Of the flowing and ebbing of the Sea.

You must know that it is not always alike: for in di­vers places it doth encrease for the space of 6 whole hours, and decrease as many: but in the Promontory of Erithrem, in Africa, commonly called Cabo Rosso, it in­creaseth 4 hours, and decreaseth 8. In divers places it keeps alwayes at one state, without ebbing or flowing. [Page 8] And so at the Cape called Das Palmas, it runs still to­wards the East, although by vertue of the first mobile, or chief moveable, and of the Moon, the whole Sea seems to move towards the West: Notwithstanding, when by interposition of the Earth, she is hindred from her natural course, it cometh to pass, that her course is variable, not onely in the aforesaid places, but also in many others. For the same cause it is, that about Flo­rida the Sea runs still towards the North without any return; and so the course hath been observed to be di­vers, according to the diversity of places. It must also be observed, that the Sea doth move otherwise at the full Moon, then it doth when it is but half: for there is more strength in a full light, then in that which is almost extinguished. There is also a certain place in Norway, called Maelstroom, within which the Sea flowing is in such sort swallowed up by a Gulf, that it is never seen afterwards. The like is to be seen in the Boddick Gulf.

Of the deepness of the Sea.

It must also be understood, that it is not every where equal, for it is less in the Ocean then in the Mediter­ranean Sea. The Seas which the Spaniards call Del Nort, and Del Zur, are in such sort covered with green Reeds, that the ships seem rather to sail upon green Meadows, then upon the Waters.

Of the fruitfulness, and richness of the Sea.

And this is no less different, according to the diver­sity of places then of the Earth; for they who have [Page 9] sailed through the Sea, which is between Spain and America, say, that they have often made above 100 Leagues, without seeing one fish: and contrariwise in ther places, there are such abundance to be seen, that it is wonderful: which hath been well known by the those who have sailed towards the North Coasts of America; and above all, towards Newfound Land, which for the abundance of fish is called De Baccalos. Moreover, one would think that Nature hath taken delight, in counter­feiting in the Sea, many things which are seen on the Earth. For as touching four-footed Beasts, you shall find therein the Elephant, the Hog, the Schel-crab, the Dog, the Cals, the Horse, the Cow, and many other the like things. And as for Feathered Fowels, there is the Hawk, the Swallow, and others: yea, the very likeness and image of man. The ancient Writers, as also the late, do likewise affirm, That there are Meirmaids in the Sea, which have at sundry times shewed themselves in divers places, (as Peter Launy affirmes) by the testi­mony of many, (to whom I remit the doubtful Reader.) And finally, the Sea brings forth also divers Plants; as Coral, Pearles, Amber, Sponge, and many other things, both delightful and necessary for mans use.

Of the Circles in the Map, and their Ʋse.

The imaginary parts of the Earth, are such, as though not in the Earth, yet must be supposed to be so, for the understanding of this Science; and are certain Cir­cles going about the Earth answerable to them, which the Astronomers attribnte to the Heavens: That bigger Line which crosseth both Planispheres, in the Map, straight along in the midst, dividing (as it were) the [Page 10] World into two halves; that is to say, North and South, is called the Equinoctial, Equator, or middle Line; because when the Sun is come thereto, which is on the 11th. of March, and 12th. of September: the day and night is of equal length over all the World, and this is the great, fixed, and immoveable Circle, which goes round about the Earthly Globe, from East to West, and passeth through Bornea, Upper-Ethiopia, and Guinea: as you may see in the Map. This Line is full of black and white spots, or spaces (to the number of 360:) which are called Degrees, and a degree con­sists of 60 minutes, and conteins 60 miles; for as much as a minute is accounted a mile.—The use hereof is to shew the Latitude of any Countrey, Place, or City, (that is) the distance of them towards the North or South, from the Equator, which is reckoned on the Meridian, towards either Pole. Those there­fore have North latitude, that inhabit or dwell between the middle Line, and the North Pole: and those South latitude, who dwell between the Equinoctial, and South Pole.

The Meridian is a great Circle compassing round the Earth, from Pole to Pole, and is that which you see in the Circumference of the two Planispheres of the Map. But there are many Meridians, according to the divers places in which a Man lives: but the chief and fixed passeth through St. Michaels, one of the Azores Isles. The use of the Meridian is to shew the Longi­tude of any Countrey, Place, or City: Now the Lon­gitude is the distance of it East or West, from the great and fixed Meridian: and this distance, or longitude is measured and numbred on the middle Line, or Equa­tor, by 10, 20, &c. from the great and fixed Meridian, [Page 11] to the numbers of 360, into which the whole Com­passe of the Earth is divided, An Example shall be this: Look for England, and you will see that it is a little East of the second Meridian: then follow that Line to the Equator, and look there as much Eastward, as England is from the Meridian above, and count or reckon the degrees thereon, from the great and fixed Meridian, to that place, and you will see that it is about 22; and this is the longitude of England: but then you must note, that we mean the middle thereof. All the other small Lines that go through the Map, from North to South, are also called Meridians. We will give you an Example, both of the longitude and latitude together. Suppose, you would know in what degree of longitude and latitude the middle of Ireland is; First, then look for Ireland, and you will see it is North of the fifth pa­rallel: then follow that Line to the Meridian, and you will see that it is about 51: Then cast your eye to the middle of Ireland, and you will see that it is about 52: Then look towards the West, and you will perceive that it lies somewhat East of the first Meridian: Then follow it down to the Equator, and so look as much East there as Ireland is above, and you will see that the middle thereof is about 52, which is the longitude thereof: so that the middle of Ireland is about the 52 degree of latitude, and thus you may easily find any other place or City. And this may serve for a Rule, to know the length and breadth of any Countrey; for as much as every degree is reckoned for 60 miles, as was said before. Those small Lines thwarting or crossing the Meridian, from East to West, are called parallels, or equidistances, being distant one from another 10 deg. towards each Pole, and are for the easie and ready [Page 12] finding out of the latitude of any place from the equator. As for example, look for England, and count the parallels or equidistances, till you come to the parallel, which is nearest to it, and you will find them to be 5: Then follow that line to the meridian, and you will see the figure set thereat is 50: so that you will find the latitude, or di­stance, (for they are both as one) of England, from the Equator, towards the North-pole, to be 50 degr. and better: but then this (you must note) is the South part of England, and so in the like manner may you find any other place. But there is another sort of parallels, which are called Artificial Parallels, for that they shew the difference of Artificial Dayes: the use of which, is to shew the Climates.

Of Climates.

A Climate is a space of Earth, included within two of the Artificial, or lesser parallels, and are declared and set forth in the Circumference of the Eastern Pla­nisphere of the Map. The use thereof is to shew the length and shortnesse of the Day, in all the several parts of the World. Now under the Equinoctial line and 10 Degrees on North, and as many on the South-side thereof, the dayes exceed not the length of 12 hours; but afterwards they increase the length of half an hour in every Clime, till they come to 24 hours without night, (and are so marked, shewed, or de­clared, as you may see in the utmost Circumference of the Map) which length atteined, they increase no more by hours, but by weeks and moneths, until they come to the length of half a year: so as there are two sorts of Climates; that is to say, 24 North, [Page 13] and as many South, from the Equator: (touching the names of which, we will refer you to larger Volumes and discourses.) By which it appears, that they who dwell under the same Latitude of the Poles, have the same length of day and night: But to them on the South of the Equator, the day is shortest, then with us (on the North) it is at the longest; and our Winter is their Summer, and so contrariwise their Winter is our Summer, &c.

Of the Tropicks.

