1. GREAT BRITAIN and IRELAND.

We rank these in the first place, not only in regard they owe Obedience to the Scepter of our Gracious Sovereign; but also for that, either Salubrity of Air, plenty of all things necessary to humane Life, or other Advantages, they need not give place to any Contry in the Universe.

Great Britain, contains England, Scot­land, and Wales, making the most famous Island in the whole World. It was antiently [Page 3]called Albion, ab Albis Rupibus, from the white Rocks appearing on the South Coast towards France, from whence it was first dis­covered. Afterwards Britain, some say from Brutus of the Trojan Race, who first settled a Government here; or, as others will have it, from the Greek Word Prutania, sig­nifying Metals, because of the great quanti­ty of Brass, Tinn, Lead, Iron, &c. that is found here. The whole length from the Stra­thy-Head in Scotland, to the Lizard-Point in Cornwa [...] is counted 624 Mi [...]es; and the breadth from the Lands-end in Cornwal to the Isle of Tenet in East Kent, 340.

England (a Name taken from the Angli, a People that came in with the Saxons, and not chang'd by the Danish or N [...]rman Conquerors) is the chief part of the Island, being divided in­to 39 Counties, and 22 Bishopricks, is accoun­ted in length 386 Miles, in breadth 279, and the Circumference 1532. The Soil is very fertile and plentiful, and several of its chief Commodities and Excellencies are expressed in this Verse.

• [Page 4]Anglia, Mons, Pons, Fons, Ecclesia, Femina, Lana.
• England is stor'd with Bridges, Hills, and Wooll,
• With Churches, Wells, and Women beauti­ful.

Its first known Inhabitants were the Bri­tains, who being conquered by the Romans, and afterwards over-run by the S [...]xons, were forced to retire into that Corner of the King­dom called Wales, where their Posterity to this day inhabit; being a Province, divided into 13 Counties, and 4 Bishopricks: The eldest Son of our English Kings being always entituled Prince of Wales. The before men­tioned Saxons, divided the whole Realm into 7 Kingdoms, and were much oppressed for a long time by the Danes, but at last being u­ni [...]ed under one King, were subdued by the Normans under William the Conqueror, whose Successors continue to this Day.

Scotland, is the Northern part of Britain, longer than England, but not so broad, much [Page 5]colder, and less fruitful. The whole con­taining 25 Shires, is divided into the Low-Lands, which speak a kind of barbarous En­glish, and the High Lands, whose Language is very near the same with Irish. This Realm upon s [...]ccession of King James to the English Crown, became united to that Scepter, and are jointly stiled Great Britain. Its chief Commoditi [...]s are course Clothe [...], Freezes, Fish, Hides, Lead Ore. &c. Here are four Universities: Edinburg, Glasco, St. Andrews, and Aberdeen. Two Arch-B [...]hops, and eleven Bishops.

Ireland, Is the biggest Island in Europe af­ter Britain, the West of which lies towards Spain, containing in length above 300 miles, and in breadth about 150 miles. It neither breeds, nor will harbour any Venemous Creature. The Soil is very good, and by the late Industry of the Inhabitants (now the greatest part English) the whole Country begins to grow Rich and Flourishing; as the populous and fair New Buildings at Dub­lin, and other places demonstrate.

2. Of IT ALY.

Italy, The most famous Region of Europe, very much resembles in shape the Leg of a Man; a most pleasant and goodly Country, commodious for Trassique, and very fertile. 'Tis bounded on the East with the Adriatick Sea, South and West with the Tyrrhene Sea, and North with the Alts, being in length about 1020 mile [...], but in breadth not above 410 at the broadest.

It abounds with Corn, Wine, and Oyl; yields plenty of Almonds, Pomegranates, &c. The whole Country seeming but as an intire Garden. The People were antiently famous for their Valour and Prudence, and are still Honourable, Courteous, Grave; and very obliging to Strangers, yet much inclined to Jealousi [...], Wantonness, and sharp Revenge; sparing in Diet, but Neat; their greatest Expences are about their Gar­dens. Here, about 1600 years ago the Latin Tongue flourish [...]d, being vulgarly spoken, but afterwards by the Invasions of the Goths, Vandals, and other barbarous Nations, the [Page 7]common Speech became mixed and degenera­ted which at this day we call the Italian, and yet is still a most delicate Noble and Courtly Language.

The Capital City is Rome, once Mistris of the World in Temporals, and still protending to be so in Spirituals; In compass about 11 miles, but full of Gardens and waste Grounds, so that 'tis supposed not to contain above 200000 Souls, two parts in three of whom are Clergy-men, and Curresans. But in the flourish­ing of the R [...]ma [...] Empir [...], i [...] contained 50 miles in compass, and not fewer than three or four Millions of People, if we cre [...]it Lipsius.

After the Emperors removed their Se [...]t to Constant [...]tle, the Bishop of Rome taking advantage of their Absence, be pretended do­nation from Constantine, made himself abso­lute Prince of a great part of Italy, called St. Peters Patrimony, and the L [...]nds of the Church, and the rest in time became a [...]oni­zed into feveral petty Principalities, & States.

