The Four Lesser Circles of the Sphere.

The four lesser Circles of the Sphere are the two Tropiques and the two Polar Circles, which Circles Divides the Earth into five broad Spaces called Zones, which are distinguished in the follow­ing Chapter.

Of the 32 Points of the Marriners Compass, which are thus Divided.

The four first, are the Cardinal Points, and are Composed of one Syllable, as East, West, North, South.

The Four Seconds are Colateral Points, Consist­ing of two Syllables, as North East, North West, South East, South West.

The Eight Thirds are, those that are Composed of Three Syllables, as North North East, North North West, South South East, South South West, East North East, East South East, West North West, West South West.

There are Sixteen Inferiour Points, Eight of them are Composed of four Syllables, and the other Eight of five Syllables: Those of four Syllables, are these that follow.

• North and by East.
• East and by North.
• East and by South.
• South and by East.
• South and by West.
• West and by South.
• West and by North.
• North and by West.

• North East and by North.
• North East and by East.
• South East and by East.
• South East and by South.
• South West & by South.
• South West and by West.
• North West and by West.
• North West & by North.

The Figure of the Marriners Compass is here An­nexed.

Of Measures.

Twelve Inches makes a Foot.

One Foot and a half one Cubit.

Two Foot and a half a Common Pace.

Two Common Paces, one Geometrical Pace.

Three Foot one Yard.

Six Foot one Fathom.

Sixteen Foot and a half, one Pole or Perch.

Forty Perches makes one Furlong.

Eight Furlongs, or 320 Perches, make one English Mile.

125 Geometrical Paces makes one Stade.

Eight Stades, or 1000 Geometrical Paces, is equal to an Italian Mile.

1250 Geometrical Paces is one English Mile.

60 English Miles hath Vulgarly been accounted one Degree on the Earth, but really and truly, (As hath appeared by very Worthy Experiments,) that 69 Miles and a half of our Statute Miles, makes one Degree on the Earth: But according to the Vulgar Measure, the Compass of the Globe of the Earth, is 21600 Miles, and the Diameter thereof, is 6875 Miles, and 4528 parts; which Diameter being Multiplyed by the Circumference, gives the quantity of Miles in the Superficies of the Earth and Water, And the Superficies being Multiplyed by ⅙ of the Diameter, gives the Solidity in English Miles.

2500 Geometrical Paces make one Scotch Mile.

2500 Geometrical Paces make one Common French League.

3400 Geometrical Paces makes a Spanish League.

4000 Geometrical Paces makes a German League.

5000 Geometrical Paces makes one Swedes or Swisses League.

6000 Geometrical Paces makes one Hungarian League.

Of Great Britain.

GReat Britain Containes England, Scotland, and Wales, making the most Famous Island in the whole World. It was once called Albion, ab Albis Rupibus from the white Rocks apearing on the South Coast, towards France, from whence it was first Discovered. Afterwards Britain, some say from Brutus, of the Trojan Race, who first setled a Government here; or as others will have it, from Prutainia, signifying Mettals, because of the great quantity of Tin, Iron, Lead, &c. that is found here. But others say the Britaines had their name from the word, Brith, which signifieth stained or painted, by reason of a Custome the Natives had to paint their Skins all over, and of several Colours, that they might thereby the more Terrify their Ene­mies, whence also the Romans called the People of Scotland Pists.

The whole length from Strathy-head in Scotland to the Lizard-point in Cornwall, is counted 624 Miles: And the breadth from the lands end in Cornwall, to the Isle of Thanet in Kent is about 340. It is observed in his Maje­sties Teritoryes about Great Britain and Ireland, there are eight Several Dialects spoken by his Maje­sties own Subjects, viz. 1. English. 2. Scotch. 3. Irish. 4. Welch. 5. Cornish (in Cornwall.) 6. French (in Garnsey and Jarsey.) 7. Manks (in the Isle of Man) and 8. Gothish (in the Islands of Suht­land.

Of England.

ENgland (a name taken from the Angli a peo­ple that came in with the Saxons, and not chang'd by the Danish or Norman Conquerors) is the chief part of the Island of Great Britain, being Di­vided into 40 Countys and 22 Bishopricks, is Ac­counted in length 386 miles, in breadth 279. The soil is very fertile and plentifull; several of its Chief Commodities and Excellencies are Contained in this verse,

Its first known inhabitants were the Britains, who being Conquered by the Romans, and afterwards over-run by the Saxons, were forced to Retire into that Corner of the Kingdom called Wales: where their Posterity to this day Inhabite, being a Province Divided into 12 Countys and 4 Bishopricks, the eldest Son of our English Kings, being always Enti­tuled Prince of Wales.

The forementioned Saxons Divided the whole Realm into seven Kingdoms, and were much oppressed for a long time by the Danes, but at [Page 28]last being united under one King, were subdued by the Normans, under William the Conqueror, whose Successors Continue to this day.

Of Wales.

WAles is Invironed on all sides by the Sea, except towards England, from which it is separated from the RIVER DEE, and a line drawn to the RIVER WYE: But Anciently it Ex­tended to the RIVER SEVERNE Eastward, for Offa King of the Mercians, forced them to leave the Plain Countrys beyond that River (which now is called the Marches of Wales,) and to betake them­selves to the Mountaines; which he caused to be separated from England, by a great Ditch called Offa's Dike, in Welch Claudh-Offa, in many places yet to be seen.

The whole Country is Generally Mountanous and Barren, yet affordeth several good Commodities, and is not without many fertile Valleys, which bear good Corn, and breedeth abundance of small Cattle, with which they furnish England; as also with Butter, Cheese, woolen Cloth, called Friezes Cottons, Bays, Calveskins, Hides, Honey, Wax.

It is divided into 4 Circuits for the Admistration of Justice, and is divided into 13 Counties, wherein is contained 1016 Parish Churches, 56 Market Towns and 40 Castles, 230 Rivers, 99 Bridges, 32 Parks, 13 Forrests, 1 Chase. Also these hills are famous for their height, viz. Snowden, Plinillimon, Brechin, Moylvodian, Brethen, Caddoridrie, Rarduvaure, Monuch, Dennye, and Penm [...]n-Maur.

Of Scotland.