The Tropick of Cancer, or the Crab, is a Circle, (or rather (for distinction) a double Circle, or Line) which is distant from the Equinoctial, or middle Lines to­wards the North, about 23 degrees and a half: Now when the Sun is come thither, which is on the 11th. of June then is the day longest with us, who live on the North of the Equator, and shortest to them on the South thereof. This Line passeth through New Spain, Arabia, and India. The Tropick of Capricorn is a like Circle to that of Cancer, and is distant from the Equa­tor 23 degrees and a half towards the South, (being just as much as Cancer is towards the North) when the Sun is gone down thither, which on the 12 or 13 of Decemb. then are the dayes shortest with us who dwell on the North, and longest with them who dwell on the South thereof. This Line passeth through Ethiopia the Lower, and Peru. The Arctick or North-Polar Circle, is a like Line or Circle, as the Tropick of Cancer; and it is di­stant from the North Pole 23 degrees and a half. It passeth through Tartary, Norway, Greenland, and some [Page 14] part of the unknown Land, as you may see in the Map. The Antarctick, or South Polar Circle, is a like Line or Circle, to the North Polar Circle; and is distant from the South Pole 23 degrees and about a half, (being just so much as the North-polar Circle is distant from the North-pole) and passeth through the South unknown Land.

Of Zones.

Now the use of these four Circles, of Cancer, Capri­corn, the Arctick and Antarctick) are to shew the five parts, called Zones: whereof there are two temperate, the one North, the other South: two frozen or cold; one of them also North, and the other South, and one hot, or scorched. The North temperate Zone, is that part or space, conteined between the Tropick of Cancer, and the North-Polar Circle. The South temperate Zone, is that space contained between the Tropick of Capricorn, and the South-polar Circle. They are called temperate, because the Air thereof is more moderate, and of a better temper, being neither so very hot, as the scorched Zone, nor so extream cold as the frozen Zones.

The torrid, burnt, or hot Zone is that space contein­ed between the two Tropicks of Cancer, and Capricorn, and is continually scorched with the Sun, which doth alwayes pass over it, afflicting it with a marvellous heat and down-right Rays: the breadth hereof compre­hendeth 47 degrees, or 2820 miles, every degree be­ing 60 miles, as hath been said already. The North Frigid, frozen, or cold Zone, is that space conteined [Page 15] within the Arctick, or North-Polar Circle: the breadth whereof from the very Pole it self, is 23 degrees and a half, which is 1410 miles. The South frigid, frozen, or cold Zone, is that space or part between the An­tarctick, or South Polar Circle, and hath the same breadth as the North Frozen Zone hath from the North-Pole: namely 23 degrees and a half, or 1410 miles.

The Division of the World.

The World is commonly divided into the known and unknown parts: the latter whereof we will pass by▪ forasmuch as time and opportunity hath not disco­vered it, and onely refer you to the Map, by which you may see that it lyeth towards the Poles, but chiefly towards the South-pole.

The known World is divided into these four parts: EUROPE, ASIA, AFRICA, AME­RICA: and each of these conteine several Countries and Islands.

Of the Winde.

It is a hot and dry Exhalation drawn into the air by the power of the Sun: and by reason of the weight there­of, (being driven down) is carried side-long about the Earth: but this must be understood of general windes, which blow over all the Earth, or at the least some great Countries. For there are a second sort of winds, which are peculiar onely to some Countries, and those not very large, which are begot on this manner. It is confessed, that in the Globe of the Earth there are wonderful holes, wherein when air aboundeth, (and cannot abide to be shut up) findeth some little hole, or as it were a mouth, to breathe, or break out at: In (or about) those Countries bloweth vehemently; but that force extendeth not far, for it is like wind that cometh out of Bellows. This winde therefore differeth from the general winds, both in sub­stance and quality: for the matter of them is an exhala­tion, and the quality such as the nature of the exhalation, very airy, but not indeed air. There is also a third sort of wind, which is a gentle and cool moving of the air, com­ing from no certain place, yet is felt in the shade under trees, but in the open Sun it is not perceived: it cometh whisking suddenly, (very pleasant in the heat of summer) and ceaseth presently again. This is no wind properly, but a moving of the air by some occasion.

1. The North wind is cold and dry, but serene, clear, wholesome, and a preserver of things from corruption: yet through the extremity of cold, it oft-times proves hurtful to flowers, and new-budded fruits. 2. The South wind is hot and moist, and by reason of its moisture, it is not only [Page 18] hurtful to seeds and fruits, but to living creatures, and be­gets dark and cloudy air, which is for the most part ac­companied with rain, unlesse it keeps generally blowing, and then it produceth clearnesse, but a stifling heart, and stirs up many diseases, as feavers, pestilence, and other contagious griefs. 3. The West wind is moist, and tem­perately watery, and hath many favourable and cherishing blasts: yet stireth up both rain and thundrer. 4. The East wind is very hot, and intemperately dry; yet very pleasant, pure, and wholesome: (but chiefly in the morn­ing) for it preserves the body sound, and in winter it pro­duceth frost. These are the four chief, or principal. The secondary are,

1. The North-East wind is dry and cold, and par­takes of the temper both of North and East: it stirs up clouds, and sometimes produceth snow. 2. The North-West is cloudy, moist, and stormy, and usually makes an unquiet and turbulent air. 3. The South-East is cloudy, dark, and somewhat moist, begetting rain, but not so, common as the South. 4. The South-west is evil, moist begetting clouds and showers, and turns fair weather into foul and tempestuous, though not so much as the South. As for the rest, we will onely name them; East North-East, North North-East, North North-West, West South-West, South South-west, South South-East, West No [...]th-west, East South-East, East and by North North-East by East, North-East, North-East by North, North-west, North-west by North, West by North, North-west by West, South-west by West, West by South, South-west by South, South by West, South by East, South-East by South, South-East by East, East by South. But in the plain and open South-sea, between the two Tropicks, (by [Page 19] vertue of the first moveable) the wind doth continually blow from the East to the West: as also in the Ethiopick and Indick, unlesse it be when it comes nearer the Land, where it oftentimes changeth: For the wind which taketh his beginning from the vapours which are lifted on high (either by the inequality which is between the mountains and the vallies, by the lakes and rivers, or by something else unknown to men) stretcheth in some sort his strength from the earth, and also in the two Tropicks. And for this cause in the East-sea (where there are many Promon­tories, and divers Islands) the wind in certain moneths of the year, blows still from the East; and the other moneths, continually from the North.

Of the Sea-Compasse.

It will not be amisse to adde here some things of the deviation, or going out of the way of the Sea-Compasse, for the help and aid of the Mariners. For these observati­ons are not forged lies, or untruths of the Mariners, to co­ver their errour: (as Peter de Medina would make us be­lieve.) Neither doth it come to passe, by the default of the Aiman stone, too long using it; (as Peter Novin is perswaded) or because it was not well set at the first, (as others would have it) it is so carried naturally. There are none that hitherto have atteined to the knowledge of the true cause of it; for it hath been found to be, even as many other the like secret and miraculous works of Nature; namely, that men are blind in the knowledge of them, and their shallow understanding cannot comprehend them. True it is, that some have laboured to give certain Canons and Laws of this deflexion, as if it were regular, or ordi­nary, [Page 18] [...] [Page 19] [...] [Page 20] but all in vain; for Experience hath taught us, that it is irregular, and without order: and not onely that Ex­perience which is made by the Mariners, (by some grosse and unlearned conjecture, which oftentimes is far from truth) but also by the most careful and diligent observati­ons that have been thereof. And if from those Islan [...]s which they call Azores, the Compasse goeth not from the Meridian: namely, between Fayal, and Flores; as appears by the observations that have been made thereof. And if from those Islands you sail towards the East, the point which looketh on the North doth turn it self a little towards the East. To London, in England, it goeth from the true Meridian 11 degrees; to Antwerp in Brabant, 9 degrees. If from the same Islands you take your course towards the West, the same point shall turn on the West. In the sea-shore of America, about the latitude of 36 de­grees, it is gone from the true Meridian more than 11 de­grees. Beyond the Aequator, it fals altogether otherwise. About the last Promontory of Brasil, toward the East, (commonly called Cabo Frio) it turns from the Meridian 12 degrees, if not more. And in the East parts of the Straights of Magellan, 5 or 6 degrees. And if from the said Promontory of Brasil, you sail towards the North in­to Africa, this deflexion shall increase to the 17th and 18th degree, which hapeneth to that Meridian, which is a little distance of the same that passeth beyond the Azo­res: from thence the deflexion doth increase to 9 or 10 degrees. By the Island of S. Hellen somewhat to the West, from thence it decreaseth unto the River de las A­gulias, all which deflexion is to the East. These things are well known to us, and have been tried by careful ob­servations, (in as much as the perfection required to the [Page 21] Sea-Compass doth permit) and calculated by the do­ctrine of Spherical Triangles, by the most Learned Ma­thematician Robert Hues: By all doth appear, that the Reports which are made of this deflexion, are partly false, and partly suspected.

