantinople, pay there again another three per Centum, or compound with the Customer, which somtimes is done at 1½ per Centum, and sometimes at less: * 1.14Note, that here, as in all parts of Turkie, the Venetians, French and Dutch pay five per cent. two per cent. more than the English, which is grounded upon their Capitulations with the Emperour.

* 1.15The Port-charges of clearing a Ship in Smyrna is paid in Commodities of our Country, and was to that end thus at first regulated; but since converted into payment by mony, as to the Cadie who is to have five Pico of Venice Cloath, and a bundle of Cony-Skins for a vest, which in the infancy of our English Trade was here found to be much requested.

The Cadies Servant to have 3½ Pico English Cloath.

The Cadies Caya to have 3 Pico of Ditto.

The Cadies Scrivan to have a Chicquine in Gold.

The Cadies Pages to have 2½ Dollars.

The Mosur Eashaw to have 1½ Pico Cloth.

The Cadies Janisaries to have a Chicquine.

All which Charges amount in circas to 68 Dollars.

To conclude, The Trade of this Port is most noted for the abundance of Cottons, which hence is transported to England, France, Holland, and Italy, estimated yearly to be about 20000 Quintals, and is found here to grow in the adjoining Plains, which they do sow as we do Corn, the stalk being no bigger than that of Wheat, but stronger and tougher, bearing a head round and bearded, and hard as a stone, which when it is ripe it breaketh, and is delivered of a soft white Bombast or Cotton mixed with Seed, which they separate with an Instrument, selling the Wooll, but reserving the Seed for the next Harvest. See more of this Trade in Cyprus and Constantinople, to which I refer the Enquirer.

CHAP. XLVI. Of Lydia, Eolis, Phrygia Minor and Major.

* 1.16ON the North-East of Ionia is Lydia, famous only for the two Rivers, Castrus abounding with Swans, and Meander with Windings, from hence termed Meanders; * 1.17and if some Authors may be worthy of credit, the Natives were anciently the first known Men that gave beginning to Merchandize, and exercised buying and selling, and proved the original of the Tuscans, whose supream Duke continues the same to this day, and is one of the greatest and most eminent Merchants in the World.

In Eolis are seated the two Misia Provinces, which hold not any thing note worthy.

* 1.18In Phrygia minor is not found any thing at present worthy in Trade to stay the course of my

Pen; * 1.19it affordeth the place where the ancient and famous City of Troy was seated, which cost the Grecians ten years Siege to take it, with the loss of 860000 Trojans, and 666000 Grecians; but in Anno 1620, I hardly saw the relicks of this mighty Fabrick, though I traced it for many miles, and gave ear to all the ridiculous fables of those poor Grecians that inhabit thereabouts in many Villages which lie within the compass of her ancient walls, from Mount Ida to the River Scamander, now only a Brook not two foot deep; so that, what Ovid said of old; I found by experience verified, Jam seges est ubi Troja fuit, &c.

* 1.20In Phrygia major, doth not remain any thing note worthy, save a remembrance that Gordi∣on the seat of Gordius was here found in Alexander's time who cut that knot with his Sword which he saw he could not otherwise undo; also Midium, the seat of Midas, whose covetous petition was granted by Bacchus, to convert all into Gold that he handled, and so had like to have eaten Gold for Meat, had not his after-wit mastred his covetous appetite, and made him to his repentance see his error, and acknowledge it; and falling again to a second oversight in judgment, as the first was an error in desire, he preferred Pan's Pipe before Apollo's Harp, and was rewarded for his small skill in Musick with a comely pair of Asses Ears: * 1.21also in this Pro∣vince stood Colosso, to whom St. Paul writ one of his Epistles; and Pessinuns, where the Goddess Cybele was worshipped, which being brought into Rome, would not stir further than the en∣trance of the River Tyber, which the Romans much wondred, because the Dominion of the World was prophesied to that City that had the custody thereof; but the Vestal Claudias Girdle performed that which all the strength of Rome could not, and she haled up both the Ship and Goddess, to the wonder of the Citizens at that time, and of all the World ever since, though far greater miracles are found to be reported of that City, and the holy Inhabitants thereof at this day, if the said reports might gain that credit now, as this miracle then did.

CHAP. XLVII. Of Bithinia, and the Cities thereof.

* 1.22ON the North-side of the Phrygias is seated Bithinia, which is famoused, First, for the Vi∣ctory of Alexander against the Persians, of whom he slew 20000; Secondly, for Mount Stella, where Pompey overthrew Mithridates; and Tamberlain with 800000 Tartarians encoun∣tred Bajazet with 500000, where 200000 lost. their lives, and Baja••et in his pride of heart taken and pen'd up in an Iron Cage, against whose bars he beat out his brains; Thirdly, for Nice, where the first General Council was held Anno 314, to repel the Arrian Heresie; and, Fourthly, Chalcedon, where the fourth General Council was assembled to repel the Nestorian Here∣tie, where yet in Anno 1620, the Inhabitants do shew to strangers the place of this Assembly by tradition in manner of an Oval Circle built purposely for this occasion; and Lastly, here is Bursis, by some Prusa, the seat of the Ottoman Kings in Asia till they gained Adrianople in Europe, which was done by Mahomet the First: Of the Trade thereof, a word in my passage.

CHAP. XLVIII. Of Bursia in Bithinia, and the Trade thereof.

* 1.23BURSIA seated in the bottom of a Bay, known to the Turk by the name of The Gulph of Bursia, being a fair City, and anciently the Seat of the Mahometan Kings, is now in∣habited by Turks, Jews, and Greeks; who by reason of their neighbourhood, and in the way from Smyrna to Constantinople for Land-Travellers, is found to have some Merchants of qua∣lity, and affordeth quantity of Persian Commodities, as brought hither from Eusdrom, and other bordering Towns of Armenia and Persia, principally occasioned by the Immunities that have been granted by several Princes that have here resided, to the Inhabitants thereof: but be∣cause the Venetians are found at present to be the prime traders hither, it will not be amiss that for the weights and measures of the place we should by ruled by their observations, which thence may easily be reduced to ours.

* 1.24Their Commodities afforded to foreign Countries are the same as Constantinople, only some Fabricks I have seen to have been in my time there made of Silks by Moors that have been banished out of Spain, and come hither to reside, as Damasks, Taffeta's, and Strip'd Stuffs, and such like; also Commodities which the earth hath produced, as Anniseeds, Galls, and Sugars.

* 1.25Their Coins are the same current in Constantinople.

100 Rotolos make Venice sotile 176 l. and Venice gross 112 l.

The Ocha of Bursia is Venice sotile 4 l.

The Rot. of Bursia is Venice sotile 9 ounces, and gross 1 l. 1 ounce 1½ h.

The 100 drams make sotile Venetia 1 l. which is 72 metalichi.

The 100 Kilats of Turkey make in Venetia 87½ Kil. Gold weight 7 metalich. makes ounce 1 Gold weight in Venetia.

And by the English the same is observed to be within 2 per cent. to agree with the weight of Constantinople, as shall be shewed hereafter.

* 1.26There are found here several Picoes, which with the Brace of Venetia is found thus to agree.

Braces 100 of Cloth, Scarlet and fine Cloth makes 108 Picoes Cloth here.

Braces 100 of course Cloth common makes 114 Picoes in Bursia.

Braces 100 of Cloth of Gold makes in Bursia 102 Picoes.

Braces 1000 of Linnens is found to make in Bursia 772 Picoes.

And this is noted to be a greater Pico than the rest: but by the observation of some English they find only 2 Picoes, one for Cloth and the other for Grograms, and do agree with those of Constantinople.

* 1.27There is no Custom due upon Goods in Bursia, it being accounted an Inland Town; but if sent thence to Smyrna or to Constantinople, and exported out of the Grand Signior's Dominions, it is liable to a Custom, according to the Capitulations or Privilege granted to that Nation that transporteth the same: but if those Commodities bought in Bursia being carried to Smyrna or Constantinople, and there sold, it payeth no Customs, but a small Duty for Registring, and quitting at the Custom-houses of both the said places, as hath been practised by divers Merchants. In this Town of late years some English have resided, and do find a fair and friendly quarter with the Inhabitants; but they are accounted as Subfactors to those resident in Constantinople and Smyrna, therefore I shall not need to say further of this place.

CHAP. XLIX. Of Pontus, and the Cities thereof.

* 1.28ON the North-side of Bithinia is Pontus, wherein is found the Ruines of Tomos to which Ovid was banished, and Pithius, where Chrysostom lived in exile: here also ruled Mi∣thridates, who for 40 years withstood the Romans, not more excellent in War than Learning and Memory, who spake 22 Languages, and invented that Counterpoison for him named Mi∣thridate; and who at last by the Rebellion of his Son, and the Valour of L. Sylla,* 1.29 Lucullus and Pompey, was vanquished; the last of which erected a Pillar upon a small Island at the en∣trance of the Black or Euxine Sea, which at this day is known by his name, and shewed by the Inhabitants to Strangers as a Trophy of his Victories in these Parts.

CHAP. L. Of Paphlagonia and Galatia, and the Cities thereof.

* 1.30IN Paphlagonia I find not any City notable for Trade, or other thing note-worthy: and as for Galatia, it is observed that to the People of this Province did St. Paul dedicate one of his Epistles; * 1.31and here is also seated the City of Ancira, now commonly Angora, famous for the infinite store of Grograms, Mohairs, and Chamlets, that are made here and sabricated, and from hence transported to Constantinople, being 16 days Journey distant; and to Alep∣po, having a like remoteness; and from thence again Exported into all the Countries of Europe.

In this place the Venetians have a Factory to provide them the said Commodities, and the Eng∣lish in imitation thereof about 1624. did first send thither two Factors from Constantinople, to furnish themselves with these Commodities at the first hand: * 1.32but some of the Yarn, called hence Grogram Yarn, (and not Camels Hair, some vainly conceive) being lately brought into England, ingenious Workmen were here found that invented therewith Tames, and many other Stuffs, to the great decay and prejudice of the Grogram Trade of this Country, and of such as lived thereupon in Angora; whereupon the Inhabitants in Anno 1630. petitioned the Duana of Constantinople, that this Yarn might not be Exported out of the Kingdom until it were put into work, and made into Stuffs, which was granted them; but the Farmers of the Grand Signior's Customs at Constantinople conniving thereat, and suffering the same to be Ex∣ported, paying double Custom, which is 6 per Cent. and so it continued till 1634. at what time a second stricter Prohibition with Consiscation was proclaimed and nearly look'd into, so

that what quantity is now found to come thence, is by indirect means, and not otherwise, if possible thereby again to give life to the Grogram Trade, and the makers thereof in these parts.

There was of late years an offer made by the Venetian Ambassadors resident at Constantino∣ple, to Export 500 of the Goats that bear this Wooll to Venetia, thereby in time to bring this Commodity in request in their Signiory; but the Turks perceiving their drift, denied the same, lest his Subjects and Country might futurely be deprived of the benefit of so excellent a Com∣modity: had our Ancestors foreseen the like discommodity that would have ensued by the Ex∣portation of English Sheep into Spain, it may be conceived it would never have been in those days permitted.

* 1.33The Weights and Measures of this place are the same as are found in Constantinople, the Gre∣gram Pico having from this Town its original, and is the proper Pico of this Country and City; whereby all Grograms, Mohairs, and Chamblets, are measured and sold throughout all Turkey, and is in Grograms found in England to answer proportionally as 24 Pico, being a piece of ordinary Grograms to make 16 Yards London: for their Moneys and Accounts, they are found to be the same as in Constantinople; vide there.

CHAP. LI. Of Cappadocia, and the Cities thereof.

* 1.34ON the East-side of Galatia is Cappadocia, the chief City is Erzyrum, situate on the Con∣fines of Armenia, being held the rendezvous for the Turkish Militia in their expeditions to Persia, and the place where when the War is ended they are dismissed; here is the entrance into the Dominions of the Grand Signior, and though Wars happen between the Turks and the Persians, yet these barbarous Nations are so careful of Merchants, and the preservation of Commerce, that the Merchants of both Countries, though otherwise the Provinces be at variance, may here enter and transport their Merchandize into one anothers Country, paying a small Custom as acknowledgment to the Prince, carrying a Tescary or Certificate thereof with them to such other places whither they go, which in it self protects their Goods and Persons from dan∣ger or Confiscation, or other duties; so that it is an ordinary thing 〈◊〉〈◊〉 see Persia Merchants with great Estates in Aloppo and Constantinople in the hottest of the Wars between their two Sove∣reigns, to the shame, and contrary to the custom of many Christian Princes, who first prey upon the Merchants that inhabit their Countries, making a War upon their Estates and Per∣sons, before they meddle with, or haply hardly publish their intentions to their Sovereigns; the ancient Tibarenean Custom being now out of use in Christendom, who are said never to wage War against any Enemy, but they faithfully certified them beforehand both of the time and place of their intent and Fight; and as it may be conjectured, gave first a fair dismission to the Subjects of their Enemies, and consequently to their Merchants.

* 1.35Here is also Amasia; where the Grand Signior's eldest Son is seen to abide after his Circum∣cision, till the time of his Father's Death, and the beginning of his Reign: And Trabesond, for∣merly an Imperial Seat, now a small City seated upon the Euxine or Black Sea, having a rea∣sonable good Harbour, and where the Grand Signior maintaineth certain Gallies to scour these Coasts: Here is found a great Trade in Summer for Fish, which to me did much resemble the English Herring, which they take upon this Coast in good quantity, and is by the Inhabitants, who are for the most part Armenians, pickled and salted, and so preserved and sent into Cassa, Constantinople, and other parts. * 1.36Their manner of salting, and the matter wherewith is likewise as strange; for the Country affording not our common known Bay Salt, there is a Moun∣tain within some leagues of this City, out of which with ease they dig a Stone, to the eye appearing black and no way transparent; but beaten in Marble Mortars with them in use, it becometh very white, and is found to preserve all Meats as well as Salt de Bay, and for Mer∣chandize is carried thence to Constantinople and other Countries, and sold in the Stone unbeaten by the Rotolo, Oache, or Quintar.

In this Country did inhabit the Amazonian Viragoes; Penthesilia, one of their Queens, came with Troops to assist the Trojans; and long after, Thalestris, another of the Queens, came to Hircania to be Alexander's Bed-fellow, having now no memory extant of this Feminine Govern∣ment.

CHAP. LII. Of Liconia, Pisidia, and Armenia minor.

* 1.37IN Liconia is found the City of Iconium, the Regal Seat of the Aladine Sultans, the ruine of Lystra where Timothy was born, and Paul and Barnabas healing a Cripple, were adored for Mercury and Jupiter.

In Pisidia was the famous Battel fought between Cyrus and Artaxerxes, where Cyrus lost his life and the victory; and out of which Xenophon made that notable retreat with his Grecians, in despite of 20000 which followed him at the heels.

* 1.38In Armenia minor is seated the Mountain Ararat, on whose top the Ark is said to rest after the Deluge. And thus much shall serve to have said of Natolia, which in general for Mer∣chandize doth yield these Commodities; Galls, Carpets, Oyls, Wines, Cottons, Woolls and Cotton Yarn, Grograms, Grogram Yarn, Sheeps Wool, Hides raw and salted, and dry Cordovants, Aniseeds, Goats Wooll, Soap, Silk, Cummin-seed, Muscadines, Cute, Raisins, &c. And thus much in general of Natolia, which ere I leave, a word of Trabesond.

CHAP. LIII. Of Trabesond and the Trade thereof.

* 1.39TRabesond, formerly the Seat of an Empire, now a Province of the Grand Seignior, is inha∣bited by Jews and Greeks, but principally by Armenians; the Coins are those common with all Turkey.

* 1.40There is found in Trabesond in use two weights, one for Spices, Drugs, and fine Commodities, which is the same with the weight of Genoa, which they here brought into use in their great Trade into this City from Gallata Caffa, and other places subject in those days to their Govern∣ment; the other for gross Commodities is the Rotolo, 100 whereof is the Cantar, agreeing with that common Rotolo of Constantinople, vide there more.

* 1.41Their common measure is a Pico agreeing near with Constantinople, making about 26½ In∣che•• English.

CHAP. LIV. Of Syria in general, and the parts thereof.

* 1.42SYria hath on the East Euphrates, on the West the Mediterranean Sea; on the South Pa∣lestine, on the North Cilicia, watered with Euphrates, which anciently passed through the Garden of Eden; * 1.43and having its source in the Mountains of Armenia, running at this day by Babylon or Bagdet, disgorgeth it self into the Persian Sea, and Orontis which arising on Mount Libanus saluteth the walls of Silutia, and disembogueth in the Mediterranean, and is divided into three Provinces, viz. Phoenicia, Coelosyria, and Syrophoenicia; of which in order.

CHAP. LV. Of Phoenicia, and the Cities thereof.

* 1.44IN Phoenicia is seated the City of Ptolemais, or Acris, or Acon, famous for so many Christian Armies that have in times past besieged it; and which likewise added same to our Kings, Richard Coeur de Lion, and Edward the first; in which place the Venetians and French have some Trade for Wax, Hides, Corn, Silk, and therefore following the Observations made by them in matters of weights and measures, I find the same to be thus accorded.

CHAP. LVI. Of Acria, commonly S. John de Acria, and the Trade thereof.

* 1.45ACria, being seated in the bottom of the Mediterranean, and now strugling with its own ruines, hath yet by reason of its small but commodious Harbour some Trade maintained by the French, but principally by Venetians; who in small Vessels coast these parts, and pick up some of the Astan Commodities out of these Villages and Towns bordering upon the Sea∣coasts, as both in this place, Tripoly, Sidon, &c. the agreements of their weights and measures ob∣served by Venetians, I will insert.

* 1.46The Cantar of Acria, commonly called by them the Cantar Tambaran, makes sotile in Venice 900 l. which produceth in England 603 l.

* 1.47Rotolo 1 makes sotile pounds in Venetia 9 l.

Braces 100 of Cloth of Gold and Silk is in Acria 108 pic. Braces 100, of Cloth Woollen of Ve∣netia is in Acria 115 Picos.

* 1.48Their Coins are generally the same with all the Dominions of the Grand Signior, which I shall declare coming to treat of Constantinople the Metropolis of that Empire, and of Aleppo the principal City of Trade in this Country, therefore shall not need here to insist further there∣upon.

CHAP. LVII. Of Sidon and the Trade thereof.

* 1.49SIDON is now limited within a narrower compass than its antient bounds, commanded by the Emir or Prince of the Drusians, the off-spring of Christians, but now hardly professing any Religion at all; it is seated upon the same shore as Acria, and where the French and Vene∣tians maintain Consuls, and is better known to us than Acria: and where by their means al Western Christians find a reasonable favourable protection in their Trade.

* 1.50The Country doth principally abound in Corn, which some years is hence distributed and dispersed to Marselia, Ligorn, and other parts of Christendom, with Galls, Wooll, Wax, &c.

* 1.51Their Coins are principally Rials of 8/•• Spanish and Chickquins in Gold, the Rial accounted for 72 Aspers, and the Chickquin 108 Aspers, but the valuation alters according to the occasions of the state and course of traffick, therefore no great confidence can be given there∣unto.

* 1.52Their weights is the Dram and Rotolo current in these parts of Asia, 650 drams, making the Rotol. 4 l. 5½ ounces English.

• Rotolos 100 is their Cantar qu. 433⅓ l. English.
• ... Rotolo 1 is accounted to make there also 12 ounces.
• ... Rotolos 110 makes Rotolos 100 common in Aleppo.
• ... Rotolos 115 makes Rotolos 100 common in Cyprus.

* 1.53Their measures are these —

In this Tract lies the place where Tyre was seated, now devoured by the incroaching Sea, of whose antient Traffick see the 66 Chapter; and also Sarepta, where Elias who had formerly lived in Mount Carmel nigh adjoyning, was sustained in a Famine by a Widow, whose Son he raised from death: other matters of consequence have not fallen out within my reading in this circuit, therefore hence I will travel to the next Province.

CHAP. LVIII. Of Syrophoenicia and the Cities thereof.

* 1.54SYrophoenicia hath been better beautified with Cities than now it is, the Wars of Princes and Time hath given a period to many, of which Antioch was famous both for being the Metro∣polis of all Syria, and the place where the Disciples of our Saviour were first called Christians, now nothing but the ruines to be seen upon those large Plains, which doth lead from Alexandretta to Aleppo; it comprehendeth the famous City of Baruti, which deserves a regard for the present Trade thereof.

CHAP. LIX. Gf Baruti and the Trade thereof.

* 1.55BAruti formerly called Julia Felix, is a famous Mart Town, yet much inferiour in Trade to what it hath formerly been; near this Town is that noted Valley where it is said Saint George by killing of a Dragon delivered the Kings Daughter; in memorial whereof there was a Castle and Oratory here built and consecrated to him, and whose name it bore, whose ruines do yet appear, if the Inhabitants may be believed; it is now the common passage for all those Caravans that travel from Aleppo, Damasco and Jerusalem to Cairo and Mecca, and thereby made a place of great concourse of Merchants. * 1.56It is subject to the Grand Seignior, and there∣fore his Coins in Silver and Gold are the current Coins thereof, partaking of those that are current in the neighbouring Countreys, as all bordering Towns are found to be The Eng∣lish have no Scale or residence here; but the Venetians who pry with more Industry into these parts, find here a profitable Traffick, therefore in the weights and Measures thereof we must sail by their Observations.

* 1.57The Cantar containing 100 Rotolos of Baruti makes sotile Venetia weight 750 l. and of gross 475 l. and of English 502 l. The Rotolo makes Venetia sutle 7 ½ l. gross 4 l. 9 ounces, English 5 l. the Cantar or 100 Rotolos of Baruti is in Aleppo 96 Rotolos, the common weight and 90½ Rotolos of Silk weight.

* 1.58Measures of Baruti is the Pico, 100 whereof makes in Venetia 86 Braces, and the 100 Braces of Venetia of Woollen Cloth makes in Baruti 112 or 113 Picos, which is in England (…) Yards.

* 1.59The Town of Amano lieth also in this Syrophoenicia, and is found to be a Town of great Trade and consluence of Merchants of Arabia, Persia, and Turkey; but because I find the weights and measures thereof to accord with the same that are found in use in Aleppo, and their Coins the common current Coins of Turkie, I shall refer the Reader to Aleppo, and the Trade thereof.

CHAP. LX. Of Coelosyria and the Cities thereof

* 1.60CElosyria doth not now afford many Cities of note, Hierapolis was here famous for the Temple and Worship of the Syrian goddess; but now Damascus is tho principal Scale and City of this Province, which requires for the Trade thereof a longer discourse, than my Information can guide me; however, what I have gathered I shall here willingly insert.

CHAP. LXI. Of Damascus and the Trade thereof.

* 1.61DAmascus is so pleasantly seated, that the Impostor Mahomet would never enter into it, lest forgetting by the ravishing pleasures of the place, the business (as he said) he was sent for, and make this his Paradise; it is seated in a very fruitful soil; bearing Grapes all the year long, and girt with curious and odoriferous Gardens; being also famous first, for her foun∣ders, who were Abraham's servants; Secondly, for the Temple of Zacharias; and Thirdly, for the conversion of Paul, who here first preached, and escaping the traps of his Enemies, was let down the walls of the house by a basket. And in matter of Trade it still continueth a place where all Commodities of Turkie, Arabia, and India are brought into, where Caravans of the Nations do pass through, going from Constantinople, Bagdet, and Aleppo, to Aegypt, Mecha or India, and so again back.

* 1.62The current Coins of this City are those common with all Syria, Aleppo being the principal, where you may see further for the Moneys of the place.

* 1.63The Damasco Cantar is in Venetia sotile 600 l. gross 380 l. which is Averdupois 402 l. yet observed to make in some Commodities 416 l. English, so that by the said Venetian Calculation which I sail by (because of their residence there, and their great traffick thither) 100 l. gross Ve∣netia, should render 26⅓ Rotolos, and the 100 l. sotile 16⅔ Rotolos. Damascino Rotolo 1. makes Venice sotile 6 l. gross 3 l. 9½ ounces; Peso 100 Damascino are Metallichi 66 ••/•• sotile Venice 1 l.

Metallichi 100 Damas. gives in Venetia silver weight 15¼ ounces; Killats 100 Damasco gives silver weight in Venetia 90 Kill. Killats 100 Damasco gives by Spice weight in Venetia 106 Kill. Cantar. 7½ of, Damasco gives in Rhodes Cantar one, Cantar one Damasco gives in Ge∣noa 550 l.

* 1.64Measures of length is the Pico, which is accounted about 27 inches, agreeing thus with other places.

• Pico 100 Damasco
  • makes Venetia measure of Cloth 87 brac.
  • makes in Genoa 24 Canes of 10 Palms every Cane.
  • makes in Florence 24½ Canes.
• ...Braces
  • 100 of Cloth in Venetia gives here 112 Pico.
  • Braces 100 of Silk Venetia gives here 106 Pico.
• Pico one Damasco makes scarcely ⅞ Brace of Venetia.

* 1.65The Commodities coming hence are Cottons of Syria, Saffron, Steel, excellent blades for Swords and Knives, wrought and Raw Silks, of this growth of this Country, Oyl, Honey, Wax, Balsam, Almonds, Dates, some Drugs, Rice, which here are noted plentiful, besides the commodities here found and higher brought from other Regions, which I need not here no∣minate.

* 1.66There is used in Damascus in the buying and selling of divers Commoditiies a certain Tare and Allowance to be given over and above the weight, from the buyer to the seller, most especially practised in bargains of Spices and Drugs, which as I find them observed by others, I think good here to shew; as in

Ginger	5 per cent.	105	Rot.
Maces	5 per cent.	105
Cinnamon	5 per cent.	105
Cloves	5 per cent.	105
Indico	5 per cent.	105
Myrrhe	5 per cent.	105	Rot.
Sugar Candied	5 per cent.	105	Rot.
Wormseed	5 per cent.	105	Rot.
Zedoaria	5 per cent.	105
Spikenard	5 per cent.	105
Gallingal	5 per cent.	105
Nutmegs	5 per cent.	105
Lacke	5 per cent.	105
Long Pepper	5 per cent.	105
Cocheneel	5 per cent.	105
Green Ginger	0 per cent.	000
Sugars	0 per cent.	000
Mirabolans	5 per cent.	105
Aloes Epatica	5 per cent.	105
Cardamum	5 per cent.	105
Turbit	5 per cent.	105
Silk	10 per cent.	110
Ambergreece	10 per cent.	110

And many others which the Merchants must learn.

All these Commodities are found to have these certain Tares, besides the Bags, Canisters, Boxes, Churls and the like, by the Custom and practice of the place, and forasmuch as this City is an Inland Town, wherein a Bashaw is found to command for the Grand Seignior; there is here a Custom imposed upon all Goods entring and issuing to Foreiners and Merchant Strangers 3 1/•• per cent, which is paid in Money and not in the same Species, according to the Customs of Alex∣andria before specified.

* 1.67And to conclude the Trade of this place, I will insert an old observation fallen into my hands, made upon the weights here, and the agreement thereof with other Countreys, the certainty whereof I will refer to trial.

The Cantar of Damasco making, as I said before, 100 Rotolos, makes in

The Cantar of Damasco by observa∣tion hath made in	Alexandria	428	Rot. forfori.
Constantinople	341	Rot.
Venice sotile	600	l.
Ditto gross.	380	l.
Ancona	517	l.
Florenca	525	l.
Rhagusa	500	l.
Naples	566	l.
Sicilia	576	l.
Idem	203 ⅔	Rot.
Millan	552	l.
Genoa	570	l.
Valentia	400	l.

* 1.68The Rot. Damasco is in	Valentia 4 l. 11 ½ ounces,	and1 l. Val. is 120 drams.
Genoa 5 l. 8½ ounces,	1 l. Genoa is 105 drams here.
Millan 5 l. 6½ ounces,	1 l. Millan is 208 drams.
Sicilia 5 l. 9 ounces.
Naples 5 l. 6⅔ ounces,	and 1 l. Naples.
Rhagusa 5 l.	and 1 l. Rhagusa.
Florence 5 l. 3 ounces	and 1 l. Florenco is 112 dr.

The truth of these Observations I must leave to the tryal of the more expert, and give you a touch of what I have gathered in the matter of agreement of measures of length.

• * 1.69100 Braces of Cloth in Florence have made in Damasco 99 Picos.
• 100 Picos of Damasco have made in Naples 28½ Canes.
• 100 Picos of Damasco have made in Sicilia 28¾ Canes.
• 100 Picos of Damasco have made in Millan 87 Braces.
• 100 Canes of Silk in Genoa have made in Damasco 37½ Picos.
• 100 Picos of Damasco have made in Venice of Cloth 87 Braces.
• 100 Braces of Venice Silk have made in Damasco 106½ Picos.

And forasmuch as the English, French, and Dutch are not found at present to have any Trade hither, and that the Venetians are the only Western Christian Merchants that here reside, and have here a Consul for the protection of them and their Trade and Goods, it will fit me best to borrow some of their Observations, and observe the Trade they now drive to this City.

* 1.70The Commodities which the Venetians then carry hither for Merchandize are wollen Cloths, Honey, Almonds, Tin, Quick-silver, Lead, Latten Wire, Iron Wire, Latten Plates, Brimstone, Allons, Mastich, Coral, Saffron, Flemish Beads and Bracelets, Chrystal Looking-Glasses, Linnen of divers sorts, coarse Canvas, some few Furs, Sugars of Cyprus, writing Paper, Velvets, T••ffa∣ta's Damasks, and Sattins, some Noremberg Wares, Coral Beads, and many such European Com∣modities.

The Commodities that they find here to make returns of, are these. Raw Silk of this Coun∣treys growth, and of Persia, Ardasse and Lege, Belledine, Trippoli, Bodovin, Baias and others; also some Spices and some Drugs, as Ginger, Cloves, Maces, Sandal, Incense, Myrrhe, Nurmegs, In∣dico, Gallingal, Long Pepper, Mirabolans, Armoniac, Aloes, Epatica, Cardamon, Turbit, Sanguis Dra∣conis, Sugar Candied, Wormseed, Zedoaria, Spikenard, Cinnamon, Tutia, Cottons, and some Cotton Yarn, Benjamin, Assa foetida, Manna, Camphire, Cassia, and the like, of which some are found to be sold by the Cantar of Damasco, and some by the Rotolo: also observe,

That Musk, Ambergreece and Pearl is sold by the Metalico, which is 1½ dram, and Sivet is sold by a weight called Ongia, being 10 drams, which makes 6 2/•• Metalicos, which makes sotile in Venice 1 ounce 1 sacc. and 5 Carots.

The Rotolo is accounted here 600 drams, but Lege and Ardasse is here sold by a Rotolo of 680 drams, which is 7 l. sotile Venice; but Damasco Silk, and all Silk of the growth of the Coun∣try is sold by the Rotolo of the place of 600 drams.

These notes the Venetians have made upon their weights and measures.

1 Cantar Damasco is sotile Venice 600 l. and gross 380 l.

1 Rot. Damasco is sotile 6 l. and gross 3 l. 9½ ounces.

100 Drams Damasco is 66½ Mitigal sotile Venice 1 l. and of the silver weight in Venice 10 oun∣ces ¼ and 5 Carots.

100 Drams makes silver weight in Venice 12 Marc. 6 ounces and ½.

100 Mitigal Damasco is in Venice 15 ¼ ounces and 5 Carats.

100 Carats Damasco is silver weight in Venice 91 Carats.

1½ dram Damascin is 24 Carats Damascin, the which 24 Carats is one Mitiga. Damascino.

Again, è contra.

The 1000 l. gross in Venice makes in Damasco 293⅓ Rotolos.

The 1000 l. sotile in Venice is in Damasco 166⅔ Rotolos.

So that the 100 l. gross is 26⅓ Rotol. Damascine, and the 100 l. sotile is 16⅔ Rotol Damascine.