SCotland is the Northern Part of Great Britain, longer then England, but not so broad, much colder and less Fruitfull, the whole Containing 35 Shires, is Divided into Lowlands, which speak a kind of Barbarous English, and the High-lands, whose lan­guage is very neer the same with the Irish. This Realm, upon succession of King James to the En­glish Crown, became united to that Scepter, and are Joyntly stiled Great Britain. Its Chief Commodities are Course Clothes, Frieses, Fish, Hides, Lead-Ore, and here are four Universities, Edenbrugh, Glas­cow, St. Andrews, and Aberdeen, two Arch-Bi­shops and eleven Bishops.

As to their Courts of Justice, they are peculiar to them­selves, the chief of which is the Session or Colledge of Justice, onsisting of a President, 14 Senators, 7 of the Clergy and as many of the Laity, unto which was after­ward joined the Chancellor, who is chief, and 5 other Senators, & in time of the Sessions of Parliament there is a high Commissioner constituted by his Majesty to Act as Vice Roy under him, which at present is the Illustrious Prince James Duke of York and Albany.

Of IRELAND.

I Reland is the bigest Island in Europe after Britain. The West of which lyes towards Spain, Contain­ing in length above 300 Miles, in breadth 150. It nei­ther breeds nor will Harbour venomous Creatures; 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, [Page 30]and other Places, Demonstrate. It is Divided in four Provinces, viz. Leinster, Ʋlster, Munster & Counaught, and each of them into several Countyes, as may ap­pear in the Table of Ireland.

The Comodities are store of Cattel, as also Tallow, Butter, Cheese, and Wool, of which they make cloth, Frieses, Ruggs, Mantles, &c. Its Seas yields great plen­ty of Codfish, Herrings, Pilchers, &c. and in the Bowels of the Earth, Mines of Tin, Lead, and Iron.

Of Spain.

SPain, the most Western Country of Europe it se­parated from France or the Northeast by the Pyrenean Mountaines, and on the West joyning to Portugal, on all other parts washt by the Sea, its whole Circuit being 1900 English Miles. They are a mixt People, Descended from Gothes, Saracens, and Jewes: from the Jewes they Inherite Superstition, from the Saracens Melancholy, from the Gothes 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 Won­derfull Patience, Enduring adversity: their Women sober, loving to their Husbands, and Gallants, won­derful, Delicate, Curious in Painting, and per­fuming, but by Custome forbidden to drink any VVine, at least till they are Marryed. This Country yields Sacks, Sugars, Oyl, Metals, Liquorish, Rice, Silk, VVool, Corke, Rosin, Steel, O­ranges and Lemmons, and Raisins, &c. But is defective in Corn, and are glad to be supplyed there­with from Italy, France or Sicilia; nor are their Cattle large or many, their fare being most upon [Page 33]Sallats and Fruits; every Gentleman limitted what flesh he shall buy for himself and Family: they have Universities, such as they are: their Courts are kept at Madrid.

Of Portugal.

POrtugal is a Distinct Kingdome by it self, though anciently a province of Spain. Its Chief City is Lisbon; their Customes and Religion much like the Spaniards.

Of France.

THe Kingdom of France is for one intire thing, one of the most rich and absolute Monarchies of the World, being almost a square, each side containing about 600 Miles; it is bounded on the North with 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, on the East it extends to the Medeteranean, and the Alps, which Divide it from Italy. It abounds with all manner of good Fruits, besides great store of Fish and Fowl; but its Chiefest Commodities are Wine, Salt, Linnen, Cloth and Corn; the less Maternall are Wood for [Page 34]dying, Paper, Nutts, Almonds, Laces to the New Modes. The People are general Complemental, in­constant and Rash; both their Gentlemen and Citi­zens live more sparingly then the English, they feed most on Boyl'd or Liquid Meats, and are very cu­rious in sawces. In Matters of Warr, there is an old Comparison that Resembles the French to a Flea, quickly Skiping into a Country, and assoon leaping out of it; of which late Transactions afford several instances; their Language is Amorous, and they leave out manny Consonants in Pronuntiation, Occasioning this Proverb, A Frenchman writes not as he pronounces, Sings not as he Pricks, nor Speakes as he thinks. The Nationall Religion is Popery, yet there are many Protestants amongst them, whom they in derision call Hugonots, who of late have bin and are under great Persecution for their Religion and loss of their Priviledges, not oc­casioned in the least by their disloyalty, or any di­sturbance of the Government, but only and alone from the Malice of the Popish Clergy. The Air in the Northern parts of France is Pu [...]er then 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 An­noved with mists and Rain.

The Kingdom is divided into twelve General Governments, to which may be added four new Governments, being the late Conquests of the French King.

Four towards the North on this side the Loir, four in the middle of France, on each side the Loir, four on the South beyond the Loir, and the other four to the Eastward towards Germany.

Of several Countrys bordering upon France

LA Franche Comte, or the free County, called also the County of Burgundy, is invironed with Cham­paigne, Lorrain, Bressy, and the Dutchy of Burgundy, being in length 90 Miles, and breadth 60. One of the most fertile Provinces in the World, the chief City is Besanson, the next Dole, famous for the Col­ledg of Jesuies there. It was under the Spanish Crown, but a few years agoe sudenly surprized by the French.

2. 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 Device, An armed Arm com­ing as it were from Heaven, and Grasping a naked Sword, to shew that they were absolute Princes, holding theire estate by no other tenure then from God and the Sword: but the French have likewise not long since violently over-run; this Countrey; and the present Duke Commands the Emperours for­ces, having Married the Queen Dowager of Po­land.

3. Savoy, a Dukedome compassed with Dauphine, Switzerland and Piedmont, which latter it for the most part under its Government, lying on the Ita­lian side of the Alps, and being exceeding pleasant and Fruitfull. The rest of Savoy is Mountanous & Barren. Adjoyning hereunto, on the Lake Lemane, stands the City of Geneva, a Common wealth, not extending eight Leagues in Circuit; But of indif­ferent good Trade, and well Fortified.

4. 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 Countrey in Europe, and sends forth four of the Greatest Rivers, viz. The Danubias through Germany and Turkie East; the Rhine, through Germany, North; the Rhosne, through France, West; and so through Italy, South; the Soil is but mean, being so Hilly; but the Men great Warriours, and famous for their Mer­cinary Valour.

This Country is in length about 240 miles, and 188 in breadth, very Mountanous, affording Deers, VVild-Goats and Bears. The Valleys affords rich Pasture for Cattle, wherein consists their greatest wealth, in some places they have good VVines and Corn.