In the bottom of the Adriatick, now called the Gulf of Venice, stands the famous City, and Virgin Common-wealth of Venice, scitu­ate [Page 8]on many Islands, and the Water running through every S [...]ee., being in compass 8 miles, containing 70 Parishes, many excellent Palaces, and curious Buildings.

3. Of TƲRKY in EƲROPE.

The Turk having now a great part of Eu­rope under his Dominion, we thought fit to represent those several Regions together. As

1. Thrace, now called Romania; In which stands Constantinople, the Seat of the Ottoman Empire, by them alled Stambolda, and oft­times the Port, from the largeness and conve­niency of the Haven; This City is situate as if designed for Empire, overlooking Europe and Asia, & commanding the Euxine Sea, Propen­tis and Heliespont, being in compass about 18 miles, and supposed to contain 700000 living Souls; First taken from the Christians by Mahomet the Great, in the year 1452.

2. Greece, The Antient Mother of Philoso­phy and Learning, but now reduced by Tur­kish Slavery, to Barbarism and Ignorance; [Page 9]yet they still profess Christianity, and disown the Supremacy of the Pope of Rome, being go­vern [...]d by four Patriarks, viz. 1. Of Alex­andria, who presideth over Egypt and Arabia (for the Communion of the Greek Church ex­tends through many Regions.) 2. Jerusalem. 3. Antioch. 4. Constantinople; but still all pay a Tribute about 5s. sterling an Head, per An­num to the Grand Seignior for liberty to ex­ercise their Religion; As likewise do those Protestants which dwell within his Domini­ons in Hungary, and thereby live much more happily than their Brethren who are under the Emperor, so far does Popish Cruelty exceed Turkish.

3. Moldavia, and Walachia, Two Provinces situate on the River Danubius, and between Transilvania and the Euxine, or Black Sea, the Inhabitants speak a kind of barbarous La­tine, but so corrupted that it is scarce to be understood.

4. A great part of Hungary (the rest ap­pertaining to the German Empire.) The People thereof are Valiant, but rude of Beha­viour, they use the Scythian Language, but [Page 10]most of them also speak Latin, and for the greater part are of the Reformed Religion.

5. Candie, Of old called Crete, an Island in the Aegean Sea, being 650 miles in com­pass, whence formerly came all our Muscadel Wines: but it being taken some Years since from the Venetians by the Turks, who are prehibited Wine by their Alchoran, the Vines are destroyed or neglected, so that there is now none of that Wine brought over.

4. Of the EMPIRE of GERMANY.

Germany, is divided into the Higher and [...]ower, which latter is called Belgium, or the Netherlands.

Belgium, or the Netherlands, is bounded on the East with the River Ems, and part of High Germany; on the West with the Ger­man Sea; on the North with East-Friesland, and on the South with the Some, Champaigne, and Lorrain. Containing in all 17 Provin­ces: [Page 11]but we shall only speak here of the seven Ʋnited Provinces, or Dutch Common­wealth. The Names of which are, Holland, Zealand, Ʋtrecht, Over-issel, Zatphen, Groningen, and Gelderland which Union was first made in the Year 1581, on their revolt from their Antient Sovereign the King of Spain, against whom by the great Assi­stance of the English and Princes of Orange, they waged War many Years so successfully, that he was at last forced to treat with them as a free State. These Countries are exceed­ing populous, and have attempted to grasp the Trade of this part of the World into their Hands, being a People very Industrious, Crafty, &c.

High-Germany, is bounded on the West with France, and Belgium, on the North with Denmark and its Seas; on the East with Prussia, Poland, and Hungary and on the South with the Alpes, and Italy. It abounds with most things necessary for [...]ife. In par­ticular, Its Commodities are Mines of Sil­ver, and other Inferiour Metals, Wines, and fresh Fish, Quick-Silver, Allom, &c. The People are Honest, Laborious and [Page 12]Sincere, stout Drinkers, and good Souldiers. The Women of indifferent Complexion, but somewhat Corpulent. As for their Diet, there is this Proverb, — The Germans have much Meat, but fluttishly drest: The French little, but neatly cook't: The Spaniard, neither one nor the other. The Title of the Father here, descends to all the Children; every Son of a Duke is a Duke, every Daughter a Dutchess. Whence comes that Italian Joque, —The Dukes and Earls of Germany; The Dons of Spain; The Mounsiers of France; The Bishops of Italy; The Nobility of Hun­gary; The Lairds of Scotland The Knights of Naples; and the younger Brethren of Eng­land, all make but a poor Company. For Re­ligion some are Papists, others Protestants; which latter are again divided into L [...]therans and Calvinists.

This Country is almost square, each side being in length about 650 miles, and hath one Governor General, called the Emperor, a Ti­tle derived from the Antient Roman Emperors, but retains very little of that Power; For most of the under Princes are absolute in their respe­ctive Dominions, whence this mighty Body by reason of various Interests and Differences, be­comes [Page 13]nothing so formidable as it would be, if firmly united under one Sovereign Monarch.

5. Of FRANCE.

The Kingdom of France is for one intire thing, one of the most rich and absolute Mo­narchies of the World, being in Figure almost a Square, each side containing about 600 miles; 'tis bounded on the North with the Lower Germany, on the North-west washt with the British Ocean, on the West with the Aquitain Sea, on the South, the Pyrenean Mountains fence it from Spain; towards the East, it extends to the Mediterranean, and full East the Alps divide it from Italy.