* 1.71As for the Measure of Damasco there is but one here in use, and is common to all Commodi∣ties, both Linnen, Silk, and Woollen, which is the Pico, which by the calculation of the Venetians I find thus, 100 Pico in Damasco is in Venice Cloth measure Braces 87, thereby estimating the said Pico to be almost ⅞ of Brace Venetian.

100 Braces of Cloth in Venice makes in Damasco 111 in 112 Pico.

100 Braces of Silk in Venice makes in Damasco 106 in 107 Pico; and how they agree with the measures of England and other places, I have shewed before; therefore leaving Damasco Trade to the judgment of better experienced, and finding the Caravan of Aleppo ready to de∣part, I am called thither, where by the way observing some reliques not here worth mention∣ing, and where arriving you shall find in the next leaf what I have there observed in the mat∣ter and manner of the Trade thereof.

CHAP. LXVII. Of Aleppo, and the Trade thereof.

* 1.72ALeppo, called in the 2 Sam. 8, 3. Aram sobab, is now the most Famous City in all the Grand Seignior's Dominions, for the wonderful confluence of Merchants of all Nations and Countreys, that come hither to traffick: It is pleasantly seated upon a Plain, in the midst whereof doth rise a small Hill, whereupon is built a strong Castle that commands the whole City: It hath in it many Canes for Lodgings and Ware-houses for Merchants, which resem∣bling small Forts being shut with Iron Gates, defend the Merchants, and their Goods from all wrong or theft; their Streets are shut with Doors every night at each end, in the manner of Cairo, and thereby every Street becomes a defensible place by it self.

There are of all Eastern, Southern, and Western Nations Merchants found therein, many of which enjoy several immunities and priviledges, granted them by their particular capitulations from the Grand Seignior who is Lord hereof: the English, Venetians, and French, are found to be great Traders hither, each bringing hither their native Commodities, and here exchange them for Arabian, Persian and Indian Drugs, Gems, Spices, and such like Commodities, amongst which the English are most eminent, by reason that they not only furnish this City with the native Com∣modities of England; but also with such as come to them from India and Persia by Sea, and which in former days were from hence brought into England.

* 1.73This City is seated about 100 English miles from the Sea, Alexandretta or Scanderone being the Sea Port and Road whereto all shipping, either out of the Ocean or Mediterranean come to lade and unlade their Goods, and are hence transported by Camels to Aleppo; which Scale was formerly in Tripoli, which is a more commodious Port, and nearer in distance; but the way be∣ing found more craggy, rugged, and dangerous, by reason of the insolency of the Arabians, it was by all Christians disused, and by consent the same was here settled.

* 1.74The Commodities which are found in this City, are commonly all the Commodities of Asis and Africa, as Spices of all sorts, Drugs of all sorts, Silks of Persia, Gems of India, Spices of Arabia, and the common Commodities proper to the Country, as Grograms, Grogram Yarn, Galls, Cottons, and Cotton Yarn, Silk of Tripoli, Bocai, Bedovine, add Damasco, and other sorts in great quantity.

* 1.75The Weights used here in particular, is the Dram and Rotolo, as in most parts of Turkey; but the Rotolo is found in many Commodities to differ in Drams, according to the custom in weight of the place and commodity.

The Cantar is also found to disagree in Rotolo, according to the common and usual weight of commodities, which I will declare, thereby to shew first how they accord with England, and other places of Trade, and then how they agree amongst themselves.

And first Silk of Persia is sold by the Wesno, which is 30 Nether, and 1 Nether is 120 Grains, and every Grain is 30 Drams, by which accompt the Wesno amounts to 3600 Drams, and 7 Wesno's make a Cole.

But the common weight better known to us in the Rotolo, which of Ardesse and Lege is 680 Drams, of Belledine 700 Drams, and so changing in other sorts of Commodities, which the Fa∣ctor is to take notice of.

The Rotolo is also divided into 12 ounces, and ounce 1 is drams 60, drams 3600 is accounted a Wesno.

Drams 2400 is a Botman, which is the weight by which Silk is sold in Constantinople, and makes there 6 Oaks.

Cantar 2 is Rotolos, 100, making near 481 l. Averdupois.

Rotolo 1 is Averdupois 4, 13 ounces accounted and found sometimes 4 l. 14 ounces; so that 112 l. Averdupois, is found hereby to be Rotolos 22, ounces 8.

Rotolos 100 common weight, is 494 l. 8 ounces Averdupois, which is above 4 l. 15 ounces, and so is sometimes found to produce in some Commodities.

A Wesno of Silver is 100 Drams, which is 68 Lire of Venetia, and it is found that 11 ℞ ⅔ full weight, makes a Wesno of Silver here.

Silver, Gold, Gems, &c. are sold by the Mitigal, which is 1½ drams, which is Carot 24 Eng∣lish, or Grains 96.

* 1.76Wesno's of Aleppo are in buying of Silk thus reduced into Rotolo's and drams following.

Wesno	1	is Rotolos	5	Drams	200
5	26	320
10	52	630
20	105	600
30	158	560
40	211	520
50	264	480
60	317	440
70	370	400
80	423	360
90	476	320
100	529	280

Which may be enlarged to a greater number, having purposely here inserted the same for the benefit of the ignorant and Learner.

* 1.77Now forasmuch as the Venetians have been accounted the first Christian Traders into this Ci∣ty, let us observe the agreements in weights of this place and Venetia,

Cantar 1 makes sotile Venetia 720 l. gross, 456 l. which this way be reduced to English weight is 482 l. Averdupois.

Rotol. 1 Venetia sotile l. 7, ounces 2, sache 2½ gross l. 4. ounce 6¾.

Gross Venetia 1000 l. is in Aleppo, Cantar. 2. Rot. 19.

Sotile Venetia 1000 l. is in Aleppo, Cantar. 1, Rot. 40; so that 100 l. gross, is Rotol. 21, and 100 l. sotile is 14 Rotolos.

Cantar 1 hath produced in Florence 660 l.

* 1.78Now it will be necessary to note some Observations upon Commodities weighed in Aleppo, with the tares and allowances by custom of the place given to the buyer.

* 1.79All sorts of Indico is sold by the Churl, which is 27½ Rotolo of 720 drams, Churls 2, makes a Chest, allowing in accompt 327 l. to a Churl of neat Indico, and there is allowed to the buyer 3 ounces per Churl for dust, and 3 ounces for single shirt, and 6 ounces for double.

* 1.80Silk of all sorts hath allowance for heads of skeins if course, 100 in 130 drams per Wesno; if fine 60 drams notwithstanding.

* 1.81Musk being bought by the Mitigal out of the Cod gives no allowance, in the Cod 20 per cent.

* 1.82Drugs of the growth of this Country are sold by the Rotolo of 720 drams, and pays no Cu∣stom; but of the growth of forein parts, by Rotolo 600 drams, and pays great Custom; as are Camphire, Aloes Socotrina.

* 1.83Silk also of these Countreys, as Damascus, Tripoli, Bacas, gives no allowance in tare being clean Silk.

Oppion is sold drams 110 for 100 drams, the 10 drams being allowed for tare in that commodity.

* 1.84Spices of all sorts are sold by the Rotolo of 720 drams, and if the same be ungarbled, the al∣lowance is 132 for 100; but if garbled, 110 for 100 notwithstanding, as in Cloves, Maces, Cinnamon, &c.

* 1.85Galls have allowance for dust 2 per cent. and briefly observe these commodities give these tares to the Buyer, Aloes, Epaticum with the skin, and Aloes Socotrina, Assa foetida with the skin, Bdellium gives 20 in 120: * 1.86Cinnamon, Cubebs, Cassia fistula, Oculus Indi, Galbanum, Maces, Oppion, Rhubarb, Manna, &c. 10 per 100; Camphora, Lignum Aloes, Nutmegs, &c. 5 per 105.

Note, that forasmuch as no English Merchants are permitted to trade in Turkey but the Levant Company, and that this Company are incorporated by special Priviledges in London, by the favour of his Majesty of England, the orders of that Company by the Traders hither to other the Ports of Turkey is to be observed, according to their established Acts and Ordinances, whereto I refer the Enquirer for further Information.

* 1.87The Coins current of Aleppo are the same, common with all the Dominions of the great Turk; The passable here is

The Soltany is medines 80, aspers 120, sh. 16.

The Lion dollar, med. 50, asp. 80, sh. 10.

The Ducat, med. 40, asp. 60, sh. 7½.

Rials of ••/•• have passed 6½ per cent. better than Lion dollars, and 〈…〉〈…〉 hath passed for a

Soltany; but this rule holds not in these days, for the Wars and Troubles of that Country have altered these Observations.

Shes. 1 is medin. 5⅓, or aspers 8, and the med. 8½ shes.

But these rules following are more certain and found true.

℞ 8/•• is found to weigh 42¼ grains, the single Rot. 26½ gr.

The Crown or single Pistolet found to weigh 53 grains.

The Soltany, Hungar, or Chequin to weigh 54 grains.

And the Mitigal is found to weigh 72 grains.

* 1.88Their Accounts are kept as by a common consent throughout the principal places of Traffick in Turkey in dollars and aspers; the dollar containing 80 asp. at what rate otherwise soever the same do pass amongst all Christians that are Merchants, and here resident; yet it is found that the account of the Country (as proper to the Revenues and Treasure of the Grand Seignior, and practised by the Receivers of his Estate) is kept in aspers, wherein they account to thousands, ten thousand and hundred thousand aspers, and so by a cargo or load of aspers which they ac∣count to be 100 thousand aspers, and at 80 aspers per dollar amount to 1250 dollars, or 312 l. 10 shillings Sterling.

* 1.89There is found in Aleppo but one measure or Pico, which is 27 inches English, or ¾ of a yard, and is the same for Linnen and Woollen, and doth agree with the Venetian brace, used there 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Cloth of Gold and Silk; and the 100 braces of Cloth in Venetia is found to render here 106 Picos.

There is also a Pico found for Grograms, Chamblets, and Mohairs, but this is the proper Pico•…•… Angora the Staple of that commodity, and is found to be but 2 Inches English incirca less, as I have more at large noted in that place.

* 1.90As for the Customs of this place, they are as in Constantinople, for the English Nation 3 per cent. with some innovations crept in by the corruption of customers and Foreigners which here are found to be Jews; and which in this point are loth to derogate from the common manner of almost all customers and Foreigners in the world: but the last agreement between Mustap•…•… Aga the Customer and the Consul of the English was thus,

• Kersies rated at Medines 14•• per piece, at 3 per cent.
• Broad-cloths rated at Medines 120 per cloth at 3 per cent.
• Cony-skins the bundle 50 skins at 14 dol.
• Tin rated at 55 Rot. per chest. and 32 dol. is 157½ dol.
• Indico at Medines 587 per chest.
• Galls at 12 dol. per Rot.
• Silk at Medines 6 per Rot.
• Grograms the Ball at 33 dol.
• Fillades per quintal at 33 dol.
• Cotton-wooll per cent. — 33 dol.
• Quilts at 50 dol. per Ball.
• Botanos at Ball 80 dol.
• Cordovants at Ball 8 dol.
• Turmerick at Medines 80 per Rot.
• Gumdragant at Ball 60 dol.

Note, that all Spice, as Nutmegs, Cloves, Mace and Cinnamon, pays 21 per cent. but to be ra∣ted at 14 per cent. less than the same cost, as being commodities of India properly.

• Nutmegs valued at Medines — 60
• Cloves per Rot. at — 160
• Maces per Rot. at — 220
• Cinnamon per Rotolo at — 30

Pepper owes but half Custom, and therefore rate it at ••/•• less than it cost, and then pay 21 per cent.

* 1.91Before I leave this place, it will be needful that I do more particularly survey the body of the great Trade which is seen exercised here at this day; and first for the Trade of the English as the most eminent, it is found that this place doth yearly vend about 6000 English Cloths of several sorts, about 600 Quintals of Tin, some Furs, Kersies, and other English Commodities, besides 100 thousand Rials of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 brought yearly hither by them in ready moneys to be invested in raw Silk, Drugs, and other commodities of this Country: they have here to this end a Consul, who is entitu∣led of Syria and Cyprus, who hath here the preheminence of all other Christian Consuls resident; and in returns of this estate, carry hence great quantity of raw Persia Silk termed and known to us by the name of Ardasse and Lege, and also Bedovin, Castravan, Beledin, Baias, and other sort of the growth of this Country; also they carry hence great quantities of Galls of Tocat, some Drugs of Arabia, great quantity of Grogram Yarn and Grograms, Cottons and Cotton Yarn, and other commodities of this place; which investments were formerly in a large nature in Drugs,

Spices and Gems, with which now the English furnish themselves at the first hand from India, &c. and though otherwise thus their ••eturns are thereby shortned, yet having a greater part of their returns in these sorts of Silks abovesaid, it hath herein found a fair inlargement for the abatement made in Spices. * 1.92The scale of this City is Alexandretta, as I noted before, com∣monly Scanderone, whereto all Ships come that have business here; and here likewise the Eng∣lish have a Factory intituled a Vice-Consul, for the effecting and preservation of their affairs here, and for the landing or lading of all Goods coming in or going out from this City; and where also to the same end the Venetians and French have likewise their particular Vice-Consuls to manage the publick Trade of their several Nations.

* 1.93The Venetians I account the next Merchants of consequence here resident, who bring hither great quantity of Cloths Venice-making, and other of several sorts, some German Commodities, as Latten Plates, Wire, shaven Latten, Steel, Iron, Silks wrought, as Sattins, Damasks, Velvets, Taffeta's, Paper, and some Rials of Eight, and Venetian Chiqueens in Gold, with Crystal Look∣ing-Glasses, Quick-silver and other Commodities. And hence in return thereof Export Silks, raw of all sorts, Cotton Wool and Cotton Yarn, Grograms, M••bairs, Chamblets, sundry sorts of Drugs, Spices, Gems, and Galls, Indico, and other such.

* 1.94The French are the next of note that Trade hither, having to that end also a Consul in Aleppo, and Vice-Consul in Alexandretta, and who carry hither some few Cloths of Languedoc, and of Rials of Plate a great quantity, which every small Bark is found to bring hither from Mar∣selia the only French Port hither-trading; in return whereof they used some years past to carry hence abundance of raw Silk of all sorts, to the import sometimes of 600 in 800 Bales upon a Vessel: but this their Trade by sundry losses occasioned is now decayed, and their Ships are only laden with Galls, Cotton Woolls, Cotton Yarn, Grograms, some Drugs, Spices, Callicoes, and such.

These are then the only three Christian Nations that have any Trade of moment here, the Trade driven here by the Dutch not worthy consideration; besides which this Town is found to be the great Magazine of all Persia, India and Arabia Commodities; the Merchants where∣of come hither in great Troops and Caravans, with their Camels laden with the rich Wares of those several Countries, and make their returns in the Commodities of Europe above named, which they buy and barter with the English, French and Venetians, which here have their resi∣dence as aforesaid. To conclude then the Trade of this place, and to omit nothing that I have judged proper for the demonstration thereof, I will insert the Observations made here by experience in the weights and measures of this place, with the weights and measures of some other places of Trade in the Levant.

* 1.95It is before noted, that in Aleppo there is but one Quintar accounted as the common Cantar of the place, by which all Commodities are both bought and sold; yet it is to be noted withal, that from this Quintar are many other Cantars derived, varying according to the custom pra∣ctised in the weight of some special Commodities, as I have before likewise noted: now this Can∣tar consisteth of 100 Rotolo's; the common Rotolo here, which is also accounted 600 drams, though as I have there observed, several Commodities are weighed by a several Rotolo, some consisting of 600, some 680, some 700, and some 720 drams: therefore to explain this point, it hath been observed, that the common Cantar of Aleppo, containing 100 Rotolo's, and each Rotolo containing 600 drams, have made in these Countries following:

The 100 Rotolo of 680 drams is in	Naples	633 l.	6 l. 8 ounces.
Venetia sotile	720 l.	7 l. 2 ounces. 2⅔ saob.
Venetia gross	456 l.	4 l. 9¾ ounces.
Florence	626 l.	6 l. 3½ ounces.
Genoa sotile	624 l.	6 l. 10 ounces.
Sicilia	691 l.	6 l. 10⅔ ounces.
Millan	662 l.	6 l. 7½ ounces.

* 1.96I have noted the measure here in general for all Commodities to be the Pico in Cloth, th•• 100 Pico's has been found thus to concord with other Countreys.

have made in 100 Pico.	Venice Cloth	94 braces.
Venice Silk	100 braces.
Florence	107½ braces.
Genoa	28 1/•• Canes.
Millan	81 braces.
Sicilia	31 Canes 1 Palm.

And thus much is what I conceive needful to have said concerning the Trade of this famous City of Aleppo.

CHAP. LXIII. Of Tripoli, and the Trade thereof.

* 1.97THE next and last of note in this Countrey is Tripoli, and to distinguish it from that in Bar∣bary commonly called (in Syria;) it hath in former times been a fair Town, and injoyed a fair and common Harbour, and now ruin'd, and hath (as I said before) of late days been ac∣counted for the Port and Scale of Aleppo, where our Ships ever laded and unladed, but since their removal to Scanderone it is of little Commerce: some Venetians are here found to reside, and who pick out hence some small Trade with the Inhabitants of the Countrey, who af∣ford them Silk here growing, some Cotton Yarn and Cotton Wooll, some Drugs, Corn, and other Commodities.

* 1.98Their weight agrees with that of Damasco, which is Rotolo 100, and is a Cantar Damasci∣no, which is Venetia sotile 600 l. gross 380 l. which this way should be English 402 l. but it hath been found to yield 416 l Averdupois, drams 52 is an ounce.

Ounces 12 is a Rotolo, which hath been found to be 4 l. 2 ounces of Averdupois, and ounces 8 is an Oak, which hath been observed to make out 42¾ l. Averdupois

* 1.99Their measure being a Pico is somewhat less than 27 inches English

* 1.100Their Money is generally the same with all Turkey, but thus accounted:

• Aspers 2 is a Medin.
• Aspers 40 is ¼ R. ••.
• Aspers 160 is a R. ••.
• Aspers 140 is a Dollar Lion.
• Aspers 240 is a Sultany.

And thus much shall serve for Tripoli in Syria.

CHAP. LXIV. Of Palestina and the Cities thereof.

* 1.101THE next Countrey in order is Palestina, having on the East Euphrates, on the West the Mediterranean Sea; on the North Phaenicia; and on the South Arabia: this Countrey hath so often changed its name, that it hath been called by six several names; 1. Cana•…•… 2. The Land of Promise, 3. Israel, 4. Judaea, 5. Palestina, and lastly, the Holy Land; and no•• divided into four parts, Galilea, Judea, Idumea, and Samaria.

* 1.102In Galilea is not found any City either of Note or Trading, though in times past it was sa∣mous for many, as Bethsaida the Birth-place of Peter, Andrew, and Philip; and Nazareth, second to none, where the Virgin Mary was saluted with those joyful Tydings by an Angel: * 1.103In this Countrey ariseth the two Spring-heads of Jordan, Jor, and Dan, of which two that united River doth derive its name.

* 1.104Neither doth Samaria now afford any City of Commerce, though many notable places were there found in the flourishing days of the Israelites.

* 1.105Idumea is also destitute of Trading, though it have the commodious Sea-Port Joppa in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 where our Western Pilgrims are seen to land and foot it to Jerusalem; where also in time past, Jonah took shipping to fly to Tarsus, and where Peter lying in the house of one Simon 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Tanner, was in a Vision taught the Conversion of the Gentiles: here also was Gasa, where the Persians did hoard up in the greatness of their Empire the Customs and Tributes of their Westen Dominions: take what I find in Trade here worthy observation.

CHAP. LXV. Of Gasa, and the Trade thereof.

* 1.106GAsa hath been more famous and beautiful than now it is, and renowned through Eu∣rope both for a good Sea-Port and a good defence to the Western Christians in their Wa•…•… here against the Saladin and Soldans of Aegypt, and for a good Seat of Trade; but all these good things were too good for those Nations that have since been Masters thereof: for the goodness of the Port is spoiled by Rubbish, the goodness of the Walls ruin'd by the Wars, and the good∣ness of the Scale in Trade decayed by the neighbouring Towns situated upon this Coast. It is seated in the bottom of all the Mediterranean Sea, and sees yet a little Trade by the benefit

of a Creek capable to receive small Vessels, wherein the Venetians and French pick out some Trade with their ready Money: It is a Station common to those Caravans that by Land travel from Damasco, Aleppo, or Constantinople to Cairo, and so back again; and these Caravans keeping their settled times of progress and regress, are the cause of some Traffick here maintain'd: The barrenness of the neighbouring Desarts drive some hither to inhabit, which makes the Town to be better peopled than otherwise it happily would be, thereby enlarging the Commerce of the place. What Observations therein I have learned, I must acknowledge due to the endeavours of a Venetian Merchant who much frequented these parts, which is, * 1.107the Commodities of this City are those proper of the Countrey, and as the place partaketh as a confine Town of Aegypt and Judea, so it must be understood that it doth participate of the Commodities for Merchan∣dize proper to both of them, as Cottons, Cotton Yarn, Silks, some Drugs, some Spices, and the like.

* 1.108The Coins here current I need not nominate, neither yet the manner of keeping of Merchants Accounts here; for as seated in the Dominions of the Grand Signior; the Coins and Accounts are the same common with Constantinople and other parts of Turkey.

* 1.109The Weight of Gasa is found to be only one, composed of the Rotolo, and 100 Rotolo's ma∣king their Cantar; which Cantar by the said Observations make in Venetia 800 l. sotile, and the 1000 l. gross in Venetia hath made here 191 Rot. and the 1000 l. sotile Venetia hath made here 125 Rotolo's: But because I find a Countrey-man of our own to have made a differing Observation from this in the point of Weight, which is, that the Cantar of Gasa will make in London 536 l. Averdupois; I will leave the Experiment to that hand that shall have cause to make a further trial.

CHAP. LXVI. Of Tyrus, and the ancient Trade thereof.

* 1.110TYrus lieth also in this Tract, or to say more properly and more truly, did once lie in this Tract, which for its great splendor in Traffick in times past deserveth here the commemo∣ration thereof, which I will insert as I find it noted by the Prophet Ezekiel in chap. 26. and 27. the greatness and amplitude of which Trade now ruin'd and altogether desolate, serving for ex∣ample to all eminent Cities of Traffick, that the Merchants Inhabitants of those places forget not God the giver of that plenty and abundance; nor yet abuse the same to their own de∣struction, as is shewed there it was to the Tyrians. Tyrus then in the height of its greatness is recorded ••o have a very great Trade, and so large that it served for a general Mart to all the World, and that all Nations were furnished with their Merchandize and Commodities thence, which wonderfully inriched the City, and increased the power of the Citizens; so that she is there termed the strong and renowned City of the Sea, and which was mightily inhabited by Sea-men and Merchants, whose power and greatness in Navigation and Trade is described by many particulars in that Chapter; as First, That her Ship-Timber was of the Fir trees of Hermon∣hill, and the Masts thereof were of Cedar, and brought from Lebanon, and the Oars thereof were of the Oaks of Bashan; the Sails thereof were fine imbroidered Linnen brought from Aegypt, and the coverings (or as Sea-men term it their awnings) were of blew Silk and Purple, brought from the Isles of Elishah: their Mariners were the Inhabitants of Sidon and Arvad, and their Ship-Masters and Pilots were the wisest of the City, and their Car••enters, Shipwrights and Calkers were the ancients of Gebal, and the wise men thereof; and all the Ships of the Sea with their M•…•…iners negotiated in her in the Traffick of Merchandize. Now those that traded hither, and were the Merchants thereof, and the Commodities for which they traded is also recor••ed there, for the Merchants of Tarshish brought hither to the Fairs all rich Commodities, as Si••ver, Iron, Tin, Lead: The Merchants of Graecia, Italy and Cappadocia, fur••ished it with Slaves for labour, and with all manner of vessels of Brass. The Merchants of Togarmah brought hither to her Marts Horses and Mules for carriage. The Merchants of Dedan brought Unicorns Horns and Elephants Teeth. The Merchants of Aram brought to her Fairs Emerald, Coral, Pearls, fine Lin∣nen, and Purple imbroidered Works. The Merchants of Israel brought Honey, Balm, Oyl, and Wheat. The Merchants of Damasco brought Wines, Woolls, and multitude of other rich Wares. The Merchants of Dan and Javan brought Iron-work, Cassia, Calamus,. The Merchants of Arabia furnished it with Cattel. Of Sheba and Ramah with Spices and precious Stones and Gold. And to conclude, all the Nations of those Regions were accounted the Merchants that did traffick thither with all the riches of their several Countries, and furnished the same with the best of their Sea-men, and the principal of their Ships for Navigation: but the Holy Prophet in lieu of their then greatness, prophesied their future misery; instead of their then riches, pro∣phesied their future poverty, which is there recorded to have fallen deservedly upon this City,

and their Inhabitants, for glorying in their own strength and opulence, and for deriding of the holy City of Jerusalem, by rejoycing at the visitation and fall which God had been pleased to afflict her withal; so that many years past the said Prophesie hath been in her fulfilled, as now we see it in these days to be; for many Nations have risen up against it, and the waves of the Se•• have devoured it; the riches thereof are robbed, and the Merchandize thereof are spoiled the Nations that have known the splendor of it, are risen up in astonishment at it, the waten have covered it; and in fine, the same is brought to nothing, and shall never hereafter have a being, which is fully accomplished in every particular: Therefore let each flourishing City of Trade, and every Merchant exercising traffick, take warning by their ruin and desolation, and by their just and faithful dealing and upright conversation, endeavour to divert the wrath of God from the Cities of their Habitations; and having the sin of the Tyrians ever in remem∣brance, they may thereby hope to avoid their Punishment.

Now as for the Country of Judea, I find not that it affords any eminent City of Trade in these our days, though otherwise it be famous in Scripture in times past, both for the City of Bethleem, where our Saviour Christ was born, and where it was found the Innocents did suffe for him ere he suffered for them; * 1.111and also for the City of Jericho, destroyed by the sounding of Rams horns; * 1.112and lastly, for Jerusalem the City of the Lord, built by Melchisedeck. Prince and Priest of Salem, in the Country of the Jebusites; but since that time having been laid waste divers times, and having again found new re-edifiers, is now of little consequence: Here w•…•… that most magnificent Temple built by Solomon, and the famous Temple of the Sepulchre 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by Helena Daughter to Coilus a British King, and Mother to Constantine the Great; the ruines thereof is yet much resorted unto both by Protestants and Papists, though for sundry ends; which place affordeth now not any Trade to any Nation save to the Jews, who farm of the Grand Signior this abovesaid Temple at 80000 Sultanies yearly, and every Pilgrim or other Christian entring, must pay 9 Sultanies to the said Farmers for admittance; so that the poste∣rity of those Jews make an an unrighteous gain and traffick by his death, whom unrighteoush their Fore-fathers occasioned to die.

CHAP. LXVII. Of Armenia, and the Provinces and Cities thereof.

* 1.113ARmenia hath on the East Media, and the Caspian Sea; on the West Euphrates and the Euxine Sea; on the North Tartary; on the South Mesopotamia; the wh•…•… Countrey is divided into three Provinces; First, Colchis; Secondly, Georgia; Thirdly, T••∣comania.

* 1.114Colchis lieth on the Euaeine Sea, the Inhabitants thereof being Christians; hence did Jason in the days of old steal the Golden Fleece; * 1.115and here is also seen the ruines of that famous City Dioscuria, where by reason of the many Foreign Merchants from all Co••∣treys that here frequented, three hundred Languages were commonly spoken and pra∣ctised.

* 1.116Neither can I find in Georgia, earst called Iberia, any City of Note for Trading. * 1.117Tu∣comania being also as barren in this kind. It is observed by sundry Authors, that out of this Province is derived the Name and Original of the Turks, who here had their off-spring, and who within these three hundred years last past, have made themselves potent by their Armies, * 1.118and to the ruine of many Kingdoms, the present Grand Signior Sultan Amurath, who in Anno 1623, at my being at Constantionople was proclaimed Emperour of that Nat•…•…, hath under his Dominions and Commands in chief as Sovereign of all these Countries; First, in Europe he hath Dacia, Grecia, all the Aegean Islands, and Taurica Chersonesus; in Asia he hath the Provinces before already described; also Arabia, Syria, Media, Mesopotamia, Rhodes, Cyprus, and other Islands; and Iastly, in Africa he hath Aegypt and the Kingdom of T•…•… and Argier, and many others of lesser consequence. And thus leaving Armenia, my nert step is to Arabia, which cometh now to be handled.

CHAP. LXVIII. Of Arabia and the Provinces thereof.

* 1.119ARabia is bounded on the East with the Persian Gulph, on the West with the Red-Sea, on the North with Mesopotamia and Palestina, on the South with the Oce∣an; the Inhabitahts are extreamly addicted to Thest, this Trade being found to be the best

part of their maintenance, the Countrey is divided into three parts, Arabia Deserta, Pe∣•…•…osa, and Felix. * 1.120Arabia Deserta is the place where the people of Israel wandred for forty ••ears under the command of Moses: * 1.121the most eminent City of this Province is Bolsora, hereto by reason that it serveth for a through-fare from Arabia to Aleppo and Damascus, sound a City of great concourse of many Merchants, and which doth principally consist ••re upon the Commodities brought hither from other Countries, as of India, and other parts Arabia, than of any found here to be transported into other Countries, the further Trade treof by reason of my ignorance I omit.

This Country by reason of the thievish lives of the Inhabitants, and the general barrenness at infertility thereof, some Authors have observed in the course of their Trade and Mer∣chdizing, that the sandy Desarts are the Seas of the Arabian Merchants, the wild Arabs the Pirates, and their Camels their Ships, usually carrying 600 pound for an ordinary bur∣the, and so we find them do in the carriage of our Goods and Wares from Scanderone to Al••o, and so back again, a Camel's load being accounted ten Cloths Suffolk, which by Statute w••h 640 l. which with the packing may be 700 l. or else two barrels or Chests of Tin found to incirca 600 l. and so in other commodities.

* 1.122Arabia Petrosa I find not any City of Trading: Ezion Geber on the Coast of the Re••ea, where Solomon's Navy kept station before the setting out and at their return from Oph, was once a famous place, and of great Traffick, though now it lies buried in its own rui••s.

* 1.123Avabia Felix, Merchants should be better welcome, were the Inhabitants so beneficial to ••ei•• Traffick as their Commodities might be made; for it is esteemed the richest and plea∣sant•• part of all Arabia, and indeed of all Asia, abounding with Gold, Pearls, Balsam, Myrrh, Frarincense, and many other precious Drugs.

* 1.124H•…•… are those two notably noted Towns of Medina and Mecha, the one the birth-place, the other he burying place of Mahomet (who in his younger years was a Merchant, and in his elder a cunning Sophister) where Christians are forbidden to enter, lest they should ••ee (as some Authors alledge) the absurdities of the Mahometan Adoration of their great Prophet's Sepulore, whose Body inclosed in an Iron Chest, is said by an Adamant to be drawn up to the roof the Temple where it hangeth; but herein many of them are and have been for a long time ••eceived, for my self and other Merchants that have for some term of time resided in Turk•• and specially in Constantinople, know by experience that the Grand Signior doth yearly send Carpet, or rather Tomb-cloth of green Velvet, to cover the said Sepulchre, the old be∣ing then taken away, and accounted the Fees and vails of their Priests and Clergy-men that atten: thereon, who cut the same into several pieces, and sell it to the Supersticious at extrem rates for precious reliques; the Tomb it self being seated in a Temple built in Mecha, of nogreat magnificence or beauty, save the cost daily bestowed thereupon in Lamps of Silver and Gold, wherein there is Balsam and other such rich Odours, Ointments, and Oils conti∣••ually burned, and is seated on the firm ground, and not in the Air, as above is said, and in∣closod within an Iron-grate, wherein some by favour are permitted to enter, from some of whom I have had this relation, as is by divers Turks that I have known and that have seen it and reported it to be so, and no otherwise: this large circuit of ground hath not afforded me muda matter of Trade worthy observation that hitherto hath come to my hands; the most pertinent and eminent places are Mocha, the Sea-Port of the said Mecha above-named, and Aden both on the Red-Sea; of the Trade whereof a word, so far forth as I have gathered, and then I will conclude.

CHAP. LXIX. Of Mocha, and the Trade thereof.

* 1.125MOcha, or Muchi, as some name it, is seated in the Red-Sea, almost opposite to Zuachen that famous City of Trade on the African shore, and serveth as the Port and Scale to Me••ha, the birth-place of Mahomet the famous Prophet of these Country-men, much here res••rted unto by Turks, Moors, Arabians, and other Nations professing this superstitious Re∣ligion; it is frequented by divers Merchants, especially Arabians and Egyptians, that take it in their way to Aden, Ormus; India, or the like; and also much frequented by Ma∣ho••etan Pilgrims, who in blind devotion come this way to Mecha to pay their Vows to their ungodly Patron.

* 1.126It is subject to the Grand Signior, and acknowledges his Coins for current in this place in matter of Trade, which is the Asper common with all Turky.

Whereof 60 is here accounted for a Rial of 8/•• Spanish.

An hundred is accounted for a Soltany, Chequin or Xeriff.

The common Gold here current 8 sh. Sterling.

* 1.127Their weights here used partake also somewhat of the common weight in appellation 〈◊〉〈◊〉 throughout all Turkey, which is the dram, 10 whereof are accounted here an ounce.

• 14 Ounces is a Rotolo.
• 24 Rotol. is a Fracello, which is 25 l. 12 ounces English
• 15 Fracellos makes a Cantar; or as they term it.
• 1 Babar, making English incirca, 386 l.

* 1.128The Measure here is the Pico, accounted incirca 26½ inches English, other notes have fallen into my hand of this place, therefore hence I will bend my course to Aden.

CHAP. LXX. Of Aden, and the Trade thereof.

* 1.129ADen is the strongest and fairest Town of Arabia Foelix, situated in a Valley, and i••om∣passed most part with Hills of Marble, upon which it is conceived it never rainen; it lieth on the North side of the entrance of the Read-Sea, reaching 60 miles further inward than the opposite Cape Gardefu•• it is fortified with five strong Castles, kept by Garrisons and within late years surprized by the Bashaw of Aegypt for the Grand Signior, in whose obe••ence it now quietly remaineth by the death and slaughter of the natural Sovereign there•…•… It is now by the industry of man from a firm Land become an Island, and yet commande by a strong Castle, the residence of the Governour seated on an adjoyning hill.

It is accounted to have 6000 houses in it, inhabited by sundry Nations, or more p••perly a miscellany of Indians, Persians, Aethiopians, Arabians, and Turks, which here do re••de for the benefi•• of that great Trade and Commerce that is exercised in this City. The Portug••lt had once got the possession thereof, and were Masters of it for some few years: but finding the charge of the Garrison to exceed the benefit afforded by the Trade and neighbouring c•…•…fines, they willingly surrendred the place to a Moor; who paying them for some years certa•• Tri∣bute, they seated as a Sovereign to command the same, who ruled here till the Turks c••me to be Masters thereof.

This City is now the principal Magazine for the Commodities of Persia, India, and Ar••∣bia, and affording naturally great store of Drugs, as Myrrh, Balsam, Manna, and many sorts of Spices: The heat of this place is so excessive in the day time, that all the b••rgains and contracts made here among Merchants, are done by night, as the coolest season to effect the same.

Now for the Coins here current, the Weights and Measures here in use, and other need∣ful further Observations of the Trade of this place, I am inforced to be silent in, and refer the same to the more experienced, to be hereafter added, as occasion shall serve here unto.

CHAP LXXI. Of Assyria, Mesopotamia, and Chaldea, and the Cities thereof.

* 1.130A Ssyria hath on the East Media, on the West Mesopotamia, on the North Armenia mi∣nor, on the fouth a part of Persia; in which I find no City at present of any note: here is seen to this day the ruins of that Niniv••h, whose walls were of three days journey in compass about, one hundred foot high, and thirty foot broad, and beautified with 1500 Towers of 200 foot-high; through which ran that famous River of Euphrates, and to which place was Jonas sent to preach; here being 120000 persons sound so ignorant in the things of God, that they are said in Scripture not to know the right hand from the left.

* 1.131In Mesopotamia is seated Caramit, a famous Town and Bashaw-like of the Grand Sig∣nior, whose Commerce is unknown unto us by reason of its situation; in Genesis 12. it is cal∣led Padan Haran, and is the place where Abraham dwelt after he had lest Ur; and in this Countrey was Abraham born, and to which place he sent his Servant to choose a Wife for his Son Isaac; * 1.132and here in some Authors opinion (which in this description I followed) did Pa∣radise stand.

* 1.133In Chaldea we find many Cities to have been of old, and amongst others Babel, famous for the confusion of Languages that here happened in building that stupendious Edifice, which

was raised 5164 paces high, and which had its basis and circumference equal to that height; * 1.134it is now much lessened of its ancient greatness, and from Babel it became first Babylon, and now Badgate, a Bashaw-like of the Grand Signior, through which runs the River Euphrates, which is in part the cause of her present traffick which daily is found to be maintained by the help of Aleppo, where is kept (by the intercourse of Merchants, and the Commodity of Caravans, and intelligence of Pigeons carrying Letters) a neighbour-like Commerce; Badgate oftentimes vend∣ing into the Land, what Aleppo do receive by Seas.

CHAP LXXII. Of Babylon, now Badgate, and the Trade thereof.

* 1.135BAbylon, now Badgate, was at first founded by Nimrod, but never finished till that warlike Semiramis took it in hand, whose Walls were 60 miles in circuit, 200 foot high, and 75 broad, seated upon the River Euphrates, in those days a fair and beautiful City, now ha∣ving almost lost all that splendor and glory it then justly boasted of: many famous accidents have here happened; here died Alexander the Great, after which his body lay eight days ere his ambitious Captains could have leisure to give it a fitting burial; here it is also said that when this place was taken by Zopyrus the Macedonian with his Grecians, it was full three days ere one part thereof took notice of the conquest, since which it hath been subject to se∣veral Sovereigns; and it is at this day a Town of very great Traffick, between which and Alep∣po are many Caravans found to travel with many thousand Camels laden with sundry Com∣modities; the rich Commodities of India brought from Ormus by Sea to Balsara, seated as the Maritime Port of the City in the Persian Gulf, and so up the River Euphrates hither, and hence to Aleppo, Damasco, and other Countreys, which again returns them in exchange the Commodi∣ties of Turkey, Aegypt, and Europe.

* 1.136In this Countrey, and generally through many parts of Turkey they have a custom to give advice of their affairs by Pigeons, who serve Merchants here for Posts; and hereby the English are found in Aleppo to have advice from Alexandretta, which is accounted 100 miles, in 24 hours, and hereby the Caravans here travelling, give from time to time advice of their journeys and success, which is done in this manner: when the Hen Dove sitteth and hath young, they take the Cock Pigeon and put him into a Cage, whom (when he is by the Ga∣ravan carried a days journey off) they set at liberty, and he straight flieth home to his mate; when by degrees they are thus perfectly taught; the Carriers and Merchants on any accident fasten a Letter about one of their Necks, and they being freed without any stay hasten to the place from whence they were brought, and such as at home do watch their return, (climb their hole and take away their Letter) are certified of the mind of their friends, or any other ty∣dings after a very speedy manner.

* 1.137The Commodities of this place, are the common Commodities before nominated in Aleppo, * 1.138and their Coins current, are the same that are found throughout Turkey, as subject to one and the same Soveraign; but the Coins of Persia are found here likewise to pass current for their va∣lue, and so doth also their Gold without exception; it being a received custom in Trade, That frontier Towns of Trade admit the Coins of the bordering Inhabitants and Regions.

* 1.139The weights of Babylon known amongst us is the Dram, Mitigal, Rotolo, and Cantar.

Their Rotolo hath been observed to make 1 l. 10 ounces English, and our 112 l. English hath made here 68 Rotolo's.

Their measure in length common in this place is the Pico found to be by trial about 27 inches English.

To conclude this Countreys Relation; from hence came the three Wise men called of the East, who worshipped Christ and presented him with gifts, and the Inhabitants hereof are said to be the first inventers of Astronomy and Astrology; and therefore hence have all such the title of Childeans; and for other matter of Trade, here is only found the famous Town of Mosull, situated on the River Euphrates, abounding with the Forests of Galls, so much required and re∣quested by divers throughout the World: and now to MEDIA.

CHAP. LXXIII. Of Media, and the Provinces thereof.

* 1.140MEdia is limited on the East with Parthia; on the West with Armenia, on the South with Persia, on the North with the Caspian Sea; being absolutely the greatest Sea of all others that hath no Commerce with the Ocean, by some called the Hircanian Sea, and by some the Sea Bacchu, of a Town of that name thereon bordering.

* 1.141The chief Cities of this Countrey are Sultania, famous for the fair Mosque in the East: Suma∣chia, the strongest of all the rest, taken by the Turks in Anno 1578, and now the seat of 2 Turkish Bashaw; Eres, Ardovile, Shervan, Bacchu, and some others; * 1.142and lastly, the most emi∣nent Tauris; of the trade hereof see hereafter.

Likewise in this Tract is comprehended the Province of Albania, now Zairia, little behold∣ing to the industry or labour of the Husbandman, yet of its own accord yielding for once sowing, most times two, and sometimes there reapings: * 1.143the chief City is Caucasiae Portae, built hard upon the Hill Caucasus, one of the best fortified Towns of the East, now called Derbent, a strong City invironed with two walls, and fortified with Iron Gates; yet nevertheless taken it was by the Grand Signior in his last wars against the Persians, under whose command it now remaineth, being now accounted one of the Keys of this Kingdom, and the common entrance into Persia; and lastly, in this Countrey Phidon an Argive in Anno Mundi 3146. is said to find out the use of weights and measures; which knowledge and concordance by this Tract I covet to obtain.

* 1.144And to conclude, a word of the Trade of this Countrey in the general; I find that the Mos∣covia Company were the first that sought the knowledge thereof in these parts; for upon their discovery of Moscovia they traded down the River Volga to Astracan, and thence in Barks sailed with their English Commodities to Bacchu, Derbent, and other places on the Caspian Sea, and since some of the East-India Company have more narrowly traced it, and have observed the same more particularly: the principal Commodities proceeding hence is the raw Silk made at Gilan, Zahaspa, Rastiguan, Chiulfal, and others, now known unto us by the name of Persia, Ardasse, and Lege Silks; and from this last the dealers in Silk here are throughout Asia commonly term∣ed Chiulfallins.

CHAP. LXXIV. Of Tauris, and the Trade thereof.

* 1.145TAuris is the Metropolis of Media, and the Summer seat of the Persian Sophies, containing 16 miles in compass and including 100 thousand Inhabitants; it hath within late years been three times conquered by the Turks and hath as often again returned to the Persians, under whom now it resteth: first, by Selimus, then by Solyman the Magnificent, and lastly, by Osman General to Amurath the third; it is now in the possession of the Persian, and strongly fortified, and seated in a cold, yet wholsome Countrey, the Inhabitants more addicted to making of Silk, than to the Sword; distant six days journey from the Caspian Sea; and indeed incom∣passed by several great Towns of note, whose manual labours are famoused over the World, as first Eres, whence came the fine Silk called the Mamodean, now out of use; * 1.146the Gilan abound∣ing with Lege Silk; * 1.147Sumachia, abounding in excellent Carpets, whereto the people wholly addict themselves; * 1.148then Arasse, the most eminent and opulent City in the Trade of Merchan∣dize throughout all Servania, partly by the abundant growth of Silk there nourished, and hence called Arasse, vulgarly Ardasse 2000 sums yearly going hence to Aleppo in Syria) and partly by the growth thereof; Galls, Cottons, Wooll, Allom, some Spices, Drugs, and sundry other Com∣modities; so that to make this place the happy Scale of Merchandize, Nature having plaid he•• part, there wanteth only peace between the Kings of Persia and Turkie, which at present is denied them: the further manner of Trade of that place, I am constrained for want of due information to omit, and refer what I have thereof collected to Persia.

CHAP. LXXV. Of Persia, and the Provinces thereof.

* 1.149PErsia is bounded on the East with the River Indus; on the West with Tygris and the Persian Gulph; on the North with the Caspian Sea, and the River Oxus; and on the South with the main Ocean; the People are much addicted to Hospitality and Poetry; in their Complements Lordly, in their Apparel phantastical, in their Expences magnificent, and in their Lives lovers of Learning, Nobility, and Peace.

This Empire containeth these several Provinces.

• 1 Persis.
• 2 Susiana.
• 3 Caramania.
• 4 Gedrosia.
• 5 Drangiania.
• 6 Arica.
• 7 Arachosia.
• 8 Parapomisus.
• 9 Saccha.
• 10 Hircania.
• 11 Ormus.

Of all which in brief, and no further than may concern my present purpose.

* 1.150In Persis now called Far, having the Gulph of Persia to the South limit, Caramania for the East, Susiana for the West, and Media for the North, was seated Persepolis the ancient Seat of this Empire, which Alexander at the request of his Curtisan Ladies commanded to be set on fire, but afterward repenting him of so great a folly and so unworthy an act, he re-edified it, though yet now having lost much of its former beauty; and giving place to the famous City of Casbin, the residence of the present Sophies, brought hither from Tauris by Sophie Tamas.

* 1.151The Commodities that this Country is in general found to afford for Merchandize, are Silks of all sorts raw, growing plentifully in 1 Bilan, 2 Gilan, 3 Aras; some precious Stones, many sorts of Drugs, wrought Silks, Chamlets, Carpets, Shashes, Callico's, and many excellent Arms used in War both for Horse and Man, which is here so well tempered in the framing and making (with some virtuous Simples) that it makes it both hard and excellent for use, and preserves the same clean from any rust or perishing.

CHAP. LXXVI. Of Casbin and the Trade thereof.

* 1.152CAsbin is now accounted the Metropolis of Persia, and sometimes the residence of the Sophies, hither removed from Tauris, as I said before; it is accounted a days journey about on Horse-back, well walled and fortified with a strong Fort, and beautified with two fair Seraglio's, the Walls whereof are made of Red Marble, and paved with Mosaique Work; the chief Street hereof is called the Attimidan, in figure four-square, each angle being ¼ mile in length, incompassed with Scaffolds for the people to sit and behold the King and his Nobles at their Ex∣ercises of shooting, riding, running, and the like; this City is seated in a goodly fertile Plain of three or four days journey in length, which is furnished with near two thousand Villages to supply the necessary uses thereof, which did much inrich this place before the removal of the Persian's Court to Hispahan which is fourteen days journey further into the East; * 1.153Three places herein do much adorn and beautifie this place; First, the Attimidan aforesaid; Secondly, the King's Palace, which is so brave a Fabrick, and so richly furnished, that Europe can hardly match it; And lastly, the Bassars which are many in number, which are in the manner of our Pawns in London, where are to be sold all manner of Persia, India, Turkie, Moscovian, and Ara∣bia Commodities, * 1.154as all rich Gems, Jewels, Drugs, Spices, Silk, wrought in Damasks; Velvets, and raw, transported into other Countreys; the Attimidan serving the Merchants for an Ex∣change or place of meeting, where every day is seen a continual Fair, where all manner of Commodities are sold both for Back and Belly; also Goldsmiths, Exchangers of Money; and all other Professions, who come hither and display their Commodities, as to some publick Mart. And the Moneys and current Coins here passable amongst Merchants, I refer to the chief City of Persia, Hispahan, the present residence of the Persian Monarch; and I am informed that the Weights and Measures thereof do also agree therewith, so shall not need to enlarge my self further in that particular.

CHAP. LXXVII. Of Balsara and the Trade thereof.

* 1.155BAlsara lieth in the bottom of the Persian Gulph, and is seated on the mouth of the River Euphrates, serving as a Magazine for all the Commodities of Arabia, India, Turkey, and Persia, and as a thorough-fare for all Merchants travelling from one of those Countreys to another, but especially for such as here take shipping to the Isle of Ormus, India, Arabia, &c. This Town was of late years subject to the Persian, but now in obedience to the Great Turk, and is the last of his Dominions this way: and here it is observed that the Water doth ebb and flow, as with us in England, and in no place else adjoyning upon the Ocean Seas; the In∣draught may be imagined to be the cause, as it is observed the like in Venice.

It hath been noted in matter of Trade here, that there is paid for every Sum of Goods carried from Bagdate hither by Water, six Sehids, and from Balsara to Bagdate two Medins per Wesnoe, and 100 Wesnoes from Balsara to Ormus, cost carriage 20 Lairins, and the like back from Ormus to Balsara.

Hither always come the Syria Caravans that are bound for India, and end their Land∣travel, and imbark themselves and Goods for the great Marts of Ormus and Cambaia, and here returning they conclude their Sea-Navigation, and begin their Land-Peregrination, for Turkey, &c.

* 1.156The Customs payable at Balsara as the last Port of the Grand Seignior's Dominions, who, conquered the same from the Persians in Anno 1550, is 1 in every 14 Sehids for gross Com∣modities, but it is 1 per 20 or 5 per cent. upon Cloths, Silks, and fine Goods, but here is a Tare of 3 in 10 Wesnoes allowed both in Spices, Drugs, &c. for dust, and upon Silks, for waste heads, and the like.

* 1.157The prices of Commodities ruled some years past thus here.

The Wesno of Maces was worth in Balsara 13 Ducates.

The Wesno of Nutmegs was worth 6 Ducates.

The Wesno of Soap was worth 15 Sehids.

The Wesno of Almonds was 24 Sehids.

The Wesno of Galls was worth 10 Larins, and for this weight of Wesno, it is found that 16 Wesnoes of Balsara make a Kintar of Aleppo common weight, but the 100 Wesnoes in the weight of Silk of Rotol, 680 dr. in Aleppo makes Silk Rot. 529 dr. 28.

* 1.158The Weight common here in the sale of Commodities besides this Wesno is the Maund, which is 100 Rotolo's, which have been observed to have made 500 l. English, which is 5 l. a Rotolo; but I have met with an Observation on this place made by some English that have travell'd hi∣ther, that the 112 l. hath made 19 Maunds 2¼ Rotolo's, which must be 5 l. 4¼ ounces English; the difference I refer to be rectified by the better experienced.

* 1.159Their Measure is found to be about 26 inches English.

To proceed to the next Province in Persia, it is Cusestan, situated Eastward from Persia, called in Scripture Havilah, having in it Susa, a City where sometimes the Persian Monarch abides in Winter, as being more Southerly than Echatana; and lastly, Casan, of which a word.

CHAP. LXXVIII. Of Casan and the Trade thereof.

* 1.160CAsan is a principal, fair and famous City in this Countrey, but much troubled with ex∣cessive heat by reason of its situation in a pleasant and large Plain; it consisteth alto∣gether of Merchandizing, and the greatest Trade of all the Inland Countrey is found herein, and most especially frequented by Indian Merchants; * 1.161the Inhabitants are in general addicted to all curious Manufactures, and Fabricks, as in weaving of Shashes, Turbants, and Girdlas, in ma∣king also of Velvets, Sattins, Damasks, curious and fine Ormusius, and Carpets; and indeed it is accounted the very Magazine of all the Persian Cities, for these Commodities; here is also to be sold all manner of Drugs, Spices, Pearls, Diamonds, Rubies, and Turquoises, and all sorts of Silks, both raw and wrought, so that the Author (who in this Relation I follow) is ve∣rily perswaded that there is more Silk yearly brought into Casan, than there is of broad Cloth brought into London. * 1.162The civil Policy of this City is also commendable, an idle person not being permitted to live amongst them, and the Children after six years old, are presently set to work; here being a Law to the shame of Christendom, That every Inhabitant must yearly

give up his name to the Magistrate, therewith declaring how and in what manner he liveth, what Art he exerciseth, and if he be found in a falshood, he is beaten on the feet, or else im∣ployed in some publick slavery, to the example of others: and for other notes of Trading, see Hispahan in Parthia.

* 1.163Caramania is the third Province, the chief Cities are Gadil, Cobin, and Caraman, Fa∣mous for the excellent Fabricks here made, Cloth of Gold, and for the best Cymitars in the World; and here it was that Alexander being returned out of India, kept his Bacchanalian feasts.

* 1.164In Gedrosia, Drangiana or Sigestan, Aria now Sablestan, Aracosia now Cabul, Paraph∣misas, Saca and Flircania, I find not any thing worthy the survey, therefore I willingly pass them over, and close these Provinces with the City of Sciras, which is comprehended in this Tract.

CHAP. LXXIX. Of Sciras and the Trade thereof.

* 1.165SCiras, in times past Persepolis, built by Perseus, who gave the name of Persians to the Inhabitants, was for a long time the Seat-Royal of this Empire, for which cause Alex∣ander (as is before mentioned) at the request of his Curtizan Lais, commanded it to be set on fire, but afterward repenting him of so great an Over-sight, he re-edified the same: * 1.166it is situated on the banks of the famous River Bindamir, which courseth through the Kingdom of Persia and Lar, and so emptieth it self into the Persian Gulph, and standeth just in the road∣way which leads from Hispahan to Ormus; it sheweth yet many eminent signs and monu∣ments of its former glory; as two very great Gates twelve miles distant asunder, shewing what the circuit was in the time of the Monarchy; also the ruines of a goodly Palace and Castle built by Cyrus, having a three-fold Wall, beautified with many Spires and Tur∣rets; the first twenty four foot high, the second forty eight foot high, the last ninety foot high, all of Free-stone, and formed in a square with twelve Gates of Brass on each Angle, with Pales of Brass set before them curiously wrought, testifying the magnificence of the Founder. It is now accounted one of the most famous Cities of the East, both for Traffick of Merchandize, and for excellent Armour and Furniture of War, which the Inhabitants here with wonderful cuis∣ning and art do make of Iron and Steel, and the juice of certain Herbs, of much more notable temper and beauty, than are those which are made with us in Europe.

The Coins. here in use being proper to the whole Kingdom, and the Weights and Measures not found differing from the same used in Ormus, the prime Port of this whole Kingdom, I shall not need here further to insist thereupon; and therefore from hence accompanying the Caravan, I in the next place survey the said famous Port of Ormus.

CHAP. LXXX. Of Ormus, and the Trade thereof.

* 1.167THE last Province of this Countrey is accounted to be the Island and Territories of Or∣mus, twelve miles from the Continent, small in compass, and very barren, yet fa∣mous throughout the World for the great Trade there exercised by the Indians, Persians, and Arabians, and other Nations, the King thereof some years past was a Mahometan, and drew, by the Customs of this City 140000 Xeriffs yearly, since which it became tributary to the Por∣tugals, who fortified the same in Anno 1506; and for the excellency thereof the Arablans use to say proverbially.

Si terrarum Orbis, quaqua patet, annulus esset, Illius Ormusum gemma decusque foret.

If all the World should be a Ring, the Stone And Gem thereof were Ormus Isle alone.

* 1.168Since which time by the valour of our English East-India Companies Arms, this Island hath been reduced to the subjection of the King of Persia, to whom it is now obedient, and still en∣joyeth the former splendid Trade to all the parts of the East; here are found the Spices and precious Gems of India; the Tapestries, Carpets; and Shashes of Persia, the Grograms, Moheirs,

and Chamblets of Turkie, the Drugs of Arabia; and lastly, the Moneys called the Larins of Persia, which are here accounted as a great and special Merchandize, all which be excellent helps to make this place a famous Mart and Magazine of all Eastern Commodities. * 1.169Now the cause that in part moveth this great Trade hither, and the great concourse of Merchants into this Island, is that twice yearly there cometh a great company of people over land out of Syria, Aleppo, and other those parts, which are called Caffiles or Caravans, with all the Com∣modities of the Mediterranean Seas, which in their journeys observe this order; They have first a Captain, and certain hundreds of Janisaries or Souldiers, which convey and conduct the said Caffila or Caravan until they come to Balsara, from whence they travel by water to Or∣mus; and this twice yearly hapneth, in April and in September; which constant times of their departure thence thus known, their number is oftentimes augmented to 6000, in 10000 persons, with their Mules, Camels, and Dromedaries, passing by Babylon, now Bagdate, and so to Balsara as is abovesaid; and in this same nature they travel at certain set times, in their return hence for Aleppo, carrying with them all manner of Merchandise of this place, fitting either for Turkie or the Mediterranean Sea; and in which Caravans all Nations are found freely to travel, excepting the King of Spain's Subjects, which are very narrowly lookt into, though notwithstanding they are found oftentimes to pass in the names of Venetians, French, and other Nations, so that when these Caravans do come to Ormus, against their coming there is general preparation made by all other Merchants of that Countrey, for to have Commodi∣ties in readiness to barter and exchange with them. The Island it self is but small and barren, and composed only of a Salt Rock, whereof their houses and walls are made; and in Summer it is found so excessive hot, that the Inhabitants are forced to lie and sleep in wooden Cisterns made for the purpose, full of water, and all naked, both men and women lying clean under water, their heads only excepted; yet they have no fresh water in the Island, but what they fetch from other Islands in the Sea near there adjoyning, which they also keep in Cisterns for their use, as is accustomed in some parts of Spain in Jars, or, as they term them, in Tenajos. At the last reduction of this Town to the Scepter of Persia by the aid of the English, they had many Immunities of Trade granted them, and to be here free of all Custom, and withall to draw the one half of all the Customs thereof; but that good service was soon forgotten, and they have now only the honour of the good service for their pains and reward, and no∣thing else.

* 1.170To this City and Island I must add the two only Sea-Ports of consequence on this Coast, appertaining to the Crown of Persia which are Jasques and Gombrone, in which the English have their Factories and residence, and is the place where their Ships do lade and unlade their burthens for this Kingdom, and where also the Goods and Commodities bound for Hispahan, Casbin, Sciras, Casan, and Tatiris, and generally for the whole Empire, are landed, and here laden upon Camels, Dromedaries, and Horses into those places; and because that I find that the Coins, Measures, and Weights of this place do somewhat differ from them passa∣ble and at use in Spahan, and more within the Land, I have thought it needful here to insert the same, according as I have gathered them from those that have frequented the places above∣mentioned, referring the Reader for what is here omitted to Spahan it self, the Metropolis of this Empire in the following Chapter.

* 1.171The Coins then here in use and valuation are these:

• 1 Bessee of Copper is 4 Cosbegs.
• 1 Shahee of Silver is 2½ Bessees, which is 4 d. Sterling, or 10 Cosbegs,
• 1 Mamothy Silver is 2 Shahees, which is 8 d. Ster. or 29 Cosbegs.
• 1 Abashee of Silver is 2 Mamothis, which is 16 d. Ster. or 40 Cosbegs.
• 1 Asar of gold is 20 Shahees or 6 shil. 8 d. Sterling.
• 1 Toman of Gold is 10 Asars, which is 66 shil, 8 d. Ster. and this Toman is accounted 50 Abashces, or 2000 Cosbegs.

These are the general Coins current throughout Persia; to these I must add those in use in these parts abovementioned: The Rial of 8/•• Spanish is here a Commodity, bought and sold, and the common estimation thereof is here 130½ Cosbegs, or 13 Shahees, and somewhat more, which accounted at 4 d. per. Shahee, is little more than 4 shil. 4 .d Sterling. Again, this Rial of Eight passeth here for 5¼ Larrees, which Larrees are 10 d. Ster. and by this account the Rial of ••/8 is 4 shil. 4½ d. Sterling.

1 Larrce is 5½ Saddees, each Saddee being not fully 2 d. Ster. and each Saddee accounted here for 40 Flosses; so that the Larree is here 220 Flosses, and every ℞ of ••/8 is here at Gombrone and Jasques 1155 Flosses.

* 1.172The common weight here and throughout Persia is the dram, 96 drams making 16 ounces Averdupois; so that 6 drams makes the said ounce, and 1200 drams being a Maundshaw, or as we may call it, the King's Maund, which hath been found to make in England 12 ½ l. Aver∣dupois: In weighing of Silk they observe the Maund-Tauris, which is the ½ Maund-shaw or

600 drams, and 5 Maund-Tauris is accounted here for 1 Maund of Sarrot, which by this computation should make 3000 drams, or 500 l. Averdupois, 36 Maund Shaws or 72 Maunds Tauris is a load of Silk, which is by the said calculation 43200 drams, which is 7200 ounces English, making Silk pounds 300 l. Averdupois, which is about two Coles of Aleppo of 46 ••/•• Rotolos per Peer.

* 1.173Their measure in use here as throughout all Persia is not found much to vary, they have in general two, which they term the Coveda, the short and the long; the long Coveda is some∣what longer than the English Yard, accounted by some 37 inches; and at Sciras and in some other Cities it is found to be 38 inches, by which all Cloths, Kersies, and Outlandish Monufa∣ctures are sold. The short Coveda is proper only for the Manufactures of Persia, accounted to hold out 27 inches, and found agreeable to the Pico used in Constantinople and Aleppo. And thus leaving Ormus and the said Port-Towns of Jasques and Combrone, I will hence travel to Parthia, wherein I find Hispahan the Metropolis of Persia seated.

* 1.174The next Countrey subject to the Crown of Persia is Parthia, bounded on the East with Aria, on the West with Media, on the South with Caramania, and on the North with Hirca∣nia, and is now in the Persian tongue called Erache.

The chief Cities that are found in this Tract are Guerde, Irsdie, and last Hispahan, formerly Hecatomoyle, the residence of the present Sophie, and accounted of that bigness, that the Persians hyperbolically call it, Half the World; under which I will comprehend the general Trade of Persia, so far forth as I have found it observed.

CHAP. LXXXI. Of HISPAHAN and the Trade thereof.

* 1.175HISPAHAN in times past was called Hecatompolis, or the City of 100 Gates, which name it may well still retain, seeing that the Walls thereof contain a reasonable days journey on Horse-back, it is now become the greatest City in all the Persian Dominions, and so much the more populous and magnisicent, as being the common residence of the Persian Sophies; it is strong by situation, defended by a high Wall, deep Ditches, and a goodly Ca∣stle; on the West-side stand two stately Palaces or Seraglio's, for the King and his Women, far exceeding in state and magnificence all other the proud buildings of this City. The Walls are of red Marble, and pargetted with divers colours, and all the Palace is paved with che∣quered and fretted work, and on the same is spread curious Carpets both of Silk and Gold; the Windows are of Alabaster, of white and other spotted Marble; the posts and wickets of massie Ivory chequered with glistering black Ebony, so curiously wrought in winding knots, as may easilier stay than satisfle the Eyes. of the wondering beholder; to which is added a pleasant Garden, wherein is seen a thousand Fountains, Brooks, and lesser Rivulets; and also what may else be wanting, to make it fit for so great a Monarch.

The Inhabitants of this City do all their affairs on Horse-back, both publick and private, going from place to place, they confer one with another on Horse-back; and so do the Mer∣chants buy and fell and negotiate; the difference here between the Gentleman and the slave being, that the slave never rideth, nor the Gentleman never goeth on foot.

It is not questionable, but that this City, the splendor of all Persia, the continual residence of the Kings, and inhabited by so many eminent persons, as always attend this Monarch, but that it is of great Trade and concourse of Merchants, and furnished not only with all the native Commodities of Persia, but also of those of Arabia, Turky, India, and China, hither, brought in great abundance to be exchanged for the native Commodities of this place: and though it want the commodiousness of the Sea, yet by Caravans it is supplied with all those things that are conducible either to beauty, necessity, or ornament. The Caspian Sea afford; it the Commodities of Turky, Russia, and Moscovia, and Jasques with Ormus; his two Sea-Ports in India afford it the Commodities of India and Arabia; all other Commodities from either the Turk or Mogul is supplied by Caravans, Dromedaries and Camels; which hath cost by late observations in portage and carriage of Commodities thus:

* 1.176The carriage of 100 Maunds of wares from Sciras to Hispahan costeth 70 S••hids, and from Spahan to Casan 60 Sehids, from Hispahan to Ormus by Sciras 120 Sehids, and from Hispahan to Tauris 40 Sehids.

* 1.177The common Commodities of Hispahan I have already nominated, and though all Commodities in general are subject to rise and fall in price amongst Merchants, yet the Maund of Cotton is here at 12 Sehids, the Maund of Rice 7 Beste, the Maund of Dragant 2 Beste, of Enap 2 Beste, of Non 3 Beste, of Laghem 4 Beste, of Anil 40 Mambodies, and the Catree of Sugar is worth 400 Tomans, which is (…) pound English.

* 1.178Their Coins current in Hispahan, and generally throughout all the Kingdom of the Sophie are of several sorts, partly of Brass, partly of Silver, and partly of Gold. The principal whereof is the Toman, which formerly hath been accounted to be worth 6 l. Sterling, since 4 l. and by reason of the late wars imbased, and worth now only 3 l. 6 s. 8 d. at Sea-side Sterling, and by some accounted 3 l. 12 s. 6 d.

This Toman is worth 200 Shaheds or Shahees, 14½ or 15 ℞ ••/•• Span. or 10 Asures, which have been accounted 4 l. ster. a piece, a Mamothy of silver, is 2½ Bestees of Copper.

The Rial of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Span. is here accounted for 12 Shahees, and 1 Cosbeg, or 5¼ Lorins.

The Lion Dollar current in these parts to 10 Shahees, every Shahee is 4 d. sterling, or 50 De∣niers here in account,

A Rupias, which is the Coin of the Mogul, is Abashees, 4¼, which is 2 s. 3 d sterling.

A Mamothy is 9 Cosbegs or 32 Dores, or 100 Deniers.

A Bestee of Copper is 4 Cosbegs, or 20 Deniers.

An Abaisee of Silver is 2 Mamothies, or 20 Shahees, or 200 Deniers.

A Chequin of Gold, Xeriff or Solton is 18½ Shahees; yet in some places of Persia they pass for 20 Shahees, and in some for 24 Shahees.

An Asure of Gold is 20 Shahees, and 10 Asures is a Tomano 3 l 6 s. 8 d. sterling.

A Larin is 5½ Shahees, and in some places only 5 about 10 d. or 10½ d. sterling, here 25 Cosbegs.

A Fonan is 9 Cupans.

A Mitigal is 32½ or 34 Shahees.

A Sadee is 40 Flosses.

A Shahee is 10 Cosbegs.

A Mitigal is 33½, and in some places 34 Shahees.

A Tanger is 12 Pulls, which is Shahees.

* 1.179They here keep their Accounts in sundry Species and denominations, some in Xeriff, some in Spanish Rials, and some in Tomans, and some in Shahees: The common Account is thus di∣stinguished.

The	Abashee is	200	Deniers, or 20 Shahees.
Mamothy is	100	Deniers, or 10 Shahees.
Sadon is	50	Deniers, or 5 Shahees.
Viste is	20	Deniers, or 2 Shahees.
Cosbeg is	5	Deniers.

And those that keep their Accounts in Shahees only, they reckon them to hundred thou∣sands, and hundred thousands, as the proper known Coin of the Country; and this man∣ner hath seemed the best to our English there resident, which they account 60 Shahees for 20 s. sterling.

* 1.180The weights of Persia are consistent of three sorts, of the Dram, the Mitigal, and the Mand or Mandshow.

The Dram is the least, 100 whereof makes 66⅔ Mitigals.

The Mitigal is the next, 100 whereof makes 150⅔ Drams.

The Mand or Mandeshaw is the greatest, and makes 1200 Mitigals, or else 1800 Drams; which hath made by the observation of some Factors that have resided there 14 l. 9 ounces Averdupois.

The sum or Cargo of Silk is accounted here 36 Mandshaws: which accounted as above, makes English 524 l, Averdupois, and is great pounds of 24 ounces incirca 350 l. But the East-India Company find it to be 300 great silk pounds and no more, by often trial: But it is to be no∣ted that these Mandeshaws are found to differ in many Provinces and Cities in Persia, and the bor∣dering Countreys, and doth differ in many Commodities; but the Mandeshaw common of Per∣sia is 1200 drams for silk.

The Mandeshaw of Tauris is but 600 drams.

The Mandeshaw of Syrrat is 5 Maunds of Tauris above-named.

The Maund of Hispahan is accounted one and half Mand of Siras, besides which they have these weights in some places;

1 Dubba is counted 5 Maunds.

1 Sherway is counted 50 Maunds.

1 Rellaii is counted 7 Maunds.

1 Maund is counted by observation pounds English.

In Tauris also before-named, a City in times past of great Trade, in this Country they have 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Maunds, the one of silk, which hath made by a Florentines observation 5•• l. Florence, and another for all other Commodities; the 100 whereof hath made there by the said observation 264 l. Florence.

* 1.181The Measures of length used in Persia is of two sorts, and both of them called a Covedo; a long and a short.

• The long accounted to be 37½ inches English measure.
• The Short accounted to be 27 inches English measure.

agreeable to the Pico of Turkey.

This is what I find observable in the particular Trade of Persia; I will now view it as it stands in the general parts thereof.

CHAP. LXXXII. Of the Trade in general of Persia.

* 1.182THE Trade of Persia, as it is found subsistent in these days, consisteth more by an In-land than a Maritime Traffick; for if the large extent of the Sophie's Domi∣nions be well considered, and the neighbouring Regions whereon it bordereth, it will be found that it wanteth many things to make it eminent. It is plentifully supplied of Commodities, and those also of excellency, as of Silver in great quantity, raw Silk in abundance, and of some Drugs naturally grown: but when the industry of the Natives is surveyed, it will be soon dis∣cerned that the costly, rare and rich Carpets here made, the curious and fine Cotton Cloths here wrought, for their Turbants, Girdles, Shashes, Shireing, and the like, interwoven with Silk, and not seldom with Silver and Gold; and the daily use thereof not only in Persia it self, but throughout India, Arabia and Turkey; witness to the World the ingeniousness of this Nation: The greatest want and impediment of Trade that they have here is of Sea-Ports and Havens, of which they are much scanted. They enjoyed once a large tract of Landlying along the Caspian Sea, from Darbrnt on the one side, bordering on the Turks, to Deristan on the other, bordering on the Tartars; but of late days the same is much shortned, for the Grand Seignior hath laid Tauris, one of his Metropolitan Cities for his limits, and the Tartar hath entred as far as Minerdon, so that he hath only left him upon this Sea the Ports of Gilan and Pismir, that are of any consequence, wherein much Trading is not exercised, by reason of the ill neighbourhood of the Turks, Muscovites, and Tartarians, coasting the Caspian Sea. In the Persian Gulph he did enjoy the commodious and famous Town and Port of Balsara, taken from him by the Turks about 60 years past, and Ormus in the entrance of that Gulph is but lately reduced to his Scepter by the valour of the English, though antiently belonging to his Crown. * 1.183The Ports of Jasques and Combrone, being the only two Sea-Ports he enjoys upon the Continent of any quality, to which and Ormus all the Trade of Persia to∣ward India is observed to be driven, and to which the Portugals, Dutch, and English re∣sort for their Silks, and other rich Commodities of Persia; and where each of them have Factories and residency for the Trade of this Countrey: and now on each side of Persia by Land-ward he is invironed by three mighty and powerful Nations, with whom he is sometimes in Wars, and sometimes in Peace, the Mogul's Countrey and Tartar on the one side, and the Turks on the other. For the Trade thereof; it is observed, that Persia yielding yearly incirca 12000 Coles of Silk, which is the prime Commodity of this Kingdom, growing principally and made at Gilan, Bilan, Mahmody, and Arasse, (which last affords that sort of Silk which we call vulgarly Ardasse) the one third part of which is conceived to be vended into Turkey, transported by Camels into Aleppo, Damasco, Constantinople, Brussia in Natolia, and of late days to Smyrna, and from thence conveyed for the most part into Europe, especially to England, France, and Italy, where the same is spent and consumed; in return of which they have from Syria, and those parts principally Rials of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Spanish, some Gold and some sorts of Cloth, Woollen and Silk Stuffs brought thither out of Venice, Marselia; and Lon∣don. Another third part of the said Silk is carried to and spent in Agra and the Domini∣ons of the Mogul, into Ormus, Jasques, &c. and thence by the Indians and Arabians into Sarmacand, and other the Dominions of the great Tartar, and into Astracan, and other the Dominions of the Moscovite, in return whereof they have the Spices of India, the Drugs of Arabia, the rich Furrs of Russia, and the precious Gems of Cathai, and other the Commo∣dities of Tartaria; and the other third part is imagined to be spent for their own use and clothing at home in their own Countrey; so that by virtue of this sole Commodity which this Countrey thus abundantly affordeth, and which is sought after by all other Nations, (and the curiosity and luxury of this Nation in general) they have the Commodities of all other Countreys in return thereof brought unto them. Divers Propositions have been made, and divers Inventions proposed, and sundry Treaties have been set on foot, only to compass the sole Trade of these Silks of Persia, with the Sophie himself, who alone challengeth a pro∣priety therein throughout his whole Dominions. The Dutch have more than once thrust at

it, and to have it delivered at Astracan, and so to be conveyed against the stream of Volga into Moscovia, and so to Holland: but the Sum and Stock required was so vast to compass and manage it, and the propositions and passage so difficult and dangerous, that they gave it over with this opinion of the World, that they endeavoured to swim against too great a stream, and that they had some plot to set it afoot, and never intended to go through with it, or otherwise were not able to compass the same; since which the Duke of (…) hath put on for a branch only thereof: but when the account came to be made up, his means was too mean to go through with that small proposed part he aimed at: and lastly, the English East-India-Company, (as Merchants measuring their Actions with the weight of their Purses) have more prosperously succeeded; and in Hispahan have contracted with the Sophie for a round quantity, who have Merchant-like performed on their parts the conditions agreed up∣on, so far to his good liking, that by his late Ambassadour in England, the whole yearly growth was tendred and offered to them; but his ill performance in the lesser, made them question the like in the greater; and therefore to their honour refused it. Now as concern∣ing the lesser parts of the Countreys Traffick, which consists in the Manufactures of this King∣dom; I pass them over in silence as being of lesser consequence, and hasten to Tartary the next Country, bordering upon the Persians.

CHAP. LXXXIII. Of Tartary and the Provinces thereof.

* 1.184TArtary is bounded on the East with the Eastern Ocean, on the West with Moscovis and Moldavia, on the North with the frozen Ocean, on the South with the Caspian Sea, the Hill Taurus, and the wall of China: It is divided into these Provinces, Precopensis, Asis∣tica, Antiqua, Zagathai, and Cathaia.

* 1.185In Tartaria-Procopensis is found the ancient City of Crim, the Seat of Tartarian Rulers, whence this Nation had their Original and Name: also Oksacou, the residence of the present Princes; and lastly Caffa, the only Sea-Port of consequence in these parts, of the Trade whereof it wil be needful I should speak a word.

CHAP. LXXXIV. Of Caffa, and the Trade thereof.

* 1.186CAffa, anciently Theodosia, seated commodiously for Traffick in the bottom of the Black Sea, was by Mahomet the Great taken from the Genoese, and is the present Scale for all Commodities that pass by Sea from Constantinople, Trabesond, Podalia, and W••l••∣chia by Danubius, and such other places to Tartary, Muscovia, &c. The Countrey affords great abundance of Cow-Hides, Wax, Honey, and a kind of pickled Fish much resembling the English Herring here caught upon this Coast: also it sends to Constantinople some Butter sowed up in Oxe-Hides of all colours, and sluttishly made, which serves for provision there to the Slaves, and the meanest sort of people inhabiting this large City; also thence the Grand Seignior hath his principal Timber for the building of his Gallies, Ships, and such other like provisions.

Caffa doth in matters of Merchandize and Trade retain still much of the Customs of the Ge∣noese, to whom for a long time it was subject; and so doth Thana, Sorgat, and other principal Cities bordering upon the Black Sea, which I will in brief touch, so far as I have gathered the same when I lived in Turkey.

* 1.187First then, the Coins of Caffa are the same as are current throughout Turkey, save that the neighbourhood of Tartaria and Muscovia makes the Coins of those places and Kingdoms like∣wise pass current there, as it is found in all frontier Towns which border upon two Nations, and that are either free of themselves, or subject to other; therefore for the same I will reset the Reader to the Coins current in those bordering Countreys.

* 1.188Their weight is a Rotolo, 100 whereof makes a Cantar, which answers in Averdupois weight to 70 l. English; which said Cantar is divided into several divisions, according to the Commodity bought or sold thereby; as sometimes to Batmas, accounting 7½ Batmas to a Cantar, and 12 Ro∣tolo's to a Batma, and then a Cantar is but 90 Rotolo's: and sometimes to Sommas and Saggies, as 124 Saggies makes a Somma, and ten Somma's make a Cantar of 100 Rotolo's abovesaid; and Silk is sold by this Somma, and 20 Somma's to a Draught, which is 2 Cantars, and is English about 140 l. and in Venetia sotile weight 112 l. circa.

* 1.189Their measure so far as I could learn is but one, which is the Pico, the 100 whereof made in Venetia by trial of a friend, silk-Braces 130, and this Pico is divided into 8 Rups, as at Constan∣tinople.

* 1.190They have also a Coin which is called a Somma, in which their Accounts are kept, and to which other Coins current are reduced; and the same is divided to Saggis, which they ac∣count by 45 Saggis to a Somma, and 4 Sommes to a Soltany or Chequin; and thus much shall serve for the Trade of Caffa.

CHAP. LXXXV. Of Astracan and the Trade thereof.

* 1.191ASTRACAN is in Tartaria Asiatica, as I shall shew hereafter, seated in the Embo∣shure of the River Volga, having 70 months, and receives the Trade of all the Caspian-Sea, into which the said River entreth; it hath a very great confluence of Merchants, who by the benefit of that Sea have here a very great Trade, Volga bringing it all the Commodities of Muscovia, Russia, and Tartaria; and this Sea the commodities of Persia, Arabia and other Provinces abutting thereupon; it is situate in an Island of 12 leagues compass, defended by a wooden Castle and earthen Walls, taken by the Muscovites in Anno 1552. from the Tartarians: it is all Winter shut up by the immeasurable cold, and all Traffick over and upon this great stream is performed on dry foot.

The Coins here current, by reason of my ignorance I must refer to the better experienced.

* 1.192Their weights are here two, a gross for gross Commodities, and a sotile for fine Commodi∣ties; the gross Cattar hath been observed to have in England yielded 268 l. the small Cantar hath made English 103 l. now in both these Cantars there is accounted 20 Rotolo's to a Lib, and 5 Libs to a Cantar, and 12 Tochats to a Rotolo; which by the ingenious may easily be re∣duced to the sotile English pound, therefore I pass it over, and come in the next place to the measuras.

* 1.193The common measure is a Pico, and the 100 thereof hath made by observation in Venetia 126 Braces of Cloth measure, which is in England about (—) inches.

* 1.194Corn and all other grain is sold by a measure called the Chistetto, which in Venetia comes to make 8½ Staios.

Wine and liquid Commodities is sold by the Butt; which is 46 Mistaties, and which also ren∣ders in Venetia 3¼ Bigonso.

* 1.195In Tartaria Asiatica there are few Cities; for the Inhabitants by borders or tribes travel with their substance from one place to another; yet in this Tract is found Casan, and Astra∣can afore-named, which is a very great Town of Commerce, considering these Regions, com∣modiously seated, (as I said before) on the mouth of the River Volga, by which there is a pas∣sage sound from the Caspian-Sea in some seasons of the year up to Mosco, and by which way (as I noted in the trade of Persia) some Merchants of Christendom more than once intended to transport the silks, and other the riches of Persia to Muscovia, and so to Europe; but the design proved dangerous and chargeable, by reason of such potent Princes that border upon that River; and by reason that the same must pass against the current stream, which in Winter is not found passable by reason of the Frost, by which and other discouragements the design was given over and fell to nothing.

* 1.196In Tartaria Antiqua, I find not any thing worthy of note, nor yet City of import, the In∣habitants living like Vagabonds; * 1.197only it affordeth Rhubarb, which is so excellent in Physick by its proper nature, that the whole World is beholding to these Barbarians for the same as a Cure for many Diseases.

CHAP. LXXXVI. Of Zagathai and Cathai, and the Provinces thereof.

* 1.198ZAgathai contains sundry Provinces, and but few Cities; * 1.199the most famous is Sarmacand, which gave both Cradle and Grave to mighty Tamberlain, from whom the Great Moguls boast themselves to be lineally descended,

* 1.200But Cathai is esteemed the richest and civilest Kingdom of all Tartary, the which is fur∣nished with sundry great and populous Cities, * 1.201especially Cambalu, the residence of the Great Cham, and where Merchants of all Nations are found to reside and Traffick to; as I shall shew hereafter.

* 1.202This Country is found to abound with Rice, Grain, Wooll, Hemp, Rhuharb, Coral, and abun∣dance of Silks, both growing and brought hither from China and other Countreys, amount∣ing to two thousand Carts yearly; the City is held to be 30 miles about in compass, and is re∣plenished with all Artsmen (Astrologers being here in great reputation) which may (conside∣ring their number found here, being, as some write, 5000) be more properly termed Fortune∣tellers, or Gypsies; but these Countreys resemble in customs the Muscovite and Chinois, none be∣ing permitted to search into their Cities and manners, except they come either as Ambassadors or Merchants; yet what I have gathered of the Trade of this Country, I will include under the title of Cambalu, the principal City of this Empire.

CHAP. LXXXVII. Of Cambalu, and the Trade thereof.

* 1.203CAmbalu, the Metropolis of Cathai, as Sarmacand is of Zagathai, is seated on the North-East bordering of this Countrey, containing both the old and new City, through which doth run the famous River of Polisanga; it is accounted 28 miles in compass, or rather in square, each Angle containing 7 miles, and in every square is placed three principal Gates which incloseth the Town with Earthen Walls or Rampiers of 10 paces in thickness, and every Gate comprehending a sumptuous Palace, and every Angle having also an excellent Palace, where the Armours of the Garrison Souldiers are kept, which is 1000 Souldiers at every Gate,

The Buildings are squared out proportionably, and every Street is drawn out to a line, so that every Gate yields a free prospect through the City to the opposite Gate, beautified on each side with stately Edifices and Houses for the Honourable of this Country.

In the midst of this City is a sumptuous Palace, wherein the Grand Cham resideth, with all his Queens and Children, and wherein is placed a Bell, which is tolled at certain hours of the Evening, after which may no man stir out of doors, until the beginning of the day fol∣lowing; the largeness, rarities, curiosity, and richness of this Palace, the partitions allow∣ed his Queens, and Lodgings appointed for his Children, and their daily Attendants, and the Order, Beauty, and Manner thereof, I willingly omit, as not pertinent to my present pur∣pose.

Without this City Walls are accounted 12 Suburbs of 3 or 4 miles long adjoyning to each of the aforesaid 12 Gates, and here all Merchants, Strangers, and Foreigners do abide, each Na∣tion having a several Cane or Store-house, where they both lodge, and exercise their Mer∣chandize, and traffick one with another for the Commodities of these several Countreys: The confluence of Merchants here cannot choose but be wonderful, seeing it is reported that the City is so populous, that the Cham maintaineth 5000 Astrologers here daily, besides many thousands of Souldiers both of Horse and Foot, that 12000 Horse is accounted but as his ordi∣nary and daily Guard; * 1.204besides which, the near neighbourhood of Exendu, the principal place of the Grand Cham, seated not many days Journey hence, where Merchants are not permitted to enter, is built in a four square figure, every side extending eight miles in length; within this Quadrant is another, whose sides are six miles long; and within that another of four miles square, which is accounted the very Palace it self; and between which several walls are found, Walks, Gardens, Orchards, Fish-ponds, places for all manner of Courtly and Military Exercises, and also Parks, Forests, and Chases, for all manner of Pleasures and Game, and the infinite number of Attendants and Servitours, that of necessity is required to wait upon so great a Prince, with the Officers thereto belonging, cannot but much increase the Trade and Commerce of this City and place.

As for the Trade of this City of Cambalu, and generally of all Tartaria, it is observed, that the Countrey, (though in a large Tract) extending it self upon the North Ocean, yet by rea∣son of the long continued colds and frosts, the Inhabitants have but little benefit thereof, how∣ever it may be conceived, that the Molucco's, Japans, and other Islanders thereabout in the season of the year, have here a great Traffick, and that hence these Tartarians are furnished with the Spices of India the Gems of Pegu, and Bengala, and peradventure with other the Drugs of Arabia•• but upon the Caspian Sea, they are the Masters of many good Sea-Ports, be∣sides Astracan which of late they have lost to the Muscovite, as Zahaspa Cosmi, Melmesuach, and others; by which is conveyed to them the Silks, Tapestries, Carpets, Arms, and excellent Ma∣nufactures of Persia, and in the Black-Sea, besides Capha, now in subjection to the Turks, they enjoy the brave Ports of Curaropo, Asow, and others, serving to convey unto them the Commo∣dities of Turkey, Trabesond, Podolia, Walacia, and other Countreys bordering upon the famous River of Danubius.

Now for the other parts of this large Empire, it bordereth on the one side with Musco∣via, with whom it is now in peace, though not seldom at debate, from whence by the benefit of Traffick, which I find observed not to be of any great consequence, they have rich Furs and other the Commodities of this Country.

But where it bordereth upon China, which is for a very large extent of ground, by some Author; accounted 400 leagues, the common report of the strict Laws and Customs of that Nation (to debar entrance to all Strangers) should perswade me of little Traffick that way; yet I find it observed by some late Travellers, whose Relation herein is questionable, That the City of Cambalu receiveth yearly thence by way of Traffick 10000 Carts laden with Silks and Stuffs of the China Fabrick; the truth thereof I refer to the censure of the Reader.

* 1.205As for the Moneys current in this large Territory, I find it to be diversly made, yet nei∣ther of Gold nor of Silver coined, but of the middle Bark of the Mulbery Tree, which being made firm, and cut into divers and round pieces great and little, they imprint the King's mark thereupon, and from this mean Stuff the Emperour causeth a huge mass of Moneys to be yearly made at Cambalu, which sufficeth for his whole Empire, and no Man under pain of death may coin or spend any other Money, or refuse it in all his Kingdoms and Dominions; whereby it cometh to pass, That Merchants often coming hither from far and remote Coun∣treys, bring with them Gold, Silver, Pearl, and pretious Stones, and receive the King's Money for them; and because the same is not current in their Country, they therewith buy in this Empire other the Commodities here found, which they carry hence away with them: the King also payeth his stipends, Officers and Armies with the said Moneys, and buyeth whasoever else he needeth with the same, so that no Prince in the World can exceed him in Treasure, which is at so easie a rate provided and procured.

* 1.206Besides which, I find it observed in some parts of this large Country subject to some sub∣ordinate Kings, in subjection to the Great Cham, that they use in some places pieces of po∣lisht Coral, in stead of Money; and in others they have certain twigs of Gold in lieu of Mo∣ney, which is distinguished by weight into several parcels, without stamp or character, and this is accounted in matters of consequence: * 1.207but they have a lesser Coin (if I may so term it) made of Salt, which they boil in Caldrons for a certain time, which congealed they make into lumps, like our Peny-loaves, which being made solid is signed with the Prince's Stamp, and passeth thus current amongst them, and wherewith they provide themselves of all neces∣saries; In some others I find also that they use Porcelan for Money, and weighed pieces of Gold; for in some Countreys of this Empire Silver Mines are not found, and they give in proportion one ounce of Gold for five ounces of Silver; neither is it found in many places of this Country that they have the use of Letters; therefore the Merchants make their Contracts and Obligati∣ons in Tallies of Wood, the half whereof the one keepeth, and the other the other half: which being aftetwards paid and satisfied, the said Tally is restored; not much unlike the custom of Tallies in England. And thus much shall serve to have said of the Trade in general of this Coun∣try; the strange Customs, Manners, and Forms of Government hinder all further particular knowledge of Trade to our European Merchants: therefore leaving thus this Empire and City, (contented with this short Survey) I proceed to India, of late years become somewhat bet∣ter known to Europe and to our Nation.

CHAP. LXXXVIII. Of INDIA, and the Provinces thereof.

The East-India is commonly divided into two Parts, viz.

• The one is India within Ganges, or that part thereof which lieth on the West∣side of the River of Ganges, which con∣taineth 15 Provinces.
  • 1. Dulsinda.
  • 2. Pendab.
  • 3. Mandao.
  • 4. Delly.
  • 5. Agra.
  • 6. Sanga.
  • 7. Cambaia.
  • 8. Decon.
  • 9. Canara.
  • 10. Malabar
  • 11. Narsinga
  • 12. Oristan
  • 13 Botanter
  • 14. Patanaw
  • 15. Bengala
  In which is Places of Note,
  • 1. Caximir, Cascimir, or Chusmur, 2. Roree, 3. Nigara, 4. Seftan, 5. Multan, 6. Duckee.
  • 1. Labor, 2. Saltan-paure. 3. Athee.
  • 1. Mandac, 2. Molton, 3. Scernus, Polymbothy.
  • 1. Delly, 2. Tremel, 3. Doceti.
  • 1. Fatapore, 2. Agra, 3. Hendee, 4. Biani.
  • 1. Azmere, 2. Citor.
  The Pro∣vince of
  • 1. Sinda, in which is found 1. Tata, 2. Lawribander, 3. Calwalla, 4. R. Redempore, 5. Nuraquemire.
  • 2. Guzarat, in which is found 1. Diu, 2. Sauran, 3. Boldra, 4. Ardovat, 5. Madabat, 6. Saringa, 7. Periano, 8. Sarkeff.
  • 3. Cambaia, in which is, 1. Cambaio, 2. Barocho. 3. Swal∣ley, 4. Surat, 5. Neriand, 6. Doman, 7. Campanel, 8. Dacaiotote, 9. Netherby, 10. Bandore, 11. Tanai.
  In which is Places of Note,
  • 1. Bidoe, 2. Visapore, 3. Danagar. 4. Decan, 5. Syntacora, 6. Goa, 7. Chaul, 8. Balagnate, 9. Brampore, 10. Sara.
  • 1. Melinda, 2. Onor, 3. Baticalia, 4. Mangalor, 5. May∣endre, 6. Lispor, 7. Solsettee.
  Is divided into seven Provinces, viz.
  • 1. Cononor.
  • 2. Callicut.
  • 3. Cranganor.
  • 4. Cochin.
  • 5. Cai-Colam
  • 6. Conlax.
  • 7. Travancor
  where is
  • 1. The City of Cononor, 2. Ca∣ta, 3. Peripatan, 4. Marabia, 5. Tramopatan, 6. Main.
  • 1. Pandarane, 2. Tanor, 3 Par∣tangale, 4. Chatua, 5. Chale, 6. Capacote, 7. Calicut.
  • 1. Cranganor, a City of that Name.
  • 1. Augmale, 2. Cochin.
  • 1 Caia-Colam, the chief town
  • 1 The City of Coulan.
  • 1 Travancer, the chief City, 2. Qualicare.
  In which is of Note,
  • 1. Cael, 2. Golconda, 3. Chamdagrin, 4. Prepeti, 5. Cha∣hambaram, 6. Madura, 7. Gingi, 8. Tanaor, 9. Moli∣apur, 10. Choromandel, 11. Casta, 12. Negapatan, 13. Tarnassari, 14. Bisnagar, 15. Penegardo, 16. Nar∣singa, the chief City.
  • 1. Oristan, 2. Cateoba, 3. Angeli, 4. Bacalli, 5. Sinnergan, 6. Senerpate.
  • 1. Bottia, 2. Clamur, 3. Kucares, 4. Couche, 5. Gouren, 6. Rame, 7. Recan, 8. Tripura.
  • 1. Patane, 2. Banaras, 3. Siripur, 4. Ciandecan.
  • 1. Bengala the City, 2. Gouro, 3. Catigan, 4. Taxd••, 5. Porow Crande, 6. Poror Pequeno.
  • 2. The Islands in the Gulf of Bengala, are,
• The other is India without Ganges, or that part thereof which lieth on the East-side the River of Ganges, which containeth six Provinces.
  • 1. Brama.
  • 2. Couchin-China
  • 3. Cambaia
  • 4. Jangoma
  • 5. Siam
  • 6. Pegu.
  Where is Places of Note,
  • 1. Melintay, 2. Miranda, 3. Bacan 4. Cavilan, 5. Pro•…•…, 6. Tangu, 7. Ana, 8. Brema.
  • 1. The City of Couchin-China.
  • 1. Campa, 2. Cambaia, 3. Gudurmuch, 4. Coul.
  In which is the Provinces,
  • 1. Jangoma, 2, Lonea, 3. Curroy,
  In which is
  • 1. The Kingdom of Malaca, where is the City of 1. Ma∣laca, Sincapura, 3. Polazimbilam, 2. Jor, alias Johor, a City so called in that Kingdom, 3. Kingdom is Pa∣tana, where is the City of Patane, 4. The Kingdom of Siam, where is 1. Socotai, 2 Quedoa. 3. Tana, 4. Lugar, 5. Calantam, 6. Siam, 5. The Kingdom of Mountay, where is the City of Odia, alias Udie.
  Is divided into five Kingdoms, viz.
  • 1. Verma, the chief City thereof is Verma.
  • 2. Machin. the chief City thereof so called.
  • 3 Orachan, the chief Towns therein are. 1. Dianga, 2. Sun∣dina, 3. Arachan.
  • 4. Martuan, the principal City therein so called.
  • 5. Pegu, in which is 1. Cosmi, 2. Jocabel, 3. Diun, 4. Coilan, 5. Lanagon, 6. Dala, 7. Siluamped, 8. Mecao, 9. Siri∣angh, 10. Pegu, the principal City.

* 1.208INdia is bounded on the East with China, on the West with the River Indus, on the North with Tartaria abovementioned, on the South with the Ocean, taking his name of Indus, a famous River here running 1000 miles ere it meet the Ocean; it lay after the conquest there∣of by Alexander the Great for many years undiscovered, the Merchants only thereof were found to bring their native Commodities to Sarmacand, and Cambalu aforementioned, to exchange against such Commodities as those Countries afforded, as to the common Empories, and likewise to Ormus, where they provided themselves of all Aegyptian and Arabian Com∣modities, by which means knowledge was got of their Countries; but the great worth and wealth thereof was not fully known and discovered to us till of late years, by the Navigati∣on first of the Portugals; then of the Dutch and English, this Country became better surveyed, * 1.209finding that the same afforded and abounded in all manner of Minerals, (Lead and Copper on∣ly excepted) with all manner of Cattel (Horse excepted;) with all manner of precious Stones, with all manner of Spices, some Drugs, and other Commodities, as in their particular Provinces shall be more particularly remembred.

* 1.210The famous River Ganges runneth through this Country, to which the Indians go in Pil∣grimage, as if the water washed in or drunk could bring Salvation to them: this divideth In∣dia into two parts, called India intra Gangem, and India extra Gangem, both which include many large Provinces and Kingdoms; and first India intra Gangem hath nine principal Kingdoms, which I will briefly, following some Authors opinions, pass cursorily through.

* 1.211First Narsinga, the chief City Maleaper; or St. Thomas where they hold the Body of this Apostle was burnt, though the Spaniards hold his Body was found under I know not how many fathom of ground in Calamana, by devout Fryers, that after the religious receipt of the Sacrament of their Wafer-God, digged for him and found it; vide Mafe Jesuit. * 1.212The second is Malavar, * 1.213and the third Ballasia, in which are found three famous Mart-Towns, Cochin and Calicute, and Conanor: the last having a large and safe Haven, commodious for the Trade of these Countries, distant from Calicute 30 miles, and Calicute distant from Cochin 80 miles: Calicute, by reason of its great concourse of Merchants is here a famous Mart, and extendeth it self for three miles all along the shore, principally affording to Christendom that sort of Pep∣per, taking its name hence of Calicute Pepper, also Callicoes Cloth, and the other sort of Pepper of the name of this Country of Malavar.

* 1.214The fourth is Cambaia, a Famous Kingdom, very rich and populous, the chief City is also of the same name, and one of the richest of these Countries, containing 800000 persons.

* 1.215The fifth is Mandao, wherein is the City of Mandao, being 30 miles in compass, which held out a Siege of 12 years against the Mogul, who is King hereof, as likewise of those former Pro∣vinces named.

* 1.216The sixth and seventh is Bengala and Aristan, where is found the Cities of Cattigan and Sa∣tigan, and principally for Trade that of Bengala, on the Banks of a Gulph known by that name; and Orissa inhabited by Christians of St. Thomas so called, because he converted them.

* 1.217The eighth is Canora, under the command of the Mogul; the most Famous Cities are Ul∣tabat, Lispor, Melinda, &c.

* 1.218The ninth is Dellia, the chief City being Dellie, the sometimes residence of the great Mogul, the other famous Cities are Tremel, Fatabar, and Chesmer, famous for the study here of Magick: all these mighty Provinces have been conquered by the Great Mogul's Forces within these 90 years, to the astonishment of all India.

* 1.219India extra Gangem contains 12 potent Kingdoms, and all under the command of the potent Kings of Barma, which cursorily I will also run over.

* 1.220The first is Macin, * 1.221famous for that Sweet-wood which this Country doth produce, called Aloes or Lignum vitoe, valued at its weight in pure Silver, serviceable only here for the pom∣pous Funerals of great Princes; the chief City is the said Macin.

* 1.222The second is Aracan, * 1.223wherein is the City of Ava, which through the World is so famous for the abundance of Gems.

* 1.224The third is Cambaia, famous for this City of Cambaia, a place of great Traffick, which affords plenty of Gold, Silver, Aloes, and many other Commodities of great worth.

* 1.225The fourth is Couchin China, aboundeth with the like Commodities brought to Couchin-China, the chief City of this Kingdom; and much frequented by Merchants of all Countreys for Porcelane and China-dishes here made, and much in esteem and use in these Countries.

* 1.226The fifth is Barma, made famous only within 60 years, for the Princes hereof have van∣quished all the former Kingdoms, and made them Tributaries to this Kingdom and this Scepter.

* 1.227The sixth is Siam, once the Lady of all India, now subject to Barma: the principal Cities are Mollacia, in compass 20 Miles, a Town of great resort for Merchants for the Traffick of Spices, and now in subjection to the Portugals. The next is Siam, situate on the River Me∣an, which every year overfloweth the Country for 120 miles: and lastly, Odin, on the River Cuipomo, on which 200000 Boats are found daily to be set on work, and contains 400000 Families; and is now known the residence of that Famous and Fortunate King of Barma, be∣fore-mentioned.

* 1.228The seventh is Pegu, which gives name to a principal City, having a rich soil and har∣borous Sea-shore; the principal known Haven is Martaban; and here is also Lasmin a City of great Commerce. This Country hath suffered much by Sword, Pestilence, and Famine within these late years, and is now, as the rest, a Province of this aforesaid powerful King of Barma.

Now having thus surveyed India in the general and in gross, as it is divided into Kingdoms and Provinces, it will be requisite it should next be surveyed in the particular, so far as it may concern our present purpose, which is the Commerce and Trade thereof; so far forth as it is at this day known to our Nation, wherein I could wish my Experience better to shew the particulars thereof, in consideration of the large extent of ground that is comprised under this name of India, stretching it self from Taurus to the Ocean one way, and from China to Persia, which is near 4000 miles another way, at which place it will be fittest for me to be∣gin my Trade, and see what may be observed therein. Yet before I enter into this disco∣very, and give a particular relation of such materials, wherewith Trade is in it self practised through this large tract of Lands, Islands, and Seas; and before I shew the matter where∣with this Trade is in all this Country driven, it will not be improper I should also see who they principally are that manage this Trade, and to whom this great Traffick appertaineth, either as they are Natives and here born, or as they are Strangers and here are induced to reside, at∣tracted thereto by the sole motive of the great Commerce and rich Commodities found either na∣turally here growing, or artificially here made and produced.

* 1.229This Country then, as I said before, aboundeth in the general with all manner of Minerals, Copper and Lead excepted; with all sorts of Cattel, Horses excepted; with all manner of Spices, with many sorts of Drugs, Cotton, Cloth, precious Stones, &c. to which may be added the want of Wine and Wheat that here they have, that so this Country may be beholding in some sort to others, as others are for her commodities to this. These being then the prime Commo∣dities wherewith Trade is here maintained, I will note the Traders and native Merchants that are here resident, which properly I may account to be of five several sorts, all acknowledging several Rites, Religions, and Customs; and therefore partake of so many several forms and manners in the managing of their Affairs of Merchandizing. * 1.230The Gentile Merchants are the first, and are found of great Eminency in some parts of this Tract. The native Christians converted by the discipline of St. Thomas, are the second, who in many places are found to manage a great and ample Trade through this Country; the third are the Mahometans, Persians, and Tartarians, especially since the great Victories of the Mogul, found here also of great quality and estate. The fourth are the Jews, who live straglingly dispersed over and through all parts of this Country, and in every Prince's Dominions exercise the same. The fifth are Moors and Arabians, who some 200 years past seized on some Haven-Towns here along this Coast, driving the Natives into the Inland parts, and at this day are seen to be very great Merchants. The sixth are the Portugals, who possessing some few Sea-Towns commo∣dious for Traffick, brag of the conquest of the whole Country, which they are in no more pos∣sibility entirely to conquer and possess, than the French were to subdue Spain when they were possessed of the Fort of Perpignan; or the English to be Masters of France, when they were on∣ly Sovereigns of Callis. And now to the Cities of this Tract, where at this day is found a Trade to be practised, and first of Diu.

CHAP. LXXXIX. Of DIU, and the Trade thereof.

* 1.231THE Town and Island of Diu lieth about 20 Leagues from the Famous River Indus, and not far distant from the firm Land: It is now subject to the Portugals. who have con∣quered both the Island and Town from the King of Cambaia, and so fortified it, as it is con∣ceived to be now invincible. This Town hath a very good and great Haven, and therein is found a great concourse of Merchants of all Nations, as Turks, Persians, Arabians, Arme∣nians, and others of sundry Countreys; and because of the continual Traffick thereof, it is ac∣counted the best and most profitable Revenue the King of Spain hath in all India, for that the Banians; Gusurates, Rumo's, and Persians, which Traffick in Cambaia, and from thence to the Red-Sea and Mecca, do both discharge their Wares and take in their Lading here at Diu, by reason of the commodious situation thereof, as lying at the entrance of Cambaia, and from Diu it is shipt and sent to Cambaia, and so brought back again to Diu.

* 1.232The Commodities of this place and this Coast, are first, fine Cotton-Linnen of sundry sorts, which they call Jorims, Sluyers, and Lamparads, and which we call by the general name of Callicoes, also Cocos, Oyl, India Nuts, Butter, Pitch, Tar, Sugar candied, Iron good store, and most excellent and fair Leather, which is artificially wrought with Silks of all colours both flowers and personages; and which is in India much esteemed to lay upon Beds and Tables, instead of Carpets and Coverlets: they make also here all sorts of curious Dseks, Cupboards, Chests, Boxes, Standishes, and a thousand such like devices in Wood, guilded with variety of colours, wrought with Imagery and Mother of Pearl, which are carried hence throughout all India; but especially to Goa and Cochin, against the time that the Portugal Ships come thither to take in their Lading to go homeward.

Other observations of the further Trade of this place I refer to Goa, the Metropolis of India in possession of the Portugals, to which all the other Forts possessed by the Portugals, in some sort have a reference in the matter and manner of their Trade.

CHAP. XC. Of Cambaia, and the Trade thereof.

* 1.233CAmbaia, the principal City of the Kingdom so called, is a fair and large City, and contained some years past 800000 persons; it is seated on the inclosure of the Famous River Indus, and there the River inlargeth it self to a great breadth, till it come to the Isles of Vacas, having the Island of Diu on the one side, and the Cities of Deman and Surrat on the other: it is absolutely the greatest City of Trade in these parts, and therein is a Factory seated for the Traffick in these Countreys of the English and Dutch East-India Companies: Here is al∣so found a great concurrency of Merchants as well of Christians, as of Persians, Arabians, and Armenians, but the Natives which are called the Gusurates and Banians, are esteemed the greatest and most politick Merchants of all India, and held in subtlety equal with any Nation under the Sun.

* 1.234The Commodities for Traffick that this Country either naturally affordeth, or is artificially here fabricated, is Corn, Rice, and such Grain; Butter and Oyl, wherewith for their abundance they furnish all the Countreys round about them; also great quantity of Cotton Linnens are here made, which we term Callicoes of all sorts, called by them Canequins, Boffetta's, Ja∣rins, Cantares, and others of sundry kinds of making, from the very coarsest wherewith they make their Sails for Shipping, to the finest, which are by us known by the name of Callico Lawns: Also here are made sundry fine Carpets called Alcatiffes and Banquies; also many sorts of Coverlets, called Codorins; also many Manufactures of Wood carved and imbellisht, some with Mother of Pearl, and some with Silver, and such like; also here are found sundry sorts of precious stones, as Spinals, Rubies, Granads, Jacinths, Amethysts, Chrysolites, Amber, Agats, Jaspes; also sundry Drugs, as Opium, Camphora, Bangue, and Sandal-wood, Sugars, and last∣ly and principally Anil or Indico is here growing, prepared and made ready, and from hence carried throughout the whole World: the principal places in this Country affording the same is, Bianny, Fetterbarre, Sherkis, Lahore, and other places thereabouts.

* 1.235To this place I should add the famous Port of Surrat and Baroche, being as is Cam∣baia under the subjection of the Great Mogul, and seated in this Tract, which because in mat∣ters of Traffick I do not find to vary from the former, I willingly omit, and therefore compre∣hend them under this Chapter and Title, proceeding to the current Coins, Weights, and Mea∣sures

found in use and practised in these Cities, as in subjection to one and the same Prince, who is Sovereignt hereof.

* 1.236The ancient current and general Coin of this Countrey is the Mahmudy, stamped by that Fa∣mous King Mahmood in the first conquest of these Countreys, which was accounted for (—) Res of Portugal, and by the English there resident estimated 12 d. sterling. But the Grand Mo∣gul being the last Conquerour, prohibited the said coins of Mahmudis, and therefore at this day they are found very scarce, yet most frequent in Gusurat. The most current Coin now throughout his Territories being the Ruppie, of which there are divers sorts, which are,

The Casanna Ruppia which is the common Ruppia, worth in India ¼ Mahomudy, and estima∣ted incirca 2 s. 3 d. sterling.

The Jacquiree Ruppie, 5 of which makes 6 Casanna Ruppies.

The Soway Ruppie — 4 whereof makes 5 Casanna Ruppies.

The Hondee Ruppie, of equal value with the Casanna Ruppie abovesaid; * 1.237and in these last do the Merchants of Gusurat keep their accounts: Besides which, they have for smaller Coins cur∣rent these.

The Pice, accounting 24 to the Mamody, which is 10 d. sterling.

The Shahee, accounted to the 16 Picos, or 10 Cosbegs.

And some there are that keep their accounts in Mahomodis, accounting 2½ Mahomody to be one Hondee or Casanna Ruppie, being thus estimated for 2 s. 6 d. sterling, as 2 Ruppies are accounted for 1 ℞ •• Spanish, though indeed not found always of that value, for the Ruppie is here observed with the right of a Prince's coin, and the ℞ •• for a merchandize or commodity, rising and falling: the said Ruppia in Agra is found to pass for 84 Pices, but this is thus most current in Amadever, Lahoro, and other the places where the Christians of Europe and others do provide and buy their Indico, &c. and there two of the said Ruppia's make in ordinary payment for Merchandize 1 ℞ •• Spanish.

* 1.238There is generally found throughout the Dominions of the Great Mogul two several weights, the one proper to Silk, and the other for all Merchandize besides, and both of these have their foundation upon a weight of Copper, called, as the Coin aforesaid, the Pice.

A Pice in Silk is accounted 5½ Mitigals.

A Mitigal is (…) about 13 d. 10 Troy.

A Pice of Silk is also accounted for 2 Tolls, 1 Toll is 12 Masses.

A Sear, of which there is a small and great; the small Sear is ordinarily used in Silk, and accounted 30 Tolls.

Now for the common weight for all other Commodities, I will begin with the Sear, which varies here in several parts of this Country.

A Sear of Surrat is 18 Pices weight of Copper money, which is 13⅓ ounces Averdupois.

A Sear of Agra, called the Sear Acoberg, is 30 Pices, which is 22 ounces Averdupois.

A Sear of Agra, called the Sear Janquery, is 36 Pices, being the common Sear of all India, and double the Surrat Sear, which is 26⅔ ounces.

A Sear of Puttana and Ganges is 37 Pices, and those that have made a strict calculation, have found that 22 common Pices makes 16 ounces Averdupois.

They have also in use in these Countreys two Maunds.

A Maund small of Surrat is 40 Sears of Surrat, and the said Maund is 33 l. Averdupois.

But they have for some Commodities another Maund in Surrat about 27 l. Aver∣dupois.

A Candil of Surrat, Cambaia, &c is 20 of the said Maunds.

Sears 40 makes a small Maund of 33 l. English.

Sears 40 great make a great Maund of 54 3/•• l. English, and some have observed it to be 55 l. English; and this is the Maund of Agra.

* 1.239In Amadever this difference is found in the said weight.

A Maund is 40 Sear, which is 18 Pices, and 33 l. English.

And the 100 Maunds of Amadever is 63 Maunds of Agra.

For Gold, Silver, Musk, Civet, Bezoar-stone, they have another weight which they call the Toll, being 12 Masses, and is 7 d. 16 grain Troy weight in England, as hath been observed both by the English and Portugal Merchants.

It is not to be questioned, but that this so large tract of Country must admit of more diver∣sity of Weights, which I am inforced to pass over in silence by reason of my ignorance, and re∣fer what is here omitted to the better experienced.

* 1.240There is used in these parts two common measures, and both called a Covato, a short and long Covado.

The short Covado of Surrat, Cambaia, &c. used in the sales of many Commodities, as Linnen and Silk is 27 inches English.

The long Covado of Surrat used for woollen cloth is 35 inches.

But in Agra, Labore, Dilly, Brampore, &c. the ordinary and common Covado is found to hold 32 inches, and called in some places of this Country Elahy.

At Puttana they have a Covado of 38 inches, and by the observation of some, it hath been found that 1 ••/3 Covado of Puttana is 5 Covado's of Agra, which makes four Yards English.

And note, That in all the Moguls Country they use no concave measures for any grain or liquid commodities, but sell the same by weight, in the same nature as they do all ponderous and massie commodities,

They measure their ground and days journeys by a measure which they call a Corso, which is one thousand five hundred Geometrical paces, and is accounted in common estimation of our late Travellers a mile and a half English.

* 1.241In this tract and belonging to this Prince are many famous Towns of Trade, the chiefest is Lahore, famous for the Indico there growing, and prepared; and for that admirable High way to Agra of twenty days journey, beset on each side with Mulberry-trees, and whence there de∣parteth yearly above twelve thousand Camels laden with Spices to Hispahan, which are brought hither from India.

* 1.242The next principal town is Amadabar, famous in these parts for the great trade and excel∣lent situation thereof, as being the most eminent City of the Gusurates. * 1.243Neither is Tutta here to be forgotten, though an Island Town, yet seated on the famous River of Indus, and having dependency and belonging thereunto: * 1.244and that excellent Port of Lowribander, three days journey distant from it, on the shore commonly intituled the Coast of Sindie, wherein it hath been observed by our European Navigators, that Ships may safely ride without receiving harm by the Worms, which do much hurt in SURAT, and all alongst the coast of India.

CHAP. XCI. Of GOA, and the Trade thereof.

* 1.245GOA is the Metropolis of India, I mean of those that are under the command of the Portugal or Spaniard, where the Viceroy, Archbishop, and the King his Consul, and Chancery do reside; here is also the Staple of all India Commodities, whereto Merchants of Arabia, Armenia, Persia, Cambaia, Bengala, Pegu, Siam, Malacca, Java, Molucco, China, and of sund••y other Countreys do resort: It is seated in an Island of three miles circuit, but is but little distant from the firm Land; the Port is capacious of good Ships, but if they exceed 200 Tuns, they unlade short of the Town a place called Bardes, well built with fair houses both publick and private, after the Portugal manner, and hath in it many Cloisters, Churches, and Priories; but is not fortified with any walls, but the contrived and conti∣nued buildings of the houses, serves both for the defence and inclosure: in the heart of the City is a Street called the Leilon, where a daily assembly is made from 7 to 9 in the morning, not only of Merchants from all parts, but also of Gentry; and during the said hours the said Street is replenished with all Commodities and Merchandize from all the afore-named King∣doms, set forth in manner of our Fairs in England; which daily is thus practised, and wherein the rich Commodities of those Countrys are vended and put to sale; besides which, there are particular Streets where the native Indians do dwell together, being found to be here great Merchants, and for the most part inhabit near together, especially such as are found to be of one and the same Art and Profession, being bound by the strict Laws of this Country, every man to marry within his own and the same Trade, and to bring up likewise their chil∣dren in their own and the same Profession; which law (being strictly observed) giveth great perfection to all Arts here practised: Their Winter begins here the last of April, continuing till September, and is called Winter, not for the cold, but for the continual rains that are found all this time; the rest of the time is accounted Summer, which is without rain, and the pleasantest of all other seasons upon this Coast.

* 1.246The Commodities natural of this place are not observable•• the Island small, and the firm Land plentiful in Palm trees, Cocus, and the like: the City is the common Staple for all India Com∣modities, brought hither by others, and here bartered and exchanged for other; but of it self not affording any of note or consequence.

* 1.247They have here two sorts of Moneys, a good, and a bad, and therefore in all contracts they are as well to bargain for the money that is to be received, as for the commodity that is to be sold: but because this place is neighboured with sundry great Nations that traffick hither; it will be fit I should inlarge my self a little further on this subject.

The common moneys here current is called the Pardaus Xeraphin, Coined here, and worth 300 Res of Portugals, and is as much as three Testons, which is English money about four shillings six pence sterling.

One Pardon is five Tanga's, which is an imaginary coin, and is in both sorts of the coins in use, as accounting five Tanga's bad money, being the same in worth as four Tanga's of good mony.

One Tanga's is worth four good Ventins, and five bad Ventins, a coin also imaginary, and not real, and is worth seventy five Basaruco's.

A Vintin is worth 15 bad Basaruco's, and 18 good Basaruco's, which is the lowest and smal∣lest coin here in use.

Tree Basaruco's is worth two Res of Portugal money, and by this account, the Pardu She∣raphin is worth 375 Basaruco's: and these are all the proper coins of Goa: the other here current are.

The Persia Larins, a coin of very fine silver, and worth 110 Basaruco's.

The Pagode of gold worth about 10 Tanga's, is, 8 s. sterling.

The Venetiander of gold, worth 2 Pardaus Sheraphin.

The St Thomas of gold, worth 8 Tanga's.

The Rial of •• called Pardaus de Reales, worth commonly 440 Res of Portugal; but these and the Larins of Persia may here be accounted for Commodities, rising and falling in price, as the occasions of Merchants inforce them.

* 1.248But note, that all moneys are here paid and received by the hands of Sheraffs, as is the manner in Turkey and other Eastern Countreys, who make good the loss and damage either in tale or goodness for a small consideration, and by the Portugals termed Cernidors.

* 1.249The weights common in Goa, and along the coast of India, that is subject to the Crown of Spain, are divers; the usual known is as in Portugal the Quintal and the Rove; and this is most in use for all European Commodities.

But they have in use another, proper for Honey, Sugar, Butter, which is called the Maund, being 12 l. of the weight above-mentioned.

Another proper only to Pepper, and other such Indian Spices, they have, which they call the Bahar, accounted three Quintals and a half of Portugal weight, which by reason of the meer concordancy that it hath with the hundred of London, I shall not need to say any thing further thereof.

* 1.250The measure of length is the same as is used in Lisborn.

The measure of Grain, Rice, and such like Commodities is called a Medida, being about a sp•…•… high, and half a finger broad, 24 whereof is accounted a Maund.

Maunds 20, is accounted one Candil, which is about 14 Bushels English, and by this measure they account their Tunnage in shipping; yet it is found, that some sort of Rice is here sold by the Fardo, being round bundles wrapt in straw, and bound about with cords, and these should weigh by the custom of the place 3½ Maunds.

There is upon this coast a great trade in use for Pearls, which because it is of great mo∣ment in this and other places of India, it will be fit I should shew the manner thereof.

* 1.251The fishing for Pearls beginneth yearly in March and April, and continueth but 50 days; but yet they fish not always in one place every year, but change their places by certain ap∣pointed and settled orders amongst the principal that have the over-sight thereof.

Now when the time of this fishing draweth near, then they send very good Divers that go purposely to discover where the greatest heaps of Oysters are under water, and on the shore op∣posite to that place, there they set up and plant a Village with Houses, and a Bazaro or mar∣ket-place, of stone and other materials, which standeth as long as the fishing time lasteth; and is for that time furnished with all things necessary, which now and then happeneth to be near unto places inhabited, and now and then afar off, according to the place appointed for that years fishing.

The fisher-men themselves are for the most part Christians, natives of that Countrey; nei∣ther is any other debarred from this fishing that will, paying a certain tribute or acknow∣ledgment to the King of Spain, and to the Jesuites who have sundry Churches upon that coast: now during the said Fishing, there are always maintained three or four Fasts or Galliots armed to defend the fishers from injuries and Rovers The order of which fishing is observed to be thus:

There are commonly three or four Barks, and their companies that make consortship toge∣ther, much resembling our English Pilot-boats, having eight or ten men in a boat, and in the morning they go out together from the shore, and anchor in 15 or 18 fathom water, which is the ordinary depths of this whole coast; and being thus moored to their Anchor, they cast a Rope into the Sea, and at the end of that rope usually make fast a great stone, and then they have in readiness, a Diver, who hath his nose and his ears well stopped and anointed with Oyl, and a basket fastned about his neck, or under his left arm; then he sinketh down by the said rope to the bottom of the Sea, and as fast as he can be filleth the said basket, and being full, he then shaketh the rope, and his fellows that hold the other end, and are in their Bark, instantly hale him up with his filled basket, and in this wise they go one by one until they have laden their said boat with Oysters; and in the evening returning a shore to the

Village, every company maketh their own heap or mount of Oysters by themselves, one di∣stant from another in such wise, that there is seen a great long row of mounts or heaps of Oy∣sters, which remain untouched until such time as the fishing be ended; and at the end whereof every company sitteth down about their mount or heap, and fall to opening of them, which they may easily do, because that then they be both dry, dead, and brittle; and if every Oyster should prove to have Pearls in them, it would prove a very good purchase unto them: but ma∣ny are found to have no Pearls at all in them; therefore when their fishing is done, they then perceive whether their said fishing and gathering proveth good or bad.

Now there are certain men expert in the choice and distinction of Pearls, which here they call Chittini, which set and make the price of Pearls, according to their carracts, each carract be∣ing four grains, and these with an instrument of Copper having holes therein of several great∣ness serving to distinguish the sorts, to which also they consider their beauty and goodness, and then thereof make four several sorts. The first sort be the round Pearls, which they call Aia or Unia of Portugal, because the Portugals by them: The second sort, which are not round, are called Aia of Bengala: the third sort, which are not so good as the second, they call Aia of Canora, that is to say, the Kingdom of Bisnagar: The fourth and last, and indeed the worst sort, they call Aia of Cambaia: and thus the price being by the men set thereon, ac∣cording to their sorts, goodness, and greatness, there are Merchants of every Countrey which are ready with their Moneys in their hands to buy them; so that in few days, all the said parcels are bought up, according to the said prices set upon them, altering according to the carract, beauty, and shape thereof. And this is the manner of the fishing, and dispersing of the Pearls throughout India, and thence through the World, so far forth as I thought good to in∣sert the same in this place.

CHAP. XCII. Of the Trade in general practised alongst the Coast of India.

* 1.252THE Coast of India known in these Regions, is only so accounted from the Islands called las Vachas, or from the Town of Daman to the Cape of Comarin, not above 200 miles in length, wherein besides the Metropolis Goa, are found sundry others in subjection to the Crown of Portugal; as first Daman to the North of Goa; then Basain, then Chaul, Dabul, and then Goa: and to the South-ward, which some call the Coast of Malabar, they hold Romes, Onor, Barselor, Mangalor, Cananor, Calicut, Craganor, Cochin, Coulon, and Cape de Co∣meri, which is accounted the last end of the Coast of Malabar and India: For the better under∣standing the Trade of these Sea ports, it will be needful I should somewhat more particularly survey the same.

* 1.253First then, It is to be understood, that the Northern part of this Coast is held the whole∣some and purest Air for habitation, the principal places being Daman, Basasen, and Chaul, which are found in themselves to have good Havens, whereto great Traffick is maintained throughout India; the Countrey hereabouts abounding in Rice, Pease, and other grains, Butter and Oyl of Nuts, also Cotton Cloth great quantity, especially Baroches, taking the name from a City of this Coast; and in Chaul is found very great concourse of Merchants and Traf∣fick to Ormus, Cambaia, Sinde, Masquate, Bengala, having therein many rich Merchants, and Ships of great burthen; and here is also made divers kinds of Silk, Stuffs, as Grograms, Sattim, Taffata's, and such like in such abundance, that India, and all other places bordering, are served therewith, and beholding thereto, which brings a great Trade to the said City of Chaul, for they bring in the raw Silk of China, and being here spun, woven, and wrought, carry it out again, and distribute it throughout India, and the neighbouring Countries; here also they make fair and excellent wrought Bedsteds, Boxes, Desks, Stools, and other wooden Arts, which bring them great profit, and make this place famous throughout these parts.

* 1.254As for the Coast of Malabar, Onor is of good esteem, where there is a great quantity of Pepper yearly laden by the Portugal's Factors, accounted the best and fullest Berry in all India, the Countrey hereabouts belonging to a Queen rich in Pepper, who selleth the said Commodity only to the Portugals; but receiveth her money six months beforehand, and at the season de∣livereth the said contracted Pepper, which by the Portugals is housed in their Fort, which (by her leave) they have here built, till their shipping come to fetch it away, which is com∣monly but once a year.

* 1.255Cananor is held the best Fort they have upon all this Coast, and doth abound with Rice and Pepper, and near the Fort is a fair Town which is plentifully stored with all the Commodities of this Coast and Shore, especially abounding in all manner of Victuals and provision, and Masts for Ships of all sizes and sorts.

* 1.256Calicut was once the most famous Town of Trade of all this shore, and gave name not only to the sorts of Pepper that here grow, but also to that sort or Cotton Cloth that was first hence transported for Europe, but the Emperour the then Sovereign, * 1.257being Enemy to the King of Cochin, with whom the Portugals at their first arrival here sided, and prospered, by that means overthrew the great Traffick of Calicut, and advanced the Traffick of Cochin, whose So∣vereign by means of the Trade is now become a mighty and rich Prince in this Countrey, the City of Cochin it self thereby so inlarged, inriched, and so well inhabited by Portugals, who are in part the new Masters, by native Malabars and other Nations, and seated upon a plea∣sant River, and enjoying the commodity of a good Channel and Haven; that it is accounted in these parts for Trade and concourse of Merchants the only second to Goa: here is laden yearly great quantity of Pepper, and a course sort of Cinnamon, vulgarly called de Matte, no∣thing comparable to Cinnamon of Zelan accounted the best; and hither come all the Portugal Ships to lade homewards, after that they have unladen their European Commodities in Goa, which adds much to the Trade of this City. Two Commodities hither imported do much in∣rich this place. 1. The great store of Silk that cometh hither raw from China to be wrought, and next the great store of Sugar that cometh from Bengala to be spent, for which the married Citizens are found to pay no custom to the King of Cochin, though for all others they pay 4 per cent. but the stranger and unmarried pay at Cochin nothing to the King; but to the Portugal 8 per cent. * 1.258And because this great Traffick for Pepper is only peculiar to some private Mer∣chants or Farmers authorised by the Kings of Spain, it will not be unproper I should here relate the manner thereof: It is to be understood then that the Kings of Portugal, the first European Traders into these parts, in all their Navigations and Discoveries, ever added the benefit of Commerce towards the supportation of the expences of their Conquests; and having here built for conveniency of Trade, and protection of their Merchants, and Subjects, many Fortresses and Castles; they ever so settled them, that the commodiousness of the Haven, Port or Har∣bour, joyned to the native Commodities of the place, might add means and fair inducements to make by Traffick their conquests profitable. This Coast then being found to abound with Pepper, a principal Commodity then requested in Europe, designed it to be converted to his peculiar profit, by all the provident ways of a circumspect Merchant; * 1.259 but Princes that will im∣brace all, sometimes grasp but a little; for the same could not be so profitably contrived, consider∣ing the distance of way, length of time, and trust to be committed to Factors, Captains of Forts, and others; but he found himself to come far short of his expectation in this point, whereupon he was advised to let out the same to Farm, and contracted it at certain conditions to certain great and eminent Merchants, who should stand in his place strongly and amply priviledged, and should enjoy a part of the gains for themselves, and yet bring the greatest crop of their la∣bours into his coffers; hereupon it was first let out for five years, the Farmers and Contracters binding themselves to send such a stock to India in ready money, as would extend for 30 thousand Quintals of Pepper yearly, conceived to be in those days as much as all Europe could annually vend in that Commodity; but then the King was bound to send his Ships to India to lade the same, in number five Ships of sufficient burthen yearly; the Farmers bearing the adventure both of their moneys outward, and of the said Pepper homeward, lading it in India into the said Ships at their own costs and charges, all which brought into Portugal, they were to deliver to the King at the price of 12 Ducats per Quintal, and what was either cast away, lost, or taken, was to be born by the Farmers; the King paying for no more than what was thus fairly laid on land into his store-house at Lisbon, neither yet paid he ready money for the same, but paid them with their own money when the Pepper was sold; so that the King without dis∣bursement or hazard, had and hath a certain great gain without the loss of a penny, in con∣sideration whereof the Farmers have many great and strong Immunities and Priviledges; as first, that no man upon pain of death, of what estate or condition soever he be; may any ways deal or Trade in Pepper but themselves, which is still strictly observed; Secondly, that they may not upon any occasion or necessity whatsoever, diminish or lessen the said ordinary stock of money, nor the King his said stint of shipping; neither hinder not lett them in any sort concerning the lading thereof, which is also strictly looked into; for though the Pepper were for the King's own Person or proper account, yet must the Farmer's Pepper be first laden; Thirdly, that the Viceroy, and all other the Officers and Captains in India shall give them all assistance, help and favour, with safe keeping, guarding and watching the same, with all other needful offices as shall be by them required, for the safety and benefit of the said Pepper: * 1.260 Fourthly, that for the lading and providing thereof, the said Farmers may send their Factors into India with their servants and assistants of what Nation soever they be, (English, French, and Spaniards only excepted) and that unto every place to see the same laden and dispatched away: and in later times it is observed, that they have also farmed of the King the Ships and their fraightment, with large conditions to build them, and make the provision of all necessaries for them, and all at their own adventures; and if the Ship come safe home, they

give the King in lieu of licence a certain sum of money for every Ship, and annually do fur∣nish these five Ships at their own charges: but for such Souldiers as are appointed to go in them, they are bound to fail for the King and at his charge, and have but only their meat and drink at the Farmers charges, the Officers and Sailers being placed therein by the King's Admirality; which the Farmers may not once deny or refuse; so that the King adventureth nothing, nei∣ther in Pepper nor in Ships; but only if the Ships be cast away, he loseth the Money that he should have, and otherwise gain by the Farm of every Ship, if it had returned safe; and the profit of the Pepper that should have been delivered him at a certain price, which is the cause now that the King doth not send out his Fleets to meet and wast them from the Flemish Islands, as for long time he was accustomed to do; and the King is found so nearly to look to this Farm, that he will not abate the Farmers a penny, how great soever their losses happen other∣wise to be. And thus much shall serve for Goa and the Trade of Portugal in India; now in the next place I will come to the Coast of Chormandel.

CHAP. XCIII. Of Musulipatan, and the Trade thereof, with the Coast of Chormandel.

* 1.261THE Coast of Chormandel beginnneth from the Cape Negapatan to the Town of Musulipa∣tan, between which said places is found a place called St. Thomas, where the Apostle Thomas is said to have preached salvation to these Nations, and whose Tomb is had still in great reverence to this day among the Native Christians of this Countrey: besides which is found the Towns of Petipoli and Armagon, where the English of late have setled Factories that have depen∣dency on the Factory of Musulipatan; under which therefore I will include the Trade of this Coast.

Musulipatan by reason of the commodious situation, is the most eminent place of Trade of this Coast, where the English have to that purpose planted a Factory, both for providing and lading hence the Commodities of this Countrey; this place is seated on the same Coast, or ra∣ther Istmus, as Goa is with the Cities before-mentioned, which are seated to the Eastward, as the Coast of Malabar is to the Westward: the pleasantness of the adjoyning River running down from Bisnagar the Metropolis of this Countrey, and the goodness of the Haven, with the wholesomness of the Soil and the temperancy of the Air, adds much to the excellency of it in matter of Trade and concurrency of Merchants; to which if we add the industry of the Inha∣bitants and the fruitfulness of the Countrey bearing many Commodities naturally, it is not to be reckoned as the least or the worst part of Trading in India.

* 1.262From this place and Coast then is found a great Trade to be driven into Bengala, Pegu, Siam, Malacca, and to India; and the principal Commodities that this City is noted to be famous for, are those excellent fine Cotton Linnens, made here in in great abundance, and of all colours, and interwoven with divers sorts of Loom-works and Flowers, very fine and cunningly wrought, and therefore much worn in India, and better esteemed there than Silk, as indeed being both found finer and richer, and used by the greatest women in those parts for their clothing, wherein is found interlaced oftentimes threds of Silver and Gold, and divers others rare fabricks of Cotton, &c.

* 1.263The current usual Coins in Musulipatan, Armagon, Petiboli, St. Thomas, and all alongst the Coast is the Pagode of Gold, and the Mahomody and Fanan of Silver, and are thus va∣lued:

• A Pagode is worth 15 Fanans, or in English 8 s. sterling.
• A Fanan is 9 Cashees, or as some call them Cupans about 6¾ d. sterling.
• A Mamody is 32 Pices, or as in some places they are called Docres.
• A Rial of •• Spanish is here 5 Mamodies or 9 Fanans, or 5 s.
• And 10 Rials •• is here current for 6, and sometimes for 6½ Pagods.
• And 10 R. •• are called in these parts a Sear incirca 50 s. sterling.

* 1.264But in Armagon it is observed they have this difference.

• Rials of •• 11 are accounted for 8 Pagods.
• One Pagode is accounted worth 20 Fanans.
• And 5 Pagodes here are accounted but 4 in Musulipatan.

The Pagode by this account may be said to be in value about 8 d. sterling, equivalent with the Chequin of Venice, or the Xeriff of Egypt, or Sultany of Turkey, and the Mamody accounted for 12 d. sterling, and the Fanans about 6 d. ¾ or 7 d. per piece.

* 1.265Their common Weight used along this Coast is the Candil, which in gross Goods is most accounted for 20 Maunds.

A Maund is 40 Sear or 22½ Masies, or 26 l. 14½ ounces English.

A Sear is 17 Kashee, which thus answers with England.

The Sear is two-fold, the small Sear is of 16 Mass, and found to be about 10 l. English, or as some observe it 10⅛ l. and the great Sear is accounted as above.

And the Candil of 20 Maunds of 26 l. 14½ ounce Averdupois, brings it to be English pound Sotile 538 l. incirca.

But this finds some disagreement with the weight of Petiboli, for their Candil is 20 Maunds, found to be but 26 l. English, in all 520 l.

A Maund is here counted for 5 Visko, 5 l. 3 ounces English.

One Visco (or as the Portugals call it Fisco) is accounted 8 Sears, which is found to be 10 ounces ¼ Averdupois incirca.

Further Observations I find not of the Trade of Mesulapatan, saving that the Governour of this City, having setled a Trade with the English, and that they should pay for Custom 4 per cent. he afterwards raised the same to be 12 per cent. till Anno 1614. one Floris, and other English surprized the chief Customer being the Governour's Son, and brought him aboard their Ship then in Port, who thereupon came to a new composition, restored the over-plus taken, and setled it for the future at the first agreed rate of 4 per cent. as now it standeth.

CHAP. XCIV. Of Satagan the Metropolis of Bengala, and the Trade of that Coast and the River Ganges.

* 1.266AT the ending of the Coast of Coromandel, beginneth this Coast of Bengala, through the middle whereof the famous River Ganges runs, making a large Bay or Gulph, which carrieth the name of the Gulph of Bengala: This Countrey is under the Command of the Gre•…•… Mogul, whose Coins are here current; the holy and reverent opinion that the Gentiles through all India have of this River, and the concourse of Pilgrims thereto, for devotion sake, adds much to the Traffick of Satagan, the chief City of this Countrey, which is pleasantly seated on another fair and large River, whose imbosure is not far distant from the imbosure of Ganges, and upon which Boats sail by the violence of the current a hundred miles in fifteen hours without the help of Sails or Oars, and when the Tyde turneth, it is found to be so violent, that the Sallers are forced to make fast their Boats to certain Trees fixed on the shore side, for they are not able to make way against the stream and current thereof. At the en∣trance of this River is a place called Butter, which the Inhabitants of the Countrey and Me∣chants there do yearly build in form of a Village, of straw, branches of trees, reeds, and the like, and is of great largeness, to which they bring all manner of Merchandize, to meet the Ships which at certain set times with the Moonsoons come hither for Trade, who are not able to go higher for want of water; and when the Ships are gone with the change of the Moonsoon, and that years Trading past, they then burn their said Town and Houses, and carry up their Goods and Merchandize to the City of Satagan; whither also all small Barks and Boats do go to lade and unlade.

* 1.267It is observable that thirty or forty sail of great Ships of sundry Countreys and Nations do here yearly at this time find lading; the principal Commodities of this place and the Coast, being Rice here growing in great abundance; Cloth of Cotton of infinite sorts, made here in great quantity, Lacca good store, great plenty of Sugars, Myrabolans both dried and pre∣served, Long Pepper, Oyl of Zerseline, and many other Commodities; the City in it self is a fair City, and abounding with rich Merchants that trade to Pegu, Musulipatan, Summatra, and sometimes to Cambaia, and the Red Sea; their time of Traffick, by reason of the heat, is for the most part by night, and when they have once burned their Town of Butter, as hath been noted, they then hire Galliots and Boats, and therewith transport their Com∣modities up the River from one Town to another, situated upon the same, where every day is found in one or other a publick Fair and Market, so that their whole life is still in mo∣tion and agitation, providing in one place and putting off in another, here buying and there selling.

* 1.268The Portugals are found to have some Trade hither, but those that reside here are not subject to much government, but make their will their law; only two Forts they hold upon this Coast, the one they call Porto Grande, the other Porto Piquenom, whereto there is driven an orderly Trade, and thereby that Nation is kept within some order and discipline.

As for the Coins current here, the Weights and Measures here in use, I must omit them by reason of my ignorance therein, and therefore shall refer them to the better skilled.

* 1.269Before I leave this Coast, I must not forget a strange Custom, not only here much used, but also alongst the Coast of Malabar, and in many other parts of India, which is thus; If a Deb∣tor break the day of payment with his Creditor, and oftentimes disappoint him, then he goeth to the principal of the Bramenes, and receiveth of him a Rod, with which he approacheth to the Debtor, and making a circle about him, chargeth him in the name of the King and the said Bran••en, not to depart till he hath satisfied the Debt, which if he do not, he must then starve in the place; for if he depart, the King will cause him to be executed; and this is in use in many great parts of India, but especially where the Bramans are reverenced; it is daily seen practised amongst Marchants the Natives of these places.

CHAP. XCV. Of Pegu, and the Coast thereof with the Trade.

* 1.270IN order having passed the Coast and Gulph of Bengala, the next in this Tract is the Sea-Coast of Aracan, Pegu, and Sian, stretching it self to the Island and Fort of Malacca, of which according to the Observations in Trade, as I have collected, I will in brief touch.

* 1.271The first on this Coast and Shore is Aracan, situated upon the River of Cosmin, which passeth through some part of Bengala, and entreth into that Gulph at this City, by which commodious situation it is found plentifully stored as well with the Commodities of that Countrey, as the natural Commodities of the place it self.

* 1.272The next is Macoa, seated upon one of the mouths of that great and famous River Martaban, which by ten mouths issuing into the Sea, gives a great supply to this Coun∣trey of all the Commodities that are found in India, from whence this mighty River hath its source.

* 1.273The third is Pegu it self, giving name to the whole Coast seated in like manner upon one of the said mouths, which as being the principal Seat of the Princes of this Countrey, I will a little more particularly survey.

* 1.274The marvellous great Tides, and violent current of this great River is not here to be omit∣ted as appertaining to Trade; for it is found to be in it self so swift, that neither Wind nor Oar can make head or way against it; and because it is found to keep a constant course of ebbing and flowing, therefore in their sailing they still observe the Tides thereof, and when those Tides are at highest, there are certain stations on the banks whereto their Boats, Galliots, and Barges are fastned, until the Tide do again serve their turn to proceed on their Voyage: this one thing more I find wonderful here, that these Tides come not in by a constant continued pace or measure, but come rushing in at the first with a great violence, with a hideous noise and roaring, such as in some lesser sort is seen in the River of Rouen, and in our River of Se∣vern, in England.

As for the City of Pegu it self it is divided into two parts, in the one the King and his No∣bility resideth, lately built and richly beautified, and therefore called the New Town; the other part inhabited only by Merchants, Artificers, Sea-men, and such like, and called the old Town; every House in the old Town where Merchants do reside, hath a place built strongly of Brick, which as a Ware-house serveth his occasion, called by them Godon, especi∣ally to prevent firing, which this Town is much subject to by reason of the combustible matter it is made of; the New Town is walled about, and is a perfect square, having twenty Gates, five in each angle, ditched about and watered, wherein many Crocodiles are kept for watch of the place by night; the Walls are beautified with many Turrets for Sentinels, guilded with Gold; the Streets are very fair, straight as a line, and so broad as fifteen Horsemen may ride abrest on both sides; at each man's door are set Palm-trees, which growing makes a fair shew, and thereby all Passengers may walk daily in the shadow from one Street to another, to pre∣vent the extraordinary heat of the place and Climate: The greatest Trade that is found at this day exercised in Pegu, is from the Coast of Cormandel with Pintado's, Cotton, Cloth, and other Bombasins much in request here; but it is to be noted, that these Ships must depart that Coast by the sixth of September, and take the Monsione wind, otherwise they lose their Voyage for that year: From Bengala also cometh hither sundry Ships with Cotton Cloth and other such wearing Commodities, which taking also the season of the wind arriveth here when the Cor∣mondel Ships are ready to depart. The principal Harbour or Port where these Ships do ride is called Cosmin, and the place where the greatest Ships do Anchor to lade and unlade their Goods. From Mecca come also sundry Ships laden with Woollen Cloth, Damasks, Velvets, and Chickens. From Malacca come many small Vessels laden with Pepper, Sanders, Porce∣lan of China, Camphora, and other Commodities. From Summatra come also sundry Ships

with Pepper and other Wares; all which Goods are very strictly looked into for payment of the King's Customs at landing, which is here paid in kind, and amounteth unto twelve per cent. and the King doth hold it for a great affront to be wronged of a penny of it: Rubies, Saphirs and Spinals paying here no Custom in or out, as being the proper Commodities of this Countrey.

For the effecting of the Trade and Commerce of this place, there is ordained eight Brokers o•• Tareghes by the King's Authority, who are bound to sell and vend all the Goods and Merchan∣dize coming to Pegu, for all mens account of what Nation soever they be, having two per cent. for their Brokerage, and are liable to make good the debts they make, which no Merchant there resident can avoid; for they will have the said two per cent. by the King's Authority granted them, whether their help be taken or not.

In like manner, there are ordained certain Brokers for the buying of all the Commodities bought in Pegu, wherein is found amongst them such candid dealing, that a stranger can hardly be wronged or abused, if he have but so much discretion to provide such Goods as may be pro∣per for the Countrey whither he sends them.

* 1.275The Commodities native of this place and Countrey are these, Gold, Silver, Rubies, Saphirs, Spinals digged at Caplan, six days journey from Av•• in this Kingdom, great store of Benjamin, Long Pepper, Lead, Lacca, Rice, Niperwine and Sugar; and many other Commodities. The manner of their bargaining, as being contrary to the custom and use in most parts of the World, is here worth observing; all their bargains by their Law must be made publickly and in open assemblies of and before all standers by, who because they should yet not know what is bidden or demanded for any Commodity, the Brok••rs either buyer or seller having seen the Commodity, and liking of it, putteth his hand under a cloth and toucheth the parties hand interessed, and by nipping, touching and pinching of certain joynts of each others hands, they know what is bidden and demanded without words speaking, which these Brokers again with the other hand covered in like manner, give notice of to the party who sets him on work, and either so orders him to proceed to bid more or less, or else to give over; and after this manner are all their C•…•…∣tracts here made, and afterwards by the said Broker registred accordingly in leaves of Trees, which with them is used as Paper with us.

* 1.276And when any strangers and forein Merchants arrive here, these Brokers are bound by their place to provide them a house, Magazine, and lodging, whilst they are here resident; and when the house is taken, the Governour of the Town sends to know how long time he in∣tends to stay with them, and withal appointeth certain Maids of the Town to go to him, that out of them he may make choice of one whilst he remains there, and then having chosen one to his mind, he contracts with her friends for her use for the said time at an easie rate, which done, he bringeth her to his house or lodging, and she serveth him willingly in all his affairs both by day and night, as both his slave and wife; but then he must take care that during that time he keepeth not company with any other woman; for so he might incur a greater danger and peril of his life by the Law of the Countrey. Now when the time of his residence is expir∣ed, he payeth the Parents of the Maid the price agreed for, and departeth quietly away, and she returneth with credit to her friends, being as well esteemed of as ever she was before; and if afterward this Maid chance to marry, though with the principallest of the Countrey, and that the aforesaid stranger should again return hither to trade, he may again demand his w••∣man, and he shall have her by the Law of the Countrey, without the resistance of her husband, or any shame unto him, and she remaineth by the stranger as long as he abideth there; and he travelling from thence, she goeth home to her husband again, which amongst them is held for a most sure and inviolable Law and Custom.

* 1.277The Coin current here and throughout all this Coast is called Gansa, which is made of Cop∣per and Lead, and is not the proper money of the King, but every man may stamp it that will, and that is able, because it hath its just value in stuff and materials; there is much counter∣feiting of this Coin, but it is soon discerned by the Brokers, Tellers of Money, who readily spy it out, and therefore not passable, nor will it be taken by any; with this money Gansa you may buy Gold, Silver, Rubies, Drugs, Spices, and all Commodities; and no other Money is current amongst them.

This Gansa goeth by a weight called a Biso, and this name of Bise, goeth for the account of the weight, and therefore a Bise of a Gansa is accounted by strangers there trading ½ ℞ 8/•• or 2s. 6 d. sterling; and albeit that Gold and Silver, as all other Commodites do rise and fall, yet this Bise never altereth in value or estimation. Every Bise maketh a hundred Gansaes of weight, and so it doth come to pass that the number of the money is Bisa.

* 1.278In this Countrey is also seated the Town of Martaven, a place of great Traffick, and the last of this Coast; the Inhabitants whereof are wonderful expert in making of hard Wa••, which hence is dispersed throughout India, and into many places of Europe; here is also made those great earthens Jars or vessels which serve them to keep Water, Oyl, or any other liquor,

and are much used in India, and aboard their Ships in stead of Cask, Barrels, and such Vessels, and throughout all these Countries are called of the name of the place Maatavanas, and in some places by the Portugals Benajos.

CHAP. XCVI. Of Siam, and the Trade of the Coast thereof.

* 1.279UNder the title of Siam, I will comprehend the City of Tenaserim, a famous Town of Traf∣fick, and the Metropolis of a Kingdom; also Pattana, another City on this Coast, not far distan: from Siam it self, being a place where the English Merchants have a residence, and hold a Factory; and lastly, Siam as the principal, and as one upon whom the rest have a dependency, both in matter of Government and Trade. This City then of Siam some years past (as appears by relation of that worthy Merchant Ralph Fitch, and others) was the prime of all these and the neighbouring Regions; but being for twenty one months besieged by the King of Pegu, who after four months march incompassed it with a million and four hundred thousand Souldiers, at length by means of treason and not of strength gained it, drove the King thereof to that desperation, that he poisoned himself with all his wives and chil∣dren; * 1.280since which time it hath obeyed several Princes, and been subject to sundry Masters, according to the various chance of war, and of this Country, which in one Age is seen here so divers••y to alter into sundry shapes; for a petty King which now commands one only Town or Province, in a few years comes to be a great Emperour over several Kingdoms; and per∣adventure that great Emperour who now commanded so many several Nations, within few years after is glad to rule over a small Province, City, or Island: which the Princes of Pegu and Siam have of late years to their great grief found too true by experience.

The City of Siam is yet notwithstanding the former suffered calamity, a place of great Traf∣fick, not only hence to Couchin-China, Macau, Cantor, Malacca, Cambaia, and the Islands Sum∣matra, Borneo, Banda, and others by Sea, but also is much augmented by the inland Trade thereof, partly to Martavan, Tenaserim, and others, which are seated on the same Land, but as seated on the back-side thereof, and as enjoying thereby the Commodity of another Sea, but the same is found proper for Trade by its own commodious situation, * 1.281being on the banks of that great and famous River Menan, which runneth hither through, or rather thwarteth India, arising in the lake of Chiama, as they term it, at least 22 degrees from this City, where it issueth into the Sea, and is here found about the month of March so to over-swell his banks, and the neighbouring Country, that it covereth the earth for 120 miles in compass, and there∣fore the Inhabitants are said to retire themselves during this Inundation to the upper part of their houses, so purposely made to avoid the inconveniency of the waters, every house then having a Boat or Frigot belonging thereto, by which means they converse together, and traffick, as on dry shore, till the said River return to her wonted Channel again.

The Kings of this Country, as indeed of all these Regions, are for the most part Merchants, who gave the English admittance to trade and residence here about 1612; upon whom he bestowed also a fair House for their abode, and Ware-houses to lay up their Merchandize; where since for some years they have continued, but of late years have left it off and discontinued, upon the little benefit this Scale and Country afforded them.

* 1.282The principal Commodities of this City and Coast, are Cotton Linnens of several sorts, and that excellent Wine or distilled Liquor, called here by the name of Nipe, made of Cocos or India Nuts, and hence transported into all parts of India, and the adjoining Regions: here is also great quantity of Benjamin, and of Lac, wherewith the hard Wax is made that is brought hence into sundry parts of the World, also that costly Wood called by the Portugals Palo Dangula, and Calamba, which being good, is weighed against Silver and Gold; for rich Perfumes, and the Wood Sapon used by Dyers; also here is Camphora in great plenty, Bezoar Stones and Gold in some measure good store; also here is found Diamonds, Nutmegs, and some other Spices, which the Country of it self affordeth for the maintenance of the Trade thereof.

* 1.283The Coins here current, as I am informed, are these following:

• The first is a Tail, which is worth 4 Ticals, or seventeen shillings ten pence, or eighteen shil∣lings sterling.
• A Tical is accounted 4 Mass, or 4 s. 4 d. incirca sterling.
• A Mass is accounted 4 Copans, about 13 d. sterling.
• A Copan is accounted 750 Cashe, or 3¼ d. sterling.

• A Tail is 16 Mass, and accounted worth 14 Rials of Eight Spanish.
• And 20 Tail is a Cattee worth 48 Rials of •• Spanish.
• And 1 Tail of Siam is worth 2 Tails of Japan.

* 1.284And note, that in Pattana, and elsewhere on this Coast, Coins find little alteration in current prices and rates, except upon some extraordinary occasions, when some of these Species are sought out, and provided by Merchants to transport into other places, where the same do turn them better to benefit; And note, that at Pattana,

• A Mass is as above worth 4 Copans.
• A Copan worth 4 Conderies.
• A Conderie is 100 Cashe,

which is 800 Cashe, which is 50 more than at Siam, as is above-mentioned.

The Measures and Weights are not come to my knowledge.

So leaving Siam and the Trade of this Coast, I shall repair to Malacca, inhabited and forti∣fied by the Portugals, and of great consequence in these parts.

CHAP. XCVII. Of Malacca, and the Trade thereof.

* 1.285MAlacca is the next Country to the afore-named Siam, seated between the Coasts of Si∣am and Pegu, upon the utmost bound of a long tract of Land, on which is found the City of Malacca in obedience to the Portugal, and conquered by them 1511, and accounted the most profitable command of all India next after Ormus, which of late they have lost, and of Mosambique: It is commodiously seated on the River Gasa, which is here 10 miles broad, (as some write) and is accounted the Staple for all India and China Commodities, and hath a very great Traffick to China, Moluccos, Banda, Java, Summatra, and all the Islands bordering there∣abouts, as also to Siam, Pegu, Bengala, Coast of Chormandel, and other the parts of India, whereby many Ships are found daily to be imployed, coming in and going out, there lading and unlading, selling, buying, and bartering the Commodities of these Countries together; the Country affording of it self no Commodities to preserve Trade, but all other Countries afford to this (by reason of its proper situation for Trade) their native Commodities; a Ship or two coming hither yearly from Lisbon to traffick, which thence departeth 30 days sooner than the rest, for India, and is at her return found commonly the richest that frequent these Countries: * 1.286And here it is observable in Navigation, that the Monsons or Trade winds here continue West and North-west from the end of August to the end of October, and in November begin the Northerly and North-easterly winds, which blow till the beginning of April, and from M•…•… till the end of August, the South and South-west rule, according to which, the Trader hi∣ther must direct his Trade and course, and take the proper season both for his coming and going.

When Albuquerk the Vice-King of Portugal took this City, finding it inhabited and fre∣quented by Merchants of sundry Nations, he established Magistrates for both the Ethnicks, Moors, and Christians, with appeal only reserved to the highest Sovereign the Conquerour: one remarkable passage in this conquest I cannot omit, which was, That an Inhabitant of this place, of eminent note in this City, fighting naked in defence of himself and of his native Country, was found to be wounded with many deep and wide wounds; but on his arm be wore a chain, whereto was fastened the bone of a Javan Beast, called a Cabal, by virtue where∣of, notwithstanding all those wounds which were many and large, he lost not one drop of blood; but when that chain was taken from him, his veins suddenly and at once emptied themselves both of blood and life together. The riches and greatness of the place may by this particular then happening be considered, when as the King's Tenths in the Sack thereof come to 200000 Ducates of Gold, the Soldiers and Adventurers satisfied, besides the concealed and pilfered booty, there found and shared by them.

* 1.287The current Coins are not as yet come to my knowledge, therefore I refer the same to the better experienced.

* 1.288The Weights here common in use, (as far forth as I have collected) is the Cattee Bahar, and Pecul, wherein I find the Observations made hereupon to disagree; some making but one Ba∣har to be here in use, and some two sorts of Bahars, as thus:

One Bahar to be 100 Cattees of Malacca, and each Cattee to be 4½ Cattees of Cantar and Couchin-china, which is 21 l. English, which thus estimated, must be 590 l. English.

A second Bahar they account to be 200 Cattees of Malacca, which here are 302 China Cat∣tees, and thus estimated, the same should be 400 l. English.

Again, They have a weight called the Pecul, which is 100 Cattees of China, and makes 132 l. English; but if this observation be found true by trial, the Cattee must be more than 21 l. English, which I refer to the better experienced: this is the late observation of some of our Merchants trading into these parts; but by the observation of the Portugals, I find the weight to be thus:

* 1.289In Malacca they say are two sorts of weights used, a great and small, which is composed of the Bahar.

A Bahar great weight is 200 Cattees, or 3 Pices.

One Pice is 66⅔ Cattees.

A Cattee is 26 Tails.

A Tail is 1½ ounce Lisbon weight.

And by this great Bahar they weigh Pepper, Cloves, Nutmegs, Sanders, Indico; Allum, Sanguis Draconis, Palo Dangula, Camphora, and many other Commodities.

The small Bahar is also 200 Cattees.

A Cattee is 22 Tails.

A Tail is almost an ounce ⅝ Portugal weight.

And by this small Bahar they weigh Quicksilver, Copper, Vermilion, Ivory, Silk, Musk, Amber, Lignum Aloes, Tin, Lead, Benjamin, Verdet, and other Commodities, &c.

Again, Some observe, that a Tail of Malacca is 16 Masses.

And 10¼ Masses is an ounce Averdupois, and 1½ ounces is 16 •• Masses, by which Masses they sell Bezoar Stones, and some other Commodities.

I should here proceed to survey the Trade of this remaining Tract and Coast, especially that of Cambaia, Couchin-China, and others; but little having fallen into my hand of the Trade exer∣cised there, I willingly omit the same, and next proceed to look only upon the Traffick of China it self, and then to the Islands belonging to Asia.

CHAP. XCVIII. Of China, and the Provinces thereof.

* 1.290CHINA hath on the East, Mare del Zur; on the West, India; on the North, a Wall ex∣tending 1000 miles in length, between the Chinois and the Tartarians; and on the South, the Ocean.

The Trade of this Country is accounted very great, the situation of the place, the tempe∣rature of the air, the disposition of the Inhabitants, the peace which formerly they enjoyed amongst them concur to enlarge the same; the many Navigable Rivers, and the excellent Fa∣bricks here wrought, add to make it eminent, * 1.291and the Commodities that it yields to maintain the same, are these; Barley, Rice, Wooll, Cottons, Olives, Vines, Flax, Silk raw and wrought in∣to infinite sorts of Stuffs, all kinds of metal, Gold especially; Silver and Copper is brought from Japan, &c. Fruits, Honey, Wax, Sugars, Rhubarb, China Roots, Purslain Dishes, Camphire, Gin∣ger, all kinds of Spices, Musk, Civet, Amber, and infinite abundance of Salt, which Commo∣dity only in the Town of Cantor yields Custom to the Prince yearly 180000 Ducats.

* 1.292This Kingdom contains 15 large Provinces, each Province having a Metropolis, besides ma∣ny Cities of lesser note; so that in the whole Tract of this Country is accounted to be 30 Kingdoms, and therein Writers have mentioned to be 1597 Cities and great Towns walled, 1154 Castles, 4200 Boroughs without Walls, wherein Soldiers are quartered, besides an in∣finite number of Villages and Hamlets; * 1.293the Metropolis of the whole Kingdom being vul∣garly called Quinsay, Pequin, and is said to contain in circuit 100 miles, having in the midst thereof a Lake of 30 miles compass, in which are two fair Islands, and in them two magnifi∣cent Palaces, adorned with all necessaries, either for Majesty or Conveniency: the Lake is nou∣rished with divers Rivers, on which is counted 12000 Bridges, and in many Cities here seated on the banks of great and famous navigable Rivers, are found oftentimes ten thousand Sail of great and small Vessels; * 1.294the King himself having in the City of Nanquin (accounted the second in this Kingdom) seated upon a fair and large River (if Writers relations may have credit) * 1.295ten thousand Sail of Ships of his own, and the City being nine leagues from the Sea, the whole distance is found to be, as it were, wholly imployed and taken up with Vessels and Boats; for therein the Inhabitants make their abode, dwell, negotiate, and remove at their pleasure, from one place and City to another.

It is confidently affirmed by all modern Travellers that have been here, that the Inhabitants are not permitted to issue out of this Kingdom, nor yet strangers to enter into it; and though for the commodiousness of Traffick this strict Law find some toleration for a certain limited time for the Natives to trade abroad, yet is it most nearly lookt into on the behalf of stran∣gers,

that would enter into their Country; therefore (this considered) though the motives of Trade and Commerce be many; yet this inviolable custom so severely executed, hinde•…•… justly the particulars I should in this place set down of the Trade of this Mighty Empire; how∣soever it is observed, that the Japaners and some neighbouring Islanders, as also the Portugals, and some other Christians, have (by the favour of the great Maritime Commanders in this Country, and their own fair deportment) procured a License of Trade in Canton, Maccau, Nanquin, and some other Sea-Ports; but with such strict limitations, as that in some Cities it is death for them to lie or abide at night either in the Town or in the Suburbs, but aboard their own Ships, and in Canton, where they find the most courteous usage, they may not upon pain of death abide one night within the City Walls; but as in the morning their names are registred at their entring into the City, so they come at night and blot out the same with their own hands: I can then but afford a taste of the whole Trade, by a little that I have observed out of the Collections of others, which must serve for a model to the frame and foundation of what is practised in other Cities throughout this Empire, which I will comprehend under the Title of Maccau, most frequented by our Nations.

CHAP. XCIX. Of Maccau, and the Trade thereof.

* 1.296THE Island and Town of Maccau, (as the place best known upon this Coast to our Na∣tion,) is seated on the North side of a Bay, which is at the mouth of the great River of Canton, which runneth out of the Lake of Quinsay spoken of before, opposite to which stand∣eth the great City of Canton, which I mentioned, as the place where is found the present Staple of all the Commodities of China; and thither do Merchants of all parts frequent to buy and barter for other Commodities, with the restrictions and limitations above specified: and as for Maccau, it is inhabited by Portugals intermixt with the natural Chinese; the principal of their Commerce being with the Inhabitants of Canton, from whence all the Commodities of China are found to issue; and here the Portugals at the arrival of their Ships, do choose out a Factor amongst themselves, who is permitted in all their behalfs to go to trade for them at C•…•…∣ton, but in the night he is to abide in the Suburbs under severe punishment, as I have before remembred.

* 1.297Here is found a Ship to come yearly out of India, by a particular license of the King of Spain; the Captain's place is ever bestowed upon a Person of Quality, in reward of some for∣mer service, as indeed all the Captains places of the Fortresses of India are; from Maccau the said Ship then (having dispatch'd her business) doth sail to Japan, and there fully discharged her lading, and thence returneth again to Maccau, and from thence to Malacca, and so to Goa in India; and though this Voyage of Japan is ever granted by particular license to some one in particular, yet to Maccau and Malacca any Merchant may go that will; but none may yet lade or unlade in either place, before such time as the Ships termed of the Kings are fully dispatched and laden, and are ready to depart for India: it is recorded by some Portu∣gals, that this Captain's place may be worth to him for his part 200000 Ducates, and that the said Ship is commonly 1500 Tuns in burthen, and that the Voyage continueth for three years from India, and so back; for in April they set sail from Goa to Malacca, where they abide some season for the winds or Monsons, which at certain times blow certain set months together; and then from Malacca they sail hither to Maccau, where they stay at least nine months for the said Monsons, and then sail to Japan, where they must stay likewise certain months for the dispatch of their business; and the Monsons to return again to Maccau, where again they stay, as in their Voyage outward: so that by these delays the time of three years is fully expired, before they have ended their Voyage to and from Japan; and all the time of this Captain's residence either in Maccau or Japan, he is there accounted the chief Ruler and Governour of the place, having the like power as their Vice-Roy in Goa, and as the several Cap∣tains in their Forts; for that when the one departeth from Maccau to Japan, there cometh another from Goa to Maccau, to make the same Voyage after the other hath performed his; and when he returneth again from Japan to Maccau, the other saileth to Japan, and so the first continueth Governour again at Maccau, until he departeth from thence to Ma∣lacca, and so to India; and by this means, there is always found a Portugal Governour at Maccau.

* 1.298The Commodities in general of China I have mentioned before, the particular and principal Commodities of Canton and Maccau, are Silks raw, and Silk wrought; the raw is found to be of three several sorts, First Lankin, which is the best; the second is Fuscan; the third and worst is Lankam; and these are known to us in Europe, and bear price there commonly about 145

or 150 ℞ 8/8 Spanish, the Pico of Lankin, the Fuscan is worth 140 or 145 ℞ 8/8, and the Lankan is worth 70 or 75 ℞ 8/8, and all these are counted unspun Silk; but the spun Lankin is worth from 150 to 170 ℞ 8/8 the Pico; the spun Fuscan is worth 130 or 135 ℞ 8/8, and the spun Lankam of Canton 80 ℞ 8/8 the Pico; and these I thought good to mention, as being the principal Commodi∣ty vended out of these Countries to other places.

* 1.299The Commodities then wherewith the Portugals do drive this Trade, and which they carry to Maccao from India, is principally ℞ ••/8 Rials of Eight, which in China is cut into pieces, and so paid out, as I shall shew hereafter in payment of Merchandize; also Wines of Spain and In∣dia, Olive Oil, Velvets, which of all other sorts of Silk Stuffs they cannot make, and fine Woollen, Scarlet Cloth, whereof they have none, nor yet can they make any, although they have materials, as Sheep and Wooll plenty; also Looking-glasses, and all sorts of Drinking-glasses, and Chrystal, Ivory, Elephants-teeth, and sundry other Commodities.

The Weights, Coins, and Measures, in Maccao in China.

32 Vals make a Tola of Surat, and 3 Tola's 3 Vals make a Tay or Tayel in Maccao, and 1 Tay is 1 ounce and 11/16 of an ounce Averdupois.

The Weights in China, for Gold, Silver, Musk, Ambergreece, &c. are as followeth.

Tays, or Tayels, and by some called Tans, Mass, Condreens, Cash, Avo's; they usually set down two figures or cyphers for Avo's; for the latter thereof there is no denomination that I could be informed of, but do account 10 Avo's to 1 Cash, 10 Cash to 1 Condreen, 10 Condreens to 1 Mass, 10 Mass to 1 Tay, and 16 Tays or Tayels to 1 Cattee.

1 Tay is 1 ounce, and 11/16 of an ounce Averdupois.

The weights for all gross Goods, or Commodities, go amongst the Portuguez in Macca, by the Denomination of Pecu or Pecul, and Bahar.

100 Cattees make 1 Pecul, each Pecul 128 Rotolo's of the Portuguez, which after the rate of 20⅞ ounce Averdupois to a Cattee, by the ballance is 2087½ ounce, and pounds English 130 15/32 parts of a pound, but generally it is accounted 132⅘ pound, 32 or 133, and others make it by reducing the weights 131 l. ••/4 Averdupois, But this difference may grow or accrue by reason of some computing, and weighing by the Dotchen, or Stilyard, and others by the Bal∣lance 18 Cattees, or 24 Rotolo's, is 1 Maund of Goa and Macao by the ballance; but by the Dotchen it is no less than 18¼ Cattees, 300 Cattees is a Bahar, which at 21 ounces to the Cattee (as it is ordinarily reckoned) is but 393¾ pound, although it is generally accounted 396 pound, but then the Cattee must be more than 21 ounces, and it is by my own experience but 20⅞ ounces; but this difference may be by one weighing by the Dotchen of Stilyard, and the other by the Ballance, as in like manner it is with the Pecul, the Dotchen making more, the Ballance less; 100 Tays in Plate of the Alloy of the Rials of Eight, worth but 92 Tays of Plate Saysee or Soma, which is the highest Alloy, and reduced to that fineness by the Chinese themselves, unless it be in some of the bars of Silver which the Spaniards bring out of the West-Indies, through the South Seas to the Manilla's, one of the Philippine Islands, thence trans∣ported to Maccao in China: 100 Tays in Plate of the Alloy of Rials of Eight Sevil is worth 115 Tays in Plate Currente, otherwise called small Bars of Silver of Japan.

If you agree when you buy Gold to pay in Plate Currentee, which is Silver of Japan, you must allow 17 per cent. to correspond with the Rials of Eight. But if you agree to pay for your Loass of Gold (which the Portuguez call Pan de Ore) in Rials of Eight, then you have no more to do but to weigh the Rials of Eight, and so reduce them into Tays.

The Loaf or Pan de Ore, poize about 12½ ounces Averdupois, little more or less.

One Rial of Eight of Sevil, or Mexi∣co.	Plate Rials by the Ballance, is 7 Mass, 3 Condreens, 3 Cash.
Plate Rials by the Dotchen, is 7 Mass, 4 Condreens.
Plate Currentee or of Japan, by the Ballance, is 8 Mass, 4 Condreens, 2 Cash, 9½ Avo's.
Plate Currentee or of Japan, by the Dotchen, is 8 Mass, 5 Condreens.
Plate Saysee or Soma, by the Ballance, is 6 Mass, 7 Condreens, 4 Cash, 3 ••/10 Avo's.
Plate Saisee or Soma, by the Dotchen, is 6 Mass, 8 Condreens, 0 Cash, 8 Avo's.

100 Rials of Eight, Sevil or Mexico.	73 Tays, 3 Mass by the Ballance.
100 Rials of Eight, Sevil or Mexico. 74 Tays by the Dotchen.

A Tay or Tayel is by the nearest calculation that can be made, 1 Rial of Eight, and 3/2 parts of a Rial, a very small matter less.

By the preceding account to receive by the Dotchen, and pay out by the Ballance, there will be gained in the 74 Tays, or 100 Rials of Eight, received by the Dotchen 7 Mass.

And on the contrary to receive by the Ballance, and to pay out by the Dotchen, there will be lost in the 73 Tays 3 Mass, or 100 Rials of Eight 7 Mass.

733 Cash is one Rial of Eight by the Ballance, and is so ordinarily accounted, in making up, and reducing of accounts, or casting up of any Sum.

Note, that 5 Maunds and 8 Rottolo's of Goa, or of any of the Portugal Towns in India, is 1 Pecu or Pecul, and 3 Maunds 26 Sear of Surat, after the rate of 27⅓ Sear Surat to the Maund Goa, is 1 Pecul and 132 l. ⅘ English nearest.

So that the difference (as already said) which ariseth in the Pecul from 130 l. 15/32 parts of a pound; to 132⅘, and 133 l. English, is by weighing by the Ballance or Stilyard, the Stilyard or Dotchen making more, the Ballance less.

The Covid or Maccao, is rather a very small matter more than less than 3 quarters of our Yard and 2½ Inches or more, rather 29 Inches ⅝ of an Inch nearest, which Covid is used by the Portuguez.

The Chinese have another Covid or Measure, consisting of between 14 11/12 of an Inch, and 14 6/7 of an Inch, which is divided into 10 parts, and each of those are subdivided into 10 other parts. The Covid or Measure of the Chinchoses, a Province of China, bordering upon the Province of Canton, and Eastward of Maccao, is but just 12 Inches of our measure, and is the ⅘ parts of Chinese Covid or Measure nearest.

As for Coins, there is none in the Southern parts, but if you buy any thing, after you have agreed for it, you cut off of the Rial of Eight so many Mass, Condreens, &c. as you agree for, and so weigh it by the Dotchen, which every one carries about him.

Having thus done with the main Continent of Asia, and cursorily surveyed the particular Trade of some of the most eminent Cities of the Kingdoms therein contained; being constrai∣ned by reason of the remoteness of these places, and want of better information, to let the same pass not so perfect as otherwise I could wish for and desire, I shall willingly in what is here by me omitted, crave the advices of the better experienced; and that they would add by their knowledg and trial what is either here defective, or altogether left out: and thus lea∣ving the Continent (according to my method) I will in brief run through some of those Islands which merit observation, and survey the Trade thereof as amply as my Adviso's will give me leave.

CHAP. C. Of the Islands of Asia, and the Trade thereof.

* 1.300THE Islands of Asia are either in the Oriental Seas, as Japan, Zeilan, Moluccoes, Javas, Summatra, Barneo, the Philippines, and others: or in the Mediterranean Sea, as Rhodes, Cyprus, &c. of the Trade whereof a word, before I conclude this Commerce of Asia.

CHAP. CI. Of the Island of Japan, and the Trade thereof.

* 1.301JApan is situated over against Canton in China, having in length 600 miles, but narrow in breadth, in some places 90, and in some but 30 miles: it obeys 66 several Sovereigns, the King of Tense holding the principal authority, commanding 50 of the 66 above men∣tioned Kingdoms; every King, Lord, and Master having full power and authority over the goods and lives of the subjects, servants and children subject unto him. It was discovered by the Portugal, Anno 1542. and since is much frequented by Jesuits, who in great numbers have settled themselves here, and are found to exercise Trade and Commerce, as cunningly and sub∣tilly as any Jew elsewhere in the world.

Their chief Towns are Osacaia, Bunguin, Meaco, and are the principal Ports frequented by Merchants Strangers: the Commodities of this place and Islands, is Silver in some good measure digged up here, and carried hence by Merchants to China to exchange for Silks; and princi∣pally Rice, which is found here growing in such abundance, that the King or Emperour draweth Two millions of Ducates yearly out of that which is gathered from his own Possessions, which he hath received at his own Demesne; * 1.302and at Firando, one of the Islands of Ja∣pan,

the English have setled a Factory for Trade in 1613. by Captain Sari's labour and in∣dustry.

The civil Wars that continually vex these Islands, hinder an exact survey of the materials, whereby their Trade is driven; yet so far as I have collected, I will here insert.

* 1.303Their Moneys current for the most part through these Islands are thus termed, and with some small difference have this value.

Their Silver Coins current is a Tail, a Mass, and a Condery.

A Tail is a ℞ of 8/••, or 5 s. sterling, or ⅛ Tail of Siam; and this Tail is 10 Mass, or 100 Con∣deries.

A Mass is 10 Conderies, or 6 d. sterling.

And in some places the ℞ ••/•• passeth for 74 Condories only, and no more.

Their Gold is coined into two small Barrs of two several sorts, the one is called an Iehebo, worth about 15 in 16 Mass of Silver; the other is called a Coban, worth from 60 to 68 Mass, which may be valued from 30 s. to 34 s. sterling. The Wars that continually vex this Country is the cause of this unconstant rate and price thereof.

* 1.304The Weights in use in Japan is the Pecul and the Cattee.

• A Pecul is 10 Cattees.
• A Cattee is accounted by some 21 ounces, and by some 20¾ ounces Averdupois;

so that a Pe∣cul is about 130 or 131 l. English.

* 1.305Their Measure of length is an Incken or Tattamy, which is 2½ yards English; 25 yards be∣ing 12 Tattamies.

* 1.306Their measure for Rice is thus accounted:

• A Gant is 3 Cocas, being as much as three English Ale-Pints.
• An Ickgoga is 100 Ganta's.
• One Ickmagog is 1000 Ickgoga's.
• One Managoga is 10000 Ickmagogs.

CHAP. CII. Of Zeilan, and the Trade thereof.

* 1.307ZEilan lieth in the gulph of Bengala, in length 250, and in breadth 140 miles; found so fruitful, that the grass groweth, and the trees bear fruit all the year long without inter∣mission: it is commanded in chief by the great Mogul; the principal Towns are Zeilan, the Metropolis of the Island, and Columbo, fortified by the Portugals; and as it is conceived com∣manding over the best harbour in India.

* 1.308For Commodities it hath many, and almost all things that are found in India, through all the several Provinces and places thereof; first, it hath Nutmegs, Cloves, and Pepper-Trees good store, and the best Cinnamon in all India, which is here had and found growing in whole woods, and hence dispersed into all parts of the World: also it affords all kinds of precious Stones, (except Diamonds) as Saphirs, Rubies, Topazes, Spinals, Granati; also a plentiful fish∣ing for Pearl, yet not accounted so good as at Bareim by Ormus; it hath likewise Mines of Gold, Silver, and other metals; also Iron, Flax, Brimstone, Ivory bones, and sundry other Commodities. * 1.309Here is also a Hill of that great height, that the Inhabitants hold it the highest in India, and call it Adam's Hill, upon which they say Paradise stood, and that Adam was there created; whose foot-steps, if they may be believed, do remain yet ingraven there in the Rock, and go not out: but the Inhabitanis being most active in their bodies, may be ima∣gined to be so also with their tongues; for throughout India they practice nothing but jug∣ling and Hocus Pocus, and other feats of Activity; * 1.310being the most excellent managers of Hoby∣horses, and tumbling, by which Trade they get money throughout all the neighbouring Regions; and therefore not surveying this their Traffick further, I will leave them to their Come aloft Jack, Pass and repass, and pass my self over to the next Islands, being those famous of the Mo∣luccoes, the only Islands of all India, affording in such store and plenty that excellent and ad∣mirable Spice, known to us by the name of Cloves.

CHAP. CIII. Of the Moluccoes, and the Trade thereof.

* 1.311THE Moluccoes are five in number, Molucco, Tarnate, Tider, Ge••olo, and Macian, to which may be added for nearness in the situation, Banda, and seventy other lesser Islands, which submit themselves and their delicious Commodities to the King of Terenate, at pre∣sent the most powerful through all these Islands. * 1.312These Islands are sound to have for Com∣modities some Nutmegs, especially in Banda, also some Maces; * 1.313but the principal Commodities of all these Islands is the delicate Spice, known to us by the name of Cloves, and found here growing in so great abundance, that it is apparent the whole World is furnished from hence; and all Merchants coming hither, and frequenting these Islands, are found only to come for this Commodity, and for nothing else. * 1.314In this number I may also reckon the Amboina Islands, as the Island Amboina it self, Polerone, Polloway, Lantore, and Rosington, a∣bounding with the self-same Commodity, and of late years made infamous, * 1.315by the bloody slaugh∣ter, and butcherly tyrannical torture and death of some English Factors, by the Machiavilian and matchless villany of the Dutch; the Actors of which have all of them, or the most part, come to untimely and fatal ends, (if reports be true,) thereby shewing the manifest judgment of GOD is punishing their villanies and wickedness, when as they thought themselves safe and free from the hands and justice of Man; and for those that as yet are living, I leave them to the terror of their guilty Consciences, and without repentance to their due Punishment in the world to come; where an uncor∣rupted and impartial Governour and Fiscal shall examine their Amboina Proceedings truly, and re∣ward them according to their merits. Some of these Islands are now by them commanded, ha∣ving driven out the Inhabitants, and by death cut off the interest of the English, who were jointly partners with them both in their Conquest and Trade; and now there is none left to the English but Polerone, originally theirs, yet now due to them by a second composition and agreement, who coming of late to take possession thereof, found that those barbarous 〈◊〉〈◊〉 wicked Dutch-men resident in the neighbouring Islands, had cut down and killed all the Clove-Trees, and other of worth there growing, thereby depriving the English of all their expected benefit, by the last but prejudicial composition.

* 1.316The Coins current in Moluccoes, Amboina, Banda, &c. and other Islands, I find not any settled in use amongst them; the Spanish ℞ ½ is the most usual in their payment for Commdi∣ties, and for the most part they use no other Coins but it: but I find, that according to the innocency of the times past, they barter and sell one Commodity for another, which is yet the most usual custom amongst them.

* 1.317Their common weight in use is the Bahar and Cattee.

The Bahar of Amboina of Cloves is 200 Cattees, and is English 625 l. which is the great Bahar.

This great Bahar is 50 Barrotes, every Barrote being 12½ l. Averdupois.

They have also in some of these Islands a greater Bahar, being ten times the former quan∣tity, making 6250 l. English.

A Cattee is 100 Rials of ••/•• almost 6 l. English.

Ten Cattees of Mace is called a small Bahar of Maces, and of the value of 10 Rials of Eight.

100 Cattees of Nutmegs is a small Babar of Nuts, and is of the aforesaid value of 10 Rials of Eight.

100 Cattees of Maces is called a Great Bahar of Maces.

And 1000 of Nutmegs is accounted a Great Bahar of Nutmegs.

And note, that 10 Bahars of Nuts is accounted for one Bahar of Maces usually throughout al•• the Islands.

A Cattee of Maces being commonly worth one ℞ 8/••.

And 10 Cattees of Nutmegs commonly worth but also 1 ℞ 8/••.

The Inhabitants finding now their native Commodities requested by all other Nations, who come from far Regions to traffick with them for the same, have daily learned new experiments of Traffick and Commerce; and whereas in former time they exchanged their Cloves, &c. for Cotton cloath, and such like to cloath them, which yet is in some use amongst them; yet now they begin to know the worth of Silver, and the value of the Rial of Eight, and how th•• hath power to bring and provide to them all other necessaries whatsoever.

* 1.318The Measure of length is distinguished by Fathoms and Cubits, borrowed from their late Ma∣sters the Dutch and Portugals.

* 1.319But their dry measures for Corn, Grain, Rice, &c. is called a Canton, making about 5••/•• pints English.

A Quoian is their greatest measure, and is 800 Cantons.

It is to be noted here, that the Islands of Moluccoes were first discovered by the Portugals in their Navigations to these parts, and afterward finding them rich in Cloves, by little and little got footing therein, partly by fair means, but principally by building of Forts and Castles in divers of them for the better obtainment and preservation of the brave Trade of these Islands: but of late years the Hollanders envying this their engrossing of this rich Commodity, endea∣voured to supplant them, or in default of means and power to effect that, so to plant them∣selves, that they might partake and share with them in the Cloves, Nutmegs, and Maces, the only Commodities these Islands are found to produce, which by their policy, valour, and craft, at length hath so well succeeded with them, that now they are Masters and Command∣ers over many Forts and strong Castles in these Islands; * 1.320as Mallayo, Tallucco, and Tacuma, in the principal Island of Ternate, at Mariero in Tidoro, at Nassaw in Timor, Mauritas and Tabiliola in Machian, and which is intirely the Hollanders, 2 in Banda, 2 in Amboina, Barne∣felt, in Bachian, and sundry others, seated here and there through the most convenient and best Ports for Trade and shipping in all these Islands; so that now being become more strong, potent, and daring, they have coped with the Portugals in divers encounters by Sea and Land, sometimes winning and sometimes losing, according to both their force and fortunes: in all their occasions, adding violence to Trade, trading peaceably where they cannot otherwise choose, and robbing and pilfering when and where they cannot otherwise make up their mouths to profit; in which practice of Trade and Thievery or thievish Trade, I leave them and those Islands, and come next to Java.

CHAP. CIV. Of Javas, and the Trade thereof.

* 1.321IN this Tract is found Java major and Java minor, the greater being in compass 3000, and the lesser 2000 miles; the nearness of these two Islands to the Aequator, maketh these Countries so wonderful fertile, that they are termed the Epitome of the World. The chief Cities here are Palauban, Mega, Pegar, Agaim, and Ballambua; and in the lesser Java, Bosnia, Samara, Limbri, and others, but their principal Trade is driven at Sunda, Calapa, Bantam, Ja∣catra, now baptized by the Dutch Batavia, and lastly, Japarra; in which three last, the English have residence and Factories.

* 1.322The Commodities of these Islands, is Rice in abundance, Oxen, Kine, Hogs, Sheep, Indian Nuts, and all Provisions for food; also all kind of Spices, as Cloves, Nutmegs, and Mace, which the native Merchants transport to Malacca and other neighbouring Islands in great mea∣sure; also Pepper in great quantity, esteemed far better than that of India or Malabar, prin∣cipally growing about the Straights of Sunda, of which there is yearly laden hence about ten thousand Quintals English; it hath also much Frankincense, Benjamin, Camphora; also Diamonds, and many other precious Stones, which are found therein.

* 1.323The fittest and most proper Commodities for these Islands Trade, are divers and different sorts and colours of Cotton Linnens, which are made at Cambaia, Cormandel, and Bengala, called Se∣rasses, Sarampurus, Cassus, Sateposas, black Cannequins, red Turrias, and divers other sorts found made in the places abovesaid.

* 1.324Here the Hollanders are found to be Masters of Jacatra, of late years called by them Batavia, the best and greatest Port of their Trade and rendezvous in these parts, where by little and little they have so fortified themselves, that they prescribe Laws to the Inhabitants, and endeavour to debar both English and all other from enjoying any benefit of the Trade thereof.

* 1.325In Sunda (which I account here as the principal Mart Town, and in a manner the greatest in Java major) they have no other kind of money than certain Copper pieces minted, which they call Caixa, in the middle whereof is a hole to hang them on strings, for commonly they put 200 or a 1000 upon one string, wherewith they make their payments, as by this follow∣ing account.

A Satta is 200 Caixas.

Five Satta's is 1000 Caixa's, which is a Crusado, Portugal money, or about 6 shilling sterling.

* 1.326The Merchants of Europe here resident keep their accounts, in ℞ ••/•• and pence, accounting 60 pence, to the ℞ ••/•• Spanish.

* 1.327The weight at Bantam, Jacatra, Japarra., and at Sunda, is the Picul, the Cattee, and Babar.

A Cattee being less than the Cattee of Maccau, contains but 20 ounces English, and the other 20 ¾ ounces.

A Picul is 100 Cattees, and consequently is 125 l. English.

A Bahar is 330 Cattees of China, of 20 ounces as abovesaid, and may make in England 412 l.

* 1.328Their Measure for length is (—)

Their dry measures for Grain, Rice, and Pepper, is a Timbam, and contain ten Sacks, princi∣pally used in Pepper and Rice, consisting of five Piculs; so that by this computation each Sack should contain in weight 62½ l. English, two Sacks for a Picul,

* 1.329The common prices of Commodities as I find them here observed, are Pepper of Sunda, is sold by the Sack, weighing ½ a Picul, or 45 Cattees of China, each Cattee being 20 ounces, at 5000 Caixa's, and when it is at highest at 6 or 7000 Caixa's; Maces, Cloves, Nutmegs, white and black Benjamin and Camphora, are sold by the Bahar, good Mace commonly sold for 120 thou∣sand Caixa's; the Bahar and good Cloves after the same rate, but bad and foul Cloves, are sold at 70 or 80000 Caixa's the Bahar; Nutmegs commonly sold for 20 or 25 thousand Caixa's the Bahar, white and black Benjamin sold for 150 or 180 thousand Caixa's, and if extraordinary good, 200 thousand the Bahar; but how far these agree with the now common current rates, I refer to the better experienced.

CHAP. CV. Of Summatra, and the Trade thereof.

* 1.330SUmmatra, anciently Traprobana, and Solomon's supposed Ophir; was esteemed the biggest Island in the World, but modern experience hath found the contrary, being only 700 miles long, and 200 miles broad: * 1.331The Aequator cutteth through it, so that the Sun's vicinity makes it abound in several precious Commodities for Traffick, as first it hath Pepper in abun∣dance, whereof above twenty. Ships of burthen is hence yearly laden; also Ginger, Alces, Cassia, raw Silk, Gold and Silver, Brass, and some other Drugs. This Island is subject to ma∣ny Princes, the principal whereof are the Kings of Pedor and Achin; it is here a custom that the Natives do eat their slain Enemies, and did earst account their Skulls for a great treasure which they exchanged for other necessaries, he being accounted the richest man that hath most store of them in his house; this custom is almost extinguished, for the Trade of Merchants from other Countries thither, of late years having brought Silver and Gold in request amongst them, hath made them since know better.

* 1.332In this Island is found a Hill of Brimstone continually burning, and two very strange and admirable Fountains, the one yielding pure and excellent Balsamum, and the other most excel∣lent Oyl.

The chief Cities of this Island, is Daren, Pasen, and Androgede, the habitation of so many Kings, * 1.333but the principal places and parts for Trade known to the Europeans, are Dachem or Achin, Ticko, Jambe and Priaman, all maritime and good harbours; where the English are found to have residence and Factories; also Pedir, Campar and Manancabo, to the which the Portu∣gals generally do trade; but the Inhabitants for the most part transporting the native Commedi∣ties of this their Island to Malucca, which is not distant above twenty miles off, are not much troubled with the Portugals Commerce; though in lieu of them the Dutch have of late got foot∣ing and built Fortresses, to their as great trouble, vexation and slavery.

* 1.334Within these few years these Islanders were not known to have any Coins current in payment for Merchandize amongst them, but the Skulls of their slain Enemies, as I said before, which they accounted as their greatest treasures, and with which their barters and exchanges for things necessary were made; but now of late the Kings of Achin, in imitation of other adjoyning Princes, and so the near neighbourhood of Malacca, now in possession of the Portugals, have coined moneys, which in these days are observed to be these:

A Mass, which is here accounted for 4 Cappans, which is 12 d. sterling.

A Tail is 16 Masses, or 3⅕ ℞ ••/••, or sterling money 16 s.

A Cattee is 8 Tails in ordinary account, and worth 25⅔ ℞ •• Spanish, or 6 l. 8 s. sterling, and sometimes in exchange from hence to other adjacent parts, they account 7¼ and 7½ Tails to one Cattee.

* 1.335In other parts of this Island, as Jambe, Ticho, and Priaman, they have no Coins of their own, but the most current is the Spanish ℞ ••, in which the Europeans keep their accounts, and for distinction divide it to be 60 Deniers or Pence to a ℞ ••.

* 1.336The common through all Summatra is a Bahar, but yet found to vary in many places, and consisteth of Cattees, which in greatness also vary, and from thence cometh the difference; but in Achin, Priamam, Ticcou, and Jambe, where the English reside, the Bahar is found to be in each of these places 200 Cattees; every Cattee is 29 ounces English, so that by this computa∣tion the Bahar must make 360 l. English sotile.

* 1.337The measures here in use are (—)

CHAP. CVI. Of Borneo Island, and the Trade thereof.

* 1.338THe next Island in this Tract is Borneo, and is equally divided by the Aequinoctial into two parts, putting as it were a bound between the Dominions of the King of Borneo on the North-side, and of Laus on the South, in compass accounted above 2200 miles, and held the greatest of all this Ocean.

* 1.339The Country doth yield in great abundance, the wood which we call Camphora; also that wood known by the Portugals by the name of Polo d' Aguila; and also that costly sweat wood which is called Collamba, which being good is weighed against Silver and Gold: also here is found some. Gold, Diamonds, Nutmegs, Maces, Agarick, and other Spices; and great abundance of that excellent Antidote, which in Europe is called the Bezoar-stone.

* 1.340It is plentifully stored with many fair Towns and Harbours, as Cabura, Taioparra, Tamoru∣tas and Borneo, the Metropolis and most magnificent above all the rest, containing 25 thousand Inhabitants, and seated in a Marish of the Sea, after the manner of Venice. * 1.341Also Secodana, where many Diamonds are found, and where the English some years past had a factory and resi∣dence, as also the same in Beniermasa, another good Port in this Island.

I have not met with the Coins current here in payment for Merchandize, nor yet with the Weights and Measures in use in this Island; therefore must refer the same to the better experien∣ced, and to the Traders thither.

CHAP. CVII. Of Celebs Island, and the Trade thereof.

* 1.342THE Island of Celebs is the next in this Tract, nor far distant from Borneo Island, through part of which runneth the Equator, yielding by the vicinity of the Sun the same Commo∣dities proper to Summatra, Borneo, Gilolo and others, seated under the same line; it is subject to several Princes, and enjoyeth some eminent Towns frequented by European Merchants, for the sake of their rich Commodities, as Durati, Mamaio, Tubon and * 1.343Maccasar, the chiefest Port for the Trade and Commerce of this Island, and where the English have a residence and factory, and fol∣lowing their observations made in this place, I find,

* 1.344Their Coins current here in use are found to be the Mass, Cupan and Tail thus valued.

A Tail is accounted for 16 Masses in current value, and is reckoned to be worth 15 Rials of Eight.

A Mass is a Gold Coin, as is the Tail, and wants somewhat of 5 s. or a Rial of ••/8 Spanish.

And this Mass is 4 Cuppans, each Cuppan esteemed to be about 14 d. sterling money; and by this calculation the Tail should make sterling, 3 l. 14 s. 8 d. and by the account of ℞ ••/8 at 5 s. ster∣ling, the Tail is 3 l. 15 s. sterling.

* 1.345The common weights in use are the Ganton, Zicoyan, and Mass, thus agreeing with the Eng∣lish weight Averdupois.

The Ganton is both a weight and measure, in weight it is found to be about 5 l. English, and in measure about two English Gallons.

A Mass in weight is 40 Gantons, which is 200 l. English, or 80 Gallons English.

A Zicoyan is 20 Masses in weight, which is 4000 l. English, or 800 Cantons of this place.

To proceed to the rest of the Islands in these Seas, is a work past my skill, or I think most mens else, considering the multitude thereof, * 1.346the Philippines being discovered by the Spaniards in Anno 1564, being in number 110 thousand, as some Authors report. Over against China are also found 7448 Islands, and about India 127000 great and small more, which in many places stand so nigh one to another, that they seem not only to such as are afar off to touch and to be all one firm land, but whosoever passeth between them, may with his hands touch the boughs of the Trees, both on the one and on the other side. Many Commodities are found growing upon these Islands, with which the Inhabitants of many of them, maintain a Traf∣fick

with their Neighbours; the knowledge whereof I leave to the better experienced.

* 1.347Now forasmuch as Portugals, Dutch, and English have of late years discovered those Coun∣tries of India, and that some of them have since settled themselves by Forts and Castles there: It will not be improper I should here survey their strengths and holds built for defence, and their Factory settled for Traffick throughout this Continent of Asia, and the Islands thereof. The Portugals then were the first that brake the Ice, and in Anno 1498. departing from Lisbon, un∣der Command of Vasco di Gamma, doubled the Cape of Bona Esperance, which hath proved so successful to them since that time, that they have mastered, conquered and fortified themselves beyond that Cape in Soffala, Quiloa, Mosambique, Mombasa, and in Ormus in the Persian Gulph, lately again lost. In India they have the Castles and Towns of Diu, Daman, Basain, Ch•…•…, Goa, Honor, Barsola, Mongalor, Cananor, Cronganor, Cochin and Colan. In Silon they have Collumbe, bragging of one of the best Ports of the World; on the Coast of Chormandel, they hold Negapatam and St. Thomas: In Bengala they have Porto Pequenio, and Porto Grande, and Serapure; also Serone, Molucca; and some holds in the Molucca Islands, Macao, and Nungasark in Japan, and divers others; in all which they are found to be both strong, power∣ful, and great, and Masters of all the rich Traffick of these places, which thus for 100 year very near, they have both peaceably and quietly enjoyed at their own terms and condition, till the Dutch disturbed them, who seconded them in the Trade of India, who were the ne••, who envying that this rich stream should only run his current to Lisbon, and that all the p•…•…∣cious Commodities of India should first salute Portugal, * 1.348set out from Amsterdam in Anno 1595, and have since so well played their cards, and pleaded, as some alledge, so strongly with Ca••∣non Law and steel Arguments, that within 30 years they have found themselves to be Maste•…•… and Commanders in these Countries and Seas of 28 Forts and Castles, and of 44 or 4•• Factories, for the preservation and prosecution of their Trade and Government, the names and draughts of which, some of their own Nation have published to their no little honour, and no small estimation; so that it may be imagined that their flood and the Spaniards ebb, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in few years bring the Indies to be more theirs than the ••ortugals, notwithstanding their so long possession.

* 1.349The English Nation are the last and least in this Trade and discovery, for they imitating only the Portugals and Dutch in the due Rules of the prosecution of a Trade, but not in the prosecution of the Natives; begun their discoveries in Anno 1600, under the Command of Sir James La∣caster, with four Ships, the Dragon, Hector, Asenton, and Susan, whose endeavours have 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by the blessing of God, and the good Government of that Company so well succeeded, th•…•… they have sent forth above 30 Fleets or Voyages; and have settled their residence and Factia in 20 or 24 several places of note, as at Ormus and Jasques, in the entrance of the Pers•…•… Gulph, under the Persian Monarch at Cambaia, Surrat and Agria, and other places in the Gre•• Mogul's Country, at Musulapan, Armagon, Petipoly, Pottana, Siam, and other places 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Coast of Chormandel, and the Continent of Asia: at Achin, Ticko, Jambe, and Priani•…•…, on the Island Summatra, at Bantam, Jacatra and Japarra on the Island of Java, at Socod•…•… and Benlermasa, on the Island Borneo; at Mogassar in the Island of Celebs, at Pulleron on the Island Banda, at Firando in Japan; and lastly in Amboina, Hitto, and other of the Moluccaes, which they quietly enjoyed, until the traiterous and bloody-minded Dutch did butcherly betray their lives, purposely to deprive them of that Trade, and to satisfie their unsatiable blood-thirstiness; as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 extant by the passages of that Act in several Languages in the World.

These are then the only three European Nations that now contend and share among•…•… them the Traffick and Commodities of these Eastern Countries; the Portugals making Lisbe•• the scale of the East-India Commodities; the Hollander making their Amsterdam the Staple for their parts, and the English London for their Emporium; which within these late years, not∣withstanding their sundry crosses and losses, is increased to that height and eminency, that these Merchants do not only furnish Italy, but also Constantinople, Aleppo, Smyrna, and other parts of Turkey, with all those Indian Commodities, which within less than these twenty years, they brought from thence into England, to the prejudice of Syria and Aegypt, and to the enrich∣ing of the English Subjects in general; as hath been most judiciously and at large demonstrated by the Right Honourable Sir D. D. in several particulars; as First, by the Royal founders thereof; Secondly, by the equity and justice of the Trade; Thirdly, by the honour arising thereby to the English Nation, in the strength added to the Navy Royal of this Land: Fourthly, by the for∣mer fortunate success of it, and the profit that may be yet reaped thereby to the whole King∣dom, and to the fellowship of that Society; besides the increase of Mariners, and of Arts and Knowledge; Fifthly, by far discoveries and hopes of propagation of Religion in those yet Heathenish Countries.

But leaving thus the Indian Islands, and the further survey thereof to those late Masters of that Trade, I will proceed in what is yet resting to pass through, as belonging to Asia, which are the Islands of Cyprus and Rhodes, soated in the Mediterranean Sea, to which I shall now hasten.

CHAP. CVIII. Of Cyprus Island, and the Trade thereof.

* 1.350THE Island of Cyprus is accounted also belonging unto Asia, and situated in the Syrian Sea; in length 200 Miles, in breadth 65; and is 60 Miles distant from the shore of Cilicia, and 100 from the Land of Syria.

This Island is said to afford materials to build a Ship from the Keel to the Top-Sail, and fitted for the Sea, either as a Merchant's Vessel for transportation of Goods, or as a Prince's for Warfare.

* 1.351It affordeth also these Commodities, as Wine, Oyl, Corn, Sugars, Cottons, Honey, Wooll, Turpentine, Allem, Verdigrease, Salt, Grograms, and other Commodities.

The chief Cities of this Island are Paphos, Famagusta, Nicotia, Lescara, Salines, and some others; In which Island the English have a Factory, for the only Trade of Cottons here in use; * 1.352and the English Consul resident in Aleppo carrieth the Title of Consul of Syria and of Cyprus, in which place he hath a Vice-Consul to supply his occasions for the preservation and mainte∣nance of the English Trade hither; which are the only Company of Merchants called the Le∣vant or Turkey Company, as included within their priviledges.

* 1.353The Moneys of this Island current I need not mention, nor yet their Accounts, as being the Coins of the Grand Seigniors, and their Accounts kept after the same denomination as in Constantinople.

* 1.354The weight in use through this Island is the Dram, 750 whereof is the Rotolo, and 100 whereof make a Cantar, which is accounted 4 per cent. greater than the common Canvar of Aleppo; and is by Calculation of such as have resided there 80 ounces Averdupois, or 5 l. the Aleppo Fotolo, yielding by this computation 4 l. 13 ounces, or 77 ounces: and the Quintal or Cantar of Cyprus by this account should be 500 l. sotile; but I find some observations made, that upon some Commodities that the 100 Rotolo's of Cyprus have made in London 510 and 512 l. The Rotolo of Cyprus contains 750 drams: and the Rotolo of Aleppo is accounted 720 drams, and 62½ drams make 1 ounce, and 6½ ounces make here an Oak: * 1.355But note, That the Cantar of Famagusta is 4 per cent. greater than this general Cantar of the Island, which is above 1½ ounce per Rotolo.

This common Cantar of Cyprus, I find thus to respond with the City of Venice, and other places.

Rotolo's 100 of Cyprus make sotile Venice 780 l. and of gross 480 l. which by this computa∣tion should be about 522 l. English: But I imagine this is accounted the Cantar of Fama∣gusta, which is 8 per cent. greater than that of Aleppo, which deducted, being 42 l. there resteth 480 l. Averdupois, the weight rendred of Aleppo; so that Rotolo's 21 incirca, make 100 l. gross, and Rotolo's 13½ do make 100 l. sotile, and Rotolo 1 is 7½ sotile, or 4 l. 8 ounces gross of Venice weight.

* 1.356Again, I find these observations made on the weights of Cyprus, for Cottons, viz. 100 Roto∣lo's of Cyprus Cottons hath made in Venice 750 l. which is 30 l. less than the aforesaid notes which are meant of Famagusta, and hath made in

Naples	671 l.
Bolonia	627 l.
Montpelier	678 l.
Barcelona	564 l.
Sevil	589 l.
Paris	448 l.
Marseli	567 l.
Genoa	710 l.
Florence	656 l.
Milan	678 l.
Avignon	570 l.
Bruges	555 l.
Rome	631 l.
London	506 l.

The truth whereof I refer to the trial of the experienced.

* 1.357Measures of length are here two forts: first, the Pico, by which is sold all woollen Cloth, and Silk accounted 26½ inches, and the Brace, by which is sold Linnen, being 1/16 longer than the Pico abovesaid.

The 100 Pico's rendring in Venice 125 Woollen Braces, and 116 of Silk Braces.

* 1.358Wine is sold here by the Cuss, 7 Cusses make 6 Fetches of Venetians, which is a Candie Barrel; so that a Cuss and a half, and a Zant jarre, are of one and the same bigness.

* 1.359Oyl is sold by the Rotolo, which weighs 2½ Oaks, which is accounted for 1000 drams.

* 1.360Grain is sold by a measure called the Moose, which weigheth 40 Oaks, and 2½ Mooses, or 100 Oaks make one Staio in Venetia.

* 1.361Salt is sold by the Moose; 1000 Mooses here of Salt, make 14 Mooses in the account of Venetia.

Also some Grain is sold by the Coffino, 100 whereof making 24 in 25 Stera's of Venetia, which is (…) Bushels English.

* 1.362In this part of Asia (following the opinion of Authors) is the Island of Rhodes seated, for∣merly the habitation of the Knights of St. John, now a Beyque of the Turks, and where for the commodiousness of the Port, there is maintained a Squadron of his Gallies yearly imploy∣ed, to clear and protect those Seas: matter of Trade presenting here, I have here willingly omitted, and placed the same amongst the Islands of the Archipelago; to which place I refer the Reader, and who desires to see further thereof.

CHAP. CIX. Of the Trade in general of Asia, as it is found at this day.

* 1.363TO conclude then the Trade and Traffick of Asia in general; it is comprehended within a few principal Cities thereof: as first in the Grand Seignior's Dominions in Aleppe, Smyrna, Constantinople, Alexandria, Balsara, and Baruti, and Damasco: in Persia, Domi∣nions, in Scirus, Ormus, Casbin, Gilan, and Hispahan: and in India and these Coasts, at Goa, Malacca, Siam, Pegu, Cochin, Calicut, Mesulapatan, and the Islands of Java, Japan, Summatra, Molucco's: in Tartaria, in Astraca, Capha, Sarmacand, and Cambalu, &c. The Turkish Nation affords not many Merchants of note; yet some are found that from Constan∣tinople do drive a Trade by Sea to Venice, Cairo, Trapesond, Capoa, and some few other places: and some again that with Caravans by Land drive a Trade from Aleppo, Damasco, and Aegypt to the Red-Sea, and to Mecha; but these I may more properly account Arabians than natural Turks, who in general have been esteemed in times past, and yet are more industrious and better vers'd in manual Arts, than in the mystery of Merchandizing: but now they have all well near lost that attribute, and wholly addict themselves by reason of their Grand Seignior's tyran∣ny, to no further Trade than what necessity doth for the most part compel them, therefore not much worth here further consideration.

But those several Nations inhabiting the large Coast of India, Persia, and these abovemen∣tioned Islands, are found to be more addicted thereto and of greater eminency, and are found by their Traffick and Commerce to have raised to themselves Estates in these Countries equal to many of our European Dukes and greatest Earls, whereof the Gusurats and Canarins, the frugal and proper Inhabitants of India, are accounted the chiefest and principal, occasioned partly by their excellent subtilty in accounts and numbring, and partly by the late Naviga∣tions and Commerce of the Europeans, Arabians, and other remoter Nations amongst them, who bring them (for the most part) no other Commodity but Plate and Silver in Rials of ½, which they there exchange for the rich Commodities of India, as their Cloves, Maces, N•…•…∣megs, Pepper, Diamonds, Emeralds, Rubies, Pearls, and such other the precious Wares of these Countries.

The Persian Nation challenge also a large share in this Trade of Asia, occasioned by their excellent and industrious Fabricks, and their natural plenty of raw Silks, which from them is abundantly transported and spread over all the world, and their sumptuous adorning and cu∣riosity of living, drawing to them by exchange the Riches and Commodities of India and China, and other places.

The Arabians (as possessing a great part of Asia) may not here be omitted, amongst which are found many eminent Merchants, not only trading by Camels with Caravans from Turkie into Aegypt, and other places, and into the Red-Sea, but also from Aleppo to Babylon, Balsara, and so to the Persian Gulph; and also by Sea, not only on the Coast of Si••∣dy, India, Chormandel, Siam, Pegu, and the Islands aforesaid, where many Mahometan Princes are found to bear rule; but also at Suachem, Melinda, Brava, and Quiloa, and many other parts and Ports of Africa.

Neither amongst all these above-mentioned Nations, which are found in the general to afford Merchants of Eminency and Note, and to have a Country for particular residence to themselves, and where their Princes do bear Sovereignty, are the Nation of the Jews to be omitted or forgotten, who (though by the Curse of the Almighty) are scattered and dispersed as it were over the face of the whole Earth, and are permitted (with some limita∣tions and restrictions) their abode in several Countries, paying for their liberty and freedom of residence and Commerce, both great and large annual Contributions in sundry places; yet by their ingeniousness in Trade, and their expertness in Arts, and their subtilty in the va∣luation of Princes Coins, and their Skill in Accounts, they are found in all these afore-named

Countries to be both eminent and rich Merchants, trading as well by Land as by Sea through all these afore-named Countries, and by their Craft and Art raising to themselves eminence and great Estates thereby.

I should here give a share of this Asian Trade to the Chinoese, Tartarians, and other great Nations: but my Ignorance herein doth silence me.

Therefore it shall content me to have surveyed it in the general, and to have left behind me what Observations I have been able to collect of the Traffick and Traders of those vast and large Territories and Countries, knowing that their strange Customs, and the manner of their Laws and Government debar all easie access into their Dominions; and what others must not dare to see, I must not dare to offer to recount.

To conclude then, having thus run over and surveyed the general Commerce and Traffick of ASIA, I will now turn my self towards EUROPE, the last division of the World, and of this Work, and as the best known to us, and the best reputed of us.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Asia.
• * 1.2

  Five nota∣ble things in Asia.
• * 1.3

  Anatolia.
• * 1.4

  Cilicia and the Cities thereof.
• * 1.5

  Scanderone, or Alexan∣dretta.
• * 1.6

  Pamphilia, Lycia, and Caria.
• * 1.7

  Ionia, and the Cities thereof. Ephesus.
• * 1.8

  Smyrna.
• * 1.9

  Smyrna, and the Trade thereof.
• * 1.10

  Commo∣dities of Smryna.
• * 1.11

  The Coins of Smyrna, and Ac∣compts.
• * 1.12

  Weights usual of Smyrna.
• * 1.13

  Measures of Smyrna and Scio Customs of Smyrna and Scio by the English.
• * 1.14

  By Venetians and French.
• * 1.15

  Port-char∣ges of a Ship.
• * 1.16

  Lydia, Eolis, Phrygia.
• * 1.17

  The first Merchants.
• * 1.18

  Minor.
• * 1.19

  Troy's ruines ruin'd.
• * 1.20

  Major. Gardion. Midium.
• * 1.21

  Colosso.
• * 1.22

  Bithinia, and the Ci∣ties thereof.
• * 1.23

  Bursia, and the Trade thereof.
• * 1.24

  Commodi∣ties of Bur∣sia.
• * 1.25

  Coins and Weights of Bursia.
• * 1.26

  Measures of Bursia.
• * 1.27

  Customs of Bursia.
• * 1.28

  Pontus.
• * 1.29

  Pompey's Pillar.
• * 1.30

  Paphlagonia and Galatia.
• * 1.31

  Angora.
• * 1.32

  Grograms Trade.
• * 1.33

  Weights and Mea∣sures of An∣gora.
• * 1.34

  Cappadocia.
• * 1.35

  Amasia. Trabesond.
• * 1.36

  Mineral Salt.
• * 1.37

  Liconia, Pisidia. Armenia.
• * 1.38

  Ararat. Commodi∣ties of Ana∣tolia.
• * 1.39

  Trabesond.
• * 1.40

  Weights in Trabesond.
• * 1.41

  Measures of Trabesond.
• * 1.42

  Syria.
• * 1.43

  Euphrates.
• * 1.44

  Phoenicia, and the Ci∣ties thereof.
• * 1.45

  Acria and the trade thereof.
• * 1.46

  Weights of Acria.
• * 1.47

  Measures of Acria.
• * 1.48

  Coins.
• * 1.49

  Sidon.
• * 1.50

  Commodi∣ties of Sidon.
• * 1.51

  Coins com∣mon in Sidon.
• * 1.52

  Weights of Sidon.
• * 1.53

  Measures of Sidon.
• * 1.54

  Syrophoenicia.
• * 1.55

  Baruti and the trade thereof.
• * 1.56

  Coins cur∣rent in Ba∣ruti.
• * 1.57

  Weights of Baruti.
• * 1.58

  Measures of Baruti.
• * 1.59

  Amano and the trade thereof.
• * 1.60

  Coelosyria.
• * 1.61

  Damascus and trade thereof.
• * 1.62

  Coins of Da∣masco.
• * 1.63

  Weights of Damasco
• * 1.64

  Measures of Damasco.
• * 1.65

  Commodi∣ties of Da∣masco.
• * 1.66

  Tares upon all Commo∣dities in Da∣masco.
• * 1.67

  Agreement of the weight of Damasco with other places of Trade.
• * 1.68

  The agree∣ment of the Rotolo of Da∣masco with some other places.
• * 1.69

  The agree∣ment of the Pico of Da∣masco with some other places.
• * 1.70

  The Trade of the Vene∣tians to Da∣masco.
• * 1.71

  Measures of Damasco.
• * 1.72

  Aleppo and the trade thereof.
• * 1.73

  Scanderone.
• * 1.74

  Commodi∣ties of Alep∣po.
• * 1.75

  Weights of Aleppo.
• * 1.76

  Wesnos redv∣ced into Ro∣tolos in Alep∣po.
• * 1.77

  Aleppo with Venetia.
• * 1.78

  Aleppo notes of weighing
• * 1.79

  Indico.
• * 1.80

  Silks.
• * 1.81

  Musk.
• * 1.82

  Drugs.
• * 1.83

  Silk of Da∣masco.
• * 1.84

  Spices.
• * 1.85

  Galls.
• * 1.86

  Spices.
• * 1.87

  Coins of Aleppo.
• * 1.88

  Accompts in Aleppo.
• * 1.89

  Measures in Aleppo.
• * 1.90

  Customs in Aleppo.
• * 1.91

  The general Trade of A∣leppo survey∣ed in its par∣ticular co∣lours. The English the prime traders to Aleppo
• * 1.92

  Scanderone.
• * 1.93

  The Venati∣ans the se∣cond.
• * 1.94

  The French the third.
• * 1.95

  The agree∣ment of the Cantar of A∣leppo with o∣ther places.
• * 1.96

  The agree∣ment of the 100 Pico's of Aleppo with other places.
• * 1.97

  Tripoli in Sy∣ria, and the Trade thereof.
• * 1.98

  Weights of Tripoli.
• * 1.99

  Measures of Tripoli.
• * 1.100

  Coins in Tri∣poli.
• * 1.101

  Palestine.
• * 1.102

  Galilea.
• * 1.103

  Jordan.
• * 1.104

  Samaria.
• * 1.105

  Idumea.
• * 1.106

  Gasa, and tho Trade thereof.
• * 1.107

  Commodi∣ties of Gasa.
• * 1.108

  Coins of Gasa.
• * 1.109

  Weights of Gasa.
• * 1.110

  Of Tyrus, and the an∣cient Trade thereof.
• * 1.111

  Jericho.
• * 1.112

  Jerusalem.
• * 1.113

  Armenia.
• * 1.114

  Colchis.
• * 1.115

  Dioscuria.
• * 1.116

  Georgia.
• * 1.117

  Turcomania.
• * 1.118

  The King∣doms under the Turk.
• * 1.119

  Arabia.
• * 1.120

  Deserta.
• * 1.121

  Bolsora.
• * 1.122

  Petrosa.
• * 1.123

  Felix.
• * 1.124

  Medina Tal∣nabi and Me∣cha.
• * 1.125

  Mocha, and the Trade thereof.
• * 1.126

  Coins in Mocha
• * 1.127

  Weights in Mocha.
• * 1.128

  Measures in Mocha.
• * 1.129

  Aden, and the Trade thereof.
• * 1.130

  Assyria, Me∣sopotamia, and Chaldea.
• * 1.131

  Mesopotamia.
• * 1.132

  Paradise.
• * 1.133

  Chaldea.
• * 1.134

  Babylon, now Badgate.
• * 1.135

  Babylon, and the Trade thereof
• * 1.136

  Pigeons Letter, or news Car∣riers.
• * 1.137

  Commodi∣ties of Baby∣lon.
• * 1.138

  Coins of Babylon.
• * 1.139

  Weights of Babylon.
• * 1.140

  Media, and the Cities thereof.
• * 1.141

  Sultania.
• * 1.142

  Tauris.
• * 1.143

  Derbent.
• * 1.144

  The weights of Derbent is the Mo••e, which is 3 l. 11 ounces Venice sotile.
• * 1.145

  Tauris, and the Trade thereof.
• * 1.146

  Gilan and Bilan.
• * 1.147

  Sumachia.
• * 1.148

  Arasse.
• * 1.149

  Persia and the Provin∣ces thereof.
• * 1.150

  Persis Far.
• * 1.151

  Commodi∣ties of Persia.
• * 1.152

  Casbin and the Trade thereof.
• * 1.153

  Three Ex∣cellencies in Casbin.
• * 1.154

  Commodi∣ties of Cas∣bin.
• * 1.155

  Balsara, and the Trade thereof.
• * 1.156

  Customs paid at Bal∣sara.
• * 1.157

  Prices of Commodi∣ties in Bal∣sara.
• * 1.158

  Weights used in Bal∣sara.
• * 1.159

  Measures of Balsara. Cus••stan.
• * 1.160

  Casan and the Trade thereof.
• * 1.161

  Commodi∣ties of Casan.
• * 1.162

  Policy of Casan.
• * 1.163

  Caramania.
• * 1.164

  Gedrosia, &c.
• * 1.165

  Sciras, and the Trade thereof.
• * 1.166

  Bindamir
• * 1.167

  Ormus and the Trade thereof.
• * 1.168

  Ormus resto∣red to the Persians by the English valour.
• * 1.169

  Orders of Caravans from Syria to Balsara.
• * 1.170

  Jasques. Gombrone.
• * 1.171

  Coins cur∣rent in Gom∣brone, and Jasqu's, and Ormus.
• * 1.172

  Weights of Ormus, Gom∣brone, and Jasques.
• * 1.173

  Measures of Ormus, Jas∣ques, and Gombrone.
• * 1.174

  Parthia.
• * 1.175

  Hispahan and the Trade thereof.
• * 1.176

  Carriage of Commodi∣ties by Ca∣ravans.
• * 1.177

  Prices com∣mon of Com∣modities in Spahan.
• * 1.178

  Coins cur∣rent in Per∣sia.
• * 1.179

  Accounts kept in Per∣sia.
• * 1.180

  Weights current in Persia.
• * 1.181

  Measures used in Per∣sia.
• * 1.182

  The Trade in general of Persia.
• * 1.183

  Jasques and Combrone Ports be∣longing to the Persian, and where the English resort to.
• * 1.184

  Tartaria.
• * 1.185

  Procopensis.
• * 1.186

  Caffa and the Trade of it.
• * 1.187

  Coins cur∣rent in Caffa
• * 1.188

  The weight of Caffa.
• * 1.189

  The Mea∣sures of Caf∣fa.
• * 1.190

  Accounts in Caffa.
• * 1.191

  Astracan and the Trade thereof.
• * 1.192

  The Weights of Astracan.
• * 1.193

  Measures of Astracan,
• * 1.194

  Corn and Wine.
• * 1.195

  Tartaria A∣siatica.
• * 1.196

  Tartaria an∣tiqua.
• * 1.197

  Rhubarb,
• * 1.198

  Zagachai.
• * 1.199

  Sarmacand.
• * 1.200

  Cathai.
• * 1.201

  Cambalu.
• * 1.202

  Commodi∣ties of Ca∣thai.
• * 1.203

  Cambalu and the Trade thereof.
• * 1.204

  Exendu, and the largeness thereof.
• * 1.205

  Coins cur∣rent in Cam∣balu, and through Tar∣taria, of the bark of Mul∣berry-trees.
• * 1.206

  Of Coral po∣lished.
• * 1.207

  Of Salt in Loaves hard∣ned.
• * 1.208

  India and the Provinces thereof.
• * 1.209

  Commodi∣ties of India.
• * 1.210

  Ganges.
• * 1.211

  1. Narsinga.
• * 1.212

  2. Malavar.
• * 1.213

  3. Ballasia. Conanor.
• * 1.214

  4. Cambaia
• * 1.215

  5. Mandao.
• * 1.216

  6. Bengala. 7. Aristan.
• * 1.217

  8. Canora.
• * 1.218

  9. Dellia.
• * 1.219

  India extra Gangem.
• * 1.220

  1. Macin.
• * 1.221

  Lignum vitae.
• * 1.222

  2. Aracan
• * 1.223

  Ava.
• * 1.224

  3. Cambaia.
• * 1.225

  4. Couchin-China.
• * 1.226

  5. Barma.
• * 1.227

  6. Siam.
• * 1.228

  7. Pegu.
• * 1.229

  Commodi∣ties of India in general.
• * 1.230

  The Mer∣chants in general tra∣ding in In∣dia.
• * 1.231

  Diu and the Trade there of.
• * 1.232

  Commodi∣ties of Diu, and that Coast.
• * 1.233

  Of Cambaia, and the Trade there∣of.
• * 1.234

  Commodi∣ties of Cam∣baia.
• * 1.235

  Surrat and Baroche, and the Trade thereof.
• * 1.236

  Coins of Cambaia and Mogul's Country.
• * 1.237

  Accounts kept in Sur∣rat and Cam∣baia.
• * 1.238

  Weights in Cambaia, Sur∣rat, Agra. and the Mo∣gul's Domi∣nions.
• * 1.239

  Amadever.
• * 1.240

  Measures in Cambaia, Surrat, Agra and Mogul's Country.
• * 1.241

  Lahore.
• * 1.242

  Amadabar.
• * 1.243

  Tutta.
• * 1.244

  Lowriban∣der.
• * 1.245

  Goa, and the trade there∣of.
• * 1.246

  Commodi∣ties of Goa.
• * 1.247

  Coins cur∣rent in Goa.
• * 1.248

  Sheraff•…•…
• * 1.249

  Weights of Goa.
• * 1.250

  Measures of Goa.
• * 1.251

  The order how they fish, and trade for Pearls.
• * 1.252

  The general Trade of the Coast of India.
• * 1.253

  Daman. Basasen. Chaul.
• * 1.254

  Coast of Malabar, and the Trade there∣of.
• * 1.255

  Cananor.
• * 1.256

  Calicut.
• * 1.257

  Cochin.
• * 1.258

  The man∣ner of the farming the Pepper in India by the Portugals.
• * 1.259

  Chi cr••po a∣brazia poca stringe.
• * 1.260

  The Ships of Pepper depart from Cochin about the months of December and Janua∣ry.
• * 1.261

  Musulipatan, and the Trade of the Coast Chormandel.
• * 1.262

  Commodi∣ties of the Coast of Chormandel.
• * 1.263

  Coins cur∣rent in Mu∣silapatan and Coast of Chormandel.
• * 1.264

  Armagon.
• * 1.265

  Weights current in Musulapa∣tan, and Coast of Chormandel.
• * 1.266

  Satagan, and the Trade of the Coast of Bengala.
• * 1.267

  Commodi∣ties of the Coast of Bengala.
• * 1.268

  Weights and Mea∣sures of the Coast of Bengala.
• * 1.269

  Custom in India for Debtors
• * 1.270

  Pegu, and the Trade of the Coast thereof.
• * 1.271

  Aracan.
• * 1.272

  Macoa.
• * 1.273

  Pegu.
• * 1.274

  River of Martaban.
• * 1.275

  Strange manner of buying and selling in Pegu.
• * 1.276

  Maids let out to serve both by day and night service to Merchants
• * 1.277

  Coins cur∣rent in Pegu.
• * 1.278

  Martaven.
• * 1.279

  Of Siam, and the Trade of the Coast thereof.
• * 1.280

  The for∣tune of Si∣am and Pe∣gu.
• * 1.281

  River Me∣nan.
• * 1.282

  Commodi∣ties of Siam and Patta∣na.
• * 1.283

  Coins cur∣rent in Si∣am and the Coast.
• * 1.284

  Coins at Pattana.
• * 1.285

  Malacca, and the Trade thereof.
• * 1.286

  Monsons at Malacca.
• * 1.287

  Coins of the Ci••y Malac∣ca.
• * 1.288

  Weights used in Ma∣lacca.
• * 1.289

  Weights of Malacca.
• * 1.290

  China, and the Provin∣ces thereof.
• * 1.291

  Commodi∣ties of Chi∣na.
• * 1.292

  The great∣ness of Chi∣na.
• * 1.293

  Quinsay:
• * 1.294

  Nanquin.
• * 1.295

  Ten thou∣sand Sail be∣longing to the King of China in one River.
• * 1.296

  Maccau, and the Trade thereof.
• * 1.297

  A particu∣lar Ship yearly touching here from Goa to Ja∣pan.
• * 1.298

  Commodi∣ties of Mac∣cau and Can∣ton.
• * 1.299

  Commodi∣ties fit for China.
• * 1.300

  Islands of Asia, and the Trade thereof.
• * 1.301

  Island of Ja∣pan, and the Trade thereof.
• * 1.302

  Firando.
• * 1.303

  Coins cur∣rent in Ja∣pan.
• * 1.304

  Weights in Japan.
• * 1.305

  Measure of length in Japan.
• * 1.306

  Measure of Rice and Grain in Japan.
• * 1.307

  Island Zei∣lan, and the Trade thereof.
• * 1.308

  Commodi∣ties of the Island Zei∣lan.
• * 1.309

  Adam's Hill the Zeilans Paradise,
• * 1.310

  Zeilaners excellent Tumblers.
• * 1.311

  Islands Mo∣luccoes, and the Trade thereof.
• * 1.312

  Commodi∣ties of the Moluccoes.
• * 1.313

  Cloves a∣bundance.
• * 1.314

  Amboina Islands.
• * 1.315

  The match∣less villany of the Dutch in the Am∣bolna Isles.
• * 1.316

  Coins cur∣rent in Mo∣lucco, Banda, Amboina, &c.
• * 1.317

  Weights of Molucco, Am∣boina, &c.
• * 1.318

  Measures of Molucco, Ban∣da, Ambiona, &c.
• * 1.319

  Dry Mea∣sures in Mo∣luccoes, &c.
• * 1.320

  Dutch Forts and Trade in Amboina.
• * 1.321

  Javas and the Trade thereof.
• * 1.322

  Commodi∣ties of Java Islands.
• * 1.323

  Commodi∣ties of India fit for Javas
• * 1.324

  Batavia alias Jacatra.
• * 1.325

  Coins cur∣rent in Java Sunda, Ban∣tam, Jacatra
• * 1.326

  Accounts in Java, Ban∣tam. Jaca∣tra.
• * 1.327

  Weights in Java, Ban∣tam, Jaca∣tra, Japatra, Sunda.
• * 1.328

  Measures in Java, Ban∣tam. Jacatra, Japatra, Sun∣da.
• * 1.329

  Prices of Commodi∣ties in Javas
• * 1.330

  Summatra and the Trade there∣of.
• * 1.331

  Commodi∣ties of the Island Sum∣matra.
• * 1.332

  Rarities found in Summatra.
• * 1.333

  Achin, Tico, Jambe, and Priaman, English Fa∣ctories in Java.
• * 1.334

  Coins cur∣rent in Sum∣matra, Achin Priaman, &c.
• * 1.335

  Accounts kept in Java
• * 1.336

  Weights of Summatra; Achin, Pria∣man, Jambe.
• * 1.337

  Measures in Summatra.
• * 1.338

  Borneo Island, and the trade there∣of.
• * 1.339

  Commodi∣ties of Borneo Island.
• * 1.340

  Towns of Borneo Island.
• * 1.341

  Secodana and Benicrmasa English Fa∣ctories in Borneo.
• * 1.342

  Island Celebs, and the Trade there∣of.
• * 1.343

  Maccasar the English Fa∣ctory in Ce∣lebs.
• * 1.344

  Coins cur∣rent in Celebs and Macca∣sar.
• * 1.345

  Weights in Celebs and Maccasar.
• * 1.346

  Philippi•…•….
• * 1.347

  The Portu∣gals the first Masters of the Trade of East-India 1498.
• * 1.348

  The Holl∣landors be∣came sharers in 1595.
• * 1.349

  The English Nation the last Traders into Iudia, in An. 1600.
• * 1.350

  Island Cyprus and the Trade there∣of.
• * 1.351

  Commodi∣ties of Cyprus
• * 1.352

  English Con∣sul of Cyprus.
• * 1.353

  Coins at Cy∣prus.
• * 1.354

  Weights of Cyprus.
• * 1.355

  Note Fama∣gusta.
• * 1.356

  Weights of Cyprus com∣pared with other placos.
• * 1.357

  Measures of Cyprus.
• * 1.358

  Of Wine.
• * 1.359

  Of Oyl.
• * 1.360

  Of Grain.
• * 1.361

  Of Salt.
• * 1.362

  Island Rhodes seated a∣mongst the Isles Archipe∣lago.
• * 1.363

  Of the trade in general of Asia.