CHAP. 1.

BEFORE I descend to the particular parts The descripti­on of Coun­tries, condu­ceth to the de­scription of Cities and Towaes of traffiqu [...]. of this Treatise, and before I describe the Scituations of these Towns and Cities of Traf­fique, which here I intend to handle, I must of necessity for Method-sake, first by a cour­sory draught describe the Countries, King­domes and Provinces; wherein the same are found to be scituated and placed, and to do the same orderly, and as the subject requireth, it is fit I should survey the meanes whereby the same is or may be performed, which according to the opinion of the Learned, is noted onely to be done by the knowledge of Geographie; which in it self is esteemed to be a knowledge so needfull and requisite for a Mer­chant, Factor, or any other active person whose occasions may draw him to see or abide in forraigne parts, that it may not be neglected nor omitted. Neither is it held onely necessary to such as man­nage private affaires by Merchandizing, as Merchants or Factors, who are led thereto by the Motive profit; but also to such persons as are more Eminent, and such as are of greater quality, whose motives are the publike affaires of Princes, as Ambassadors; or pleasure and delight, by Travelling, as Gentlemen, whose motive may be properly termed curiosity of mind and search of novelty; which last by observing the Fashions and Manners of divers Na­tions, [Page 2] and the government and Policies of those Kingdomes, do not onely very much benefit themselves, but better their understand­ings thereby, making their knowledge more capable of either publike or private imployment, when they return to their native homes.

The like I conceive the ingenious Merchant or Factor may (if he please) do, for being in his younger yeares imployed abroad in merchandizing, he may by well husbanding his mercantile im­ployment and time, joyn a future benefit of mind, to a present profit of estate; and by a provident judgement, and a judicious pro vidence, so manage his idle houres, and vacant time, that he fit his capacity, not onely wisely to undertake and discreetly to un­dergo, but also skilfully to performe the greatest imployments that are incident to the service of a State or Kingdome, neither is it a rare or extraordinary thing to find those that have had their education thus, to have proved not onely good common-wealths men, but also excellent Statesmen: our own Country hath afforded some examples in all ages, but in other Countries many more are daily found, for it must be acknowledged, that from this Schoole those ripe and mature judgements have sprung up; that in many Countries abroad, have given sufficient testimony to the World of their excellent abilities this way: and that the Art of merchan­dizing, together with the frequenting of forraigne Countries, at the first to that end, hath afterward rather furthered, then any way backwarded their abilities to undertake, and judiciously to perform the same.

The ancient policies and present flourishing continuance of the state of Venice, the politicke and rich estates of the Netherlands, Merchandizing the first Schoole of the present government of many Com­monwealths. the opulent and eminent quality of the Duke of Toscanie; the wealthy wellgoverned Hans-townes in Germany, (and many more which I could nominate,) make good this assertion, for in all these, merchandizing is found to be the School from whence they gather their first principles, and indeed the chief foundation upon which their fabricke of politicall government is raised: the scale by which their counsels are framed, and the pillars by which the same is seen to be supported and maintained.

How excellent is it then for a Merchant (that hath another proper and peculiar end of his travels,) so to imploy his time and spend his houres, as that he may at pleasure, without cost or char­ges, reape that benefit to himselfe which others purposely come to learn and painfully labour for, with great expence of time and money; and yet for all this, are peradventure destitute of those helpes and furtherances, which Merchants and Factors by reason of their aboad or vocation doe continually injoy, and who return as ignorantly home (perchance) as they went out; or happily fur­nished with some such cursory speculations, as reach not into the depth of such policies of government, as the reall intent of their [Page 3] travell doth truly require; whereas the Merchant that comes thi­ther, not purposely to that end, but to benefit himself as a Mer­chant, may gather and lay up those his observations obtained as pastimes, and collected as recreations, which will further and furnish him afterward; either by discourse for pleasure, or by necessity for profit and commodity, when he shall please to pub­lish his secret treasure and put the same in practise.

Geographie (by what hath bin said,) being then granted to be Geographie de­lightfull, pro­fitable, and necessary to the Merchant. both a profit and a pleasure to all, and specially to the Merchant, it must necessarily be granted to be usefull also: for though we living in this Iland acknowledge none for Merchants but such as adventure their estates at Sea, and are by this meanes accoun­ted for reall Merchants; yet those that are versed in this profession, and seen in this Art, know also that there be Merchants likewise that have their residencie in Continents, where neither Seas are known, nor yet navigable Rivers found, yet for all this, supply with land Carriages of Horses, Mules and Camels, by industry and la­bour, what Nature and our habitation doth freely afford unto us; by the commodity of the incompassed Seas in shipping, and these are observed and found to travell by Land in Companies and Ca­ravans with their Merchandize from one Countrey to another, (as we do by Sea in Ships and Fleets) paying their duties, customes, and toles upon the entrie, and confines of every severall Princes do­minions.

How then shall this land-travelling Merchant know whose King­dome he is in? what Prince commands, or who is lord of that The commo­dity of this knowledge to Merchants. ground he treads upon; but by a speculation herein? Whereby shall he know what way he hath rid and travelled, where neither Miles nor Leagues are accounted, or in use but by this? how shall he know which way his course lies, where neither pathes nor high-wayes are found to direct him, nor guide to informe him; or how farre he hath yet to go in that Princes dominion but by this? How shall he know what Rivers run in his way, what Straits or Mountaines he hath to passe over but by this? Nay hereby he is instructed whether those streames be great or small; and whether passable by Boat, Bridge or Foord; and by this also what Plaines, Woods and Hills, with their extent fertility, and confinement, the better to provide for his accommodation, and the necessaries of his Journey; as also what Cities & Townes of traffique stands in his Road; the limits & bounds of kingdoms, the disposition of the Inhabitants, the alteration of the Climates, the Laws of those severall Regions, the Commodities that those Countries do afford for merchandizing; the plenty & scarsity therof; and lastly, how they are supplied with forraign Wares & Merchandizes, either by Land, Seas or navigable Rivers; and all these (besides many other needfull lessons) may be hence learned and observed, which laid up in memory both in the course of his life & traffique, may in after times much profit and ad­vantage [Page 4] him. The benefit reaped thereby being thus briefly ex­pressed, the thing it self challengeth in the next place to be hand­led, which according to my skill and insight; I shall succinctly touch so farre as is needfull to my present purpose.

Geographie in brief then, is an Art that doth demonstrate by rules in a flat, levell or Plano; the whole Sea and Earth, and the division Geographie demonstrated. thereof, setting downe by a certaine method, the limits and extents of Countries, Provinces and dominions of Princes; the scituation of Cities, Townes, Hills, Rivers, Woods, &c. The bounds of Seas, Capes, Ilands, &c. All which is performed and expressed by apt lines, num­bers and parts of the Heavens: and lastly, it giveth rules to know the distances of the said places, either in leagues or miles from one Coun­trey, City or place to another; all which being also necessarie to be known by the Merchant, I will in few words declare the same.

First then to make the same more evident, the ground of this Art is ordinarily demonstrated and best expressed in Mappes and Maps and Cards. Cards, which doth comprize both the Earth and Waters, of which making one intire body, the Cosmographers do inviron with five Cir­cles, the first is the equinoctiall, then the two tropicks, and lastly the two polar circles; thereby dividing the whole, which now we call the World into five Zones, two whereof are found to be cold, two temperate, and one extreme hot: all which in these our daies are found to be habitable, contrary to the opinion of some an­cient Cosmographers, of which circles and their particular parts, divisions, demonstrations and descriptions, it will not be unpro­per I should briefly handle, as an entrance into this worke, and for the better understanding of what is to follow hereafter.

Every Mappe or Carde then for the most part is commonly The use of Maps and Cards in ge­nerall. Meridian. traced with two sorts of lines or circles, that is Meridians and Parallels; the Meridians are either right or Circular lines, passing through both the poles of the World, and are imagined to be drawn right up and down from the head to the foot of the Map, and called Meridians, because that when the Sun cometh to touch any of those lines, it is midday to those that dwell under the same.

And Parallels are either right or circular lines, imagined to be equally distant one from another, which doe crosse the aforesaid Parallel. meridians with right angles; and in the very midst of these Uni­versall Maps and Cards, are most commonly drawn, from head to foot a right line, which signifieth not onely the first Meridian, but also the axletree of the World; the upper end of which line is call'd the Poleartick, or the North Pole, and the nether end is cal­led the Poleantartick, or the South Pole, and this line is crossed in Poles Artick and Antartick. the very midst betwixt the two Poles, with another great circle, or rather right line called the Equinoctiall; because, that when [...]quinoctiall. the Sun cometh to touch this line or circle, the day and night is equall throughout the whole World, the one halfe of which line towards the right hand, sheweth the East part, and the o­ther [Page 5] halfe towards the left hand, sheweth the West part of the World; so as these two lines, the first meridian and the equinoctiall, do point out the 4 quarters of the VVorld; East, West, North and South, from whence the 4. principall winds do blow, betweene which winds are set down in all generall Maps, and generally in all Sea-cards the other division of the winds, which as not much pertinent to my present purpose, I willingly omit.

Further, it is to be noted that both the Equinoctiall and the Meridian circles or lines are divided each of them into 360. de­grees; so as every quarter of them containeth 90. degrees: and in the Equinoctiall are set down the degrees of longitude, which is the length of the VVorld, round about from West to East, and from East by West home againe. The first degree whereof begin­neth where the first aforesaid Meridian crosseth the Equinoctiall, in the very midst of all Universall Maps in generall, and so pro­ceedeth Eastward unto the number of 180. degrees; which is as farre as you can goe Eastward: for from thence by reason of the roundnesse of the Earth, you must needs turn back againe VVest­ward, untill you come to the 360. degrees, which is the last degree of longitude, and endeth where the first degree beginneth.

Moreover, in the said first Meridian are set downe the degrees of latitude, that is, the breadth of the VVorld, both in Northern and Southern, for from the Equinoctiall to the North Pole, are contained in the aforesaid Meridian 90. degrees, and that is cal­led the North Latitude; and from the Equinoctiall to the South Pole are contained in the said Meridian, other 90. degrees, which is called the South latitude; and in most Mappes the Equinoctiall Line is divided and crossed with 18. Meridians, on each side of the first Meridian, dividing the Equinoctiall into 36. severall di­stances; every distance containing 10. degrees, and every degree containeth 60. Italian Miles of length.

Againe; betwixt the Equinoctiall and each of the Poles are Circles Ar­tick and Ant­artick. drawn certaine Circles or lines, which as I said before, are called Parallèls, of which most commonly it is found that 4. are poin­ted with red ink, signifying, the 4. lesser circles; the highest towards the North Pole, is called the Circlearticke, which is 23. ½ degrees distant from the Pole; and the lowest towards the South Pole is call'd the Circleantartick, which is also distant 23. ½ degrees from the Pole; and as touching the other two red Circles, the one lying betwixt the Circlearticke and the Equinoctiall, it is called the Tropique of Cancer; and the other lying betwixt 2 Tropiques. 1 Cancer, 2 Capricorn. the Equinoctiall and the Circleantarticke, that is called the tropique of Capricorne, and each of these two tropiques is di­stant from the Equinoctiall 23. degrees, 2. 8. ½ which is the greatest declination of the Sunne; for betwixt these two tropiques the Sun continually maketh his course, and returneth, mounting never higher then the tropick of Cancer, nordescending never lower then [Page 6] the tropique of Capricorne: for which cause some do set down in their Maps betwixt the said two tropiques an overthwart line, signifying the ecliptick line, under which the Sun continually wal­keth.

Furthermore, by helpe of the said 4. circles, the Earth, (as I said before) is divided into 5. Zones, one hot, two temperat, and two cold: The hot is contained betwixt the two tropiques in the midst of Five Zones and where placed. which the equinoctiall line is placed; and of the two temperate Zones, the one lieth betwixt the tropique of Cancer, and the Circleartick, and the other betwixt the tropique of Capricorn and the Circleant­artick; and of the cold Zones; the one lieth betwixt the north Pole and the Circleartick, and the other betwixt the south Pole and the Circleantartick.

Moreover, besides the 4. speciall Parallels, there be also divers other Parallels drawn on each side of the equinoctiall, both North­ward, and Southward, which crossing in certaine points, the first me­ridian marked with degrees, doe shew the true latitude of every place, and under what Clime or Parallel it is: and also how many houres the longest day of any place under every Parallel is, begin­ning to account the same; either from the equinoctiall upward, to­wards the north Pole, along the first meridian, marked with degrees of Northern Latitude, or else from the first Equinoctiall down­wards towards the south Pole, marked with degrees of southern [...] Latitude.

Also this World in all common Maps and Cards is divided into 4. parts, Europe, Africk, Asia and America, the bounds whereof The division of the World into 4 parts. will not be amisse here to be observed, and how many miles each particular division containeth, as well in longitude as in latitude, according to the opinion of Mercator, whom I willingly follow for my director in this point.

Europe then is bounded on the North with the North ocean Sea, and on the South with the Mediterranean Sea; on the East with the Europe. Flood Tanais, and on the West with the West ocean: and Europe in measuring with a right line from the farthest part of Ireland on the West unto the Flood Tanais, on the East, both places having 52. degrees of latitude, hath in longitude 2166. miles, and in measu­ring Long 2166. Miles. Lat. 2220. Miles. with a right line, from the farthest part of Morea on the South, whose latitude is 35. degrees unto the North Sea side, hav­ing 72. degrees of latitude, hath in longitude 2220. Miles, or there­abouts.

Africa is bounded on the North with the straight Sea Gibalter, and with the Mediterranean Sea; and on the South with a Sea which Africa. divideth Africa from the South Land, not yet to us fully knowne; and on the East with the red Sea, and on the West with the great Atlantick Ocean: and in the measuring of Africa with a right line, from Gambra on the West, unto the cape de Gardaso on the East, both places having 10. degrees of North latitude, hath in lon­gitude [Page 7] 4425. miles, and in measuring with a right line from the Long. 4425. Miles. Lati. 4020. Miles. 50. degree of the equinoctiall unto the Mediterranean Sea; it hath in North latitude 32. degrees, which multiplied by 60. maketh 1920. Miles, and in South latitude measuring with a right line from the 50. degree of the Equinoctiall unto the cape of bona Esperansa, it hath 35. degrees, which also multiplied by 60. makes 2100. Miles, which maketh the whole latitude of Africa to be 4020. Miles, or thereabonts.

Asia is bounded on the North, with the North ocean Sea, and on the South, partly with the red Sea, and partly with other Seas Asia. and gulphs adjoyning thereto; on the East, with the East Indian Ocean, and the straight Sea of Anian; and on the West with the Flood Tanais and Fennes of Moetis, with the Chimerian and Thra­cian Bosphorus, the Euxine and Mediterranean Sea, and part of the Arabian gulf: and Asia then in measuring with a right line from the mouth of the Flood Tanais, to the Promontorie Tamos, both places having 50. degrees of latitude; hath in longitude 4284. Miles, and in measuring with a right line from the 150. degree of Long. 4284. Lat. 4500. the equinoctiall, unto the Promontory Tabin; it hath in North lati­tude 75. degrees, which being multiplied by 60. maketh 4500. Miles.

America is bounded on the North with the North Ocean Sea, America. and on the South with the Magellanick Sea; on the East with the Atlanticke Ocean, on the West with the West Indian Ocean, and the straights of Anian, and in measuring with a right line from the straights of Anian to the farthest part of Estotiland upon the 64. degree of latitude, hath in longitude 164. degrees which maketh Long. 4264. Lat. 3210. 4264. Miles, and in measuring with a right line from the 270. de­gree of the Equinoctiall unto the North Sea: it hath in North lati­tude 76. degrees, which makes 4560. Miles, and in measuring with a right line from the 305. degree of the Equinoctiall unto the Magel­lanick Sea; it hath in South latitude 53. degrees, which makes at 60. Miles the degree, 3210. Miles.

Thus farre shall suffice to have spoken ingenerall of the Lines, Circles and divisions of the universall Maps, and Cards found to be made by our modern Cosmographers. That which cometh in the next place to be handled, as the more materiall and usefull part, belonging to my present worke, is the knowledge and scituation of every Kingdome, Region, City, Mountaine, Flood and Lake found in this circumference: also the knowledge of the Seas, together with the Ilands, Ports, Capes, Points and Bayes which do belong to e­very one of the aforesaid parts and divisions of the World, and that are found therein comprised, which principally is manifested and learnd by the longitude and latitude thereof in it selfe, which teacheth these particulars: first, the very scituation of the place; secondly, the very distance from one place or Citie to another; thirdly how one place lieth from another; and lastly, with what [Page 8] wind you may saile from one Point, Cape or Citie maritime to a­nother: in which foure things the chiefe vse of Maps are found principally to consist. First then, the degrees of latitude or the Latitude how accounted. elevation of the Pole (being both one thing) is accounted from the Equinoctiall to either Pole which is 90. degrees, and the degrees of longitude accounted vpon the said Equinoctiall from the Iles of Cape Verde towards the East, and so round about the Earth till you come to the number of 360. degrees: where it is to be noted that the Provinces and Townes scituated vnder one and the same degree of latitude, have at one selfe time like houres of the day; but those that are scituated vnder divers degrees of longitude doe differ in number of houres; and that is the cause that when it is in one towne noone-tide, it is in another towne distant thence 30. degrees towards the East two a clocke in the afternoone, and so conse­quently for euery 15. degrees distance, it is then found to differ one houre in time.

Also those that dwell vnder one and the selfe same degree of Dayes and nights differ according to the latitude. latitude haue equall quantitie of dayes and nights; but yet so as they which dwel on the South side of the Equinoctiall have the shor­test day, whenwe have the longest, and have their Winter when we have Summer: and those that are vnder divers degrees of latitude, have inequalitie of dayes and nights; for the nigher that any Place is scituated towards any of the Poles, the more houres the longest day of the yeare in that place hath; and those that dwell vnder the equinoctiall have alwaies their dayes and nights of like quantity: but I vnderstand heere by the day the space betweene Sun rising and Sun-setting; so that to those that have 30. degrees of latitude the longest day is almost 14. houres, and the nigher the Pole, the longer, insomuch as those that dwell vnder the Pole, and whose Zenith is the Pole, their yeare is but a day and a night, that is to say, they have sixe moneths day, and sixe moneths night.

It is also to be noted, that the Meridians are found to have ma­ny necessary vses in the generall and common Maps, for thereby is learned that it is noon-tide or mid-day sooner in one place then in another, by observing that Meridian that is most towards the East, which the Sun toucheth alwaies sooner then that Meridian which is more towards the West.

By the Meridians is also known how the Eclipse of the Moone Meridians and their vse. appeareth sooner to one place then to another, and sheweth what varietie of time; for they whose Meridian is toward the West, do see the Eclipse of the Moone sooner then they whose Meridian is more towards the East; whereas indeed the Eclipse of the Moone is seene to all places (where it can be seene) at one very instant of like greatnes, and yet seemeth to bee seene later or sooner by reason of the diversity of the time of the day, in places standing one East or West from another; and if the distance betwixt those Eclipse of the Moone when seene. two Meridians doe containe 15. degrees of the Equinoctiall, then [Page 9] the Eclipse appeareth to bee sooner to the one then to the o­ther by one whole houre, according to my former assertion, for every 15. degrees maketh an houre, and therefore observe how many 15. degrees you find betwixt the two meridians, so many houres are to be accounted, and if fewer degrees be found, then the time of the Eclipse is to bee shortned accordingly, attributing 4. minutes of an houre to one degree, &c.

As for the Eclipse of the Sun, it is seene neither generally nor fully at one selfe same time, nor yet of the same greatnes in all Eclipse of the Sunne when seene. places: indeed it appeares sooner, to the Westerne Countries then to the Easterne; but the diversity of the time of appearance doth depend not onely of the number of Meridians betwixt the two places, but also of the swift or slow motion of the Moone, which comming betwixt vs and the Sun taketh the sight of the Sunne from vs.

The latitude and longitude of Cities and places may bee found Latitude and longit. found out by the Me­ridians. out by the meridians also; but heere it is observeable that the de­grees of latitude are in all places of like bignes, as making ever 60. miles, but the degrees of longitude proceeding from the Equi­noctiall towards any of the two poles, are unequall, and every one shorter then the other, and containing 4. miles; so that if two Ships were under the Equinoctiall 150. degrees distant each from other, and being to saile towards the North pole, upon the same course when they come to the 60. degree of latitude, their distance shall bee but 75. leagues, and the farther they goe towards the Pole, the lesse distance they shall be one from the other, insomuch as when they are right vnder the Pole it selfe, they shall both meet: but this point doth more particularly concerne Navigation, which so farre forth as it is requisite to the knowledge of a Merchant, I have handled in my Booke of the Factors Aviso, which together with a collection of the Sea-lawes I intend (God willing) hereafter to publish.

Now forasmuch as the vse of these latitudes and longitudes is most necessary and needfull in this Art, it is proper I should set downe the waies whereby not onely these latitudes and lon­gitudes, but also the distances of all Cities and places by all univer­sall Maps and Sea-cards that are perfectly drawn and delineated, is learned and found out.

First then, to find out the longitude of any place, doe thus: Ex­tend To find out the longitude of a place. a thred so as it passe through the Pole and through the place whose longitude you seeke in any Map or Card, euen to the very Equinoctiall and somwhat beyond, holding the thred strait, and then the number of degrees written vpon the Equinoctiall or Pa­rallel will shew the longitude;

Againe, by the Meridians likewise are knowne what longitude any place in the Map hath: as thus; Set the one foot of a paire of compasses in the place it selfe, and the other in some Meridian, that [Page 10] is next unto it, whither on the right hand or onthe left it matters not; from thence draw downe your compasse, following still that Meridian untill you come to the Equinoctiall line, and there marke upon what degree of the Equinoctiall that foot of the com­passe which you did first put in the place doth rest; then count how many degrees that is distant from the first Meridian, and that is the true longitude of the place; and note that that longitude ser­veth to all the places that be vnder that Meridian, though they be never so farre distant one from another North and South.

Now for the latitude of that place or anyother, do thus: Set To find out the latitude of a place. the one foot of your compasses in the very pole, extending the other to the place or Citie whose latitude you seeke, and keeping your compasse at that widenes, bring the movable foot to the first Me­ridian whereon the degrees of latitude are marked, and there stay­ing it, the number of the degrees counting from the Equinoctiall vpwards towards the Pole, will shew the latitude of the place sought, and note that the like latitude have all they that dwell un­der that parallel, how farre soever they dwell asunder east and west, and by knowing the latitude of any place, you may quickly also find in some Maps under what clime or parallel such a place is sci­tuated, and of how many houres the longest day is there.

Now to know how one place beareth from another and with what wind your Ship is to be directed from one Maritime port to another, is needles heere to bee handled, as not pertinent to my taske; but for what distance is betwixt two severall places, many Cosmographers have found, by severall waies taught the same, one only, the most common in use, I will pitch vpon, as the most facile and easie.

To find out then the distance betwixt any two places, doe thus: To find out the distance of two places or Cities. Set the one foot of your compasse on the one place, and the other foot on the other place, and apply that widenesse to the equino­ctiall, and looke how many degrees of the equinoctiall that wide­nesse comprehendeth, and allowing 60. Italian miles to every de­gree you shall have the distance by a right line of those two places demanded.

But if the said two places have both either North or South lati­tude, then substract the lesser latitude out of the greater, so shall you find the difference, which difference if you multiply by 60. the product will be the number of miles; and if to the whole de­grees of difference there bee annexed any minutes, then you must adde to the product for every minute a mile.

But if one of the two places haue North latitude, and the other South latitude, then you shall find their difference by addition on­ly, The distances of two places having diffe­rent longi­tudes and east and west la­titude. and not by substraction.

Now if you would find the distance of two places, differing only in longitude, both places having either east or west latitude; then substract the lesser out of the greater, so shal you have the true diffe­rence, [Page 11] which difference you must multiply by the number of miles belonging to their latitude, which commonly is found on the North-west side of the Maps, or by the table of miles answerable, of one degree of every latitude, and the product thereof will bee the number of miles; whereby the one place is distant from the other; but if the one place have East longitude, and the other West longi­tude, then you must find the difference as well by addition as by substraction.

To conclude this point, I conceive it not much materiall to my purpose further to insist hereupon; for the diligent and ingenious will easily hereby comprehend the benefit that may redound to him by a generall inspection in this Art, referring what is here by me willingly omitted to his owne private search and studie, and to such Authors as have learnedly written of this subject more at large; and therefore from the universall knowledge of Maps that pointeth out the generall divisions of the World, I will come to the particulars comprised therein, and view the subdi­visions thereof, as Potencie, Might and Soveraigntie have prescribed rules thereunto.

This World then, consisting as I noted before of foure princi­pall parts, and every part consisting of severall Empires, King­domes and Provinces in which many commodities both naturall and artificiall are found fit for Commerce, and traffique, and also wherein are noted to bee divers eminent Cities and Townes of great concourse, of Shipping, Merchants and Trade; which Trade is maintained and driven by the said Commodities and Wares, and by the naturall inclination of Mankind to inrich themselves by, Invention, and Time; hath devised the Art of Merchandi­zing, and by meanes of Weights, Measures, Coines, Exchanges and Accompt-keeping, have drawne the same to certaine heads and principalls, which in this MAPPE OF COMMERCE I shall indeavour to demon­strate: But before I fall to particulars, it is requisite I should first say somewhat of the same in generall.

CHAP. II.

MERCHANDIZING (truly considered in it self, and rightly practised) may well be said to be an art Merchandizing accounted an Art. or science invented by ingenious mankind, for the pub­like good, commoditie and welfare of all Common­wealths; for thereby some places and Kingdomes are supplyed and furnished with those necessary things, whereof Na­ture her selfe hath proved deficient in, and which in some other places or Kingdomes hath abounded, tending either to the need, ornament, or commodity of humane life, and is performed by ex­porting the superfluities, that are found in the one, to furnish the defects and wants that are found in the other: and the Arts-men that are seen thus to practise and exercise the same, and which doe thus transport these things from one place to another, are ge­nerally known to us and commonly termed by the name of Mer­chants, and the things themselves wherewith they negociate and traffique are termed merchandizes or commodities.

Merchandizing then of it self in effect is nothing else but a Merchandizing what. Commutation, bargaining, contracting or exchanging of one man with another, and by giving by one, so much of one thing or commodity, to have of the other, so much and the like value, of some one other differing com­modity else; and the things themselves subject to this commutation, or exchanging, are principally observed in all places to be two; first wares or goods, and secondly moneys or coyne; which two are usually The ma [...]rials of Merchandi­zing, are com­modities and Moneys. observed to be contracted and bargained for, in three severall distinct manners.

The first is goods for goods, and this is termed bartering. The second is goods for money, and this is termed bargaining, and the Commutati­ons d [...]stingui­shed into 3. manners or kinds. third is money for money, and this is properly amongst Merchants, (in these dayes termed) exchanging, from whence it proceedeth; and may be concluded, that all merchantile affaires and commercelike negotiations may be distinguished into three kinds or sorts, that is, into Bartering, commonly called Trucking; Bargaining, com­monly called buying and selling; and into returning of moneyes from one place to another by bills, commonly called Exchanging.

The first of these was taught to mankind by necessity, who to provide himself of things that were needfull, gave in liew and in Trucke thereof and for the same, the things whereof he had store and plenty: The second kind was found out and invented to faci­litate [Page 13] the first; and the third and last to facilitate the second.