It aboundeth with all manner of good Frui [...]s, besides great store of Fish and Fowl. B [...]t its chiefest Commodities are four, viz. Wine, Salt, Linnen-Cloth, and Corn; the less material are VVoad for dying, Paper, Nuts, Almonds, [...]aces to the new Modes, &c.

The People are generally Complemental, Inconstant, and rash. Both their Gentle­men and Citizens, live more sparingly than the English: They feed most on boild or li­quid [Page 14]Meats, and are very curious in Sauces.

In matters of War there is an old Compa­rison, that resembles the French to a Flea, quickly skipping into a Country, and as soon leaping out of it; of which late Transacti­ons afford several Instances. Their Lan­guage is Amorous, and they leave out many Consonants in Pronunciation, occasioning this Proverb, A French-man Writes not as he Pronounces, Sings not as he Pricks, nor Speaks as he Thinks. The National Religion is Po­pery, yet there be many of the Reformed amongst them, whom they call Hugonots; though of late much suppressed and debarred of their antient Priviledges.

The Air in the Northern part of France, is purer than that of England, and being not so much covered with Clouds drawn out of the Sea, becomes more cold in Winter, and more hot in Summer, and less annoyed with Mists and Rain.

6. Of several Countries bordering on FRANCE.

These are,

1. The Catholique Provinces, or Spanish Netherlands, commonly called Flanders; though that be but one of the ten Provinces; the Names of the ot [...]er nine are, Limburg, Luxenburg, Brabant, the Marquisate of the Empire, [...]rtois, Hainault, Namurs, West-Freisland, and Mech [...]n. The Soil is very fruitful, and mightily peopled, but exceed­ingly wasted and impoverished by the late Wa [...]s between the French King, and the Dutch and Spaniards.

2. La Franche Conté, or the free Coun­ty, called also the County of Burgundy, is invironed with Champaign, Lorrain, Bressy, and the Dutchy of Burgundy being in length 90 miles, and in breadth 60. one of the most fertile Provinces in the VVorld. The chief City is Besanson: the next Dole, famous for the Colledg of Jesuites there; It [Page 16]was under the Spanish Crown, but a few years ago suddenly surprized by the French.

3. Lorrain, A Principality adjoyning to that last mentioned, about four days Journey in length, and three in breadth. It abounds with Corn and Wine, good Horses, plenty of Mines, and store of Salt and Fish. The Dukes Revenue was formerly computed at 700000 Crowns per Annum; and they were wont to give for their Devise, an Armed Arm coming as it were from Heaven, and grasping a naked Sword, to shew that they were absolute Prin­ces, holding their Estate by no other Tenure, than from God and the Sword. But the French have likewise not long since violently overrun this Country, and the present Duke Commands the Emperors Forces, having married the Queen Dowager of Poland.

Savoy, A Dukedom compassed with Dau­phine, Switzerland and Piedmont, which latter is for the most part under its Govern­ment, lying on the Italian side of the Alps, and being exceeding pleasant and fruitful. The rest of Savoy is mountainous and barren. Adjoyning hereunto on the Lake Lemane, [Page 17]stands the City of Geneva, a Common-wealth not extending eight Leagues in Circuit, but of indifferent good Trade, and well Fortified.

Switzerland, Is likewise a Republick, con­sisting of 13 Shires or Cantons, of which five are all Papists, six all Protestants, and two mixt; 'Tis thought to be the highest Coun­try in Europe, and sends forth four of the greatest Rivers, viz. the Danubius, through Germany and Turkie East, the Rhine through Germany North, The Rhosne through France West, and Po, through Italy South. The Soil is but mean, being so Hilly; but the Men great Warriors, and famous for their Merci­nary Valour.

7. Of SPAIN and PORTƲGAL.

The most Western Country of Europe on the main Continent is Spain, separated from France on the North-East by the Pyrenean Mountains, and on the VVest joining to Portugal, on all other parts washt by the Sea; [Page 18]its whole Circuit being about 1900 English miles.

They are a mixt People, descended from Goths, Saracens, and Jews. From the Jews they inherit Superstition, from the Sarac [...]ns Melancholl, from the Goths desire of Liberty. They are much given to Wo­men, Vain-glorious, and Stately; very grave in their Carriage, zealous Adherers to the Church of Rome, Obedi­ent to their Prince, true to their words, and of wonderful Patience in enduring Adversi­ty. Their Women sober, loving [...]o their Husbands, or Gallants, wonderful Delicate, curious in Painting and Perfuming, but by Custome forbidden to drink any Wine, at least till they are Married.

This Country yeilds Sacks, Sugars, Oyl, Metals, Liquorice, Rice, Silk, Wool, Cork, Rosin, Steel, Oranges, Lemons, Raisins, &c. But is defective in Corn, and glad to be supplied therewith from Italy, France, or Sicily. Nor are their Cattel large, or many, their Fare being most upon Sallets and Fruits; every Gentleman limited what Flesh he shall buy for himself and Fami­ly. Their Language is so near the Latine, [Page 19]that themselves call it Romance. They have 15 Universities (such as they are). Their Court is kept at Madrid.