Of Italy.

I Taly is the most famous Region of Europe, very much Resembling the form of a mans legg; A most Pleasant Countrey, Commodious for Traffique, and Exceeding fertile.

'Tis bounded on the East with the Adriatick Sea, South and West with the Tyrrhene Sea, on the North with the Alps, being in length 1020 Miles, and in Breadth not above 440. in the Broadest place.

It abounds with Corre, Wine and Oyl, yields plenty of Almonds, Pomegranats, &c. The whole Countrey seeming as an intire Garden.

The People were Anciently famous for their Valour and Prudence, and are still Courteous and Grave, and very Obliging to Strangers, yet much Enclining to Jealousy and Wantonness, and sharp Revenge; sparing in Diet, but neat; their greatest Expences are about their Gardens.

Here about 1600 year agoe the Latine tongue Florish'd, being vulgarly spoken; but afterwards by the Invasions of the Gothes and Vandales, and other Barbarous Nations, the Common Speech became mixed and degenerated, which at this day we call the Italian, and is still a most Delicate, Noble, and Courtly Language.

The Capitall City is Rome, once Mistris of the World in Temporalls, and still pretending to be so [Page 38]in Spiritualls, in Compass about 11 Miles, but full of Gardens, and waste ground, so that its supposed not to Contain above 250000 Soules, two parts in three of whom are Clergy men, and Curtezans.

But in the Flourishing of the Roman Empire, it contained 50 Miles in Compass, and not Fewer then 3 or 4 Millions of People, as is found in Authentick History.

After the Emperours removed their Seat to Con­stantinople, the Bishop of Rome taking Advantage by their absence, by pretended Donation from Con­stantine made himself absolute Prince of a great part of Italy, called St. Peters Patrimony, and the Lands of the Church, and the rest in time became Cantonized into severall Petty Principalities and States.

In the Bottom of the Adriatick, now called the Gulf of Venice, stands the famous City and Virgin Commonwealth of Venice, Situate on many Islands; and the water running through every street, being in compass 8 Miles, Containing 70 Parishes, many Excellent Pallaces, and Curious Buildings.

Of the Principal Islands in the Me­diteranean Sea.

Of Germany.

GErmany is Divided into two parts, High and Low. High Germany is bounded on the West, with France and Belgium; on the North, with Denmark and the Baltique Sea; on the East, with Prussia, Poland, and Hungary; and on the South with the Alps and Italy. The Country is almost Square, each side being 650 Miles; it hath one General Governour called the Emperour, a Name derived from the Ancient Roman Emperours, but retains very little of that Power; for most of the other Princes are absolute in their Respective Dominions, whence this mighty Body, by Reason of Various Interests and Differences, becomes no­thing so formidable as it would be, if firmly united under one Soveraign Monarch; The Principal Re­gions are presented to you in the Table of Germa­ny, the whole Country abounds with most things necessary for Life.

Its Commodities are Mines of Silver, an other Inferiour Metals; Wines, and fresh Fish, Quick-Silver, Allom, &c. The People are Honest, La­borious, and Sincere, Stout Drinkers, and Good Souldiers: The Women of Indifferent Complexi­ons, but somewhat corpulent; as for their Diet, There is this Proverb, The Germans have much meat, but Sluttishly drest; The French little, but neatly Cookt; The Spaniards neither one nor the other.

The Title of the Father descends to all the Children, every Son of a Duke, is a Duke, every Daughter a Dutchess; For Religion, some are Pa­pists, others Protestants; which latter are again divided into Lutherans and Calvinists.

Of the Seventeen Provinces.

LOwer Germany is that which is called Belgium, or the Netherlands, and 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 Freesland, and on the South with the Some, Champaign and Lorrain, containing in all Seventeen Provinces: But we shall only speak here of the seven United Provinces, or Dutch Com­mon-Wealth; The Names of which are, Holland, Zealand, Ʋtrecht, Over-Issel, Zutphen, Gronix­gen, and West-Friesland, which was first made in the year 1581. on their Revolt from their Ancient Soveraign 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, being a People very Industrious, they have attempted to Grasp the Trade of this part of the World into their hands.

In these Provinces the Women govern all, both within doors, and without, and make all bargains, [Page 46]which makes them injurious and Troublesom; the Eldest Daughter is of the greatest Reputation, yet hath no larger Portion then the rest; they Marry Noble with Ignoble, young with old, Master with Servants, and into strange Townes, and Forreign Countrys.

There are within Holland also a great Number of Lakes and standing Waters. They want both Corn, Wine, Oyl, Wood, Wool, Hemp, Flax, and almost all other Commodities; and yet there is not any Countrey in the North which abounds so much as Holland and Zealand, in almost all the forementioned Commodities; so great is the Ad­vantages these Provinces receive by the Sea.

The ten Catholick Provinces, or Spanish Netherlands.

THe ten Spanish Provinces are these, Flanders, Limburg, Luxenburg, Brabant, the Mar­quesate of the Holy Empire; Artots, Henault, Namurs, Meckline, and Gerderland.

The Soil is very Fruitful, and mightily Peopled, but exceedingly wasted and impoverished by the late Wars and Incursions made in their Country by the French King.

In these Countrys belonging to the King of Spain, are 208. Walled Townes, 150. Townes priviledged, as walled Townes; 6300. Villages [Page 47]with Parish Churches, besides a great Number of Villages and Hamblets.

There are five principle Rivers in the seventeen Provinces; The Rhine, the Meuse, the Scheld, the Haa, and Emes.

The Meuse affords abundance of Sturgeon, so big, that some of them weigh four hundred, and some four hundred and twenty pounds, and are twelve foot long, of Antwerp Measure; The Scheld doth also abound with most sorts of Fish.

They have divers Forrests and Woods, well stored, with Red and Fallow Deer, Goates, Wild Boares, Hares, Coneys, Badgers, Wolves, Foxes, &c. which yeild good Furrs.

The Fowl in these Countries are Partridges, Fea­sants, Turtle-Doves, Quailes, and any sort of Birds as we have in England.

The two Principal Cities in these Countreys are Amsterdam in the Seven United Provinces, and Antwerp in the Ten Provinces.

Amsterdam standeth upon the Gulf Tye, and is built upon Piles under the Ground, as Venice is; so that the buildings under ground, are more charg­able then above: It is very rich in Merchandise, the buildings are very Sumptuous and Fair.