In the times of old amongst us, and yet in these dayes in many Bartering. places of America, Asia and Africa; the first manner of Bartering was and is yet in use and practised, where though gold and silver and brasse was not known nor accounted as a stamped coine, yet it was then both here, and is still there held in greater estimation then was any other commodity or mettall; the which Homer in­ferreth in his relation of the Trojan Warre, where he mentioneth that Achilles his golden Armour, was valued in barter at one hun­dred Oxen, and that the brasse Armour of Diomedes was valued in barter but at nine: But Man in processe of time, finding it too too difficult a thing, and too too troublesome a busines, to carry about him, all things thus barter'd and trucked from one place to another, chose out one singular thing; which as a common standard or measure, should countervaile and be in Value as all other things, and which should be received and accounted of in payment, satisfaction, and equivalencie to all others, and the things thus cho­sen and estimated, was gold, silver and brasse, the most excellent of Mettals, which being then and since, by the authority of Prin­ces, divided into great and small peeces, and into severall and di­stinct parts and denominations, was stamped and coyned with severall characters, to denote thereby the true weight and value of the same; the which was first done by Servius in Rome of brasse, whereon was imprinted the image of Sheep and Oxen, betoke­ning the wealth and riches of those dayes, as moneys do now with us; and because that ten of those pieces was then called a denier, therefore it is, that universally all such moneys are still called by the Latines Denarij: this being then the originall of Moneys, afterward came to be coined both of silver, and gold; as I shall more at large have occasion to demonstrate in the Chapter of mo­neys, in this following Treatise.

This first sort of Merchandizing or Commerce then, as I said Bargaining. before, termed Bartering or Trucking, of one commodity for another, begat consequently by the meanes of moneys, the second manner of negotiation, which is buying and selling, or bargaining; for all Merchants that would transport commodities from one Countrey or place to another, to effect the same, needed either other commodities, wherewith to barter and so to procure them, or money and so to buy them; and therefore to facilitate Merchan­dizing, and to take away the incommodity and danger of the car­riage of moneys, about a man, or from place to place, A meane was invented to have the same in what Countrey a man pleased, without trouble or danger of the transport, carridges or rigor thereof; and this was found to be best performed by exchange, Exchanging. which is the third sort of commutaetion; the which is noted to be no other then the giving of so much moneys in one place to one, who should cause it to be againe repaid in another place by another [Page 14] for him; as for example, Edward hath here in London one thou­sand pounds, and desireth to remit the same, or have it in the hands of Ioseph, who resideth in Venice; and Lodowicke hath one thousand pounds in Venice, in the custody and hands of Thomas, which he would get, receive, and recover out and have them here: it happeneth that Edward meeteth with Lodowicke, to whom he delivereth and payeth the said one thousand pounds; and there­upon Lodowicke writeth to Thomas, that he pay the said thousand pounds to Ioseph, and thus each party come to be both satisfied and accommodated; by which it may be discerned, that in all ex­changes, there is concluded two payments, two places, and fouro distinct persons; as he who payeth in the one place, and he who receiveth in the other; and he who receiveth in the one place, and he who payeth in the other; and from hence it consequently followeth, that no man can remit, except there be another to draw; nor no man can in the second place receive, except there be another authorized to pay.

In this manner then came in use the originall of exchanges, pur­posely Exchanges drawn into a profitable Art, and the rea­sons there of. invented to accommodate Trade and Commerce, the which at first was practised without either benefit or losse, or any other consideration; and to render againe the self same summe and par­cell as was received: but in processe of time it came to be consi­dered, that the giver or deliverer of the money came both to lose a certain space in time ere the same was repayd, and did also run a certain risgoe in the payment thereof, which the re­ceiver or drawer injoyed, and profited by; and therefore it was held reasonable that the deliverer should have some fruit and benefit, in requitall and satisfaction thereof, which afterward occasioned that the second payment came to be somewhat grea­ter then the former; and that in consideration thereof there should be restored, more then was received: The indeavour of this gaine then hath converted exchanges since into an art or my­sterie; from whence it proceedeth, that many are found at this day to remit and deliver moneys, to the intent, to have the same retur­ned with benefit, and not for a need or necessity to have it more in one place then in another; and many againe are found to be takers and drawers, not with intent to withdraw or recover their money, from another person, or place; but to serve themselves and their occasions with that of others, for a certaine time, pay­ing and allowing for the same, that consideration and interest as is agreed upon, and covenanted between them; which really and in effect is nothing else but a certaine kind of permitted Usury, and therefore by some accounted as a thing unlawfull, though by many, and by the common and received practise of the World, it is upheld and maintained with many solid reasons and substan­tiall arguments; besides which, it is considerable, and peradven­ture it may well be granted, that if it were not, that there is by [Page 15] this art and mysterie, againe and profit made therof, very few ex­changes would present; because that draughts and remittances would in this nature but seldome happen, that would or might any way be available to Traffique and Commerce, and lesse be­nefit would consequently redound to the publike and universall Commerce of Kingdomes; and therefore though the intention of particular exchanges, be not alwaies found good herein, yet the generall good effect which it produceth, and that proceedeth therefrom, is in it self and in the true use and custome thereof both approved and laudable.

Now in the first sort of commutation, which I terme bartering, Things consi­derable in Bar­tering. many things do happen considerable and necessary in the art of Merchandizing; the first is the knowledge as well in the commodity, thus to be delivered, as in the commodity so to be received: next a knowledge in respect of the value and present request and esti­mation of both; then in respect of the quality, whether it be lasting and durable, or impairing and perishable; and lastly in respect of the property, whether it be of it selfe naturall and growing, or Ar­tificiall, and made by the hand and industrie of man; and lastly in respect of the quantity, whether plentifull and in aboundance, or scarce and in few hands.

In the second sort of commutation, which I terme bargayning, or Things consi­derable in Bar­gaining. buying and selling, are likewise besides the above mentioned, these particulars to be well known and considered; first a know­ledge how the commodity is either bought or sold, as either by weight, as are ponderous commodities, or as by Concave or long measures, as are commodities of length, or commodities solid or liquid; the knowledge of which weights and measures, is in like man­ner perfectly to be known, and really to be understood; and then the finenesse, goodnes and currant valuation of the money of the place, is also to be known, and perfectly and rightly to be found out and distinguished, that the bargaine may appeare to be made the more justly, equally, and conscionablie between both parties; and for the needfull circumstances observed in bargaining, these foure things are considerable, as having necessary dependances upon.

First, a Merchant must know what to bargaine for, and under Prncipally foure. this the knowledge of the commodity it selfe is comprehended. Secondly, how to bargaine, and under this the knowledge of the weights and measures in the generall is comprised. Thirdly, when to bargaine, and under this the fit and proper seasons of bargai­ning are generally included. Fourthly, with whom to bargaine, and under this point is comprehended, the person and party in­teressed, that requires the accomplishment or credit in the bargain.

Now in the third sort of commutation, which is here termed Ex­changing, the things necessary to be knowne and considerable by Things con­siderable in Exchanging. the said Art of Merchandizing are these: First a knowledge of [Page 16] the finenesse, goodnesse and currant value of the Princes Coine, both where the partie Remitter abideth, and whither the said moneys are remitted; then a knowledge of the currant rate of the Exchanging of the Par or Value for Value, both according to the Standard of the Countrey, and according to the valuation of the currant Coine there passable; then of the Vsance of the Place; and lastly and principally, to avoid all prejudice and losse, a know­ledge is to bee had of the partie who is the Drawer and Receiver of the same; and in default made of currant satisfaction and pay­ment accordingly, knowledge is to bee had of the due and true manner and forme of making of all legall intimations, protests, and other such needfull instruments, circumstances and observations as are requisite thereto, according to the strict and solemne rules required in a Bill of Exchange, which in its due place I shall more at large declare.

Now forasmuch as many of these afore mentioned points may as well be included within the mystery of some subordinate trades­men, as comprehended within the bounds of the Art of Merchan­dizing; I shall not need to insist farther thereupon, onely heere insert some other principall parts and points more aptly com­prised within the particular limits of this Science, which in briefe I will only nominate, as fitly serving for an Induction to this pre­sent MAP OF COMMERCE, and as being the proper in­struments, wherewith also this Art of Merchandizing is practised.

I have noted before that Merchandizing principally consisteth of Adventures made abroad into severall Regions, and that for the most part Merchants are found to traffique and negociate into divers parts and Countries of the World by the helpe and benefit of the Seas and Navigation, and have to that end their Factors, ser­vants and agents resident in forraigne parts to performe those their Mercantile Occasions, and that Ships and Vessels of all bur­thens are dayly seene to be by them so imployed and set on worke through all the parts of the habitable World, therefore the next point needfull their knowledge, and comprised in the Art of Mer­chandizing, I may intitle under the name of Shipping; which pro­perly consisting of sundry portions may bee fitly distinguished within the duties of foure severall distinct persons.

The first Person is represented in the building of a Shippe, where­in First duty to build, belon­ging to the Shipwright. the whole materials are to be considered; next the Art of the framing, forming and making thereof, is to bee observed, the due rules of length, bredth, depth, stowage, offence, defence and commodiousnes in generall is to bee noted with all other circum­stances thereunto appertaining: and this I hold to be the proper dutie of the Ship-wright, and the knowledge consequently not un­proper to the Merchant, and fitly comprehended within the Art of Merchandizing.

The second is represented in the setting forth of this Ship, where­in [Page 17] her tackle, apparell, victuall and munition and all her needfull Second dutie to furnish and set out, belon­ging to Ow­ners. and dependent furniture is to bee considered, her provision and store is to be observed: and this I hold to be the proper dutie of the Owners and letters out of Ships to fraight, and the knowledge most proper for the Merchant, and comprehended also in the Art of Merchandizing.

The third is represented in the sailing of this Shippe, wherein Third dutie to saile the Ship, belonging to the Pilot or Master. the Art of Navigation is generally to be considered, with all cir­cumstances thereunto of right appertaining, which I hold to be the dutie of the Master and Pilot, and how farre this knowledge may be necessary to the Merchant, I have mentioned in a Booke intituled The Factors Avizo, which I may, if occasion serve, pub­lish to the use and benefit of Merchants and Factors that frequent the Seas, and take pleasure therein.

The last is represented in the imployment of this Ship, wherein is Fourth duety of imploying this Ship, be­longing to the Merchant. considerable these sixe things. First the lading of the goods a­board, by which this Ship comes to bee imployed, which must be done in faire and dry weather and at fit seasons: secondly the stowage thereof aboard, which must be done without prejudice or hurt of one commodity to another, by building of bulke heads and providing of desnege and the like whereon the said goods must beare or lie upon: thirdly in truely marking the said goods, that it may evidently appeare who is the right Owner and pro­prieter thereof: fourthly in really paying and truely discharging of all customes, duties and charges thereupon, that neither the Ship nor goods may be subject to losse, confiscation or prejudice there­by: fiftly in making assurance thereon, that the Imployer preven­ting losses may not indanger his whole Adventure: and sixtly and lastly in a generall knowledge of all the Sea Lawes comprised either in the Role of Olcron or Consolato of Barcelona, that all contro­versies betweene the Merchant and Mariner may bee avoided; that he may thereby the better right himselfe, and doe also that which is right to all others; and this I hold to bee the proper duety of the Merchant and his Factor.

In order to this I may heere nominate such other things as are A Merchant is to know the forme of a bill of Ex­change. needfull to his knowledge, and which have a necessary de­pendance upon the Art of Merchandizing, as next to know all manner of specialties proper to his Place and Calling. And first the manner, forme, force, and vertue of a bill of Exchange, the termes, and proper method thereof, with all manner of obser­vations required thereto by the solemne, and strict rules of the proceedings commonly used therein.

Secondly, the making of all Intimations, and protests, in all ca­ses Secondly, of all manner of protests and intimations. Thirdly, of charter parties. whatsoever incident to this Art.

Thirdly, the manner and making of all charter-parties for the fraightment of Ships; wherein all conditions and their circum­stances must be truely and at large set downe and declared as the [Page 18] time when the covenanted Ship is to depart, the Ports, where She is to unlade, the daies agreed vpon for her unlading, the summe agreed upon for fraight, and all other the particular conditions accorded upon, the better to avoid all inconveniences and con­tentions in law that may happen thereupon.

Fourthly, the manner of making of bils of lading, wherein the goods laden and the condition thereof is to be truely set downe: Fourthly, of bills lading. also the Ship wherein the same is put, and the Master or Pilots name, and who taketh the charge thereof; the place of unlading the said goods, and lastly, the fraight to bee paid for the same, when delivered according to conditions specified.

Fiftly, the manner of making of policies of assurances; wherein Fiftly, of Pol­licies of assu­rances. the goods assured is to bee nominated, the Ship upon which the same is laden, and the Master thereof declared, the dangers and Adventure assured to bee specified, the places whence and whi­ther bound noted, the rate or premio agreed upon observed; and lastly, the persons or Parties assurers subscribed, &c.

Sixtly, the manner of making of all manner of specialties and bils of debt, either as they are simply in use amongst us in Eng­land, Sixtly, of bils of debt and obligatory. or obligatorie, as also to know the force and strength thereof in law, both heere and beyond the Seas, with transportations thereof, as is used in many forreigne Countries; wherein is to be set downe the name and profession of the partie debtor, the summe owing thereby, to whom the same is due, and the time when the same is payable, and the place where, and in bils obliga­torie, the penaltie for non payment accordingly.

Seventhly, when the same is discharged, the forme and manner of an Acquittance and generall release in full discharge for the Seventhly, of an acquittance. payment thereof.

Eighthly, the manner of drawing a Letter of Attourney or procura­tion, with the strength thereof both heere and beyond the Seas: Eighthly of a letter attour­ney. wherein is to be mentioned the power and authority given, the partie that giveth the same, and the partie who receiveth it, and the scope, end and determination thereof; and lastly, to con­clude these necessarie appurtenances and dependances vpon the Art of Merchandizing, there must be added a right and perfect skill Ninthly, In accompt-keep­ing. in Accompt-keeping, that thereby all his dayly Affaires, his Adven­tures, Shipping, Sales, Buyings, Payments and Receipts, &c. may or­derly and truely bee manifested, which is so farre forth to bee learned and knowne, that his Estate, Gains and Losses, and all passa­ges that are else needfull happening in the course of his Negotia­tions, Merchandizing or Commerce may appeare, and which may thereby be either yearely, or oftner reduced into a ballance, to his owne contentment, and to the commodity of his Estate and dayly Traffique.

And as a handmaid or Vsher to this Art of accompting, he must, to finish and make vp these helpes and furtherances, have the Tenthly, of A­rithmetique. [Page 19] assistance of the Art of Numbring or Arithmetique, in which who­soever is ignorant may not challenge to himselfe the Title of a Merchant, nor be said to have any judgement in the Art of Mer­chandizing, nor hardly deserve the attribute of a rationall man.

These are now the principall parts of the Art of Merchandi­zing, and the Basis whereupon the same is observed to have its foundation, as it is seene practised and exercised by all Merchants in generall in these our dayes throughout the habitable World, the most part whereof I have more particularly handled in the fol­lowing succinct Chapters, and some others I have willingly omit­ted, as being such as are so inherent to the Art it selfe, that eve­ry knowing Merchant must not bee ignorant therein, having in all other respects indeavoured to make this MAPPE OF COMMERCE so perfect, absolute and compleat, that it may stand the Merchant (especially the Learner) in stead, both at home and abroad beyond the Seas, and serve him as a guid and Tutor to direct and instruct him in all the parts of the Art of Merchandizing.

And having thus run over the ground of this Art it selfe in the generall, I will in the next place begin with the Cities and Townes, where at this day it is found, that for the most part this Art of Merchandizing is seene to be practised and used.

CHAP. III.

MY purpose is not here to shew the antiquitie of Cities and Townes emi­nent in trade, onely mentio­ned in this Mappe. Cities and Townes, according to their first ori­ginall, nor the manners and custome used in their first foundation; neither yet speake of the divers kinds thereof, as at this day they are in them­selves observed to be: But my intention is, in this following Map of irade, (having briefly shewed the common di­vision of the 4. parts of the World,) to nominate and quote out, the chiefe and principall therof as they are knowne to be to Mer­chants, and as they are found the most eminent and absolute in the trade of Merchandizing; and therewith distinguish the diversities that are observed to be therein.

An absolute and compleat City or Town, as some learned have Sixe parts re­quired in a compleat City. set down and expressed, cannot subsist of it self without sixe prin­cipall parts and helpes, for the supportation thereof; and without [Page 20] which no City or Town can properly be said to be, or to have a being: First, it must have Victualls to feed and nourish it; and this is the proper taske and duety of the Husbandman and Shep­heard. Secondly, it must have Armes and Armour to defend it, and offend its Enemies; and this is the proper taske and duety of the Souldier. Thirdly, it must have wealth and riches, as sinewes for its imployment, in private and publike affaires; and this is the pro­per taske and duety of the rich and eminent inhabitants of this Ci­ty. Fourthly, it must have Justice for criminall and civill causes, to punish the bad and reward the good; and this is the proper taske and duetie of Counsellors and Senators of State. Fiftly, it must have Religion and the worship of GOD duely and reverently perfor­med in it, and this is the proper task and duety of the Priesthood: And Sixtly, to make it a compleate, able and absolute Citie, it must have Trade and Arts, practised therein, and this is the proper taske and duetie of the Merchant and artificer that inhabit it. Now though many Cities are seen sometimes defective, in some of these parts, and are not so well furnished as this rule and the ex­actnes of a compleate Citie requireth; yet it is daily manifested to the judicious and learned in policies of State, and government of commonwealths, that Merchants, and such as exercise the trade of Merchandizing in Cities, do supply by their indeavours and abilities by traffique, most of those other parts and helpes here before specified; and which are or may be found deficient and wanting therein. For setting aside the worship and service of God, which is onely fit and proper to Divines and Church-men: The person and purse of the Merchant supplies in a faire measure, all the other parts beforementioned; for first the Merchants Navi­gation and traffique, is seen to supply the City with corne, graine, The Merchants purse and per­son supplies many defects in a City of trade. cloth, &c. and all manner of provision, both for back and belly, delight and ornament, tending either to pleasure or need; and this way he performes the part of the Husbandman and Shepheard; His traffique is seen to supply the City with armes, armour, and all manner of amunition, either offensive or defensive; and thus farre he perfomes the part of a Souldier: His traffique likewise is seen to bring Riches into the common purse by customes, imposts, and such duties; and thereby may be said to perform the part of the wealthy and most eminent thereof. He is seen by his wisedome, tra­vell, and experience abroad, to be able oftentimes to sit at the stern of the Cities government, punishing the vicious, rewarding the vertuous; and herein be performes the part of a Senator and Counsellor: neither yet is he wanting in many other particulars, to perform the duety of a good patriote and citizen, (not compri­zed within any of these aforesaid limits;) for his traffique is seen to improve the Countries commodities, to set the poore and needy on worke, to invent new fabriques, stuffes and the like; to plant forraigne colonies, to settle peace and amity amongst Prin­ces, [Page 21] to build warlike Ships, to traine up Seamen; and to make the City and place of his abode famous and eminent by sundry other meanes, which I could exemplifie if need were in this place, and which at present I willingly omit.

Now then if the Merchant and the art of merchandizing be so excellent, and consequently necessary in a City, and bringeth with it so many benefits and commodities: how happy then is that City, where many notable and well govern'd Merchants are found to reside, and where their care of their own profit is so necessarily interwoven with the care of the commonwealths, and its good, that to themselves and to their Countrey; their labours and adventures do bring in thus mutually, not onely a commo­dity, but also an honour: but to the matter, All Cities and Townes What Cities are found fit for trade and commerce. are not found in themselves proper for commerce and traffique, nor yet all of them fit residences for Merchants; therfore it is seen by experience, that trade hath setled it self principally in two sorts of Cities and Townes, and in such first the Inhabitants by inclina­tion; and then Forraigners and Strangers by conversation, are ob­served and noted to have planted themselves and established a trade therein.

Traffique then residing and abiding principally in two severall Two sorts of Cities of traf­fique. sorts of Cities and Townes, by daily observation are found to be such as these; the first is the Maritime, and these are they that have their scituation on the Sea shore or coast, or upon navigable Rivers and streames; and the second are they that have their scitua­tion within some continent, and may be called land Townes and Cities, distant both from Sea and River. And though that in both these, trade and commerce is observable to be setled and dri­ven; yet the manner and common form of this trade is found to differ much, as being both of them proper to two severall sorts of traffique and Negotiation. Sea Towns of trade what.

The trade observed then to be driven in Sea Townes or Cities, seated on navigable Rivers, is noted to subsist principally by na­vigation, and by the easie transportation of merchandize by that commodiousnes, from one place to another; which is indeed the most proper and customarie way, whereby traffique is in these dayes seen to be maintained and preserved; for in many places thus scituated, it is noted that eminent Merchants do reside, who by reason of this neighbourhood of the Sea, and consequently of navigation, do hold a respondencie and trade from one fit place to another, over all the known parts of the habitable World, impor­ting the commodities of all other Countries, and exporting the native commodities of the place it self; and of this sort is Marsilia, Amsterdam, Genoa, Venetia, Sivil, Lisborne, London, and many o­thers, &c. But the trade observed to be driven in inland Townes and Land Townes of trade what. Cities, subsists by carriage of commodities by land, which in some places is done by Carts, in some by Camels, Caravans, [Page 22] Mules, Horse, &c. as is at this day seen practised in many great Cities of the World; as at Aleppo in Turkey, at Spahan in Persia, at Agra in the Moguls Countrey, and such other, who injoy neither the benefit of Rivers, not yet the commoditie of the Sea it self by many miles distance; yet therein are oftentimes found residing many Merchants of great eminencie and a nample trade is discer­ned therein, as may be seen in this following tract. And some­times to adde some furtherance to this their want: some of these have a Sea port or haven, as the neerest whereto ships from other parts do come in; and do there both land and relade as occasion requireth, in which nature is Alexandria to Aleppo, Combrone to Spahan, and Sindy to Agra.

Besides which, I might here adde a third sort of Cities, where yet trade is noted to be setled, differing from both the former, and Townes of trade inmanu­all arts and fa­bricks. which cannot be comprised within either of the limits; and these are such as subsist by some excellent or curious manuall Arts or fabriques, as is Norimberg and others in Germanie, Roven in Nor­mandie, Florence in Italy, and Norwich in England; and some others, whose trade subsists by the benefit of nature, producing of it self, speciall or needfull commodities for traffique, as doth Bordeux by Gascoine Wines, Zante by Corrants, Smirna by Cottens, Gilan in Persia by raw Silke, Ivisa by Salt, and the like: and where these are joyned by scituation proper for traffique to the former, they are found to be farre more absolute, eminent and compleat, as shall be discerned also in this following tract.

These are then the Cities and Townes which generally in this The Cities of trade mentio­ned in the Map of Commerce. Mappe I handle, relating as neere as my observation and reading will permit me, the commodities that the place doth naturally afford for Merchandize, and the commodities the same is noted properly to vent; together with the time when the same is ei­ther sent out or brought in, the quantity, how much; with all other such circumstances as are thereunto belonging.

Moreover it is to be noted, that in all Cities and Townes of Five places in a City depen­ding upon trade. traffique, there are alwaies found five particular places, that onely have a being and dependencie upon the trade thereof.

The first place is it where Merchants and tradesmen do assemble and meet at certain houres, and limited times of the day, to con­ferre The Burse or Exchange. and treat together, concerning Merchandizing, shipping, buy­ing or selling, and the like; as is seen to be the Royall Exchange of LONDON, the Burse in Antwerpe, the Piazze in Venetia, and the like in other places.

The second place is it where the Princes, customes, and dueties The Custome house. upon all Wares, either imported or exported by way of Merchan­dize is seen to be paid and collected, where officers are appointed to attend the same; and where all Writs, as Cockets, bills of entrie, Certificates; and the like are granted, both to loade and land goods, either going out or coming in, and these are called by se­verall [Page 23] names, as in most places Custome-houses, Dattio, Commercios, and the like.

The third place is it where Merchants do keep their goods and Magazines for commodities. wares in, where weighers, porters, car-men and labourers do hourely attend to be set on worke; where Brokers and Contracters are daily imployed in making of bargaines, shewing of Wares, transporting of bils of dept, and such like, as is seen in the Besistons and Basars in Turkey, Alfond [...]ces in Barbary, pack-houses in the netherlands; and as was accustomed to be done in the stillard in London.

The next place is it where the publique beame is set up, by the authority of the Magistrate, to weigh all ponderous commodities Kings Beame. bought or sold; to decide differences and controversies arising by weights and weighing, and where a sworn weigher, with labou­rers at all houres attendeth upon Merchants occasions, and who by his place is to keep a Register of all commodities weighed, to serve if need shall so require; and in this nature is the weight-house called the Kings beame in London, the Domme at Amsterdam, the Viconte in Roven, the Romano in Marsilia, and such like in other places of trade.

The next and last place is it where the publike measures, both Met-house. of length, of dry, and of liquid commodities, in every City are kept and set up by the authority of the Magistrate, to measure all measureable commodities bought or sold; to decide all differences and controversies arising thereabout; and where a sworn measurer is to give attendance with other necessary helpers at all houres to dispatch Merchants occasions, of which he is to keep a Regi­ster to serve in time of need, as was seen of old to be the standard of Cheap in London, and as is found the like in other places.

And thus much shall serve to have said of Cities and Townes in generall, of trade, and of the principall places found therein, which have a dependence thereupon; which few Cities in the World, of traffique do want or are found to be defective in.

CHAP. IIII.

TRADE in its selfe, hath ever been found to be, not Customes pay­able to Prin­ces. onely beneficiall to the City and Countrey where the same is exercised and preserved; but also to the Prin­ces and Soveraignes who command the same; and though the commodities and benefits that it brings with it, be many and great, yet the principall are such as accru­ing [Page 24] to the Princes coffers, comes to them by the payments of certain customes, imposts and dueties, that are by them imposed up­on all commodities and wares, which by the way of Merchandize is either imported out, or exported into their dominions, and for the better raising and collecting of which, there is seated as is be­fore remembred, by the said Princes and their authority in every such Citie and Towne (where any trade and concourse of Merchants is found to bee) certaine publique houses, as offices by the name Custome hou­ses. of Custome-houses where these duties are collected, and where the Traders and Merchants doe accordingly pay and satisfie the same.

The duety then of Custome, though in all Countries it bee gene­rally Customes not alwaies alike in all places. paid, yet it is not alwaies found to be paid alike in all places, for it is sometimes found to bee more and sometimes lesse, and oft times in some Countries it is paid according to the will of the Prince who imposeth the same, as being partly a Prerogative in­herent to their Scepters, and partly as they are absolute Com­manders in those Cities, Ports and Havens where this Traffique is so exercis'd, and is found to bee payable as I said before, upon all Custome due upon all com­modities. manner of commodities used by way of Merchandize, either exported or imported out or into their Dominions, Countries and Citties.

This duetie then thus called Custome, is conceived by some to The originall of Customes. have its first originall from a safegard given by those Princes at Sea, to their Subjects and Merchants from all Rovers, Pirats and Enemies, and a protection for free trading from all such dangers from one Port or Citie of trade to another: but we see that in these dayes the payment of the duetie is still continued, and is day­ly paid by all Merchants; but the first institution and ground thereof (if so it was) is by many Princes either totally omitted, or at least wise forgotten, and therefore it may now be more pro­perly called a Custome then heretofore, and the places where the same is paid and collected called thence Custome-houses.