Portugal, Is now a distinct Kingdom by it self, though antiently but a Province of Spain, its chief City is Lisbon.

8. Of the ISLANDS in the MEDITERRANEAN.

Sicily, Is a large Island, in Compass 700 miles, not above a mile and an half in one part from Italy, to which anciently, as is supposed, it was joined. The Soil is incredibly Fruitful in VVine, Oil, Honey, Corn, &c. And is reckoned to contain of Inhabitants, near a Million and an half.

Sardinia, In length 180, in breadth 90 miles, yeilds great store of Cattel, and a­bounds with Corn, It hath 3 Arch-Bishops, and 15 Bishops.

Corsica, is but 7 miles distant from Sardi­nia, just over against Genoa, in length 120 miles, in breadth 70. It produces Oil, Figgs, Raisins, and excellent VVine.

Ma [...]orca and Minorca, two Isles about 60 miles from Spain, the first 300, the second a 150 miles in Circuit; and both indifferent fruitful.

Corfu, Cephalenia, and Zant, are three Grecian Islands. The first is 54 miles in length, in breadth 24. The second is in Compass 60 miles; and the third of the same bigness. They have great plenty of Currants and Oil, and enough VVine, and are under the Venetians. Of Candie we spoke before.

9. Of SWEDEN.

Sweden hath on the East Muscovy, on the West the Dofrine Hills; on the North the Frozen Seas; and on the South the Baltick. This Country is little less than Italy and France, put together. The People are good [Page 21]VVarriors, and live hardly, the Air is sharp, but so salubrious, that 'tis ordinary for Men to live above 100 Years. It aboundeth with Lead, Iron, Copper, Tar, Furs, &c. Containing these Provinces 1. Lapland, famous for VVitches, the People being generally gross Idolaters. 2. Finland. 3. Gothland. And 4. That which is properly called Sweden. The chief City is Stockholm, situate in the Sea like Venice. Their Religion Lutheranism.

10. Of DENMARK.

Denmark is bounded on the East with the Baltick Sea, on the West with the German Ocean; on the North it hath Sweden, and Germany on the South. The Air is very cold, but misty, which somewhat mitigates it. The Soil very good for Pasturage, so that they have great store of Cattel: But their chief Commodities are Fir, Pitch, Tar, and other Furniture for Shipping, Hides, Tal­low, &c. The People are good Souldiers, Thrifty, great Drinkers, feeding hardly on dried Fish, Bacon, and Salt-meats. In Reli­gion Lutherans.

Norway is under the King of Denmark, a place very barren; so that instead of Bread, the People eat dried Fish, which we call Stock-Fish. They Export Furs, Train-Oyl, Clap-Bords, &c.

11. Of POLAND.

Poland is parted from Muscovy on the East with the River Neiper, or Boristhenes, on the West from Germany with the Vistula, on the North it hath the Baltick; on the South Hungary. 'Tis in compass 2600 miles; very fruitful for Barley, and Cattel. The In­habitants excellent Souldiers, but their King being Elective, they are always so pestered with Factions that they can attempt no great matter, only to defend themselves against the Turks. They are much addicted to the Latin Tongue, and have of all Religions amongst them, though the present King seem most to favour Popery. Their Merchandizes are Am­ber, Barley, Wax, Honey, Pitch, Tar, &c.

12. Of MƲSCOVY.

Muscovy is a vast Country, 3300 miles long, and 3000 broad, part of it only lying in Europe, the rest in Asia. 'Tis bounded on the East with Tartaria, on the West with Livonia, Lituania, and part of Sweden; on the North with the Frozen Ocean, and on the South with the Caspian Sea, the Turks, and the Lake called Maeotis. The People are short and thick, broad Bearded, miserable Slaves to their great Duke, and very Ig­norant. The Women love not their Hus­bands unless they beat them. A great part of the Country is very Fruitful, abundance of Honey in every Wood, vast Trees, Black Fox­es, famous for their Skins, plenty of Rosin, Flax, &c. As to Religion they follow the Greek Church.

1. TƲRKEY in ASIA.

The Turk by his puissance having over­run a great share of two of the most con­siderable parts of the world, possesseth in Asia, these Countries, viz.

1. Anatolia, vulgarly Natolia, and an­tiently Asia the Less; a Country once of great fertility, but now waste and almost desolate: here were the seven Churches to whom John the Divine directs his Book of Revelations, Ephesus, Smirna, &c.

[Page 26]2. Syria and Phoenicia, two adjoining Pro­vinces, wherein is the Mount Libanus, famous is Scripture for goodly Cedars: the Cities Damascus, Antioch, Tyre and Sidon; and those now more renowned for commerce, Aleppo and Scanderoon. The Country abounds with Wheat, Oyl, Balm, &c.

3. Palestine, Canaan, in length but 200 miles, and in breadth not above 50; yet so fruitful, that we read in Holy Writ, it once sustain'd thirteen hundred thousand fighting men (besides the Tribes of Levi and Benja­min, but now 'tis nothing so plentiful, veri­fying that Divine saying, The Lord maketh a fruitful Land barren for the Iniquities of those that dwell therein. 'Tis now under the Turk, inhabited by mixt people pretending to Christianity, and shewing diverse of the places mentioned in Scripture to Strangers for Money.