Antwerp lyes on the right side of the Scheld, it flourisheth exceedingly in the Number of Inhabi­tants, in beautiful Buildings, and in Merchandizing, which is chiefly occasioned by the the Commodi­ousness of the Scheld, it being a River of so great bredth and depth, and Ebbing and Flowing so far into the Sea.

Of Norway.

Norway the Western parts of Scandanavia, is a place very Barren and Mountainous, so that instead of bread the People eat dried Fish, which we call Stock-fish. They export Furs, Train-Oyl, Timber, Deals, Clapboard. It is a Kingdom of it self, and divided into five Governments or Pro­vinces.

1. The Government of Bahus, the chief Towns, Bahus and Maerstrand.

2. That of Agger, the chief Towns is Agger, Opslo, and Frederick Stadt.

3. That of Bergen, the chief Town Bergen, the Residence of the Vice-Roy.

4. The Government of Dronthem, the chief Town Dronthem, the Seat of the Ancient Kings of Norway.

5. Wardhuyse, the chief Town Wardhuyse, near the North Cape of Norway.

The Normegians are little given to si [...]kness, and are of a strong Constitution; their great inclination to Sorcery, makes them have the Reputation of sel­ling the VVinds to the Scamen.

Of Sweden.

THe Kingdom of Sweden hath on the East Muscovia, On the West the Dofriae-Hills (that part that side from Norway) on the North the Frozen Seas, and on the South the Baltick. The Country is little less then Italy and France put to­gether. The People are good VVarriers, and live hardly, the Ayr is sharp but so salubrious, that it is ordinary for men to live 100 years; It aboundeth with Lead, Iron, Copper, Tarr, Furrs.

Sweden Comprehends seven parts, which are.

1. Halland, Schonen and Bleking, all which goe under the name of South Gothland. The Chief Towns Lunden, Malmugen, Landskroon, and Chri­stianstadt.

2. The North part of Gothland is divided into Ostro Gothland and Westro Gothland; The Chief Towns Calmar, Gottenburgh, and Linkopen.

3. Sweden containing eight or nine Provinces. The Chief Cities are Stockholme, Ʋpsal and Nikopen.

4. Lapland is Divided into five Regions or Ter­r [...]tories, viz. Ʋma, Piiha, Lula, Tormia and Lapmark, with the Towns of the same name whereof Tormia is of most importance.

5. The great Province of Finland, subdivided into several small Provinces, The Chief Towns are Abbo, Wiburg and Roseburg.

6. Ingria, The Chief Towns, Noteburg and Juanagr [...]d.

7. Livania, or Liffland, The Chief Town, Ri­ga, Derpt, and Revel.

The Crown of Swedland is also possessed of several Islands in the Baltick Sea; And in Ger­many, the Dukedoms of Pomeren, Bremen and Ferden; The Town of Wismar, and the Island of Rugen.

In the North Part of Sweden, Tormia and Ki­mi, are the most Considerable Rivers of Scandina­via.

The Country is full of Mountains and Woods, The Commodities of the Country, are Copper, Buttet, Tallow, Hides, Skins, Pitch, Rosin, Tim­ber and Boards.

There are so few sick people among them, that Physitians and Apothecaries have little or no Pra­ctice.

The Air is so sharp and salubrious, that it is or­dinary for men to live an hundred years. Their Religion Lutheran

Of Denmark.

DEnmaark Consists of three Parts, to wit, Jut­land, which is a great Peninsula, or Cherso­nesus, annexed to Germany.

Jutland is Divided into North and South Jut­land.

1. North Jutland includs four Lutheran Dio­cesses, which are,

1. The Diocess of Rypen. 2. Of Arhusen. 3. Of [Page 51] Wiburg, and Alburg, and Schagen, the North Cape of Denmark.

2. South-Jutland Comprehends two Dukedoms.

1. The Dukedom of Holstein, Included within the Circle of Lower Saxony.

2. The Dukedom of Sleswick, the Chief Town of the same name, with the Castles of Gottorp, Tonningen and Fiendsburg.

The most Remarkable Islands of the Baltick are.

1. Zeland, the Chief City Copenhagen the Re­sidence of the King, whose Brother Prince George was Marryed to the Illustrious Lady ANN, Daugh­ter to his Royal Highness the DUKE of York, An­no 1683.

2. The Island Fuinen the Chief Towns Odensee, Middlefort and Niburg.

The Islands and Countries in the Northern Sea, which depends upon the Kingdom of Den­mark, are a great Island of Iselandia, the Chief Town, Hola a Bishoprick.

The Islands Fezo.

The Kingdom of Norway, &c.

Of Poland.

THe Elective Kingdom of Poland, lies to the Eastward of Germany, on the North of Hun­gary, Transilvania, and Moldavia, and South-west­ward from Muscovia.

It Contains two Estates, that of true Poland with [Page 52]the Provinces Annexed thereto, and the great Dutchy of Lithuania, with its Dependancies, which is now united to the Crown of Poland.

The whole Kingdom is divided into twelve Pro­vinces as may appear in the Table. It is in Compass 2600 miles very fruitful in Barley and Cattle, & Hemp Wax, Pitch & Tarr and other Merchandize. The In­habitants Excellent Souldiers; They are all pestered with factions, that they can attempt no great mat­ter, only to defend themselves from the Turks. They are much addicted to the Latine Tongue.

They have of all Religions amongst them, but the Present King seems much to favour Popery, and was Eminently service able in the late War in the relief of Vienna, and the regaming of Hungary from the Turk.

Of Lithuania.

LIthuania is the Greatest Province of all those which Compose the Estates of the Crown of Poland; It has the Tittle of a Grand Dukedome, wherein there are as many great Officers, as in the Kingdome of Poland.

The Country is full of Marshes and Sloughs, that there is no travelling in the Winter for Ice.

Samogitia, a Countrey in this Dukdome, whose Inhabitants live very poorely.

Volhinia, the Chief City Kiou, an Ancient place, having once 300 fair Churches, but destroyed by the Tartars; still a Bishops See, acknowledging the Partriarch of Mosco, and of the Communion of the [Page 53]Greek Church; seated on the Borysthenes, where the Cossacks have often had their Retreats. It was lately in the hands of the Muscovite, but now said to be the Turks, in the year 1678.