Of the four Seasons, or Quarters of the Year.

1 The SPRING begins the 11th. of March, and continues till the Sun doth come to Cancer, which is the 11th. of June; This quarter is generally both hot and moist, but constant to neither, being sometimes hot, sometimes cold, and other whiles moist: but heat now hath some sway, by reason of the Suns elevation, and daily ascension toward us. This quarter at the be­ginning, (whilest the Sun passeth through the signe Aries) is more moist then hot; In the middle, of a good even temper, both for heat and moisture; but in the end more hot then moist; at which time, we have fre­quent winds, by reason of the temper of the Air.

Of the Heavens and Elements, according to Ptolomies Figure thereof.

The whole World is divided into 2 parts, that is to say, Elemental, and Celestial: The Elemental part is di­vided into 4 parts, namely, Earth, Water, Fire, and Air; as you may see in the round figure of the Heavens, and and Elements: the inmost or middle most conteining Water, and Earth, intermingled together: next the Air, and next to it the Element of Fire, as you may there see, each having its name set in the proper place, to which I will refer you: and here chiefly describe them.

1 The EARTH is dry and cold; an Element differing from Air, agreable with Fire, in driness: with Water, in coldness; and it is more of a dry quality, [Page 24] and less of a cold. The Circuit of the Earth is 21600 miles; but the Diameter is 6872: so that 3436 will reach the middle. In the middle thereof is eternal Fire and Hell, which is the bottomless Pit of the damned. 2 The WATER is cold and moist, an Element dif­fering from the Fire, agreeable with earth in coldness; with Air moisture; and is more cold, and less moist. 3 FIRE it hot and dry, an element differing from Water, and agreeable with the Air in heart, and with earth in dryness; and it participates more of heat and less of dryness. The AIR is hot and moist, and ele­ment differing or disagreeable from the earth, and agreeable with Water, in moistness; and with Fire, in heat, and hath more of moisture, and less of heat.

1 The MOON, the lesser light, like no mean Princess, ordained or placed between the Sun and the other Planets, doth govern the earthly Region, dispo­sing and ordering dayes by a manifest change and alte­ration; She is less then the earth 39 times, and com­passeth 12 degrees with the beams: she goes about the Zodiack in the space of a moneth, is a friend to Jupiter Venus, and Saturn: and enemy to Mercury, and Mars: She is Female, Night-shining, cold and moist, having somewhat variable qualities in her quarters: as the sun by quarters doth change the times of the year: she is a conveigher of all the vertues or forces, and impressions of other Planets. Of Colours, she hath yellow; in man, she hath the Brain; in woman, the womb: in both, the stomack, belly, and the tuition of the left part

2 MERCURY is 19 times lesser then the Earth, he casteth his Rays 7 degrees, and makes his course nearly with the Sun and Venus: he is a Friend to Jupiter, [Page 25] Ʋenus, and Saturn, and enemy to the Sun, Moon, and Mars: He is a mixt Planet, male with male, and fe­male with females: Hot with hot, and moist with moister Planets. According to some, he rules the Thighs, Navel, Privity, Legs, Sinews, and Veins. According to others, (and more rightly) he possesseth the Mouth, Tongue, Cogitation, and Memory: also the Hands and Legs: and Colours, all mixt and various.

3 VENUS, is 6 times less then the earth, she equals her course with the Sun, and is friend to all Planets, except Saturn: she is female, night-shining, cold and moist, temperately flegmatick, and rules or keeps the Loins, Reins, Haunches, Privities, and matrix: of Co­lours, she holds white, declining unto green.

4 The SUN, the greater Light, is Lord of perfe­ction, and King of Nature, the Author of Times, Ge­neration, and Life; the greatest of all the Planets, ex­ceeding the earth 30 times, or more: with his Orbe and Beams, he possesseth 15 degrees, going about the earth in 365 dayes, and almost 6 hours, which is the compass of a year. He is a friend to Jupiter and Venus, an enemy to Mars and Mercury, and is a Masculine day-shining Planet, moderately hot and dry. He keeps the Brain, Marrow, Sinews, the right eye of a man, and the left of a woman, and holds the yellow colour mixt with red.

5 MARS is the Lord of War; he equals the earth once with an half, and an 8 part. With his beams he compasseth 8 degrees and is 13 times less then the earth: he compasseth the Zodiack in almost 2 years. He is onely a friend to Venus, all the rest are his enemies, but especially Jupiter, and Sol. He is a Male Planet, night-shining, immoderately hot and dry; predominant over [Page 26] the left Ear, the Veins, the Gall, and the Stones: Of Humours, he hath Choller; and of Colours, red.

6 JUPITER is 14 times greater then the earth: In the bigness of his Orbe, he is 9 degrees, and goes about the Zodiack in 12 years. He is a friend to all Planets, except Mars, and is a masculine Planet, shining by night, hot, moist, sanguine complexioned; he rules the Liver, the Lungs, the Ribs, the Gristles, the Bloud, and the Seed: He hath Citron, or Orenge colour, or gray and green.

7 SATURN is a male Planet, and the highest of all: In bigness 22 times greater then the earth: the Circuit of his Orbe is 9 degrees; he compasseth the Zodiack in 30 years, and is a friend to Jupiter, the Sun, and Moon; an enemy to Venus and Mars; an adversary to Humany Learning, destroying life; he is malevo­lent, cold, and dry: Of all the members of man, he hath the right Ear, the Spleen, and the Bladder: of Hu­mours, he hath Melancholy, with commixture of Flegme: and of colours, he hath black.

8 Is the Sphear of the fixed Stars, commonly called The Starry Firmament: and performeth his motion in 7000 years.

9 Is called, The Christalline Heaven▪ or 2 moveable, his motion is almost immensible, and is called, The trembling Motion: and is said to be performed, (by later Astronomers) in 49000 yeares.

10 Is called, The first moveable Heaven, conteining the rest within it: and removing from the East to the West, carrieth about with it inviolably, all the other Spheres: whose motion is contrary from the West, to the East: and do differ much in their motion, as you may see by what hath been said.

[Page 27] The 11. is called, The Imperial or highest Heaven, where God, and his Angels are said to dwell.

Of the Eclipse.

The word Eclipse, is as much as to say, want of light, as when a thing is darkned, or hid from our sight.

Of the Eclipse of the SUN.

The SUN is said to be eclipsed, when the Moon com­meth directly between the Sun and the Earth, or our sight: And the reason why we have not an Eclipse of the Sun, every new Moon, is because the Moons latitude carries her beyond the Bounds, in which an Eclipse hap­pens (that is when she is somewhat far distant from the Head and Tail of the Dragon.

Of the MOON's Eclipse.

The MOON is said to be eclipsed when the dark Body of the Earth comes directly between the Sun and Moon, and so hindreth the Beams of the Sun from the Moon: and thus the Eclipses of the Sun and Moon are caused, as by the Figures thereof, at the lower end of this Map doth appear.

Of the effects of the Eclipses.

When there happens an Eclipse of the Sun or Moon if Mars shall be Ruler thereof, he signifies house­burnings and quarrels, &c. If Saturn be Ruler thereof, [Page 28] he signifies overflowing of Water, Earth-quakes, Famine, and dangerous diseases. If Venus or Jupiter are Rulers, they signifie plenty of all things. Hermes saith, If there happen two Eclipses in one moneth, they signifie many troubles and controversies. But we must not be over-curious in the search, (nor too confident in the event) of things. For that secret things belong unto the Lord, and revealed unto us, Deut. 29. 29.

Of the Blasing Stars or Comets.

They are flames drawn into the higher parts of the Aire: which come by driness, and long quietness in the Air: and signifie corruption in the Aire to follow, and are either signes of Earth-quakes, and dearth of Corn, or Wars, and dearth. There hapned one in the year 1618 from the 18 of November, to the 16 of De­cember following, it was seen all over Europe.

Of the Firmaments, and Constellations.

The two Hemispheres in the middle of the Map, one above, and another below, filled with shapes or pi­ctures, of men, beasts, birds, fish, and the like, embost with Stars, to shew the names of the several Stars, and other things, to large for present discourse, and hard to be understood by ordinary capacities.

Of the Isles belonging to Italy.

CORSICA, which is hard to be come at, being enclosed on all sides with cliffs; and within for the most part mountainous, and therefore yields not much grain: only in some parts where the Countrey open­eth [Page 36] it self, and is watered with Rivers, and maketh it fruitful: It hath good Wines, great store of Honey, Figs, Oyl, Rozin.

SARDINIA, the Ayr hereof is rough, and un­wholsom; but neither Serpent nor Wolf, nor any o­ther venomous or hurtful Beast, but the Fox only, and a little Creature like a Spider, which will by no meanes endure the Sun, except held by violence: it aboun­deth in Fruit, Wine, Wheat, and some Mines: and af­fords great store of hunting, because it hath good plen­ty of Bores and Deer.

SICILIA hath a good Air, and fruitful Soyl, and the Corn yields abundance of Increase: It hath plenty of Fruits, great store of Honey, Sugar, Oyl, Wines, Saffron, Salt, Allum: It produceth precious stones, as the Emraud, Jasper, and Marble-stones; and as well stored with Mettals; for it hath Gold, Silver, and Iron: as also great Herds of Oxen, and other Cattle. And herein is the Mount Aetna, which some have taken to be Hell, and ignorant Papists Purgatory, because it sends forth continually streams of fire, which the brim­stone there causeth: as is affirmed by good Authours. There be some other Isles of small note, which we will passe by.

GERMANY is bounded on the East with Po­land and Hungary, on the West with France and the Low-Countries; on the South with Itaely, and on the North with part of Denmark, and the Baltick or Swe­dish Sea: In the midst hereof, lyeth Bohemia, in which stands Prague, where the Emperour commonly keeps his Court: it hath many stately Towns well fortified, and furnished with so many Castles and Villages, such abundance of people, and such politick Government, [Page 37] that she may compare with any. The Soil is fruitful in Corn and Wine: it hath many Navigable Rivers, sto­red with plenty of Fish, most excellent Fountains, and hot Baths, Mines of Copper, Lead, Tin, Iron, and some of Silver and Gold. It hath many learned men, very skilful in all Sciences, and mechanical Arts. They were the Inventers of Gun-powder, and of the Noble Art of Printing. Their Women are of a good Complexion, but much given to eating and drinking, and so apt to fatness. The Title of the Father descends to all the Children: so that the Sonne of a Lord, is a Lord, which verifies the Italian Proverb, That the Dukes and Lords of Germany, the Dons of Spain, the Nobility of Hunga­ry, the Monsieurs of France, the Knights of Naples, the Lairds of Scotland, the Bishops of Italy, and the younger Brethren of England, make a poor Company. In Religion they are reckoned for Protestants.

HOLLAND (or the 17 Provinces of the Low-Countries) is counted a part of Germany: the Air is now more wholsom then formerly: for through the industry of the people, it is much drained: And in it are many Rivers, (as the Rhine▪ Mosella, Mosa and the Escant) plentifully stored with Fish. Here is also plenty of Corn and Cattle, many great Towns rich and well peopled. The Inhabitants are witty; for to them we are indebted for the making of Cloth, Clocks, Chariots, Pictures in Glasse, Watches, and laying of Colours in Oyl. They perfected the Marriners Compass, and have many Pilots well practised in the Art of Navigation. They are industrious in all Sciences, and Mechanical Arts, and have had a name for the Art Military. They are said to be mindless of good turns, and injuries done unto them. The first too true, the latter I fear not true enough.

[Page 38] Their Women are of a good Complexion, and well proportioned, (though their Habit do not set them out so well as the French) familiar and active: for unto their good Hou [...]wifery are we beholden, for the making of Tapestries, Woosted and Says.

From hence are sent all sorts of Commodities; as Fl [...]x, Linnen-Cloth, all kind of twisted Thread, Cables, Ropes, and other Ammunition belonging to Ships; But­ter, Cheese, Fish, Tapes, and much Drapery Ware; Scar­let, Taffeties, Silks, Velvets, and divers others, though not many of their own growth; but most of the Stuffs fetched from other parts, and by them made up, and so carried into other Countries.

Their Religion in the general, is the reformd, though they suffer all: and in Flanders and Artois, they are Papists.

DENMARK and NORWAY we reckon both to­gether, for that they belong to the King of Denmark: Towards the East they border upon Sweden, on the South upon Germany, and on the West and North with the Sea: That part called Norway, affords but little Corn, and the North thereof none at all: so that the poorer sort are sain to use Stock-fish dryed, instead of Bread, (as they do in Ice-land) and have no night for al­most three moneths together. The people generally are of good stature and complexion, healthful and long lived: for though they eat and drink much, yet have they good digestions. In managing their Affairs, they are subtil, strict in executing Justice, peremptory in maintaining their Opinions, good observers of their Words and Contracts, reasonable good Souldiers, but given to vaunting.

Their Women are very fruitful in bearing Children, but not delivered without great pain. Of Complexion, they are fair, and are discreet in managing their Hous­hold Affairs.

[Page 39] In Religion, they are Lutherans or Protestants, and their Church Government is by Arch-Bishops and Bi­shops. Their Commodities are Oxen, Barley, Malt, Stock-fish, Tallow, Nuts, Tackling for Ships, as Masts & Cables; Train-Oyl, rich Furs, Deal-Boards, Pitch, Tar, and such like.

Of the Islands in the North-Sea, belonging to the King of D [...]nmark.

ICE-LAND is situated, for the greater part, under the Arctick Circle, as you may see in the Map so call­ed, for the abundance of Ice unto which it is subject, being constantly frozen for about 8 moneths, and is so vehemently cold with the North wind, that it affords neither Corn nor Trees, except Juniper: yet there is grasse in good plenty, as also Horses, Oxen, and Kine without horns, sheep, white Ravens, white Faulcons, white Beares, and white Hares; but the people are said to live on that which Nature gives them, without help of Art, more then the making of Butter and Cheese. They use neither Physitian nor Physick; and yet it is reported, that many of them live to 150 years of age: few of them but have some familiar spirit. They have Necessaries brought to them by the Merchant, who hath given him in return thereof, sometimes Beeves and Muttons; but more ordinarily Brimston, Skins, Hor­ses, Butter, and Fish chiefly. And notwithstanding the cold condition of this Countrey, it is full of heats and fires under the ground, occasioned (as is most probable) by those veins of Brimston on which the Hills stand. There is no difference between the Habits of the Men and Women.

FRISLAND (so called from the continual Frosts, to which it is subject) is situated farther from the Ar­ctick, [Page 40] then Ice-land; the Soil so cold and barren, that it beareth neither Corn nor Fruit: The Inhabitants live most on Fish, which is the chief commodity to invite the Merchant.

GROENLAND, the greater part, is situated with­in the Arctick, and is continually covered with Snow, (except June, July, and August) so that the people are clad in Skins and Furs, and dwell much in Caves, and are given to Necromancy. The chief place of note is St. Thomas his Monastery, which (as Mercator re­lates) is not far from a burning Mountain, standing up­on hot scalding Springs, conveyed by Pipes of Stone in­to the Monastery, serving both for a Stove to warm them, and fire to heat their Victuals: The Walls of the Monastery are built of Pumice-stones, cast out of that Mountain: Which being tempered with the water of those Springs, doth make a glutinous substance, instead of Lime, and as durable: And the Garden, in regard of this heat, is stored with Herbs, and sweet Flowers all the year and the adjoyning Sea, for the same reason, is never frozen, but affords both Fish and Fowl.

SWEDELAND is bounded on the East with Rus­sia, on the West with Denmark and Norway, on the South with the Baltick Sea; and on the North, with the North or Petzork Sea. The Air is pure, and not so extream sharp as in Norway: though in some parts for want of care in opening and cleansing the Water-cour­ses, there are great Mists and Fogs which do corrupt it.

The people are naturally strong, active, (and so indu­strious and provident, that they have no beggars) Ho­spitable to strangers; and so healthful, that they live commonly to above 100 years of age.

The Commodities (that the Countrey affords) are [Page 41] Barley, Malt, Steel, Lead, Brasse, Iron, Tallow, Nuts, Ho­ney, costly Furs, Hides of Goats, Bucks, Elks, Oxen: as also plenty of Pine-Trees, Firs and Oaks: Neither do their Lakes and Rivers want Fish. In Religion, they are Lutheran Protestants, and are governed by Arch-Bi­shops, and Bishops.

Of the Isles belonging to Sweden.

• 1. The first is Oeland, of no great note, but that it is strongly garrisoned, and well fortified.
• 2. The second Gothland; the Soil is very good, but not so much for Tillage, as Pasture, affording great store of Fish, plenty of Pitch, and very good Marble.

POLAND is bounded on the East with Russia, on the West with Germany, on the South with Hungary, and on the North with the Baltick Sea, which divides it from Sweden. It is plain, but full of Woods, which are a good meanes to rectifie the coldness of the Air. They have Barley, and Pulse in abundance: also Wheat and Rye in good plenty, and such store of Cattle, that it alone is able to supply the greatest part of Europe. The people are industrious and studious of Languages, especially the Latine; proud in their Garb, costly in Apparel, impatient in their Humors, and delicate in their Diet; the last, common to the Women, who are more witty then well spoken: But then you must un­derstand, that it is spoken chiefly of them on the South part. Their Religion is of all sorts, Lutherans, Calvi­nists, and Arrians, and what not: but the most part are of the Church of Rome, and the Greek Church: The first of which hath three Arch-Bishops, and 19 Bishops: The latter, two Arch-Bishops, and six Bishops. But amongst all of them, there is this conformity, That [Page 42] whensoever the Gospel is read in the Congregation, the Nobility and Gentry use to draw their Swords, shewing their readiness to defend the same, against all opposers. The Commodities, wherein it aboundeth, are Wheat, Rye, Honey, Wax, Pitch, Tar, Hemp, Flax, Amber, Spruce or Dantz Beer: It hath also some Mines of Copper and Iron.

HUNGARY is bounded on the East with Moldavia, on the West with Germany, on the South with Sclavo­nia, and on the North with Poland: The Soyl is very fruitful in Corn, and hath such plenty of Cattle, as it a­lone is thought to be able to supply all Europe there­with, and yet (some say) they send Eighty Thousand Oxen into Germany, and Sclavonia yearly; and Par­tridges, Pheasants and Deere, are there in such abun­dance, that any one may kill them. Here are many Ri­vers plentifully stored with Fish. The other Commo­dities are Tin, Iron, Copper, Lead, Salt, Wine, divers sorts of Colours, and some Veins of gold and silver.

The people are strong of body, rude of beheaviour, and shew their descent to be of the Scythians, by their neglect of Learning, both in the Liberal Arts, and Me­chanical Trades.

Their Sons equally inherit, without priviledge of Birth-right. The greatest aspersion with them, is, the name of a Coward, which cannot be wiped away, with­out killing a Turk, after which they have the privi­ledge to wear a Feather: the number that they wear, signifying the number of Turks killed in Battle. They delight in War, as their only Trade, being slothful (like the Irish) that so they may live on other mens labours. Their Daughters portion is only a new Attire. As for Religion, they are reckoned Christians; a free Exercise whereof, was first granted by Maximilian: The Ger­man Emperour, and the Turks, share the Countrey be­twixt them.

[Page 43] SCLAVONIA is bounded on the East with Dacia, on the West with part of Italy, on the South with the Adriatick Sea, or Gulf of Venice, and on the North with Hungary; part of it belongs to the Venetian States, pa [...] to the Hungarians, and some to the Turks.

The people are proud and stubborn, strong of body, and thereby inabled for works of drudgery: of which they have had their share.

The Countrey is fruitful in those things that are found in Italy, and not much inferiour thereto; for it hath not only Wine-Oyl, good store of Cattle, wild and tame; but some Veins of silver and gold. The Northern parts are mountainous, but afford breed of sheep, which bring forth young twice a year: and are shorn foure times a year, (as saith my Author.) Nor is the Sea-coast unprofitable to them; for besides the plenty of Fish, it affords many convenient Havens. The greatest part profess the Christian Religion, and al­low both that of the Greek Church, and that of Rome also: yet they are permitted to celebrate Divine Offi­ces in their Natural Language: but they are not all Christians, the Turks and Mahometans prevailing in these parts. There are some small Isles (under their obedience) that belong thereto, as Pogo, Pharus; but we must passe them by.

GREECE is bounded on all sides with the Sea, ex­cept on the North, where it bordereth on Dacia (as you may see in the Map:) It was once the Mother of all Learning and Arts, but now a Den of the Turkish Em­perours, whose Palace is at Constantinople. The people are not only destitute of Learning and means to obtain it, but riotous, unconstant, uncivil, and so lazie, that (for the most part) they endeavour their profit no fur­ther, then their belly compels them. The Women are of a brown complexion, and use painting, to keep them­selves in favour with their Husbands: for if once they [Page 44] grow wrinckled, they are put to all the drudgery of the House. Both Sexes, for the most part, apply themselves in their habits, to the State under which they live: Such as live under the Venetians, to theirs: and those under the Turks to theirs. The Christian Religion (doubt­less) was once planted here by St. Paul, as appeares, Act. 16. 12. but now they are much swarved from it; many of them being trained up (from their Infan­cy) in the Mahometan Rites, (or rather Fopperies.) The Soil is very fruitful, and yields good profit to the Hus­bandmen, if they would take pains to till it: but they knowing nothing certainly to be their own, (being all at the mercy of the Grand Signeur, and his Souldiers) neglect the manuring thereof. Their Commodities are Turkish Grograins, Damask, Velvets, Wine, Oyl, Vitriol, divers Colours, Copper, some Gold and Silver.

Of the Isles in the Mediterranean Sea, near (and sometimes belonging) to Greece.

1. Candia is mountainous, yet yields good store of corn and grass, and divers Fruits; as Olives, Orenges, Lemmons, Figs, Citrons, Wax, Honey, Saffron, Gum, Vines, and Malmsey, is said to be made only here. And (as Pliny relates) whatsoever grows here, is better then any of the same kind that groweth elsewhere. It is also reported, that here are neither Serpents, Foxes, Woolfs, nor any harmful Creature, except Spiders.

2. Corfu, the Air is temperate and gentle; so that there are whole VVoods of Citron-Trees, Orenges, Apples, Olives, Grapes, and all kind of Fruit, but no good Corn, by reason of the Southern wind, which dries it before it be ripe.

3. Zant hath a wholsom Air, and fruitful soil, and [Page 45] yields good store of Oil, Raisins, Wine, and Corn. There are divers other small Isles, which we must passe by.

DACIA is bounded on the East with the Euxine, or Black-sea, on the West with Hungary and Sclavonia, on the South with Greece, and on the North with Po­land: It is very fruitful in Grasse, Wood, Wine and Corn; but not so good for Tillage as Pasture: It also affords great plenty of Beeves and Muttons, with which they supply not only the great City of Constantinople. but part of Poland also. In matters of Religion, they allow the Dictates of the Greek Church, and obey the Patriarch of Constantinople. They are a rough-lived people, hard to be civilized, not fully weaned from the superstitions of the Gentiles, swearing by Jupiter and the like. They marry and unmarry, at their pleasures; are much given to Magical Charms, and bury with their dead both Cloaths and Victuals, for their relief in that long Journey to the other World.

RUSSIA, or MOSCOVIA, is a good part in Asia, and is bounded on the East with Tartaria, on the West with Sweden, on the South with the Euxine or Black-sea, and on the North with the Petzork, North, or Frozen Sea; a vast Countrey, and as wild a Government. The people are reported to be crafty, perfidious, and deceitful in their bargains; making no reckoning of their Promises, studying wayes to evade their Agree­ments; and both Parents and Children unnatural, en­deavouring to domineer over one another; giving much to drinking, strong of body, thick and short, broad-bear­ded, gray-eyed, and very swift in running. The com­mon people live in great subjection to the Nobles, and they are in as much slavery to the Duke, or Emperour. And it is the fashion of their Women, to love those [Page 46] Husbands best, who beat them most; and think them­selves not loved, or regarded, unless they be soundly swadled.

The Countrey is not so populous, as spacious; but is very much filled with Woods: amongst which are the greatest and tallest Trees in the World (some whereof are reported beyond belief) which is a good help against the coldness of the Air, that the greatest part of the Coun­trey is subject unto: Nature also hath stored them with rich Furs, Sables, White Fox, Martines, Honey, Wax, Pitch, Tar, Rozen, Whales, Grease, Hides of Oxen, & Elks, Hemp and Flax: as also Cattle, Corn and Fruit. In Pro­fession, they are Christians, and follow the Greek Church, having a Patriarch, two Metropolitans, and 18 Bishops: and though they use Mass, yet do they much differ from the Romish and Reformed Churches; for they deny Pur­gatory, and the proceeding of the Holy Ghost: They also dissolve Marriage upon sleight occasions, and divers other things. The whole Region is subject to the Emperour of Russia.

Of the Islands belonging to Russia.

1. Sir Hugh Willoughby's Land, because he first found it out in the year 1553. and was thereabout found fro­zen to death the year following.

2. New Zemia, which is but little discovered, and is said to have neither green boughs nor grass: yet to harbour many Bears, and the men hereof are very little.

As for knowledge of the most famous Cities and Ri­vers, that are in this part, I will refer you to the Map of Europe, by which you will finde their situations also.

Of the Isles in the Indian Sea.

1. Japan, The Air is healthful, but the Soil moun­tainous and barren: The Rice which is their principal food, they gather not till September, but their Wheat is ripe in June. It wants neither Woods, nor Forrests, wherein are the largest Cedars that I read of, whose Bowels are said to be stored with divers Mettals, and a­mongst the rest Gold, which is here in such plenty, that the Palace of their King was covered therewith, in the time of Paulus Venetus. Their Fields are stored with Cattle, and they have plenty of Turtles, Quails, Pidge­ons, Wild-Ducks, and other Fowl.

[Page 59] The people are apt to learn, having good memories, are strong and vigrous of body, and ambitious of glory. Their Complexion inclining to an Olive colour. They shave the one half of their Heads, and their Beards are thin. In salutation, they put off their shooes, and at their Feasts wear black, but their mourning is com­monly white: so that we may say of them, as the Poet did in another case.

In matters of Religion they are Gentiles, adoring formerly the Sun, Moon, &c. But of late the Jesuites Christianity hath got some footing.

2 The Islands of Philippi are not far from Japan; the Air of them all is indifferent temperate in the In­land, but on the Sea-coasts somewhat hot. Divers of them belong to the Spaniard, and are stored with Rice, Wax, Honey, Cotton-wooll, Sugar-canes, Figs, Beasts, and Birds, both tame and wild, some Mines of Gold, and o­ther Mettals, and many sorts of Fruits.

3 Not far from these (more South, for that way we steer our course) are another parcel furnished with choise Fruits, and some of them rich in Gold, and o­ther conveniencies.

4 Banda, though but small, is very famous: for only there, and in other small Isles thereabout, grow all the Mace and Nutmegs, which are in good plenty, sent o­ver all the World. The Trees on which they grow, na­turally yield them three times a year Fruit, viz. in Au­gust, December, but the best and most in April.

5 The Moluccaes are known throughout the whole Universe, by reason of the plenty of Cloves which grow no where else: They are six in number, and are scant of [Page 60] Victuals; for there grows no Rice nor Grain: nei­ther hath it any Flesh, but a few Goats and Hens; and therefore make their Bread of Trees and Roots: and herein only are found the Birds of Paradise, which for strangeness and fairness of Feathers, excel all the Birds in the World.

6 Caelibes, (which gives name to some other Islands) is large and rich, the soil fertile, and the people tall and comely.

7 Gilolo is well stored with Hens, and hath plenty of Rice. In it is a Tree called by them Sagu; with the Pith whereof they make their Bread; and with the sap, a Drink, which they use as Wine.

8 Amboyna produceth great plenty of Rice, Ci­trons, Orenges, Lemmons, Sugar-canes, and Cloves: It was first taken by the Portugals; but in the year 1605. re-taken by [...]he Dutch, who did most wickedly torture and mur [...]er some of our English in 1618. for this only reason, because they were loved of the Inhabitants, and began to gain their Trade.

9 Massar, is well stored with Flesh, Salt, Fish, Rice, Cotton-Wooll, Sander, a Medicinal Wood, and some Pearls.

10 Borneo is rich in Agarick (which is of good ac­count in Physick) Camphire, and some Mines of Ada­mants.

11 Java-Major, or, The Greater, yields good plen­ty of Rice, Corn, Fruit, Flesh abundance of Silk, the best Brass, a great quantity of Cinamon, Cinger, Pepper, and other Spices; store of Fowl, both Tame and Wild: as also Gold, and some pretious Stones; but the Coun­trey is much exposed to florm and tempest. The people are proud, treacherous, lying, and careless of their words, cruel and hard to be pacified, if they be offen­ded, being of a middle stature, broad faces, and full bo­died.

[Page 61] 12 Java the Lesser, I have little certainty of it, and therefore shall passe it by.

13 Sumatra, the Air is very hot and unwholsom, because of the gross Vapours that arise from the Fens. Their onely Grain is Rice, but it affords plenty of Pep­per, Camphire, Ginger, Agarick, Cassi [...], Silks, Cottons, Honey, Wax, Mines of Iron, Tin, Sulphur, Brimstone, and Go [...]d in such plenty, that some conceive this Island to be Solomon's Ophir: The people are cunning Mer­chants, and good Artificers.

14 Zeiland, or Ceylon, as it hath many Hills and Valleys, watered with several Rivers, so hath it whole Woods of Cinamon; besides, Lemmons, Orenges, Met­talls, and Jewels: Also, Tame and Wild Beasts, and Fowl in great plenty. The people are straight, and tall of body, naked from the middle upwards, good Arti­ficers, but are given to pleasure and bravery; and such is the weight of their Jewels, that the holes in their Ears, are stretched near their shoulders. There are di­vers others which are small, and not much of account, that we must omit.

And as for knowledge of the principal Cities, and Rivers, which are herein, we will send you to the Map of Africa.

The Istes of Barbary in the Mediterranean Sea.

1. Zerby is something Hilly in the middle, but in­different fruitful, affording Dates, Olives, and the like.

2. Chercheny, formerly so fruitful, that it was able to supply the wants of Caesar and his Army, when he was wearied in Africa.

3. Pantalaria, whose Soil is not fit for Corn, be­cause both mountainous and stony; yet well stored with Cotton, Figs, and Oxen without Horns.

4. Malta, anciently Melita, as appears Act. 28. 1. (for it was the place where St. Paul, and those that were with him in the shipwrack, got to Land:) It af­fords good store of Cotton, Citrons, Melons, Pomgra­nates, and such kind of Fruits. Their Religion is that of the Church of Rome.

[Page 67] Numidia is bounded on the East with Egypt, on the West with the Atlantick Ocean, on the South with Lybia, and on the North with Mount Atlas, which parts it from Barbary. It contains these 10 Provinces; name­ly, 1. Fessen. 2. Tebelbeti. 3. Zeb. 4. Segelmesse. 5. Tal­set. 6. Bileduldgerid. 7. Tegoida. 8. Pes [...]ara. 9. Fighid. 10. Dara.

The people are Thieves and Murderers, except the Arabians, who are in mo [...]t parts mingled amongst them; [...]hose character you have in Asia, it being their proper place: and therefore we speak here only of the Natural Numidians, whose food commonly is Dates, Barley, and ( [...]ome say) Carrion. Their Garments are very short, and the richer sort are distinguished with a blew Jacket of Cotton. They ride on Camels, without Saddles or stirrups, a Leather being only put through a hole, that is made in the Nose of the Beast. The Air is said to be so sound, that it cures the French Pox [...]peedi­ly, without the help of Physick. In matters of Reli­gion, they are Mahometans.

Lybia Desart, is bounded on the East with the River Nilus, on the West with the Atlantick, on the South with the Land of Negroes; and on the North with Numidia. It is divided into five Provinces, or great Desarts: (to which the rest of lesse nore are to be re­ferred) namely, 1 Bordea, 2 Lembta, 3 Zuenzigae, 4 Targa. And 5 Zanhaga. This Countrey is by some counted a part of Numidiae, and indeed, the people are as bad, or rather worse then they. It is a dry and sandy Countrey; for in some parts, it affords not water to a Traveller in seven dayes journey; and therefore the Merchants are fain to carry water with them on Ca­mels backs; and if that fail, they kill the Beasts, and squeese water out of their guts. The water which the [Page 68] Countrey affords, is drawn out of Pits, (and is excee­ding brackish) and those Pits are sometimes so covered with Sand, that men die with thirst. And therefore the Land is not much inhabited, so that it is fitly called Desart.

Terra Nigritarum, or the Land of Negroes, is boun­ded on the East with Nilus, which divides it from Ethiopia Superior, on the West with the Atlantick Ocean, on the South with the Ethiopick Ocean, and some part of Ethiopia Inferior; and on the North with Lybia.

It contains 25 several Kingdoms; namely, 1 Guinea, 2 Benin, 3 Guangara, 4 Ora Enterosa, 5 Gualata, 6 Gia­losofi, 7 Gubar, 8 Ghenehoa, 9 Melli, 10 Sanaga, 11 Ca­sena, 12 Cano, 13 Agadez, 14 Gambra, 15 Tombu [...]um, 16 Bornum, 17 Gaoga, 18 Nubia. (The rest of lesse note, besides [...]hose in Guinea▪ are) 19 Temiano, 20 Zeg­zeg, 21 Bico, 22 Zanfara, 23 Medra, 24 Gothan, And 25 Daum.

The whole Countrey is very hot, because situated in the hot of scorched Zone, but is indifferently well in­habited, and very fruitful, especially where the River Niger overflowes, enriched with Mines of Gold and Silver; and on the further side of the River Senega, well stored with Corn, Cattle, and Woods, wherein are Lions▪ Elephants, and other Wild-Beasts.

The people are Cele-black, except those in the South part, and use to paint the Devil white, thereby decla­ring their love to their own Complexion. They are de­stitute of Arts and Sciences, and most abominably prone to luxury. The greater part are Idolaters, mixt with some Mahometans: (which I cannot say are much better) only there are a few Christians in those Garri­sons, that belong to the Portugals: And as the people differ in Religion, (if I may so call it) so do they in [Page 69] their Language, as well they may in so great a compass of ground, wherein are so many Kingdoms and Provin­ces. The River of Niger spoken of before, is found to have its Rise from a great Lake, some two degrees from the Equinoctial, or Line of the Sun: whence running forward, for a good space, he hideth himself under ground for about 60 miles together: then rising up a­gain, maketh a Lake called Borneo (as you may see in the Map) and then bendeth his course directly towards the West, taking in many lesser Channels, or Rivers; and at last falleth into the Sea. Of a much like length, and of the same wonderful nature, as the River Nilus: for from the 15 of June, it over-flowes all the adjoyn­ing fields, for the space of 40 days; and in so many more recollecteth his Waters into their proper Chan­nels. The whole Countrey is indebted to these inun­dations for its fruitfulness, which otherwise would be but little: for the dryness of the Soil can afford no Ex­halations, whereby Clouds may be generated, and the Earth refreshed with moistures, or enlivened and revi­ved with Dews. The chief Commodities are Sanders, Civet, Ivory, Sugar, Mines of Gold, and other Mettals.

Aethiopia-Superior, or The Higher, otherwise called Abissines, is bounded on the East with the Red Sea, and the Sea called Barbar [...]; on the West with the River Nilus, which parts it from the Land of Negroes; on the South with the Mountains of the Moon; and on the North with some part of Egypt. It is situated on both sides the Equator, and is governed by one of the greatest Emperors in the World, who is (by us) called Prester John. His Court remains not long in one place; for (some say) it consists of 6000 Tents only, which en­compass 12 or 13 miles. He is said, by some, to have 70 Kings under him, who have their several Laws, and [Page 70] Customs. But Historians do much differ herein, so as I am not satisfied. The chief Kingdoms are, 1 Dan­gali, 2 Dobas, 3 Adel, 4 Tigremnon, 5 Barnagasso, 6 Guagere, 7 Bagamedrum, 8 Damut, 9 Amara, 10 Angote, 11 Goiamy, 12 Adea, 13 Fatigar. 14 Xoa. And 15 Barus. There are many others in the Imperial style, but of little note, and therefore we shall forbear to name them.

The Title which the chief Ruler, or Emperour claims, and takes to himself, (because both strange and arrogant) I will here set down.

N. N. 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 Columne of Sion, the son of the Seed of Jacob, the sonne of the Hand of Mary; the sonne of Nahu after the Flesh, the son of St. Peter, and St. Paul, after the Spirit; Emperour of the Higher and Lower Ethiopia; of the most mighty Kingdoms, Do­minions, and Countries of Xoa, Goa, Caffares, Adea, Vangne, Balignazo, &c. and Lord of all the Regions, to the Confines of Egypt.

The Air of this Countrey is very hot, and the ground so parcht, that the people are said to roast their meat in the Sun: And therefore [...] populous, except in the Northern part, and Sea-Coasts: they have not much Wheat, but plenty of Rice, Barley, Pease, Sugar, Oren­ges, Lemmons, Citrons, Honey, Minerals of all sorts, and many Heards of Cattle; as Oxen, Sheep, and Goats. It is a good Countrey for increase, were not the Inha­bitants idle, for they have plenty of Vines, but make little Wine, Flax, but make no Cloth; and Woods full of Venison, which they trouble not themselves to catch; being destitute of Learning, and very base in Re­ligion: [Page 71] for though there be some Christians, which are said to be first planted by St. Philip, (who baptized the Eunuch of Queen Candace) yet now they much differ from their antient purity. They circumcise both Sexes, and after baptize them, and keep the Saturday for Jewish Sabbath, equal with the Lords Day. They baptize themselves every Epiphany Day, in Lakes and Ponds, because they say, that Christ was that day bapti­zed of John in Jordan.

Aethiopia Inferior, or Lower, is on all sides begirt on the Sea, except towards the North, and there it is sepa­rated from the Abissines, or Aethiopia Superior, by the Mountains of the Moon. It is so called, because o [...] its lower situation; and is governed by five chief Rulers, or Kings, each having a several Province belonging to him.

As first, Monomotapa, whose Air is temperate, and Soil good; and though it be full of Forrests, yet are they well watered with Rivers, that carry Gold in their Sands. It hath also good store of Corn, and Pasture, wherein are many Heards of very large Cattle, and such plenty of Elephants, that they are said to kill 5000 yearly, for their Teeth: and herein are (reported to be) 3000 Mines of Gold. The people are black of Com­plexion, couragious; strong, active, and so extream swift of foot, that (some say) they will out-run Horses. They may have as many Wives as they please; but the first is chief, and her Children only are Heirs. In punishing offendors, they use no Prisons, but execute them as soon as apprehended: and they use most severity to Witch­craft, Theft, and Adutery.

2 Manicongo, the Air is so temperate in Winter, that they neither change their Garments, nor make [Page 72] more fire than at other times. The Day and Night, for the greatest part of the year, little differ. The Soil is very fruitful, and doth not only produce Fruits, Plants, and Hearbs; but hath good Pasture also, in which are bred many Herds of Cattle, large Flocks of Sheep, Stags, Goats, Conies, Hares, and Elephants so large, that their Teeth weigh 200 pounds; and Serpents of that bigness, that they eat a whole Deer at once. Here are Fowl also in great plenty, both Tame and Wild. The people are said to have Shambles of mans flesh, as we have for meat; and they kill their Children in the birth, to avoid the trouble of breeding them; preser­ving their Nation with stollen brats from the adjacent Countries.

4 Zanguebar is low and Fenny, and much overflown with unruly Rivers, and so full of Forrests and Woods, that for want of Air it is very pestilent. The people are black of Complexion & very much given to South-saying; indeed Witchcraft.

4 Cafraia (so much of it as is discovered) is said to be plentifully stored with Heards of Cattle, Flocks of Sheep great store of Foxes, Deers, Pheasants, Partridges, Geese, Ducks, and other Beasts and Fowl: Also the Hills are as it were mingled with grassie Vallies, stored with Forrests and Woods: and, in brief, all things ne­cessary for the use of man, were it better stored with Corn. And pitty it is, that the people of so good a Countrey, should be so base and brutish, that men can hardly say, whether the people generally may be thought to be men in the Skins of Beasts, or Beasts in the shapeand likeness of men.

In this Countrey stands the Cape of Good-Hope, a­bout which the Sea is alwayes dangerous: it hath been so, especially to the Spaniard, in omuch that one was angry with God, that he suffered the English Hereticks [Page 73] (as he called them) to passe it so easily, and not to give them the like speed.

5 Ainan, which affords plenty of Honey, Wax, Fish, Ivory, Gold, Iron, and very large Sheep.

In Religion, they are Heathens in all the aforesaid Kingdoms; onely some Mahometans on the Sea­coasts.

Of the Islands belonging to Africa.

1 Zocotora (at the mouth of the Red-Sea, lyeth o­pen to the sharp Winds, and is therefore extream dry and barren; yet affords some good Pasture for the breed of Cattle; as also Dates, and some kind of Fruits, li­berally furnished with Medicinal Drugs, and the best Aloes, &c.

The people are rude and barbarous; and though their Hair be long, yet their Cloathing is hardly enough to cover their nakedness. The Women govern all the Af­fairs within and without: their Bread for the most part is made of Dates, the rest of their Food is milk and butter. The people are accounted Christians, and Jaco­bites in Sect, adoring the Cross most superstitiously, and give themselves much to Enchantments.

2 Madagascar, or St. Laurence, is rich, and plen­tifully stored with almost all Commodities that man can use; as Rice, Sugar, Honey, Goats, Deer, Elephants, and other Creatures, both Tame and Wild, in great plenty: Also, Beeves and Muttons, both large and good are here in such abundance, that they sell them for very trifles. Here is also Wax, Cotton. Ginger, Saf­fron, Cloves, Amber, some Mines of Gold, Silver Cop­per, and Iron. And here grows [...] Tree, which beares that Fruit called Caeos, a kind of Date, as big as a Cab­bage; wherein is a pint of Liquor, which tasts like Wine [Page 74] and Sugar, and the Kernel is sufficient to satisfie two men. It affords not only meat, but cloathing, furni­ture for their Houses, Tackling for Ships, Timber for Building, and Fuel for the Fire. The people (for the most part) are black, ignorant, and treacherous; Idola­ters in the midland parts, and Mahometans upon the Sea-coasts.

3 Mohelia, the people are black, large, strong and couragious: they pink their Arms and Faces in several shapes, and use no other Apparel, but their Natural Garments, except some Plantain Leaves to hide their shame. They are Mahometans.

4 Mauritius, or De Cirne, is well stored with Beeves, Goats, Hogs, most sorts of Fish▪ dainty Fruits, and plenty of Ebony, of all colours; yet not inhabi­ted.

5 St. Hellen is very high and hilly, stored with Hogs, Goats, Hens, Orenges, Lemmons, Figs, and the like.

6 St. Thomas is situated directly under the Equa­tor, inhabited by the Negroes, and Portugals. The Air agrees so well with the former, that they generally live to 100 years of Age, but few of the Portugals to 50. It is destitute of Wheat, but abounds with Sugar: In the midst hereof stands a Woody Mountain, over-shadow­ed continually with Clouds, which moysten the Trees that grow here in good plenty; from whence falls a great quantity of water, which doth refresh their Fields and Sugar-canes, notwithstanding the extream heat of the Air. Their Religion is the Christian.

7 Princes Island, so called, because the Revenues thereof belonged to the Prince of Portugal.

8 The Isles of Gorgades, or Cape Verde; the chief now inhabited, are

• 1 St. Jago, though it be mountainous and rocky, [Page 75] yet is full of pleasant Vallies, and well inhabi­ted.
• 2 Demay hath a Lake, whose Water is medici­nable.
• 3 Del Fuego, so called from the Flakes of Fire, which it usually sends forth. The rest we forbear to name.

9 The Hesperides, which are often mentioned by the ancient Poets, in the Fable of Atlas his Daugh­ters. It was supposed to be the Seat of their blessed, which they called the Elisian Fields: and indeed it is a happy Soil, the Weather alwayes fair, the Season also temperate, and the Air never extream.

10 The Canaries and they are 7.

1. Canary is plentiful in Barley, Sugar-canes, Ho­ney, Wax, Kine, Camels, Goats, Woad for Dyers, and Canary Wine, which at first was accounted good for cold stomachs, but is now brought in such abundance (to supply Luxury) that (as it is reported) there are 3000 Tuns vended yearly into England and Hol­land.

2 Teneriffa hath a Mountain in it, which (as some affirm) may be seen 80 Leagues, or more, at Sea, in a clear day. This Island is as fruitful as Canary; but hath no Water but from a Cloud, which at Noon dis­solves, and is conveyed into several parts.

3 Gomera, though formerly most barbarous, yet is now as well manured as the rest.

4 Ferra, hath no fresh water, but what they pre­serve in showers, both for themselves and Beasts; but a happiness it is, if they have them oft.

5 Palma is well stored with Cattle, Cheese, Sugar, and Wine; and is the place where our Ships touch to [Page 76] refresh themselves, in their Voyage towards A­merica.

6 Forte Ventura, which is of the same nature with the rest.

7 Lancerote, whose Inhabitants were the first that were made subject to the Spaniards, and were then so rude and ignorant, that they did account it the greatest work that could be put upon them, to kill a Beast; and did therefore impose it on condemned persons and prisoners. But now they are most Christians of the Church of Rome, and their Seat of Justice, is in that Isle called Canary. There are some others, but of little account, and therefore I omit them.

And as for the knowledge of the Cities of most note, that are within this part, we shall refer you to the Map of Africa.

The Islands of America, in the Atlantick Ocean.

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

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

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

7 Jamaica is plentifully stored with divers kinds of Fruits, Cattle, Cotton, and most necessary things, and was once very populous, though now the Spaniards cruelty hath made it destitute of the Natural Inhabi­tants; [Page 91] for so horridly did they use them, that they chose rather to kill their Children in the birth, then to leave them to the Spaniards mercy, (or rather slavery.)

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

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

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

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

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

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

14 Trinidado, the Air is hot, cloudy, and unheal­thy; but it is well stored with Maize, Sugar­can [...]s, To­bacco, Cotton-Wooll, and Pitch in great abundance: also some Veins of Gold, and other Mettals.

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

16 Portrico, 17 Anguilla, 18 St. Martin, 19 Bar­bada, 20 Antigoa, 21 St. Christofal, 22 Mortinino; 23 Barbudos, And 24 St. Vincent; many of which are well known for several Commodities that I cannot stay [Page 92] to name; as Sugar-canes, Cotton-Wooll, Tobacco, and the like.

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

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

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

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