The Merchant then who intendeth to negociate and traffique The Merchant must learne what the Cu­stomes are, and duly pay them. into any Citie or Kingdome (seeing there is a necessity in the pay­ment and discharge thereof) ought first diligently and carefully learne and observe the summe and quantity payable upon all com­modities whatsoever; and then truely and honestly satisfie the same according to the ordinances and proceedings used respe­ctively in those Countries, partly to avoid the danger of the losse of the commodity (the nonpayment being in many places the forfeiture) and partly the better thereby to make his calculation either to buy or sell to profit, and that before he make entry of any goods in the said Custome-houses or office (thus appointed for the collecting of this duty) and that he take notice what the true and right custome in it selfe is; to further which knowledge it is often seene that a setled rate by Booke or particular Teriffe either in print or writing may easily in every such Citie of trade be had Book of rates. [Page 25] and obtained: But if (as it is sometimes seene) in some places that the same cannot be had, then the Trader must learne in this case from others what the duety and Custome of the place is; wherein much care and circumspection is to be used, for the fraud and poling deceit, that is practised in sundry Custome-houses by many officers where no such Bookes are publique, is excessive, when either they collect the same to the immediate use of the Prince, or when they collect the same to their owne use, being let out to farme by contract and yearely rent unto them by his authority; many Merchants being deceived by their devices and slights, ma­ny under officers and new offices being dayly hatched up and maintained by the chiefe Customers and Farmers, not onely to the detriment of Merchants and of all Trade in particular, but also to the prejudice of the Soveraigne and all Traffique and Commerce in the generall.

These Customes then, as I said before, are noted not to be paid Custome dif­fers in many respects. in all Countries alike, for they are found to differ in divers re­gards; the principall whereof I have observed to be these.

First, they are found to differ in regard of places and kingdomes, In regard of place. as a far greater Custome is paid in Spaine, and generally through­out the King of Spaines Dominions, then in France, Italie, Turkie, and in some other places.

Secondly, some difference is also found in regard of times, as in In regard of time. priviledged Townes, inioying free Faires, Marts and Markets, as is seene observed by custome and long use in Roven, Beaucaire, Franckford, Mesina, and other places where the Customes are then and at that time little or else nothing, or far lesse then at all o­ther times of the yeare besides.

Thirdly, somewhat againe in respect of Cities, inioying a more In regard of Cities. peculiar priviledge and continued freedome in Trade in sundry Kingdomes, where little or no Custome is paid upon any commo­dity whatsoever, either during a yeare after the importing of the goods, or for certaine limited time or moneths, as it is seene in Ligorne, Marsolia, and in many other free Cities and hanse Townes, &c.

Fourthly, somewhat againe in regard of commodities, as is seene in In regard of commodities. England, and many other places elsewhere, where some commo­dities are higher rated in the custome than other some; some paying after the rate of 5 per Cent. some 10, some 15, and some 20 per Cent. and some yet more, and some lesse.

Fiftly, somewhat againe in respect of the weight, as is seene in In regard of weight. Roven by the Viconte, in Lions by the Kings beame, in Stockholme by the Merchants weight; and so in other places where there is used a large weight in favor of the Merchants to pay their Custome by, and another lesser to buy and sell withall.

All these things and many others, as necessary to this Commerce, Strictnes for not paying of Customes. must be truely learned; for ignorance herein is not pardonable, [Page 26] and is ever a prejudice to him that is found to exercise Trade; for the rigor and strictnesse practised in sundry Countries herein a­gainst Merchants is extreame, whereas these Customes are not duely and truely to the utmost satisfied and paid.

As first in Russia, Denmarke and Sweden, the law is, that if a In Russia Den­marke, Sueden. Merchant doe not declare all his goods in the Customehouse which hee either importeth or exporteth, but concealeth some part thereof; all the rest of that commoditie being of the same kind, are forfeited to the Prince without favour or redemption.

In Spaine, and generally throughout all the King of Spaines do­minions, In Spaines Do­minions. the commodities concealed are onely forfeited, vnlesse they bee prohibited, or as they terme it Contrabanda goods, and then all is lost.

In England, Scotland and Ireland the like; for there the goods In England, Scotland and Ireland. concealed are onely forfeited; but yet they may bee had againe upon composition, for the Officer that maketh the seisure hath power by a License sued forth to compound for the one halfe, which is his part: and if no int [...]tion to defraud the King ap­peare in the fact, the Barons of the Exchequer will deale favoura­bly with the Merchant for the other halfe, which is the Kings, and if a Merchant cannot for want of a factorie make a direct or perfect entry, hee may declare his goods in the Custome house, at sight; and taking up the same, it may be either weighed or mea­sured, opened and perused by an officer, and then afterward the Custome may be satisfied accordingly without further danger.

And if the Merchant would againe ship out those goods, so brought in by him, hee may doe it by certificate free of Custome for 13. moneths, and have the impost thereof returned to him againe, provided the propertie hath not beene during that time altered.

There is also by way of tares granted to the Merchant in the Custome house 5. per cent. upon all commodities, either weighed or measured, and allowances upon Wines and Oyles for leakage, and upon Clothes, Kersies and such like one in ten for wrapers, with ma­ny other limited observations, which are found published in his Majesties declaration, before the printed Booke of rates for Customes in England, &c.

In France, Germany, and many places of Italy and in the low Coun­tries, In Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands. the goods concealed are onely forfeited; but the same may be afterwards compounded for, wherein the circumstances will in some places bee considered, and the manner how the error grew, and whether it appeare to be done with a set purpose or not.

In Constantinople, Smyrna, and many places of Turkie the goods In Constantino­ple, Sm [...]a. concealed are not at all forfeited, but are to pay double the im­posed custome if taken, and then to be againe restored.

I have noted that the rates of the customes is found to alter in sundry countries, as in Spaine and Portugall is paid upon divers [Page 27] goods, 10. per cent. upon some 20. and 25. per cent. In Turkie is paid by the English onely 3. per cent. but by all other Christian na­tions 5. per cent. and the same is not there paid nor satisfied in mo­neys, as in other Countries, but in species and in kind, except com­pounded for before hand, and so by a value reduced into monies: so also it is in some Countries more and in some lesse, sometimes setled upon the hundred in value, and sometimes upon the peece; and in China and some places of India it is noted that in favour of this duety the vessell and Ship is measured in length, and bredth, and depth; and so by a certaine rule and summe the custome is le­vied accordingly, upon all sorts of goods abord her without di­stinction alike in bulke.

Besides this duetie of Custome paid in most Cities by Merchants, Impositions upon goods. as I have shewed, there is another duety like to this, which is cal­led by the name of impositions, because the same is imposed upon some certaine and particular commodities, and not in generall (as customes are) upon all; the which also is not alike rated upon all wares: for though they be found now to bee much of the same nature as customes are, yet originally they are conceived to bee no­thing but custome strained beyond a faire proportion, and are im­posed oftentimes more for the inriching of some private courtier then for the profit or benefit of the Soveraigne, and which in themselves are found to be, very heavy excessive and burthensome upon some particular commodities; and therefore, as there is a necessity in the payment thereof; so is there likewise a necessity that the same be truely learned and knowne, and also the com­modity upon which the same is so imposed; lest otherwise the Tra­der make a short reckoning in his accounts, and find this impost to deceive him of his expected and hoped for gaine.

To conclude, neither are these duties thus to be onely learned Fees to offi­cers to be paid and knowne. and duely satisfied according to the customes and usance of euery Citie and Countrey, but also all such appurtenances, as belong ther­unto, in the passing of all goods in the said offices and Custome houses, as in bils of Entries, Cockets, Certificates, passing of Bonds, and all fees thereunto appertaining and thereupon depending, as to Waiters, Searchers, Clerkes, Visitors, and such like, be also knowne and satisfied, the better to avoid the dangers and inconveniences that may happen by the default thereof to the goods whereupon the same is liable.

These Customes then and Impositions thus varying by time, pla­ces and circumstances, and imposed, altered and changed often­times at the will of the Prince, are not by the industry of any one hand, to be punctually knowne in all places; therefore it suffi­ceth me to have given here these generall rules and observations conducing both to the knowledge and the necessity of the dis­charge and payment thereof, for the better Reiglement of Commerce in this particular; therefore I may bee held excusable, [Page 28] if I be found in this point to be defective in this MAPPE, and so concluding herewith, proceed to the next point, which is of the Monyes and Coines of sundry Kingdomes used in the traffique of Merchandizing.

CHAP. V.

AMongst all the diversitie of Mettals which GOD Silver & gold the most ex­cellent of mettalls. the Creator hath shutup in the closet and concavitie of the earth, none is accounted more singular and excellent than silver and gold, of which the commu­nication and Commerce of mankind, have framed and invented the use of money and coine, which mo­ney and coine, may be properly termed to be the universall measure of all things in the world, and though that thus naturally and ori­ginally they be but mettals, and so to be in themselves accounted, yet in value and estimation, the monyes and coines made thereof are to us (as all things) for they are to us, (converted once to this use) as meate, cloth, house, horse, and generally what other thing soever man hath els need of; and thereby it is evident and manifested that all things are obedient and in subjection to monyes; and that by this devise, a meane was found out and invented, whereby one thing should be to Merchants as all, and therefore men thrust forward by Coines made of Silver and Gold. naturall inclination and worldly judgement, chose to this end and use at first, the thing that was found most durable, proper, and ma­niable, which they onely observed best to be mettall; and amongst all mettals gave silver & gold the preheminence in the invention of monyes, which of their owne nature was thus observed to be most durable, and incorruptible, and of which wee find as well in these our times as in times past, most Princes of the world to make their currant coines of, between man and man in trade of Merchandize. I denie not but in the innocency of those golden times of old, when Bartering and exchanging before the use of gold and silver. neither silver nor gold was put to this use, there was yet a traffique found, and a Commerce practis'd amongst mankinde, which may be imagined did not then extend it selfe to buying and selling in that same nature, as now it is in use since the invention of Monyes, but onely to a trucking, exchanging, and bartering, and that onely for things necessary to back and belly, to feed and cloth, and so to pre­serve life; but these times worn out by a more acute age, and men laying to themselves a foundation of soveraigntie and greatnesse, the stronger still depriving the weaker, and riches thereby becoming [Page 29] desirable, this mysterie crept up, and was admitted, and therefore from these two mineralls was found out a bodie, which once autho­rized by power of the Magistrate, had a predominancie over all earthly things, and by which was squared out and leveld (as by an indifferent measure) all things appertaining to mankinde, the a­bundance thereof brought with it the abundance of honour, atten­dants, necessaries, and superfluities, so that he that had most in his possession, was accounted of, as being the most eminent and grea­test personage in the eye, rule, and esteeme of the world.

But to come to the present times, though in the general through­out all Europe, it is now found that Coines and Monies, of silver and gold (as is afore observed) is onely in use, and that all Commerce and traffique is principally drawne and maintained thereby; yet is it noted in this Map, that all Nations have not yet submitted their judgement to the prerogative of these two mineralls, but retaine still in use some other things serving in their stead and place; for first in the Ilands of Porto Ricco, Saint Dominico, and in many pla­ces Severall sorts of moneys in use in severall Countries. of America, they have in use small peeces of Lether, currant for Coines amongst them, not that they want silver and gold, for they injoy it in greatest abundance, but want the use and invention thereof; as of late dayes it is found to be established there by the Moneys of le­ther in S. Do­minico, &c. Spanyard, as with us in Europe. Neither was this onely the custome of these parts alone; for it is observable, that in Peru, and else­where, where the greatest plentie of silver and gold was found out and digged, it was never put to this use by the Inhabitants them­selves.

Diverse yet in this kind to this day is the custome of Coines and Monies that are used and goeth currant throughout the world; for beside the aforesaid use whereto these mettals have beene put, as to be thus imployed, the common Standard to rule all trade and commerce, and the estates as well of the Prince as subject in Europe and many other parts of the world: those Nations that have beene de­fective in this poynt, and that have not valued these mettals as the Europeans doe, have yet found out some particular thing or mat­ter, whereto they have by a nationall and unanimous consent, (as it were) attributed this power to have a maine stroake in their ne­gotiation and traffique, and wherein their wealth is found princi­pally to consist.

In sundry parts of Africa, they use for their small coines a kinde Moneys of shels in Tom­buto. of shells as currant amongst them, though their greatest payments be made either in sand of gold, which they terme Tiburin, or in In­got. The same is the use this day also in the kingdome of Tombuto, and other adjoyning Countryes.

In other places of that Continent, they use Iron for their coine, Of Iron in Massa. their smallest peeces being an ounce waight; and this is seene pra­ctised in Massa, and other kingdomes also thereabouts.

In the kingdome of Congo is taken up along the Sea-shoare, great [Page 30] store of shell-fishes, differing from the former used in Tombuto, cal­led Of Lumaches in Congo. Lumaches, which they distinguish male and female, the shell whereof is there accounted a coine, and wherewith they use to buy both silver and gold, but with silver or gold either in masse or coine, can they not buy any other thing needfull whatsoever.

In Melinda, they have little balles of glasse, in manner of our red beads, which come to them from Cambaia, and other places, Of Glasse beads in Me­linda. and these are their coines and monies; and with them gold is neither found to be of account nor esteeme.

In some places of Cathaie, their money is a kind of paper stamped, Of Salt and Paper in Ca­thay. and in some other Salt baked into small cakes, for the excellent use and scarcitie thereof, passeth currant as coines amongst them.

In Pegu their money is called Ganza, and is made of copper and leade, which every man may at his pleasure both coine and siampe Of Gansa in Pegu. that is able; for gold and silver is accounted as a Merchandize a­mongst them.

In Bengala their small money is a fruit resembling the Almond, Of Almonds in Bengala. which passeth currant from man to man in traffique. And in the Iland Sumatra, it hath been observed, that the sculls of their slaine Of sculls of dead men in Sumatra. enemies was accounted their greatest treasure, with which they buy and barter; and he is the richest man that hath the greatest number thereof in his house. And lastly, in many places of India they use pepper and Cocos nuts in liew of money; and the same pas­seth Of pepper and Cocos in India. currant for coine in many places of India: and to conclude, it may be observed throughout this MAP of COMMERCE, that though silver and gold is not the mettall generally in use for the coining and stamping of money throughout all the world; yet these other things specified, cary with them in matter of commerce in these places the like efficacie and power.

To proceed then, Budelius, Varro and sundry Authors writing Moneys called by 3. severall names. upon the originall of moneys, and upon the excellencie of this predominant pointe of traffique; affirme that all coines in the ge­nerall have been nominated by their severall and distinct names. 1. Moneta, 2. Nummus, 3. Pecunia; the reasons given thereof are Moneta. these: First, Moneta is said to have taken that name, and is deri­ved a Monendo, which is to admonish and warne the people of the name of the prince, vel Nummi nota, and of such a signe or marke impressed thereupon, thereby alluding to the saying of CHRIST, Matthew 22. Where the Pharises brought him a penny, he thereupon demanding whose image and superscription that was? and they answered Caesars; then said he unto them, give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesars, and unto GOD the things that are GODS.

Secondly, Nummus is said to take its name as some will have it à Numerando vel Nomine, of the name of the Prince stamped upon Nummus. it, as a Duccat is said from Ducatus, or as some say from Numa Pompilius the Romane King, who is said to be the first that 1900. [Page 31] yeares past, commanded moneys to be made, whereof ever since after his name every piece of money is called Nummus; or againe, as some hold, it is derived from Nomos, which signifieth a Law, and implyeth as much as such a Prince, or such a common wealth hath ordained money, from whom it hath taken a certaine price and valew.

Thirdly, Pecunia is derived à Pecude. of cattle, sheep, and Oxen; Pecunia. wherein was said to consist the wealth of the ancients, and where­on the figure thereof was stamped; and is construed to be all manner of living Creatures, wanting the forme of Man: and some hold that the name of money signifieth, not onely money numbred or told, but also all things that are contained in the World; aswell moveable as immoveable, liquid as solid; and in generall all things whatsoever men have upon the earth.

From these three names and kinds grew first amongst the Ro­manes a particular distinction, and nomination of the quality of the species, as they were currant in worth and esteeme amongst them: for they had then in use certaine moneys of copper, aswell as the others of silver and gold: and because every piece of the silver was in valew ten pieces of the copper, it was called Denarius; Denarij. and because every piece of gold was worth 10. pieces of silver, the same was also called Denarius; and thus for distinction sake, other Nations in their coines in after ages followed their example; and our English moneys came to have the apellation of starling, and to be distinguished into pounds, shillings and pence, as some say from the esterlins that were in times past the masters of our minte, and the refiners of our coines, which yet holdeth this name, and by Esterlin mony of England. which the same is knowne throughout all Europe. But to con­clude this Chapter, however coines and moneys came at first to have their originall and names, and however the same came to be distinguished, and of what mettall soever the same is in these dayes found to be made of and framed; yet when once the same is allowed by the publike authority of the Prince and So­veraigne Magistrate, it is held a capitall crime in all Coines deba­sed or altered is a capitall crime. Countries, either todeface, mend, alter, or any waies to debase the same; and therefore most justly (the circumstances considered) doe the coines of Princes currant in all their Countries challenge a principall part and interest in the Universall commerce of the World.

CHAP. VI.

THE next principall point handled in this MAP of COMMERCE, is the Weights in generall of all Of Weights in generall. Kingdomes, and knowne Cities of trade, by the inven­tion whereof (as by measures) a true meane was found out, to give every man his own; for all worldly things are found to be governd by it and measure; but most especially the same hath a great prerogative in all contracts and bargaines, where either buying or selling is either used or practised, which indeed is the fundamentall part of the Worlds Commerce and traf­fique; for thereby are all commutations regulated, all accounts framed; and all profit and losse in trade found out and distingui­shed: It is also one of the standard of all Kingdomes, Cities and Provinces, and therefore aswell as measures carries with it the approbation and authority of the soveraigne Magistrate, and there­fore either to falsifie, adde or detract therefrom, is accounted a capitall crime, and worthy severest punishment.

Now for their sorts; These weights are observed to vary and dif­fer Differences of Weights in all Countries. in all Countries, aswell as in sundry Mart and principall Ci­ties; though otherwise oftentimes neighbours yet are herein dis­crepant, and not seldome it is seen, (as in this Map shalbe made evident) that severall sorts of weights are found to weigh severall sorts of commodities, in one and the selfe same place, City and Countrey; as in England where it is observed, that raw silke is weighed by the pound of 24. ounces, and other commodities by the pound of 16. ounces: and in Aleppo some commodities is weigh­ed by the Rotolo of 680. drams, some by a (℞)rotolo(s) of 700. drams; and some by (℞)rotolo(s). of 720. drams. And as these weights are found to vary in respect of their greatnes, so are they found to differ in respect of The greatest denomination. their denomination; for some Countries use to weigh their com­modities by hundreds, some by quintalls, some by centiners, talents, thousands, weighes, shipponds, chargos, lisponds, roves, stones, bahars, mands, candils, peculls, and the like.

A second denomination is againe produced out of this, as a Second deno­mination. lesser weight, whereof the former is composed; and is also found in use for weighing in sundry places, as pounds, mans, batmans, ro­tolos, minas, lodoros, oakes, cattees, barotes, seares, wesnoes and the like.

A third sort againe are found to be in use, whereof these latter are composed and in use, in the custome of weighing; and which [Page 33] are of another denomination, and lesser in quantity, as Ownces, Third deno­mination. whereof sometimes 12 14 16 20 24 and 30. doe make according to the custome of the place the pound weight, and then againe have a subdivision into drams, scruples, obolos, carats and graines; so that the greater containes the lesser in parts, which also is obser­ved Least deno­mination. to differ according to the proportion of the first and greatest; for the Cantar, which commonly is observed to bee the greatest weight, is so termed, as being the hundred of hundreds, and consi­steth Hundreds, &c. sometimes of 100 li. just, though sometimes of hundreds, of 112 l. of 120 l. of 125 l. 128 l. and 132 l.

The Weigh and Cargo are in like manner found likewise to va­rie Cargos, &c. in many places, and to consist sometimes of 163 l. of 181 l. of 200. and 300 l. to a weigh, and Cargo or charge.

The Shipond also consists sometimes of 300 l. sometimes againe Shipond, &c. of 320. 340. and 400 l. the Shipond.

The Lispond also is found to consist sometimes of 15 l. of 16 l. Lispond, &c. and 20 l. to the Lispond.

Roves are noted likewise to bee in some places 10 l. 20 l, 25 l. Roves, &c. and 30 l. and sometimes 40 l. to the Rove.

Stones are noted also to consist of 6 l. 8 l. 10 l. 14 l. 16 l. 20 l. Stone, &c. 21 l. 24 l. 32 l. and 40 l. to the Stone, still altering according to the custome of the place.

Rotolos are also noted to vary and to consist sometimes of 400. Rotolos, &c. drams, sometime of 600 dr. 680 dr. 700 dr, and 720 drams, accor­ding to the custome of the place, and according to the custome in use of the commoditie.

In all which the Merchant must not be ignorant, that intends to The Merchant must be vers'd in all vveights. make either an use, or reape a benefit by this MAPPE OF COMMERCE: for all weights must bee to him (in regard of his skill and judgement) as one weight; knowing readily how to make his calculations in all contracts; how the one weight doth advance of the other, or what the one may want of the other, ma­king his accompt of concordancie allowing or deducting, where hee finds the discrepancie arising by an overplus or by a want ei­ther in the one or in the other.

Now for the manner of weighing in generall (so farre forth as Two manners of vveighing in use. ever I have observed) hath beene noted to have beene done by two severall wayes; that is, either by a Beame, or by a Romano or stalier: the weight by Beame I hold the best and justest perfor­med By Beame. with leaden, brasse or iron weights, provided the said Beame be good and even both emptie and laden with one equall weight; and this is seene to bee the common custome of weighing in England, Netherlands, and in many other places and Countries.

The weight by stalier which is used in Turkey, Barbary and Italy and sundry other Countries, I hold not so sure; for thereupon is By Stalier. marked all the number of weights that may be weighed thereby, which by the helpe of a small counterpoise removed to severall [Page 34] stations, supplies sometimes the place of a pound, and sometimes the place of 100 pound, wherein is oftentimes found great deceit, which by the buyer and seller is carefully and heedfully in those places to be both prevented and avoided.

Now if with a Beame one would abbreviate a long labour with To abbrevi­ate the labour of vveighing. small time and paines, and weigh much with few weights, his weights must be made by an augmentation doubled, as by peeces of 1 lib. 2 lib. 4 lib. 8 lib. 16 lib. 32 lib. and 64 lib. making in all 127 lib. with which all summes under that number may be com­prehended and weighed, and some exercised in great affaires, by single weights tripled have gone further and procured 1 l. 3 l. 9 l. 27 l. 81 l. &c. and thereby with little labour have performed very weighty and great businesse: but I leave this to the ingeni­ous, and to him that shall fancie this method and manner of weighing.

In all Cities then and places of traffique there is found a weight Waights au­thorised by the Magistrate. (as I said) authorised by the Magistrate, which to alter or dimi­nish is ever held a capitall crime: this weight thus setled in every place and Citie of trade, is reputed the Standerd of the place, by which as well the inhabitants as strangers doe make their bar­gaines and contracts, and without which many bargaines cannot be made and perfited, and therefore partly to avoid scruple and doubt, and partly to doe justice to all men, and partly to decide all controversies incident in weighing, there is in the most emi­nent Cities a publique Weigh-house set up and appointed, where Weigh-house. every man may repaire unto either for necessity of weighing, or tryall of his weights, and which is authorised by the Prince as a rule for all men that shall have occasion to make use thereof in the said places, serving sometimes as the beame whereby his cu­stomes and dueties are paid him; the Master, Overseer or Weigher being ever sworne and deputed to doe justice and right in his Weigher svvorn. weighing, not onely betweene man and man, but (if need be) be­tweene the Prince and the Subject.

This Weight accounted thus the common and received Standerd By which weights the weight of this booke is cal­culated. of Cities and Countries, is it, upon which (as neere as I could possi­ble) I have in all these following places made my observations, and from thence raised not onely the agreement thereof, with o­ther neighbouring places and Cities, but also with that which we call our haberdebois weight of England, wherein with all industry I have laboured to finde out the truth and certainty thereof, which (as subject to error by reason of the diversity) I must re­ferre to the future triall of the better experienc'd, concluding this point with a way and method invented by unequall weights to accord the weights of any two knowne places or Cities, which A way to ac­cord the weight of any two places. briefly is thus performed.

Prepare a ballance as exactly made as is possible, that a very little thing may cause them to incline one way or other; likewise pre­pare [Page 35] of the one place, the just pound, the halfe pound, the ¼ the ⅛ the 1/16 the 1/32 the 1/64 the 1/128 and the 1/125 part of that pound, if it be possible, untill you judge it to be sufficient; then take the just pound waight of the other place, and put it into one of the Scales of the Ballance, and in the other Scale, put such waights as may justly counterpoise the pound waight of that place; as for ex­ample:

Say that the halfe the ¼ the ⅛ and the 1/256 part of the pound of the first place doe justly counterpoise the pound waight of the o­ther place; then by consequence it followeth, that 128 li. 64 li. 32 li. and 1 li. that is in all 255 li. of the first place, doe justly waigh 256 li. of the other place. Againe, say that the 1 li. the ⅛ 1/226 1/512 of the first place, doe justly counterpoise the pound waight of the o­ther; then I inferre thereby that 512. 64. 2. and 1. that is in all 579 li. of the first place doe justly waigh 512 li. of the other place; by which the calculation may be made both to the hundred and to the pound, therefore the further search and consideration thereof, I willingly here omit, and referre the same to the curio­fitie of the more ingenuous.

CHAP. VII.

ALL rationall negotiators, and traders in generall will Accounts ne­cessary in the Mappe of Com­merce. grant, that this Mappe of Commerce would appeare to be very imperfect, if it should want the due rules and observations whereby accounts are in all Cities of commerce ordered and kept, which though found in themselves to varie in severall Kingdomes, and places, as having of­tentimes a dependency, and sometimes concurrency with the coines and moneys of each kingdome; yet in all places they are not found to have the like agreement together. Some Countries be­ing observed to keep their accounts, and the denomination there­of in imaginary coines, such as neither that Countrey nor place hath either proper coine or money, that hath any affinitie there­with, Accounts kept diversly in di­vers Cities & Countries. as by daily practise is seene used in Venice by the duccat of lire 6⅕; in Florence by the Crowne of gold of lire 7½; and as in Eng­land it is used in those ancient accounts, kept in some offices for the revenews of the Crowne by the name of Markes, of which wee finde not at this day any proper coine or money in use. Againe, it is seene by experience, that one and the selfe same place, affoordeth severall denominations in their accounts, and divers wayes are used in one and the selfe same Citie and Countrey therein; as in some [Page 36] Cities of Italie, some are observed to keepe their accounts in lire, soldi, and denari; and some againe in the same place in Crownes, or scudi, soldi and denari; as the like in England is noted, some as be­fore observing their rules of accounts in markes, and pence, and some, and those the most usuall and common, in pounds, shillings, and pence, starling; the which is necessarily both duely to be lear­ned, and truely to be knowne, and understood, by such as shall have occasion to make use of, and exercise the art of Merchan­dizing, and this Mappe of Commerce.

Now for the methode used in keeping these accounts, every The methode used in Ac­counts is di­vers. Countrey and Nation are observed to frame to themselves, waies meanes and rules, whereby the same is performed and perfitted, and have for the most part every Countrey a peculiar forme by themselves. The generall knowne methode and best forme is by the laudable and excellent way of Debitor and Creditor, first in­vented in Italie, and now generally practised by most part of the The best is by way of Debitor and Creditor. eminent Merchants of Europe, received for the most absolute, best, and truest methode of accounts that hitherto hath been found out and invented, which here to set downe would challenge a Vo­lume by it selfe; yet such is the necessitie of this knowledge, that every Merchant should by the rules of his profession, be well ver­sed and seene therein; the grounds whereof being universally knowne and daily taught, I referre to my good friends, Master Raphe Handson, and Master Valentin Markham, who are both ex­cellent, and excellently learned therein; concluding this place with 4. principall rules required, and not to be omitted by such Foure rules re­quired in an Accountant. as have to doe, and practise accounts in Merchandizing.