In Podolia stands the well fortified and Impre­gnable Caminiack, which formerly withstood the Armyes of the Turkes, the lesser Tartars, the Transylvanians, and the Walachians; but at length was forced to yield to the Grand Seignior, in the year 1672. since Retaken by the Poles; but by the last Treaty delivered to the Turks, as also Orzan­thow and Dussow, at the mouth of the Boryst­henes.

Of Muscovia.

MƲscovia is the vastest Empire in Europe, 3300 miles long, and 3000 broad: The whole Countrey is over spread with Woods and Lakes. The People for the most part fat and Corpulent, strong of Body, and good proportion, only Great Bellyes, and Broad Beards, are in Fashion. The Women love not their Husbands, unless they beat them.

They only teach their Children to Write and Read.

They wear long Robes, under which they have close coats down to their knees, but they tye their Girdles under their bellyes.

The Religion of the Muscovite is of the Greek Church; all their Images are in flat painting.

The Grand Duke bears the Title of Czar, as much as to say Cezar. The Habits which he is said to wear makes him look like a Priest.

The Embassadors of Forreign Princes are at the greatest trouble in the World to give him his right Titles.

One of his Pedeceisers was so Barbarous, that he caused the Hat of a French Embassador to be nailed to his Head, because he refus'd to be uncovered in his presence: but Queen Elizabeth sent an Embassa­dor thither soon after, a man so Couragious, that he stood also in his presence covered, and undaunt­edly told the Czar to his Face; that if he touch'd a hair of his Head, his great Mistris would make his Empire to tremble; and made the Titles of his Mistris, the Queen of England, Exceed the number of the Czars Tittles; Stiling her The M [...]st high and Mighty Monarch: ELIZABETH Queen of En­gland, France, and Ireland, Northumberland, Westmorland Cumberland, York-shire, Lancashire, Cheshire, &c. Runing through all the Countyes and shires in England the length of which Titles Amazed the Czar; and he acquainted the Embassa­dor, That he had a great Esteem for her Majesty and for her Subjects; and declared his willingness to suffer her Subjects to trade in any part of his Em­pire, without paying any Dutyes, which great Priviledge was Continued to our English Merchants, until the Martyrdome of King CHARLES the first, of glorious Memory; he mightely resenting that Horrid Act; and that Priviledge hath not been yet regained.

Muscovia is Divided into two parts, the Northern and the Southern: Mosco it the Capital City, and the Residence of the Czar.

There are at this present two Czars, who not long since sent two Embassadors, one from each, to his Majesty of Great Britain: 1683.

Of Turky in Europe.

THat part of the Ottoman Empire which is Turky in Europe, Containes the greatest parts of Hungary, and all Transylvania, Moldavia, Bessarabie, Walachia, Bulgoria, Servia, Bosnia, Sclavonia, Albania, Romania, Macedonia, Thessaly, Epirus, Achaia, and Morea. with the Aegean and Jonian Islands, And in the year 1683 the Grand Segnior brought an Army of 100000 men in Au­stria, where with he thought to have Conquered, not only the small part of Hungary that is left to the Emperor, but the greatest part of the Empire also; The Conduct of which army was Committed to the Grand Visier, and past by all the strong Cityes in Hungary, as Raab, Komorra, &c. and sate down before Vienna the 8th of July. in hopes to have taken it by Surprize.

The Imperial Army under the Conduct of the Duke of Lorrain, their General, very oppertune­ly Convey'd his Infanry into the City, consisting of 15000 men; who having Count Staremburg for [Page 56]their Governour, a man famous for his Valour and and Conduct, that the great fury the Turks shew­ed in their several Assaults Redounded to their own loss, and the encouragement of the Besieged; and were repulsed with a very great slaughter; some say with no less then 15 or 20000 men, whose dead Bodies proved so great an Annoyance to the Tur­kish Army, that the Grand Visier desired three days Truce to bury his dead; which being denyed by the Worthy Governour, caused him to remove his Camp at a further distance, for fear of infect­ing his Army; and finding himself deceived in his Intelligence; (the Garrison being stronger than he was informed) he proceeded to a formal Siege, which he Continued for the space of nine Weeks; with more then ordinary Toyl and Labour, work­ing with his Mines day and night, in hopes to have Carryed the place before any Relief could come to them; and having sprang several of them by which the place was Assaultable, he stormed it several times, but was still beaten off with great loss, and having at last sprung one under the Baston Lobel, he continued his Assault with greater fury and vigour, though without success; so that after so long a time, and so many Continued Assaluts, the Go­vernour finding himself reduced to great Extremity, made the Appointed Sign to the Duke of Lorraine for Relief: VVhereupon the King of Poland being joyned with the Emperiall Forces, made up an Army of 85000 Men, Horse and Foot.

It was Resolved at a General Councel of Warr, to Attaque the Turkish Camp upon the 12th of September new stile; And Accordingly it was put [Page 57]in Execution. The King of Poland having the Attacked the Grand Visiers Quarters, The Duke of Lorraine on the side of the Bastion of the Court; and Prince Waldeck that which leads to the Scotish gate. The Attaque being warmly begun, and Count Staremburgh Sallying out at the same time, soon put the Infantry into disorder; upon with their Horses fled, and with them the Grand Visier, leav­ing them to the Mercy of the Christians, who cut them all to pieces, and remained Master of their Camp, with their Tents, the Pavilion of the Grand Visier, Their Artillery, and Ammunition, and a Considerable sum of Money; in this Action the English that were there, behaved themselves very Gallantly to the great Commendation of our Na­tion.

After the relief of Vienna, the two Armies under the King of Poland, and the Duke of Lorrain con­tinued the Pursuit, and with great Success, and re­gained all the strong Holds in Hungary that were possessed by the Turks; and in all this great Action the Turks did not Rally their Army to Face the Christians: But did Continually fly before them.

Of Barbary.

THe People in Barbary are of a duskish or blackish Complexion, of Stature Tall and well proportioned, they are of an Active Dispo­sition for Horsemanship, otherwise excessive idle; they are very subtil, close, perfidious, inconstant, Proud, much addicted to Luxury; and therefore by consequence very jealous of their Wives, whom they keep with great severity, and that the more according to their handsomness.

Their Religon is Mahometism, and are for the most part inclined to Literature and Arts.

The Moores of Fez and Morocco are well dis­posed, strong, active, and yet melancholly, they may marry four Wives, and as many Concubines as they can keep.

Here the women at the death of their friends, assemble themselves together, habit themselves in Sackeloath and Ashes, and sing a Funeral Dirge to the praise of the deceased, and at the end of every Verse howl and cry, and this they do for seven days together.

Of Billedulgerid.

BIlledulgerid, or Land of Dates, hath Barbary on the North, from whence it is se­parated by Mount Atlas, on the south Zaara, on the west the great Ocean Sea, and on the East Egypt.

The Air is healthful, they live long, are defor­med, and are held base people, ignorant of all things, are addicted to Theft, Murther, and are very deceitful, they feed grosly, and are great hun­ters, they acknowledge Mahomet.

Of Zaara.

ZAara is an Arabian name, and signifie De­sart; The Country is generally hot and dry, it hath but little water, except some few wells, and those salt, if there falls great rains, the Land is much better; but besides the leanness of the soil, there is sometimes such vast quantities of Grashop­pers, that they eat and ruine all that the earth pro­duceth.

It is so barren and ill Inhabited, that a man [Page 90]may travel a week together without seeing a tree, or scarce any grass or water.

The People are Bereberes and Africans, almost all follow Mahometism.

This great desart is divided into five principal parts, as is shewed in the Table and Map.

Of the Land of Negroes.

THe Negroes are People about the River Ni­ger, which hath taken its name from these people, and these people from their Colour.

In this Division are placed several Kingdoms as you will find marshall'd in the Table; and what is remarkable in them, we shall briefly touch.

Some of the Kingdoms are rich in Grain, Cot­ton, Cattle and Gold, the Country of the Negroes is esteemed as fertile, as those watred with the Nilo; it bears twice a year, and each time sufficient to furnish them with Corn for five whole years; which makes them not sow the Lands, but when they judge they shall have need; they keep their Corn in Pits and Ditches under ground, which they call Matamores.

The People are generally idle and ignorant but bear great respect to their Kings.

Of Guinea.

GƲinea is that part of the Coast of Africa, which is found between the River Niger and the Equinoctial Line. This Coast from East to West [Page 91]is 7 or 800 Leagues long, and not above 100 or 150 in breadth.

The Soil of Guinea very fertile, and for the most part bears twice a year, because they have two Sum­mers and two winters. The Comodities of the Country are Gold and Elephants Teeth in great a­bundance, in Wax. Hides, Cotton and Amber­greese, and for these Commodities, they barter for course Cloath, both Lannen and Woolen, Red Caps, Freez Mantles and Gowns, and leather bags, Guns, Swords, Copper Bars, and Iron Knives, Hammers, Axes, &c.

The Inhabitants go naked, save about their Waste they tye a piece of Linnen, yet very proud and stately, in matters of Religion, great Idolaters wor­shiping Beasts; on this Coast are several Factories belonging to the Royal African Company.

Of Congo.

TO the southward of the Equinoctial Line, and unto Cape Negroe lies the Kingdom of Con­go; and is said to be the fairest of the lower Ethio­pia. The Inhabitants are naturally very sweet, and are able and strong of body, but dull and idle, their money is of grey shells, their Grains, Fruits, Wa­ters, Fowl, Sea and River Fish are excellent, they have store of Elephants, Mines of Silver, Iron, Chrystal, Marble, Jaspar, Porphyre, &c. They know no History but by the Reigns of their Kings.

The most famous Rivers of this Kingdom are the Zaer, the Lelunda: the Zair descends from the Lane of Zair, from whence also descends the [Page 92] Nile, The Zaer hath 400 Leagues Course, and is very Rapid by reason of the Cataracts or great falls, which it hath from the Mountains.

Of Biafara.

BIafara is a Kingdom in the lower Ethiopia, in the Gulf of St. Thomas (by our English-Seamen called the Bight) the people very Bar­barous, their habits made of Mats, they adict them­selves to Witchcraft, and sometimes sacrificing their children to Devils.

Of Monomotapa.

THE Monomotapa, that is the Emperor King, or Soveraign of Motapa; and possesses an Empire so great, that it is 1000 Leagues Circuit, this Prince deports himself with gravity, and that there is no access to his person, but with very great submissions, he is alwayes adorned with Chains and precious stones like a woman:

The Inhabitants are all black, of mean Stature, and excellent good footmen, that they are said to out-run horses.

The Woods have great store of Elephants as al­so other Beasts; rich Pastures well surnished with Cattle, plenty with Grains, Fruits, Fowl, and is well watered with Rivers, in which are abundance of Fish, the Air temporate, their summer is when we have our winter, and their winter is when we have our Summer.

Of the Abissines.

THE Empire of the Abissines, Heylin makes to be the Dominions of Prester John, and saith he is of such great force that he is able to raise up­on a sudden occasion, a million of fighting men, his Government is absolutely Tyrannical; The people profess the Christian Religion, which was first made known to them by the Eunuch of Queen Candace, who was baptized by Philip the Evange­list, and more generally by the Preaching of Saint Mathew the Apostle; since which they have much swerved from the Purity of the true Religion, by their many Corrupt Opinions, they keep many of the Ceremonies of the old Law, they keep the seventh day Sabbath according to the fourth Command­ment, they allow their Priests no yearly mainte­nance, neither will they suffer them to beg, they get their livelyhood by their own labour, they ad­minister the Ordinance of the Lords Supper to In­fants presently after they are Baptized, they Bap­tise themselves in Ponds and Lakes every Ephiphany day, supposing that to be the day that John Bap­tized Christ in Jordan.

Titles of the Emperor as Dr. Heylin doth inform us, are as followeth, viz.

Supream of his Kingdoms, and the beloved of God, the Pillar of Faith, sprung from the stock of Judah: The Son of David, the Son of Solomon, the Son of the Column of Sion, the Son of the seed of Jacob, the Son of Mary, the Son of Naha, after the flesh, the Son of St. Peter and St. Paul, after the Spirit. Emperour of the higher and lower E­thiopia, &t.

Of the Islands of Azores.

THe Azores are nine in number, which are 1 St. Michael, 2. St. Maries, 3. Tercera, 4. St. Gratiosa, 5. St. George, 6. Foial, and 7. Pico, 8. Flo­res, and 9. Corvo. The Air of these Islands is ge­gerally good, they are well stored with Flesh, Fish and Fruits.

Of the Canary Islands.