4. Caldaea in which stood Babylon, now called Bagdet, where happen'd the Confusion of Languages after the Flood.

5. Mesopotamia, lying between the Ri­vers Tigris and Euphrates, the Soil exceeding fertile, so that by some 'tis thought to have been the place where stood the Garden of E­den.

[Page 27]6. Turcomania, heretofore called Armenia the greater, but now takes name from the Turks, who being a people of Scythia, and too populous to get sufficient food in so bar­ren a Country, broke through the Caspian Streight, and seated themselves here in the year 844.

Lastly, Georgia, not so call'd from St. George, whom yet here they greatly reverence; but from the Georgi who long agoe inhabited the adjacent Countries. The people now though Tributaries to the Turk, profess Chri­stianity, and agree in most points with the Greek Church.

2. Of PERSIA.

Persia is bounded on the East with the Ri­ver Indus, West with Tigris and the Persian Gulf, North with the Caspian Sea, and South with the main Ocean. The People are of a proper stature, an Olive-colour, their Garments Calicue; in Religion Mahumetans, but enemies to the Turks, as being of diffe­rent sects and judgments in expounding the Alchoran, whence bloody wars are oft be­tween them. Their Emperor is called the Sophy of Persia, who rules very tyrannically, [Page 28]and has many Provinces and petty Kings that are his Tributaries.

This is that Country so renowned of old for its riches and power, for trampling on the Assyrian Monarchy; they set up here the second great Empire, which at last was de­stroyed by Alexander the Great. Here reign­ed those mighty Princes Cyrus, Cambyses, Da­rius, the great Xerxes, Artaxerxes and others famous both in the sacred Scriptures and profane Histories.

From hence are brought several sorts of Silk; the chief Port where we have trade with them was Ormus, in the Gulf of Persia; and since Gombroon about nine miles distant from thence. The greatest Cities in the whole Empire are Spahawn supposed to con­tain 300000 souls; Sushan where Ahasuerus made his Feast, mentioned 1. Esther; Cara­mania, famous for Cloth of Gold, and the best Scimitars in the world; with several o­thers.

3. The great TARTARY.

Part of this Country extends to Europe, but the main lies in Asia, reaching from East to West 5400 miles, and from North to South [Page 29]3600, being called of old Scythia, and bound­ed on the East with the Eastern Ocean, on the West with Muscovia and Moldavia, on the North with the frozen Ocean, on the South with the Caspian Sea, Persia, and the Wall of China.

The people are of a swarthy Complexion, deformed and barbarous in behaviour; and as for their Religion, most of them Pagans, the rest Mahumetans: many of them dwell in Tents, which as pasture grows scarce for their Cattel, do remove to new Quarters. They sow little Corn, for Horse-flesh is their chief food; yet they have some great Cities, as Astracan, Casan, Cambalu, and Samarchand, that gave both a Cradle and a Grave to mighty Tamberlain. The Governour of this vast country is call'd the great Cham, who rules by an absolute arbitrary power, being stiled by his people, The shadow of Spirits, and Son of the immortal Gods.

4. The Empire of the Great Mogul.

This mighty Empire lies in India, partly within and partly without the River Ganges, so call'd as being descended from the Mogul-Tartars; and indeed within these 100 years [Page 30]last past, this Monarch taking the advantage of his Neighbours Dissentions, hath forced several flourishing Kingdoms to become Tributaries to his Sceptre: in his Territo­ries stands Surat, to which our East-India Fleet frequently traffiques. Here is likewise the populous Kingdom of Cambaia contain­ing as is thought no less than sixty thousand Villages, besides the Metropolitan City, stock'd with eight hundred thousand souls. As also the Kingdom of Bengala famous for Rhinocerots, and Stuffs, much in use for morning Gowns; this Emperor says Bote­rus, is able to bring into the Field at once three hundred thousand Horse, and so re­verenc'd by his Subjects, that they strew the ways he is to pass with richest per­fumes; and whenever he cuts his Hair or shaves his Beard, keep that day as a Festival.

5. Of the PENINSULA, or Tract of Land running out into the Sea without the GAN­GES, and all the other parts of INDIA.

Ganges is one of the most famous Rivers in the world, which divides India common­ly called the East Indies into two parts, of which one is said to be within, the other [Page 31]without the Ganges; but we here for greater plainness divide the whole into three parts. 1. The Neck of Land towards the Sea with­out Ganges. 2ly, The main Land within Gan­ges, and another Tract of Land within Gan­ges likewise, but stretching out into the Sea.

These three parts are inhabited by five several sorts of people in general, viz. 1. In­dians or Natives which are in part Gentiles, in part Christians; the second sort are Mahu­metans, Persians and Tartars; the third Jews; the fourth Arabians or Moors, and the fifth Portuguez.

In the Neck of Land towards the Sea without Ganges, is the Kingdom of Narsinga, where the people use to burn the Living Wife with the Dead Husband, because of the trick they had got to poison their Hus­bands before this Law. Here is likewise the City Calecute very large, but not walled nor fair built: the City of St. Thomas or Malleaper, where they say St Thomas was Martyr'd, to whose Sepulchre the Christian Indians come in Pilgrimage. The Soil in these parts is exceeding fruitful, yielding Corn, Spices, Coco's, Jacero's, store of E­lephants, Silk, Cotton and such like: in some [Page 32]places of this Countrey in Cambaia, the People take a great pride to colour their Teeth black, as well they say because that is most beautiful, as also because they may differ from Dogs, whose teeth are white.

In the Kingdom of Brama is the Royal City of Pegu, distant twenty five miles from the Sea; the King liveth in great Riches and Mag­nificence, and always keeps four Elephants, three Milk White and one Black; all which he divinely worships.

Cauchin is situate between the River Can­tan and the Kingdom of Siam; it abounds with Gold, Silver, Aloes, and especially Por­celane, where our China-Dishes are made.

To several parts of this India our English Company which thence takes their name, doth yearly traffique, & make good returns.

Of ARABIA.

Arabia is three-fold. 1. The Desart, called so from the barrenness of the Soil; 2, The Stony, and 3, The Happy: the last being the most pleasant Countrey in Asia, abounding with Gold, Pearl, Balsamum, Myrrh, Fran­kincense, and all kind of Spices, wherein the wondrous Phaexix is supposed to build her [Page 33]Nest. The People are swift of foot, and for the most part live in Tents; the whole is 4000 miles in compass.

Of CHINA.

China hath on the East, Mare del zur, on the North, a wall of 1000 miles long to keep them from the Tartars, which yet pro­ved too weak a Fense, for in the fatal year 1648, they were over-run by that barbarous Nation.

These Chinoes are ingenious and excellent at Handicrafts, they pretend to Guns and Printing long before us and use to boast that themselves have two eyes, the Europeans one, and all the rest of the world none. The Coun­try is of wonderful bigness, almost as large as all Europe, the Air temperate, the Soil pleasant and abounding with Barley, Rice, Wool, Cotton, Olives, Wines, Flax, Silk, Metals, &c. and the Land so plain, that 'tis said, they drive their Coaches and Carts commonly with Sails. 'Tis divided into fif­teen Provinces; the whole Region contains 'tis said 70 Millions of People, the proba­bility of which, see justified in Heylin's Cos­mography.

Of the Islands of ASIA, which are

1. Japan in length 600 miles, much of the nature of China, but the people more super­stitious, and in opposition to the Chinoes put off their Shoes in saluting, because the others pull off their Hats.

2. The Moluceo's five in number whence come most of our Cloves.

3. Java in compass 3000 miles, for its fruitfulness abounds with Spices, here is Ban­tam a Port much frequented by the English.

4 Sumatra the greatest of the Eastern I­flands, almost 700 miles long and 200 broad; their Riches consists in Pepper, Benzoin, Cassia, Silk, &c.

5. The Phillippine Islands many in number, now in possession of the Spaniard.

Of BARBARY.

Barbary hath on the West the Atlantick O­cean, and on the North the Mediterranean, containing the Kingdoms of Tunis, Algiers, Fez and Morocco; their fruits are Figs, O­lives, &c. and excellent Horses: the men are of a duskish colour, well proportion'd, state­ly in their gate, Laborious, but treacherous, the Women sumptuous in Jewels, and even beautiful in blackness, by reason of the de­licate softness of their skins. In Tunis is the City Hippo of which St. Augustin was Bi­shop; as also Tripoly, so called, as having three Cities under its jurisdiction.

Tunis is a great City, containing 10000 Families. Algier is subject to the Turk in some respect, and yet is a kind of Republique of it self, living wholly by Piracy; it is very [Page 36]nobly built, and contains about 4000 House­holds.

Fez extends from Azamor to Tangier now in possession of the English, and by the help of the Mole, which at vast charge has there been made, it may in time become an excellent harbour for shipping.

The City Fez is great and incomparably situated, the Buildings stately to admira­tion, their Roofs adorned with Gold, &c. and has above 700 Mosches or Temples.

Of NUMIDIA and LYBIA.

To go into Numidia, we must pass over Mount Atlas, an Hill so high that its top can­not be seen; whence the Fable, that Atlas sustained the Heavens on his shoulders. The people have no setled place of dwelling, only stay so long as Grass will serve for their Ca­mels, and then remove to a new place.

Lybia joins to Numidia, and is so much a Desart, that a man may travel eight days without finding water, so that Travellers must carry it with them or perish.

Of the Land of NEGRO's.

This is call'd so from the River Niger, or [Page 37]rather from the black colour of the Inhabi­tants; it hath on the East the upper Ethiopia, on the West, the Atlantick Ocean. The peo­ple are stupidly Ignorant, and gross Idola­ters, yet have store of Gold and Silver very fine and pure.

Of the Ʋpper ETHIOPIA, or the Kingdom of PRESTER JOHN.

The upper Ethiopia is govern'd by a migh­ty Prince commonly called Presther (or more properly Presbyter) John, it begins at the entrance into the Red-sea, and contains in compass above 4000 miles they have plenty of Rise, Barley, Pease and Beans, Salt is their most currant money. Their woods are full of Basil and other odoriserous Plants, they pretend to Christianity, to which they say they were converted by the Queen Candaces Eunuch, mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles to be baptized by Philip, and that the Queen of Sheba that went to hear the wisdom of Solomon was of their Countrey, and that she had a Son by him who stole away the Ark of the Covenant, which they have yet to shew, &c. The Person of this Emperor is very much honoured by the vulgar, to whom he [Page 38]sheweth himself but thrice a year, viz. at Christmass, Easter and Holy-rood.

Of EGYPT.

This Kingdom reaches Eastward to the A­rabian Desarts, and North to the Egyptian Sea, being part of the Mediterranean; 'tis in length about 560 miles, in breadth not a­bove 140, and has no convenient Haven but that of Alexandria.

This was antiently the Granary of the world, and still yields plenty of Sugar, Flax, Rice, all sorts of Grain, Fine Linnen, Salt, Cassia, &c. This wondrous fertility pro­ceeds from the famous River Nilus, which from the 15th of June, overflows all the Country for the space of forty days, and then drains up its Waters again: during which Inundation, they secure their Cattel on Hills and Villages, which are all built on the highest ground, and in the mean time Boats supply the places of Horses and Ca­mels for commerce.

The chief City is Alexandria, a free Port, heretofore much more eminent for Trade than now.

There is likewise Grand Cairo, a City of [Page 39]a marvellous strength, eight miles in com­pass, and very populous; 'tis the greatest Market for Sattins, Damasks and Taffeta's in the world, but the main Commodities, as precious Stones, Spices, Indian Stuffs, Gums, Perfumes, Amber, &c. are brought hither overland by Caravans. Four miles from hence are the ruins of those Pyramids which Antiquity celebrated as one of the worlds wonders.

The Red-sea washing this Country on the East, is so called from the colour of its Sand, and is in length 1600 miles. The old Cities Thebes and Memphis are now known only in their ruins: the Turks are Lords here, and the People generally Slaves and treacherous.

To this Country the world owes a great part of mysterious Learning, or rather is bound to blame them for spoiling natural Philosophy with a mixture of ridiculous Ma­gick and superstitious vanities; whence our Vagabond Fortune-tellers to this day take upon themselves the Title of Egyptians or Gypsies. Their Priests of old were wont to express their meaning in Hieroglyphicks or odd Pictures. The People received the Gospel from St. Mark, which they generally [Page 40]retained till the coming in of the Saracens, and then embraced Mahumatism, which yet continues; only those that still remain Chri­stians, supposed to be no less than 50000, are call'd Cophti, because they use Circum­cision. They observe not the Lords day, nor any other Festival, but only in the Cities: they embrace and read in their Liturgies a Gospel written (as they say) by Nicodemus.

The AFRICAN ISLES,

Are either in the Ethiopick or Atlantick Sea, in the first is, Madagascar otherwise called the Land of St. Laurence, abounding with all manner of Fruits and Beasts Wild or Tame. 'Tis in length 1200 miles, situate under the Southern Tropick. The People are rude, savage and treacherous; their Commodities are Cloves, Ginger and Silver.

Zocotara, is an Isle lying just at the mouth of the Red-sea, 60 miles in length, and 24 in breadth, rich in Aloes, Gums and Spices.

In the Atlantick are St. Thomas, an Island 180 miles about, lying directly under the Equi­noctial, very plentiful for Sugar.

Princes Island is situate between the Equa­tor and the Tropick of Capricorn; 'tis called [Page 41]so, because when the Portugals first conquer­ed it, the revenues were alotted to the Por­tugal Prince.

The Gorgades are nine Islands situate nigh Cape viride, in the Land of Negro's, a­bounding in Goats, and now usually called the Islands of Cape Verde.

The Canary-Isles are in number seven, an­tiently for their fertility called the Fortu­nate Islands; hence come our Canary Wines, as also the little rare singing Birds called by that name. The Grand Canary excells the rest in greatness and excellency, for thither all the others repair for justice. But Teneriffe exceeds in situation and same, as being supposed to be the highest Land in the world, the Mountain being fifteen miles high; from whence in all Maps and Charts that I have published to the world, I have placed the first Meridian, and from thence Eastward do reckon the Longitude.

The Azores are in number nine, of which Tercera being the greatest, doth now give name to all the rest; it is but eighteen miles in compass and abounds in Oad. The second Isle of note, is St. Michael.

Of the English Empire in AMERICA.

Of that part of America called Mexicana, the greatest, or at least the best part pays o­bedience to the English Sceptre. As

1. New-England, a very populous and thri­ving Colony. This Plantation was first setled in the year 1623, the people are famous for the strictness of their discipline and living, eminent Merchants, and of great commerce in many parts of the world. They coin mo­ney of their own, and keep Printing Presses at Boston, which is the chief Town of the Countrey, which is on the main land; the furthest part of the Plantations, being bounded with vast Woods, so that the utmost extent of the whole is not certainly known.

Virginia, so called in honour to Queen E­lizabeth our matchless Virgin Queen in whose days it was discovered, is situate on the same Continent, but more Southerly; its Western Limits are unknown, but on the North it has Mary-land, and upon the South Carolina. 'Tis very populous, and almost in­credible to think what vast quantities of To­bacco is yearly brought from these Colonies to England, to the happy livelihood of ma­ny [Page 44]thousand Families that deal in it.

Newfound-land, noted for the plenty of Fish we have from thence, lying on the South of Davis's Streights.

Mary-land, New-York, and New-Jersey, are new Plantations lying between New-England and Virginia. And there is lately added ano­ther Plantation called Pensilvania granted by Patent from his Majesty to William Pen, Son to Sir William Pen one of our Late Ad­mirals at Sea, to him and his Heirs for ever. Whose situation is at the head of the Bay of Chesopeack, from 40 to 43 degrees of La­titude, and five degrees of Longitude to the West.

Of MEXICO or NEW-SPAIN.

Mexico, otherwise called New-Spain, whence his Catholick Majesty intitles him­self Hispaniarum Rex. Is bounded on the East without Calfornia, on the South Peruana, but its Northern limits are unknown; so that we cannot certainly say, whether this Ame­rica be a Continent or an Island distinguisht by Sea from Asia. Here are abundance of Golden-sanded Rivers, store of Mines, Mul­berry-trees, Silk, Honey, Black Amber, &c. [Page 45]It was exceeding populous before the arri­val of the Spaniards, who in seventeen years, as Historians tell us, slew six millions of them, rendring the name of Christianity which they pretended to teach them, odious to these poor Heathen by their cruelties.

The City Mexico is the feat of an Arch­bishop and the Spanish Vice-Roy, 'tis in com­pass six miles, and contains 600 Houses of Spaniards, and as many of Indians: there is an University, a Printing-house and Mint; the People are witty and industrious, good handy-crafts-men, and Rich Merchants.

Jucutan is 900 miles in circuit, being a Peninsula situate over against the Isle Cuba; the chief City is Guatimala, over against which lies the Island of Sancta Cruze.

Of PERUANA.

Peruana, the other or Southern part of A­merica, contains Castella Aurea, Guiana, Pe­ra, Brasile and Chile, 'tis in compass 17000 miles, and consequently bigger than the o­ther which is computed but 13000. It con­tains several Provinces, as

[Page 46]1. Castella Aurea, so called from its abun­dance of Gold, is admirably stored with Mines, Spices, Pearls and Medicinal Herbs.

2. Castella deloro, in which is Nombre de dios and Panama, two Towns through which passes all the Traffick between Spain and Pe­ru, for whatever comes from Peru, is un­laden at Panama, carried by Land to Nom­bre dedios, and there shipt for Spain, and so on the contrary for what is to go to Peru.

3. New Granada, situate on the South side, a Country very strong by its natural Fortifications of vast stony Rocks, yet it has many delicate Vallies which yield much Fruit, and some Mines of Gold and Silver, but not in any great quantity.

Cartagena, hath a fruitful Soil and great Riches, the Metropolis hereof Sir Francis Drake surprized in the year 1585; and be­sides inestimable Summs of Money and Plate, took away with him from thence 240 pieces of Ordnance.

Guiana hath on the East and South the vast River of Amazons, and on the North the great River Orenoque, navigable with Ships of Burthen 1000 miles together, and with [Page 47]Boats and small Pinaces almost 2000. Yet that of the Amazons is greater still, being navigable 6000 miles, and towards the Sea is said to be 200 miles broad; this Coun­try is situate under the Equinox, and the People in the winter dwell in Trees, for fear of being drown'd in the usual ex­cessive Floods occasion'd by the frequent Rains.

Peru hath on the East, the Mountains, on the West Del Zur, or the Pacifique Sea, so call'd because it has no Flux or Reflux; the Soil is luxuriant in all manner of Grain, Fortunate in the civility of its Inhabitants, frequency of Cities and salubrity of Air; aboundant in Gold and Silver above any o­ther in America. The chief Cities are Saint Michaels, and Arequipa, situate on the Ri­ver of Plate, which is 200 miles long and 150 miles broad at the Mouth; the King of this Countrey named Atabalipa, being over­come by the Spaniards, gave them for his ransome an House piled up full on all sides with refined Gold and Silver, being in esti­mation above ten Millions; which when they had received, they most perfidiously slew him.

And here I would mind the Reader, and for the honour of our English Nation, that seve­ral of our Nation hath past and repast the Straights of Magelan into the South Sea, or Mare Pacificum. 1. Sir Francis Drake, and in the year 1669, Sir John Narborough went thither with two Ships, the one called the Sweepstakes, and the other the Bachelour. Captain, Humphrey Flemming; both which Ships proceeded till they came near the Straights of Magelan, not far from Rio St. Julian (which was the appointed place of meeting) near which place, they lost one a­nother; whereupon the latter returned home, and the other proceeded on her Voy­age in the South Sea as far as Baldivia, and from thence returned safe to England, in the year 1681. Some of our English men under the command of our Captain Sharp and Cap­tain Ringroso, after great exploits against the Spaniards by Land, entred the South Sea, and took some of their ships; and in one of them returned home with considerable riches, and came about Terra del fueogo, and went so far Southerly, as far as sixty de­grees South Latitude and so came to Eng­land.