First, it is required that in his account-keeping, he write all and singular the passages thereof, and thereto belonging, with all cir­cumstances 1 To write all, and all circum­stances. of time, price, and other conditions, in every bargaine, contract, adventure, receipt of goods, sales, &c. in which though there should afterward appeare an errour, either by disorderly charging, or by over or under charging, yet it will easily at a second view be both corrected and amended.

Secondly, It is required that he never come behind hand with 2 Not to suffer his accounts to out-run him. his accounts, by letting the same run over-long, for being daily fi­nished the trouble will be nothing, but being a while neglected, a man is still found to be the loather and loather to goe in hand therewith, and thus growing more loath every day than other, when necessitie constraineth him, either he is inforced to mumble them up to his owne prejudice, or to cast them off, and to neglect them altogether to his owne shame and undoing.

Thirdly, It is required, that he keepe them, just, true, and perfect, and not to falsifie any parcell, matter, or thing, nor yet interline 3 To keep them true and per­fect or shuffle one matter with another, but to set every thing (either appertaining to himselfe, or to any other) plainly, directly, and orderly downe.

[Page 37] Lastly, It is required, that he be well skild in the art of Arith­metique That he be a good Arith­metician. and numbering, which indeed is the principall steppe to this art of accounting, and the first degree of this Mappe of Com­merce, without which knowledge, let none dare to intitle him­selfe a Merchant, nor expect a benefit from this Worke. For the skill whereof I referre the learner, to the judicious, and excellent A­rithmeticians of this Citie, and so proceed to the next generall point of Commerce, which is Measure.

CHAP. VIII.

THE next materiall point here handled, is the Mea­sures Of Measures in generall. in generall, used in all Kingdomes and knowne Cities of trade, by meanes whereof a certaine way and method was found out and invented to distin­guish and order by rule the length and bredth of all commodities measurable, especially accustomed in all manner of fabricks, either linen, wollen, silkes or other stuffes; and this is ob­served also (as in weights,) to have a speciall prerogative in many bargaines and contracts, where either buying or selling of things measurable is subsistent and in use; being granted to be a funda­mentall point of all the traffique and commerce of the Universe; for thereby as by weights many commutations are regulated, many accounts are framed, and profit and losse is also thereby found out and distinguished: It is also estimated to be one of the standards of Kingdomes and Cities; and therefore (aswell as weights) carieth with it the approbation and authority of the Soveraigne Magi­strate; and therefore to adde or detract therefrom, is ever in all Countries held punishable, and accounted a capitall crime.

The measures of length are found so diversly to vary, that every False measure is punishable by the Magi­strate. City and Province is noted almost to have aswell a distinct mea­sure as a distinct weight, which in themselves oftentimes are found much to differ; and some particular Cities are observed by cu­stome to have divers measures, for divers sorts of commodities, as Divers Coun­tries have di­vers Measure it is seen practised by example in the City of London, where the yard is accounted the common measure for cloth of woollen, and silke &c. the elle accounted the common measure for linen, and the goad for frizes, cottens and the like, which in many other Countries is also observable. And as for measures in the generall, It is a recei­ved opinion that the first measure that was to this end invented [Page 38] was the cubit, agreeing as some imagine with the halfe elle, the which was divided into 4. parts or quarters, and every quarter Cain the first inventor of Weights and Measures, Io­sephus. into 4. inches; peradventure this was in those times a generall rule to all Nations: but time and traffique have since given to eve­ry Countrey a particular measure, and therewith a peculiar law of measuring, which containes a succinct length by it selfe; which at this day wee see practised through most parts of the knowne World in severall waies: and thus diversity of places gave also di­versity of names to their measures, such as are the ell yard, goad, fathome, cane, alne, brace, pico, sticke, palme, vare, covado, and the like.

But Invention by the helpe and asistance of time, growing Measures of solid bodies. more perfect and absolute, and finding that neither weight nor yet this measure could extend it selfe to all commodities used in and by the way of merchandize; the art of measuring of solid bodies became to be hence produced, as we see it in use in the measuring of timber, stones and such like commodities: neither yet was com­merce satisfied herewith; for the ingenious Merchant found it still defective, and therefore to have it yet more perfect, invented the art of concave measures, that should serve aswell for dry as for liquid commodities, as it is seen practised at this day for graine, rice and such like commodities; and for oyles, wines, waters, liquors and such like commodities, setting by this way by art and invention, in Measures of dry and liquid commodities. most of these commodities, a concordance of measure with weight, as in other commodities was set a concordance of weight with measure: but forasmuch as this knowledge in the generall is of it selfe too capacious and large to be particularly handled, as the subject required, I have been therefore constrained to confine my selfe to measures of length; onely as being the most necessary part of this MAP of COMMERCE, yet so as I have not omitted the rest where they have fallen within the compasse of my obser­vation; and if I have therein been found defective, the vastnesse of the subject may plead my excuse.

He then that intendeth by way of traffique to make use of this tract, must aswell be skild in measures, (as I have observed) he All measures to the Mer­chants must be as one Mea­sure. ought to be in weights; for he must not onely readily know his owne measure as it stands, and is found to be in it selfe in use, but also the measure of that place whereto he bendeth his trade and ne­gociation, allowing or deducting by addition or substraction where the overplus or want doth challenge a part, to make a due proportion of both, and be so well versed therin, as that all mea­sures may be to him as one measure, by a true calculation of the length or the shortnes therof.

Againe it is found by the observation of Merchants, that in all Countries and well governed Cities, there is for the reiglement All Cities of trade have sworne and publique Mea­sures. of things measurable, instituted a publike measurer, authorized by the Soveraigne Magistrate, who is sworne to decide all con­troversies [Page 39] that happen in and about the Art of measuring; to whose honesty and faith is intrusted this publike measure, and to which all Merchants and traders may in time of need and diffe­rence repaire and have recourse unto, and by which in many pla­ces An Instru­ment to find out the agree­ment of Mea­sures in any [...]wo Cities. [figure] it is seen that Princes doe receive their duetie of customes up­on commodities measurable; and by this common, known and re­ceived publike measure, I have made my observation in all places, and as neere as I could, not onely rectified the same in the agree­ment thereof with other neighbouring places and Countries, but also with our own use in England: and therefore to conclude this point, I have inserted the forme of an Instrument here fol­lowing, easie to be made, and purposely invented to accord the measures of any two known places or Countries, whether they be ells, vares, yards, canes or any other measure whatsoever.

First then learn the order and custome of measuring of all those sorts of commodities in both the places which you would inquire after, then prepare a smooth straight borde, plate or such like, and draw upon the same a straight line of the length of the measure in one of the places with his allowance of measuring, either an inch or shaftnet or such like; which for example I will demonstrate in the Figure following, A B. Frst then divide the line A B into 4. equall parts, which is CDE, and divide the quarter of A C in­to 250. equall parts, and number them from 10. to 10. upwards, making the print C the 750. part; for the number of parts con­tained in the other three empty quarters:

Then marke upon the line A B the length of the measure of the other place, with his allowance, which is for example from B to F being just in the 900. parts; therefore 900. of those mea­sures in the first place, make just 1000. of those measures in the o­ther place: but if the measure of the other place be longer then the measure of the first place, as for example, if it were from B to G, then take the distance of A G with a compasse, and set the one foot in C, and extend the other towards A, which for ex­ample doth come to rest in F, being 150. parts from C; there­fore then 1150. measures of the one place makes just 1000. of the other, by which you may calculate to a lesser proportion; and this is as much as I conceive needfull to insert con­cerning the knowledge of measures in generall, and proceed to the next, which is the know­ledge in generall of commodities used by the way of Merchandizing.

CHAP. IX.

HAving spoken of Cities of trade in generall as they Commodities in generall u­sed in Merchan­dizing, and the knowledge thereof. are distinguished in these dayes; and of the Customes more or lesse that are imposed (by Princes in all Cities where trade is practis'd) upon all commodities used as Merchandize, by such as negotiate and use traffique and of the moneys and current Coines where­by this trade is driven, with the weights and Measures whereby the same is distinguished and regulated: the next thing to bee hand­led in order is the Commodities and Wares themselves, wherewith this Commerce is maintained and practised in every Citie and Coun­trey comprised in this MAPPE; which is the proper thing upon which the said duties are paid, and for which the said mo­neys are seene to bee given in Exchange, by the way of buying and selling.

All Commodities then that are used as Merchandizes by traders All commodi­ties are either naturall or artificiall. and Merchants may properly bee distinguished into two kinds; and are either naturall or artificiall commodities; naturall commo­dities I call such as the Earth or Creatures, either with or without the labour and industry of man doth naturally produce of them­selves: Naturall com­modities. of which kinds are wines, oyles, cottons, wools, fruit, graine, raw silke, spices, druggs, jems, gold, silver and the like.

Artificiall commodities I call such as are either wrought or perfi­ted Artificiall commodities. by Art or Mystery, of which kind are all fabriques of either wollen, linnen, silke, and also the commodities of all manuall crafts, this day seene practised through the world in sundry Countries, within the compasse of which two sorts may all wares and all things used as commodities be comprised.

Againe, both the naturall and artificiall commodities may bee distinguished into two other sorts and kinds, which are either such as are staple and lasting commodities, or impairing and de­caying commodities.

The staple and lasting commodities I call such as indure at all Staple commo­dities. times and continue for ever in their true estate and first condition of goodnesse, never decaying, nor never losing their vertue and qualitie: and of this kind are jems, gold, silver, copper, brasse, lead, iron, steele, and the like.

The impairing and decaying commodities I call such as are either De [...]ying [...]. subject to corruption, or to leakage, and doe lose and decay ei­ther [Page 41] by long lying, or by keeping, as are the fruits of the Earth, corne, wines, oyles, currens, figgs, fish, and the like.

The infinite variety of which passeth any one mans judgement perfectly to know and distinguish, because that Nature and Art in all Countries and places brings into the world such change and diversitie, in place, time, use and qualitie in all professions, that it were a worke endlesse to set downe the natures, conditions and properties thereof; therefore it hath contented me in all Coun­tries and Cities heere collected, to nominate only the commodi­ties that the places are observed to afford, either naturall or artifi­ciall, either staple or perishable, wherewith Merchants are found to negociate, and upon which it is found that a custome is imposed by Princes, and by them satisfied accordingly.

And yet forasmuch as many of these commodities herein named and found throughout the world, may seeme strange to some not well versed in the generall knowledge therof; and yet this know­ledge so necessary to all that professe Merchandizing; I hold it not improper here, not onely to adde a word or two, conducing to this so needfull a skill; but also to the preservation and true keeping thereof in their prime goodnes and beauty.

He that intendeth then by his pen to teach the theorique of this mysterious part of Commerce must needs come short of his ayme: I hope I may therfore be well excused if I appeare defective here­in; for I know it is practice and dayly use that maketh a man skil'd in this Art; and many lets and impediments appeare dayly in many men, that hinder the true attainement thereof: for it must needs be granted that hee that is imperfect in any one natu­rall sense, or wants those helps that nature affords to perfect minds, must neither be a Merchant, nor yet addict himselfe to this know­ledge: for any one sense being either depraved or defective in part or in whole, will inforce him to commit (against his will and mind) many errors, and constraine him to take the bad for good, or (at least wise) the bad as soone as the good; and som­times (as we say) chalke for cheese, or one thing for another: for experience tels us that all commodities are not learned by one sense All commodi­ties are known by the senses. alone, though otherwise never so perfect; nor yet by two, but somtimes by three, somtimes by foure, and somtimes by all: and yet this Art is now a dayes come to that heigth, (I may say) to that heigth of cunning, that all these are little enough too.

But in the generall it must be granted that the eye above all the rest of the senses, still claimeth an especiall interest and prero­gative herein, and must ever bee admitted as one of the chiefest that must still accompany the rest in this distinction, and there­fore many things are oftentimes found saleable that are pleasing thereto; and in some commodities the same is noted to have the whole stroake, and onely to give the judgement, as in all manner of colours, and such like things depending thereupon.

[Page 42] Some are noted againe to require the sence of feeling to be as­sistfull to the eye, as where the hand is of necessity to be imployed, as is seen in cloth and such commodities. Some require the sence of hearing, as where the eare giveth a help to the eye, as is seen in some mettalls, mineralls and such like: and some againe require the sence of smelling, as where the nose helpeth the eye, as is seen in some drugges, perfumes and the like; and lastly, some requireth the sence of tasting, as where the palate giveth the helpe, as is seen in spices, wines, oyles, and many such commodities, where it is to be noted A principall part of Mer­chandise con­sists in the knowledge of commodities. that in this knowledge doth consist much of the Art of Merchan­dizing, a principall part of which profession is properly to know and learn the same; and therefore a Merchants judgement must no [...] be limited within the compasse of any one particular trade or Vocation: for herein must his mystery, skill and art exceede all o­ther, as requiring by necessity a more generall knowledge then any other tradesman; from whom there can be expected no more, then a skill in those commodities they challenge a property or right by trade unto; or as appertaining particularly to their pe­culiar profession and calling.

This is manifested in many trades-men, as in the goldsmith, whose knowledge is confined in silver and gold, and in the goodnes, finenesse A Merchant must be seene in all commo­dities, and quality thereof: In the Ieweler, whose knowledge is confined in Iems and precious stones; in the Clothiers to their clothing, in the Druggesters to their drugges, in the Grocer to his spices; and so ge­nerally in all others: But the Merchant whose judgement must be larger, must have skill in all, and have a generall inspection in every part and member of each of them, as being onely branches of his unlimited knowledge; which is not confinable to commodi­ties and wares of value and consequence onely, but also to the wares of the meanest artificer; so that in this point his art may be com­pared to the Poets, whose excellency must consist in a coursory judgement in all sciences, and to be learned in all professions, the difference being that the Merchants skill, must be reall, solid and substantiall, and the Poets may be fained and poeticall.

Therefore both the naturall and artificiall commodities must be comprehended within the circuit of his judgement, and into all And in all trades. trades he ought to have a generall insight, as with the fisherman, he must dive into the deep, and know all sorts of merchantable fish, as ling, codde, haberdine, herings, pilchards, salmon, eeles, how caugh [...] and how preserved, and the proper season for the same.

With the Husbandman and labourer, he must have insight in the Harvest of the Earth, and know all commodities that the same is found naturally to afford for Merchandize, as all manner of corne, graine or pulse; the vintages for all manner of wines, the recoltoes for all manner of oyles, cottens, currants, figges, reasons, and other fruit of the Earth, how and when the same is gathered, and how and by what meanes the same is kept and preserved: with [Page 43] the shepheard to know all manner of wools, with the woodman to know all manner of timber, and all circumstances thereto be­longing; and to conclude, his skill and inspection must be such, that it extend it selfe from the commodities belonging to the meanest artificer, to the commodities belonging to the most emi­net shop-keeper, which I neither know, nor yet am able in all neces­sary points to learn; but specially so much of this knowledge must not be omitted as cometh within the compasse of that place, wherein and whereunto the Merchant resideth or bendeth his trade and adventures. A Merchant must know the value of all commodities, and all other circumstances thereof.

Neither yet must his knowledge rest it selfe here upon the consideration of the meere goodnesse of commodities, but must also extend it selfe to the consideration of the true worth and value thereof, both in the price and in the esteem; and also know how the same is both requested and spent, and how imported, and how exported, either for use or for ornament, from one Countrey and place to another; together with the due circumstances of times and seasons, when this vent or sale presenteth, and when the same is out of use and not demanded: also when signes of plenty doth offer it selfe, and when of scarsitie, when of rising and when of falling; what commodities in themselves naturally are friends, and sympathise in the Shipping and will indure packing, binding, and ftowidge together; and which againe have a secret antipathie, and will perish and consume each other; all which circumstances I have at large handled in a tract which I have called the Merchants Magazin, which I may hereafter publish, if I find this my labour prove acceptable to Merchants. Merchants should reduce this know­ledge of com­modities to profit.

Moreover, all Merchants indeavouring to obtain this exquisit­nes, should not be satisfied with a naked skill and knowledge in these commodities thus belonging to other mens professions, but their maine scope and aime should be to make this knowledge and skill profitable and beneficiall unto them, as by exporting the super­fluous commodities of one Countrey at the plentifull season of either harvest, recolto or vintage to another place or Kingdome, where either nature, scarsitie, the curiosity, pride, sloth or necessity of the Inhabitants challengeth a supply or stand in need of, which must be done with many advised circumstances. First, in that con­sideration must be had aswell to the place as to the time, aswell in the importation as in the exportation; and to the property and fitnes of both the place and time; for all commodities are not trans­portable at all seasons, nor yet every season fit for every commo­dity; some commodities requires winter and cold seasons for trans­portations, and some againe requires summer and warmer wether, and in the fitnes of the place, a judicious eye is to be had, and the same to be done with a great deale of providence and circum­spection, observing well the nature and property of the place, whither the same is to be imported, and whence exported, and [Page 44] not as that Dutch Merchant is said unfitly to have done, that car­ried fish to Rome at Easter, or shooe-hornes and hats to Constantinople, or as we commonly say coales to New-castle, where great quantities are daily digged up and vented thence to all parts of the World.

And for as much as Merchants find not at all times, a present Merchants should know how to pre­serve all com­modities. vent and sale for their commodities, according to their minde, and to a contented profit, therefore their knowledge must yet extend it selfe so farre, as that they know how the same is both to be pre­served and kept, from either spoyling or perishing; for experi­ence shews, that almost every severall commoditie doth demand almost a severall and different way of preservation and keeping, that the same may continue and hold its prime vertue, worth, and goodnesse, both in colour, substance, and beautie; and also know what may be opposite therto, and incident either to spoyle, hurt, harme, or prejudice it: for first some commodities are observed to be best preserved drie, as is seene in some sorts of Spices, Drugges, Sugars, raw silke, and such like, and these require a dry, close, ware­house or magazin for stowedge thereof; some are found to be best preserved by lying close without ayre or vent, as some wines, some fruits, and such like; and some are observed to be best pre­served by moisture and no ayre, as Tobacco, Civet, Muske, Verdigrace, and such like; and so in some other commodities, which doe also differ in respect of the place; some commodities requiring low and close Celleredge, and some high and airy warehouses, &c. all which things are considerable in the housing and keeping of wares, and commodities, and necessarie to be knowne, least that by ignorance a damage be sustained in staying for a Market, or a fit or more proper season for the sale and vent thereof.

Neither is it sufficient that a Merchant doe know how to pre­serve Merchants should know how to better their commo­dities. his wares and Commodities in their first splendor, goodnesse, and vertue, but their skill must extend, if possible, to give it new vigour, life, strength and beautie, being either by casualtie or time, dead or faded, dying or perishing, which though in some commo­dities it may (in some sort) be performed, yet in all commodities it is a matter not onely unprobable, but utterly impossible to be in any manner of wayes effected; for this onely secret, if any where it were to be learned, would prove a most profitable knowledge, and worth the learning, and a mysterie that would too soone en­rich tradesmen and Merchants. Yet some such there be their Arts­masters, who before they will throw away their goods, when ei­ther they are in part decaying, or totally perishing, will trie ma­ny wayes and conclusions to rectifie the defaults and defects there­of; sometimes by commixtures, compositions and helpes, adding excel­lent good to the very worst, or sweet to sowre, or one colour to another; as is imagined is too oftentimes practised by the art of the Vintner, in his old perished or palled wines. Others againe by changing the Objects, turning one die into another, as it is [Page 45] conceived is daily practised by Mercers, and others, by new dying of spotted stuffes and silkes: many such wayes being practised, which the ingenious head and hand of the Artsman hath found out, and invented, to save, preserve, maintaine, and sometimes to restore a commoditie that is wasting and perishing, which I referre to those that are more skilfull therein.

Now the last point resting to conclude this Chapter, is to shew How a Mer­chant may have knowledge in all commodi­ties. briefly how this knowledge first spoken of in commodities may be gained and acquired, which doubtlesse is best done by experience, the true mother of knowledge; and this experience is best gotten by often viewing the same, and heedfully marking the qualitie and properties thereof, and especially the best and principall of each sort, that a man would be expert in; to which end, it is ever good to procure and keepe patterns, and samples, and thereby so to im­print the very Idea thereof in a mans minde, that at sight of the like or equall, the same may instantly be knowne and discerned, and the sooner to obtaine this knowledge, a man that would learne must be very inquisitive of men of experience that are able to in­struct in the commodities required, and learne from such what is the principall notes requisite thereunto, either in their colours, goodnesse, substance, vertue, taste, seeing, or feeling; and what he hath Merchants to write downe their observa­tions upon commodities. thus learned and gained, to take order never to forget, by com­mitting the same to writing, and therewith to note, the signes and markes of the goodnesse and badnesse of all those commodities that a man doth either deale in, or would learne to know, and to make this knowledge the more compleat, to note downe therewith all manner of charges incident thereto, and that grow in that place upon the same, with the ordinary price which there it doth com­monly beare and hold; and though these notes should either by hast or mis-information be at the first rude, and undigested, or though many should prove frivolous, and to little purpose, it mat­ters not much; the one sort may soone be better ordered, and the other may as easily be rejected; his better knowledge and a little consideration may amend both these defects, my reason for the same is, that the use and custome of noting in this manner, will make a man (especially young beginners) more skilfull and readie in this knowledge in a yeare, than he that taketh onely a bare, idle, and su­perficiall view, shall be in his whole life time; for it must needs be granted, that it both perfecteth skill, and helpeth memory, which is the onely meanes hereto, and by graving deeper impressions in a mans minde, inforce him will he, nill he, to a more considerate and judicious observation, and marking thereof; when as he hath thus absolutely tyed himselfe to a necessitie of setting downe every commoditie, and each particular circumstance in this manner ther­to belonging. And this being as much as I thinke needfull to in­sert, concerning this point in generall; I will proceed to the next and last, which is of Exchanges practised amongst Merchants in the art of Merchandizing.

CHAP. X.

THE next and last generall point handled in this Map Exchanges in generall pra­ctised by Mer­chants in the Mappe of Com­merce. of Commerce, is Exchanges, which is observed to be the most mysterious part of the art of merchandizing and traffique, being not onely necessary for the know­ledge of all Merchants, but also fit and usefull for such as negociate the publique affayres of Princes, and for such as sit at the sterne and government of the Common-wealth.

The necessitie and commodiousnesse of these exchanges in all The necessity and commodi­ousnes of Ex­changes. traffique is doubtlesse very great, it having found in all Countries hitherto, such a generall allowance and approbation, and having for so many yeares stood uncontrouled, and is still preserved in its pristine splendor and integritie, shews evidently that at first the same was invented, and devised to a most excellent use and end, it being observed, that as money was devised, and first invented of the best, and purest mettals, to avoide the chargeable and trouble­some carriage of commodities in trade, from one place to another; so was Exchanges of moneys, first also devised and found out to avoid the danger and adventure therof, and the chargeable and trouble­some carriage of the same from one Citie or Country, to another.

I conceive it will not be materiall for me in this place to rec­kon The excellen­cie, &c. of a bill of Ex­change. up the divers manner of exchanges, that have beene of old in use, and as yet are practised amongst traders and Merchants, throughout the world, nor yet here insert the forme of a bill of ex­change, which in it selfe is accounted so noble and excellent a speci­altie, that it carries with it not onely a kind of commanding power to pay, but is accordingly observed, satisfied, and discharged; though directed from the servant to the Master. Such a high e­steeme being ever had to the qualitie thereof, that the proceedings and ceremonies used therein, are both singular and extraordina­rie, and are not subject to any prescription by Law or otherwise, but subsisting meerly of a reverend custome, used and solemnized in and about the same. Neither yet will I here mention, the for­malities and peculiar rites and customes that is onely found to ap­pertaine thereunto, either in the punctuall presentment, intimation, acceptation, protest and returne, that is requisite, and necessarie, and thereto belonging; for it is to be understood, that he that doth take upon him, the title of a Merchant, and intendeth to make use of this Mappe, ought not to be ignorant in all the particular cir­cumstances [Page 47] of place and time, either of presentment, of payment, of [...]w protests in default, and therewith know the common rates go­ [...]rning, the causes of rising, the signes of falling of the said prizes, [...]hich I here willingly omit, reserving the same to a more fit oc­ [...]sion in the end of this Tract.

I have noted then the first use of this exchanging, and the excel­ [...]ncie The mysterie of exchanges re­duced to profi­table princi­palls. thereof, being preserved in times past in its true integritie [...]d realitie; but those honest and innocent ends are vanished [...]ith those innocent and honest dayes of our forefathers; for since [...]rade by a more generall and universall Commerce and concurren­ [...]ie of Nations, being growne to that height and perfection that [...]ow it is, this faire and candid manner and use of exchanging, [...]nd the most excellent commodities thereof, is in part given over; [...]or the subtiltie of these times hath made an art and mysterie there­ [...]f, which being reduced into heads and principals, hath proved [...] many places so profitable and beneficiall to the studious therein, [...]at it is now a received opinion, that the excellency thereof ex­ [...]eeds the art of Merchandizing it selfe, and what inventions and [...]eights to inrich themselves, their policies have brought to the [...]iew of the world, I leave to the censure of Malines and others, [...]hat have at large discoursed thereof, and described the same.

But where the ancient custome of Exchanges is still preserved [...]nd maintained in its true and moderate use, and the crafts and [...]buses thereof taken away and purged, it then appeares to be most [...]xcellent, usefull, commodious, and beneficiall, as well to Kingdomes [...]nd Cities in generall, as to private traders and Merchants in [...]articular.

I have observed before that all waights and measures should be All Coines brought into one by Ex­changes. [...]o the Merchant, as one and the selfe same waight and measure, [...]bating or allowing, as the difference of the place requireth. [...]o by this knowledge of exchanging should all Princes coines be [...]rought into one and the selfe same qualitie, and paritie, and be [...]o him, as one and the selfe same coine; for if the allay or Stan­ [...]ard of one Princes moneys, be finer or better, than the coines and [...]oneys used in that place where the Merchant resideth, and his [...]onsequently courser or baser, the allowance given by exchange, [...]ither in time, in price, or in both, makes up that disparitie, and [...]etles thus a paritie between them, in drawing downe the one which is the finer, or raysing up the other, which is the baser, to an even scantling, time and price giving the allowance to rectifie both the one and the other, in equalitie and true value.

But so farre forth is this to bee understood, that this is truely seene practised where a course of quiet traffique is setled be­tweene two Kingdomes and Nations, continuing in amitie and firme peace together: But where Princes either by the necessity of warres, or accidentall great disbursements, have occasion, or doe use to inhance the current rates of their monies in their pay­ments, [Page 48] or decrying them in the receipts, and that moneys by that ei­ther casuall or constant course, become either more plentifull or more scarce then ordinary, then these rules of paritie holds not so justly; yet ever so as having in it's selfe a predominant power o­ver the sudden affaires of Princes in matters of moneys, and with The Exchanger rectifieth the disorders of Mints, and the necessity of Princes. all expedition possible rectifying by a common knowledge and con­sent of Exchangers and Bankers, the error or necessitie of Princes and their mints (who indeed are the Soveraignes of all coines and monies) so that though the Exchanger be not called to the Princes Counsell, nor yet admitted to give his opinion and verdict, either in his mint, or in the allay of his current monies; nor yet to his Procla­mations and Decrees in the settling or rectifying of the goodnesse or current value thereof; yet the over-ruling part or Ballance is in his hand, and hee orders (by an invisible mystery of a visible Ex­change) the allay, value, debasement or inhancement thereof, with due allowances, circumstances, places and times being rightly conside­red, such as the necessity of the Countrey, the plenty or scarcitie of moneys, or other such like accidents may admit; regulating by this meanes tacitely in his Closet, the disorders committed by mints, and the oversights which the great affaires of Princes ne­cessities plunge them in: and thus erecting to himselfe and others of his profession a certaine Rule and publique Ballance, that shall serve as an equall Parr and Standerd of all Princes coines whatso­ever; thereby (as with a Touch-stone) taking the true valuation thereof; distinguishing still the finenesse and coursnesse according to the true worth and reall goodnes, altering and changing the price and rate thereof, as time, place and occasion may admit and give consent thereunto.

It now remaineth that I should shew this true Parr of Exchan­ges, How to find out the Parr of Exchanges. and how it may be found out and discerned in all Exchanges, experience hath made it evident to all the learned in this Art, that the true Royall Exchange for moneys by bils of Exchanges, is fairely and substantially grounded upon the weight, fines, and valuation of the moneys of each severall Countrey, according to the Parr which by Bankers is vnderstood to be value for value, as the truth thereof is seene in our Exchanges in England, which hath its ground upon the weight and fines of our starlin English moneys, the weight and fines of each other Countrey according to their severall Stan­derds, proportionable in the valuation, being truely and justly made, giving also thereby the price of the Exchange, in and for every place according to the denomination of the money, and by which all Exchanges are or should bee in themselves framed, cast up and calculated: but besides this reall Parr of Exchange, there is also a Merchants Parr, which in due place I shall declare.

These Exchanges then in the generall propertie thereof, doe much differ both in the name and in the proportion betweene the gold and the silver observed in most Countries, and that to set [Page 49] downe the Parr of Exchanges exactly, wee are to examine and compare, not onely our owne weight (as is aforesaid) with the weight of other Countries; but also the fines of our sterling Stan­derds with the fines of the severall Standerds of the Coines of other Countries; and if wee bee found not to differ with them in the proportion betweene the gold and silver, then may our Exchan­ges run at one and the same price and rate, both for gold and silver, taking the denomination according to the valuation of the moneys of each Countrey; and hereby shall wee find how much fine silver or gold our owne pound sterling containeth, and what quantity of other moneys either of France, Italy, Germany, Low Countreys, East­land and elsewhere, wee are to have in exchange to countervaile the same, in the like weight and finenesse answerable to ours, bee it by the pound, doller, duccat, crowne, or any other imaginary or reall Coine, giving alwaies a value for value, and receiving the like, which is called by Exchangers (as I said before) the Parr; the which should in all Exchanges be so particularly knowne and con­sidered, that as money is publica mensura, or the publique measure within the Realme betweene man and man, so should Exchanges thus made for these moneys, bee the publique measure betweene us and forreigne Countries, for all commodities either bought or sold, which therefore necessarily requireth a certainty in the cal­culation of this Parr aforesaid, admitting neverthelesse (as I said before) an advantage upon the same upon good ground and just occasion on either side.

But as the price of Exchanges is at this day seene to be at the on­ly The price of the Exchanges at the dispo­sall of the Ex­changer. and sole disposall of the Exchanger and Merchant, and that the same carrieth with it a predominancie in the buying and selling of their commodities as is observed especially beyond the Seas, so ought they carefully and circumspectly to consider the true na­ture thereof, and not only looke upon the present object, which is to know how the price of the Exchange goeth at the time when they have occasion to deale therewith, but also truely to consider the Reality of this Parr, as is aforesaid, and as it is in it selfe really found to be, for it is observed both here in England, and abroad elsewhere beyond Seas, that those who altogether doe practise this exchanging, and deale for monies by exchange, have this ob­servation therein; for they being Exchangers indeed, know per­fectly the weight and fines both of our English and of forreign coines, and comparing the same together, make thereby to themselves the true calculation of the Par aforesaid, wherein they are not di­rected by the current valuation of coines, which is often seene to be inconstant and uncertaine; nor by the tolleration of moneys, either here or beyond the Seas, going sometimes and in some places current above the said valuation, and this indeed is one of the most mysterious parts that is included in this Art of Exchan­ging, which the Merchant ought considerately to learne and di­stinguish. [Page 50] And concluding here all further observations and cir­cumstances practised in the generall Exchanges amongst Mer­chants, I referre the Reader, for what is here purposely omitted, to the end of this Tract, where I have inserted what I have con­ceived to be further needfull hereunto.

HAving then thus briefly run over the generall Heads vpon The particu­lars observed in this Mappe of Commerce. which I have grounded this MAPP OF COMMERCE and Trade, and noted first the division of the world, according to the received opinion of moderne Authors, and shewed how the same is generally bounded, and how distinguished into Empires, King­domes, Provinces and Islands, and how againe these Countreys con­taine certaine eminent and principall Cities and Townes, both ma­ritime and Inland, which for their scituation, opulence and con­course of Merchants, doe merit the name of the great and famous places of Commerce and traffique in the world: And having there­in observed the commodities either naturally there growing or ar­tificially there produced, whereby trade is in the said places both maintained and preserved; and therewithall noted the generall duty of Customes and Imposts leavied upon the said Commodities by the authority of Princes, and settled in all the said traffiquing Cities, and collected in certaine publique places from thence ter­med Custome-houses, and then shewed the coines current in those se­verall Cities and Kingdomes with the originall and present kinds thereof in sundry Countries, and then the reall and imaginary de­nomination of species, wherein Merchants are observed to keepe their accompts in all the said places, with the weights and mea­sures there extant and in use: and lastly the manner how the Par and prices of all Exchanges in the said places are settled, ordered, continued and maintained:

I will now proceed to the particulars thereof, making my en­trance into AMERICA, as fu [...]thest from us, and as least knowne to us, and first survey the Trade thereof, according to my proposed Method in this universall MAPPE OF COMMERCE: And from thence coa­sting through Africa, Asia and Europe, conclude my Pilgrimage, and finish my MAPPE in the desired Port of the CITIE of LONDON.

OF AMERICA AND THE PROVINCES THEREOF.
CHAP. XI.

THIS bodie then contained in this univer­sall America and the Provinces thereof. Map, or (as now I may terme it) this World, is by Geographers divided (as I said before) into 4. parts, Europe, Africa, Asia and America; which last was alto­gether unknowne to the ancients, and being of a large extent, the moderne have divided it, some into two, some into three parts, Mexicana, Peruana, Magellanica, and each of these parts are found to containe severall Provinces and Kingdomes, the which I will onely superficially look over, thereby the better to come to the Townes of traffique, scituated in those Provinces and King­domes; upon which my method and present intentions will in­force me the longer to insist upon: and because this last mentio­ned, parts America as last discovered, is least known unto us, and the least frequented by our Nation; I thinke it not improper there to begin to delineate my MAP of COMMERCE, bor­rowing herein the liberty of those navigators that publish their Cards, leaving unperfect to the view of all men those places, lands and harbours, which have not been fully discovered and found out; and thence sailing homewards by Africa and Asia into Eu­rope, gathering in each Countrey as I passe more variety of colours to adorne and beautifie this Treatise, and so at last to close my whole labours, and finish my MAP within the circumference of London, as better known unto us, and as being better versed in their severall manner of negotiation.

[Page 54] This new World then called by us America, and now adayes pas­sing by the name of the west Indies; being West in respect of its Scituation, and India in respect of its wealth, was at first discove­red by Christopher Columbus à Genoes, at the charges of Ferdinando, and Isabella King and Queene of Castilia, after 63. dayes saile from Sivil. Then secondly by Americus Vespatius à Florentine, at the charges of Emanuel King of Portugall: and thirdly, by Iohn Cabbot a Venetian, at the charges of Henry the seventh King of England, the first and last had their adventures of discovering of some Ilands onely in this part; and Americus of the Maine con­tinent, and thereby gained the honour of giving name to that vast circuit of Earth, which since by sundry others have been more exactly discovered, as by our Countrey-men Drake, Candish, Frobusher, Davies, Willowby, Burrows, and others as desiring to share with the first discoverers in the riches and wealth which thence spread it selfe over all the other parts of the World.

This America then or more properly in honour of the first dis­coverer Columba, bounded as I mentioned before, is found by the Spaniard, (who challengeth all this large territory) for their own by conquest, to be divided into 2. parts, Mexicana, and Peruana, of which briefly.

CHAP. XII.

MExicana containeth the northerne tract of America, and comprehendeth these distinct Provinces. Mexicana and the Provinces thereof.

• 1 Mexico.
• 2 Quivira.
• 3 Nocaragua.
• 4 Iucutan.
• 5 Florida.
• 6 Virginia.
• 7 Nurembega.
• 8 Nova francia.
• 9 Corterialis.
• 10 Estotilandia.

Mexico giveth name to halfe America, now knowne by the name of nova Hispania, whence the Kings of Spaine stile themselves Hispaniarum Reges; it was very populous before the arrivall of the Mexico. Spaniards, who in 17. yeares slew 6. millions of the Inhabitants, rosting some, cutting off the members, and putting out the eyes of others, and casting them living to be devoured of wild beasts; to which place now is found no trade nor commerce by any Nation, save onely to the subjects of this King, and to such onely as are [Page 55] known for naturall borne Spaniards, though at first the same was granted by Isabella to the natives of Castile onely, and Andalusia; but now indifferently to all.

The commodities that this Countrey is found to afford for Mer­chandise Commodities of Mexico. is principally gold and silver mines, sugar, tobacco, ginger, tallow, hides, and some spices not known to our ancestors till the discovery thereof; and amongst others not to be forgotten that admirable tree called Metle, which by them is planted and dressed Metle an admi­rable tree. as we doe our Vines, having 40. kinds of leaves serving to severall uses, for when they are tender they make of them conserves, paper, flax, mantles, matts, shooes, girdles and cordage: on these leaves grow certaine hard prickles so strong and sharpe, that they use them instead of sawes: from the root of this tree cometh a juyce, like unto sirrop, which being sodde becometh honey, if purified be­cometh sugar; or otherwise thereof is made both wine and vine­gar: the rinde rosted healeth hurts and sores, and from the top­boughes issueth a gumme which is an excellent Antidote against poyson.

This Countrey is divided into 4. divisions, the first is nova Gali­cia, S^t. Michael. the chiefe Towne thereof is called Saint Michael a Colonie of the Spaniards. The second is Mechuacan, one of the best Coun­tries of new Spaine abounding in mulberry trees, silke, honey, waxe, and store of fish of all kinds; the principall Towne is Sinsonso, and the chiefe Havens are at Saint Anthonies, and at Saint Iames; or Sinsons. as the Spaniards called it Saint Iago. The third Province is Gu­stacan, the chiefe City is Ilascalan, yeelding for beauty and state Ilascalan. precedencie to Mexico, and none other in all these parts, the principall part is Uillarico, a wealthie Town, as the place through which all the traffique of old and new Spaine doth passe. The City of Mexico fourth is Mexico, wherein that famous City of Mexico is seated: now the seat of the Spanish Uiceroy and Archbishop of new Spaine, this City is said to be scituated in a Lake upon certaine Ilands, as Uenice doth, every where interlaced with the pleasant currents of fresh and Sea waters, and carrieth a face of more civill govern­ment then any other in America, though nothing, if compared with any in Europe: the Lake is said to be 50. Miles in compasse; on whose banks are found many pleasant Townes and houses: also it is said that 50. thousand Wherryes are seen here continually plying, and affords such quantity of fish that the same is worth 20000. Crownes yearely. The City of Mexico it selfe is 6. Miles in compasse, containing 6000. houses of Spaniards, and 6000. of Indians: it hath also a Printing-house, a Mint and an Vniversity; and some Churches of note that beautifie the same: it was vanqui­shed by Fernando Cortes in Anno 1521. with an Armie 100000. A­mericans, onely 900. Spaniards, 80. horse, 17. pieces of small ordi­nance; in 13. Brigantins and 6000. Wherries, most of the Ameri­cans were of Ilascalan, who were ever adversaries to the Mexi­cans; [Page 56] for which cause that City doth injoy many immunities to this day; and to conclude, according to the opinion of an English tra­veller, whose relation I herein follow; Foure things are here re­markable for beauty, their apparell, their women, their horses and their sticats: and thus much shall serve of Mexico.

The second Province is Quivira, seated on the most westerne Quivira 2. parts of America, in which are two Provinces, Cibola taking its name from the chiefe City subdued by Francisco Vasques, in Anno 1540. and Nova Albion discoverd by that famous Sea-man Sir Fran­cis Drake An. 1585. and by him so called: the chiefe commodities and riches of this Count [...]ey is kine, some men being owners of 40. thousand, and these serve to the Inhabitants here, as we say of our ale to drunkards in England, meat, drinke and cloth and more too; for first the hides yeeld them houses, or to say more properly the covering of them, their bones, bodkins, their haire thred, their sinewes ropes, their hornes, maws and bladders, vessels, their dung fire, their calfe-skins budgets to draw and keep water, their blood for drinke; and lastly their flesh for meat, &c.

The third is Nicaragua, being South-east from Mexico, with which it agreeth in nature both of soyle and Inhabitants, and ac­counted Nicaragua 3. for its pleasantnesse, Mahomets paradise, having trees in An admirable tree. great abundance, of that strange nature, that a branch touched by the hand of any man, withereth presently. The chiefe Citie is Nova Grenada, and Lea a Bishops Sea. The commodities thereof are, hony, waxe, cotton, and bal [...]am in great abundance; it is ex­treame Nova Grenada. hot, and therefore not to be traveld by day, but by night: their winter beginneth in May, and from thence raineth for six moneths; the other six very faire and dry; and the day and night being here of equall length.

The fourth is Iucatan, and was discovered in Anno 1517. which in the language of the place, signifieth, What say you? which Iucatan 4. was the answer the Inhabitants gave the Spanyards that first de­manded of them the name of their Countrey; and since by this meanes retaines that name by the Spanyards. The chiefest Citie is Campechio, whence comes that wood so well knowne in Europe; also here is the Iland called by the Spanyard, Santo Crux, wherein Campechio. is a Citie of that name well fortified by them.

The fifth is Florida, discovered by the English, under the conduct of Sebastian Cabbot, Anno 1467. then possessed by the Spanyards Florida 5. in Anno 1527. and called Florida; afterward the French got foo­ting here in Anno 1562; but the Spanyards unwilling the French should be eye-witnesses of their rich bootie, waged warre with them so long, that there was not a man left on either side to main­taine the quarrell; and then was Florida againe in 1567 abando­ned: the Spanyards now hold here three strong Forts, St. Iames, St. Philip, and St. Augustin; which last was taken and burnt by Sir Francis Drake 1586. which since is repaired, and that is all the [Page 57] Spanyards hold here at this day; desiring (as it seemes) neither to plant further himselfe, nor suffer other to doe it.

The sixth is Virginia, wherein is said to be rich Veines of Allom, Virginia 6. Pitch, Tarre, Rosen, Turpentine, Cedar, Grapes, Oyles, plentie of Sweet Gummes, Dies, Tymber trees, Mines of Iron and Copper, and a­bundance of Frait, Fishes, Beasts, and Fowle; it was discovered at the charges of Sir Walter Rawleigh in Anno 1584; and in honour of our Virgin Queene, called Virginia. The chiefe Towne is called Iames Towne, and of late dayes the northerne part of this Uirginia, being b [...]tter discovered than the other, is called New England, full of good new Townes and Forts; whither many persons dis­contented with the forme of our Ecclesiasticall Government, are (said to be) the principall Planters, and is likely in a short time to prove a happie and flourishing Plantation.

The seaventh is Terra Corterialis; on the South whereof runs Corterialis 7. that famous river of Caneda, rising out of the hill Hombuedo, run­ning nine hundred miles, and found navigable for eight hundred thereof; this Country was discovered by Gasper Corteralis a Portu­gall in Anno 1500. and affords onely some rich skins and furres for commodities and Merchandise. The chiefe Towne thereof is Brest, Cabomarso, and others of little note.

The eighth is Nurembega, and the chiefe Towne carrieth that Nurembega 8. name, in possession of the French; other things remarkeable I finde not observable therein.

The ninth is Nova Francia, discovered by Iaques Cartier, a Nova Francia 9. French-man, in Anno 1534. inhabited besides the Natives, with some few French-men. The chiefe Townes are Canada, and next Sanguinai, seated both upon two rivers so called, affording onely some skins and furres, especially Bevers, which thence by the French are transported into Europe.

The last and tenth is Estotiland, called by us New-found-land; by the English discovered in Anno 1527. who imposed the names Estotiland 10. upon the Capes and Rivers which now they hold, where some have gone to plant, but the cold hath beene found to be too ex­treame for the English constitution; but in the Summer season the Seas here are found to abound with Fish in such abundance, that a man may take in an houres space a hundred great Fishes, which being opened, salted and dried upon the rocks and braches, Fishing in the New found land. are hence transported to all parts of Europe; and knowne in England by the name of New-land fish; in French by the name of Morleux; in Italie, Bacalio; and in Spaine, Abadeses: five hundred sayle great and small doe from England yearly sayle to this coast, and to a place called the Banke, a sand of 15 in 20 fadome deepe, thirtie leagues off of this Coast; and these depart from our Coast about the end of Februarie, and arriving there about the middle of Aprill, unrigge their shippes, set up boothes and cabanets on the shore in divers creekes and harbours, and there with fishing pro­visions [Page 58] and salt, being their fishing in Shallops and Boats, continue it till September, and in this time doe not onely catch as many fish as will lade their shippes, but also as many as will lade vessels of greater burthens, that in the Summer come hither from England and other parts, to buy up the same, and purposely to transport it for Spaine, Italie, and other Countries: and this fishing en­ded and the cold beginning, they leave their stations and booths and repairing aboord their shippes, lade their fish, and rigging their vessels, returne to their native homes, where these fishermen winter, and then become husbandmen; so that their lives may be compared to the Otter, which is spent halfe on land, and halfe in Sea.

This fishing is found to be wonderfull beneficiall to our we­sterne parts of England, whose Inhabitants confiding upon the constancie of the yearly fishing upon this Coast, it is usuall with them to sell the said fish either by tale or by the hundred waight in England by contract, before they either depart their homes, or before the said fish be caught, at profitable rates; and when their Summer is once spent, and that the cold approacheth, and that the fish beginneth to leave the Coast, they returne contented to their Families; where oftentimes in Winter they merrily spend, what thus in Summer they have painfully fisht for.

Other notes of trading, worthy observations, at my there-be­ing in my younger dayes, I observed not. The Waights and Coines of England passing there currant amongst the English, and the price of fish once generally Cut at their fishing Stales, doth afterward in liew of Coine, by way of Commutation, all that yeare passe cur­rant for all needfull Commodities, and is esteemed as a valuable consideration amongst them from one man to another: and thus much for the Provinces and Cities of Mexicana.

CHAP. XIII.

PERUANA containes the Southerne part of Ameri­ca, [...]eruana and the Provinces thereof. and is tyed to Mexicana by the Straight of Da­rien, being ten miles broad; some hold the Spany­ards did once intend to cut this Straight through, and make it navigable, and thereby shorten the way to the South Sea, China, Molluccos, but hitherto wee heare not that the same is any way attempted; this Part doth comprehend by the computation of the Spanyards, whose relation in this vast Countrey I must follow, five distinct Provinces.

• [Page 59]1 Castella Aurea.
• 2 Guiana.
• 3 Peru.
• 4 Brasilia.
• 5 Chile; of each briefly.

Castella Aurea, is the first, and was so termed by the Spanyards Castella Aurea. at its discovery, for the abundance of gold found therein, besides which it is admirably stored with silver, spices, and some drugges; it is divided into foure Provinces, which are first Castella del Oro, scituated in the very Isthmus, and is not populous, by reason of the unhealthfulnesse of the ayre, proceeding from the many standing pooles found therein: the chiefe Cities are Nombre de Dios on the East, and Panama on the West side thereof, both built by Di­dacus Nombre de Dios. Niq [...]esa the discoverer; which since for their unhealthfull scituation, were removed by the King of Spaines command, by Petro Aria, then Viceroy; through which two Townes commeth all the rich traffique that is betwixt Spaine and Peru; for whatsoe­ver commodities cometh out of Peru, is unladen at Panama, caried Panama. by land to Nombre de Dios, and thence shipped for Spaine, and what commoditie comes from Spaine is landed at Nombre de Dios, is caried by land to Panama, and so laden for Peru.

If I should silently passe over the attempt of one Iohn Ocknam Ocknams brave attempt. a follower of Sir Francis Drake, in his Worlds incompassement in this place, I should much wrong the honour due to so much worth: this man as M^r. Hackluit hath it, with 70. companions, in a creeke a little above these Townes, drew on shore his Barke, covered the same with boughes and leaves, and so leaving it marched over with his company, guyded by some negroes, untill he came to a River which ran into the South Sea, which by the relation and Mercator his Maps, may be Tomobonda, or the Creek Uentura, where he cut down timber, built him a freggat, entred the South Seas, went to the Ile of pearles, lay there 10. dayes, and there intercepted in two Spanish Ships 60000. pound weight of gold, and 200000. pound weight of silver in ingots, with divers other rich commodities; and after that returned safely againe to the main land, where rowing up the same streame where his frigat was built, he was discovered by some feathers pluckt from certaine soule they had kild for their provision, which swam upon the River down the current; and though by this meanes he was ta­ken, and return'd not into his Countrey, nor yet his hidden Vessell; yet it is an adventure that deserves a remembrance from all such as are lovers of their Countries honour, and it is held in admiration by the Spanish writers that have made mention thereof.

Andalusia Nova is the second; the chiefe Cities are Santa Mar­garita, and Santa Sperita. An [...]alusia Nova.

[Page 60] Nova Grenada is the third, the chief City is Iungia, a pleasant Nova Grenada. and strong Towne directly seated under the Equator; then next is S^t. Foy an Archbishops Sea and a Court of Iustice.

Cartaghena is the fourth, accounted a fruitfull soile; but therein is found a tree, that whosoever toucheth doth hardly escape poy­soning: Cartaghena. the chiefe City is Cartagena; which our Countrey man S^r Francis Drake, in An. 1585. surprised; where besides inestima­ble summes of moneys, he tooke with him from hence 240. pieces of Ordinance.

Guiana is the second Province, directly scituated under the E­quinoctiall Guiana, second Province. line, and is the fruitfullest part of Peruana: the Inhabi­tants in winter time dw [...]ling in trees, for feare of inundations, on which they built ma [...] pretty Uilages and artificiall mansions: it is watered with two goodly Rivers; theone hath the name of Orinoque or rather Raliana, borrowing the same from S^r Walter Raughlie, who first of all to any purpose, made a plenary survey of this Countrey, with the commodities and scituation thereof in An. 1595. and found this River navigable for great Ships of bur­then 1000. miles, and for Boats and Pinaces 2000. miles. The other River is called Orellana, or the Amasons, discovered 1543. the which is found navigable 6000. miles, and 200. miles broad at the entrance into the Sea.

The chiefe City of this Countrey (and if Spanish writers may Manoa the gol­den City. herein be beleeved the chiefest City of the World) is here found and called Manoa, or as Diego Ordas the discoverer calleth it, el Dorado, or the golden, from the aboundance of gold, both in coyne, plate, armour, and other furniture, which he there saw. This dis­coverer or traveller, (for by that name the truth of his wonde­rous relation may be the better considered) is said to have entered into the City at noone, and to have travelled all that day, and the next also untill night through the streets hereof, before he came to the Kings Palace, which peradventure was the policie of those people; as I have seen it to be in Constantinople in An. 1621. when as the Duke of Avarascah coming with a great traine in Embassie from the King of Poland to Soltan Osman the then great Turke, after his unfortunate expedition to Poland, caused him and his whole traine to be lead a whole afternoone thorow the most e­minent streets of that City, when he first entered the same, and so to his appointed lodging, whereas an houres easie walke to him that had known the direct way, would easily have served the turn; perchance imagining this a fit way to demonstrate to the Ambas­sadour the beauty and vastnes of that City, together with his own greatnes in ostentation, and to recover that honour and repute which he had a little before lost by the insolencie and cowardise of his Souldiers in his said expedition thither.

The third Province is Peru, which above all others in America Peru the third Province. abounds in gold and silver, the mine whereof in divers places is [Page 61] better stored with mettals than with Earth: the chiefe City where­of is S^t. Michael, the first colony the Spaniards placed here, and for­tified by Piscaro a famous Spanish captaine, who subdued the Coun­trey, took the King thereof prisoner, and had for a ransome for his liberty and life a house piled upon all sides with refined gold and silver, in estimation about ten millions, which when he had received, most perfidiuosly contrary to his oath and promise slew him: by which ap­peares the wonderfull riches of this Countrey. Besides which the soile is luxurient in all manner of graine, fortunate in the civility of her Inhabitants, frequencie of Cities, and salabrity of ayre; and aboundant­ly stored with that herbe Tobacco, from hence brought first into England by S^r. Francis Drakes mariners in An. 1585. In this Coun­try also is now found that famous River called of Plate, being 150. Rio de la plata. miles broade at the Embosheur, and above 2000. miles long: and on this streame is found certaine figge trees; the part towards the River bearing fruit in winter, and the other part thereof towards the land bearing fruit in summer.

Brasilia is the fourth, affording a soile fat by nature, and alwaies flourishing, yeelding great store of sugars, and wonderfull rich in Brasilia the 4. Province. mines; and hence our red wood which is hereused by dyers called brasile doth come: the trees whereof are found of that bignes, that whole families live in an arme of one of them, every tree being as populous as many of our Countrey Villages, which is the reason that few Cities are found in this Countrey, yet along the Sea coast some Cities are of late built by the Spaniards, and by them forti­fied where the Dutch have lately got some footing, and taken To­dos los santos, and thence marched to Fernand buck, whence that wood comes so well known to diers by that name, where report saith they are now setled and daily get ground in that continent.

The fifth is Chilo, taking its name as some would have it, from the Chilo the 5. Province. exceeding cold there found, so that the Rivers are here observed to run in the day, but by night to stand still, or at leastwise to move very slowly: this Countrey boasteth of 5. or 6. Townes inhabited by Spaniards, the Towne called the Imperiall being a colony of the Spaniards is found to be the principall.

This Countrey bordereth upon the straights of Magelan, through which S^r. Francis Drake passed in his Worlds incompasse­ment; many of the ports and baies herein owing him that honour due to this adventure, for the names they now are knowne by: which voyage finished by him in 2. ½. yeares, as the relation of Die­go Nunio his Pilot testifieth, made profit to himselfe and Mer­chants of London his partners and fellow adventurers, according to an account made up at his return, all charges paid and discharged which I have seen subscribed under his owne hand 47 li. for one pound; so that he who adventur'd with him in this voyage 100. li. had 4700. li. for the same, by which may be gathered the benefit that redounded thereby; though accompanied with many rubbes, [Page 62] delaies and dangers. Having thus runne over the maine continent of this Worlds division, let us see what Ilands of note belong thereunto.

First in the South Seas are found the Ilands of Solomon 18. in number, and imagined by the discoverer in An. 1567. to be the Iles of Solomon. land of Ophir, to which Solomon sent for his gold; but in this he was deceived: the next are the Ilands of theeves of no account, there­fore I passe over them, and in the next place peruse the Ilands in the Virginian Ocean; the first worthy of mention is Margarita, deficient both in corne, grasse, trees and water; yet the aboundance of precious stones here found makes some amends for these defects, from whence the name of Margarita is imposed on it. Margarita.

The next is Trinidado discovered by Columbus in An. 1497. being famoused for the best Tobacco, which by some Nations carrieth Trinidado. the name of this Iland.

The next are the Iles of Bacaloes lying against the influx of Ca­neda, Bacaloes. and owe the first discovery to Sebastian Cabot 1447. by some termed Terra Nova, well knowne for the great quantity of fish taken on this coast, as I have noted in the passage of that part of America.

The next is the Iland of Beriquen, the North part affording plen­ty of gold, and the South part of vitall provisions; the Cities here Beriquen. are S^t Iohns, built and inhabited by the Spaniards 1527 and Porto Rico ruind by Henry Earle of Cumberland 1597. and whose walles was then first mounted by my deceased Uncle Captaine Tho. Roberts, to whose worth and valour I owe here this remembrance.

The next is Iamaica once very populous, insomuch that the Iamaica. Spaniards here slew 60000. living soules, and the women beholding their cruelty, did kill their Children before they had given them life, that the issues of their bodies might not serve so cruell a Nation. The Townes of note are Crestana and Sivil, acknowledging Columbus for its first discoverer.

The next is Cuba, made knowne by Columbus his second Navi­gation, it aboundeth with ginger, cassia, masticke, aloes, cynamon, Cuba. sugar; the earth producing brasse, of excellent perfection, but the gold somewhat drossie: here is the famous Roade Havana, a staple of Indian and Spanish merchandize, and where the King of Spaines Navy rideth till the time of the yeare, and the convenience of the winde joyne together to waft them homeward.

The next is the Lucay Ilands 400. in number, who glory in the matchlesse beauty of their Women, and mourn for the losse of a million Lucay. of the Inhabitants murdered by the bloodthirsty Spaniards at the first discovery thereof.

Hispaniola is the next, now lamenting the losse of three millions of her Inhabitants, butchered by her new Spanish Masters, injoying a Hispaniola. temperate ayre, a fertile soyle, rich mines, amber and sugars; it excel­leth all other the Ilands of these Seas, especially in three prero­gatives; [Page 63] first, in the finenesse of the gold, which is here digged more pure and unmixed; secondly, in the increase of the sugar cane, which here is found oftentimes in one cane to fill up twentie and sometimes thirtie measures of liquour; thirdly, in the goodnesse [...]f the soile for tillage, the corne here yeelding an hundred fold, [...]nd in sixteene dayes, herbes and roots are found to ripen and to [...]e fit for meat; this fertilitie is ascribed to foure rivers running East, West, North, and South, and all foure springing from one mountaine standing in the very center of this Iland; the chiefe Townes here is Saint Dominico, ransackt by Sir Francis Drake 1585. Besides which Ilands inhabited by Spanyards, there are be­longing to this division of the world, some that are inhabited by the English, as the Barbadas, Barmudas, and others, in which certaine Barbadas, Barmudas. Colonies of English have planted themselves, which is found agree­ [...]ble with the English constitution, and being well fortified and peopled, may in time prove maine instruments of sharing with [...]he Spanyard in his American Dominions. And thus briefly stands [...]he present state of this new found climate, least acquainted to our Nation, and onely subject to the will and power of the Spanish Scepter, who challengeth the soveraigntie and rule of this vast Countrey, the trade whereof is onely permitted to his subjects, and debarred from all others; save what is obtained by force or strength, and purchased by Colonies planted where the Spanyard is neither knowne nor seated.

To give here a small touch of the traffique of this new world, is The trade of America by the Spaniards. the principall scope of my intention, but being shut up from the eyes of all strangers, wee must be content till time produce it more apparantly to live in ignorance: true it is that the Coun­ [...]rey abounding in Mines of silver and gold, and the soyle rich in [...]ringing forth all fruits, that from Spaine have beene hither tran­ [...]planted, addes every day an increase to their present traffique, [...]he speciall matter here sought out for is gold and silver, the load­ [...]one that attracts all Merchants to adventure hither: and in their Mines the Inhabitants are set continually to worke, living poore­ [...]y, and undergoing thus the punishment of their ignorance and pu­ [...]llanimitie, suffering themselves to be so easily overcome and so [...]asely subjected; out of which Mines the King hath the ⅕ part of [...]ll extracted, which in the Emperour Charles the fifths time amounted but to five hundred thousand Crownes of gold yearly, but since it hath beene found that the Kings of Spaine have had thence sometimes tenne, sometimes fifteene, and sometimes seaventeene millions of gold yearly. The Merchants carry thither Spanish wines, woolen and lin­nen cloth, and other merchandizes of Europe, and (if report may gaine credit) doe make returnes thence above one hundred pro­fit for another, in spices, sugars, some drugges, and in gold and silver ingotts in great abundance, as well for the accounts of private mer­chants, as for the account of the King himselfe; so that it doth [Page 64] appeare in the Records kept in the Custome-house of Sivill, that in these seventy-foure yeares last past, there hath come from this India into Spaine two hundred and sixty millions of gold, which hath beene the moover of all those broyles and warres that have beene set afoot in Europe by the Kings of Spaine, it being affirmed with­out contradiction, that by meanes thereof, Philip the second during his raigne, did spend more than all his predecessours, being in number sixty-two that have raigned before him in this Kingdome since they shooke off the Roman yoake; for he alone spent more than an hundred millions that came out of this India.

This Countrey also giveth imployment to many ships of great burthen, to carry their sugars, ginger, cottons, fernandbucke, and such other commodities that are here sound daily to increase by the industrie of the Spanyard, which by good government may come in time to a great height, and had not the sword of these bloud­suckers ended so many millions of lives in so short a time, trade might have seene a larger harvest, and a more profitable crop by their industrie and labour.

It will not be further usefull for me to insist upon other parti­culars of traffique in this Continent in matter of coynes, of waights and measures; for in all these they follow the rules observed in Sivill, where the rendevous of those shippes are made, that goe and come into these parts; and so leaving this new discovered Division of the World, I will crosse the maine Ocean, and with a somewhat better Survay, I will ob­serve the needfull occurrents of trade in AFRICA, my second part of this Modell, and of the World.

OF AFRICA, AND THE PROVINCES THEREOF.
CHAP. XIV.

AFRICA I make to be my second division Africa and the Provinces thereof. of the world, which is found to be a Penin­sula, almost incompassed round, having the red Sea on the East, the Atlantique Ocean on the West, the Southerne Oce­an on the South, and the mediteranean on the North; and where the Sea is defe­ctive to make it a compleat Iland, there is a little Isthmus of twenty leagues that ty­eth it to Asia, which sundry Princes in for­mer ages intended to trench through, to have the benefit of both those Seas united, but have desisted as finding the Sea in the red Sea gulfe to be higher than the land of Aegypt, by nature all flat, levell, and plaine, and so might thereby over-flow and drowne all Aegypt.

Africa is at this day usually divided into eight parts, which Divided into eight parts. are;

• 1 Barbarie.
• 2 Numidia.
• 3 Libya.
• 4 Negrita.
• 5 Ethiopia Interior.
• 6 Ethiopia Exterior.
• 7 Aegypt, &
• 8 The Ilands thereof.

[Page 68] And first Barbarie is now divided into foure Kingdomes, which Barbary 1. are, first, Tunes; second, Argier; third, Fesse; and fourth, Morocco: the commodities these Countries send abroad, I shall speake of when I come to these particular places.

CHAP. XV.

THE Kingdome of Tunes containes sundry Cities of Tunes and the trade thereof. trade, the principall being the citie of Tunes it selfe, then Bona, Biserta, Tripolis, and Africa, and here was seated that famous Citie of Carthage, who contended Bona. Biserta. Tripolis. Africa. with Rome for the mastery of all the world, and challenged the prioritie in Africa as queene and supreame Lady thereof, now onely seene in her ruines, and knowne by her vast extent, and from whose ashes sprung up Tunes the abovesaid, sea­ted upon a Lake six myles distant from the Sea; the Port com­manded by the Fort of Golletta, and at this day acknowledging the great Turke for their Protectour, who every three yeares doth Golletta. send hither a Bashaw to command; but the chiefe rule appertaines to the Die or Governour, chosen and elected by the natives of this Kingdome. This Kingdome is much bettered and inriched by the labour of those Moores which by thousands were banished from Moros franc [...]s or Granatines. Spaine, who have here built many Cities, and Temples, according to their superstitious use, planted Vines, Oranges, Lemons, Figges, Dates, Almonds and Olives, and thereby have both much peopled and profited this whole Countrey; and where in Anno 1619. and 1620. in two severall voyages, at my residents there I obser­ved in trade these things.

Their coines used in trade is here commonly most currant the Coins currant in Tunes. Spanish both silver and gold; the Riall of ½ Spanish is accounted 46 aspers, the (℞)rotolo(s). of 4/4 23 aspers, the ¼ 11½, and the Pistolet of Spaine commonly by them termed the scudo, is 64 aspers, but these rise and fall according to the plentie and scarsitie thereof: silver coines of their owne I have not observed any stamped amongst them, save the asper spoken of before, eighty whereof makes a sultany, chicquin, or hangar duccat, which is the common peece of gold knowne pas­sable through all Africa & Asia, and through all the Dominions of the Grand Signeor: and these coines passe thus currant in Tripolis, Barbaria, in Africa, Vna, Biserta, and other maritime parts alongst the coast.

Their common waight is a cantar, or 100 li. being about two Waights of the Kingdome of Tunes. pound bigger than our 112 li. of England, so that their pound [Page 69] waight hath been found to make neere 16 ounces Troy, and produ­ceth in Lighorne the common scale of passage from Christendome 150 li.

This cantar cont. 100 Rotolos or li. each Rotolo is divided into 16 ounces, and each ounce into eight tamins, and hereby is waighed all sorts of commodities, except silver, gold, pearle, &c. which are waighed by a carrot waight and mitigals, as I shall shew in another place more convenient.

Their common measure of length is a pico cont. 27 inches Eng­lish, Measures of Tunes. by which all silkes and woolen are measured, and called the pico turkisco, but the Morisco pico, is an inch lesse and q^t 26 inches, by which all Linnens is onely sold, and no other commoditie.

Their liquid measure is a Mettor, which in oyles makes about 32 li. English, and accounting 7½ li. to a gallon is foure gallons and 2 li. by which is sold honey, wines, and such like liquid commodi­ties.

Their accounts by Merchants are kept by dollers and aspers, and by some in sultanies and aspers, as being the proper coines and Accounts in Tunes. species of that kingdome.

The commodities of this Kingdome, are excellent horses, waxe, Commodities of Tunes. honey, raw and salted hides, corrall taken up at Bona on the coast where the Genoes and Marselians have built them forts and scales for trade and commerce with the Inhabitants, to this purpose spun­ges, dates, almonds, rice, oyle, hard soape, Christian captives of all kinds and Nations.

The customes paid usually is ten per cent. upon all commodities Customes of Tunes. entring, fo [...] so much onely as is landed and sold, accounted upon the reall value sold, and what is not sold may be at all times shipt without payment of any custome or dutie whatsoever: a Broaker being appointed by the Dye of the Citie to attend the Merchants actions, who keepeth a register of the sales made, according to which the said ten per centum is paid by the Merchant seller. The Citie of Tripoly distinguished of Barba­rie Tripoly in Bar­barie. is found upon this coast, and to agree with Tunes in waights, measures, and coines: and thus much shall serve to have said of Tunes in Numidia.

CHAP. XVI.

ARGIER containes onely two Townes of note, Tremesin once the principall of a Kingdome, and Argier and the trade thereof. Tremesin. Argier the principall now of this Countrey, not found to be very spacious in its selfe, but strong and of late much fortified, inriched not onely by the labour of the Moores banished out of Spaine, but also by the spoyles of many Merchants of all nations, brought thither as the retreat and receptacle of all Turkish and Moorish Pi­rates, which doe much infest the mediterranean Seas, and of late yeares have found the way out of the Straights of Giblatar into the Canary Ilands, and into sundry other Countries bordering up­on the Ocean. In it are accounted eighty thousand soules, the most part of them living by Piracies. Merchandizing is not much in use in this Citie, yet some of the Inhabitants are found to detest this common ill gotten gaine, by piracie and theft, and these are ob­served to maintaine some trade with other nations alongst the coast. What points necessary thereto according as I noted there in 1619. I shall here set downe: and first their commodities vented thence to forraine parts, are such as followeth.

The commodities this Kingdome affords is, Barbary horses, Estridge feathers, honey, waxe, reisins, figges, dates, oyles, almonds, ca­stile Commodities of Argier. sope, brasse, copper, and some drugges: and lastly, excellent piraticall Rascalls in great quantitie, and poore miserable Christi­an captives of all Nations too too many, God give them comfort, pa­tience, and release in due time, if it be his blessed will.

Their coines passing currant here in trade is the Double, which is Coines of Argier. accounted to hold correspondencie in value with the English shil­ling, or rather two Spanish Rialls single.

Foure doubles is 1 (℞)rotolo(s) [...], called there an Osian.

Five doubles and 35 aspers is a pistolet of Spaine.

Seaven doubles is accounted a sultany or Chequin, the common peece of gold found currant in all Barbarie.

Fiftie aspers is accounted to make a double; and these are the u­suall coines passable in all this coast belonging to this Kingdome.

The 100 li. or Rotolos here is 120 li. English, so that their 84 li. W [...]ights of Argier. makes 100 li. sutle, and 94 li. or Rotolos is 112 li. English, according to the custome of Valentia in Spaine, from whence it is conceived they have drawne this originall of Waights: they are observed to have two severall maights, the proportion being 10 li. of the small making, 6 li. of the grosse.

[Page 71] But heere sundry commodities are found to be weighed by sun­dry Cantars, as iron, lead, yarne, and all wools are weighed by a Cantar of 150 Rotolos of the Rotolos above specified.

Reisins, figgs, butter, honey, dates, oyle, soape by the Cantor of 166 Rotolos abovesaid.

Almonds, cheese, cottons by the Cantar of 110 Rotolos.

Brasse, copper, waxe and all druggs by the Cantar of 100 Rotolos.

And Flaxe is weighed by the Cantar to containe 200 Rotolos.

Gold, silver, pearles and jems are weighed by the mitigall, which is worth there 9. doubles, and is 72 gr. English: and the soltany, checquin or hungar weighes 52 gr. English, being accounted equall to Angel gold and worth in England in circa 3 l. 11 shill. per ounce, Troy weight, or thereabouts.

They use in Algier two picos or measures, the Turkish and Mo­risco, Measures of length. the Morisco pico being the measure of the Countrey, and [...]s ¾ of the Turkish, by which is sold all linnen only.

The Turkish pico is divided into 16 parts, and every [...] part is called a Robo, and is 131/192 part of an English yard, which with the al­ [...]owance of an ynch according to our custome in England, hath beene found to make 1. ½ picos turkisco and by which all silke stuffes and woollens are sold in this place.

Their dry measure is called a Tarrie, which heaped up, as they Dry measures. use it, is 5 gallons English, and so hath it beene found to produce [...]n corne, salt and some such commodities.

They keepe their accompt in doubles and osians, and some in sol­ [...]anies Accounts in Argier. and aspers, the coines of Barbarie, 4 doubles making an ossian, [...]nd 50 aspers making a double.

Their customes are heere 10 per cent. as in Tunis, and paid upon Customes of Argier. [...]he commodity according to the value sold, and permission given to [...]and, and if not sold, to be shipt againe free of all dueties (as I said [...]efore) in the Kingdome of Tunis. And it is to bee noted, a Ship [...]ntring here and anchoring, must either land her sailes or her [...]udder for prevention of running away without license, which [...]ust bee obtained in Duano, which is the common assembly of [...]he Bashaw, who is Commander for the grand Seignior and of the Clearing of a S [...]p in Argier. [...]rincipall Moores of the Kingdome and City, and then paying [...]hese duties with licence she is dismissed, viz to the Kaiffa 28 dou­ [...]les, to the Alamine 31 do. to the captaine Anchoredge 15 do. to the Bashaw, 8 do. to his Chiouse 4 do. to his Almin, 8 do. to his Chouse, 4 do. to the Bashaw sorman, 2 do. to the Druggerman, 8 do. to the Sackagie 8 do. to the Consols duety, 42 do. which in all make 162 doubles: And so much shall serve for Argier; now I saile along the Coast, and observe some Mari­time Townes of note there seated.

CHAP. XVII.

ORAN is seated upon this Shore also, and of late in possession of the Spaniards, whose immunities to such Oran and the Trade thereof. as come hither to reside have made the place noted for some traffique, especially for the commodities of this Countrey, which hence are transported into Spaine and Portugall, such as are horses, waxe, and some yeares corne in a great measure, as I have noted before.

The coines currant of Barbary, and which passe currently here, Coines of Oran. are those indifferently named before, and the coines of the oppo­site shoares of Spaine.

It is found they have here foure severall weights: First a quin­tar of 5 roves of 20 l. to a rove which is 100 l. or Rotolos: Secondly, The Weights in use in Oran. a quintar of spices of 4 roves of 25 l. per rove which is 100 Rotolos: Thirdly, a quintar for corne, every quintar being only 6 Rotolos, and lastly a quintar for cottonwool, every quintar being 15 Rotolos, the 100 l. of London makes in the first 90 Rotolos; in the second 133. Rotolos; in the third for corne 48 Rotolos; and in the last 58⅛ Rotolos.

The Measures of ORON are found to be principally two, the one being the pico Morisco, the proper measure of the Countrey Measures of Oran. agreeing with the measure of Argier, before mentioned, and the other the Vare of Spaine here used in cloth, silke, and such like, by the Spaniards.

CHAP. XVIII.

VNA is also seated upon this coast, and dependeth for the most part in matter of trade, upon the inland In­habitants; Una and the Trade thereof. affording for transportation the common commodities of Barbarie, and by reason of the sci­tuation little knowne to our nation, therfore I shall the more briefly passe over the same.

The coines before mentioned are here current, onely with little alteration, as also the same is found to be in Bona (anciently Hip­pona Coines of Vna. [Page 73] the seat of Saint Augustin that learned Father) in Cola, Tabara­ [...]ha, Bugia, Constantine, and other townes of trade upon this coast, therefore I will omit the repetition thereof, having all a refe­rence in trade one to the other.

But in weights they much differ; for here is found in use three Waights of Unia. severall quintals composed of one l. or Rotolo, one for cotton wooll, another for spices, and the third for corne; thus agreeing with London.

The 100 l. of London makes 63 Rotolos for weight of wooll.

The 100 l. of London makes 72 Rotolos for weight of spices.

The 100 l. of London makes 91 Rotolos in the weight of corne.

All which is to be observed by him that trades into this port, in the sale of these and the like commodities.

The measure of length is here the pico Morisco, which generally Measures of Vnia. [...]s used in all commodities and containes 26 ynches English in circa.

CHAP. XIX.

THough these two Kingdomes of TVNIS and AR­GIER The generall trade of Argier and Tunes. doe afford many faire Townes according to the manner of this Countrey, yet it is not found that the same doth produce many Merchants of quality or of great consideration; This tract of land is found at present to belong to three severall inhabitants, the Moores as propriators, inioy the principall part; and these are found with­in themselves to acknowledge severall Soveraignes, which not sel­dome are at variance, sometimes amongst themselves, sometimes with their neighbours, and because of the liberty given here for entertainment and protection to all nations, not onely these Townes doe harbour Levents which wee call Pirates, and they call naturall Turkes, but also Christians of all Countries which hence with robberies infest these adjoyning Mediterranean Seas, and joyning themselves with the abovesaid Levents, make up a dissolute and resolute company of Sea-farers and Pirats; and be­cause these are not sufficient to worke any matters of moment a­lone to make their strength the greater, and their force the stronger, there is of their owne accord added thereto the Taga­rins, a poore, desperate and naked rascality, and the Spanish Moores, or Moorish Spaniards of late yeares banished from the Kingdome of Spaine, who willingly some in purse and some in person vndertake these designes to be revenged of their banish­ment from their native Countries, their case herein being most [Page 74] miserable; for whilest they lived in Spaine they were accounted for Moores, and now being amongst the Moores are still doubted as Christians.

These last and some others inhabitants of these Cities of Tunis and Argier, doe still professe more civility then the common sort, and have some reliques of that honesty left them which perad­venture they brought with them hither out of Europe; and these are onely they that in these Cities professe Merchandizing, and are found to use some trade alongst this coast from one part to ano­ther, and so to Marselia and Lighorne, Townes seated on the Chri­stian opposite shore inioying many priviledges and immunities for Merchants of what nation soever.

The Spaniards inhabiting in this coast in sundry good and well fortified Townes, are the second that heere beare sway; the Country for some certain miles in circuit over-awed by their gar­risons pay them contribution; and it is supposed that the char­ges in maintaining these exceeds the gaine yeelded thereby, and heere is but little trade found.

The third sort I account the Genois and the French nations, who upon this coast by permission of the State, doe pay certaine yearely pensions, for admission of trade, and have built them­selves Fortresses and Castles for the defence of their estates and persons; and shipping; and these are now found the onely Mer­chants inhabiting this coast: heere they have their scales for the corrall fishing; for honey, waxe, corne, hides, horses, spunges and ma­ny other commodities, which the Countrey men willingly for love of their Spanish plate do bring them in, and heere traffique is made upon good termes and sure guard, buying and selling as they list to inhance or debase the commodities they either buy or sell: by which a great gaine is yearely made unto them.

And this is as much as I conceive necessary in this point of Mer­cantile traffique in these two Kingdomes and Cities of Tunis and Argier: but there is heere a piraticall Trade also much practised by the people of these two places who set out Vessels in partner­ships The piraticall trade of Tunes and Argier. and shares for to take Prizes or Gonimas as they terme them, which is ever performed by all manner of advantages without faith or promise either kept or regarded, which spoiles have beene so great, and their booties so beneficiall, that the despe­rate spirits of many of sundry nations have come hither in hope to raise by rapine and theft what else by honest courses they could not elsewhere compasse: their manner of setting forth these Ships is upon a small cost and done with little charge, con­sidering the frugality in dyet used in these Countries, and their division at their returne is commonly allotted, (as I observed in these parts when for some time I abode amongst them) ⅓ for the bodie of the Vessell ⅓ for the Victuallers and setters out, and ⅓ for the Captaine and his company; and this is truely and exactly [Page 75] made in species and kind, for they hardly admit a commodity taken or slaves captivated to be sold at the Market, and the divident to be made in money: but they (as I have often seen) will divide it in kind, as if a bagge of pepper, then by dishfulls, or a peece of cloth or linen, then by proportionall shares, according to their grosse capa­city, which custome I understand is since by their better judge­ment rectified, and Merchants Ships warned by their losses of lat­ter dayes, goe better arm'd, man'd and provided; and seeing their prizes come in thinner, they are more provident in their division, though more venturous in their thefts. Argeer in this kind hath been able to set out neere 300. saile little and great in those times, now not a quarter so many: and Tunes then had 20. in 31. good saile, now it hath not a dozen; so that I may conclude their trade decreaseth and daily diminisheth, which GOD of his goodnes grant it may still doe, to the Merchants comfort and the mariners joy: and thus leaving these two piraticall Kingdomes and Cities, with this Maritime coast, I come in the next place to the famous Kingdomes of FESSE and MOROCCO.

CHAP. XX.

FESSE is divided into 7. Provinces, which borroweth Fesse and the Provinces thereof. their names from the Townes seated therein; the first is Ham lisnon, seated in the mountainous part of this Kingdome; the second is Seuta, now in possession of the Spaniard, having a Towne of this name strongly by them fortified; the third is Tanger, a City also fortified and belonging likewise to them; the fourth is Mehenes; the fifth Ar­guer; the sixth is Alcaser, (neere to which the three Kings, Sebastian of Portugall, Mahomet of Fesse, and Abdelmelech of Morocco, com­petitors for this Kingdome were slaine in one day, together with many others of eminent quality; and Stukley that famous infamous english rebell in Anno 1578) and seventh FESSE the Metropolis, which for its greatnes merits a more serious consideration.

CHAP. XXI.

THis City beares this name of Fesse from the aboun­dance of gold, (as writers record) that was found in Citie of Fesse and the Trade thereof. digging the foundation thereof; it is beautified with many goodly buildings both publike and private; it is divided by the River Sahu into three parts, con­taining in all 82000. households, having 700. mosces or Temples, 50. of them being adorned with pillers of alablaster and Iasper; and one seated in the heart of the City called Carucen is the most sumptuous, containing a mile in compasse, in breadth containing 17. arches, in length 120. and borne up by two thousand five hundred white marble pillers, under the chiefest arch (where the Tribunall is kept) hangeth a most huge lampe of silver, incompassed with 110. lesser; under every the other arches hang also very great lamps in each of which burne 150. lights: it hath 31. gates great and high; the roofe is 150. yards long and 80. yards broad, and round about are divers porches containing 40. yards in length, and 30. in bredth, under which are the publike storehouses of the Towne: about the walles are pulpits of divers sorts, wherein the Masters of their Law reade to the people such things as they imagine ap­pertaine to their salvation: the revenewes thereof in Anno 1526. was 200. duccats a day of old rent accounted 100. li. sterlin; untill the late civill warres it was a City of great traffique, and many Mer­chants of divers Nations resorted hither, and were allowed a pub­like meeting place for their Commerce, and lodging for their resi­dence, being in forme of a Court or Exchange, inclosed with a strong wall, with 12. gates, and limited with 15. streets for severall Nations to meet for their businesse, and for the laying up of their commodities; and every night for security of their goods and per­sons the same was kept guarded at the Cities charge, resembling the Besistens or Canes now in use in Turkey and other southerne Countries.

There is here also divers Colledges where the sciences are taught, amongst which Madorac is the chiefe, and accounted for one of the excellentest peeces for workmanship in all Barbarie: it hath 3. cloisters of admirable beauty, supported with 8. square Pillars of divers colours; the roofe curiously carved, and the Arches of Mo­saique of gold and asore; the gates are of brasse faire wrought, and the doores of the private chambers of inlaide worke: it is recor­ded that this Colledge did cost the founder King Abuchenen 480. [Page 77] thousand sultanies in gold, which is in English money 192. thousand pound; which would hardly in these daies were it now to be built performe the twentieth part thereof, and this was not above 150. yeares past, and about that time Henry the seventh King of England did build that sumptuous Chappell in Westminster; which as I have been informed, did in those dayes cost 7448. li. and let it be judged by artists how much more would build the fellow of it in these our dayes.

They have also here for the commodity and pleasure of the Ci­tizens 600. Conduits, from whence almost every house is served with water; besides what goeth to their religious use [...], at the en­tries of their Temples and Mosces: but I have dwelt too long in surveying this City, I will now see what commodities and mer­chandise this Kingdome affords.

The commodities found in generall, aswell in the Kingdome of Commodities in the King­dome of Fesse. Fess as of Morocco and found transportable for merchandise, is fruits of all kinds, such as is principally of dates, almonds, figges, refins, o­lives; also honey, wax, gold, and sundry sorts of hides and skins, es­pecially that excellent sort of cordovante from this Kingdome of Morocco called Maroquins, famoused throughout Spaine, France, & Italy; also corne, horses, woolls, whereof the Inhabitants are observed of late dayes to make some cloth: here is also found for Merchan­dise fabricated here some sorts of stuffes of silkes, as sattins, taffetaes, and some sorts of linen much in use in this Countrey, made partly of Cotton and partly of Flaxe, and divers other commodities.

The moneys of this Kingdome, and generally of all the Kingdome Moneys of Fesse and Mo­rocco. of Moroco is the Sheriffe or Duccat in gold deriving the name thereof from the Sheriffs, who within these few yeares made con­quest of these Kingdomes under pretext and colour of the sanctity of their Religion, and is accounted to be about ten sh. starling mo­ney, divided into 8. parts, and esteemed ⅛ each part, which may be compared to be about 14. d. in 15. d. starling.

They keep their accounts in these places by duccats, or old sheriffs Accounts in Fesse and Mo­roco. now almost out of use divided into 8. parts, accounted in common value, but 12. d. every, though worth more, as above is declared.

Their weight here is two, one used in all ordinary commodities which is the Rotolo, containing()ounces or drams, it having been Weights in Fesse. found by observation that the 100. li. haberdupois London hath made here 64. Rotolo, and 100. Rotolos is here a Cintar. The second weight is here the Mitigall, used in the weighing of silver, gold, pearle, muske and the like, agreeing with the mitigall used in Argier and Tunes spoken of before.

The common measure for length is here the Covado, 12. whereof is accounted to a Cane: and it hath beene observed by Barbary Measures in Fesse. Merchants hither trading, that the 100. yards of London make here about 181. to 182. covadoes. Customes of Fesse and Mo­rocco.

The customs of Fesse and Morocco are paid at the entrance there­into, [Page 78] as is likewise due at the entrance of any other the Cities of this Kingdome, and is by the subjects natives upon all commodities paid two in the hundred, and by all strangers ten in the hundred collected for what is sold or landed without leave, for exportati­on againe if once landed; which causeth divers of our Merchants bound for those parts to make their Ships their shops, and conse­quently land so much of their commodities as they imagine the Market will vent, and no more. But because the Kingdome of Morocco obeyeth the same rules in matters of trade, I will speake a word of that place likewise, and then survey the trade of them both together as they are knowne now to us, to be as it were but one, though indeed different Kingdomes.

CHAP. XXII.

THE Kingdome of Morocco once of great splendor is now divided into 6. Provinces, the first Tangovista, Morocco and the Provinces thereof. having a Towne also of that name: Fisidet is the se­cond which giveth name likewise to a Province; the third is Massa the principall of a Province abound­ing in Amber. Alarach is the 4^th fortified and kept by the onely garison of this Countrey. The 5. is Taradant, in times past the se­cond in this Kingdome, and the principall for traffique, ruind by the late warres, whereunto yet the resort is commonly made by many English and French for commerce. The 6. and last is Moroc­co the Metropolis, of which a word according to my intended method.

CHAP. XXIII.

MOROCCO is the chiefe City of this Kingdome, and in times past was accounted the Metropolis of all Citie of Mo­rocco and the trade thereof. Barbary, as once containing one hundred thousand housholds, but now inferiour to Fesse in beauty, spa­ciousnesse and populousnesse: it is strongly walled about, and within adorned with many private and publike edifices, the chiefe being the Castle or Arsenall, and the Churches, or Mosces; one whereof is bigger, though not so beautifull as that of Fesse, seated in the midst of the Citie and built by Hali their King, aug­mented [Page 79] by 50. fadome in spaciousnesse by Abdull mumen and Man­ [...]or his sonne with many exquisite Pillers brought from Spaine, he [...]lso covered the same with lead, and made a cesterne of the same greatnesse as this Temple was to receive the raine water that [...]ame therefrom; besides which he made therein a Tower of Ma­sonry in forme of the Romane Colossus, equall in height to the fa­mous Towre in Bolonia, which being ascended the Hills of Asaffi, being 130. miles distant, may be easily discerned. The Castle is also very large and strong, of the bignesse of a reasonable Towne, in the midst whereof is a Temple, which hath a Towre, whereon is fixed a spindle of Iron passing through three great round Globes made of pure gold, and weighing 130. thousand Barbary duckets, which is 58500. li. starlin, which divers Kings have gone about to take downe and convert into money; but have all desisted, by rea­son of some strange misfortune that have been inflicted on them, so that the common people imagine they are kept by a guard of spirits.

They have here also a Burse for Merchants, which is now taken [...]p by artisens, the late civill warres having eclipsed the glory of the famous trade that was seated in this Countrie, which in its former splendour was found to have severall streets for severall artsmen, and no one artsman permitted to make his abiding but amongst those of his owne profession.

The commodities of this kingdome are the same as in the king­dome Commodities of Morocco. of Fesse, spoken of before, save that the same abounds more in sugars, especially in Taradant, where divers Merchants are found to reside purposely for that commoditie, from whence it is exported into other Regions.

The coines currant is also the Sherif common with Fesse, and all Coines of Morocco. these parts of Barbarie, and by some called the duccat of gold, ha­ving eight divisions or parts, esteemed to be about nine shillings and foure pence sterling, each [...] worth fourteene pence sterling. They are found here to have two severall quintalls, one that doth Waights of Morocco. accord with the quintall of Fesse, specified formerly, and the other which doth agree with the quintall of Sivill, which may be seene there more at large in this ensuing Tract, and there it may be ob­served, how the same doth agree with the waight of London, and other places; besides which it is observable, that sundry com­modities are waighed by this quintall, yet comprehending more or lesse Rotolos, according to the custome in sale of that commo­ditie which the Merchants must learne to know.

The measure of length here is also covado, agreeing with that of Measure of Morocco. Fesse, as you shall finde in the Chapter before touched.

The customes of Morocco is the same as specified in the king­dome Customes of Morocco. of Fesse, at thentrado 2 per cent. by the subject and 10 per cent. by the Merchant stranger: But the civill warres hath given a period to that famous traffique here maintained by the Barbary Mer­chants [Page 80] of London, which from this kingdome had its originall, and which flourished in the dayes of Queene Elizabeth; the facti­on, dissention, and banding for this kingdome and Fesse, overthrew that company, from whose ashes and dissolution, arose the socie­tie Barbarie Mer­chants. of merchants trading into the levant Seas, known by the name of the Turkie Company, which now wee finde to be growne to that height, that (without comparison) it is the most flourishing and most beneficiall Company to the Common-wealth of any in Eng­land The originall of the Turkie and East India Companie. of all other whatsoever; into whose Patent was at first inser­ted the Easterne Indies, as onely proper to their navigation, which within few yeares after being by the way of Turkie better disco­vered, and gathering thereby new strength, it was in the begin­ning of King Iames Raigne incorporated a societie by it selfe, and for incouragement to adventurers in consideration of the length of the voyage, and of the great charges and dangers incident thereto, it was permitted that all men of what qualitie and pro­fession soever, might be adventurers therein, and be admitted thereunto, contrary to the custome and priviledge of the Turkie, and said Barbary Company, and of all other Societies of Merchants, who admit not any to be a member thereof, but such as are meere Merchants, and none others.

The trade of these Countries by reason of their discontent is al­most come now to nothing, every Towne and Province for the The trade ge­nerall of Bar­barie. most part acknowledging a severall soveraigne; and where peace and unitie is wanting, trade must decay. Some good ports these two Kingdomes are found to injoy for traffique, as Tituan within the Straights, Tanger and Seuta at the Straights mouth, Larache, Maxi­nara, Sali the old and new, a second Argier, and sure receptacle for Pirats, lately reduced to better conformitie with the English subjects by the valour of some English, under the fortunate and happie conduct of Captaine William Rainsborough, to whose worth I owe this particular remembrance; Assaffe, Mogador, and Santa Crux, with some others; and lastly, Taradant the onely Mart of all these Countries, seated Taradant. upon the River of Sues, in a spacious plaine betweene the Moun­taine Atlas and the Sea, abounding with sugar, and all other kind of provision, the good regard and continuall abode that Ma­humet Xeriffe, one of their late Soveraignes made in this place, hath greatly augmented and ennobled this Towne; the observations upon the pre­sent trade thereof, I am constrai­ned by reason of my igno­rance, to referre to another hand.

CHAP. XXIIII.

NUmidia hath on the East Aegypt, on the West the At­lantique Of Numidia and Libya. Ocean, on the North Atlas, on the South Li­bya: It will not be materiall to relate the Provinces, for in them are found but few Townes, by reason of the yearly progresse of the Inhabitants from place to [...]ce in families and tribes; the Country abounding in Dates, [...] food here of man and beast.

Libya hath on the East Nilus, on the West the Atlantique Ocean, Libya. [...] the North Numidia, and on the South the land of Negroes; the [...]untry altogether sandie, barren, and a desert, the inhabitants [...]ogether heathenish, and therefore not worthy the conversa­ [...]n of a civill Merchant, or the residence of any commerce.

CHAP. XXV.

THIS land of Blackamores hath on the East Ethiopia superior, on the West the Atlanticke Ocean, on the Negrita & the trade thereof. North Libya, on the South Manicongo; in this tract of ground is accounted twenty-five Kingdomes or Provinces, through which runneth the famous Ri­ [...]r of Niger or Sanega, in whose over-flowing consisteth the [...]elfare of the Inhabitants; even as in Aegypt it doth by the in­ [...]dation of Nylus, for this (as that) increaseth for fortie dayes, [...]d decreaseth for fortie dayes more, during which time the In­ [...]abitants sayle over the whole Land in Boats and Barges.

This whole Tract principally now acknowledgeth 3. Sove­ [...]aignes, which is the Kingdome of Tombutu, the Kingdome of Born­ [...]o, and the Kingdome of Goago; each Kingdome giving name to a City the principall residence of the Kings. The City of Tombutu Tombut [...]. [...]yeth beyond the River of Sanega or Niger, wherein is found a [...]rade driven by many French, Dutch and English Merchants; the manner thereof, and the matter wherewith I shall hereafter as well [Page 82] as I can particularise. Foure hundred miles from Tombut is the Citie of Goaga, wherein are found eminent Merchants [...] [...] Gaogo. Borne [...]. and sumptuous merchandize of all sorts. Borneo is the third, the In­habitants whereof are better versed in breeding of cattell, than in the art of Commerce, and better read in Mars than Mercurie. The commodities of these Countries, are corne, sugars, cattell, horse, rice, fruits, gold in sand which they terme Siga and we Tibur; Commodities thereof. and also in Ingotts without soveraigne stampe or character, and is distinguished by its finenesse and goodnesse, which the Inhabitants by way of exchange doe barter with their neighbours, and other forraine Nations, against cloths, linnen, callicoes, Basons [...] [...], iron-worke, sword blades, hand-guns, glasses, beads, &c. such [...] and principally against salt, which of all other commodities this coun­try is most defective in, and in some places affords not, and there­fore pays for it at an excessive deare price to strangers. The trade of all this tract such as it is now in these dayes knowne to our Nati­on, is comprised alongst the Sea coast, which the Portugals by rea­son The trade of Giney and Be­nin, and the golden coast. of their former plantation here, and rich commerce, have inti­tled the golden coast, and wee in common appellation, terme the trade of the coast of Genin and Benin, two of the principall Pro­vinces maritime that are found included within the circuits of these three before-mentioned Kingdomes: which trade that it may be a little the better understood, I shall more particular­ly survey, according to the observations made by some hands thereon.

In the beginning and discovery of this Maritime coast, (for The Portugalls the first tra­ders into Giney and Benin. thereto I intend to apply the trade of this Countrey) the Portu­gals were the first that ranged this shore, and had some small knowledge of their commodities and of the manner of trading with them, who partly by faire meanes, and partly by constraint got footing in this Sea coast, building Forts in some, and [...] ­risons and Factories in others, which then was found [...] [...] and beneficiall to that Countrey, that it is conceived th [...] onely thing (as what will not gold attract) drew them to search [...] the Maritime coast of this tract all along to Cape bona esperansa, [...]d so consequently thereby into the East Indies: faire quarter and cour­teous usage being then perceived in these Forts and Townes thus subjected to the Portugalls, drew the Inhabitants and Countrey­men to a faire and ordinary commutation and exchanging of commo­dities with them, which according to the then custome of that Kingdome was maintained by Factors appointed for the Kings private account in every Port and Towne, as if he intended to make the profits of Merchandizing to defraie the charges of his Conquest and Garison, furnishing them with salt, iron, tinne, copper, basons, knives, cloth, linen, and other European commodities; recei­ving in exchange partly the commodities proper for their nourish­ment, such as was cattle, corne, rice, and the like; and principally [Page 83] commodities beneficiall, as gold it selfe in great aboundance, both [...] sand and ingots melted, which gave a quickning and life to the [...]rther discoveries of those Countries and continuance of the [...]de, which is found there maintained to this day, though in farre [...]ser manner. The English and other nations afterwards defi­ [...]s Who shewd the way to the English and o­thers. to share in this rich trade, sayled within a short time likewise [...]ther; and because they had not such places and Forts for their [...]arehouses, and the protection of their persons and goods, there­ [...]re would not, or else might not with safety land their commodi­ [...]es without danger of the falshood of the Portugalls or treache­ [...]e of the Inhabitants: therefore at first sailing hither were com­ [...]eld to anchor along the coast neerest to the best Townes, and of [...]reatest concourse, and signifie to the Inhabitants the commodi­ [...]es they had brought to utter, drew at length by their faire de­ [...]eanour and courteous usage the Moores to come aboard their [...]hips, and bring their gold with them; the manner of which trade [...]as being different from any other Countrey) I shall briefly set [...]wne. In the morning betimes, having for the most part then [...]e wind of off the shoare, and calme weather, the Moores come a­ [...]oord in The manner of the usuall trade of Giney and Benin. their Conoes and Scuts to traffique, some for themselves [...]nd some which they call Tolkens or factors for others, who carry [...]t their girdles a purse, wherein small clo [...]ts or papers containing [...]ometimes 10. severall mens gold are wrapped and laid up; which [...]hough it should be of one and the same weight and goodnes, they [...]otwithstanding readily distinguish, and having made their bar­ [...]ers for cloth, linens or the like, at noone return with the Sea-turne, [...]r as they call it the brise againe to the shore; and besides their [...]argaines covenanted, these factors have some small thing for [...]hemselves as the reward of their paines by way of brokidge or [...]ctoridge, which they called by the name of Dachio. But in pro­ [...]esse of time the Netherlanders frequenting this coast, and well ac­ [...]uainted with the manner of this English traffique; and coming in­ [...]o the same parts where the English traded and were known, were [...]e first that spoyled this golden trade, partly by their sinister dea­ [...]ng, The [...] undermi­ning trickes of the Dutch in the trade of Giney & Benin. and partly by their undermining and fraudulent trickes; for [...]ey coming to an achor together with the English to sell their [...]mmodities, and finding that the English vented more wares, and [...]ad a larger traffique by the concourse of the native Merchants [...]om ashoare, with these Tolkens above mentioned, then they had, [...]ired these pilots, boatmen and Tolkens (that were thus imployed, [...]o carry their passengers and Merchants aboard,) underhand to carry them aboard of their Dutch ships, and not aboard the En­glish, and so to trade with them onely; which the English at last perceiving and smelling out their craft, were by the same craft compelled to prevent the same; so that by this meanes the one out vying the other, these fellowes for their good will and broke­idge have by this meanes drawne the duetie, or rather courtefie of [Page 84] Datchio to 6. in 7. per cent. to the prejudice of all traders upon this coast: but this rested not here, for this dealing drew on a greater inconvenience in their trade, for when the Flemmings had first bin the authors of this ill custome or courtesie of Dachio to these Boatmen and Tolkens, which necessarily were by all succeeding European Merchants to be imitated, or their voyage lost, and their commodities remaine unsold: It was found that many Merchants Moores inland men coming to the Sea side to buy wares of them, bringing great store of gold with them for traffique, and having divers slaves, some 20. some 30. and some more according to their meanes and trade, to carry back those wares that they thus bought on shipboard, and these Moorish Merchants taking their lodgings in the houses of these Tolkens and using to acquaint them with their full commissions and intents, and then receiving of them their gold repaired aboard the Ships to trade and barter; and if the Moorish Merchant were not skild in the Portugall tongue; these Tolkens would presently tell the Flemmings and desire them not to speake Morisco to them, because their Merchants were such as dwell farre within the land; thereby giving them to understand that they meant by this watchword to deceive him, and afterward to share those so ill gotten purchases amongst them: and it did nor doth not seldome fall out, but that the Merchant Moore, not accustomed to the Sea, lies Sea-sick aboard all the whilest the knavish Tolken makes his bargaine for him with the crafty Dutch, conniving at the Flemmings great inhansed prizes of his commo­dities, to draw the greater gaine and more gold from the Moore; whom somtimes he cozens by stealing some of his gold, and putting it into his mouth, eares or otherwise; which the Moore finding by the scale and weight to want, addes some more knavery thereto by blowing into the Christians scale and ballance to make it weight; and when all these his intended bargaines are finished, and the Moore againe landed, the Tolkens and Boatsmen returne againe aboard to divide the cozened profit and ill gotten gaine betweene them, wherein it may be imagined that the Flemming for his part of the knavery and connivance must have a share of the gaines, which hath proved such a hinderance and detriment to the English and other Christians that trade upon this coast, that unlesse they also connive at the Tolkens villany and deceit as the Dutch doe, their voyage will be lost and their commodities to their prejudice re­main unsold; this is in briefe the manner of their trade, the meanes now follow.

As for their customes due to the Kings and Soveraignes upon Customes of the golden coast of Geney and Benin. this coast, it is found to vary in divers Ports and Havens, and one­ly paid by inhabitant in case the Christian bring not his goods a­shore to sell, every Haven having a peculiar Officer, and every Merchant that cometh with an intent to buy wares at a Port Towne, payeth a tole or small custome for his person, though he buy [Page 85] nothing; and that no deceit may be used in the collector, there is [...]er a sonne or some neere kinsman of that Prince, joyned in au­ [...]ority with the said collector or customer; and if the Merchant [...]y any commodities aboard a Ship for lesse then two ounces of [...]ld at a time, then he must compound with the customer for the [...]stome as he can at his pleasure, as that which is the customers own [...]ofit, fee and wages: but if he buy above two ounces of gold which [...]hey call a Benda, then the custome is an Angel of gold for every Bne­ [...]a, as I am given to understand.

I have shewd that coines acknowledging any Soveraignetie by The coines currant in Gi­ney and Benin. [...]ampis not here in use, but gold passeable either in Sands or Ingots [...]ccording to the finesse and goodnesse is the currant coine passeable, [...]hich our Merchants very well distinguish by 24. artificiall needles [...]ade by allay of mettalls, from the lowest sort of gold to the finest [...]f 24. Carrets fine, having exact rules for the valuation thereof, [...]ccordingly as the same is found either in finesse or coursenesse: [...]either use they any money, or any kind of minted coine wherewith [...]o pay each other; but when any commodity is bought, the payment thereof is made with gold, and that likewise by weight; and it must be a very small parcell that hath not some kind of weight to di­stinguish and weigh it withall, and they pay each other with foure square pieces of gold, weighing some a graine, and some halfe a graine; and about Mina a castle of the Portugalls, they pay each other with Kacorawns, which is gold drawn out into wier, and cut afterward into small pieces for all triviall commodities; and in Kacorawns. other places with little pieces of iron of a finger in length, with some Character stamped thereon; and in some places they have not the art of melting their gold, but sell it or rather pay it one to ano­ther in sand by weight, according as they shall agree both in the value and in the quantity.

The weights are made of copper of divers sorts, and have little The weights of Giney and Benin. round copper scales, like a hollow Orange pill for gold.

A Benda is the greatest weight, which weighs 2. ounces.

A Benda-offa is halfe a Benda, and is an ounce.

Asseva is two pesos and a halfe.

Egebba is two pesos, and accounted halfe an ounce or the fourth part of a Benda.

Seron is accounted for one peso and a halfe.

Eusanno is accounted a peso.

Quienta is three quarters of a peso.

Each Peso is held a loote.

Media taba is a quarter of a peso.

Agiraque is halfe a peso, so that by those that have made the tri­all of their weights with ours, they have found them to be in every pound Troy a peso and halfe in every pound hevier then our Troy [Page 86] pound used in England, and this weight is the rule for their gold in passing for commodities: where note that all Countries have not in this and other these large coast moneys currant of mettle as wee have in Christendome, for in some parts of Ethiopia their money is pepper, in Tombotu, and about the river Niger their money is cockles Coines of many parts of this co [...]st. or shell-fish, in Azanah their money is porcellette, in Bengala porce­letta and mettle together, as in China they use porcolette for money, and in some other places of India, paper stamped with the Kings seale passeth currant for money, and in some places the barkes of certaine trees called Gelsamora, and in Congo and many places of these Countries Lumach, and in Angela, beads of glasse, and such like in many other places.

Their Measure for length in cloth or other commodities, is a Measures of the Geney and Benin. Iactam, which is accounted with us 12 foot or two fadome which they cut the one from the other, and in that sort sell their linnen the one to the other; and those two fathome by triall of the Dutch make a storke and three quarters, but in woollen they never mea­sure above pieces of one handfull broad, which they so cut off and use for girdles which they weare about their middles, and sell it among themselves in this manner in these pieces abovesaid, and use no other kind of measure save one which they call a Paw, which is ¾ 1. d. English.

The Inhabitants of this coast at the first trading heere of the Portugals, were very rude and ignorant, and were easily beguiled in all the commodities which they sold them; and not only tooke in good part the badnesse of the ware they received, but were also deceived in their measure; the Portugals by these meanes putting off their rotten linnens, rusty knives, broken and patched basons, pieced kettles, and such like, and these at what measure, value, weight and quantity they pleased for their gold: but the times are now altered, and they by their usuall sufferings in this kind by the Por­tugals, made the more warie, provident and circumspect in their traffique with the English, French and Dutch: so that in those com­modities which they buy or barter, either for their owne use, or for Merchandise, they are found to have as good judgement in them as the sellers themselves.

Their ignorance in trade may be judged by their ignorance in ac­compting Their m [...]nner of accounting. and reckoning, for when they have past the number of Ten they rehearse so many words one after another for one number, that they are so puzzled and combred therwith, that they cannot tell how to get out, and so sit buzzing so long, till at last they have lost their tale, and forgot their number, and so are forced to begin to tell againe: but since they began to trade with the English, and were to reckon above the number of Ten, for they use no more amongst them, they reckon on till they come to Ten, and then take one of their fingers into their hands, and then tell to Ten a­gaine; and then take another finger into their hand, and so pro­ceed [Page 87] till they have both their hands full, which in all maketh one [...]undred; then they marke that up, and then begin againe to tell [...]s at the first, and use the same order as before.

To conclude this traffique, and to leave this coast, I heare not [...]hatin these daies the English frequenting that coast, or that the [...]rench or Dutch make any great benefit thereby: for the present [...]ubtilty of the inhabitants, perceiving how their gold is sought [...]eagerly after by them and all Nations, can now a dayes set such [...] rate thereon by this their manner of Exchange and barter, and [...]hat by being so often beguiled by others, they are now growne [...]more wary and circumspect in their bargainings, and are as ready [...]o beguile the beguilers as to bee beguiled themselves; for they [...]ooke now narrowly both to their measure and the goodnesse of [...]heir commoditie; and though at first they knew no distinction of Christians, but tooke the Portugals and all white men to be of one Nation; yet since they know each Nation, and are acquainted with their particular manners and manner of dealing, having e­ [...]er hitherto from the beginning found the fairest and squarest Trade with the English, therefore when they come, they are the best welcome to them, and speed best of any other Nations whatsoever with them.

I willingly omit heere to speake of the Sugar-trade, and of the Sugar trade. plenty of Sugar-canes growing upon this Coast; the King of Por­ [...]ugall heere in certaine places farming the sole Trade thereof to certaine his owne Subjects with a strict proviso, that the same bee sold to none other but to his owne subjects, and that provision to be sent onely for Lixborne to gaine a great Custome thereby [...]mposed thereon, therefore the Portugall being heere the onely [...]uyer and ingrosser, the inhabitants must and are inforced to [...]ll onely to them, and at what reasonable rate they best can agree upon; and this restraint of this commoditie hath drawne the Dutch to build and fortifie in some pla­ces upon this Coast, as now of late they have done at Mina opposite to the Spaniard, where they are at continuall vari­ance, the river onely parting them.

CHAP. XXVI.

EThiopia the superiour is knowne to us by the name of Abasine, and comprehendeth many large Provinces Ethiopia supe­rior. and Kingdomes, and containes the Springs of three famous rivers, Abas, Totiasis and Nilus arising out of the lake Zembre, being for the most part Christians, and commanded by that so much renowned Emperour Prester Iohn, affording for commodities to the neighbour regions, rice, bar­ley, Commodities of Ethiopia su­perior. pease, sugars, minerals of all sorts, goates, sheepe, and oxen, but because these Townes of these Provinces are for the most part in land, they afford no great matter of trade, and as little knowne to our nation, I willingly omit them.

CHAP. XXVII.

EThiopia inferior, hath the red Sea on the East, the Ethi­opian Ethiopia infe­rior. Ocean on the West, the land of Negro's on the North, and the southerne Ocean on the South, com­monly divided into these parts, Aian, Zanbar, Mono­motapa, Caffaria, Monicongo.

In Aian, are upon the Sea coasts these three Cities much fre­quented Aian. by Merchanrs, Arar, Zeila, Borbera, the second of which was sacked by the Portugals in Anno 1516, and is found to abound with flesh, honey, waxe, corne, gold, Ivory and cattell; especially Commodities of Aian. sheepe in plenty.

Zanibar containes 15 Townes that gives names to 15 severall [...]. Quiloa. Mosambique. Soffolla. Kingdomes, the chiefe for trade is Quiloa where the Portugals have Forts built and fortified Anno 1509. Mosambique also forti­ [...] [...] them, Soffola which for the aboundance of yvorie and gold is conceived to be the land of Ophir to which Solomon sent by his three yeares Voyage.

Monomotapa containes also sundry Provinces invironed almost Monomotapa. round with waters, and abounding with mines of gold, accounted to containe above 2000, the principall being three, Monica, M [...]nica. [Page 89] Boro and Quitiana; which yeelds not any commoditie else save Boro Quitiana. Elephants teeth. [...]lephants teeth, to procure which, it is supposed 5000 are yearely [...]aine in these Kingdomes.

Caffaria hath nothing famous in it, save that famous and no­ [...]d Caffaria. C [...]pe Bonae Spei. headland Cape bona speranza, discovered by the Portugals in [...]nno 1497.

Manicongo was discovered by the Portugals 1486, and by them Manicongo. [...]hen converted to the popish Religion, which the Inhabitants soone [...]orsooke, as peradventure seeing that that Religion was made the [...]loake of their conquest, yeelding yearely 30000 slaves in sale to the [...]ortugals, which they carry to Brasile to worke in their silver Mines; of the trade of the principall of these it is fit I should in [...]his place more particularly handle.

CHAP. XXVIII.

THe Sea coast affording the prime places of traffique Mosambique and the trade thereof. known to our Countrymen in this large tract of land before mentioned, and especially from cape bona espe­ranze, to the entrance of the red Sea, which now com­meth to bee handled, it will not bee fitting I should wholly omit the Trade thereof, before I have better surveighed [...]he same, together with those Townes of Traffique as are found to [...]e there most eminent, and therewith relate the manner how and [...]he matter whereof this trade is heere maintained and preserved; [...] will then include the trade of this whole Coast under the title of Mosambique, as being the principall towne of negotiation found [...]longst this shoare, having Soffalla on the one side thereof, and [...]uiloa on the other side: all which being fortified by the Portu­ [...]als the first Christian discoverers thereof give yet that libertie [...]nd freedome to the Countrey inhabitants and others to exercise [...]he same that would, and considering their manner of traffique, [...]t is seene plentifully stored both with the native commodities of the coast it selfe, and of the inland Countries; there are here found the Townes of Cuama, Sena, Macava, Brava, Melinda, and others along this shore, seated some on the coast of Abex, and some on the coast of Melinde, but Quiloa for the commodiousnesse of the River, and the passage into the maine Continent, having but a short cut into the Lake of Zaflan, in which there ariseth a great River, that runneth into Nilus, and so to Cairo, and there­fore the same is accounted the principall Citie for eminency and concourse of people, though for traffique this and the rest give [Page 90] place (if the Spanish Relations be true) to Mosambique, wherein is found the first Fortresse that was built by the Portugalls on this coast and Seas.