THe Canary Islands are in number seven, The Names are as followeth, viz. 1. Lancerotta, 2. Forteventura, 3. Canaria, 4. Teneriffa, 5. Pal­ma 6 Ferro and Gomera.

These Island abounds in excellent Wines, Ho­ney, Wax, Sugar, Oade, Lawrel-trees, Dragon-trees, out of which they draw a Red Liquor, called by our Apothecaries Sanguis Draconis. Also Corn and Sugars, and all sorts of Fruits, stored well with Cat­tle, and is therefore the victualling place of the King of Spains Plate-Fleet.

To the Northward of these Islands lyeth the I­sland of Madera: belonging to the Crown of Portu­gal, The Air very wholsom, refresht with pleasant Fountains and Rivers, it yields also a pleasant Wine called Madera Wine.

The Islands of Cape de Verd.

THese Islands are in number ten, bearing the name of 1. St. Mayo, 2. St. Anthonyes, 3. St. Vincent, 4. St. Luce, 5. St. Nicholas, 6. Isle de Sal, 7. Bana Vista, 8. Isle de Fuogo, 9. Brava, 10. St. Jago; Some of these Islands yields good store of Salt, but the Air of them is not very whol­some.

Princes Island yields Fruit, Sugar, and Ginger; [Page 96]and is the Revenue of the Prince of Portugal, and therefore called Princes Island.

Annobon yields Sugars, Cottons, Cattle, and Excellent Fruits, and Oranges. Inhabited by Portugalls.

St. Helena lying in sixteen degrees south lati­tude belonging to the East-India Company, well furnished with good water, which alone is a great refreshment to the Ships that return from India, the Valleyes are very Fertile, the Air healthful, that sick persons are in a short time restored to their health; There are also in this Sea the Islands of Ascention, and St. Mathewes, affording Fowls and Wild Beasts, but not Inhabited.

Zocatora and Babel Mandel lies towards the Red Sea, where the passage is narrow and most con­venient from the Coast of Africa, Zocatora, near Cape Gauderfu is under the Jurisdiction of an A­rabian King, it is a good Road, and hath convenient Bays where Ships may ride secure among the very Rocks. It affords excellent Fishing, Cattle in great abundance, and is famous for the quantity and goodness of its Aloes.

Of Madagascar.

THe Island of Madagascar is the bigest of all the Islands that belong to Africa; The Air is temperate, the soyl produces several sorts of Grains and Trees, the Waters excellent, the Fruits delicious. The Mountains are full of wood, Pasturage and Plants, &c. The Natives very black, and of Rude Behaviour, partaking of the Customs and Man­ners of the Africans.

Of Magellanick Land.

IT lies upon the Southernmost part of America, near the Streights of Magellan, whose Name it still bears: It is a very poor Countrey, much subject to [Page 99]Cold; the Natives live in Caves: We have the Names of some places; as 1. Desaguadore, and 2. Magel­lanick; but having no perfect knowledge of them, I can say little thereto.

Of Paraguay.

PAraguay or rather Plata, so called by reason of a River of that Name that Waters it, the Coun­trey is very pleasant and delightful, for it abounds in Corn, Vineyards, Fruit Trees, and Cattle in abun­dance; places of most note are 1. St. Jago D'estra, 2. Villa Rica, and 3. St. Anne.

Of Chili.

CHili bears the Name of one of her Valleys, much subject to Cold, yet in some parts the Soil is so fertile and pleasant, that no part in all America more resembles Europe; it yields Ostriches, Cop­per, and the finest Gold in the World. St. Jago, Im­periale, Baldavia, and Castro are the principal places of Chili.

Of Peru.

PEru, though it gives Name to all the South A­merica, yet it is but meanly furnished with Food, the chiefest thing being Maize, which is not [Page 100]very Plentiful: The Commodities are Gold, Cotten and some Medicinal Drugs; it is divided into 1. Quiro, 2. Truxillo, 3. Lima, 4. Cusco, and 5. Arica, of which we have no other Relation than what the Spaniards reports.

Of Brasil.

THough it lies under the Torrid Zone, nevertheless the Air is Temperate and Fertile: The Commo­dities besides Brasil, are Amber, Balsom, Tobacco, Train-Oyl, Cattle of divers sorts, Sweet-Meats, and Sugar in abundance: It is divided into several Ca­pitanies, as 1. Siara, 2. Saltan, 3. Para, 4. Paraiba. 5. Pernambuco, 6. St. Salvador, 7. Ilheos. 8. Por­to Segaro, 9. Spirito Sancto, 10. St. Sebastian, and, 11. St. Vincent.

Of Amazones.

AMazones or Guiana, hath its Name from a Ri­ver so called; the Air is Healthful, the Soil is good in some places; for Tillage of Maniac, Cotten, Sugar, Tobacco, Gums, Wood. Stones of divers sorts, Parrots, and Monkeys: Places of most Note are 1. Coropa, and 2. Villago Dor, but very little known to us, by reason that the Spaniards suffer none besides their own Nation to come into the Countrey, but kill all strangers they find.

Of Terra Firma.

OR Castill del Ore, the latter given by the Casti­lians; the chief places are 1. Panama, 2. Cartagena, 3. St. Fed Bagota, 4. Venezu­ola, 5. Surranam, and 6. Manoa. The Air is very unhealthful, the Commodities divers, as Bal­som, Rosin, Gums, Long Pepper, Dragons Blood, Stones of divers sorts, and Gold: They have seve­ral sorts of Beasts, as the Viuves or Rams, &c. which you may find in Helyns Cosmography.

The chief Rivers in this Southern America are 1. Oronoque, which overfloweth once a Year as doth the Nilus, 2: Amazones, the greatest and swiftest in all America, 3. St. Francisco, 4. Paraguay or Plata, 5. Ʋraguay.

Of the Islands of AMERICA.

Of New Miexico.

IT is a Province little known to the Europians; the Inhabitants being divers in Language, Manners, and Customs. It is divided into New Mexico, Arian, Quiviria, and Libola.

Of Mexico or New Spain.

A Countrey enriched with innumerable Mines of Gold and Silver: The Air temperate, the Soil fertile and good, The chief Towns are 1. Mexico, 2. Guatamala, 3. Truxillo, 4. Acupulco, 5. Panaco, The Commodities besides Gold and Silver, are Cop­per, Iron, also Wool, Silk, Sugar, and divers Medicinal Drugs. They have also several other Commodities, which are too long to insert in this place. It is fully subject to the Spaniard.

Of Florida.

IT is a place of very good Temperature, the Soil very Fertile, full of Fruit Trees; the Towns well peopled; yet the Coast is very inconvenient for great Vessels, by reason of the Shallowness of the Water: Places of most Note are St. Martha and Cofa.

Of Carolina.

IT is a Countrey blest with an excellent Tempera­ture of Air, the Soil Rich and Fertile, producing excellent Fruits, the Earth also apt to bring to Maturity Corn, all sorts of Garden Herbs and Roots: The Commodities are Wines, Oyls, Silk, Cotten, Indico, Ginger, and Tobacco; plenty of Fish, Fowl, and Cattle; the chief Town is Charles Town, Governed by one at the Appointment of the Proprietors.

Of Virginia.

THe Air of this place is sufficiently pleasant, the Soil exceeding Fertil; it produceth all sorts o [...] Grain and Pulse, divers sorts of Garden Herbs and [Page 106]Roots; Silk Worms also which make good Silk; the Commodities divers, but the chief is Tobacco. The place of most Note is James Town, Governed by one Deputed by the King of England.

Of Pensilvania.

IT is a place not yet well Planted, but may be in time, the Soil and Air being fit for the Nature of an Englishman: Granted by Patent from his late Majesty King Charles the Second, unto William Penn Esq and his Heirs for ever, and therefore cal­ed Pensilvania.

Of Mary-land.

HAving given you so full an account of Virginia. I need say little more, only that the general way of Commerce in both places being by inter­changing one Commodity for another, and that which setteth a Price upon all other is Tobacco, there being such abundance of this Imported into England, that the King hath 60000 l. per Annum for Excise and Custom. The chief Town is Baltamore.

Of New Jersey.

FOr Temperature of Air and Fertility, there hath been enough said already in Virginia and Ma­ry-land, this place partaking of all the Properties and Advantages of them both.

Of New York.

A Colony so called from his Royal Highness the Duke of York our present King. A Countrey sound to produce the same Birds, Beasts, Fishes, and Fruits with New England, being Rich and Fer­tile. The chief Town James Town.

Of New England.

IT is a vast Tract of Land, healthfully seated, the Soil exceeding Fertile, for it yields Wheat, Rye, Pease, Beans, Barley, Cats. Indian Corn, Flax, Hemp, and all sorts of English Herbs. It hath plenty of Cattle of divers sorts, Fish, Fowl, and good Cyder. It excels with good Cellarage to pre­serve all, which is not common in Virginia; the [Page 108]chief Commodities are Furs, Flax, Amber, Iron, Pitch, Tar Masts and Timber to Build Ships. Their Metropolis is Boston, well seated, and adorn­ed with fair and beautiful Houses, and well peopled.

Of New Scotland, New France, Canada.

THree Places full of Stags, Bears, Martens, Hares, Foxes, and store of Conies, Fowl, and Fish; not over Fertile. The chief places are Port Royal in New Scotland, Quebeck in New France, and Brest in Canada, of no great Importance.

Of New Britain, New South Wales, and New North Wales

THree Provinces much like the former (we ha­ving but little knowledge thereof only the Soil is somewhat better. Places of most note are Fort Charles in New Britain, Port Nelson in South Wales, and Ne Ʋltra in North Wales. It was in some of these places that Hudson and others Wintered in their Voyages to the North West.

Of the Island of California.

THe Air hereof is indifferently Temperate, being full of Herbage and Cattle, which be little less than them of Europe; supposed to have some Traf­fick with China, but not certainly known.

Of Newfound-Land.

IS an Island famous for its Bays, Harbours, and the great store of Fish caught there; and therefore much frequented by French, Dutch, and Biscaners; some part thereof Granted by Patent to Sir. George Calvert, and still possessed by hi Son and Heir the Lord Baltamore.

Of Groenland.

GRoenland contains a vast Tract of Land, not yet fully discovered, though it hath been long known to the Norwegians, who have several Colo­nies [Page 111]planted therein; it hath also been touched at by several of our English Men in their Voyages to the Northwest: The Sea hath great store of Whales, also Sea Wolves, Dogs, and Calves, and White Bears which are said to live more by Water than Land, and Feed most upon Fish: they have also Wheat, Chesnuts, Apples, and good Grass for Pa­sture: There are also Horses, Stags, Wolves, Foxes, Dogs, and Martles. If I should go about to relate all the Stories (which are more strange than true) that are told of the strange things in this Countrey. I should need a far larger Volume than this to contain them.

Of Island.

ISland is an 150 Miles long and little less than an 100 broad. Its Inhabitants are subject to the King of Denmark; so healthy are they, that they live to an hundred years of Age; nevertheless very unlearned, and little are they skilled in the Liberal Sciences, following nothing so much as the Feeding of their Flocks and Cattle.

In this Island are Two Mountains, the Name of one is Hecla, the other Helga, which vomit and send forth Fire in abundance: the first being so fierce, that there is no approaching it by six Miles and therefore the place is much indamaged thereby, that it is a great loss to the Inhabitants.

Of Hudsons Bay.

BEtween Groenland and the Coast of Nova Fran­cia, lieth a great Sea called Hudson's Streights, which after some Leagues Passage openeth into a sine Bay dilating it self both toward the North, South, and West, giving great hopes of a passage that way to the East Indies. First discovered by the Two Cabots, Father and Son, upon the account of Henry the Seventh of England. Afterwards by Hudson, For­bisher, Weymouth, Button, Baffin, Smith, James, &c. and of latter times we have had a Trassick thi­ther, which is managed by Merchants of London called by the Name of Merchant Adventurers to Hudsons Bay: the Coast of New Britain runs along by the side of some part of this Bay, and though it has been much sought into yet it cannot be found out yet whether there be a passage this way, or whether it is no more but an Inlet of the Sea; there being several places called by the Name of the first Discoverers, as the place where Hudson Wintered James Bay, Buttens Bay, Forbishers Streights, Freum Davis, Baffins Bay, &c.

Thus have I given you as full a Relation of Ame­riea as the bulk of my Book will permit (being no­thing (according to the best of my knowledge (but [Page 112]what is the true state thereof at this time, hoping that [...]f there be any mistakes you will not impute it to my carelesness, but to the Mis-information of them that have writ of any of these New Discoveries. I shall end therefore with that Advice of Helyn: