A compendious view, or Cosmographical, and geographical description of the whole world.: With more plain general rules, touching the use of the globe, then bave been yet published. Wherein is shewed the situation of the several countries, and islands: their particular governments, manners, commodities, and religions. Also a chronology of the most eminent persons, and things that have been since the creation, to this present: wherein you have a brief of the gospel, or a plain, and easie table, directing readily where to find the several things, that were taught, spoke, done and suffered, by Jesus Christ, throughout the said gospel. The which is not onely pleasant, and delightful; but very useful, and profitable; for all. But cheifly for those who want, either time, to read, or money to buy, many books. / By Tho. Porter.

A View of AMERICA, (or, as we may call it, The New World; for that it was last discovered.)

AMERICA, or, The New World (so call∣ed, because it was last discovered, and from its bigness) Christopher Columbus was the first that opened a gap into it. Next to him, Americus Vesputius, who gave it that name. Ferdinando Magellanicus first attempted, and found out the com∣pass of the South-Sea Limits which beareth his Name. Our own Heroicks, Sir Francis Drake, and Noble Can∣dish followed, and added to what was done by them: Davis and Forbisher, two English-men, went fair for a Passage round, and have left their Names behind them, in the North part thereof, as is expressed in the Map. This New World, or America, hath many Mines, in some whereof (as it is reported) they hardly find so much Earth, as Gold, which they exchange for Axes, Hammers, Knives, and such like Tools: for want of which, they (formerly) made their Boats, or Canoes, with the force of fire. There are such multitudes of Bulls and Kine, that the Spaniards kill thousands year∣ly, onely for their Tallow and Hides: It is also very

plentiful in Spices and Fruits, and divers strange Beasts and Birds, which other parts are ignorant of: as Deer without Horns; a kind of Hare resembling a Cat in its Tayl, a Wont in its feet, and under his Chin is a little bag, which Nature hath taught him to make a Store-house: for having filled his belly, he reserveth the rest therein: And here is a Bird so big, that it will seize on a Calf, or Sheep, and devour it. Here is ano∣ther also as little, called Tomineo, of all colours, yet hardly bigger then a Butter-fly, and is as sweet as the Nightingale in note.

The People are indifferent fair, (though a good part of it lyeth in the same Parallel, as the Land of Negroes: so that it appeares, that the heat of the Sun is not the sole and onely cause of blackness) and it is most proba∣ble, that these people came first out of Tartary, (not only by reason of their rude and barbarous manners, but also) because America is parted from thence by a very small straight; as appeares in the Map, to which I refer you. But from whomsoever these People de∣scended, they have surely been here many Ages, which clearly appeares, because no part was found without In∣habitants, by any of the first Discoverers; though now much diminished by the cruelty of the Spaniards, who killed them like Beasts, not suffering them to enjoy their Natural Birth-right, though there was Land and Riches enough, both for the one and the other.

But in our Description of this Western Hemisphere, we shall speak to it, as it is now known and discovered in the several Countries, and then of Its Islands. And this we would have you note, that when we say the People, you are to understand the old and Natural In∣habitants, except we express the contrary. We will begin in the North part, because that is the upper-part of our Map, and the Cardinal, or chief Point, of the Wind or Compass.

As for the furthest North of all, we can say little, onely that some small Discoveries have been made by our English to several parts: as appeares by the several Names given thereto; as New-North Wales, New-South-Wales, New-Brittain, Buttons-Bay, Hudsons Straights, and the like, which you may see in the Map.

Estotiland is but little known; and therefore this is all that we can say of it, That it is very cold, yet is said to have divers Mettals and Fruits, necessary for the life of the People, whose Cloathing is the Skins of Beasts, and Sea-Calves; Labourers Land is like to it, and they are accounted both as one.

Terra-corterealis was first discovered by Sebastian Cabot, Anno 1499. (at the charge of Hen. 7th) who found good store of great Stags, White Beares, and a∣bundance of Cod-fish: but returning home, (there be∣ing preparation for a War with Scotland,) nothing was done in further Discovery.

Canada, on the North of New-France, all we can say of it, is, that the French have taken some possession hereof, and that it affords good store of Wild-Beasts and Fish.

New-France hath plenty of Stags; Hares, Conies, Beares, Foxes, and Fish. The people are rude, Idola∣ters, and are allowed two or three Wives apiece. The Women labour more then the men, both in digging the ground, and in Fishing; and are so constant, that they will not marry after the death of their Husbands.

New Scotland, containing that part to New-France, which was by King James called Cady, in his Grant to Sir William Alexander, 1621. But he, for want of meanes, sold it to the French.

Norumbega, the soil is fruitful, and the Air of an in∣different temper: the men are given much to Hunting, and the women love their Husbands well: for until

the death of their Husbands be revenged, (if at any time they be killed) they will neither eat flesh, nor marry.

New-England, (now come we to have the Countries better distinguished, that they may be discerned in the Map, for thereunto we refer you) hath on the South-West New-Netherland, on the North-East Norumbega: The rest, either borders on the Sea, or is not well dis∣covered. The Air is much like to that of England, and the soil fruitful, in the Natural Commodities; as also in those that were carried from England. It affords great store of Wood, Deer, Fruit, Swans, Ducks, Geese, Partridge, Pidgeons, and the like. But the chief Com∣modities are Amber, rich Furs, Iron, Pitch, &c.

New-Netherland hath on the South-West Virginia, and on the North-East New-England. The Air is good, and the soil fruitful, abounding with Nuts and Wild-Grapes, and is within the Hollanders jurisdiction. Their Woods are stored with Deer, their Plains with Fowl, and their Rivers with Fish. They have also Grain, Hemp, and Flax, in good plenty. The people are fickle, yet true to them that trust them; and did use Bows and Arrows, until the Dutch furnished them with Arms, and shewed them how to use them; but they were the first that felt the smart. Their Religion is gross Idola∣try, for they worship the Devil, by the name of Me∣neto.

Virginia is bounded on the South-West with Flori∣da, on the North-East with New-Netherland: The Countrey is mixt with Hills and Vallies, affording not onely Woods, Fruits and Corn; but plenty of Cattle, Fowl, Fish, Turpentine, Pitch, Gums, Allum, and some Mines of Copper and Iron.

The People are crafty and inconstant, for the most part full limb'd and tall, wearing an Apron, and a loose Garment, and paint their bodies with horrid shapes

of Serpents, and other Creatures. They worship what∣soever is like to hurt them; as Water, Thunder, Fire, and the like.

Florida is bounded on the East with the Sea, called Mare Del Nort; on the West with some part of New-Spain, and some Countries not yet well known: On the South, the Gulf of Mexico; and on the North, East-Virginia: It was first discovered by Cabot, an English-man, in the year 1497. though better searched into, by John de Ponce, a Spaniard Anno 1527.

The People are of a big stature, and go naked, except their secret parts, which they cover with some skins. They have many Hermaphrodites, which they put to all kind of drudgery. And herein are divers sorts of Woods; as Bay-Trees, Cypress, Cedars, Oaks, and the like. Also wild and tame Beasts; with several sorts of Fruits, and some Mines of Gold and Silver.

New-Albion lieth on the West of California, and was first discovered by Sir Francis Drake, who gave it that name in honour of England, which was once call∣ed Albion: But because it lieth at such a distance from thence, (that little or no benefit could be returned), it hath been neglected. Beyond it, lieth the Kingdom of Quivira, and Anian: The last so called from the straights of Anian, which parts America from Asia.

New-Spain is bounded on the East with the Gulf of Mexico, on the West with the Gulf of California, and part of Mare Del Zur; on the South with Mary Del Zur, on the South-East with Guatimalia, & the North not yet discovered. The Air is very hot, but much qua••i∣fied by the cooling-Winds which come from the Sea, almost on three sides. The people are more ingenu∣ous, then the rest of the savadges, curious in painting upon Cotton what is presented to their Eyes: Neither

are any more expert in refining Mettals, or making of their Feather-Pictures, at which they will sit a whole day touching and trying, how they may best fit each Feather to the place assigned. The Countrey affords plenty of Citrons, Pomgranates, Cherries, and other European Fruits; many Silver and Brasse Mines, but few of Gold or Iron, all of them mixt with Lead; good plenty of Beasts and Birds, both tame and wild: also Fish, and Bees without flings, breed here in abun∣dance. But there is a kind of Fly, or Gnat, which doth offend the Inhabitants. Herein also is a Tree which is planted, and drest as a Vine, which is reported to have 40 several sorts or kinds of Leaves, fit for divers uses: for they make of them Mantles, Shooes, Paper, and ma∣ny other things. From the top comes a juice like Sir∣rup; which if purified, becomes Sugar; if boyled, Ho∣ney. And there is a Mountain called Propocampeth, in the Province of Mexico, which sends out streams of fire like Mount Aetna in Sicilia, and another in the Pro∣vince of Guatimalia, which casteth forth two streams of fire: the one of black Pitch, and the other of red.

Guatimalia is bounded on the South with Castella del Oro, or Golden Castle; on the North-West with New-Spain; and the rest with the Sea, as appeares in the Map. It is divided into these six Provinces.

1. Guatimalia, specially so called, is mountainous, but wanteth not Rivers; by reason whereof, it hath not onely good plenty of Fish, but much good Pasture, well stored with Cattle; nor is it barren in Maize, Wheat, and other Provision; plenty of Cotton-Wooll, many A∣pothecaries Drugs, some Balsoms, and good Sulphure.

2. Hundura is full of Hills and Valleys, fruitful in Maize and Wheat; but not much Campaign: very rich in Pastures, by reason of the overflowing of their Ri∣vers. The people are so idle, that they had rather feed

on Roots, then labour to till the ground.

3 Chiapa is not very fit for most kind of Fruits, nor Corn; the Trees are bigger then in other places, as Cy∣press, Cedars, Pines, and Oaks, and whole Woods of Walnuts; but they not so big as in Europe. The Coun∣trey is full of venomous Creatures; of which the Snakes are none of the least for offence nor greatness, some of them being reported to be twenty foot in length. Many of their Trees do not onely afford Rozen, and some pretious Gums; but also some, whose leaves being dryed to a Powder, make a good Plaister for ex∣ulcerating Sores. There is likewise a Spring in the Cantred of Tafixa, which in Winter is dry, and in Sum∣mer full of water.

4. Verapaz is full of Hills and Vallies, most over∣grown with thick and large Woods, which so hinder the Wind, that they have Rain for near nine moneths in the year: by reason whereof, their Fruits are much an∣noyed with a kind of Gnats; but they have good store of Fish, and some of the Trees drop Amber: some, Mastick: and others, Gums. They have also many Medicinal Woods.

5 Veragua is neither fit for Pasture, nor Tillage, be∣cause both barren and mountainous, yet yieldeth Maize and Hearbs; but the want of other necessaries is sup∣plyed with Aurum Potabile, Silver, and such never fa∣ding Mines of Gold, that the Spaniards think them∣selves able to cure all Diseases, and supply all wants.

6 Incargua is well stored with Cattle and Trees, though little Corn, and but few Rivers: the want whereof is supplyed by a great Lake, called Nicaragua, (which ebbs and flowes as the Sea) wherein are good store of Fish, and many Crocodiles: it is said to have as many Parrots, as England hath Crows: also plenty of Sugar-canes, and Cotton-Wooll.

Castella del oro, or Golden Castle, is bounded on the East with the Gulf of Venezala, and some part of Paria; on the West, with some part of Guatimalia, and Mare Del Zur: on the South with New-Granada: and on the North with Mare. Del Nort: It is divided into these five parts.

1 New-Andalusia is mountainous, and full of Woods; wherein are good store of Gums, Rozen, and some kind of Balsoms: The soil is very moyst, through the abundance of Rain which falls thereon, so as few of our European Fruits come to good.

2 Martha is so mountainous and barren, that it is not fit for Pasture or Tillage; yet doth it produce Pom∣granates, Lemmons, and other Fruits, that are brought out of Spain. The Air on the Sea-coast is sealding hot, but in the midland parts cold, because some Moun∣tains are alwayes covered with Snow: some of which the Marriners discern 30 Leagues at Sea: and by rea∣son of these Hills, the Inhabitants do pretty well pre∣serve their liberty, in despight of the Spaniards.

3 Panama lyeth in the narrowest part of the Isth∣mus, or Straights, which joyn both the Peninsulaes to∣gether. The Air hereof is very hot and foggy; but es∣pecially from May to November: (and therefore not healthful.) The soil is either mountainous and barren, or low and miry, unfit for grain, so as it yields nothing but Maize, (and but little of that); but it is better for Pasture.

4 Darien, the Air is good, and the soil so fruitful, in the increase of Melons, and other Fruits, that they are ripe within 20 dayes after they are sown; and here are Fowl and Beasts in great plenty: the like not heard of in o••her parts.

5 De la Hatha hath very good Salt, divers Mines of Gold, some gems of much value: And the Soil is

fruitful in such Plants as are brought from Spain.

Paria is bounded on the East with Guiana, on the West with the Gulf of Venezala: on the South it is not discovered, and on the North it hath Mare Del Nort: It is divided into these two parts.

1. Cumana (so far as it is discovered) is neither plea∣sant nor rich, covered with Bushes and Briers, but is in esteem for an excellent Salt that is found near the Bay of Carico, in great abundance. The people are trea∣cherous, high-minded, and revengeful, accustomed to use poysoned Arrows, which they venome with Snakes bloud, and other mixtures. They have many Wives, which they prostitute to the Piacos, or Priest, for the first nights lodging. They also put strange co∣lours on their bodies instead of garments; and like black Teeth so well, that they take great pains to make them so. And are singular from others, not onely in fencing their Ground or Orchard with a Cotton-thread as high as the middle, with an Opinion, that whosoever goes under, over, or breaks it, shall die immediately; but also in feeding on Spiders, Horse-Leeches, Worms, Grashoppers, and the like.

2. Venezala, is so plentiful of Grain, Cattle, and Fruits, that it doth not only supply themselves, but spareth the Neighbouring Nations, such store of wheat, Meal, Swines flesh, Fish, Oxen, Hides, and Cotton-Cloth, that it is called a Granary.

The Women are trained up to leap, ride, run, and swim, as we••l as the men; and do not onely look to the hou••e, but till the Land, whilest the men fish and hunt.

Guiana is bounded on the East with some part of the Atlantick Ocean, and Brasile; on the West with part of Par••a, and some undiscovered Countries, which lye b••∣tween

it and ••eru; on the South with a good part of the River Amazons, and on the North with some part of the River Oronoque, and Mare Del Nort, or the Atlan∣tick Ocean.

The People are without any setled Government, though they acknowledge some Superiority in the chief parts. The Richest, who have two or three Wives a piece; and the poorer, who have but one, are alike jealous, and if they take them in Adultery, they beat out their brains without more ado. Their Wives (but es∣pecially the eldest) they use as servants: and solemnize their Funerals with a strange Feast; for the men drink and sing, and the Women houl. Their Accounts and Reckonings they keep by a bundle of sticks, which they either increase or diminish, as they have occasion. The Countrey is divided into these three parts:

1. Guiana (specially so called) is so fruitful, that on the shrubs grow plenty of Cotton, Sugar-canes, with∣out planting, and Tobacco to nine handfuls long. Their Fields are well stored with Beasts, which they call Moyres, (in use and shape resembling Kine, but with∣out horns) their Woods with Venison, and their Ri∣vers with Fish. They make their Bread and Drink of a Plant called Cassavi; and a great part of their Food is Fish, which they intoxicate with a strong-scented Wood, and so take them up, while they are floating on the top of the Water.

2. Oronoque is very rich and pleasant, consisting of large Plains, adorned with unknown Plants and Flow∣ers, and sometimes Hills intermingled, which are (re∣ported to be) furnished with Mines of Silver and Gold, the Forests with Beasts and Fowl, and the Rivers with Fish: so that no Countrey in all America, can compare with this for abundance of Riches.

3. Rio de las Amazones, or the River of Amazons, though in some places it be dry, and barren; yet in o∣thers, very fruitful, and full of large Woods: wherein are most sorts of Trees, which are found in America: Amongst the rest, here is one peculiar to this place, which they call Too-ock, of a very large Bulk, and the Fruit as big as a mans head; so that when it is ripe, the people dare not go into the Woods without some strong shelter, for fear it should beat out their brains.

New-Granada is bounded on the East with Guiana, on the West with Mare Del Zur; on the South the Countries not yet discovered, and on the North with Castella Del Oro. It is generally full of Woods, and hath good Pasture in some parts; wherein are many Cattle, some Corn, Mines of Gold, and other Mettals, but not so good. And here groweth the Wood Guatican, good for the French Pox.

The Air hereof is much alike, both in Winter and Summer, the People tall and strong of body, and given much to dancing and singing.

Peru is bounded on the East, with a great ridge of Mountains called Andes, on the West with Mare Del Zur, on the South with Chile, and on the North with some part of New-Granada. It affords very little Maize or Wheat, so that the Inhabitants live most on Roots, yet they have store of a kind of sheep, (which they call Pacos) as big as a small breed of Horses, but in taste as pleasant as our English Mutton, and not inferiour for nourishment; nor are they onely of good use for their fleece and flesh, but also to carry burthens; and so well they know their own strength, that if they are overladen, no blows will make them go, till their burthen be lightned. Herein are also a multitude of Beasls, like

wild Goats. And though the great Riches of this Countrey be in the never-fading Mines of Gold and Silver, yet Tobacco is no small profit to the Spaniard. The people are ignorant of Letters, but well skild in such Weapons as they had been used to. Of good cou∣rage in Warre, and fearless of death, prompt thereto by an old conceit, that in the other World they shall eat, drink, and love Women: And therefore divers times at the Burials of great persons (who were attended on in this life) they use to kill and bury one or more of his servants with him, to wait upon him in the other World. This Countrey is of a vast length, but the breadth not answerable.

Chile is bounded on the East with some unknown Countries; on the West with the Pacifick Sea, or Mare del Zur; on the South with the Straights of Magellani∣ca; and on the North with that part of Peru, called the Desart of Alacama.

It lyeth almost wholly between the Straights of Ma∣gellanica, and the Tropick of Capricorn, and therefore in the South temperate-Zone: and yet (as some say) ex∣tream cold, insomuch that some are frozen to death, and hardned like Marble. And though the Midland be mountainous and barren: yet towards the Sea it is very fruitful in Maize and Wheat, and hath very good Pa∣sture, stored with Cattle, plenty of Gold, Silver, and Honey. The people are of a large stature, and white complexion.

The Straights of Magellan were so called from Ma∣gellanus, who first discovered them: Their breadth is very unequal; for in some places, it is 5 or 10 miles broad; in some 2 or 3, & in the narrowest but one. There are in all 3 several Straights, which heretofore they were clear of. The first of which is most dangerous, because it ebbeth and floweth with violent swiftness. The second

is bad enough, though least dangerous. The third is said to be of that nature, that let a man steer his course which way he will, the Wind will be still against him. And therefore it is no marvel, that Magellanus, when he had past them, and got into the main Ocean, called it the Pacifick, or Peaceable Sea.

Paraguay is bounded on the East with some part of the main Atlantick, on the West with some unknown Countries, between it and Chile; on the South with part of Chile, & the main Atlantick Ocean, & on the North with some part of Brasile. So far as it is discovered, it is said to be very fruitful in Wheat, and European Fruits: and the Cattle which are brought from Spain, increase much there. It hath some veins of Gold and Silver, Mines of Brass & Iron, Monkies & Stags in abundance. I need not say that here are good store of Tigers, Lions, and such like Creatures; a few of them being too many.

Brasile is bounded on the East with the Main Atlan∣tick, on the West with some unknown Countries, on the South with Paraguay, and on the North with some part of Guiana, & the Atlantick Ocean. It is very fruit∣ful in most places, were it not for the abundance of rain which doth often fall: yet Sugar-canes grow here in great plenty, and a kind of Wheat which is alwayes growing, and continually ripe; for when some is ripe, others blossom. And here is a certain Plant called Co∣piba, the vertue of which is known to the very Beasts: for if they are bit by any venomous Creature, they re∣sort to it for cure.

The people are the Monsters of Nature, being mali∣cious and barbarous: for when they get the body of a fat man, they (gather a company together, and) rost him, making a jovial Banquet therewith. They are said to worship no God at all, but adore the Rising-Sun, and believe the immortality of the Soul.

This Countrey is not divided into Provinces or Na∣tions, as other places, but into praefectures or Captain∣ships (as the Portugals call them) of which there are 13. But we may not speak particularly to them.

The Islands of America, in the Atlantick Ocean.

Newfound-land was discovered by John Cabot, 1497. who was employed by Hen. 7th. It is said to be indiffe∣rent well-peopled, and accordingly furnished with o∣ther Necessaries, but Fish in abundance, of several sorts, and many safe and commodious Havens.

Further towards the East by the Azores, or Acores, which are in number 9. Of which that called Fayall, is of most note with us, for our Noble Sir Walter Rau∣leights Victory over the Spaniard. And now come we back again towards New-France, and there is Sablon, then St. Anna, and more towards Virginia, are Bermu∣das, or the Summer-Islands: (so called from Sir George Summers, who first discovered them:) which are very small, except that from which the rest take their name. The Air is hot, but healthy: (as the English find who now possess them.) And now we will go towards the Bay of Mexico, and take a view of some few of those many, if not numberless, multitudes. And so come down by the Antillas, or Camercane, commonly called the Caribian Islands.

1 Lucaia, 2 Bahama, 3 Abacoa, 4 Tiguasea, 5 Guateo, 6 Cuba; the biggest of all the rest, abounding in Sugar, Ginger, Cinamon, Cassia, Aloes, Mastick, Cattle, Fowl, & fish; excellent brass & gold, though somewhat drossie.

7 Jamaica is plentifully stored with divers kinds of Fruits, Cattle, Cotton, and most necessary things, and was once very populous, though now the Spaniards cruelty hath made it destitute of the Natural Inhabi∣tants;

for so horridly did they use them, that they chose rather to kill their Children in the birth, then to leave them to the Spaniards mercy, (or rather slavery.)

8 Hispaniola, the soil is so fruitful, that in 20 dayes, Fruits will be ripe, and the Meadows and Trees are al∣wayes green. It affords Sugar, Ginger, Mines of Gold, Iron, and Brass, and Cattle in such plenty, that they grow wild for want of Owners.

9 Margarita hath plenty of Maize and Fruits, but extream defective in Water: It was discovered by Co∣lumbus, 1498.

10 Cubagna is said to be destitute of Grass and Wa∣ter, and therefore of Cattle, except some few Conies; but on the Shores are found plenty of Pearls.

11 Torgula affordeth such store of Salt, that 3 or 4 Ships are yearly loaded therewith; and although it be much beset with Rocks, yet it affords good Harbour for shipping.

12 Catelina, or Providence, was granted to several Noble-men and their Successors, about 1620.

13 Bonaire is naturally fruitful in little else but Trees, which are there in abundance, but now it hath Goats, Sheep, and other Cattle, which the Spaniards brought over with them.

14 Trinidado, the Air is hot, cloudy, and unheal∣thy; but it is well stored with Maize, Sugar∣can••s, To∣bacco, Cotton-Wooll, and Pitch in great abundance: also some Veins of Gold, and other Mettals.

15 Tobago is well stored with Wood, some where∣of is not to be had in other places; it hath also Fish and Fowl in good plenty.

16 Portrico, 17 Anguilla, 18 St. Martin, 19 Bar∣bada, 20 Antigoa, 21 St. Christofal, 22 Mortinino; 23 Barbudos, And 24 St. Vincent; many of which are well known for several Commodities that I cannot stay

to name; as Sugar-canes, Cotton-Wooll, Tobacco, and the like.

The Islands of American in Mare Del Zur, or the Pacifick Sea.

1 California is situated over against Florida, and the Gulf of Mexico; the greatest part of it is above the Tropick of Cancer, and is reported to have plenty of Fish, Fowl, and wild Beasts.

2 Ladrones, or, The Island of Theeves, so called from the Natives theft, who stole Magellanus's Cock-boat, when he first entred in. There are several others, which I will not trouble my self to name, but refer you to view them in their proper places in the Map; because they lie at too great a distance to be well known, and are not rich enough to invite the Marchant.

And for the knowledge of the Cities, of most note herein, we shall do as we did in the other parts; namely, refer you to the Map of America, or to large Maps of the World and the parts also. With the which you may be fitted at the same place, where this Book is said to be sold, who doth print and colour them also.