Mosambique then is not onely the name of an Iland, but also of a Kingdome, seated betweene Monomotapa and Quiloa; the Iland is found to have a pretie Towne seated upon it, and toge­ther with the Ilands of Saint George, and Saint Iacob, makes a large, faire, and secure haven for shippes of the greatest burthen, fit to receive and harbour all vessels, that come and goe, both to and from India to Christendome; and although this Iland nor Kingdome are not very great, yet they are very rich, and most abounding of all the Countries of this coast of Mosambique; the Iland whereon the Towne is scituated, is inhabited now by two manner of people, Christians and Mahometans; the Christians account themselves Portugalls, or of the Portugall race, who are the keepers of a strong Castle seated therein, from whence also all other their Castles and Forts seated in this Tract are supplyed with their necessaries; especially Soffala, where the richest mine of Soffa [...] ▪ gold of all this coast lieth, and there the Portugall ships doe use to harbour in winter time, when they are not able to saile either backward or forward otherwise to accomplish their desired voy­age; and there likewise the Indian shippes are accustomed to take in victualls and fresh water, and by the onely discovery of this place, the Portugalls first found out the way to India; for here they met with Pilots that were able to instruct them in the man­ner of the navigation of these Seas, and were expert in the ma­ritime coasts thereof; they have no sweet water in the Towne, nor in the Castle, though it be imagined to be the strongest in In­dia, but have many cesternes round about it, wherein a yeares provision of water is ever found, which they fetch from the con­tinent from a place called Cabasar. The Captaine of this Castle is The Capt [...]ine of Mos [...]mbique the greatest Merchant. still found to be the greatest Merchant here, for he keepes a Factor in Soffala, and another in Quiloa, and yearly sendeth barkes for trade alongst the coast, who commonly for some good service performed, ha [...]h this place and command assignd him for three yeares, which is conceived to be worth to him 400 thousand duc­cats, and afterward he is to goe into India, and upon his owne charge to serve there at the command of the Viceroy for the King of Portugall other three yeares, and then may depart for Spaine if he please, besides whom none may hence trade for India, but the Inhabitants Portugalls, and who are also injoyned to be mar­ried men, for such as are unmarried may not stay here by a speci­all priviled [...]e from the King, granted to those that inhabit here, to the end [...]at the Iland should be peopled, and thereby kept safegua [...]ed and maintained, and for this immunitie they are one­ly bo [...] in [...]me of need to defend the Castle, and are accounted as th [...] Garrison thereof, though it is found that the Governour and [Page 91] his family onely lieth therein, and the Townesmen by turnes, having the warding and watching thereof committed to their charge and trust.

Their navigation is hence into India but once a yeare, which Navigation of India. is in the moneth of Aprill, and continueth till the midst of Sep­tember, because that throughout the whole Countrey of India, they must sayle with Monsons, which are certaine current con­stant winds, which have a setled course of blowing throughout the yeare, whereby they make their account to goe and come from the one place to the other, and in thirtie dayes they may sayle from Mosambique to India, and they are then forced to stay in India till the moneth of August, when as then the wind or Monson commeth againe, to serve them for Mosambique and this coast, in every which yeare the Captaine abovesaid hath ever a Shippe for his owne account going and comming into India.

As for the commodities which this Countrie and coast is found Commodities of the coast of Mosambique. principally to affoord to the Merchant for transportation, it is chiefly gold, for neere Soffalla is a very rich Mine, and within the land, the famous Mine of Angola, the richest in the world, is said to be seated, besides the rich mines of Monomotapa, where­in a River running thereby is found sands of gold in great plen­tie, which is accounted the finest and best, and called by the Por­tugalls, Botongorn Oroempo. The King of Portugall having ever a speciall Factor resident in Mosambique, trading for his account, keeping correspondence with other his Factors, and sending mer­chandise from one place to another; for by this meanes the Kings The Kings of Portugall great Merchants. of Portugall, the first Navigators into these parts, so farre honou­red merchandizing, that they held it no disparagement to raise thus some estate the better to performe and accomplish these long and chargeable Navigations, and hence it grew that they bringing these Indian commodities into Europe, for their owne ac­count did by commissioners contract with private Merchants for the same in Lixborne, and other places; which hence from this authoritie were termed Regall Contracts. The other commodi­ties Regall Con­tracts. of this Country, besides Gold in sand, and Ingotts, are, Amber­grise, Ebonwood, Ivorie, Elephants teeth, and many slaves both men and women, which hence are carried principally to India, as be­ing reputed the strongest Moores [...] all the East Countries, and are put throughout India to the hardest labour and loathsomest drudgerie.

In order here according to my intended methode, for the ex­planation Coines, mea­sures, and vvaights in Mosambique and the coast. of the trade of this place and Countrie, I should lay downe the Coines currant here, and their valuation, their mea­sures of length, and their waights used in merchandizing; but be­cause that by the collection I have made, and the observation that I have noted, the Portugalls at their first conquest here, brought [Page 92] with them their owne species and coines, as also their owne waights and measures, as a testimony of their Regalitie and Soveraigntie, and that the particulars thereof shall be more at large shewed in its due place, when I come to handle the trade of Lixborne, from whence the same had its originall, I shall to avoide needlesse repe­tition, desire the Reader to be referred thereunto, and so leaving this large coast with this slender Survey, I shall proceed to what doth rest behinde of Africa, which is better knowne unto us, and wherewith our Nation is more familiarly acquainted.

CHAP. XXIX.

EGYPT on the East is bounded with the red Sea, on the West with Cyrene, on the North with the Aegypt and the trade thereof. mediterranean Sea, and on the South with Habasia: this Country is watered by the fruitfull River Nilus, which for the more benefit of the spreading plaines Nilus. divides it selfe into seven channels, and begins about the fifteenth of Iune to rise and swell above his bankes, and for fortie dayes doth so continue, and within fortie dayes againe collecteth it selfe into its owne limits: all the Townes here are seated on the tops of hills, which during this floud appeares to the stran­gers like Ilands; intercourse and commerce being all this time preserved by boats, skiffs, and lighters, insteed of camells and hor­ses;. this river is in length 3000 miles, and when it is found not to swell, it portendeth some fatall accident either to Countrey or Soveraigne.

In this Country are found these famous Townes for traffique, Alexandria, built by Alexander the Great, the most eminent Sea­port Alexandria. of all Aegypt, and whither before the discoverie of the Indies was the Scale of all those commodities which since we find to come thence, and then most frequented by the Uenetians, who had al­most the sole trade of the commodities of India and Aegypt in their owne hands, and from them dispersed and transported through Europe, and who to this day yet keepe a Consull there for the protection of their Merchants.

The next is Damiata, seated at the entrance of one of the chan­nels of Nilus, the command whereof cost much bloud in the Damiata. dayes of those warres in the Holy land by the Westerne Christians.

The next is Sues, a haven of consequence standing at the north Suesa. end of the red Sea, wherein the great Turke keepes a Station for [Page 93] his Gallies, commonly built in Cairo, and afterward carried thi­ [...]her by Camells to command his Dominions in those parts.

The next is Rossetta, seated on the principall channell of Nilus, Rossetta. [...]nd in a triangle from the two above-named Cities of Alexandria [...]nd Cairo, serving for a Scale for both.

The last and most principall is Cairo, the chiefe of this Coun­trey, Cairo. containing 18000 streets, and each street being every night locked up and barred, which makes the Citie impregnable, of which more hereafter. I finde some Authors to have left for a re­membrance behind them, a touch of the trade of this Countrey in The trade of Egypt in times past settled in Alexandria. times past practised by the commodiousnesse of the red Seas, which entreth into the heart of this Country, and because that Galuano relateth the beginning, continuance, and period of this trade, I will briefly follow his words. Ptol: Philadelphus then 277 yeares before the Incarnation, was the first that gave begin­ning, and set afoot this Navigation, bringing the spices, drugges, and commodities of Arabia and India through the red Sea into Ae­gypt to the port of Alexandria, where the Venetians as then the onely famous Merchants of Christendome, brought up the same, and were the first that this way dispersed it through Europe, Afri­ca and Asia. Casir being then the principall haven Towne in the red Sea, whence their voyage to India was set forth and begun, Casir in the red Sea. and where the same afterward was ended, and from thence by land these commodities were conveyed to Coptus, a towne now Coptus. altogether inhabited by Iacobite Christians, and so thence downe the River Nile to Alexandria in the mediterranean Sea, by which traffique this Citie became so rich and eminent, that the Custome­house there yeelded to Ptol: Aalates 7½ millions of gold: and after­ward when the Romans came to be Lords of Aegypt, they found it to yeeld them fifteene millions. These last augmented this trade, and sent into India every yeare by the testimony of Pliny an hun­dred and twenty sayle of ships, whose lading was outward bound worth 120000 Crownes, and it produced in profit at the returne homeward, for every Crowne, a hundred. But when the Vandalls, Lombards, Gothes and Moores had rent asunder the Romane Em­pire, all commerce in these parts betweene these Nations began to cease, but when the inconvenience and discommoditie thereof was sensibly discerned and perceived, it was begun againe and set afoot anew by other Princes that coveted this rich trade, con­veying the Indian commodities afterward with great difficultie, partly by land, and partly by water to Capha in the blacke Sea, And removed first to Caffa in the Euxine Sea. as then belonging to the Genoes; but this by reason of the long way and dangerous passage, being found too tedious and preju­diciall, Trade (which is ever found to have a secret Genious and hid­den course of it selfe) was removed, for these and other causes to Trabesond, which was then conceived the fittest Mart Towne, Then to Tra­besond, sarma­cand &c. then Sarmachand in Zagethai had it, where the Indian, Persi­an [Page 94] and Turkish Merchants met to barter, their commodities; the Turkes thence conveying the same to Damasco, Baruti and Alep­po, from which last place the Venetians againe transported these commodities to Venice, making that Citie thereby the common Emporium of Christendome; and lastly in Anno 1300, the Soltans of Aegypt restored the passage by the red Sea, and the Venetians resetled their Factors in Alexandria, which continued for two hundred yeares, untill the Portugalls, Spanyards, English, and lastly the Dutch, found a new way by the backe side of Africa, to convey the same to their owne homes, whereby the great trade which the Aegyptians, and principally the Venetians had to themselves for many yeares, came thus to nothing, and the traf­fique of Alexandria and red Sea thereby is now decayed, and be­come altogether unfrequented, as at this day wee find it, subsi­sting onely by the native commodities thereof, in which nature it is fittest I should now survay the same.

CHAP. XXX.

ALEXANDRIA is said to be built by Alexan­der Alexandria and the trade ther­of. the great, and was called by the Turks the lords thereof Scanderia, and which in the Nicene counsell was ordained to be one of the foure patriarchall Cities; it is yet the fairest and best maritime port of this whole Countrey, and hath yet some reliques of that trade it earst injoyed, as I have noted before; and because it is the principall of this region for Merchandizing, I hold it proper to comprehend under this Chapter the greater part of the trade Universally of Aegypt and the neighbouring Cities.

The commodities of Aegypt, besides what comes hither out of A­rabia, Persia and India, is rice, corne, flaxe, hempe, hony, wax, balsome, Commodities of Aegypt. dates, some drugges, and some few spices, and in especiall it yeel­deth aboundance of Palmetrees, which is of very strange proper­ties, for they are found to grow in couples, male and female, both The excellen­cie of the Palme-tree. thrust forth cods full of seede, but the female is onely fruitfull, and that not except growing by the male, and having his seed mixed with hers; the pith of these trees are excellent meate: of the bran­ches they make necessary uses in their houses; of the leaves baskets, mats and fannes, of the outward huske of the codde; cordage, of the inward brushes; the fruit is like a figge, serving the Inhabitants sometimes dried in the su nne as bread, and greene as meat: and finally it is said to yeeld whatsoever is necessary to the life of man.

[Page 95] The weights in use in Cairo, Alexandria, and generally through­ [...]ut Weight of Alexandria. all Aegypt for trade are found to be of 4. sorts, the first is the [...]eight called the quintar of Zera, the second the quintar Forfor; [...]e third the quintar Zaidin, and the fourth the quintar Mina; [...]hich because of their former great trade with Venice, I will first [...]ompare with the weights of that Citie, and then applie the same to [...]he weight of our owne Countrie.

One quintar of Zera hath been found to make of Venetia grosse 1 Zera. 200. li. and sutle 312. li. and in London 212. li. haber.

One quintar of Forfori hath been observed to make in Venice 2 Forfori. 140. li. suttle and grosse 87. li. and in London 93. li. haber.

One quintar Zaidin, hath made by observation in Venetia 127. 3 Zaidin. [...]i. grosse, and 200. li. suttle, and in London 134. li. haberdepois.

One quintar Mina, proper onely to Alexandria, hath made in 4 Mina. Venetia 250. li. suttle, 155. li. grosse, and in London 167. li. haberde­ [...]ois. Whereas note that the first three quintars are accounted by Rotolos, but the quintar of minas containes in Alexandria 20. ounces to the Mina, and in Cairo 16 ounces to the Mina: And also observe that amber, muske, and some other fine commodities are sold by a Metalico or dramme, and also by the Peso, whereof 1½ is a Metalico; 50. Metalicoes is here a marke in gold or silver weight, and 42. Meta­lico our English marke weight of 8. ounces Troy. Againe note that

One Rotolo Zerai makes Venetia suttle 3. li. 1.½ ounces.

One Rotolo forfori makes Venetia suttle 1. li. 5. ounces.

One Rotolo Zaidin makes Venetia suttle 2. li. grosse 1. li. 3¼ oun.

One Mina makes in Venetia suttle 2¼ li. and grosse 1⅔ li.

Now let us observe how these weights are found to accord one with another, and so with Venetia.

One quintar Zera, which is the generall quintar of Aegypt makes [...]. quintars and 16. Rotolos of forfori in Alexandria.

Againe, one quintar Zerai makes one quintar and 56. Rotolos of Zaidni, and maketh 120. Minas of Alexandria.

One Rotolo Zera makes 2. Rotolo 1 ounce and [...] forfori.

Againe, one Rotolo Zeri makes 1 Rot. 6 9/25 ounces of Zaidin.

One quintar forfori makes 46. Rot. 3½ ounces Zerai,

And one quintar forfori makes 20. Rot. 11 23/27 ounces Zaidni.

One quintar forfori makes 55.½ minas,

And one Rotolo forfori makes 111. oun. Zerai, and 6½ oun. Zaidin.

One quintar Zaidin makes 64. Rot. 2 ounces of Zerai.

One quintar Zaidin makes one quintar 28. Rot. 5⅓ oun. forfori.

One quintar Zaiden makes 76. minas 11 ounces.

One Rotolo Zaidin makes 7 7/10 ounces Zera,

And againe, one Rot. Zaidin makes one Rot. 4⅗ ounces Forfori,

And one Rotolo Zaidin makes one and 3 quarters ounces minas.

One quintar minas makes one quintar 2 Rotolos forfori,

And one quintar minas makes one quintar 30. Rotolos Zaidin.

And one Mina makes ten ounces Zera:

[Page 96] And againe, one Mina makes one Rot. 9¼ ounces forfori.

And lastly, one Mina makes one Rot. three ounces Zaidin.

The variety of these weights will excuse this tedious repetition, which I was inforced to performe for the better understanding of the same; and for the shortening of my present survey of the trade of Aegypt: I will here reduce not onely the weights above­named, Weights of Aegypt and sundry Cities in Barbary, to the 100. l. haberdepoise. but also the weights of some of the principall Cities of traffique upon this coast to the 100. li. suttle haberdepois of London, which hath been observed to make by:

When I come to handle those particular places, I shall doe the same more exact, for the better satisfaction of the reader. Measures in Aegypt.

The measures of length in Cairo, Alexandria, and in generall through Aegypt is found to be of two sorts, the one the pico Barb [...] resco, or proper measure of the Countrey, serving for cloth, linen and other commodities, being 25⅞ inches English: The other the pico Turchesco, serving for silkes, cloth of gold, and fine stuffes, which is 22. ¼ inches English, and with Venetia they are found to render, viz.

100. braces of silke in Venetia, makes here Barbaresco pico 116.

100. braces of cloth in Venetia, makes here Barbaresco 124. ½.

But I have found some observations that have noted that the 100. yards of London have made here and in these others Cities in Barbary thus, in

100 yards [...] London [...]ave made [...]

• Alexandria—165. pic.
• Baruti—148. pic.
• Tripoli Barbariae—165. pic.
• Damasco—148. pic.
• Bugia—210. pic.
• Tripolia Suria—149. pic.
• Rama—151. pic.
• Tangir—
• Bursa in Natolia—150. pic.
• Amano—133. pic.
• Sidon—151. pic.
• Gira—165. pic.
• Salonica—145. pic.
• Achria—151. pic.
• Aleppo—133. pic.
• Argier—
• Thunes—
• Oran—
• Bona—
• Morocco—181. cov.
• Una—

And forasmuch as Cairo is the Metropolis of Aegypt, it will be [...]oper I should travell thither and survey a little the present trade [...]d estate thereof, before I leave this COMMERCE.

CHAP. XXXI.

I Willingly omit the present trade of Rosetto, Damietta and some others of lesser note comprehended within Cairo and the trade thereof. the limits of Aegypt, and also (here passe over to a fit­ter place) the present trade of Sues in the red Sea, till I come to survey that gulph and the neighbouring [...]ownes of Zebit, Mecca, Aden and others, and now content my [...]lfe to consider the present state of the place and condition of [...]affique of Cairo, and it is found at this day under the scepter of the [...]and signior.

Cairo is then commonly reputed to be one of the greatest and [...]st famous Cities of the world called by the Arabians el Cahair, [...]ted in a beautifull plaine neere the Mountaine Mucatun, and [...]out 2. miles distant from the famous River of Nilus, invironed Misraim. [...]th stately walls, and fortified with Iron Gates, having therein [...]ny faire, large and long streets, where are seene placed by [...]emselves each trade and occupation, and some streets wholly [...]autified with Colledges for the studious, palaces for the honourable, [...]emples for the religious, and Caens or Burses for the Merchants [...]d negociators; the principall of which is called Caen Haleli, for­ [...]erly the residence onely of Persia Merchants, now admitting of [...]ther nations, built in manner of a Kings Palace, having three [...]ories one above another; the lower onely containing ware­ [...]ouses for the keeping of heavie and bulkie commodities, the [...]iddlemost for spices, perfumes, and richer Merchandize, and the [Page 98] uppermost for lodgings for those Merchants that have their ware­houses therein: neere which, and round about the same the rich­est shop-keepers are found to have their dwelling; and where in times past the principall Merchants of Christendome had a place of residence appointed for their factors and agents.

This City is surrounded with sundry large and spacious Sub­urbs, which is peculiar to sundry Artizans and Artists, the prin­cipall Suburbs is called Bullach, distant 2. miles from the walls of the Citie, and stretching it selfe along the bankes of the River of Nile, beautified with many faire buildings, and is now the com­mon residence of the principall Merchants of this Citie: and here are all such commodities landed, as either cometh out of the medi­terranean Sea by any the channells of Nilus up this River, or out of Arabia or other Countries downe this streame; here lies all the Vessells moored, either to lade or unlade; and here doe the Offi­cers reside, which receive the customes of all goods coming by water from either Damieta, Roscett a, or Alexandria, which in it selfe is but small, the principall custome and duety being payd by these Merchants, and collected by the agents of the customers at these Maritime ports abovesaid: but those commodities that come out of the firme land doe here pay the said intire customes as shall be mentioned hereafter.

This Citie is inhabited by sixe sorts of Merchants, each of them trading by so many distinct wayes; the native Aegyptian I reckon Merchants of 6. sorts in Cairo. the first ever accounted expert Merchants, but never adventuring out of his owne Countrey, who buy from other forraine Nations their commodities in grosse, and supply the necessities of their owne Countrey by retaile. The Arabian or Moore is the next, here e­steemed 2. the greatest and most eminent Merchants; for these are they who are found to furnish all Aegypt with the spices and Iems of India, and the drugges of Arabia, importing the same by camells and dromedaries from Goa, Ormus, Aden, Zebit, Dangula, Mecca, and other places from and about the red sea: and in returne there­of exporting hence the drugs of Aegypt, and such other commo­dities as are brought hither by those Nations neighbouring, prin­cipally upon and about the mediterranean sea. The principall commodities accounted and fittest for them is the excellent gold of this Countrey called the Solianies and sheraffie, which Aegypt in great plenty affordeth. The third sort of Merchants I account the [...] Christians of Europe, as principally the French and Venetians, who have here their consuls and viceconsuls for the preservation of their trade, and protection of their Nation, by certain capitulati­ons agreed uponbetween their soveraignes and the grand signior in Constantinople, paying such dueties and customes to his Officers here as their said capitulation doe nominate; and these thus fur­nish Aegypt with leventine commodities, and generally with all the af bricks and wares of the growth of Europe; and these cary hence in [Page 99] returnes these commodities brought hither both out of Arabia [...]d India, and the native commodities of this Countrey. The 4. [...]urkes I account the next, whose Emperour swayeth the scepter [...] this rich Countrey, and who in respect of their easie customes [...]ape a peculiar benefit by the trade of this place; but the most [...]inent of them residing farre hence and in Constantinople, and [...]eir adventure proving dangerous and hazardable by reason of [...]e incursions of the Malta and Florentine Galleys, joyning there­ [...]o the dull temper of that Nation generally in matter of Com­ [...]erce, and the ill successe their grand Galons have of late yeeres [...]ad, doth much divert their minds from any eager pursuit of that [...]o rich a traffique. The Iewes here resident I account the fifth, who [...]y reason of their generall knowledge in trade, and their generall 5. [...]orrespondence in all these Countries beforementioned, partake of all the Commerce and traffique practised by these severall per­sons; for from Venice, Constantinople, Ormus, Goa, and other emi­nent places of traffique they are found to adventure and to have adventures; they travell and returne with the Arabian into India and Arabia, they traffique here both in grosse and retaile; and be­sides their subtilty in driving of bargaines and making of con­tracts betweene man and man as brokers, they are here found to be of all professions, and are the professors of all Arts. The last which I reckon in this roule is the Armenian, Graecian and Coptie, 6. all Christians, who in their wayes set the wheele of trade on worke, by being some shop-keepers, some artificers, and some Mer­chants, principally trading by Caravans to and from Aleppo, Damas­cus, Amman and Baruti, and in the commodities of those Countries of Armenia, Georgia and Persia, they carry the principall sway and stroake, all which considered, what doth the place want to make it absolute but onely what it hath lost? which is the vast trade of India, which of late yeeres the Portugalls, English and Flemming hath deprived them of; for which I leave them to sorrow for, as for a thing past remedie.

The commodities that this Countrey and place principally afor­deth to these Merchants, whereby their commerce is now preser­ved Commodities of grand Cai­ro and Aegypt. to them is flaxe, and all sorts of pulse, abounding in the Pro­vince of Sahid, where the Pharoah's resided, fruits, rice, balsome, &c. abounding in Eriffia, where the Ptolomies resided; cottons, sugars, and some drugges, &c. abounding in Marrema, where the Ro­mans and Grecians resided; and all these annually foretold by the inundation of the River Nilus, discerned by a piller seated in the Iland Michias opposite to the City of Cairo, beginning ever to in­crease about the 15. Iune, so continuing 40. daies increasing, and 40. daies decreasing as I said before; the height of the increase giving assured testimonie of that yeeres aboundance and plenty, at the end whereof a solemne seaven daies feast is kept to Nilus, [Page 100] in which it is oftentimes seene the Aegyptian to sp end asmuch in jolity as with great paine and industry he hath gathered the whole yeare before with penury; out of this plentie and abundance is yearly drawne for revenue of this Kingdome three millions of she­raffies, Revenewes of Aegypt. in value 8. sbil. starling a piece, the one whereof is now a­daies sent to the grandsignior (by land and Caravan for feare of sur­prizall at Sea by the Florentine or Maltagallies;) the second milli­on is spent in the pay of the Militiae and Soldery of this Country: and the third redounds to the benefit of the Bassa, here resident for the grand signior for the maintenance of his owne Court and dependants.

Their principall parts for traffique in the mediterranean Sea is Alexandria, as before I noted, accounted a free port for friend or enemie; the harbour commanded by a Castle, and the entrance guy­ded by an eminent watch-tower to give light to saylers: the cu­stomes of which place is formed by Jewes at 20. thousand Medins, per diem 30. Medins accounted for a Royall of eight Spanish, which here may be valued 5. sh. starling, the which by the yeare may a­mount to 55. thousand pound starling, all goods entring here payes the custome in species, or compounded for at 10. in the hundred, Customes of Alexandria. onely moneys entring pay but one and halfe per cent: but outward all commodities payes 11. per cent. but this is to be accounted the Soldanes custome, and called the great custome: the other customes raised here is as much, or very neere as much more, as he shall find to his cost that tradeth into these parts, whereto for better tryall I will referre him.

Now for the trade in generall of Cairo, the Merchants thereof are found at this day in some sort to have the reliques of that for­mer Merchants of Cairo. great trade which they lost out of the red Sea; for hence they send by Caravans sundry European commodities thither, especially at the time when the yearly caravan departeth hence for Mecca, and Medina Talnabi, the Sepulcher of their false Prophet Mahomet, which arriving at Sues in the red Sea, is there found to have a ge­nerall dispersion, some going for the Citie of Assuan, which is commodiously seated upon their river Nile, and upon the bor­ders of the Kingdome of Nubia, which hence fits it selfe with the commodities both of Asia and Europe, and is equally distant be­tweene Cairo and the Citie of Suachen or Suasuem, once the prin­cipall port of this Kingdome, scituated on the red Sea, but now in the subjection of the great Emperour of the Abassins: from which is commodious navigation to Brava, Melinda, Quiloa, and other places alongst the coast of Abex and Mosambique, as I have men­tioned before. And because it is the principall Towne of trading on Africa side in the red Sea, I hold it here worthy a better and more serious survey.

CHAP. XXXII.

SVACHEN is one of the richest Cities of the Orient, Suachen on the Red Sea, and the trade thereof. scituated within the Arabique Gulfe in the coast of Ethiopia sub Aegypto, and amongst all the famous Ci­ties of trade in the Orient; this is accounted equall, if not superior to them in foure things; the first in Suachen famous for 4 excellen­cies needfull in trade. [...]he goodnesse and securitie of the Haven; the second in the faci­ [...]tie and good service for lading and unlading of shippes; the third [...]n the traffique with very strange and remote people and Coun­ [...]ries, and of divers behaviours; the fourch in the strength and [...]cituation of the Citie; as for the goodnesse and securitie of the Port, Nature hath so made it, that it is defended from all stormes whatsoever; the Haven is capacious and large, of smooth tydes, the ground good, and able in circuit to hold 300 great saile of burthen, with water at all times, from six to twelve fadome; the Shippes are laden round about the whole circumference of the Citie, casting onely a planke into the Merchants ware-houses where their wares are kept; and the Gallies fastning themselves to the stones and doores of their houses, set their prowes over the streets, and by them as by bridges they are commodiously laden or unladen; and secondly, as touching the traffique and na­vigation thereof, few Cities can in these parts be compared with [...]t, for this Citie is found to have traffique with all India intra and extra Gangem, that is, Cambaia, Tanacerim, Pegu, Mallacca, and with the Arabique, with Iudea Cairo and Alexandria, as I said a­bove, and with all Ethiopia and the land of Abexi; from whence [...]t gathereth great abundance of gold and Ivorie: thirdly, for the [...]cituation of it, for it is such as if nature had framed it purposely for a Royall Mart, for it is an Iland round in forme, incompassed with many sholds and flats, for defence of the Port and the Citie, occupying and taking up the whole bodie of the Iland, so that it may as properly be termed an Iland of a Citie, as a Citie in an I­land; for there is no one foote of wast ground upon the whole I­land, but is imployed in housing and Magazins: the manner of trade here, as farre as I have gathered is thus: